The Canadian Uniform

Photos by Kyler Kelly

F21 top and necklace/American Eagle jeans/booties from Hong Kong

Denim is one of the biggest trends this fall, with overalls and jumpsuits being the new thing you didn't think was a thing. Another way to hop aboard this style is donning what can be affectionately coined as the "Canadian Uniform." To be honest, I think there's a third piece I'm missing to make it official, but close enough! The easiest way to try this look out is with a dark plus light colour combo. It breaks up the look just enough. And throw on some statement accessories and you're ready to take on the Canadian autumn....eh?
                                                                  

A Royal Affair

Le Chateau dress/Delilah fascinator/lia sophia necklace (c/o)/vintage handbag/old wedges

Le Chateau vest/Simons shirt and bow tie/Mexx trousers/Browns dress shoes 

It may not have been a royal wedding, but that wasn't going to stop me from whipping out my lovely fascinator for the very first time. Seriously, it was collecting dust on my dresser, I've had it for so long and never worn it! I mean it's not exactly a skinny jean in terms of versatility and cute-but-casual wear. And I am the first to don some sequins to school or the office, but going to Stats class in a fascinator would be a bit too crazy, even for me.

But I was recently invited to a lovely fall wedding and decided to take this baby out for a test-drive. And what a scenic drive it was! I paired it with a lovely retro-inspired Le Chateau dress that coincidentally was almost exactly the same colour. Normally, I hate being so matchy-matchy, but this time, it felt right. In this fashion fantasy, I could practically be on my way to Prince Harry's wedding or something!

Pulling off such a statement look is a delicate operation nonetheless. I wanted to go more muted on the other accessories, namely sporting a simple black wedge and minimal accessories. The lead actor in this story is definitely the headpiece, everything else is a supporting character. The necklace (gifted by lia sophia), was the perfect mix of glam, class and restraint. And my favourite tapestry bag added a nice muted pop of detail and vintage vibe to complete the look.

I have to say, this fascinator might be the hardest fashion piece I've ever had to pull off. But I love a good challenge! And like I always say, at the end of the day, it's really all about confidence.
                                                                

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!
                                                                              

Drama Queen

 

Photos by Kyler Kelly

hat fr Hong Kong
sweater dress fr Korea
necklace fr Taiwan
Zara knee socks
vintage briefcase & shoes

I can hear the fashion police sirens now. What a faux pas! The burgundy lips, the smokey eye, the dark sweater dress, the oxfords, the cloche chapeau...this fashion story screams autumn fairytale, but I had to whip it out in May. That's just how I roll. I may love florals and circle skirts most days of the week, but I am never one to deny my heart's fancy. I dress how I feel. And I just felt like a little.....drama.
                                                                         

Embellish Me

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Lightinthebox sweater/Michael Kors boots/lia sophia necklace/old leggings

Who doesn't love a piece that can multi-task? Every woman should own a couple of good ol' fashioned embellished tops. They aren't just tops, they aren't just jewelry, they're both! One of my go-tos is this Lightinthebox number, which instantly turns what could be a plain sweater dress into a knock-out number. Pairing an brown sweater dress with black leggings and sleek leather boots could potentially make this look take a somber turn, but the jewels and beading are the perfect feminine rocker touch to really elevate the ensemble from boring to bold. 

And the cherry on top in this happily eclectic marriage is this hardcore pearl necklace gifted to us by the jewelry company lia sophia, soon to be celebrating their 5th anniversary. I have a soft spot for pearls and this young, edgy, stylized version of a typical pearl necklace really speaks to my love of blending looks for a more intriguing outcome. Some daring combos are better left in the closet than on the streets (I'm sorry, but very few people can pull off the electric blue eye shadow, fuchsia lipstick and leopard-print bodysuit) but I really love the romantic edginess this look embodies. Fashion is a fine line...a squiggly line that goes all over the place, but fine nonetheless!

                                                                           

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!
                                                                       

I'm An Old Fuddy-Duddy At Heart

 Photos by Kyler Kelly

One of my standard winter uniforms consistent of this black/grey ensemble that kind of reminds me of something a stylish granny would wear. It sort of envelopes you in warmth. There's just something about the asymmetrical cardigan that I love! I suppose it's because it just floats around you like a pretty dress...

To liven up the outfit, I added a statement necklace and some geek-chic glasses. Hang in there everyone...winter has to end at some point...

Costa Blanca cardigan/American Apparel turtleneck/Le Chateau pants/F21 necklace and handbag/Derek Cardigan glasses/old loafers

                                                                

Pretty In Pink

 Photos by Kyler Kelly

I got this fuzzy pink sweater in Korea and I'm actually kind of bummed that I haven't been able to wear it much this winter. For some reason, the heat is on full blast at our office and I've had to sport short-sleeves on a daily basis or risk heat stroke. 

However, due to my, shall we say...frugal nature...I do keep my apartment at a chilly 18 degrees so I whip out this darling sweater on those weekends at home. Side-note: if you know me, you're probably confused since I tend to start shivering if the mercury dips below 24, but it costs a lot to heat a whole apartment ok?

Anyway, I just love the idea of pairing this sweet, baby pink sweater with an equally sweet, baby blue skirt, chilly as my legs may get. And let's face it. Even if I wore wool pants, I'd still need to throw on a robe and huddle under two blankets to keep warm!

Sammydress skirt/thrifted+gifted bracelets/Aldo handchain 

(Necklace was purchased in Taiwan)