I'm All About That Cardi

Thrifted handkerchief and boots
Levi Strauss belt
H&M cardigan
Vintage American Apparel skirt

I would definitely say that cardigans are a wardrobe must-have. I myself have several in my collection because nothing helps you hang onto your summer garb long after summer is over than a good ol' cardi. I'm dressing it up with loads of accessories in this look to add a bit more interest to an otherwise plain cardigan from H&M. By the way, for all you short girls out there, I find that accentuating the waist with a belt is a great way to make your short legs look....well not long but not even shorter in those longer skirts. Anyway, back to cardis....I like to round out my collection with neutral colours that go with everything, with one or two textured or fun-coloured design. What can I say? Cardigans are like jeans to me.
                                                         

Beach Bunny

Long time no see, Frockers! I've been away for a while in Seattle, Vancouver and Hawaii and haven't been interneting very much while I've been gone. Luckily, the Montreal summer decided to stick around for my return and sets the perfect mood for showcasing my new favourite swimswear of the summer. 

Sure....summer's fast fading into the horizon, but will live on in my heart and unsightly tan lines until the spring comes once again.

                                                               

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.

                                                          

Something Old, Something New

Top: H&M / Skirt: American Apparel / Sandals: The Bay (old) / Bag: F21

This is one of those outfits where one freshly bought item helped me revive a few older pieces from my summer wardrobe. And I bet you probably wouldn't even be able to guess which is the new item but I will tell you anyway. The top is a recent purchase from H&M and the skirt and sandals are waaaaaaay old dating back about 7-8 years. So yeah, loving this combination today and in keeping with our wedding theme lately, here is something old & something new!

All Wrapped Up

H&M sweater and pants/vintage shoes/scarf from India

I'm trying to tell myself that we're in the winter home stretch but you really wouldn't know it from the weather we've been having lately. Sharp winds, never-ending snow and the mercury dipping below -30 are just some of the fabulous features of a Montreal February. And as many of you may know by now, I refuse to heat my apartment to an adequate degree (re: I'm cheap) so you'd be hard pressed to find me sitting at home without being wrapped up in some kind of blanket or scarf or even wearing my coat indoors.

Enter this delicious teal patchwork scarf I snapped up in India! I just love the colours and haphazard design of this scarf and it is so thick and warm. And you guys know how much I love my mismatched prints....I just had to add this to my winter rotation! Keeping warm in a Montreal winter is no joke and this is the next best thing after wearing my bathrobe everywhere. Has that become a thing yet? No? Didn't think so....
                                                                          

Match Made in Heaven

Photos by Kyler Kelly

H&M top and skirt/Winners wedges/lia sophia necklace

Peanut butter and jelly, bacon and eggs, summer and tan lines, kittens and yarn....some things are just made for each other. And there's no match more made in heaven than a cute crop top and high-waisted midi skirt combo. And can we all just take a second to appreciate whoever invented the high-waisted anything? It's the perfect camouflage for one's less-than-favourite bits. Yes, the crop top is still my piece of the moment and I will wear it until the last leaf has fallen to the ground and there is frost on the windows. Just try and stop me.
                                                                                   

Soaking Up The Sun

 

Photos by Kyler Kelly

H&M hat, Aldo sunnies, Primark top, Topshop bottoms, scarf from Korea, coral cuff from Turkey

As some of you may know, I was recently galavanting across Europe for an amazing five weeks and managed to snap some pics while I was there. I've been obsessed with a black and white contrasting look for a while and was on the search for a top to go with my favourite bottoms while overseas. There's something so classic and vintage about the colour combo. It was the perfect swimwear for lounging on a boat in the Mediterranean. I felt very Grace Kelly!
                                                                  

Flower Power

Photos by Kyler Kelly

H&M top/J Brand jeans/Globo wedges/Aldo handchain/Orange Avacado bracelets/Vintage necklace/Old jacket & aviators

It's a day I look forward every year. My annual trip to the farmer's market to buy some blooms for my little garden. Maybe some folks consider the first nice day of the year to be the start of Spring, or the first day they can wear sandals. For me, Spring isn't here until I make that trip to the market and leave with an armful of the sunniest flowers. It's the day where I can finally be confident that the danger of frost is over. What a day!

And the perfect attire for a day at the market? This delightful circle crop top I recently got at H&M. The crop top trend is still going strong and I love the extra element of flouncy fun in this one! I'm sure I've said it before, but I'll repeat it again: if you're not so confident about your middle bits, pairing a crop top with a nice high-waisted bottom is an easy way for anyone to enjoy this fabulous trend, well into the summer.

Happy gardening!
                                                                     

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.

                                                                

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