fall denim

Yup, you guessed it, another denim post. I just can't help myself. Denim is my obsession and my uniform. It is so versatile, and there are basically infinite possibilities because there are basically infinite styles of denim. I never used to be an everyday denim person (I usually saved it for days when I actually wanted to put some effort into my outfit, as I used to find jeans uncomfortable and dressy), but now I pretty much wear a different style of denim every day and they are definitely my go-to look when I don't want to or can't put a lot of effort into my outfit. Although I definitely don't follow the rule of "no white after labour day", I've decided to stick to blue and black denim for this post, because I love the way they look with fall colours (burgundy, orange, etc.).

dress/pants

(Banana Republic, Fall 2015)

One of the trends that are carrying over to fall that I wasn't too sure about at first was wearing a dress over pants. I know I disregard a lot of styles because I just know I won't be able to pull it off because of my body shape, but for this one I thought even for tall, modelesque people, surely this can't look cool, or even good? But seeing street style photos just showed me how wrong I was.

outfit of the day

Since summer is nearly done (can you believe it's September already?!) I thought I would share my outfit of the days from the last few months to end off the season.

simple fringe

As I've said before I'm not the biggest fan of the 70's look that has been quite literally everywhere this spring and summer (mostly because I can't pull off most of those looks). But, as I've also said before, this summer I really started getting into some simple boho looks that aren't too over the top, and really loving it. I've now gotten used to the flowy dresses, long bohemian necklaces, and sandals, but still the fringe trend is something I'm having a little trouble getting on board with. I'm a simple girl with simple style, and therefore I'm always looking at how to make the crazy trends more my speed and wearable for me.

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

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.

Long Weekends

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I've been crazy busy the last couple weeks. Last weekend was the Canada Day long weekend. I worked all weekend and on Monday my family and I went down to the beaches with our dog. It was the perfect day to sit on a patio and have a beer (which is exactly what we did). We had lunch at the works, an amazing burger joint in Toronto. Check our their website and mind-blowing menu here, I highly recommend!

I went very boho and did an olive green maxi skirt with a striped crop top. I paired the outfit with a long gold necklace and brown gladiator sandals, and to top it off I wore a cute floral side purse.

What did my Canadian readers do for the long weekend? And what do my American readers plan to do for their 4^th of July long weekend?

 

Top: Garage

Maxi skirt: H&M

Necklace: Forever 21

Bag: Urban Outfitters