5 Ways to Get Out of a Summer Style Rut

via Just the Design

Originally posted in The LOOK

While summer is the most laid-back of the seasons when it comes to fashion, I know so many women who still struggle on the daily with what to wear. More specifically, they struggle with getting out of their style rut. It's happened to the best of us. You know, your work uniform. Your weekend uniform. Your gym uniform. So many of us have the tendency to reach for the same colours, the same styles, the 'practical' choices when we're shopping because it's easy, it's safe and we know it's going to work on us. The result? Fashion fatigue. Zzzz...

Luckily, all it takes is a few key summer pieces to take your summer outfits from boring to beyooond. I've hit up some of my fave street style blogs to help inspire you out of your summer style rut right now, and they're all incredibly easy to pull off. Read on for my 5 simple summer tricks to add instant interest to your wardrobe...

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FASHION CLASS | Score Effortless Summer Style in Seconds

via Sincerely Jules on Instagram

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

The middle of July is one of my favourite times of summer. The stresses of end-of-school have subsided, work has resumed but at a much less frantic pace, and I haven't even started to think about fall yet. Oops, just did. My wardrobe has relaxed a bit, too. While I always like to look polished and put together, it just doesn't feel right to spend loads of time putting together outfits this time of year. 

My summer fashion philosophy? If you can throw it on and go, it's good. I mean, I don't even want to see an ironing board until September. Luckily, there are loads of stylish options for women like me who want to be lazy but don't want to sacrifice their style in the process - from easy, breezy summer dresses to chic basics that you'll rely on summer after summer. 

Want to look like your favourite Instagrammers? I've rounded up the pieces you need to score effortless summer style in seconds. After all, I'm sure you have more important things to do than worry about your outfit, like, um, sangria? Yup, thought so...

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If You Like Piña Coladas...

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Dressing down has never been my strong suit. Picture me, as a 6 year-old, at the beach, in my sparkly bathing suit, with my ruffled plaid purse slung over my shoulder (yes, it was as awesome as it sounds). You could not rip that thing off me no matter how big the waves got or how hard my parents tried. And boy did they try. I couldn't help myself, I was born to accessorize. And yet, I've witnessed more blinged-out beach babes and foundation-plastered trophy wives at the gym than I care to count. So, over the years, through trial and error, I've learned the art of subtlety when it comes to casual style. The goal (always and forever) is looking like you care, but not too much. Never too much. 

Whether you plan on hitting the beach, cottage or pool-deck this summer, swimwear is way more than just swimsuits. If you're like me, you probably spend 86% of your time out of the water with your perfectly-pedicured feet planted firmly on solid ground. Whether lounging on a chaise reading a smutty beach read or making sand castles with your littles, a banging beach wardrobe is within your reach. From sunnies to cover-ups to an Instagram-ready beach towel, the stores are stocked with pretty finds to make your next trip to the water may more stylish. 

Want to make a big splash this summer? You'll be the belle of the beach in these sweet summer finds...

SEE MY PICKS HERE...

#TREATTHEHEAT with Vaughan Mills

The Vaughan Mills Jam Van via Vaughan_Mills on Instagram

I know Toronto's currently in Pan Am lockdown. And I've already personally experienced how much the current traffic sitch sucks. But it's totally worth your while to be downtown this week. I've teamed up with Vaughan Mills on another super fun project and am so excited to share it with you. The Vaughan Mills Fashion Truck will be all over downtown Toronto this week (July 13th-19th) and you do not want to miss it. 

If you spot the Vaughan Mills Fashion Truck come over and say hello - my perfect summer outfit's displayed on the truck (see below) alongside looks styled by Christian Confidential, Casie Stewart, Christella Says and Natalie Ast. Pick your favourite outfit or fashion find, then simply tweet #TreatTheHeat to get a free premium ice cream and a chance to win one of the luxe prizes we've handpicked from Vaughan Mills (aka Canada's premier outlet destination).

I found this gorgeous oversized Rebecca Minkoff Avery Tote at hr2, which you can win. Check it:

Ray-Ban Aviators, Nike Kobe X kicks and an amazeballs fringed bag from Rudsak are among the other coveted prizes to be won. 

HERE'S HOW TO WIN:

1) Follow @Vaughan_Mills on Twitter

2) Tweet us your favourite blogger fashion find w @Vaughan_Mills & #treattheheat

3) Enjoy a free ice cream treat on us

4) Stay tuned to Twitter for winner announcements

Aaaand, my outfit from Vaughan Mills:

White Floral Skirt, H&M, $60 | Neon Necklace, H&M, $10 | Tan Belt, BR Factory, $18 | Short-Sleeve Striped Non-Iron Blouse, BR Factory, $39 | Gold Chevron Bracelet, J.Crew, $14 | Round Sunglasses, Joe Fresh, $22 | Faux-Leather Bomber, Joe Fresh, $17 | Nine West Shootie, hr2, $98 | Pink Bracelet, Charming Charlie, $13

TOTAL - $291

Style | STREET SMART

Inspiration | New York x Paris, on a Friday, in the summer.

Why these pieces work together | When it comes to choosing between New York & Paris, I say - why choose? Blue, white & tan is a classic summer combo my inner Parisienne can’t help but love. But, then there’s my NY side - I love the way the cool black booties and faux leather moto add some street edge to this look. The best part? Each individual piece is a wardrobe booster in its own right. I’d wear this outfit to work on a Friday, then throw on the bomber & aviators and head straight for a chic little patio somewhere to bring on the weekend. In a word: #friyay.

 

See you soon at the Vaughan Mills Fashion Truck. Can't wait to #treattheheat w you! 

 

GYM CLASS HEROES

via ELLE

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Wearing your gym clothes outside of the gym used to be a fatal fashion offense. Bright white running shoes worn with a dress would just never have happened a few years ago. When it came to footwear, comfort equated with totally out-of-touch. And then there were the leggings. Girls who wore Lululemons in public after yoga class were publicly (make that behind-your-back, semi-privately) shamed. 

But like everything in fashion, what was once a faux pass has become a big fashion do. From Gigi Hadid to Karlie Kloss, I'm sure that models started this whole athleisure trend. Instagram shots of leggy supers leaving their ballet classes, yoga studios and boxing rings in their classic old-school Adidas gear made us collectively want to look just like them. And since the fitness movement has recently turned sedentary stylistas into goal-crushing workout freaks, everyone is wearing gym gear 24/7.

This summer, a little sporty goes a long way. An old-school Nike swoosh or Adidas symbol will help you look right on point when wearing black & white. Prefer to keep your logos on lockdown? Look for mesh fabrics and sporty sandals or shower slides to look athletic, no push-ups required. Hair can stay a little roughed up (did you hear sugar spray is the new salt spray?) and makeup should stay minimal, but a bright orangey-red or bright pink matte lip never hurt. After all, even hardcore athletes like to have a little fun. 

See below for some sporty summer outfit inspo. Come on. Just do it ;)

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