make it a maxi

     We are our worst critics and have that one body part that tends to be covered up a bit more than anything else.  In my case, I have two: my legs.  I unfortunately had the pleasure of inheriting spider veins, varicose veins and cellulite at a young age and the ten years I spent working on my feet in retail have been anything but a solution to the problem.  However, being the savvy fashionista that I am, there is always a solution to any problem and for me, it's the maxi!

     A maxi refers to a dress or skirt that is full length and is very versatile as it can easily be worn casually or dressed up (but not formal!).  The maxi dress has been in style for many summers but the maxi skirt is new on the radar and now one of my favourite trends this year.  To my rescue, the maxi is full coverage but is still comfortable to wear in warmer weather.  It is flowy and usually made out of a cotton or modal fabric which is breathable.  The best part is, most maxi skirts are convertible and can be pulled up and worn as a strapless dress! 

     My favourite way to wear my printed maxi skirt is with a tied up denim shirt and a basic tank.

     How do you wear your maxi?

 

work it out!

    Now that my mini hiatus is over, I've jumped back into life with both feet, a new pair of neon pink runners and what I thought were a quality pair of workout capri pants.  It was brought to my attention earlier this week, during a set of squats, that indeed the capris were not quality, they were see through (and not lulus!) . . . therefore, my neon thong was no longer a sexy secret.  Most would be embarrassed but in my new positive mind set (and the fact I've embraced my voluptuous booty for years) I took the higher road and decided this was the perfect excuse for a nice new non-see through pair of workout capris.  

     Lesson of the day: if you ever need to justify shopping you know who to turn to.

     No final decisions have been made but here are the runners up for cutest workout capris: 

Adidas Techfit Perfect 3/4 Tights in pink.

Adidas Techfit Perfect 3/4 Tights in blue.

 

Lulu Lemon Pace Crop in green.
These also come in a bunch of other yummy colours!

Nike Legend Print Tights in grey, also available in black.

Niki Limitless Capris in grey.
I love the little neon swoosh!

     

Denim on Denim

     The recent rise in popularity of the chambray/denim shirt has lead me to a crossroads in my long time belief that denim should never be worn with denim.  My denim don'ts include, but are not limited to: denim jeans with a denim shirt, a denim skirt with a denim shirt or even the addition of denim shoes with jeans, a denim shirt and any other denim accessory.  Denim, denim, denim.  However, I will take this opportunity to publicly admit to (and possibly avoid any mistaken hypocrisy), succumbing to my intrigue.  Yes, I wore denim on denim . . . and I liked it.

     I have now revised my denim on denim do's and don'ts and have deemed them appropriate if only followed to the T.

Do: wear your denim on denim, especially if you have a great pair of coloured jeans and are looking for something other than a basic white t-shirt to pair with them.

Image from Google Images.

Do: wear a light wash denim shirt with dark denim jeans or vice versa.  As long as they are distinguishably different, you're in the clear.  

Image from Google Images. 

Don't: wear the same wash from head to toe.  It's too much...  and awful.  

I came across this little gem of Brit and JT, curiosity of
childrenofthenineties.blogspot.ca

   Lesson of the day, have fun with this trend but don't over do it.  Also, personal photos to come.  

"Hey, Shorty!"

     Last weekend my partner and I took a road trip to Montreal for some good food, a hockey game and of course, shopping . . . but the best thing about traveling is to sit back, relax (cocktail in hand) and people watch!  While doing just that, my partner couldn't help but notice all the uni students on Crescent street and their love for short shorts!  The weather has been awful and it was the first day with a glimpse of warmth but nothing appropriate for wearing such minimal clothing which confused him.

     Thus, inspiration for me and a mini trend lesson for him!  I give you, the must have item for spring/summer 2013: the short short.

J Crew Chino Short comes in 10 + colours!

     I feel the need to express there are obvious do's and dont's that accompany this particular trend.  The denim short should be worn casually with a cute sandal, flat or even small wedge.  Under no circumstance should it be worn with a high stiletto!  This would be a step over the line from classy to trashy.  

     On the other hand, a printed dress short can be worn with a fab stacked heel (or cute sandal or flat) and when paired with a gorgeous blouse tucked in, finished with a skinny belt and statement necklace, becomes the perfect girls night out ensemble.

Milly Printed Pleated Short

Free People Red Printed Shorts

     For a truly classic look, opt for a solid black dress short paired with a sleek white button up blouse and a great heel.  

Who better to show us a classic look!

The Classic Stripe

     Around fifteen years ago, I was an avid wearer of stripes.  Stripes in different colours and widths, in horizontal and vertical directions.  Everyday there were stripes on my socks, sweater or shoes (3 stripe Adidas were HUGE), I really couldn't get enough.  However, after a few year of indulging, I just couldn't bare to buy another sweater, top, dress . . . until this week.

     Spring 2013 has found a way to re-introduce the stripe in it's most classic form yet: black and white . . . . and I'm once again in love!

MICHEAL by Micheal Kors Ribbed Stripe Sweater.
Pair with white straight leg jeans for a truly classic look. 

J Crew Amie Maxi Dress in Stripe

 . . . let's just say it's already in my closet!

                     

Alice and Olivia Stripe Blazer
The exaggerated shoulders bring a casual blazer to the next level.
Pair with black skinnys and a fab pump for a chic look.

 

White House Black Market Blod Stripe Maxi Skirt
These diagonal stripes create a very flattering look
by bringing the eye in for a slimming effect.

   

Kate Spade Stripe Elsie
The added pop of colour makes this bag a great statement piece.

And finally, THE Nanette Lepore Panorama Slim Strip Pant

 which I have experienced as the most sought after

 statement item of Spring 2013.  

 


 

  

Get Your Armour On

Chunky accessories have been a love of mine for years so naturally, I couldn't be happier that statement pieces are so popular right now.  Last night, as the birthday celebrations continued, I was lucky to receive an amazing distressed gold studded cuff from Joe Fresh to add to my collection.  Thanks to my lovely friends, I was armed and ready to take on the night.

april showers bring may flowered blazers!!

   

     One of my favourite trends this spring is the floral blazer.  I have a true love for a perfectly tailored, classic, black blazer (it's a staple!) but what better to transition into the warmer weather than with a colourful print.  It will pair nicely with any jeans, pants in any colour and over a solid dress or skirt.  Let's face it, there's nothing more cheerful then a fresh bouquet of flowers so why not wear them with you all day?

         Here are some of my top picks:

Zara Pique Floral Blazer

Anthropologie Ajuda Field Sweater Blazer 

     

Free People Floral Denim Shrunk Blazer

 

Rag & Bone Navy Floral Bailey Blazer

 

Ella Moss Citrus Floral Blazer

   

Prabal Gurung for Target Floral Blazer 

And finally, my designer pick:
Roberto Cavalli Printed Silk Twill Blazer

     Now the question is . . . which one do I choose?