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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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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SUMMER TREND REPORT: Winning Whites

Liu Wen rocks a Derek Lam LWD. Photo: Harper's Bazaar

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Between Wimbledon, FIFA World Cup, and the upcoming Rogers Cup, fairweather sports enthusiasts like me are currently experiencing some full-on fandemonium. I usually like to participate in team sports (girls shopping trips) and full contact sports (sample sales), but the thrill of Canada's epic Wimbledon run and the World Cup Final Four have me living on the edge of my seat instead.

Sure, I love the games, but you can't blame me for lusting after the style of these sports heroes; I mean, Eugenie in her tennis whites? Talk about 'love'. And Team Germany's highly impractical soccer whites? Winning. 

A hot summer day just begs for this coolest of palette cleansers: bright, solid white. When worn head-to-toe, there isn't a more winning combination for any athlete, whether your sport is sangria-sipping, World Cup watching or, of course, shoe shopping. 

Happy FIFA Finals! Oh, and while you wait for the next game to start, check out my fav winning whites in stores now...

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SUMMER STYLE: The Working Girl Edit

 A perfect office look from the H&M Summer '14 Campaign. Photo courtesy H&M.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Staying motivated for work can be hard work in and of itself. But in the summer? Fuhgeddaboudit.  I mean, seriously, with the sun shining and docks, beaches and patios constantly calling your name, is it any wonder that we want hit the snooze button a few more times than normal?

While we can't promise that a good work wardrobe will make that epic team meeting any shorter, we can promise that you'll be the best-dressed beauty in that boardroom. Simply check out our working girl edit below to look like a boss all summer long. See? Your work here is done. You can go home now (just tell them Sarah said you were needed elsewhere...)

READ THE FULL STORY HERE...

Happy long weekend!

FLOW RIDER: How to Wear Soft Pants this Summer

Long, loose & lovely, how pretty are these pants from the H&M Conscious Collection? Photo courtesy H&M. 

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I've got a soft spot for soft pants. Okay, fine I have a soft spot for pyjamas. I wear them all weekend and often think to myself, 'Wouldn't it be lovely to wear these all of the time?' And while pyjama dressing has been a 'thing' for a few years now, let's be honest - nobody other than supermodels and Europeans can actually get away with this trend. At Paris Fashion Week, the paps would be all over you. In London, Ont. (or any other small town in Canada for that matter), you'd only get pitying looks and maybe a few honks from passersby.

Soft pants, though, are something we can all get away with. Loose, flowy and supremely comfy, there are so many cute ways to make soft pants work for you. Whether you go with prints or solids, with wide or tapered legs or with long pants or shorts, summer is the perfect time to walk away from stiff, constricting fabrics. 

Go on, slip into something more comfortable. These three pretty looks will help you go with the flow all summer long...  

SEE ALL 3 LOOKS HERE ...