Winter Finally Caught Up To Us

Calvin Klein coat
Aldo hat
Simons mittens
Hush Puppies boots
F21 jeans

Winter was a bit of a no-show at the end of 2015, but we weren't really complaining. I'm assuming it was all to do with the fact that I finally replaced my old down winter coat after like 5 years and my equally old snow boots with the hole in it. I prepared for a long, cold winter so it decided not to come. You're welcome Montreal. But alas, all good things must come to an end. Winter is here....but at least I'm ready!

                                                          

The Perpetual Montreal Winter

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Aldo headband/RW&Co coat/Simons shirt and mittens/F21 cardigan and skirt/Winners leg warmers/Spring boots/Kate Spade handbag

I know, I know, you're all tired of all this WINTER-WOE-IS-ME!! thing.....believe me, so am I.

What can I say? It's getting really hard to ignore how awful it is in Montreal right now. It's the end of February and still -30, with a fresh pile of snow on the ground. It's as if the weather report is just taunting us. I always check that 14-day forecast and near the end of the two weeks, they always say the temperature is going to creep up there to the single digits below 0, but as the days pass, the numbers drop and they renew their 2-week promise, never to be fulfilled....

Those bastards.

You would think I'd get used to these long, hard winters here but no, not me. Every February is brutal because it's the coldest month and the month when you're the most sick of winter. You would be hard-pressed to find me at home (if I don't have to leave the house) in anything other than my cozy PJs and robe, wrapped up in a blanket. When I do venture out, you'll find me bundled up in my go-to down coat from RW&Co, my favourite wool mittens from Simons and cause I just can't pass up the opportunity to mismatch my prints, my fair isle leg warmers and houndstooth snow boots.

A new addition this winter for me is this lovely beaded headband from Aldo! It's so warm and snug with just a touch of flair. If you're looking for a fun, modern alternative to a plain old winter hat, I highly recommend a wool headband. I mean it will never rival a floral sundress in my heart, but I gotta say, it does soften that cruel, cruel winter punch in the gut.

                                                                               

Hearts and Apples and Retro Amusements

Garage top/Primark shorts/vintage headscarf/Aldo sunnies/Sammydress handbag/old wedges

Nothing is quite like an ode to summertime quite like a pair of denim shorts. I always struggled with buying shorts. Apparently my proportions are really weird, cause if I found a pair that fit me around the hips, the leg openings would be too big. And of course, if I found a pair that was flattering to my gams, it would be impossible to zip it up. Sigh.

Enter this darling high-waisted number that hugged all my curves and bumps just right. Sometimes it just takes a bit of hunting! For this look, I paired it with a stripped crop top, retro do and headband, heart-shaped sunnies and old wedges. Perfect for a retro vibe on a golden summer day at the amusement park!

P.S. Candied apples are the greatest!!
                                                                         

Brunchin' Good Time

New Look dress/Aldo, F21, Accessorize necklaces/Vintage, Primark rings/Vintage handbag/Le Chateau pumps

There's nothing like a nice white dress with layers of accessories for a Sunday brunch with a girlfriend. I love wearing white because not only is it a great colour for most skin-tones and hair colours, but it offers the perfect backdrop for piling on the accessories and experimentation in the makeup department.

Specifically, I tried out a two-toned lip look for the first time and I think results are encouraging! I used gloss instead of lipstick for a more subtle effect and went with two kind of similar colours: a fuchsia pink on the upper lip and a cherry red on the lower lip. I'm not sure this look would be for every day, but it adds that extra little interest to a more subdued ensemble that I'm always searching for. Happy brunching!
                                                                              

The Wanderer's Closet: Parte Deux

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Aldo sunnies/Primark jumpsuit and shoes/old handbag/bracelets from Turkey

Apologies, Frockers! Usually, Debbie and I manage to post a couple of time before Saturday, but it's been a busy week! I just wanted to share a few more pics of my recent sojourn with you and describe the love affair I'm having with the colour navy blue.

I used to hate navy blue. I always thought it was so boring! I'm so glad I gave it another shot recently because I'm really starting to see the appeal. Navy is actually much richer than I gave it credit for. It's more interesting than straight-up black, and speaking of black, I'm kinda loving mixing black and navy blue in particular (which is great considering my hair colour amirite?) It's like an opposites attract scenario where my dislike actually fuelled a slow obsession that turned into an insatiable curiosity which finally overcame me, and I had to give it another try....classic girl meets navy story!

You may have noticed that there's a certain amount of subversion of expectation that I love in fashion. That's why I'm really looking forward to integrating this new colour into the traditional warmer hues of autumn. While most fall transitions involve a lot of browns, beiges and other warm tones, introducing some colder tones would be a really subtle way to shake things up. Sigh....navy blue and I are really having a moment. And when it's right, it's right.

                                                                                  

Things I'm Looking Forward To This Spring...

... besides the sun, the flowers and not feeling like I'm trekking Mount Everest on my way to the metro station. 

Bronzy Lids

Clinique eyeshadow in At Dusk Super Shimmer

I fell in love with this look in the fall and I'm excited to see it lining the catwalks this spring as well! Not only does it work for all eye colours, but it's just a fun way to add some oomph to your peepers without going too extreme. All neutral eye shadows are flattering, but adding that bronze shimmer just kicks it up a notch. Just dust on the powder, blend and finish with some black liner.

The Classy Bar Necklace

Forever 21 necklace

Don't get me wrong, I adore a good statement necklace as much as the next girl, but sometimes clean, simple and minimalist is best. Enter this must-have piece that really goes with anything and will probably be a staple in your wardrobe for many seasons to come. Wear it to the office on Friday, the party on Saturday and the market on Sunday. This piece does it all!

Floral Hair Accents

Aldo headbands

Ok this one is just a no-brainer, but I'm happy to see that others are embracing one of my go-to year-round themes. My love of all things floral is no secret, but if you're not quite comfortable with the whole garden nymph look and want a more subtle way to introduce this motif into your do, try smaller buds, simple hair clips instead of a full band, paler colours if you're a blond or darker colours for brunette.

A Tangerine Pucker

L'Oréal Paris Color Riche lipcolour in Volcanic

Yves Rocher gloss in R301

I love me some bright lipstick and orange has become the new red to fear. Just like picking a red that will make you feel like a vixen, it's all about trial and error. If you're not really into the pylon orange, opt for a nice coral or a sheerer formula. And try both glosses and lipsticks to find what works best on you. Just remember: there's almost nothing you can't pull off with a bit of confidence!

Hang on Frockers...Spring is almost here!
                                                                       

Love Is In The Air

 Photos by Kyler Kelly

Valentine's Day is about much more than chocolates, flowers and expensive gifts. It's about reflection and appreciation for one of the greatest joys of human existence: that ooey gooey feeling we call love. Even if you don't have a particular "special someone" in your life, we all have great loves. Friends, family, neighbours, coworkers, critters, even ourselves! When was the last time you treated yourself to some flowers or that handbag you've been eyeing? Well go ahead...you deserve it!

Happy Valentine's Day, you beautiful Frockers! xoxo

On Jackie: Aldo booties/Zara knee socks/F21 dress/old belt and rings

On Debbie: H&M dress/Joe Fresh tights/Zara booties/Vintage cuff

                                                                                                                                                       

Always Maintain a Kind Summer...

...even in the dead of winter.

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Zara sweater/Aldo shoes/H&M pants

                                                                

The Statement Coat

Photos by Kyler Kelly

My outerwear saga would not be complete without this statement coat I picked up at Value Village for five bucks. Yeah that's right. Five. Dollars. Despite some hesitation in the limited styling potential of this baby, at that price, I just had to snap it up.

The bright fuchsia, the over-sized sleeves...no doubt about it, this coat is probably the most unique piece in my winter wardrobe. I opted to pair it with a maroon cloche I picked up in Korea and black boots, gloves and turtleneck. You don't want to overwhelm a look like this with too many crazy colours or accessories. This coat speaks for itself!

thrifted coat, skirt/Aldo gloves/American Apparel turtleneck/Michael Kors boots