FALL FASHION | How to Shop Smart on a Small Budget

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

September always feels like the perfect month to start fresh. Whether you're back at school or just sent your little ones off, whether you're getting getting back into a fitness routine or just paying those endless bills, bills, bills, September can be a crazy expensive month. 

Since fall is my favourite shopping season of all, I've been tasked with finding ways to look on point without doing major damage to an overstretched budget Luckily, there are loads of smart chic buys flooding into stores for fall that don't feel like you have to sacrifice a thing. From layering pieces that'll make you want this heatwave to end, to the boots that will make you swoon, read on for the smart buys that will help you reach your full fashion potential this fall. 

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FALL SHOE REPORT | The Flats, Heels & Boots We Can't Even Wait to Wear

via Marc Fisher

Originally posted in The LOOK

The heart wants what it wants. And when it comes to shopping, my #1 love will always (and forever and ever) be shoes. Shoes are patient, shoes are kind, shoes won't judge you if you've gained an extra 5-10 patio pounds. Shoes are there to support you, to take you where you want to go and make you feel like a bae while you're getting there. My feet have had flings with everything from flats to four-inch heels but I always have a hard time picking a fave. I mean, isn't that what true love is all about? Acceptance, right?

And so, after years of trying to justify my love, I've accepted my fate as a true shoe addict. This fall, I plan on proving my love big-time. I'll pick up a new pair of black patent beauties to add some shine to my day-to-day - I'm currently torn between brogues and ankle boots. I'll go for many long (ideally 10,000-step) romantic walks in new lace-up kicks (I'm thinking red this year). And, of course, super sexy heels are a must for date nights. Meanwhile, this week's piece in Vogue has me contemplating the need for a pair of practical stompers (aka - cocktail boots) that I'll wear to both hikes and hot-ticket parties. If you can believe it, THE shoe of the season (currently sold out & waitlisted everywhere in the States) is Birkenstock's Boston clog. Hmmm. My credit card and I have come to terms with the fact that we'll be investing in shoes for a lifetime. And that's one long-term commitment we're totally willing to make.

I can't feel my face when I'm with shoes. But I love it. I love it. 

SEE MY FALL SHOE PICKS HERE...

FALL IN | 25 Pieces That Actually Make Us Excited for the Cold

via Dynamite (I know, right?)

Originally posted in The CLOSET

You might not be quite ready for it. You might still be in denial. And yet, September is here which means it's time to get real; fall is almost here. Luckily this means another valid excuse to shop. I mean, when it comes right down to it, it's a matter of survival. Layers help protect us from the cold, hats keep us covered from the elements, and boots? Well, we can't shuffle around in flip-flops forever, can we?

With Labour Day just days away, I'm proactively compiling shopping lists now. Read on to find out what's making my must-buy list for fall. Happy shopping!

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How to Layer for Fall Like a Fashion Blogger

The Julia Cape at Roots

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

While it's hard to pinpoint exactly what makes an outfit Pin-worthy, there's one trick that will forever change the way you dress. And since summer calls for outfits that can handle the heat above all else, fall feels like the perfect time to put this not-so-secret secret into practice. It's called the third-piece rule. 

While 2-piece outfits are enough to keep you from scoring an indecent exposure warning from your HR department, it's that essential third piece that will make you feel like your outfit is complete. Fashion stylists and bloggers wouldn't be caught dead leaving their apartments without their third piece on. Even staffers at Nordstrom, Banana Republic, and Madewell (among others) are encouraged to follow this guideline - they're asked to always wear outfits on the job comprised of 3 pieces, not including their shoes.  And style goddesses like Olivia Palermo usually add a 4th or 5th piece in, just because they can.  

Luckily, the trick is super simple to pull off. Put on your pants or skirt & top. Fine. Now don't forget that third piece. Layer on a jacket, blazer, vest or a statement accessory (necklace, fun belt, oversized scarf, fedora), and you'll instantly take a basic outfit to another level. Wearing jeans and a striped tee? Add a printed vest or blazer over top. Rocking a tulle skirt & a t-shirt? Try adding a little moto bomber. How about leggings and a sweater? Don't forget your blanket poncho. Once you've mastered the third piece, it's time to play around with 4th and 5th elements. Add a printed belt, a sleek necklace or ear jackets - generally speaking, pick 2 neutral colours and then add one unexpected pop of colour in one of your accessories. And don't be afraid to take your cues from the street style pros - after all, they've spent a lifetime perfecting this trick.

See below for the fall layers that will help you get it just right...

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FASHION CLASS | 45 Ways to be Extra Stylish This Fall

Backstage at the Chloé Fall '15 show - via Style.com

Originally posted in The LOOK

It's the most wonderful time of the year. While most people are mourning the loss of summer, we style slaves are staring at the silver lining - poring over September issues, shaking out our summer closets and making room for the sweaters, boots and jeans that will define our fall season. Okay, fine, I'm totally going to miss the warm weather, too. But when it comes to fashion, no other season is better than fall. 

And this season, there is SO much to be excited about. From oversized cardis and distressed jeans to pretty dresses and jewels that will make dressing for work a joy, Fall '15 is loaded with tempting finds. While some of my fashion friends are snobs (and they know it), throwing their entire shopping budgets at designer pieces, I'm all about mixing the high with the low. If I see something designer that I know I'll wear forever, I don't mind saving up and making the investment. But most of the time, it just doesn't make sense to spend money when you don't have to, especially when you're just doing it for the label. 

I get some of my best jeans at American Eagle. I find some of the coolest random pieces at Bootlegger and edgy little accessories at ALDO (always a shock to my Toronto friends at Fashion Week). And with its new design team, RW&CO. is poised to become every working-girl's new favourite go-to.  I included just a few pairs of shoes as a teaser this time but count on a full fall shoe report in the coming weeks. 

Still need some convincing that fall is actually a good thing? Whether you're going back to school or just feel ready to refresh your wardrobe, I've handpicked 45 pieces (almost all under $100) that will make you extra stylish this fall. Don't you just love retail therapy?

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