A life & style blog for all things affordable
If you follow a lot of fashion bloggers on Instagram you are sure to have seen the coveted “it” heart knit sweater littering the accounts you follow and your explore page. I know I have, and I have been obsessed with it forever. I’ve gone back and forth with which one to get, pullover or cardigan, pink, or white, but just couldn’t wrap my ahead around the price-tag.
Gingham print everything has been taking over the fashion industry and I totally got in on the action.
This gingham print dress has the cutest crisscross waist, and ties at the back in a bow! It’s the perfect piece for summer to wear all on its own, throw on a jean jacket, or dress it up and pair it with.a blazer and cute heels for work! I picked mine up on sale at the start of the summer for $10.00, it’s no longer in stock, but they have an adorable one currently on sale that is very similar!
Last year Vans shoes made a huge comeback and they don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. We’ve seen them being styled on just about every celebrity, especially in the classic black with white stripe. There are so many fun patterns and styles to choose from, but I thought I would still with a classic to add to my collection.
One quick scroll through Instagram, or a quick search on Pinterest, you will see the many ways these versatile shoes can be worn. From joggers to ripped jeans and even summer dresses, you name it, these shoes can be rocked however you chose! They are quite similar to the Converse All-Stars which we know had their comeback a few years ago and have stuck. I have a few Converse in my collection, although find that they are not always the most comfortable for long wear. The Vans seems to have a little more material to them, and a little more cushion inside the actually sole of the shoe. Both are considered “skateboarding shoes” but don’t let that scare you away.
I went with the classic black and white stripe as I figured they would match with just about anything. I had tried them on at a couple of stores since I wasn’t sure of my size and sometimes these style of shoes run differently than what you are typically used to. I wasn’t surprised by the $90.00 price tag that these shoes carry, and unfortunately they are just one of those styles that don’t really go on sale, much like Converse, unless you went for a different pattern or not so typical colour.
It was then that my “Staffordable Savings” brained turned on. I had searched online to see where the shoes were available, and to see if the prices varied among them at all. Not to my surprise at all, they all ran about the same price-tag. I then began looking at the kids section, if you are lucky enough to fit into kid’s sizes you will be so surprised at how much money you can save on shoes! My size runs anywhere from about an 8 to an 8.5 depending on the fit and style. I went to a store to try on a kid’s size first, before ultimately placing an order online.
Now while mine differ a little bit from the classic Van’s Oldskool which are what I was initially looking for, the Van’s Ward look so similar, the difference is ever so slight. Women’s sizing runs typically 1.5 sizes larger than a youth size. Since I typically wear an 8-8.5 I went with a kid’s size 6 and they fit perfectly!
To show you an example of how much I saved by going with a kid’s size, in a slightly differently style I have compared them below:
Van’s Old Skool (Men or Women’s)- $90.00
Van’s Ward (Women’s)- $84.00
Van’s Ward (Kid’s)- $62.00
The savings don’t end there! There are a lot of welcome membership promotions that if you sign up for emails you can receive 10-15% of your first purchase. It’s not much, but it takes off the tax and hey, it’s saving you money so why not! On top of my 10% discount promo from signing up with The Shoe Company, I also made my purchase through Ebates which got me back another $5.00 off my total purchase. All in all, my shoes went from being $90.00 to just over $50.00 (just about half the price!)
Sometimes it pays (literally) to search around, browse for the best deals, and look for coupons and other promo codes that can be applied at checkout!
Hope you enjoyed!
xoxo,
Staffordable
This week’s style edition puts a modern twist on a classic print! Continue reading to see how I styled this off-the-shoulder polka dot blouse.
The feminine polka dot print has been around for decades, and became increasingly popular by fashion icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Kate Moss, the ever stylish and beautiful Princess Diana, and more recently Kate Middleton as a nod to her late mother-in-law.
When we take a look at the runways and street style during fashion week, there is no question that polka dots are BACK! So now it’s time to find pieces that best suit you, in a sophisticated (non-Mini-Mouse type of way)
With it’s bold, fun and feminine undertones, polka dots are a sure way to have your style stand out and get noticed.
The modern twist on this classic print is the popular off-the-shoulder trend. We’ve seen this trend develop over the last few years, and judging from the Spring/Summer 2018 styles, it’s here to stay for at least another season, if not longer.
The key to styling such a loud print is to keep accessories minimal, and pair it with something solid if you’re not up to mixing prints. I’ve styled smaller polka dots with floral prints before and I loved it! It’s all about colours, size of the print, and even texture. You’ll find out what works and what doesn’t for your personal style!
The billowing sleeves add a touch of elegance and flair. Statement sleeves are another trend you totally need to get behind this season. 
I love how fun and flirty the pairing of off-the-shoulder and a bold polka dot print is!
This top is the perfect transition into Spring, and is light-weight to bring into summer with a pair of jean shorts or a skirt.
You too can rock the dot!
Clothing c/o: Suzy Shier, Photography c/o: Kyle Benjamin Turner Photography, Makeup c/o: Facetime with Daniela, Hair c/o: Hair Addictz
xoxo,
Sara
Slogan tees/ band tees, have been around forever, but they have increasingly become popular fashion pieces, and the days of them only being worn at concerts are over. Taking one look at the street style during fashion week, you will see this trend popping up everywhere, with tees paired on their own, or underneath a leather jacket or blazer.
I thought I would give the look a try, and I will definitely be styling my band tees like this more often. It’s a great way to add a little edgy style to your everyday look.
These tees can be worn any season, paired with a jacket or blazer if its cool, or on its own with jeans or distressed denim shorts in the warmer months! Adding a leather element to this piece instantly amps up your rock and roll status!
Pairing the slogan tee with a pair of black pants and pumps instantly amps up a casual look.
Add polish to your easygoing tee look by adding a blazer. I loved the pop of red that tied together the red slogan on the tee.
If you’re not into the whole tee look, here’s the red, ruffle-sleeve blazer paired with just a plain black tank.
Clothing- c/o: Suzy Shier
Goodbye millennial pink, HELLO lavender. Okay…maybe not goodbye forever, but so long for now, because shades of purple are taking over in 2018!
When Pantone announced Ultra Violet as 2018’s colour of the year, we began seeing it, along with different swatches of purple popping up on Spring/Summer runways, decor, etc. I for one am loving every minute of it, it’s it’s such a refreshing shade for Spring!
When Bench Canada asked me to partner up with them, and I saw these lovely lavender pieces, I knew I had to have them and style them! The soft fleece zip-up sweater and bouclé jacket were perfect for a chilly day in Montreal. I topped the look off with my favourite winter accessory (a pom-pom hat)– in the matching lavender shade to boot!
All sale items are an additional 60% off and selected New Arrivals at 40% off right now!
Head to toe lavender, I LOVE how this look came together! I’ve styled it 3 different ways to show you how versatile the pieces are!
The standing collar worked great as a neck warmer, and was perfect for the cold! I loved the asymmetrical zip, added a little different element to the jacket! It also has thumb holes on the cuffs (bonus WIN!)
Don’t mind my big winter boots- it was cold, and snowy and we walked around ALL day!
Not only perfect for outside, but it was the perfect coat to throw over inside this adorable café
Safe to say I’ll be living in this sweater for the rest of Winter into Spring!
When your sweater matches the sunset (SWOON!)
I hope you enjoyed this look and hop on the purple bandwagon for Spring, you won’t be disappointed!
Clothing c/o Bench Canada: Jacket, Sweater , Pom Pom Hat (Similar). Pants- Banana Republic, Sunglasses- Quay Australia
Fringe is in, and it was love at first sight when I saw this amazing piece! However, my bank account didn’t quite like the price point so I waited a while until it went on sale after Christmas.
This loop fringe cardigan is MAJORLY on sale right now so scoop it up while it lasts!
Quickly scrolling through Instgram or Pinterest these days, you will see fringe just about everywhere.
This cardigan is the perfect piece to layer in the winter, and is warm enough to wear as a light jacket in the spring or fall. I really like the neutral colour, but it’s a little different than just black or white, and allows the details to really stand out!
This isn’t a regular cardigan, it’s a COOL cardigan!
I kept the rest of my outfit simple and let the cardigan do all the talking for this look.
I couldn’t help but add the black pom pom beret. I feel like it’s also fun so it was a nice compliment to the cardigan without being too flashy.
Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo,
Staffordable
Nothing like brightening up those brutally cold winter days with colourful outfits!
I saw this sweater on a couple of Instagram accounts that I follow, and I loved the huge pop of colour that came with it! Lucky for me, when I decided to finally give in and buy it, it was marked down BIG TIME!
With so many colours in the sweater the accessory combinations are really endless! I decided to pair it with a bright blue pom pom hat, and added just that much more colour, with cherry red Hunter boots!
I paired it with a metallic silver bubble jacket over top. This style has come back HUGE and I’m so happy about it! I grew up wearing Gap bubble jackets, so wearing this one reminds me so much of my childhood! I found this one on sale for only $25, it’s actually extremely warm too! It comes in a variety of colours but I decided to go with a colour that wasn’t too out there, but wasn’t just plain black like my everyday winter jacket.
My fiancé likes to call it my space man jacket, and asks when I’m going to the moon whenever I wear it lol!
The sweater comes in two different styles, I opted for the one with all over sparkles (because sparkles are life) that, and it was the cheapest of the styles. The exact style I’m wearing is available here.
I picked up my jacket on the sale rack in stores, it’s available online, but is showing for full price.
Pom pom hats have been super popular the past few years, so you can get them just about anywhere . This particular style I loved because of the bright blue, it really brings out my eyes! This was on sale last season from Obsessions Fashions .
Don’t let the cold, snowy weather stop you from feeling fabulous. Don some pearls anyway you choose, and you will feel like you can run the world (LET’S GO PEARLS!)
I’m so happy that pearls have made such a huge comeback in 2017/2018, they’re popping up everywhere (on everything!) To create this look I pulled together a few of my favourite pearl embellished items from my closet.
The great thing I love about pearls is that you can wear them and pair them with just about anything, not to mention, they add elegance to any look!
Go out and buy yourself something with pearls, trust me, these aren’t your grandmother’s pearls, you won’t regret it!
Top: H&M Skirt: H&M Clutch: Banana Republic Booties: Urban Planet
Nothing says winter style like cozy knit sweaters, chunky knit scarves and pompom hats! Lucky for me, this look has it all!
This look is perfect to layer under your winter coat and also looks cute just on its own!
From head to toe:
Hat: I picked mine up from a Kate Spade Outlet back in November, it was on sale for only $20! I wanted it so badly last year but couldn’t justify paying close to $80 for a hat. I was so happy to find it this year and for such a good deal!
Click to see where it is currently available.
Earrings: I’m such a fan of statement earrings, and these white pompom ones sure do make a huge statement. I call them my little snowball earrings. I picked them up on sale from H & M for $7 around Black Friday. H&M has a great selection of fun statement earrings for everyone’s style!
Scarf: This pompom scarf instantly became my new favourite winter accessory! With so many colours in it, it goes with everything! The pom pom details are of course my absolute fave thing about it. I ordered it online from Old Navy on sale for approximately $12.00. It’s currently sold out online but you may have some luck in-store.
Similar styles here for only $9.99!
Sweater: This sweater is from Reitman’s Winter collection last year. I didn’t realize how much wear I would get out of it but I still can’t get enough. I got right before Christmas when it went on sale for 50% off and it made an appearance on the blog last year too! It’s super cozy and perfect if you want to layer a plaid shirt underneath or leave it on it’s own. I love how perfectly it matched with the pom pom hat and the scarf this time around and the cute little saying is a fun touch!
Although this style is no longer sold, Reitmans has a ton of really cozy sweaters right now (and lots on sale too!)
H&M is also a great spot for knit sweaters with fun sayings on them (I love this one for the holidays!)
Hope everyone out there experiencing all the cold and snow is trying to stay warm!
Thanks for stopping in.
xoxo,
Staffordable