Hanging Onto Summer

F21 top and bottom

What can I say? I don't want summer to end!!! Before fall officially begins in 2 days, I thought I'd share some more pics from Hawaii featuring some more swimwear I got a lot of use out of this summer. I'm still a huge fan of one pieces but I rediscovered the bikini this year and my bellybutton has never been so tanned.

                                                               

Riverside Stroll

F21 jumpsuit
H&M hat
Sandals from India
Old handbag

I live close to the Saint Lawrence River in Montreal and every summer, it's teeming with swimmers, fishermen, joggers....just about every outdoor activity you can think of, you're bound to come across it just by strolling along the river. They even have kayaks you can rent and I think I saw a beaver once while kayaking down the river. It was an exciting day.

On those muggy Montreal summer days, there's nothing better than a promenade down to the river in something as light and airy as this cute floral jumpsuit I picked up earlier this season. I threw on a wide-brimmed paper panama hat and my favourite sandals from India and I was ready to beat the heat.

                                                          

The Wanderer's Closet

Le chateau pull-over/F21 top/Urban Planet pants/Toms shoes

It doesn't matter where I go or how many times, it is never not a struggle to fill the ol' valise. Whether it's for a few days, or a few weeks, whittling one's closet down to a few essentials is a challenge for even the most seasoned voyagers. There are so many things to consider: where are you going, for how long, what is the weather like, what is the culture like, what doesn't wrinkle too much, what's comfortable, what doesn't take up too much room, what can be worn with three different shirts? A favourite combo of mine for my recent sojourn to the Emerald Isle was these blue harem pants and simple white peasant top. Comfortable? Check. Easy to roll up into a backpack? Check. Stylin'? Check! Just check me out hiking through the Gap of Dunloe. I may never be the thermal hiking gear type of person, but I find my version works just as well.
                                                                                  

I Love Love This Dress

Photos by Kyler Kelly

F21 jacket/thrifted (Zara) dress/Le Chateau pumps/thrifted sunnies

I can't even remember when I got this darling Zara dress from that consignment store in Vancouver. It must have been 6 or 7 years ago. It has been my favourite dress for many moons. Poor thing is on its last legs! I only bring it out for special occasions nowadays for fear it will simply fall apart while I'm wearing it.

We all have those pieces...those favourite pieces, torn and tattered from years of love, the ones we refuse to retire, the ones we push on passed their prime. It's rare for me to have a piece of clothing I love so much that it fades and wears out long before I grow tired of it. It's much easier to fall out of love than to watch it disintegrate. But boy we had some good times. Riding the carousel round with past flames, strolling along el Malecon in Havana....

Some people might not get it, but fashion to me is art. It's as real and beautiful as anything in nature, on the plates in the finest restaurants, on the walls in the loveliest galleries. Whether or not fashion is your cup of tea, you all know what I'm talking about! Finding something, anything, that really speaks to you, that takes your breath away and brings you joy....well that's just sublime.
                                                  

Guess Preview: Fall 2014

We know, we know...it's barely Spring here in Montreal and we're already thinking about Fall! Debbie and I were recently invited to the Guess showroom for their Fall 2014 preview and what a preview it was! I wouldn't say we're exactly "excited" for fall (we'll probably get there once summer has actually arrived...) but the pieces features sure peaked our interest!

The first thing we noticed as we walked in was a wall that was saturated in denim pieces. During our little tour, we were told that this section was called the “Natural Sweetheart.” These pieces had a rugged yet romantic feeling to them playing up the newest trends of overalls and slip dresses quite nicely. We also learned about the Guess Originals collection which is a limited edition collection of some of the brands most iconic denim pieces from the 80’s and 90’s. So glad to hear that Guess is trying to embrace a more vintage aesthetic.

 

Debbie and I both oogled this floral slip dress, probably our favourite piece in the whole showroom.

Creams, browns and neutrals were a big part of the fall collection. These warm hues are really reminiscent of crisp fall evenings in the golden glow of a sunset. And what's fall without a bit of faux fur? The ombre look was particularly eye-catching!

These brown leather boots are ALMOST making us excited for fall!

What's a modern fall collection without a nod to the menswear trend, still as strong as ever. We noticed that they used a lot of pretty detailing, short skirts, lace and sequins to soften these looks and bring out a touch of femininity. And this metallic bootie was another stand-out piece for us! It's stunning in person, positively bling-tastic!

The last part of the collection was what they called The Dress Boutique, a small snapshot of their cocktail dresses for fall. Here we saw that white dresses were being carried over into the fall season and lots of  tulip skirts and interesting detailing including some serious fringe. 

 

                                                          

Packing Woes

Photos by Kyler Kelly

F21 shirt, headband, purse/Le Château pants/H&M sweater/Winners scarf/thrifted flats

I don't know about you, but I hate packing and I especially hate travel packing. How can one possibly account for all fashion necessities in one carry-on and one checked bag? The worst is when the range of temperature will be at least a 30 degree difference. Down coat? Sandals? Wool sweater? Crop top? What's a girl to do...

I've learned that layering is key. Case-in-point, one of my most well-worn combos during my whirlwind trip to China recently: black pants and a classic chambray shirt. Not only do black pants go with everything, but pairing it with a chambray shirt is an easy way to kick casual travel comfort up a notch. And for those chillier days, I just layered on a cozy sweater or draped a scarf over my shoulders and called it a day.

P.S. I've really gotten into "waist purses" aka FANNY PACKS! There's really nothing better for hands-free traipsing around the globe. There's just enough room to fit a passport, a phone, some lipgloss and a sense of adventure.

                                                                

Where Everyone's In Love and Flowers Pick Themselves

 Photos by Kyler Kelly

F21 cardigan/American Apparel unitard/thrifted flats

You would think I love all things floral, but you'd be wrong. Some floral prints make my eyebrows furrow, not gonna lie. It could be the colour choices, the design of the buds, the layout of stems ... I am a discerning floral lover! This beauty hit all the high notes just right. The rich blue, the stylized blooms, the cut of the hem and sleeves ... just add to that, the fact that I can now wear my favourite unitard to work without getting sent home like a 12-year-old and it was a match made in heaven. I love the whimsy and easy decadence this print introduces to what could have been a very casual silhouette. No question, it was love at first sight with this sheer floral number!

                                                                

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!