Attention all sweater lovers!
My absolute favourite sweater is on SALE!!!
I have 3 of them – no seriously 3! Black, Grey and light pink. They are so so so cozy, wear and wash well!
All you need to do is sign up for their emails to be included in the sale! Mine were all purchased at $55, now they’re as low as $25 (depending on the colour!)
I wear a small, although my black is a size M because I wore it throughout my pregnancy.
How is that for a Monday pick-me-up 🙂
Happy Shopping!
It’s been a while since I’ve posted about anything fashion – Mom life and stretchy pants seem to have taken over my daily uniform… but there is still one very true statement – I live in my J.Crew Chambray shirt. I actually put a huge hulking hole in the arm of my last one. The reason – I am constantly finding new ways to wear it, new outfits to try it with etc.
A personal favourite of mine, the denim on denim look is easy to wear, and can be polished or relaxed. Depending on the fit of your shirt as well, the look can be changed with accessories and makeup. It’s a really easy look to add a pair of sneakers with, or heels and some sparkles, depending on your mood.
With a skirt or a dress, putting a cute little knot in the front of your shirt puts a little polish on the outfit. I have a dress I love to wear, but when it comes to being “office appropriate” the spaghetti straps don’t really make me feel like a professional. Add the chambray shirt and a knot, and it’s the perfect addition to my favourite summer LBD.
As reported in My Perfect Travel Shoes I have a bit of a uniform when it comes to travelling. Leggings, T-shirt, Chambray, Walking Shoes. For spring and summer, adding a light layer like a chambray can update and outfit, and dress you in layers – always appropriate when the weather can be unpredictable! Leaving the shirt unbuttoned has a more relaxed look and with the right accessories, can take you anywhere.
It’s almost spring. Sometimes you can feel it. Other times you’re walking home from the store being pelted with rain and freezing cold wind, that turns into hail – before breaking into sun at the moment you hit your door. But hey, it’s not 10 feet of snow and -35 temperatures. This Dorothy is no longer in Canada, but I am still dreaming of spring.
With the change of the seasons, comes the desire to shop. Naturally, what we wore last year is either too small, or not right for our “current self.” At least that is what we tell ourselves. In honour of the change of the seasons, here are a few of the things on my spring wish list.
Currently crushing on this amazing long sleeve swing dress from ASOS. Paired with a pair of chucks, flats, or sandals – can’t you see yourself roaming the streets looking effortlessly adorable in this?
Shop// ASOS
A few weeks back while in London, I tried on this dress at & Other Stories -It’s where my new Black Tote came from too – a store I am now obsessed with (it’s a healthy obsession, I swear!)
This print and shape attracted me immediately. The light Jersey fabric, elastic cinched waist and longer sleeve makes this the perfect transition piece for spring. Plus, it could be worn easily between work and play.
Shop// & Other Stories
Over the last few weeks, I think I have pinned about 10 outfits featuring a flowy midi-skirt. Whether styled with a tee, long sleeve or button down; these outfits are effortlessly girly, and look so put together with just a few staples.
Shop// J.Crew
Shop// TopShop
If you don’t own a pair of white sneakers (in my case Converse), I can only ask why, and heavily encourage you to purchase a pair. A staple pair of white sneakers – even before the “Damn Daniel” meme, is a wardrobe necessity. Whether you’re in for the classic Chuck or the newly redesigned Chuck II, go for it. Paired with jeans, shorts, skirts – you name it, they are necessary! I left Canada right before the Chuck II was available in women’s sizes – but these all white beauties are definitely on my wish list for spring.
Shop// Converse Chuck II
What’s on your wishlist?
Rose gold and copper seem to be on the rise in popularity over the last few years. From iPhone’s to home décor, rose gold and copper seem to be replacing other precious metals. I think I have pinned at least 10 beautifully designed spaces that include rose gold accents. There is something about adding copper or rose gold that adds something a little extra special. Since Emily has a huge soft spot for all things rose gold – including her engagement and wedding ring – this post is dedicated to her.
Whether it is for a bridal shower, birthday gift, because it’s Tuesday or anything in between, here are some great options to add to your wish list:
1// Urban Outfitters Pendant
2// George Home (UK)
3// Bodum Copper Coffee Collection
4// CB2 Paper Holder
5// Jonathan Adler Candle – Champagne
1// Frends Taylor Headphones
2// LeCord
3// Happy Plugs
4// Kate Spade iPad Case
1// Marc Jacobs Watch
2// BAGGU Shopper
3// Essie – Penny Talk
4// Michael Kors
5// Urban Decay – Naked 3
Rose gold. Copper. Gold, whatever your colour is, there are some amazing options to add a little sparkle!
“Black tie” – Two words I seem to see on an invitation now more than ever. I am not complaining… but it means that the question “what will I wear” becomes even more complicated. How many black tie outfits do you have at the ready? Since September, I have been asked to wear black tie 4 times. My most recent outfit for a wedding I think is my most successful, and my most versatile.
In January, Nick and I were invited to Matt & Sarah’s wedding in DC – the dress code? Black tie. This time, armed with some Christmas money, I went out looking for a dress that was more versatile – something that could go with me to any number of black tie Oxford events, and be appropriate for a wedding.
Exactly what you would expect looking for that one great dress that will work for everything, my search was long. But I ended up with a fantastic black skirt and a few tops. The skirt was easy to find, and I instantly fell in love. The tops were much more difficult – mostly, because of the black satin look to the skirt. Matching black’s was next to impossible, and finding things in colour and in the right fabric was much more complicated when looking in January.
I found the skirt at Debenham’s here in Oxford, and lucked out with a few great sales at Zara where I found this velvet v-neck peplum top from Zara.
Overall, the outfit was a hit! I had a few people come up to me telling me how much they liked my dress. I think my favourite was one of the more elderly guests suggested that only girls with small chests could pull off my top (wink).
Back in September, my trip to Paris with Emily called for one black tie outfit – saved by Primark – I thought It went pretty well. The black jumpsuit that I picked up was a great fit and easy to dress up and down.
In October, I rented a dress from ChicbyChoice (the Rent the Runway of the UK) for the Oxford Union Masquerade ball. The reason that I rented a dress was because I couldn’t seem to justify spending upwards of £100 on the dresses that I was finding – nothing seemed to be what I was looking for. This black and gold t-shirt, full length dress was perfect – and after wearing it, I just shipped it back.
Since then, the same “Paris” outfit came in handy for Nick’s MBA Christmas party. The strapless navy dress I have just didn’t seem appropriate for a winter event. I was actually one of two girls wearing a black jumpsuit at the event – and likely one of the most comfortable at the afterparty.
Since attending all of these events, I have come up with a few rules for black tie. Following these will keep you well within the ‘traditional’ guidelines for Black Tie events:
There are a few more events coming up this spring that I will have to bring out the black tie skirt for again – maybe with an update to my jewels and top.
When you find that perfect bag, something just clicks. It’s like the search for that ever elusive perfect pair of boots. You know, the ones that go with everything, never let you down and always look exactly as chic and polished as you always want… In every wardrobe there are favourites – that denim shirt I’ve now had to stitch up is one of them. This post, however, is an ode to 3 black bags I think every wardrobe needs.
Whether you’re travelling, out for a night on the town or running between meetings, having the right bag can finish any outfit. Some might not understand why we need so many, but the truth is, each serves a very clear purpose. In my opinion, even a “trimmed down” wardrobe needs 3 staples – a clutch, a cross-body and a tote – starting with a black is a great place to start.
The Clutch:
A go-to envelope clutch is the perfect compliment to any cocktail dress or outfit for a night out – and they don’t have to break the bank. For my most recent trip to DC for a friends wedding I found the perfect tablet-sized clutch at TopShop on sale for £5.
When it comes to purchasing a “staple” I always think the best route to go is to keep it simple. Here are a few great options!
The Cross-Body:
Cross-body bags should always be on the list for travelling. I remember my first trip to NYC with my mom – I brought a shoulder bag – bad idea. Having a cross-body bag allows you to be hands free – and with the right style of bag, will relieve that shoulder pressure that inevitably builds over a long day of walking. A few years back I bought a woven black Deux Luxe bag (pictured below) that not only can be worn on my arm and dressed up, but comes with a shoulder strap. It is the one bag that I knew I would have to bring when we moved to the UK.
Cross-body bags will come in a huge range of sizes, to keep the weight of the bag down, I recommend going with something mid-sized. That way you can bring along that umbrella and extra scarf you might find you need. If you can be really efficient, the smaller the better.
The Tote:
Totes are the perfect professional catch-all. They should be big enough for a laptop or tablet, have at least 1 inner pocket, and be effortlessly stylish. If you only have room for 1 tote in your wardrobe, best to keep things simple. Clean lines, leather and sturdy.
My most recent purchase from our trip to Copenhagen is the Scuba/Leather Tote from & Other Stories- and I am in LOVE.
Shopping Links:
Holiday’s mean parties. Lots of them. One of my favourite ways to get a little festive with my outfits is to play with my lip colour. I didn’t bring all of my makeup with me to Oxford, so while my selection may be a little more limited than usual, I figured out a few tips and tricks.
Tips and Tricks:
When the situation calls for a neutral, my favourite by far is Colour Riche Balm. I wore this colour to our wedding, and haven’t been able to find the exact same one yet, but I am holding out hope.
It’s the perfect light neutral shade, and the glossy impact is perfect for an understated look.
Nars Lip Pencil + Sonia Kashuk Red:
Sonia Kashuk – True Red:
xx
If there is one thing that I have learnt while travelling – anywhere – it’s that you have to have the right footwear. My favourite thing to do in a new city (besides eat) is to wander. Get lost amongst the people, architecture and new spaces.
Generally, I will spend hours on my feet, which requires just the right shoes. I like simple clean designs, and a non-pinching, non-blister-creating shoe is a must.
More than anything I look for a few things:
Over the years I have found 2 pairs of shoes that I never leave home without. The first is the Betunia flat by Aerosoles. Before you get images of old lady shoes in mind – don’t underestimate these.
My first pair of leopard print Betunia flats travelled with me to: USA, Luxembourg, Germany, Paris, London, Vancouver, Montreal, Amsterdam – over the span of 4 years. Most of these are “walking” cities and they have never once steered me wrong. In fact, I just bought a new pair off ebay.
More recently, I bought a pair of Clarks Glove in white leather. These slip ons have all the looks of a spring/summer trendy, casual shoe, but the sole of a Clarks. They were perfect for Lisbon, and I wore them pretty much everyday this past summer. The perforated leather meant that they were breathable, but still enclosed for cooler days.
Happy Travels!
Always say yes – to Paris and An evening of Couture have highlighted some of the incredible designers that Oxford Fashion Studio brought to life at the recent show during Paris Fashion Week.
Before taking off, there was a little prep that needed to be done – most importantly – What would I wear!?
For the Paris Collections, the dress code was cocktail attire, but then switched to black-tie for the Couture Show. Faced with the challenge that our AirBnB was not going to be close enough for us to change our outfits, we needed a way to bring our cocktail attire into the evening. The simplest solution was to pull something from my closet – unfortunately, I didn’t feel like I had anything that could make the transition with me. So I set out to find something that would – on a budget (a very small budget).
After checking out a few potential options online, I ended up at the Oxford Primark with the perfect solution – a black Jumpsuit – for £15. One outfit that could last me the whole night – and let’s face it – you can never go wrong with black.
For the cocktail hour, I left my hair down, kept my makeup simple and understated, and switched into my big silver studs to replace the pearls I wear everyday. My everyday makeup routine is pretty simple with only a few elements like blush and mascara, but as I was out for #ParisFashionWeek, I bumped it up a little but with some smoky eye-shadow and highlighter.
Paired with a black pair of Coach pumps and my “go everywhere” black purse, I was ready for a little champagne after a day of travelling.
After the Paris collections Emily and I grabbed a light dinner before the next shows were to begin. As the invitation also asked that we come in Black Tie, our dinner break also meant – updating our outfits. A quick change into winged eye liner, red lipstick and a little sparkle, I tied my hair back in a low bun and we were off for the next round.
Outfit: Black Jumpsuit
Neckalce: J. Crew
Shoes: Coach (similar here)
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelets: LockettJewels.net (Instagram: @locsmocs)
There is something so spectacular about couture fashion. The sheer creativity, obvious passion and the time investment so many of the pieces take has a way of leaving you transfixed by the models in these incredible garments. The second show from Oxford Fashion Studio left me feeling ready to take on the rest of the night – after a glass of champagne of course.
The first designer also happened to be a Canadian; but truly all of the designers from around the world did a fantastic job.
Here are some of the highlights from the Couture Show –
BORDELEAU ZEN.CO // SS16
LENIE BOYA // DRAMATIQUE
OMAR MANSOOR // IMPERIAL ROMANCE
MAIA RATIU // VENUS
JOYCARD CONCEPT// FAIRYTALE COLLECTION
KAREN GOLD // STILL OCEANS
BLISS STUDIO TEXTILES // SS16
ELIZABETH DIVINE // IN BLOOM
SIHUA ARIEL CHEN // DARK OPULENCE
JAPO OKWOROBU // JINO LONDON
HELLAVAGIRL // DIARY OF A LOST GIRL SS16
It was an incredible evening – stay tuned for my outfit details!
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