Fashion – Page 12

Grape Crush.

“Every act of rebellion expresses a nostalgia for innocence and an appeal to the essence of being.” – Albert Camus

Oh, coat woes…where do I begin? It has become the ultimate first world problem; after losing some weight it has been what feels like an impossible task – to find a coat that fits. Being petite, it’s already difficult to find coats that are perfectly proportioned, so having a good seamstress is a must. Last year my parents gifted me a beautiful Alice + Olivia coat for my 30th birthday, but unfortunately it is now too large to wear without major alterations (which completely breaks my heart). Though not heavy enough to be my official winter coat, I snagged this coat from Zara for a great price, but it still had to be taken in a bit. I love the sleeves, and think it adds a romantic twist, though my husband says it reminds him of a pirate. Underneath, I channelled the 1990s with a crushed velvet dress and a choker, pairing them with my go-to tote and my new favourite pumps. Even though it might be too late for me to find that perfect winter coat, I’ll still be on the look out, or at least just look forward to the warmer weather!

Dress: Forever 21 (old, similar here and here). Coat: Zara (recently sold out, similar here). Shoes: Zinda. Bag: Saint Laurent. Watch: Chanel. Necklace: Forever 21. Lips: MAC Rebel.

Photography by Vicki Bartel

Fashion

Heart Attack.

“Time and memory are true artists; they remould reality nearer to the heart’s desire.” – John Dewey

Valentine’s Day is approaching, which means flowers, chocolate, pink and red galore, but most of all, hearts pictured everywhere! I consider my style to be whimsical, and especially during holidays, I enjoy getting into the spirit. What’s good about Valentine symbols, is that they look cute any time of year. Though I’m still kicking myself for not purchasing a heart shaped tote from Kate Spade a few years ago, there are still other clothing items and accessories that allow me to wear my heart on my sleeve (or shoes, or handbag, or scarf, or dress).

What holiday do you enjoy dressing up for the most?

Charlotte Olympia Love Me heart-appliquéd suede pumps • Charlotte Olympia
Heart Dress • MSGM
Love Moschino heart detail ballerinas • Love Moschino
Burberry heart print scarf • Burberry
Prada Saffiano Heart Charm, Red (Rosso) • Prada
Ps By Paul Smith heart chain print skirt • Paul Smith
Kate Spade New York Be Mine Heart Locket • Kate Spade
Gum Bag Sint
Saint Laurent mini ‘Love’ crossbody heart bag • Saint Laurent
Comme Des Garçons Play canvas heart print sneakers • Comme des Garcons
CHRISTOPHER KANE Love Heart crepe mini dress • Christopher Kane
kate spade new york Unlock My Heart Idiom Bangle Bracelet • Kate Spade

Fashion

Turning a New Leaf.

“The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau

The weather has been erratic lately, going from mild temperatures well above freezing, to down-right cold. Though I much prefer warmer weather, it seems a bit bizarre for winter (global warming?). This also makes it a challenge in terms of what to wear. I find I’m like Goldilocks; I’m either too hot or too cold. Layers are the obvious choice, but sometimes I feel more comfortable without layers because they tend to be bulky. For this outfit, I chose to keep it anything but bulky, by opting to wear a dress from Black Milk. Black Milk is an Australian online retailer that specializes in nylon leggings and dresses with really interesting prints, from pop culture to space. I was nervous at first to wear something as fitted as nylon in fear it would highlight every lump and bump, but it actually does the opposite since it is so smooth. If you are in search of a dress that’s fun and playful, I highly recommend Black Milk. They ship to Canada for free too!

Dress: Black Milk. Bag: Chloe. Shoes: Vianni (old, similar here and here). Watch: Chanel. Necklace + Bracelet: El Dorado General Store. Lips: Marc Jacobs Kiss Kiss Bang.

Fashion

Swing Shift.

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” – Coco Chanel

Shift dresses are classy; maybe it’s because they remind me of Jackie O. They are very versatile, and can be easily dressed up or down. For many, shift dresses are the “go-to” pick for the office or work, paring it with a blazer or cardigan. They are also appropriate for semi-formal occasions, and a great staple for nights on the town. I have even worn this dress with a black knit cardigan, black opaque tights, and ankle booties to keep it casual. When shopping, I try to find clothing that can be worn multiple times and accessorized in different ways. I always find it fun to experiment with the clothes you already own to see how they can be made to look different, fresh, and new.

Dress: H&M. Bag: Mansur Gavriel. Shoes: 424 Fifth. Bracelet: Lulu Frost (old, similar here). Watch: Chanel. Lips: MAC Russian Red.

Photography by Amanda Bentley.

Fashion

Bows + Black.

“Fashion is about dreaming and making other people dream.” – Donatella Versace

There are just some things I cannot resist when it comes to clothing details: embroidery, frills, flowers, and most of all, bows. Seriously, if there is a bow, I will most likely want to purchase it. Sometimes bows can come across as too girly or childish to some, therefore I recommend that one keeps the number of bows to a minimum.

Below are some of picks that combine my love of bows and the most classic (and easiest to accessorize) colour, black:

Nicole Miller Short-Sleeve Bow-Detail Sheath Dress • Nicole Miller
Riah Fashion Bow Wrapping Choker
Miu Miu Bow Rib Knit Scarf • Miu Miu
Kate Spade New York – Dorothy Bow Gloves Extreme Cold Weather Gloves • Kate Spade
Women’s Alice + Olivia ‘Addison’ Bow Front Jacket • Alice + Olivia
Women’s Cole Haan ‘Tali’ Bow Ballet Flat • Cole Haan
Ted Baker Caelia Bow Medium Satchel • Ted Baker
Shiraleah Orlanda Bow Pouch – Black • Shiraleah
Milly Cascading Ruffle Stretch-Poplin Midi Skirt, Black • Milly
Kate Spade New York Embellished Bow-Neck Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress, Black • Kate Spade
Federica Moretti Knit Wool Beanie w/ Bow • Federica Moretti
SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Trance Satin Point-Toe Bow Pumps • Sarah Jessica Parker

Fashion

Wild Thing.

“You were once wild here. Don’t let them tame you.” – Isadora Duncan

Every time I want to wear this dress, I second guess myself because I’m worried it will freak people out due to its busy pattern and spiked shoulders. I actually bought this dress a couple years ago, and have only worn it a few times. However, in the last year or so, I have seen so many studded clothing items and accessories thanks to Valentino. Adding studs really gives an outfit an edge, and combined with animal print, I feel that it can look either tacky or rocking. My tip is to not overdo it – avoid studded shoes with a studded purse with a studded jacket paired with different animal prints. There’s often a fine line between fashionable and gaudy.

Dress: Freak of Nature via Asos (old, love this leopard dress). Bag: Gucci. Shoes: Tahari. Earrings: Vintage (similar here). Watch: Chanel. Lips: MAC Diva.

Photography by Simon Giroux.

Fashion

Into the Woods.

“It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

In addition to my Mansur Gavriel clutch gifted to me by my husband, one of my favourite gifts I received for Christmas was this Bay poncho from my mother-in-law. It’s a great piece to layer over solid coloured dresses, or jeans and a turtleneck (though you’re more likely to see me in the former than latter). Being petite, ponchos tend to overwhelm my small frame, however, I like the length of this one, especially how it’s a bit shorter in the back, because it doesn’t just look like I’m wearing a gigantic blanket. It is also very warm, therefore being both functional and fashionable – perfect for a walk in Ojibway Park!

Poncho: Hudson’s Bay. Dress: Aritzia. Shoes: Audrey Brooke (old, similar here) Bag: Mansur Gavriel. Necklace: Baublebar. Bracelets: Baublebar. Lips: Dior 999.

Photography by Simon Giroux

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