Grey Coats

Now that I've heard it's supposed to be a mild winter, I have no problem making this post. I love fall coats so much. There are so many options and so many different styles and materials. They are so much nicer than puffy parkas and so much more flattering. So when I heard the good news about the weather this winter, I was overjoyed. Hopefully my lighter jackets will be enough to get me through till summer!

WMCFW: Day 1 Outfit

Obviously like any fashion-obsessed person, I had my outfits for fashion week picked out about a week before (well, a week before is when I finalized them; I'd been working on what I was going to wear probably since the beginning of the month), but if I learned one thing on the first day of fashion week it was that you can plan all you want but Mother Nature ultimately makes the choice of what you will wear. 

The plan was to wear a sheer white cross-over blouse with a heavy fur vest (I loved the contrast between the two, especially with the boyfriend jeans), but because it was so cold and rainy I had to add a little leather jacket under the vest and change from my open-toe black booties to these tan ones. But, as you can see, the outfit still turned out pretty cute and I was definitely warm enough in all my layers. The only complaint I have is that I had to lug around my big umbrella, and that we had to move this little photoshoot inside the house, where the lighting was definitely not as good as outside.

If you remember my Instagram of when my sister's friend did my hair with the wrap around braids, that day I knew I wanted her to do my hair like that again one day for fashion week. We figured we'd start the week off right and do it on the first day of shows. It also ended up working out that my hair as up since the rain and humidity would've made it frizzy. Anyways, here is my outfit from day 1 of Spring/Summer 2015 fashion week!

Blouse: H&M

Fur Vest: Zara

Jeans: Bluenotes

Bag: Old Navy

Boots: Old Navy

Ring: Topshop

Lipstick: Mac Cyber

My City Gossip: White Coat

My latest for My City Gossip, talking about some fabulous white coats and where to get them at two very different price points!

Also, today is the first day of World MasterCard Fashion Week for Spring 2015 collections. I was able to obtain a media pass for the week, and it will be my first full fashion week (I attended one show last year for the Spring 2014 collections, and one menswear show in the summer) and I couldn't be more excited. Check my instagram to keep up with my week, and though I'm not sure when I'll be able to get them to you since the week will definitely be crazy busy, I will definitely be sharing outfits and show reviews with you right here on my blog!

Red Hot

Since I posted about electric blue being big this fall, it has gotten a lot cooler out, and now I think its time to talk about a trend that will actually warm you up. This beautiful poppy red is almost always seen for the end of the year; starting in September when the leaves start changing into a similar colour, and straight through to December when it becomes celebratory for Christmas.

Whatever the month, though, be sure to make this statement colour part of your wardrobe! Because of the very wet weather we've been having, I've decided to include super cute rainy pieces, like the umbrella and rain boots (which never go out of style). Wear this colour with a classic black and white ensemble, or go monochromatic. Whatever piece you choose to be your pop of bright red, pair it with something burgundy or try a lighter pink (also very trendy, and you can bet there'll be a post about it soon). Or, bursts of red in your accessories (like a bag, hat, or gloves) will give your look that extra boost of chicness!

1. Coat: Zara

2. Rain Boots: Hunter

3. Blouse: H&M

4. Dress: Zara

5. Gloves: Lord & Taylor

6. Umbrella: Fulton

7. Jeans: Alice + Olivia

8. Cross Body Bag: Nine West

My City Gossip: Cape

If you've been as obsessed as I have with the Burberry cape, but it's a little out of your price range, you'll definitely want to read my latest for My City Gossip; Lust-Must!

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

Welcome To The Jungle

This fall the two predominant jungle animal prints we have and will continue to see are snakeskin and leopard, and I really think it's safe to say that these are my two favourite prints. They continue to come back season after season (even for spring and summer), and because we find them in nature, they truly are timeless. If you wanted to invest in some serious leopard and snakeskin pieces that will last you through the seasons, go for some like the items below, in neutral palettes. From time to time, we will see these prints in crazy colours like bright pink, but their natural colours keep continuing to show up.

If you want to go all out, mix these two prints together in one outfit, but remember to break it up with blocks of colour. For instance, wear the snakeskin bralette with the leopard pencil skirt, but add a brown leather jacket and chunky brown booties. Or opt for the prints in your accessories, like the sunglasses and clutch, while wearing a monochromatic outfit. As well, if you are going to mix the prints, keep them in the same colour family (like both prints in grey or both in brown), and wear one print bigger than the other so they contrast each other (like the big snakeskin print on the blouse and the smaller leopard print on the sunnies).

1. Coat: H&M

2. Clutch: Anya Hindmarch

3. Sunglasses: Freyrs

4. Blouse: Topshop

5. Bralette: Nelly

6. Sandals: Joie

7. Trousers: Lanvin

8. Skirt: Balmain

My City Gossip: Bag Basics: Student Bags

This week I started little three part series for My City Gossip about bags and a new start. This first week was about student bags. Click the picture or the link above to read the article!

Summer Highlights

Now that I'm finally getting back into the school year swing of things, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this awesome summer. Even though I'm not going back to school this September (which will be a bit weird), things are definitely going to be different than they were these past few months. And as excited as I am to start this new year, I am going to really miss this summer and some of the wonderful experiences I got to enjoy during it. So here were my summer highlights.

Robyn Styles turned 1!

Started as a fashion contributor for My City Gossip

Lots of birthday celebrations with great friends

Completed my fashion styling program

Attended super cool fashion events

Saw some amazing concerts

Had a girl's cottage getaway

Actually got to spend some time outdoors

And finally...

Ended off the summer with my favourite event of the year...

Fanexpo!

I hope you all had an amazing summer too, and here's to a great Fall! Visit my Instagram for even more pics from the summer!

Quote Of The Week

Just thought this quote was very appropriate for this week. Happy New York Fashion Week everyone!

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

Denim Daze

Denim never goes out of style, but it definitely has its hot and cold periods. Like right now, it is definitely very, very hot, and it is my most recent obsession. Lately, denim has been my go-to for an outfit (and not just when I can't figure out what else to wear; I generally start out with jeans and build the outfit from there), because it is so classic and so versatile. And I'm not just talking pants. I'm talking literally any kind of garment and accessory can be made out of denim. And the beauty is, it can be worn for any occasion (though you may want to double check with the bride before wearing it to a wedding; nevertheless it is possible).

It comes in tons of silhouettes. The colour possibilities are endless: classic blue (then there's light blue, dark blue, medium blue), white, off-white, black, grey, and every colour of the rainbow and then some. There are different washes, and denim with a pattern, embellishment and appliqué on it.

One day you can be wearing a denim jacket with sweats, converse, and a tuque, and the next you can be wearing dark skinny jeans with stilettos, a tailored blazer, and red lipstick. I am also grateful that it can be worn for pretty much any season, as I'm nowhere near ready to give it up for fall. And there are also tons of different types of denim pieces: jackets, shirts, shoes, bags, the list goes on and on. Though I have put some of my favourite denim pieces into a collage below. Enjoy.

1. Bralette: Moto

2. Dress: H&M

3. Backpack: New Look

4. Skirt: Michael Kors

5. Overalls: Blackfive

6. Watch: American Apparel

7. Jacket: Forever New

8. Tie Top: Nic + Zoe

9. Bow: Etsy

10. D'Orsay Flats: Jenni Kayne