C.T.P.S

{Shoes & Blouse: Value Village, Skirt: Zellers}

One of my ultimate guilty pleasures on TV is TLC's What Not to Wear.  I don't seem to tire of Clinton Kelly and Stacey London's antics, plus I can watch it on YouTube! It has taught me a few things over the years, although I tend to stray from the "rules" quite regularly, Im more of an emotional dresser.  I think if I went on that show they would tear my wardrobe apart and tell me to stop buying second-hand junk....but the beauty of paying $4 for a shirt is it is more of an experiment than a investment.  When I tire of my VV clothes I simply donate them back to VV, it's the perfect cycle.

There are many things I consider when putting together an outfit, and one of Clinton and Stacey's acronyms puts it perfectly : C.T.P.S (Colour Texture Pattern Shine ).  These are ideally the 4 elements a complete outfit should possess. There are many ways to achieve CTPS, if you consider jewelry (a good place for shine), bags (great for texture), and shoes (the perfect pop of colour).  This acronym has saved me on those days when I do not want to get dressed, I simply pick a piece of colour and/or pattern, like this turquoise blouse, then pair it with a good texture, like this tweed skirt, and finally add a shiny black belt to the mix.  Voila, outfit building complete!

If you would like to indulge in some trashy TV with me, check out the link below for all full length What Not to Wear episodes :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpmXegpyf6o