Finigan's Fundamentals: January 2015

Monday, January 26, 2015

How To Keep Warm During the Blizzard

Now, I may not be currently up North preparing for this all-mighty snow storm (I'm basking in the Miami sun...not to rub it in), but I am a Boston girl at heart and I've experienced some cold and crazy storms. So I thought I'd send some sunshine and ideas to help make being stuck inside a little easier.

Booze.

This one is simple. And obvious.

Stock up on wine, beer, vodka, whatever you prefer. But be prepared to not be getting anymore anytime soon after the 3 feet of snow burry you indoors.

Games.

Let's be real, what's better than a bunch of buzzed family members and friends playing games together. Odds are the power is gonna go out at some point, so what better way to pass the time than get extremely competitive and play some hilarious (and mildly, or extremely, inappropriate games) to pass the time and get some laughs.

My Go-To's:

Cards Against Humanity

Heads Up

Catch Phrase

Netflix.

This is mandatory. Not just in a snow storm, but for always. If you don't have a Netflix Subscription, get it. Get it now. If you're lucky enough to not lose power, you binge watch the shit out of a Netflix show. There is nothing more comforting than knowing after one episode, you don't have to wait a week. Take this snow storm as an opportunity to catch up on all the latest shows.

Get Netflix Now.

Snacks.

Nothing like shoving your face with snacks when you're stuck inside and nowhere to go. Besides, you need something to soak up the excessive amount of drinks your slugglin' out of boredom.

A Good Book.

What better time to bury your mind into a good book then during a snow storm? Odds are you'll be sitting in the dark anyway, probably buried under blankets- so may as well start up on 50 Shades of Grey before it hits theater Valentines Day.

Just sayin'

So while you all are dealing with this...

I'll be thinking of ya...

F. F.

A Love Affair With A Fashion Love Affair and Cara McLeay

Somewhere between London, Milan, Paris, New York, Berlin, and Florence fashion weeks, Cara McLeay, a (now former) Senior Buyer, found the time to create and author a blog, and A Fashion Love Affair was born. Based in Vancouver, A Fashion Love Affair has become the online destination for fashion, travel & beauty, and it’s founder is loved by the likes of Elle, Harpers Bazaar, Lucky Magazine, Teen Vogue and the Zoe Report, among others. We were very impressed, and we sat down with the blogger to talk fashion jobs and what got her to this dream job today.

When did you realize you wanted to work in the fashion industry?
I’ve always been interested in fashion/style, but didn’t realize I actually wanted to work in the industry until about 5 years ago.

One of your jobs was working as a senior buyer- living out every girls dream- what was that like?
It was as amazing as it sounds! Of course, it was a huge amount of work, but having the opportunity to travel to both men’s & women’s fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, Paris, Berlin & Florence was a once in a lifetime experience - I learned so much about the industry and had some unforgettable moments (meeting designers, attending runway shows, meeting other bloggers and celebrities) and just having the chance to travel & get inspired was wonderful.

Why’d you give that up?
I was working as a Senior Buyer while also working on A Fashion Love Affair - of course both are full time jobs and I began to feel a bit crazy taking on the workload of both. My dream was to be my own boss and see how A Fashion Love Affair could grow (I was also creating the XO Styling Iron at this time) so had to make a very difficult choice!

So you moved on and created a fashion blog, what inspired the name of it?I actually had the blog before and during my job as a Senior Buyer - The name, oh gosh! That is the hardest part of starting a blog, I think! I remember sitting in the kitchen with my (now) husband going over names…I wanted to choose something that could evolve and change with me, and that would tell the reader instantly what they could expect when visiting my blog - so A Fashion Love Affair was born.

You’ve done several features and have contributed to a ton of amazing magazines and media outlets- what was one of your favorites?
I have been very lucky to work and be featured by some amazing magazines…my absolute favorite experience was when I won the Harper’s Bazaar Fabulous at Every Age contest and they flew me to New York and I got a complete makeover and got to wear Prada & Givenchy for the evening’s party where I got to meet Glenda the Editor in Chief as well as so many other influencers in the industry - It was a true Cinderella experience!!

You said you fill your time with editorial photo shoots, hosting events and blogging- what do you enjoy to do outside of work?
I love to be outside - I go for walks with my dog (Gus) and go hiking, swimming, snowboarding, running…I also love to read and I am a sucker for good TV :) I also love sharing meals with friends (Sushi is my go-to, but I love Italian & Mexican too) and drinking coffee and working away on Pinterest! Just a few activities you can find me doing regularly.

What are some of your upcoming events?
It is January and we are already in full swing for Spring! Of course there is New York Fashion Week coming up in February, and before that I will be in Toronto for the CAFA awards. I am also going to be shooting a tutorial in LA for the XO Styling Iron and traveling to Thailand and Indonesia in late February - Lots of exciting things to come!

Tell us more about this hair styling tool you created…
I wear my hair is beachy waves almost daily, and was getting a lot of feedback from my readers asking how to create the look. I designed the XO Styling Iron with unique tapered edges to easily create soft waves or tight curls, but it can, of course, straighten your hair beautifully as well! I am so proud of the XO Styling Iron and have had some great feedback so far - it has been featured on The Zoe Report and used by influencers including Krisitna Bazan & Jillian Harris, so I’m excited!

Be sure to check out and SHOP her closet here on Bib + Tuck!!

Interview also seen on Bib + Tuck's Blog: Tucked In

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Get the Street Style Look: Bib + Tuck Steals and Deals

This is my second post on Bib + Tuck's take on amazing Street Style outfits, all at of course superbly discounted prices. Get your fashion on at a price you can afford and rock these outfits...

Outfit # 1

Is there any cuter outfit to be trenching through the city's winter wonderland than this one? Did I mention that I have a soft spot for beanies...cause I do.

Bib + Tuck Finds:

Shoes: