Back to Basics
Going back to basics in this post because sometimes it's the only way. Fashion doesn't have to be complicated to look good and casual doesn't have to be boring. A classic leather jacket, black pumps, a white v-neck and a good pair of jeans. It's an outfit I've worn in many varitations so many times before that I'll never tire of.
T-shirt, Urban Outfitters
Jeans, Current/ Elliott
Black heels, Jcrew
Leather Jacket, Mackage
Glasses, Armani
Necklaces, Lisbeth Jewelry
Bracelets, Birds Of A Feather
Rings, Lola's Vanity
DIY Honey Mask for Awesome Skin
You guys know that I'm a big fan of natural skincare and I'm pretty sure that slathering your face with honey definitely falls into that category! I was watching my favourite YouTuber ever - Kathleenlights - where she recently did a video on the benefits of honey. But let's rewind for a sec because prior to watching her video, I'd placed my ordered for the I'm From Honey Mask. Between my order not arriving in a timely manner and the video, I got desperate and thought I would go the DIY route. Translation: quite simply smear honey on my face.
Honey is anti-bacterial and moisturizing so the benefits are win-win. I slathered about 2 tbsp's of raw honey on my face and let it sit for about 20 mins and then rinsed it off. Yes my skin looked slimy and gross while it was on (hence no pictures) and I was tempted to lick it off AND my husband said "it looks like your face is melting" (which it did) - but the mask worked nicely and I swear my pores looked better after.
Rinsing with water will work just fine to wash off the honey but I took it a step further and used my Clay Exfoliating Bar from Consonant - which has detoxifying properties. After trying this, I would recommend the DIY honey mask as a cheap quick fix. Just make sure that you're using 100% real honey to get the full benefits.
Trending: Flared Jeans
I love the possibilities of flares. I think a lot of people were weary when they started making their comeback but before writing them off, give them a try because you might be surprised! I find that they’re very flattering on a woman’s curves and can make even a basic t-shirt look hot.
I kept my look simple and went for denim on denim. I accessorized with my nude Givenchy heels but to be perfectly honest, I feel the shoe isn't cutting it here and I'm really craving a YSL platform or the IM Jaeryn Studded Sandal. The MBMJ cross body bag is as easy-going as the rest of the outfit and it's been in my collection for a long time now. A tasseled bag would go beautiful with this outfit but I worked with what I have. Something old, something new and something blue. Nothing borrowed.
Shoes, Givenchy
Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs
Sunglasses, Armani
Denim Jacket, Mendocino
Black Tank, Chaser at Mendocino
Flared Jeans, A Gold E at Mendocino
How To Style It: The Overalls
Styling overalls can sometimes be difficult and my approach here was to take semi-sophisticated route. The overalls are from Free People and I accidentally bought them in a size too big but I was too lazy to return them. (One of the hazard's of online shopping.) Every summer I tell myself that I'm going to get rid of them but I always wear them because they're super comfy. I paired the overalls with a silk blouse for Zara to offset the casual vibe from the denim. My Alexander Wang Antonia heels are probably one of my best shoe purchases ever and I swear the cobalt blue colour goes with everything. The little box bag is from The Free Island and it mimic's the Celine box bag. Fine by me since it's just a happy little cheapie. Remove the overalls from the equation and all of the pieces that make up my outfit are dressy which is why this look works. It's all about juxtaposition my friends. ; )
Overalls, Free People
Silk Blouse, Zara
Glasses, Dior
April Favourites: Denim & Saint Laurent
If you read my blog on the regular (and thank you so much if that's you!), then you'll notice that I took a little blogging break last week. I think it's so important to take the time to recharge the creative batteries and since my day job also happens to fall into the creative field, I felt it was necessary to take a week to myself and enjoy life in order to get some fresh ideas.
So now that I'm back, let's start off with my monthly favourites. April was all about my love of denim and if you follow my IG, you'll know that I wore a variety of denim in different shapes in the month of April. These particular ones are my absolute favourites and I think everyone needs them in their spring/ summer wardrobe in order to freshen up their look. From left to right I have my classic denim jacket which I picked up on sale recently along with my A Gold E super-flared jeans - which are so flattering to the female figure that it's crazy! They hug my hips and bum nicely and I can't wait to style these jeans for the blog! (I urge you to try these on. I'm pretty sure they're fail proof.) Next up is my western style chambray top from Madewell, which I bought a while back and continues to be a fave of mine along with my One Teaspoon Freebird mega distressed jeans which are perfect for a laid back summer vibe. I swear this particular light grey colour goes with everything! All of the pieces here (except for the Madewell top) can be picked up at Mendocino, which is also an April fave. Shoutouts to the store that has me craving a visit to L.A. so badly!!!
The overall aesthetic for April was very much 70's inspired with that rock and roll chic edge that is such a quintessential part of my personal style. It must have subconsciously led me to my recent Saint Laurent obsession, which began when I ran into this amazing lipstick pink YSL cross body bag, one of my many serendipitous purchases. Isn't she cute? April was all about colourful accessories and mini bags. Let's see what May brings.
Shades of Black
I always enjoy being tagged on a good fashion challenge and recently Michael of Global Garçon asked me which handbag I could never part with. That would be this one, my first ever Alexander Wang purchase that fuelled an obsession that is still very much alive. This bag has been through so much with me! One day while I was working downtown, taking the subway to my next destination, the metal hook on one of the strap broke and my bag fell to the filthy subway floor. You can just imagine my internal freak out at that moment! Turns out I had worn the bag so much the metals rubbing against each other wore out the pin on the hook, rendering it useless. I found a way around it and made the strap functional again but if you look closely, this bag is rough around the edges. In my eyes though, she's still perfect!
Thank you Mendocino for hooking me up with this awesome flowy shirt! It's from their OOYOO collection (their house brand), which consists of fashion forward basics. The top is comfortable, forgiving after a big meal (you know what I'm talking about ladies!) and perfect for the weekend.
Black top, Mendocino OOYOO
Jeans, Rag & Bone
Necklace & Ring, Lola's Vanity
Hat, French Connection
Bag, Alexander Wang Tina Zip Clutch
Shoes, 3.1 Phillip Lim Page loafers
Sunglasses, Quay Australia
Leather jacket, Mackage
The Line Up: Spring Footwear
I often get comments about how many shoes I have but in reality I'm pretty sure my husband has more shoes than me! When I was younger, sandals overtook my shoe collection and I think it had to do with all of the time I spent in Miami growing up. I'm much more logical about my footwear choices these days and I much prefer to invest in oxfords, loafers and ankle boots considering the Canadian climate.
Only a few sandals make up my shoe collection and the above five are my absolute favourites. They are shoes that can dress up distressed denim shorts, t-shirt and leather jacket and look just as amazing with a LBD. I like to invest in shoes that I love so that they'll be with me for years to come. I also have my bases covered - a nude sandal, black sandal, kitten heels and a bit of colour. All I'm missing at the moment is a pair of platforms, which I'm holding out for until I find the right pair. There's no sense in filling up my closet with pieces that i feel subpar about. Wouldn't you agree?
Givenchy nude sanadals
Alexander Wang Antonia heels
Alexander Wang black kitten heels
Valentino Rockstuds with kitten heel
Alexander Wang banded sandal
Inspiration: The Fashion Bloggers
When I started blogging last year my style was very simple - jeans, a t-shirt and a killer shoe. For the most part that remains the same but I find myself trying to take more fashion risks lately. Somewhere along the way I felt like my style was getting a little too predictable so I'm trying to branch out. I've been inspired by so many people that I've met on my blogging journey and some of my faves are Holly (Petite Flower Presents), Erica (Fashioned Chic), Carrie (Wear + Where + Well) and Lorna (Lorna Luxe). These women are fearless and feminine in their personal style and even though my own style is very different, I appreciate and admire everything these ladies wear.
I went for a theme with this outfit and I really wanted to try something Parisian chic inspired. I'm wearing a low cut, striped, crop top ($10, Forever 21) with my high waisted Jbrand Maria jeans. A tailored black blazer keeps me warm, since our spring is still a bit chilly. I've tied a patterned scarf around my neck in attempt to step outside of my comfort zone. Finally, I love how the bright hues of the shoe and bag compliment each other even though they're so different.
For those who are drawn to my simple style and appreciate my love of black - fret not because that part of me is still very much alive. I'm just having fun with colour right now and new looks because life is too short to wear boring clothes! ;)
Blazer, Aritzia (last year)
Jeans, Jbrand Maria
Striped shirt, Forever 21
Ring, Lola's Vanity
Pink Bag, Saint Laurent YSL Monogram
Sandals, Alexander Wang Antonia
Lusting: Saint Laurent SS15
My most recent handbag purchase must have awoken a sleeping beast deep within me called the SL Monster. I can't help but think about Saint Laurent everything these days and I've been lusting over each piece from the SS15 runway collection. This outfit is the perfect balance of feminine and rock & roll and the green feather bolero is breaking my heart because it's so good. With a $11,300 price tag, I won't be adding it to my closet anytime soon but I might just keep a look out for a knock off at Zara or H&M. I have no shame.