CARRY ON: 40 Under-$400 Fall Handbags

The new Coach Fall 2014/2015 Campaign shot by the legendary Steven Meisel.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When it comes to feeling good about ourselves, bags are the absolute best. We all have issues with our bodies, whether it's our hips, our thighs, or the length (or lack thereof) of our gams. Even shoes, which usually seem like a safe shopping bet, can sometimes be tough to find - especially for those of us with odd sizes or unmentionable foot issues. Eww.

But then, there are bags. Ahhh, gorgeous bags that not only protect all of our important stuff on the daily, but also finish off even our most basic outfits. And the best part? They fit every. single. time.

For Fall '14, designers sent a myriad of bag options down the runways. Structured totes and sleek backpacks kept things classic while other designers just went for the fun with colourful furs, '70s fringe, playful text messages and embellishments galore. 

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GIRL POWER: 3 New Ways to Wear Lace

A model on the Burberry Prorsum Spring '14 runway. Photo via Fairchild Photo Service.

Originally posted in The LOOK

You know how you wake up some mornings and are like, 'Oh. Em. Gee. I have NOTHING to wear. Like, literally nothing. Grrrr.' In front of you is a closet bursting with stuff but at this point in the summer, you might be seriously done with all of it. Like you could just dump the entire contents in the Goodwill bin and then you'd actually have nothing to wear but that would be better than those hangers upon hangers of soul-sucking sartorial nothingness. Fret not, fashion mavens, don't let your lack of killer outfits bum you out this summer. Of course, you can find loads of inspiration in my previous posts. But here's one more for you: how about a fabric revisit?

Let's talk about lace, babies. The fabric, oft-maligned for either being too overtly sexy or too grandma's doilies-esque has enjoyed a seriously fun shake-up for summer thanks to designers like Chloé, Peter Pilotto and Elie Saab. The key, whether you're going for sexy or sweet, is to not take lace too seriously. No matter how you style it, lace is meant to be played with. For work, try mixing up a bunch of pastels (google Burberry Prorsum Spring '14 for inspo.) For date night or a big fancy fête, black lace is fail-proof sexy but not when worn with big tacky satin plaforms. Keep your footwear sleek and always add an element of fun - either a pair of bright playful earrings or a bold statement watch. And for the weekend, channel Osheaga style with a sweet lace tunic, distressed denim and neon accents to look like a festival veteran.

Scroll down for 3 new ways to wear lace right now to help instantly shake up your summer look...

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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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SUMMER STYLE: 3 Street Style Tricks to Try

Do the unexpected and pair your skirt with cute kicks. Photo via Clochet Blog.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

It's hard to put your finger on it. But there are some girls who know how to pick just the right pieces, how to mix them up to perfection, and stroll out of their houses every day as street style superstars. Or, at the very least, Instagram superstars. 

Luckily, it doesn't take a lot to achieve sartorial nirvana, especially in the summer months. All you need is the right canvas (read: good basics), the perfect mix of colours, and one stellar accent to surprise the whole look. Read on for my top street style tricks, then get inspired by some of my fav summer looks below...

SUMMER STREET STYLE TRICKS TO TRY NOW:

• PICK PIECES YOU LOVE: See a plain white tee? Um, pass. Go for a solid white but look for interesting details like laser-cuts, an interesting hemline or a tone-on-tone print to take your look from basic to bananas.
• KNOW YOUR BODY: Choose pieces that fit you well and if they don't, enlist the help of a Stitch It tailor. The right fit will instantly help you look more polished and pulled-together.
• BE BRAVE: Opt for a bold bag, a bright skirt or a pair of printed pants. Compliments come to those who dare to think outside the black box.
• BE A CHEAPSKATE: A very basic outfit will benefit tremendously from the right cheap and cheerful accessories. Find a pair of crazy sunglasses, a playful clutch or a handful of rings to instantly reinvent your little white dress.
• SHOP THE WRONG DEPARTMENT: I'll often check out the mens and kids departments for accessories. You just never know what you might find.
• DO THE UNEXPECTED: Street stylers know that beauty lies in dissonance. A skirt with a pair of sneakers is a current go-to trick. Mixing prints (even if they clash a little bit) can be spectacular. The key is to think of what you would normally wear, then do the exact opposite.
• GET INSPIRED: Street style blogs, Pinterest and Instagram will inspire you to dress a little more creatively and will help you hone your stellar street style over time.
• NOT SURE WHERE TO START? See 3 of my favourite street style tricks below, then  enter to win a $75 White Oaks Mall Gift Card to do some summer shopping!

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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...