Ms. Aikasha is wearing a peach coloured Triple Fat Goose down filled short belted jacket, Forte Cashmerenavy blue cashmere turtleneck sweater, Cellodark blue skinny jeans, Pollini dark burgundy knee-hi boots with metal disc embellishments (and yellow painted 1” heel), and Charles Jourdan croc embossed orange and ‘nude’ leather handbag. A 14 karat gold chain, oversized gold tone hoop earrings, and Coach black leather gloves accessorized todays look.



Though high heels are my favorites, I  love thess Pollini boots which have the cutest little yellow one inch heels. True - my feel look really long. I'm 5' 7" tall and  I wear any size from 9M to 11N - it doesn't matter to me what the size says, just as long as the shoe/boot fits, and is comfortable.......so don't get hung up on the size.

 

Note: As much as I love my fitted sweaters and dresses, this loose fitting Forte Cashmere turtleneck cashmere sweater just "falls" so nicely and is soooooo warm and comfy.

Tip: We (40everafter) sometimes have a tendency to 'overheat'. Suggestion: Don't overdress; wear layers so you can peel them off, and toss a knit 'skully' in your handbag for the rare times that you are actually cold.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a black & white mini checkered poly Maeva trouser suit, Michael Kors  red down vest, Energie black velvet tank top, Louboutin black sueded hidden platform pumps and Roberto Mengoni large red ‘foil’ finished leather tote bag. A custom made flamed pearl and red glass bead lariat (necklace), silver ball earrings, black/grey leopard print cotton scarf and black leather gloves accessorized todays outfit.

As I walked home from the train tonight, it began to pour! I didn’t have my brolly so I wrapped my scarf around my head and steadily strolled home.

Note: Each full body shot shows how today's outfit subtley transformed

Ms. Aikasha is wearing an original Ms. Aikasha long black wool knit sleeveless hooded dress, Dollhouse flannel lined cropped denim jacket, Jean Michel Cazabat blue denim platform peeptoe booties, and a Roberto Mengoni large red ‘foil’ finished leather tote bag. A large red Veda pashmina scarf, long blue leather gloves, and large red wooden earrings accessorized today’s relatively laid back look.





I’m almost finished with my holiday shopping………..almost. I did most of it in the middle of the night from my lap top on Thanksgiving weekend – and I’ve been getting packages in the mail ever since. Hopefully I’ll get all the gifts wrapped on Saturday – I have nothing else planned. No more last minute wrapping at 6:00am Christmas morning! Not this mama………….been there, done that!! J





 

Note: ...........It's not that Red is my favorite colour (though it seems I'm always wearing it) - I just love colours, and just so happen to have a lot of red.

 

Tip: Denim and black is "hot" together. Denim and red is also nice. Three of them together?? hmmmmm!!



Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Blue Deep mauve wool, safari inspired pants suit, Free People nylon lace turquoise tank top, Coach blue/green snakeskin platform pumps, and Charles Jourdan croc embossed orange and ‘nude’ leather handbag. A multi coloured large ‘checkered’ cashmere scarf, turquoise beaded necklace, cascading green/blue/gold earrings and mini leopard print ½ gloves were today’s accessories.

 

 

 

I smile a lot – I do. I truly have so much to be grateful for, and my daily pictures are just a small reflection of my gratitude. Every day (or at least, most days) I give thanks to my Creator for my children, my grand-children, my mum and extended family and I ask for protection for us all.

What happened last Friday at the Sandy Hook Elementary school has since, randomly brought me to tears. Each time I read an article, see news coverage, or overhear someone talking about the tragedy, I’m so overwhelmed by emotion. I can’t even begin to imagine what the parents, siblings and grandparents must be experiencing; I can only pray that God is with them and they can find some comfort in His love. Sending Love and Strength to the survivors and to the families who lost their children in Newtown CT.



Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Poleci blackish/brown embossed leather duster, THM Clothing light grey cable knit wool/acrylic blend turtleneck dress, Hue dark grey cable knit hosiery, Joan & David black leather ankle booties with black shearling cuff, and Charles Jourdan croc embossed orange and ‘nude’ leather handbag. Large hammered copper earrings and a mix of black/animal print bangles accessorized today’s look.

Three parties in four days………..that’s a lot for me and there’s still more to come! I still have gifts to wrap (all the gifts) and maybe a bit more shopping – just for back-up – so I’ll be a busy (and tired) camper this week.

Note: I got home late from a client's holiday party and was headed up to bed when my son reminded me that I had to take my blog pictures. I was like "Awwwww - you reminded me!". (He confessed that he considered not saying anything.......). So I let him choose the location and since he'd just showered and didn't feel like going outside, we did the pics inside.

Note II: I know this isn't exactly my standard party attire, but I was planning to wear jeans today and remembered the party at the last minute - so I had to rush and change into something that didn't need ironing and still make my train.........thank goodness for knitted dresses!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing an Identify cream leather jacket with quilted stand-up collar, Victoria Secrets black nylon ruuched halter top, an original Ms. Aikasha red wool stretch crepe maxi skirt with ‘sky high’ front split, Christian Louboutin silk/leather leopard print high heeled peep toe sling back shoes, and Etro lime green/black hair calf baguette. A custom made quartz crystal pendant and earring set, Roberto Cavalli alligator strap watch, and a delicate hand painted papier mache bangle accessorized the night’s high fashion look.

 

Me and My Girls: (from Left) Ade, Me, Z, Mo, Oca

Last night, Fri Dec 14^th, was our company holiday party at my boss’s house. Four of my girls came out to mingle and hang out. We had an amazing time – we do every year! My boss and his wife are pretty incredible!

 

 

Oca & I - look at the legs on that girl!!

 

Note: These pictures were taken at the end of the night when most of the guests had left - so we were just goofing around..........as usual........



Ms. Aikasha is wearing an Identify cream leather jacket with quilted stand-up collar, Tevrow & Chase grey wool flannel, cuffed wide legged trousers, Flavio Castellini pale pink stretch silk satin ruffle front blouse, Michael Kors pale peach leather handbag and Boutique 9 grey flannel/leather peep-toe booties. A grey/black leopard print cotton scarf, Renee's red/cream long leather gloves, pearl and gold shoulder duster earrings, a mix of black and cream bangles were the choice of accessories for today’s outfit.

I took the day off work yesterday – I just wasn’t feeling 100%.......which, of course, resulted in my NOT blogging. Since, most recently I only post four days a week (Mon – Thu) I figured I’d make up for my missed day by blogging tomorrow. Let’s see what I come up with………………

Tip: Today's colours can be considered muted: grey, cream, pale pink........ Notice that special 'oomph' from the red gloves - just the right touch of colour.

Note: This is  also one of my favorite outfits.......

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Blanc Noir black leather double breasted jacket, Pink Rose black v-neck long sleeved ribbed rayon sweater, Ny’s Closet white long sleeved t-shirt, an original Ms. Aikasha midi length black/white poly/wool tweed skirt with white ‘rick-rack’ trim, Diesel red canvas and leather ‘rope’ trim handbag and Boutique 9  black elastic/leather peep toe oxford booties. Red and silver earrings and red/cream leather gloves were todays accessories.

It seemed I just couldn’t leave the house today – and when I finally did, after purposefully missing two trains – I had to turn around and run back inside. I had an important stop to make before going to the office and subconsciously, I think I was intentionally causing my delays. I hot stepped it to the train, had to sprint one block and fly up the stairs to the platform (train was early – and rarely waits –  good thing I know the conductor!) As I huffed and puffed, and sweat beads began to form on my brow I sat and reached into my bag for tissue, and realized I left it on the dresser, with my make-up bag! Oh well…………..and I still haven’t made it to the barbershop!!

 

Tip: Accessories i.e. gloves, scarves, hats - really serve the purpose of keeping you warm, but can do the world of difference complimenting your outfit. Instead of just throwing on pieces in the name of 'warmth', be mindful and coordinate and see the difference!

 

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Population multi – white/blue/brown/gold rain coat, Derek Heart brown rayon/cotton blend turtleneck tunic, brown double layered leggings (regretfully - brand unknown), Boutique 9 brown peep toe platform boots, and Miu Miu white leather ‘coffer’ bag, (worn as a crossbody). Pearl/silver earrings, a wide/long brown leather fringe belt – brand unknown (again), and brown/white wooden bangles accessorized today’s look.

 I was headed to the barbershop to get a trim after work today, and I got a call from my daughter Ny, who wanted to go to the mall to Christmas shop. I decided to skip the barbers and go with her, but from the look of this picture - I really need to get there (the barbershop)....soon!!

Tip: I think it’s apparent – I like to go monochromatic . Notice how many different shades of brown makes up today’s outfit (which, btw, is one of my winter favorites)……..and it works!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Rachel Roy burgundy/black variegated knit snap front cardigan (worn as a dress), Poof black tank, Calafate Shearling Company baby blue shearling car coat, BCBG black leather/suede peep toe booties, and Gucci black suede handbag. Betsey Johnson silver chandelier earrings, black leather gloves, black rayon fringe scarf, and multiple black Lucite and ceramic bangles were today’s accessories.

Traditionally, every year I buy a ‘live’ tree from Home Depot and we put it up in the entrance foyer. I love the smell of the pine or Douglas fir when I walk into the house – it’s so reminiscent of the season – so warming.

All this week I’ve been trying to get to Home Depot to buy the tree, and every day something else has come up, preventing me from accomplishing my mission…………hopefully I’ll get it done this weekend.

Tip: When shopping for textured hoisery, look for a reinforced toe. There's nothing more uncomfortable than your toes poking through the 'fish net' hoisery in your shoes - or worse, while wearing peep toe shoes/boots.....so NOT sexy!
Tip II: I think black textured hoisery are the safest bet. Coloured ones can be a bit of a gamble (I must like to gamble) because sometimes I put on the coloured hoisery, and I just 'hold my breath".

Note: Notice how this  Calafate baby blue shearling car coat has absolutely nothing to do with the rest of the outfit - but it just works! My girls bought me this coat for my birthday a few years ago - it's one of my absolute favorites!!