Outerwear Vests

Ok, so I'm a little obsessed with vests. I did a post in the summer including ones made of leather, cargo, and denim, saying that they're perfect to throw on last minute to top off an outfit. (Although it's  a lot colder out now, the rules still apply, so you can read that post here). And I definitely still feel the same way, about sleeveless pieces being able to add that little something to a look and make it completely different, only now that the weather's cooled off, there are tons of outerwear vests that I really wanted to talk about. Now, instead of the lighter materials, we're seeing vests made of wool and fur. Think of these vests as a great transitional piece inter your thicker coats.

When it's still early fall and the weather is just starting to get cool, wear one of these with even just a T-shirt or long sleeve. Then, as winter approaches, try it with a knit sweater or even over another jacket, just to get that layering effect. Choose an outerwear vest in a neutral colour like the ones below, so that you don't have to limit your outfit underneath.

1. Classiques Entier

2. Michael Kors

3. Slater Zorn

4. Topshop Unique

5. Isabel Marant

6. H&M

7. Club Monaco

8. Noriko

Wild Western

Whether you've been shopping on the streets downtown, perusing blogs, or flipping through magazines, you've probably noticed that a major trend for Fall 2014 is South Western. Maybe it's the colours used in this trend (fall colours and earth tones) or maybe it's the fact that it looks amazing when layered (for cool weather). Either way I would have to say this is one of my favourite trends right now. Think boho, but with more layers and ikat prints.

The key with any trend, especially one this intense, is to pick one or two pieces to build an outfit around, so you don't look like you're coming straight off the runway or dressed up for a costume party. To build the perfect, not over-the-top Western look, start with a solid coloured pant or long skirt, like brown or green. Then, add a long-sleeved T or sweater in a neutral colour, such as off-white or grey. Then, to top if off (literally) throw on a poncho or oversized scarf in a fun, Western print. Accessory-wise, anything with fringe or feathers is what you want, and no Western look is complete without a wide-brim, felt hat. And don't worry about not creating enough shape in the outfit; this style is all about heavy layering!

1. Poncho Coat: Zara

2. Earrings: Maria Francesca Pepe

3. Sweater: Topshop

4. Crossbody Bag: Lucky Brand

5. Hat: Vince Camuto

6. Boots: Forever 21

7. Pants: John Lewis

8. Scarf: H&M

9. Skirt: Valentino

My City Gossip: Scarves

Check out my latest from My City Gossip, talking about the latest trend in scarves!

Electric Feel

Yet again, one of the hottest colours of the season is this beautiful, bright, electric blue. There is not much more to say about this colour trend that I haven't already in previous posts about it (see Surprise, Surprise and From Fall To Summer) . I love the idea of taking such a bright, predominately summery colour and turning it into something we can wear in the cooler months. Especially in pieces like the ones below, how can you not love this electric blue for autumn?

1. Blazer: Zara

2. Boots: Kenzo

3. Sweater: Material Girl

4. Dress: Jil Sander Navy

5. Scarf: Etro

6. Trousers: Freda

7. Bag: New Look

8. Hat: H&M

Grunge Girl

For me, the perfect time to go for a grunge look is fall. The fabrics, patterns, pieces and colours of the grunge style are just so perfect for autumn. I'm talking plaid, chunky sweaters, beanies, and burgundy, amongst other things. It's just a time to wind down from the cute sundresses And that is what this outfit is all about.

It's also about some very hot trends right now. Graphic T's, for one, are showing up pretty much everywhere. And especially white ones with basic, black writing on it, like I talked about in my post, Say Something. The black and red flannel plaid is also having a huge moment, whether in button ups, like I'm wearing, dresses, skirts, or scarves. Be sure to tie your flannel plaid (whatever colour scheme) around your waist for that extra cool, grunge look. And lastly, ripped jeans. I know I've talked about how hot they are on previous posts and my Instagram, but that is only because it cannot be said enough. If you're going to invest in one single piece this fall, let it be distressed denim because they aren't going anywhere soon.

Beanie: Forever 21

T-Shirt: Zara

Plaid Shirt: H&M (boys section)

Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Shoes: Wild Diva

Purse: H&M

Sunglasses: Boathouse

Ring: Suzy Shier; Bracelet: Aldo

My City Gossip: Summer To September

Even though the weather has been getting cooler lately, I'm still not quite ready to make the closet switch over to my fall clothes just yet. If you're not either, read my latest article for My City Gossip to find out how to keep your summer stuff in your wardrobe for just a while longer, and how to mix it with fall items for the perfect transition looks!