MAD FOR PLAID | 3 Ways to Wear It Now

via FashionVibe.net

Fall and plaid are my idea of the perfect partners. When faced with a cold day, a great plaid accent always warms things up. Sure, a solid scarf, flannel shirt or cozy coat all get the job done, but it's the bold print that puts a unique stamp on any lacking outfit, adding colour and texture to any solid ensemble. This season, it seems like every store has checked off checks on their must-have lists. 

Here are my 3 fave ways to do plaid right now. Scroll down for outfit inspo:

1) THE REVERSIBLE SCARF | While silk scarves might be a Parisian thing, I see the chunky plaid scarf as our Canadian signature. Wear it draped over your shoulders or neck and belted around your waist, leave it long and flowing, tie it artfully around your neck or even toss it over your couch when you get home. This season, even the chain stores are doing luxe-looking reversible scarves so you don't have to commit to just one print. Genius. 

2) THE DRESSED-UP PLAID SHIRT | You can always wear a plaid shirt with jeans but this season, why not give it the glam treatment? I love a plaid shirt worn with a pencil skirt and sexy heels for a perfect date-night/going out look. The unexpected combo will help you achieve cool-girl status, no matter what your age. 

3) PARTY PLAID |  Tired of being stuck in a sea of LBD's? Plaid skirts, dresses and scarves are an easy way to look instantly festive and stand out in a crowd of black. If you've already got black pants and a white shirt, simply add a plaid coat or blazer, then tie a black grosgrain ribbon around your neck for your next cocktail party. Easy! 

CLICK HERE TO SEE 3 PLAID-PERFECT LOOKS...

WORK IT | 12 Ways to Wake Up Your Work Wardrobe

via Le Château

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

When it comes to getting ready for work in the morning, the struggle is real. And while we all face challenges at our jobs throughout the day, from uncooperative co-workers to a lackluster boss, a bad work wardrobe can make it all so much worse.

Okay, before you pass this post off as a first world rant, stick with me here. I mean, fretting every morning about what to wear must wreak havoc on productivity. Wearing the same suit day after day has got to cut short your creative flow. And all black everything? Depressing. No matter what job you have, your work wardrobe should be inspiring. It should help you bounce out of bed every morning, ready to face your closet with a smile. Okay, fine, coffee first. It should help you strut into your office, telling your company in no uncertain terms that you are not someone to be messed with. And of course, it should be ready for cocktails after work to celebrate a sartorial job well done. Make that a double. 

Whether you're on the hunt for a job or just want to shake things up at your current office, it's all about thinking outside the box. I've gone beyond the basics for this post (good tailored trousers, a fitted white and blue button-down, a beautifully-fitted blazer, a black pencil skirt, a suit if that's how your company rolls) and rounded up 12 ways to wake up your work wardrobe like a boss. Now all you have to do is work it...

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FALL FASHION CLASS | Midi Dressing 101

Prabal Gurung Fall '15. via Vogue.com

Originally posted in The LOOK

You may have already noticed this: sweaters getting longer, knits going head-to-toe, layers becoming a way of life.  We're Canadians - we were born to get cozy - and so of anyone, we can totally appreciate this midi trend that's taken over the fashion world. I don't know anyone who wants to wear a mini skirt in a windstorm. And short toppers might be cute but we need a coat that's got us (and our bums) covered. This fall, it's all about going long and I'm loving it. 

While you might love the concept of long layers, too, you might not know exactly how to pull off the trend. Since most of our closets are stocked with neutrals, I thought I'd start there today. Here are 3 easy ways to do midi dressing this fall:

1) THE LONG VEST | Winter white in loads of different textures looks amazing all piled on. If you don't have a longer sweater, add a long vest to the mix to achieve a midi-length look.

2) THE DRESS/CARDI COMBO | For work, I'm loving the idea of a knit black midi dress worn with a matching black cardi. The key? Make sure the cardi and dress are the same midi length to score that refined loungy look. 

3) THE MIDI SKIRT | Some midi skirts can easily feel dowdy but the new form-fitting midis are surprisingly sexy. Choose a side-slit midi pencil skirt and pair it up with an oversized chunky knit. A long moto biker coat and pointy-toe boots will help finish off your look.

SEE THE LOOKS HERE...

THE BRAND-NEW BOHO

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

If you're under 30, you probably went to at least one music festival this summer. But even if you didn't (and even if you're over 30 like me) you probably dressed like you did. Boho chic has been on the rise over the past few years as flower crowns, distressed denim and fringe have taken over as summer wardrobe essentials. With the sun shining down and the latest indie album on repeat, going boho makes us feel like total free spirits on the weekends, even if we do nothing but work, eat and sleep during the week. 

While that boho vibe usually fizzles out by fall, this season feels different. For Fall '15, some of the top fashion houses embraced all things '70s, providing a softer option for those of us who just don't 'get' grunge. From supple suede coats and boots to pretty bow-tie blouses and flowy maxis, the options for boho babes are endless this season. Read on for my top boho scores and how to wear them to keep the party going for fall. Don't you just love? 

SEE MY BOHO SCORES HERE...

UNDER $100 | 35 Cozy Sweaters to Beat the Chill

via HUNKYDORY Stockholm

Originally posted in The LOOK

Sweater weather has officially arrived and I couldn't be happier. Now that I've packed away all of my summer things and brought my sweaters out of storage, I can't wait to cozy up in all of my favourites. There's the chunky fisherman knit that I know I'll have forever. There's the huge oversized cardigan that I put on anytime I'm tempted to wear my pajamas all day. And of course I've got some fun brights that I love to wear on those extra grey days. 

The thing about sweaters is this - after a summer of high exposure, they're awfully awesome at giving your body a break.  Whether your arms are more rotund than toned, or your stomach's never quite forgotten that you had kids (why won't it ever forget? why???) you can always count on a forgiving knit to keep you covered. Sweater, IMO, should be always be soft and luxuriously oversized (ie. don't be afraid to go up a size). Sure, a sleek tight turtleneck works for layering but otherwise, I like to keep my knits loungey and loose. So how to avoid looking sloppy? Wear tailored bottoms like waxed skinnies or leggings to give your outfit balance.  

While it's worthwhile to invest in a really good wool sweater, you don't necessarily have to destroy your budget to stay cozy. I've rounded up 35 under-$100 sweaters at Intercity Shopping Centre to beat the chill this fall. And of course, no sweater round-up is complete without a Shawn Mendes 'Sweater Weather' cover...

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