the fresh perspective...

Important question: When is it time to revamp your fashion?

It's coming up to the busy holiday season followed by a BRAND NEW YEAR. If you're experiencing the following thoughts, you should perhaps consider switching things up.

• Struggle on the daily to decide what to wear

• You have more worn out items than fresh items

• Your 'to-buy' list is 2 pages long

• You wear the same thing to every event

• You have things in your closet that you wore when you were 15

This doesn't mean you need to dish out all of your holiday savings to buy all new things for yourself. Here are some suggestions in regards to what you should make sure you have, and how you can make some improvements on a budget.

The Staple Items

• The favourite denim

• Basics (classic T, classic sweatshirt...etc.)

• Cozy winter sweater

• A “going out” top

• Every day boot

• Layering piece (tunic dress, over-sized vest, get creative!)

Invite a friend over (**IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure it’s someone who's style you're in to) and get them to take a peak in your closet. Sometimes all it takes is fresh eyes to put pieces together you never thought of! Try swapping some items with a close friend or head over to your favourite thrift store!

Start the New Year off with a freshened up closet. Get rid of the items just causing clutter and gift yourself a few new treats to put a little pep in your step :). You work hard, this season can get wild, so treat yo'self.

-the fresh perspective…

the fresh perspective...

Praise Okwumabua’s go-to fancy hair styles

Hi there! I’m Praise and I’m the owner of Freshair Boutique! I’m also one of the three senior stylists that work at this shop and I have attended my fair share of fancy events and parties. While doing a little scavenging in my iPhone, (I’m a selfie connoisseur) I found some of my favorite ‘fancy do’ images.

In my opinion, what usually makes a hairstyle fancy is based on a few things. 1) Volume, 2) Stay in placeness (not a word…) and 3) Height. While I have seen many formal fashion houses and party goers rock the slick bun (no height OR volume), this look does have number 2, staying in place abilities.

So when you are styling your hair for your next fancy thang, remember my three points. Or don’t, I’m cool with whatever you’re cool with! Oh yeah, I forgot another really easy way to gussie up your hair do is to add a little something. Brooches, sparkly pins or even bow ties can really take a bland hair do to the next level!

Have a good time out there and remember to be safe!

That’s the fresh perspective…

The fresh perspective

So here we are again. Somehow it’s the end of 2018 and we are approaching another holiday season. It seems like the stores start promoting decorations and holiday deals earlier every year. Even though we know this is just a marketing tactic to get you to start buying gifts earlier, it can be a good reminder to get a head start on your shopping.

December can be a hectic month as it is. On top of your holiday shopping, you may have parties and get togethers which can be tiring. Squeezing some shopping into all of that can become quite stressful. Step foot into any mall after December 1st and you will see the evidence of that. Malls do not become more cheerful amongst these festivities. People. Get. Cray.

Thankfully we are now living in a world where you can do most of your shopping online in your own home. No need to stand in line or talk to a single person. You can even get your gift wrapped and shipped directly to the person you are purchasing it for. Even though we are not American, Canada seems to have embraced Black Friday as a “holiday.” The timing couldn’t be more perfect for your holiday shopping. It gives you enough time to order online and get your goods before the holidays.

Take a browse on Amazon or Etsy this week to get some inspiration for your holidays gifts. Avoid the malls at all costs if you can help it. The holidays will be here before you know it and nobody needs that extra stress this time of year!

-the fresh perspective…

the fresh perspective...

How to look ‘cute’ and stay warm. Is it possible?

Ahhh the age old question! Can comfort be formal? Well, well, well…. I’m going to say this. “it depends". What kind of function are you attending? Are you receiving an award? Are you just a bystander? Are you outside or inside?

This time of year, it’s hard to navigate -55 with a ‘cute look’. I believe that one can look ‘cute’ and still be warm and comfortable but it just takes some conscious effort. If you are wearing Sorels, maybe have a full face of make up and a kick ass up do? If you’re in a toque, maybe some sky high boots to balance it out?

As long as you’re going with a look, it’s all good! Toques, scarves and a well fitting winter parka or coat can always look sharp. If you are recieving some award or are an honorary guest at an event, as long as you are inside, you’re good! Anything goes when there are controlled temps!

That’s the fresh perspective…

Did you know? National Men Make Dinner Day

Okay - here we go.

If you are like most of us here at Freshair, you likely didn't know this past Thursday was ‘National Men Make Dinner Day’. I know the first reaction, my first reaction, is ARE YOU FOR REAL? Why is this a thing? All this is doing is enforcing the stereotype of women in the kitchen, etc… But what if we chose a different way of looking at this? What if we just laugh at this for what it is?

In today's day and age, we expect a less traditional way of thinking and share responsibilities of preparing meals each and every day and making sure there is a decent wholesome meal on the table. This is 100% rational and the way it should be. However, that doesn't mean that the majority of people actually live like this. I think there is still a lot of work to do on this front but it is hilarious to me to think that some men don't know how to cook a meal. That is why I choose to look at this and laugh and think, who's the sucker that doesn't know how to feed himself?

The jyst - Parents, teach your children how to cook. Already an adult and was never taught? Pull out a recipe or Pinterest page and get crackin’. Be the best you can be and help your partner out around the house - REGARDLESS OF YOUR GENDER.

I read a few articles on this topic and most of them held a very angry tone. Instead, let’s laugh together and if you missed this past Thursday, try to convince them it’s actually the second Thursday in November ;)

-the fresh perspective.

the fresh perspective...

First impressions: How to make ‘em and how to bounce back from bad ones…

We’ve all been there, meeting someone for the first time and saying all the wrong things. Or even worse, being out of your mind so you don’t remember what you said at all! Impressions are a part of life we can do nothing about. The reality is, as much as we try, we do judge each other and our actions.

I believe the best way to make a good impression is to just be yourself and read the social cues. Just mirror the situation you’re in. If the mood is somber, don’t break out into a song and dance. If everyone is pumped up and jazzed, ditch the long face.

Look the person in the eyes when you’re being introduced and give a decent handshake. It’s good to be able to engage in casual banter so if the person asks you a question, answer and then reply with one of your own. One word answers are a conversation stopper and shifty eyes make people uncomfortable.

Unfortunately if you flubbed a first impression HARD, pray to cosmos that you never see that person again! I’m serious! Studies show it is really hard to change someones perspective of you if you defecated on their great grandmother doily at her funeral! There is not much one can do after that but to send a gift basket, mountains of apologies, and an offer to have the doily dry cleaned.

In most cases, bad first impressions happen when you fail to be yourself, you are under the influence or you don’t pay attention to the social ques of the situation. When you look at it like that, it’s pretty easy to avoid. Let it be known that humans are funny individuals and for the most part cannot be pleased. That being said, just do your best and be yourself!

…that’s the fresh perspective