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.
The Silk Butterfly Shirt
You'll have to excuse me in advance but you're going to be seeing lots of this bag on the blog. I paired it with this fabulous silk butterfly blouse from Doll Memories that really brings out the pink. The colours are more subdued in person but the afternoon sunlight really made them pop and appear almost neon against all of the dark colours I'm wearing. A little bit of colour never hurt anyone right?
Hat, Target
Sunglasses, Quay Australia
Silk Butterfly Shirt, Doll Memories
Shoes, Alexander Wang
Skirt, Acne
Belt, Diesel
Bag, Saint Laurent Paris, YSL Monogram
Suede Jacket, Obey City Moto
Saint Laurent Inspired for Spring
I'm crazy about this bag and it's already inspiring so many different looks. I did a quick google search on "Saint Laurent spring 2015" and came up with this outfit; rock and roll meets Paris chic. Hedi Slimane, hire me. I'm ready to be your stylist.
Style Tip: I'm wearing this linen Chaser tank from Mendocino backwards for a deep V neckline. It's the perfect way to show off the scarf.
Spring 2015 Accessories: Colour Mash-Up
Embracing colour full force with lipstick pink, orange and royal blue. It's a colour mash-up in my closet these days! Did anyone see this one coming?
Burnt Orange Valentino Rockstuds
Royal Blue Alexander Wang Antonia high heeled sandals
Lipstick Fuchsia Saint Laurent Paris Classic Small Monogram Crossbody
Blue & white checkered Marc By Marc Jacobs pouch
CASUAL STYLE: THE ANTI-NORMCORE
As casual and laid back as my style can be, I'd hardly think normcore is a term that could be used to describe my personal style. As my BFF says, I'm always wearing a "tiara" which is her way of saying that I never leave the house without a statement piece (or two). In this case this killer suede jacket adds a bit of punch with its saturated evergreen colour and moto styled buckles. The Chanel patent leather moccasin loafers add shine and are super comfy for running errands in. Plus they're drop dead gorgeous and I still can't believe I found my size when I did! Casual never has to be boring dear friends so make sure you're having fun when you're getting dressed, even if you are wearing just jeans and a t-shirt. ;)
Suede Moto Jacket, Obey Clothing
Cropped t-shirt, Aritzia (last year)
High waisted jeans, Jbrands, Maria (here)
Sunglasses, Quay Australia (here)
Clutch, Alexander Wang, Fumo iPad Case
Loafers, Chanel
Necklaces, Lisbeth Jewelry
Palm Cuff, Jenny Bird
Three Spring Makeup Must-Haves
With sunnier days and warmer weather, my makeup routine is getting a slight make under. Iβm ditching the liquid eyeliner for a more natural eye, although I am layering on tons of mascara for that doe eye effect. Out with the red lipstick and enter the sheer orange lip. Gone is the foundation and in with the tinted moisturizer. Read on to find out my absolute must haves for the perfect spring/ summer face.
TINTED MOISTURIZER
You might remember that during the cold winter months I was obsessed with looking for the right foundation. Before I could even find it, spring arrived and now Iβm all about minimizing my beauty routine. Iβm loving this tinted moisturizer from Pixi (H2O Tinted Gel in Shade 03, warm) that has just the right amount of colour. Itβs so sheer that I donβt feel like Iβm wearing makeup and it evens out my skin nicely. I donβt really use it like a moisturizer though because Iβm very strict about my spf/ moisturizer routine (more on this below) so I just apply it to my face with my fingers as I would foundation and itβs perfect. Iβve talked about my difficulty finding foundation colours to match my pale olive skin in the past and the Pixi tint is so sheer, that it doesnβt look like Iβm wearing anything. I love this product so much that I will probably repurchase it when Iβm done.
SPF 30
Iβm prone to staying out of the sun, in fear of doing irreversible sun damage(!) and I wear my SPF all year round. If you donβt, now is the time when you should really look at adding a good quality SPF to your makeup routine. On sunny days, cloudy days, rainy days β whenever, just get it on your face (and back of hands)! Itβs probably one of the best things you can do as an anti-aging preventative. Okay, enough lecture. Consonant has an appropriately named spf 30 in their lineup called The Perfect Sunscreen. Itβs all natural, organic and acts like a makeup primer. I mix it with my moisturizer and serum in the morning and I love how it absorbs into my skin right away and gives me a matte finish. Sun β you have met your match!
BRONZER
This is another one of those products that I use all year round. During the winter I use it more to contour my face but in the warmer months, I also use a light dusting of it on my face for a little bit of colour. This one by Edward Bess has a bit of shimmer and is more on the sheer side. Iβm tempted to use it on my pale legs but I havenβt gone bare-legged yet so Iβll let you know how that works out!
Style Inspo: Coachella In The City
I've been feeling a bit inspired by all of the Coachella pics on IG these days so I busted out the flares, denim on denim and mini Gucci bag, and went for a whole '70s inspired theme. The hat, Quay sunglasses and Alexander Wang Antonia sandals keep the look modern and city appropriate. What do you think of the whole '70s trend? Will you be rocking flares this season?
Denim shirt, Madewell
Denim flares, Jbrand
Sunglasses, Quay at Mendocino
Bag, Gucci Boston