transitions

I bought these pants back at the beginning of the summer, as I was craving a pair of floral, flowy pants I could easily just throw on with a t-shirt and head out the door (which these pants allowed me to do perfectly). But I also loved that even though there are vibrant flowers on the pants, the background is navy, and therefore I would be able to wear them in the Spring as well as the Fall, with something a little cozier than a t-shirt.

pre fall palette

Working in a fashion retail setting has its ups and downs. Around March/April we start to receive Spring items, which get me so excited for the warmer weather to arrive and really inspire me. But in July/August we start to receive Fall items (sweaters, scarves, boots), and while Fall is one of my favourite seasons, it does get a little depressing since we're still in the midst of Summer. But of course there are always those transition items that you just can't resist, like this romper.

Tropical Prints: Flowers

I feel like florals are a very obvious trend for spring (cue The Devil Wears Prada quote), and so I wasn't really planning on making a post about the floral trend. That is not to say that I don't love florals, that I don't wear them, or that I think they should stop showing them for spring (because that is not the case at all). But a fairly new trend we've been seeing is not just a floral pattern, but a tropical floral pattern. And that is something I can definitely get behind and make a post about.

Probably one of my favourite things about tropical floral print is the use of bold colours, like turquoise, pink, and yellow. Another thing I love about it is that the flowers are usually abstract, with other shapes in the print (like lines and squiggles), and that just adds to the uniqueness and beauty of the item, because every one is so different.

1. Skirt: Rebecca Minkoff

2. Scarf: Vince Camuto

3. Jumpsuit: Topshop

4. Bikini Set: Pink

5. Dress: Precis

6. Knapsack: Herschel

7. Top: Zara

Floral Kimonos

This spring trend is a combination of two great pieces for the spring season of any year: light fabrics and floral prints.

Even though it's spring and the weather's only getting warmer, you sometimes still need a light layer on top of your tank or tee, or your outfit might just not be complete without one more garment. That's why kimonos are perfect for spring and summer; they're so light but still let you add some chic to your look. And why not throw some floral prints on them so they're just perfect for the season?

They come in all different lengths, silhouettes, styles, and colours, so you have so much room to make the look your own, while still being super trendy.

(Love how this one was styled as a bathing suit cover-up!)

Check out my post Anticipation to see how you can wear this trend even before the weather gets warm!

Surprise, Surprise

I'm usually pretty on the ball with fall fashion- fur, boots, dark tones (just look at my fall fashion post)- it generally stays consistent from year to year. But this fall/winter I've seen some trends that have really surprised me, but after much consideration and a lot of exposure to them, I decided I really love.

Bright Blue

This never struck me as a fall colour. I mean, fall is all about the warm tones, wouldn't you feel cold in a bright blue in November? But after seeing it styled in store window after store window and street style after street style, I just couldn't resist.

I like to warm up the blue by adding some earth tones to the look, like this look from the Paul Smith F/W 2013 runway. Another way to make the blue look more for fall, pair it with something that couldn't be more autumn; a fur or shearling vest (this one's from Michael Kors). Also, an accessory, purse, or shoe (like these Nine West ones) in the colour is also great.

 

Floral

As much as I love spring and summer, when October and November roll around, I'm really looking forward to the hot chocolate, sitting around the fire, watching Christmas movies season. That's why when I first saw floral showing up in stores after labour day I had mixed feelings. But it's just so hard to not love this trend; if you love it in April, why not love it in October too?

Style it for fall by adding a knit cardigan, fur, or velvet pant with it (velvet is soo in this fall too).

I like this H&M dress with this heavy knit cardigan with fur trim, from Topshop. The contrasting materials lend the outfit an extra something. I also loved this floral Zara blouse with these J. Crew velvet green trousers.

Props to the visual merchandiser at Club Monaco and blogger A Keene Sense of Style for incorporating both of these trends!

Graduation

So I’ve finally graduated from University! I am now the proud owner of a business degree from Ryerson University.  These past four years have been amazing, and I feel so accomplished to have graduated.  I definitely recommend doing a post-secondary degree; it gives you a great background in whatever field you’re interested in (or even a general program if you’re still not sure what path you’re on), as well as gives you some time after high school to decide what exactly you want to do with your life.  I know I’ve really grown as a person these last four years, and figured out what I’m in to. 

In terms of outfit, I decided on a lovely coral dress with a tulip skirt- I found the colour to be very inspiring for summer.  I paired it with nude wedges and a floral clutch.  Luckily it was a beautiful summer day, and I had a blast.

Dress: Honey

Shoes: Aldo

Clutch: Aldo