How to Look Cute Without Even Trying

Slouchy, dishevelled and oversized? Count me in. Photo courtesy H&M

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Fashion has never been about comfort - it's just the unfortunate price we pay to look good. And while I totally get the desire to look tall and skinny, even I've had enough of the toe-pinching and stomach sucking for a little while. It's no wonder guys are usually more laid-back. I mean, wouldn't you be a little less irritable if you could actually feel your toes?

Luckily, one of fall's biggest trends goes completely against the typical fashion grain - you know the one where pain is good and comfort is bad. The new look is all about looking like you just rolled out of bed. Um, sign me up (you'll find me on the couch), show me the way to the sweatshirt section and toss me in front of Garance Doré. I am sooo ready to rock this.

From cozy knits that you won't want to take off, to cooler versions of your lived-in sweatshirts, to the cutest toques that'll hid any signs of bed-head, I've hand-picked the season's cutest, most comfy finds. We'll go back to painful fashion next time but for now, let's just enjoy this moment. And breathe.....

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The Better Bundle: Your Fall '13 Accessories Edit

Cara Delevingne in Tory Burch. Photo via Tory Burch.   

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Fashion is in the details and for Fall '13, we can't agree more. These super chic extras might be small but they pack a powerful punch. Check out our edit of must-have accessories, guaranteed to bring your style to the next level, even when you're all bundled up... 

  Fingerless Leather Gloves, $39, Danier 

The Trend: A Leather Accent

How to Pull It Off: A little leather (faux or real) goes a long way. A pair of driving gloves, a moto bomber or a studded clutch (see below) will infuse your look with a little biker edge.

  

Glass Earrings, $10, ALDO

The Trend: Pink Accents

How to Pull It Off: This season, soft pink and other pretty pastels are having a moment. We love sparkly pink earrings because they cast a dazzling light on every complexion.

Animal Print Skinny Belt, $10, American Eagle

The Trend: An Animal Print Belt  

How to Pull It Off: Black pants, white shirts, and solid crewneck sweaters are kind of zzzzz on their own  for work - but add an animal print belt and you've got yourself an outfit. Add it to cinch the waist of your favourite wool coat or little black dress, or to add interest to your distressed jeans.  

Chenille Knit Loop Scarf, $28, RW&CO.

The Trend: Teddy Bear Outerwear

How to Pull It Off: Not a big style secret here - a cozy chenille scarf, headband or even coat are the perfect cozy antidote to a cold winter day. Expect hugs. 

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Razzle, Dazzle: How to Wear Bright Blue

Feeling blue backstage at the Michael Kors Fall '13 show - photo via Fairchild Photo Services

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

It's funny the way colour works;  One minute, designers are claiming that black is out, that bright colour is in. The next hot minute, brights are shunned and black is totally back. I mean, colour? That was sooo last season. While black & white (along with of-the-moment grey, navy and pink) are currently reigning supreme in fashion's inner circles, I'm really feeling bold, bright blue, too. How about you?

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SWOON: 50 Fall Shoes & Boots Under $300

Nicole Kidman in the Fall '13 Campaign for Jimmy Choo. 

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Whether you're mourning the loss of a season or are just having a tough time getting back to the grind, sometimes all it takes is a new pair of shoes or boots to feel refreshed, renewed and ready to tackle what lies ahead. As they say, cheaper than therapy, right?

For Fall '13, designers showed us loads of gorgeous kicks to get excited about. From fun flats to fierce boots, here's what to look for on your next shoe shopping trip:

ANKLE-STRAPPED FLATS: While the basic ballet flat will always be a wardrobe staple, there are loads of exciting options for those of us who want to stay grounded. This fall, look for fun details like ankle straps, pointy toes and wild animal prints to add some swagga to your step.

LUG SOLES: Need to get a grip? Then throw on a pair of lug-soled shoes or boots with oversized treads to keep you on track (and on trend).

PATTERN PLAY: Do you tend to stick with solids in your wardrobe? Printed shoes are the perfect way to dial up your look. A fun pair of plaid, leopard or fall floral heels will make a major impact on any outfit.

TOUGH BOOTS: If there's one message in everyday boots this fall, it's this: the tougher, the more roughed-up, the better. Go for bad-ass moto boots to look like a biker babe (even if you drive a mini-van), or studded lace-up boots to add some edge to your skirts and dresses. And don't forget to hop on the 90's grunge train - combat boots and Doc Martens are back in a big way for fall.

OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS: If you live in leggings, these will be your new go-to. Opt for flat styles to avoid diving into Pretty Woman territory and pair them up with your leggings and knits. Or, go full out vixen and wear them with your skirts and dresses. Check out Reed Krakoff and Ralph Lauren for a crash course.

I did a little shoe shopping for you (I couldn't help myself). Check out these 50 pretty pairs of fall shoes and boots, in stores now and under $300!

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Fall 2013 Colour Report: PINK

Sigrid Agren by Paul Wethrell for T Style Magazine - photo via New York Times

While it takes a confident man to wear pink, it also takes guts for a modern woman to pull off the hue, too. I mean, let's face it, in a world where women wear the pants, bring home the bacon and rule the roost, pink is often seen as a sugary step backwards. One only has to look to Elle Woods and those Harvard haters to remember how judgy people can get about a little blonde dye and a bubblegum pink Chanel handbag...

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