EXTRA, EXTRA! Your Fall '14 Accessory Report

Photo courtesy Smart Set

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

It takes a strong woman to exercise self-control when shopping for fall. Case in point: all the cute handbags, fun hats and haute-looking heels flooding into stores now. Luckily, you can find loads of affordable accessories to bring your wardrobe right up-to-date for fall without busting your budget. With a solid closetful of basics as your canvas, a new pair of heels here or a necklace-of-the-season there will take you right into the new season in enviable style, whether you're going back to school or not.

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SEASONLESS STYLE: Buy Now/Wear All Year

Love this seasonless look from the InWear Summer '14 Campaign. via InWear

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Smack dab in the middle of summer, we're often faced with the toughest of dilemmas: to buy, or not to buy? I mean, should you pick up that cute sundress right now, even if it's on mega sale? How about sandals, or bathing suits or super trendy pieces that might be SO last year once next summer arrives. Yet looking at all of the chunky knits and fall boots making their way into stores just doesn't feel right when it's a balmy 25 degree day.

The idea of seasonless dressing has always made sense but it's especially relevant to our generation. We live in a world where it can be as freezing in your air-conditioned cubicle as on a cold December day. And in the winter, we're usually hot-flashy, whether chilling in front of our gas fireplaces or cruising to work on our (literally) hot bums. 

Want to know the trick to shopping smart this month? Make this mental note to self: Can I wear it all year? From denim to dresses, scroll through the slideshow below for 40 seasonless pieces that'll get you through the entire year without having to make a full wardrobe switch. And when it gets really cold again, just add a parka. Ooops....did I say that out loud? Sorry, you can go back to your air-conditioning now...

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SHORT STORY: 3 Ways to Wear Shorts Now

The pretty summer campaign from Stockholm brand Hunkydory. 

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

School's out for summer but that doesn't mean we can't all use a quick little fashion class. Today's lesson plan? How to Rock the Humble Short. You've worn them for years, or, maybe you haven't? Maybe you've avoided them because they always ride up, or give you a bubble butt, or, because summer hasn't really been much of a summer yet, accentuate the still-lingering paleness of your thighs. 

Shorts have come a long way and right now the stores are stocked with all kinds of cuteness - from printed cut-offs to on-trend bermudas to sporty faux-leather shorts. While you can always throw on shorts and a t-shirt on weekends, there are so many other ways to wear them. Accessories play a key role in taking your shorts from average to extraordinary; from bright or printed sneakers for your off-duty days to sexy sandals for date night. And while you might think of shorts as a tomboy go-to, they can be surprisingly chic when dressed up with feminine jewelry, a printed belt and a blazer layered over top.

The key to short success? Think outside the box. Your legs (and your packs of dropped-jaw admirers) will thank you as the summer heats up. Scroll down for 3 sweet summer short looks inspired by some of my favourite street style blogettes...

SEE ALL 3 SHORT LOOKS HERE...

 

Look More Stylish This Summer + Win Our $100 Smart Set Giveaway

All photos courtesy Smart Set. Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

We all have secrets in our closets we'd rather keep - you know, like that ratty old t-shirt you can't bear to give away, those shorts that you secretly hope you'll fit back into someday. But let's face it - summer is way more fun when you're properly dressed for it. Breezy summer dresses, chic little sandals, pretty prints and the perfect summery accessories to go with all add up to making an already stellar season even more sweet. 

I regularly rely on Smart Set to keep my wardrobe up-to-date without destroying my clothing budget and luckily, the brand keeps getting better (and more on-trend) season after season. I've handpicked my fav summer pieces from Smart Set to help you look instantly more stylish this summer. And the best part? We;re giving away a $100 Gift Card to shop Smart Set's summer collection. Read on my for summer style essentials and then be sure to enter to win the giveaway below. Happy Summer!

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Your Sun, Sand & Surf Survival Kit

Karolina Kurkova in Sudbury. Kidding... Photo via Vogue Spain.

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

When it comes to body image, you can learn a lot from a 5 year-old. My daughter's criteria for a bathing suit: a) Does it fit? b) Is it pink? c) Can it go in the water? She'll strut around the pool with a crowd of fully-clothed parents and grandparents looking on and not only does she not mind that they're there, but she wants to make sure that they arewatching. A 5 year-old doesn't slowly slip into the water, she canonballs right in. And when it's freezing cold, instead of complaining, she shouts, 'This is ah-MA-zing!!!' 

I know we don't all have perfect bodies but this summer, let's all try our best to forget about our far-from-flat tummies and, like a 5 year-old, let's focus on the fun instead. I mean, nobody's going to notice your thighs when they're busy checking out your super cute sandals. I mean, this is a fashion blog, I'm allowed to be superficial, right?

The stores this season are loaded with fun beach gear, from suits to cover-ups to amped-up flip-flops to help you turn your attention away from your bod to your bangin' beach wardrobe. Oh and to your friends and to your family and to your perfect swandive, too. I've hand-picked my top 50 picks to pick up now, whether you're heading to the beach, the boat or the pool this first official weekend of summer. Sigh...can you even believe it's finally here??

SEE MY TOP 50 PICKS HERE... 

Happy Friday!