30 minutes: Wake Up!

So... I’m not proud of this... but I haven’t hit the gym since my trip to Europe. Not that I’m sitting at home stuffing my face with potato chips, but the gym has somehow gone from being a priority to “Meh, I’ve got friends to catch up with.” When a certain mother of mine took the time to write on PartyMixTape’s facebook page “I think that we are about due for a new selection of workout music... What with the sneaker theme and all? I find that music really keeps me going...” I have to admit, I felt a little sheepish... So here’s to getting my butt in gear and making time for ALL the priorities in my life! Time for some healthy-body-healthy-mind awesomeness!

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Rock out to some of these hits & let me know which songs get you going!

 

Gangnam Style – PSY  (4.13)

Die Young – Ke$ha  (3.41)

One More Night – Maroon 5  (3.43)

Don’t Stop the Party – Pitbull ft. TJR  (3.28)

Trespassing – Adam Lambert  (3.20)

Locked Out of Heaven – Bruno Mars (3.55)

I Cry – Flo Rida  (3.53)

Some Nights – FUN  (4.32)

 

 

What to Wear to the Office

I received a new (and intriguing) request on PartyMixTape’s facebook page:  “Dear PMT, I work in a rather serious environment (some people say I have a top secret job), but I like my outfits to be fun and appropriate for the young 30 year old that I am. Could you suggest a couple of looks that are seriously fun for the office?”

Well my dear 007, here is a selection of clothes which could easily be mixed and matched to create several “seriously fun” work-appropriate outfits. In my opinion, the trick is to combine classic elements (hello beige pants!) with pops of colour (a bold scarf or bright jewelry). When in doubt, a fun dress is always appropriate, both for work and an after-work drink!

Shopper Basket from Zara / H&M jacket / H&M dress / Panel Peplum Shell from Topshop styled with Lauren Elan Elise necklace / Lauren Elan Bowie bracelet / H&M skirt / Nine West Caress pumps / Michael Kors sarong scarf / Michael Kors classic beige pants / Michael Kors iPad leather clutch / Michael Kors long sleeve linen cardigan / H&M green ballet pumps

Every working woman should have the following items in her closet:

1 x   Large purse in which you can fit everything you need

1 x   Classic blazer

1 x   Fun dress

1 x   White shirt

1 x   Statement jewelry

1 x   Simple skirt

1 x   Heels

1 x   Flats

1 x   Sweater

1 x   A cute cover for your iPad or iPhone... because what’s life without a little luxury?

1 x   Pants

How to rock Bohemian Chic

Last week, I invited readers to send me their requests. The next day, The Kikster wrote on PartyMixTape’s facebook page: “I have a challenge that might take you out of your glam-comfort zone: put together three bohemian-chic outfits, that are age-appropriate for the thirty-something bracket.” Here are not three but four (I got carried away) bohemian-chic outfits that merge both our personal styles. (P.S. She’d probably die rather than wear the deer ring in Look 2… that’s all me!)  

Look 1 Casual-Sunday-brunch-bohemian: Gucci Printed silk crepe de chine blouse / Illesteva Frieda round-frame steel sunglasses from Net-A-Porter / J Brand Nina Cargo Short / House of Harlow 1960 Tribal Ring with Coral Cabochon / Aldo sandals

Look 2 Casual-bohemian: Helmut Lang Looped Silk Top / House of Harlow 1960 Tasseled Chevron Earrings with Black Leather / Bangles Set from Macys / Embroidered spiral bag from Debenhams / BALMAIN Blue Vintage Jeans / Wildfox Couture Jewelry Deer Ring in Gold / Cobra Society Najet woven wool and leather loafers

Look 3 Date-night-bohemian: Stella McCartney Thigh-split jersey tank dress / Oscar de la Renta necklace / Silvian Heach Wedges Cliffer / Plaited Leather Shopper from Zara / House of Harlow 1960 Antiqued Arrow Ring in Rose Gold

Look 4 Friday-night-party-bohemian: Shakti Necklace from AllSaints / Haute Hippie Embellished Lace Gilet / Alexander McQueen Skull Chiffon Scarf in Black and Red / Bobi Jersey Maxi Skirt / House of Harlow 1960 Marley clutch in Red Snake / Alexander McQueen Enamel Skull Ring / House of Harlow 1960 14KT Gold Tassel Smoky Crescent Earrings / Christian Louboutin Summerissima python and leather sandals

Colourful Wedges

Yesterday, the lovely Alison wrote the following request on PartyMixTape’s facebook page: “Hey PMT, I need help finding bridal wedges (because heels sink in the grass and I need about 3 - 4 inches). They must be cool and colourful. Your mission should you choose to accept it.” CHALLENGE ACCEPTED – and completed!

For this challenge, I chose to stay away from all cork and straw heels as I felt they might appear too casual for this special occasion. After all, Alison is a bride and as such she merits la crème de la crème of wedges. I saw the most exquisite pair of Christian Louboutin glitter wedges, but our BTB was clear about wanting colour. (And try as I might, glitter is not in our colour wheel.) Finally, you’ll notice that I gravitated towards red, orange and tangerine. Am I the only one who thinks that a bride wearing red shoes is the epitome of glam?

We start off strong with a pair of orange Jimmy Choo’s. Wow-za!

Here is a decadent tangerine wedge by Kate Spade.

A budget friendly pair of Franco Sarto, found at Le Château

I. need. these. A gorgeous pair of suede wedges by Michael Kors.

Happy shopping, Alison! And to all you PartyMixTapers, do not hesitate to forward any requests or challenges! I’ll gladly help out in any way I can! Cheers,

Blogging

A few days ago, PartyMixTape turned four months old. That’s 91 posts and over 11,000 page views. My baby blog is slowly growing up! It’s thrilling to share tidbits about my varied interests. Undoubtedly, one of the very best things about having this blog is reading your lovely comments and gaining like-minded followers. Through these, I have discovered new blogs, facebook pages and Pinterest-addicts.  

In the comment section below, please tell us more about your blog and your interests! What are you blogging about? Are there any subjects discussed on PartyMixTape that you would like me to discuss more often? More art? More fashion? More interviews? Let me know and help PartyMixTape grow! (And don’t forget to follow! ...I couldn’t resist the extra rime!) Happy Sunday, E.

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I'm back

I’m back from New York! Although I’m a little disappointed to find Montreal so chilly and grey, it’s good to be back with Hubby. That being said, my trip with the girls was nothing short of amazing. A whole five days of walking, shopping, talking, shopping, eating and museums: I was in heaven! New York’s classic Easter Parade, a Cindy Sherman solo exhibition at MoMA and fantastic sunny weather made the trip that much greater.

One thing is certain: after walking the streets of NYC, I was all the more convinced that a lot more colour needed to be added to my wardrobe. I thus filled my suitcase with green pants, an orange silk blouse, two shades of tangerine lipstick, all sorts of floral patterns and an assortment of statement necklaces. On my arrival to the airport, they marked my bag with a large green tag which read: “ATTENTION: HEAVY.” (Yup, that’s how I roll.) ...Did you read my post about packing? Live and learn people! Pack less. Pack a lot less. Because you will need the room when you return!

I also wanted to thank you all for your suggestions via blogspot, twitter and facebook. I tried to follow as many as I could. I have to admit that the shopping in SoHo was EPIC. The food was out of this world: the TAO, Le Cirque and Becco did not disappoint. This week, I promise to post a few pictures of our trip – so stay tuned.  

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Match Point

I’m not a sporty girl. I wish I were a jogger or a great tennis player:  A) it would keep me active and healthy; and B) it’s just cool to be good at sports. “Want to play tennis Saturday?” I don’t know? It has a nice ring to it. Hubby tried to teach me, but I’m told it’s not much fun to play with someone who can’t get the ball on the other side of the net... Details, details! But I digress. Kate Spade’s new collection is just too funny; I had to share it with you!  Astro turf trend alert?

Follow PartyMixTape on facebook for extra tidbits, lovely images and some good laughs.

Social Media

This week was a big week for PartyMixTape: A new Facebook page, a Twitter account, and now a membership to Pinterest. Follow me on any which one – I’d love to get your feedback! To be truthful, I'm slightly obsessed with Pinterest, a virtual bulletin board... or pinboard, as they call it. Check out the lovely discoveries I made this week:

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