I love the look of military mixed with a feminine touch, like an embroidered dress, or really anything that is equal feminine and masculine. It’s important to have balance, like I always say so my embroidered dress and my floral crown are good with my army green anorak and my rugged grey boots. The animal print on the bag gives a little texture, too.
Floral Crown: Free People
Sunglasses: Aldo
Anorak: Maison Scotch
Dress: Free People
Tights: Anthropologie
Boots: Aldo
Bag: Fossil
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The theme of the month of August so far has been to really keep things simple. I decided to do a little experiment, sort of a reverse before and after or a make-under of sorts. I started feeling a spell of anxiety after I took an inventory of all the items in my closet. Spilling with tops, dresses, skirts, pants, blouses, vests, pullovers, rompers….yikes, I needed to find ways to wear them. So that was what July was dedicated to…wearing things from seasons past and breathing new life (and style) into them. So now I need to sort of detach myself. Your clothes shouldn’t give you anxiety! I decided to be basic. That means t-shirt, jeans, and flats or sandals and very minimal make-up, if any at all. This was a challenge for me, but I didn’t want to feel controlled by a need to constantly be “on”. I absolutely enjoy playing dress-up and I don’t think that will change, but at times I need to remind myself to keep it simple. This little experiment has allowed me to get an extra 30 minutes of sleep every morning, and the world can also see my face full of freckles which are usually hidden under a blanket of bronzer! Anywho, here’s to August’s new focus, and an experiment to see how long I can last.
xoxo
Jo
Sometimes over thinking an outfit can be stressful, and I have stepped out of my house thinking I’m fashion-forward but really should have toned it down a bit. That’s why it’s good to keep it sweet, and simple like Amy here. She’s still so stylish with her Dior frames, love them! She’s accessorized just enough with the two pendant necklaces, the oversized kimono cardi is from American Apparel, the gauze tank top is Plenty, along with the skinnies, and the cute platform sandals are from Urban Outfitters. I love the look, and I love that she has a soft ombre in her hair and red lipstick! You don’t need to go overboard to be fashionable, this is just enough.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all these trends, floral denim, coloured skinnies, crochet tops, everything in mint green or soft peach! So, before you feel like you have a million things to get to update your wardrobe, follow these examples. This is exactly how I shop, and this is how you can pull off a polished look without breaking the bank.
1. Whatever is trendy this year should not cost you more than $100, if that. If you’re into the coloured denim go buy a pair from Plenty, Zara, or even American Eagle for less than $80. You really don’t need to buy a pair of coloured premium denim that will run you upwards of $200, you’ll be sick of the colour by next year, trust me. Spend money on a good proper fitting pair of light blue or medium rinsed jeans for the summer, or a pair of slightly oversized white jeans, these ones will be classic pieces in your summer wardrobe.
2. Take it a bit easy on the mint green and peach this year, buy one or two pieces in these shades, and that’s enough K?
3. Spend money on a good purse, I repeat this all the time – and pay attention to the detail and the craftsmanship, spending $400 on a fluorescent yellow Rebecca Minkoff might not be in your best interest (although it is pretty), instead spend the money on a black or tan bag which will literally last you season after season.
4. You need a cute and fit jacket for spring and summer, so it is not a good idea to get a cheapo polyester one, you’ll sweat your butt off and pretty soon your new bottle of Marc Jacobs Daisy will smell a little less than floral. After the demise of our planet, the only things to stay will be cockroaches and polyester…ick! Not saying I’m not guilty of the odd P purchase, I’m just sayin’ for the things you wear more than twice a week (like a good everyday blazer) a natural fiber is smarter!
The classic trench is from Banana Republic, for $140 and it’s 100% cotton. The wedges are the best colour to buy if you’re budget is tight this year, they go with almost anything, will look adorable with skinny jeans, wide leg pants, or skirts you name it, they are by Dolce Vita for about $90. Don’t skimp when it comes to a good pair of everyday jeans, I like these ones by Genetic Denim, around $200 but you will wear them this year, and next! Having a cute tush is priceless! Lastly, if you’re a career gal you need an everyday chic bag – if you’re not into black then buy grey or tan – they will work for any season and will not go out of style. This one is Foley + Corinna for $370. Now that you have your everyday staples, you can jazz up your wardrobe with inexpensive bright floral tops, a few pretty scarves and some bright accessories – you won’t have to spend a lot on these fillers, hit up H&M and that’ll do ya! Happy Hunting for your staples this year, let me know if you need any help!
I always talk about balance when building an outfit. The best way to put a look together is to put the feminine with the masculine. I tend to take the frilly, girly look to heart – and even I have to remind myself that adding an edge or some cut looks to a flowy dress can really be fashion forward. This dress I’m wearing is super light and soft, so I paired it with a navy, double breasted blazer. I added the fedora for a little edge, and the little eyelet cropped top adds a little more softness (recently purchased from Brandy Melville on Granville). The two tone infinity scarf is also from Brandy Melville, fedora and dress are from Plenty, blazer is from Anthropologie 2 years ago.
hmmmm, what to pair with bright skinnies, how about an ivory free people tunic $130, a jean jacket, and a fedora? The whistle necklace actually works! It’s from Plenty, along with the hat – $26 and $28 respectively. Skinnies are from Free People too, $70. Sandals are from Browns, 2 years ago though! Happy hunting for those bright day-glo colours, you’ll need them for summer.
I loved Ireland. It was a bit cold so when the sun was shining, we definitely took advantage of it. Layers are good here, I’m wearing a Minkpink tunic, with pleats in the back, a Minkpink loose blazer, boots are Hushpuppies, bag is Anthropologie. The crochet top was part of a Collective Concepts top, but thought it mixed well with this tunic. Great idea to always use your pieces in different ways.
In my “garden love” post for Style Nine to Five, I showcased this lovely crochet and floral dress from Free People ($118), and I loved it so much well, er, I ordered it online. It’s so bright, painterly, and feminine. It goes perfectly with my floral crown and the locket that I bought ages ago. The dress comes in a pretty yellow and mauve version too! The handbag is old Anthro, but there are several places to get a bright bag these days, just make sure you don’t take a short cut, a good quality bag is noticeably good quality, go to Winners and you might be lucky and find something great for a good price, look for good stitching and try to stay away from hardware that is overly shiny. You can barely see my nail polish, but I’m wearing Mint Sorbet by Sally Hansen and it’s my must-have nail colour this season!
First, identify what your plans are this summer, then find the perfect dress to match your lifestyle. Are you going to a lot of weddings? Are you planning on going on a lot of hot dates 
? Or, are you planning on long walks by the water? If all of the above sound good, well then girl you got some shopping to do Keep in mind your height when shopping for specific lengths of dresses, if you’re petite you can wear a maxi, but make sure you’re wearing a cute pair of heeled wedges. You long-legged gals be careful with the mini dress, don’t wear too high of a pump. Keep it classy, ladies!
Happy hunting for your favourite summer dress this year!
I found this embroidered floral treasure at Front and Company, though I’m not sure what era it’s from it’s definitely vintage inspired. The black lace bell-sleeve blouse was a sale purchase from Anthropologie, the black Big Blue skinnies are from Plenty, they are my FAVOURITE skinnies right now, and you know my love for skinny jeans – these ones make the tush look good y’all! Do you think the shoes are Jeffrey Campbell? They are an Aldo knock off, on sale for $50, and they are so comfy – ok and before I get any emails, obviously they are not as comfy as your worn in running shoes – but if you wore running shoes with skinnies (actually anywhere but the gym for that matter) you have some life choices to reconsider. So no you can’t run a marathon in these shoes, but you can walk in them comfortably and confidently for hours! My collection of bracelets are a mix of real jewellery and costume jewellery. The gold bangles are real, and are special to me because they’re truly vintage (from my wonderful mom), purchased from Lebanon years ago! I love incorporating my mediterranean heritage in some ways with the gold accessories I’ve collected over the years, and they will never go out of style. The handbag was a $16 find, again at Front and Company here in Vancouver, and that’s all folks. I hope you’re inspired to be adventurous with your style.
A: YES! I love navy and black together, I think it looks classy. Make sure you choose pieces with texture though, so that you don’t get a dull look. Look at the outfit below as a guideline.
Stretch velvet pants: Gap | Carapace wedges: Anthropologie
Amanda Uprichard blouse: Piperlime | Metal facet bracelet: Topshop
Diane von Furstenberg handbag: Shopbop | Wool trench: Topshop
