Book Review: Always Pack a Party Dress

Hi everyone!

I have another book review for you today and it's about the book Always Pack a Party Dress, and other lessons learned from a (half) life in fashion by Amanda Brooks. No I'm not related to her, but after reading this book I wish I was! I had never really heard of Amanda Brooks before but turns out she has had a variety of different jobs in the industry. She was Patrick Demarchelier's assistant in the beginning, then worked at an art gallery, then creative director for Tuleh and most recently worked the big ticket job of Fashion Director at Barneys.

I really enjoyed reading this book as it took me through Amanda's life and how she ended up where she is today. As she went through her many jobs in life, it was nice to read that not everything was peachy keen and she knew when she loved a job and when she didn't. I am at a point right now in life that I have no clue what I'd like to do when I graduate from school next year and it was settling to know that Amanda went through the same notions and still ended up having a great career in the end. When it came to the part of the book where she self admittedly "lost herself" while being away for Fashion Month, it was a real eye opener to see how hard people in the industry work and it's definitely not all glitz and glam. There is no doubt after reading this book that Amanda seems to have worked extremely hard on any job she's ever had and deserves every bit of praise she's gotten. I also love how she has admitted to going through multiple different styles throughout her life and has never had a true defined style, which I can definitely relate to.

My favourite part of the book would have to be the section on the years she attended the Met ball, and dissecting her outfits. She was not afraid to write down that she hated some of them and didn't have a good time certain years. I think it's important to know that even "fashion" people can feel unfashionable at times!

I absolutely recommend reading this book, whether or not you've heard of Amanda. She seems very down to earth and has a great writing style that kept me reading!

Spring Must Haves

Happy March Everyone!

Wow, I am definitely not very good at keeping up this blog, eek! I promise I will try harder, life has been busy lately though! Anyways, today I am going to share my top items for spring aka the items I would buy if I had the cash to do so. I don't know about you but I am extremely excited for spring to come and to finally say goodbye to my parka and toques.

ASOS Off the Shoulder Top

Okay, first off are off the shoulder tops. These are a great style to show off statement earrings or a necklace (or both!). The downside to this style though is you can't really layer it underneath other jackets and sweaters, it is much more a stand alone piece. No worries though if it's nice and warm out!

MSGM Frayed Culottes

Another style I'm loving right now are culottes. They unfortunately will not be the most flattering cut on everyone, but can be a quite versatile piece if you find a pair you like! I have my eyes on a denim pair this season which will be a great alternative to jeans. Culottes are also perfect for spring since they are like capris and don't expose too much skin for the weather.

Express Flats

Lace up flats/sandals/heels have been going strong and that makes me smile! You'll find me wearing a flat style if I get a pair because I am still a clutz in heels, but this style is a reat way to dress up an outfit or add drama. They are a nice variation to gladiator style shoes if you're not into the whole I'm a Roman goddess sort of thing.

J. Crew Pleated Skirt

Pleated skirts! Oh how I would like one so so bad... especially midi length, which keeps it elegant. They are great with just plain t-shirts and sneakers or romantic blouses and heels. Accordian pleats are hot right now but I also have my eye on tennis skirt like pleats (they'll make me appear athletic).

Forever21 Lace Up Dress

Last but not least, are lace up style tops/dresses. I'm sure you've seen them this past fall but I never got around to getting a piece in that style. You can get them in a variety of silhouettes to suit your style and they add an extra bit of visual interest to a top!


Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this post and now I am off to shop for these pieces! Haha not... I wish!

Till next post! (which may be 5 months who even knows)

Sarah