all white boho

I've never been a huge fan of the boho style on myself. I can definitely appreciate it on someone who has the style and body for it (I'm short and curvy so very flowy things don't always flatter me well), but the most boho I think I've ever gone is throwing on a simple kimono over a tank and jeans (please refer to this insta from last summer).

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

Bohemian Girl

This was the other outfit shoot I did at the cottage, oh about a month and a half ago. There were just other posts I kept working on to post and this one kind of got pushed to the bottom of the list. But it's finally done! And even though it's now September (can you believe it?!), because of the fabrics (suede) and colours (brown) used in an outfit like this, it can still be worn into Autumn. It may be too cold for shorts though, so trade them in for baggy distressed denim, or switch out the lightweight kimono for a slouchy knit cardigan!

The first outfit post from the cottage, Oh So Nautical, I chose my outfit based on the location (in this case, the lake). But the path from the cottage to the dock and lake is very woodsy, and the deck and stairs are beautiful and made of wood, and so I also chose an outfit based on that location to shoot. I felt the wood and and trees gave off a bohemian vibe, and so that is what this outfit is based off. I kept the look very slouchy and relaxed, and used a lot of earth tones and neutral colours. Enjoy!

Top: Joe Fresh

Kimono: H&M

Shorts: Forever 21

Sunglasses: Aldo

Flower Headband: H&M

Boots: Top Shop

Purse: Urban Outfitters

Photographer: Elana Emer

Weekend Highlights

This weekend was so relaxing and fun, I'm so sad for it to be over. But I'm optimistic about the fact that it is hopefully just one of the first of many awesome weekends to come this summer!

Friday night my dad and brother were out doing their own thing, which left my mom, sister, and I for a much needed girls night. I had just found these really cute super chunky sandals at Target earlier that day and couldn't wait to wear them. They gave me a very bohemian vibe, so I paired them with distressed boyfriend jeans, a black kimono and brown braided belt.

T-shirt, Jeans & Kimono: H&M

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Forever 21

Sunglasses: Aldo

(Beers at W Burger Bar)

Our girls night actually turned into a girls day as well, and Saturday the three of us went for lunch and then to a flea market. I wore a pink tropical romper with white sneakers, and topped it off with a matching white denim jacket (though it was on and off the whole day, as the weather was absolutely beautiful!). That night I went for dinner with my parents downtown. I still wanted to keep on the romper but felt that the denim jacket and sneakers were too casual for a downtown dinner. So instead I opted for a black blazer and strappy black heels, added a black purse and beaded white necklace, and threw my hair up in a messy high ponytail. It was the perfect day-to-night look.

Left

Romper: H&M

Jacket: Old Navy

Sneakers: Keds

Necklace: Aldo

Right

Blazer & Necklace: H&M

Heels: Call It Spring

Purse: Aldo

Lipstick: Revlon Colour Stay in High Heels

Sunday the weather was also so beautiful that I was finally able to soak up some sun rays in my backyard. I am definitely hoping to do a lot of that this summer!

Boho 2 Ways

So I'm sure you are all aware that Coachella started this past weekend, and since then I've been seeing a lot of Bohemian style outfits on blogs, instagrams, etc. I don't normally go for a very Bohemian look, as it's just not really my style, nor do I think I could pull it off, but I can definitely appreciate it on others (some people were born to wear this style!).

Not only is the Boho trend hot right now because of Coachella, but because the weather is getting warmer, it's easier to wear the fabrics and whatnot that come along with the style (eyelet, crochet, dresses, skirts). So for all of you out there who also admire this style who don't want to go over the top with it (or maybe you do!), I thought I'd show you how to take certain pieces and keep with a more timid Boho look, or take it all the way.

Not So Boho

Both the top and shorts could be worn separately and not look very Boho, so these pieces are also very versatile. The top has a small and simple print that definitely does not overdo it, though worn together they make the perfect toned down Bohemian look. 

Boho

For the full on boho, trade in the sleeveless chambray shirt for a longer-sleeved one with lots of fringe.

Not So Boho

Again, these trousers have a very simple pattern and also utilizes a monochromatic colour scheme. Paired with a tight black crop top or bustier and chunky necklace would give the outfit a calm look. 

Boho

To take it all the way, go with a super loose fitting t-shirt and tuck it in to the front of the pants, topping it off with layered, multicoloured bead necklaces and a kimono.

Not So Boho

Even though this print is much bolder and folksier than the ones above, it can still be tamed with a structured short.

Boho

To take it further, swap the shorts for flowy, satin trousers in an earth tone, and a gold arm bangle.

Not So Boho

A crochet dress on its own is already pretty Bohemian (though it does have a tamer look), so there's not much you can do to tone it down further. Try adding strappy black heels and a slouchy black blazer.

Boho

To make this dress Coachella-worthy, though, throw on a denim vest, with brown flat sandals and a matching brown belt.