Jackie's Hair Tutorials: Braided Headband

 Photos by Kyler Kelly

1) Select a 2-inch section of hair behind one ear

2) Braid that section of hair to the tip

3) Pull braid over top of your head to the other ear

4) Pin braid into place with one or two bobby pins
                                            


Autumn Essentials

Photos by Kyler Kelly

As autumn slowly starts to make itself comfortable, I want to show you some of my personal fall essentials. Firstly, I think an army green jacket is always a must in any closet...I feel like I say that a lot, but I believe a good wardrobe is built on a collection of great classic pieces. Anyway, throw this baby over almost anything and boom, an outfit. Then, of course, there's the hats. This little caramel tuque is one of many hats you'll be seeing in my fall fashion posts because recently, my love for hats has been competing with my relationship with footwear. Lastly, the little fall bootie. Again, you can just never have too many for fall. The brown ones you see above (affectionately named my Jane Eyre booties) are vintage and I'm in love with their classic shape. As you can see, they're a little beat up and I may have to part with them soon. Tear. 

Let me know what your fall essentials are, I'd love to hear all about them! 

Take A Bow

Photos by Kyler Kelly

I have this obession with bow-tied blouses. Admittedly, I am actually kind of terrible at tying bows and knots (how is it that one end always ends up longer than the other?) but I just love the interest it adds to a regular button-down shirt. Not to mention the whole retro-effect. And there's never anything quite like a bright green top to brighten up those gloomy Autumn days.

                                                      

Animal Influence

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Don't you just love yourself a little leopard print sometimes? I know I do. Animal prints have been recurring in fashion since forever and are an essential in every woman's wardrobe. I have always appreciated animal-inspired fashion and fall is the perfect season for this trend to flourish. A shoe, a shirt, a handbag...you can find nearly everything in various animal prints and use this trend to add interest to your outfit. If you are having a difficult time with transitioning into fall fashion, remember you can always count on your old friend, the leopard print.  

A Rose In My Garden Of Attire

Photos by Kyler Kelly

It's amazing what a sillouette can do to an outfit.

As you all know by now, I have many a floral dress but this one in particular, despite the long sleeves and conservative neckline, makes me feel like a siren. It stole my heart the second I tried it on at H&M; it's all in the way it hugs the body just so. It's not exactly a bodycon; it gently hugs your curves and doesn't try to restrict them. Just throw in the surprise peek-a-boo back and forget about it . . .

A dress like this begs for a red lip, flowing hair and equally intriguing heels. This number is most definitely a rose in my garden of attire.

                                                  

Debbie and the Dogs

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Dress: Zara / Jacket: F21 / Booties: thrifted / Hat: American Apparel

Every year, as soon as the weather cools down to a crisp 15 degrees, that black beret is stuck to my head like glue. I can't help it, I've been wearing this same beret for about five years now and I never tire of it. A good hat will always add interest to any outfit and the beret in particular, will go with just about anything I wear. Here, I've paired it with this classic, floral knee-length dress and a more edgy, faux-leather biker jacket. Such a contrast, yes, but the look remains quite girlish, just the way I like it!   

I'd also just like to take a moment to admire the impressive horticultural sculptures behind me.  If you haven't gone to see the sculptures yet at the Botanical Gardens, get on over there before it's too late!