FALL FASHION | The New Way to Layer

via harperandharley on Instagram

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Don't let this last day of summer fool you for a single hot minute. Sure, it might not get freezing overnight, but before you know it, we'll be swapping our sandals for closed-toes, our tees for toppers and our breezy cute things for errthang cozy. The start of fall always signals a switch from simple, throw-on-and-go dressing to the all-important art of layering. For minimalists (aka the fashion lazy like me), layering can feel like a daunting task. I mean, seriously, who has time for mixing and matching textures and colours and playing with proportions to get it all just right when you've got 2 screaming kids, an early morning commute, or a snooze button addiction to contend with. Unless you're a stay-at-home stay-at-home, you don't.

Thankfully, this fall is all about laissez-faire layers that make all your casual go-to's look much cooler.  Whether it's an open grey sweater coat or cardi worn over your favourite slip dress, a plaid shirt dress worn open over your denim, or a  cozy statement sherpa bomber, you'll be begging for the cold weather to make an appearance, if only so you can start wearing these looks stat.

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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.

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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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LOOKS WE LOVE | Sweater Weather

Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall '15 - via Vogue

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I've put away my shorts. I've packed away my sandals. And looks like the small tan I had is already nothing but a margarita-filled memory. Summer is over. Gone. Finito. And I can't help but feel like I'm ready for what's next. This in-between season can make even a professional shopper like me want to just give up and wear pajamas all day. Not that I'm doing that right now. Or am I? (#bloggerbenefits) Anyway, the day starts out freezing but by the afternoon, you're a total hot mess. Plus, I don't know about you but I'm done with looking at fall trends - I want to actually wear them in real life.

So today I've finally done it. I've replaced ball caps & light summer scarves with my plaid scarves and fedoras. And I actually cried a little when I brought out my box of sweaters this morning. My favourite ivory fisherman knit that I scored at a Hudson's Bay designer sample sale last year was there. My go-to cozy grey sweater was right there beside it. And there are a few knits in that box that need some TLC before I parade them around in public. Um, this and this and a few hours on Netflix should do it. 

Since so many of my favourite fall outfits include oversized sweaters, I thought I'd share some sweater inspiration with you for the new season. See some of my favourite sweater looks below and get ready to get cozy - like you needed convincing...

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OUTFIT INSPO | 3 New Ways to Wear Your Long Cardi This Fall

via Mango

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

After an epic late-summer heat-wave (I can't believe I'm about to say this but...) I'm actually excited for it to cool off. Seriously. I check The Weather Network daily, hoping for single digits. I can't wait to throw on the layers, cozy up in sweaters and cover up again. Weird? It must be a Canadian thing. Or that we have no A/C. Yup, that's it. While bare-all bikinis and total K.O. crops get right to the point, there's this unexpected sexiness that comes with sweater weather. And while I live in knits all fall and winter, the extra long cardi has become my favourite go-to piece.

Luckily, the long cardi is something that everybody (and every body) can love, since they're so ubiquitous this season. From thigh-grazing to floor-sweeping, from bold brights to moody neutrals, from chunky marled knits to lightweight dusters, the long cardigan is a cozy piece that will finish your fall outfits to perfection. This season, there are loads of new ways to wear cardigans. Here are 3 of my current faves:

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