Floppies and Fedoras

Photo courtesy Gap

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Why is it that on vacation, no matter what the weather, fun hats are such an essential part of our wardrobe? In our relaxed state of mind, OTT floppy hats and playful fedoras seem so at home on our heads, but at home? Not so much. I mean, how many times have you thought about wearing a hat and then taken it off? I can't explain it - maybe it just doesn't feel very Canadian, or maybe it's a short supply of margaritas (#tragic) but whatever the reason, let's all commit to wearing more hats this summer. Not only will they protect our faces from the sun's rays but let's face it: hats are super cool. Just look at Jessica Alba, Emma Roberts or Reese Witherspoon who regularly rock hats for some celeb inspiration.

I for one am going to go incognito with a good mojito in these wicked hats from Gap. I'm loving the ombré effect floppies and the brightly-hued fedoras, perfect for adding the cherry on top to any summer look. Aren't they pretty? xx

Ombre Floppy Hats and Straw Fedoras, $29.95, Gap 

The Modern Way to Wear Florals

A cool floral shot from Blame S/S '13 Campaign - photo courtesy Blame

Originally posted in The CLOSET

The April showers came - oh did they ever - and with them, naturally, the flowers. Hooray! And while those darling buds of May are a joy to behold in our gardens, wearing them can be a little tricky.  I mean, you don't want to look like a teenager (unless you are a teenager, in which case, go on with your bad self), and you definitely don't want to look like a grandma, even if you are one.  The florals of Spring '13 are, as always, bright, cheery and fun but to make the most out of the season's best buds, it's all about how you wear 'em.  

I've put together 3 looks to show you how easy it is to pull off florals in a super modern way.  Whether you go for the bold with a bright mirror print frock or keep it subtle with a blue & white boyfriend shirt poking out under a lightweight sweater, you'll look positively Spring-y with the right floral print.

Happy May 1st to you! xx

P.S - For the first outfit, change up the handbag for grass green, bright yellow or even pink to reinvent the look over and over again. Oh, and that amazing Cleo dress? How Mary Katrantzou is that??

  

 

THE FLORAL SHIRT: Crossbody Bag, $59, Danier; Navy Trousers, $34.95, H&M; Preen x ALDO RISE Pump, $155, ALDO; Jocelyn Sweater, $119.50, Club Monaco; Floral Blouse, $39, Smart Set; Silver Necklace, $14.98, ALDO

THE FLORAL PANT: NYC Tee, $24.95, American Eagle Outfitters; Ray-Ban Shades, $189.95, Sunglass Hut; Botanical Skinny, $149.50, Club Monaco; Python Clutch, $45, RW&CO.; Ankle Strap Sandals, $89, Guess; Cropped French Terry Moto, $53.70, Aeropostale

THE FLORAL DRESS: Floral Dress, $60.20, Cleo; Silver Pumps, $34.98, Spring; Erickson Beamon Earrings, $139.50, Club Monaco; Denim Jacket, $34.95, H&M; Studded Foldover Clutch, $45, Le Château

Friday Find: An Of-The-Moment Moto

AE Denim Moto Jacket, $59.95, American Eagle Outfitters

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When it comes to jackets, moto bombers are currently where it's at.  The tell-tale exposed angled zips, oversized lapels and cropped silhouette will make you look like you're ready to hit the open road, even if you actually drive a mini-van.  Shhh...I won't tell. In this jacket, you'll look edgy and cool - like a true biker babe, minus the high insurance premiums and bugs in the teeth.  

I love a moto jacket because it's so super versatile - I wear mine with white skinnies, a buttoned-up blouse and pointy-toe pumps when I want to look polished, or even layer it over my flouncy skirts and floaty summer dresses when I want to add a little edge. Most of the current crop of moto bombers are leather, and thus not super friendly to budget-minded beauties - luckily this AE score is only $59.95 (!) Crazy, right? Now that's a fashion risk I'm totally willing to take...

Happy Friday! Vroom, vroooommmm....

xx

Prom Perfect

Originally posted in The CLOSET

PROM - That other 4-letter word which, like LOVE, is so loaded. First, there's the question: 'Will you go to prom with me?' and for the guy, it kind of stops there (Scroll down to the bottom for the cutest promposal EVER).  For the girl, that simple little question is immediately followed up by a mental, 'YESSSS! He loves me!' or a 'No, actually, I don't want to go to prom with you, but at least I'll have a date and then I can ditch you the second we get there so I can party with my besties,' or a 'Yes, I want to go with you but just as friends, right?' or even a 'Prom? I don't DO prom.'

Next up is texting every friend to let them know about your new date - 'OMG, he asked me to PA-ROM!'. The next few months are full of Promzilla-esque fretting over every little thing. The guy just walks into Bud Gowan. Done. For the girl, we're talking months of searching, and it always starts with the dress... 

Read the full story here and check out shimmery heels, short & sweet minis and classic LBD's, perfect for a prom, wedding or swank summer soirée xx

   

Snake Charmers

Spring '13 at Proenza Schouler, Gucci & Erdem - photo credit: Fairchild Photo Services

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Snakes suck. I mean, not literally (I don't think?) but let's face it: they're cold, and creepy and can kill you. And so, I've never really been a fan. Now that I think of it, I don't think I know anyone who likes them. The sad part? It's so not their fault. A little baby snake with its cute little baby snake diaper is probably pretty sweet and I'm fairly certain it doesn't actually want to hurt anyone. It's just that, if someone was coming at me with a pitchfork or a shovel, I'd probably lunge, too, wouldn't you?

As it turns out, most people are almost as afraid of snake prints as they are of the slithery beasts themselves. And I'm here to tell you, as a full-blown ophidiophobic (yes, I looked that up), that when it comes to python, it's just not that scary. In case you missed the memo, 2013 is the Year of the Snake - that's right, the year where we celebrate all things serpentine - so I can't think of a better time to face our fears head on. So how do you wear python print? Think of it as the leopard's slightly edgier younger sister, something that's good in small doses, say in a shoe or a bag or a statement blazer, to add an instant dose of cool to any solid ensemble. Want to go all out? Try pairing a neutral python with a summer floral or opt for snake print done up in a pretty pastel or bold bright.

Before you know it, you (and maybe even I) will be sssimply sssmitten for snakes. Well, the print at the very least... 

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

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