White Hot

One of the biggest colour trends this summer has been head-to-toe white. And i am absolutely obsessed. It just looks so unbelievably chic, and especially in the summer with a great tan, the all-white look is super easy to pull off.

There are a few ways to do the white look this summer. First, you can do a beautiful white sundress, or a top-and-skirt/pants combo. If you don't want too much plain white, opt for a textured piece or one with a light pattern or graphic (look #3 below). Once you have the the base of the outfit down, you have three options for finishing it off. You can add jewelry, shoes, and a bag in one of the following colours. I've made the background colour of the outfit pictures purple, so you could better see the white outfits.

1. White
If you really want to commit to the all white, keep it going with your accessories too.

Dress: Rachel Rachel Roy

Necklace: Topshop

Bag: River Island

Heels: Style And Co.

2. Colourful
If you want your accessories to stand out, then choosing ones that pop next to a white outfit is the perfect option. Keep all your accessories to one hue, like blue, or the same intensity, like neon yellow, neon pink, and neon orange.

Top: H&M

Trousers: Zara

Necklace: Kenneth Jay Lane

Tote: ASOS

Flats: Frye

3. Neutral
If you don't want to go colourful, but also don't want to go all-out white, try neutral accessories in colours like black, nude, grey, gold, or silver.

Blouse: Alice + Olivia

Shorts: Paul & Joe Sister

Blazer: Theory

Belt: Mango

Bag: Charles & Keith

Heels: Daily Look

4. Combination
Don't want to be limited to just one of the above looks? Try a neutral shoe, white bag and bright jewelry!

Sweater: Estraudeur

Skirt: Planet

Necklace: Kenneth Jay Lane

Bangle: Oliver Bonas

Sandals: Hunter

Clutch: New Look

How are you wearing the all-white trend?

From Fall To Summer

One of my absolute favourite colours this season is by far, cobalt blue. There was a very similar colour in style back in the fall, and the fact that it has lasted through the weather change and can now also be a "summer" colour really makes me happy. It looks good on pretty much everyone, and you can pair it with just about any colour (pink, yellow, light green, and of course the beiges, greys, blacks, and whites, and countless other colours). I have shorts, pants, tops, and tons of accessories in this colour and I don't see myself stopping wearing them anytime soon. I find pairing maxi skirts with crop tops very effective in balancing out the different lengths.

As well, one of my favourite pieces this season is the big hat. Not necessarily a beach hat (you know, straw coloured and woven), but a wool hat that you usually see for fall (albeit, a light wool for the hot summer weather). It looks amazing for a bohemian look, which is my favourite, with a kimono and boots (check out my Instagram to see how I wore it here), but also goes well with numerous other outfits. So here is my cool summer look utilizing fall colours and pieces; it just goes to show how versatile fashion can be!

Top: Dynamite

Skirt, Shoes: Old Navy

Hat: H&M

Cuff: Smart Set

Minimalism

If you know me, you know that I love clothing and accessories, and the more layers and additions to my outfit, the better. But lately I've been seriously digging the minimalist approach and there is definitely something to be said for simple, minimalist fashion. Minimalism in fashion means different things to different people (and in different areas of design); to some it is minimal layers of clothing; to others it is accessorizing sparsely (possibly just a thin bangle or ring); to others still it is dressing simply in black and white. That's the beauty of the fashion industry; you can define almost anything anyway you like, and still be on trend and in style.

The way I like to picture minimalism is clean, simple, geometric lines, with not too much colour. When there are curves, they are very soft and natural, like the blue skirt below. When there is colour (also like the skirt below), try pairing the piece with crisp tops in black or white. I also believe in sparse accessories, in colours like gold, silver, black, or white, and those should also be in simple shapes. Slim fitting trousers or jeans with no rips are also very minimalist, and go well with any top. Try them in simple and solid colours.

1. Tote Bag: Derek Alexander

2. Dress: Alice + Olivia

3. Pencil Skirt: Love

4. Necklace: Material Girl

5. Watch: Movado Bold

6. Top: H&M

7. Oxfords: Rachel Zoe

8. Blazer: Zara

9. Jeans: Moto

10. Sunglasses: Aldo

Tropical Prints: Pineapples

In relation to my post the other day about tropical floral prints, there is another tropical print that I have been seeing basically everywhere, and it is just too cute. It seems (at least to me) that every summer a different fruit print comes into style (strawberries, watermelons, lemons, etc.), and this year it looks like it is the pineapple's turn.

I feel like pineapples are very underrated, and most people overlook them when talking about their favourite fruit. Plus they are adorable to look at, especially on garments and accessories this summer. Fruit prints are awesome to wear. because you can mix and match them and make your outfit into a little fruit salad, or leave the print to one part of your outfit (for example, shorts) and do a solid colour  on the top (for example, a green tank). Colours that look good with the pineapple print are pink, green, and baby blue, as they just make it feel so tropical and beachy, but feel free to go colour crazy with your pineapples!

1. Sunglasses: Boohoo

2. Bikini: Zara

3. Bracelet: Alex and Ani

4. Dress: J. Crew

5. Sweater: Topshop

6. Shoes: ASOS

7. Tank: Dorothy Perkins

8. Clutch: Klear Klutch

The Bomb Squad

One of my obsessions right now is bomber jackets. I know, just in time for no-jacket weather right? Well, there's still cool summer nights to come so I guess I can still get some use out of them. Bomber jackets are just so versatile; they can look badass in a black leather, feminine in a light floral colour,  and they are a great alternative to a blazer for almost any outfit. There are chic, dressy ones, ones on the more casual side, and ones in between!

1. Topshop

2. Sister Jane

3. Zara

4. Jovonna

7. The Whitepepper

6. Topshop

7. Calvin Klein

Black And White And Red All Over

This season, black and white is literally everywhere. I love the idea of mixing prints, though I rarely have the pieces (or guts) to actually do it in my own outfits. So when I bought these pants and top, I knew I had to give it a go. And how better to top off a black and white outfit than to add splashes of red?

I found the trick to mixing prints is to keep them the same colour (black and white) or at least in the same colour family, and to mix smaller prints with larger prints (I did big stripes on top and a smaller circular print on the bottom).

Top: Zara

Pants: Old Navy

Clutch: JNB via Marshall Rousso

Necklace: Vintage

Sunglasses: Old Navy (old)

Shoes: Call It Spring

Lipstick: MAC Cockney

Pack It Up

I never would have thought that something so associated with school and academics could become such a fashion trend. It just goes to show that you may never understand fashion or be able to predict it. And even when I first saw this trend I also never thought I would be one to give into it; I just really couldn't wrap my head around it. But there is definitely a new spin on these bags that the ones we used to use in high school didn't have: chicness and sophistication.

You could find a backpack for pretty much any occasion, because of the different materials, styles, and colours they come in. I especially love the leather or faux leather ones, as I feel that they just complete the bag and the look. Here are some of my faves!

Embellishment

If you remember around the holiday season, I wrote a post about embellished sweaters and how they were taking the fashion scene by storm (read the post Sweater Weather 2.0). Well, it's well into spring now and guess what? The embellishment trend is still with us, transforming typical, every season pieces into dazzling looks you should have in your closet this year!

Embellished pieces allow you to add a bit of glamour and chicness to any outfit. Even if all you want to do is throw on a jumper and pair of jeans, if you trade in a plain cotton sweater for an embellished one, it will transform your outfit. Everyone wants to have that effect where you look fabulous and everyone thinks you spent hours getting ready in the morning, but really you just threw on the first thing you saw in your closet. Embellishment is just another secret in that art.

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.