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.

                                                                               

Best Of 2014

We can't believe it's been a whole other year already, Frockers! This year saw a lot of fun fashion events, collaborations with some great companies, a bit of world travel and of course, more great fashion! A big thank you to all those who have been following our blog and supporting us. We wish you all a happy 2015!

Modcloth: The Online Retro Heaven

Modcloth dress, skirt, handbag, headband, swimsuit



**This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.

Frockers, if you've been following the blog from the beginning, you will remember how much I love ModCloth. It is one of my all-time favourite online retailers. If you check out their website, I think it's pretty clear why. They have all the cutest indie, vintage and retro-inspired pieces that you can find anywhere! They have everything from clothes to accessories, handbags and shoes to home décor and gift items. And I think because they are an online store, they really put everything into the shopping experience. You can chat with a ModStylist while you shop if you have any questions or need some help and they have a blog section where you can check out their looks on real people and see tons of extra fun stuff like DIY and makeup tutorials. And they are one of the few online retailers I've seen that have a variety of Plus Size Dresses. Diversity of sizing is important to me since I have trouble myself, fitting into the standard S, M, and L. Amirite ladies? And if you need some cool Halloween inspiration, check out their new Halloween Shop! 

Happy shopping, Frockers!
                                                                  

The Golden Rule

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Sammydress frock & handbag/F21 belt & headband/vintage heels/old cardigan

To be honest, metallics aren't really my thing, unless we're talking eyeshadow of course! If you're the same, a fun way to incorporate a hits of metal into your look is with a stylish belt, pretty headband, or chic handbag. I am partial to both silver and gold tones (and lately I've been kind of obsessed with rose gold, but that's a story for another post) and in this look, adding pops of gold really add an extra element of fun to a pretty but plain nude dress. The warmth of the gold compliments the frock perfectly and if you look closely, there is no metal on my headband, only beads and sequins. But the way it adds shine and reflects light certainly does the trick! And although the belt is large and wide, the minimalistic design mimics the simplicity and elegance of the dress, and keeps it from overwhelming the outfit. I finished the look with a cream-coloured quilted handbag avec metallic strap and called it a day.

Sometimes, it's all in the accessories.

                                                                         

If I Were A Fairy...

...this would be my uniform.

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Tesoro /Nine West sandals/Urban Planet headband/dress from a market in Toronto

                                                               

Ode to Spring

Photos by Kyler Kelly

 Lightinthebox coat
Zara booties & dress
Modcloth headband
faux fur scarf fr Hong Kong
vintage handbag & gloves
handmade belt

It may be late April, but you wouldn't know it some days. The wind seems particularly bitter this year. I had to go into the closet where I thought I could give my winter gear a well-deserved rest, but alas...the fickle Montreal weather had other ideas. The worst is when it looks sunny outside and that tricks you into thinking it's warm. As soon as you step outside...BAM! I should have worn a thicker coat. Luckily, there's pretty much nothing cozier than my faux fur infinity scarf, picked up in Hong Kong for a song. I'd hate to say it, but I'm getting really tired of my boots and wool coats. Worse than waiting for Christmas or the last day of school...is waiting for spring! Truly, it is a test of sheer will and endurance. The marathon of marathons. We keep rounding the corner expecting to see the finish line...could the next corner be it? Here's hoping!
                                                                      

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.

                                                                

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!