All posts tagged: wardrobe

I Heart StyleLikeU

It’s not everyday that you get to meet your Instagram crushes, but that’s exactly what happened to me earlier this year when the amazing pair behind StyleLikeU materialized before my eyes at a press event. Helmed by mother-daughter duo Elisa Goodkind and Lily  Mandelbaum, the StyleLikeU mission seeks to empower people to discover a sense of unique personal style and, in turn, create a society that values and encourages individual expression. What I love about their work is how it focuses on being different as a good thing – cuz it is. Which is probably because I grew up feeling very much different – cuz I was. Anyhoo, I had the privilege to write about their endlessly gorgeous & newly available book True Style is What’s Underneath. It’s a full-on manifesto overflowing with inspiration for your closet and your spirit, and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in personal style, self-acceptance and/or looking to ignite a creative spark. One of my fave quotes in the book is this nugget from Amy van Doran: “I had no chance of being normal, so I always …

Coat Tales… à la Canadiana

Pink! Curls! Legs! Silver! Isn’t this shot everything?! Loved styling this fall fashion story with amazing Canadian-designed coats. Photography by Alvaro Goveia / Makeup & Hair by Diana Carreiro / Canadian beauty by Anna, Elite Models / Styling by me. Thanks Jute Magazine for running it! Clothing credits below… Look 1: Ellie Mae pink coat, Browns boots Look 2: Sentaler purple trench Look 3: SØSKEN checkered coat, MICHAEL Michael Kors boots Look 4: Sentaler moto coat Look 5: SØSKEN yellow coat, Browns boots Look 6: Rudsak red moto and slip dress

Budget Dresses to Buy Now

I had a real hankering for a wardrobe update last week and fully intended to satisfy my sartorial craving with a pretty top of some sort. I had my eyes peeled for something off the shoulder or printed, you know, anything that felt new & now. I gave it a real good effort but for whatever reason, price point or dissatisfactory fabric, it did not happen. However, in my travels I came across this dress, above, that did everything I asked of it. My demands were: easy-to-wear cut (ruching = buh bye belly), not-so-basic detailing (asymmetrical reads as cool) and budget-friendly price (under $100). I wore it out the next day, which is always a good sign. In fact, Jenn Rogien, the costume designer for Girls AND Orange is the New Black (NBD!), once told me that if you buy a garment and don’t want to wear it immediately that you should return it. It’s just not speaking to you strong enough and will end up being a waste of space in your closet. Wearing my winning frock (you’ll find the particulars below) only …

Winter Garden

Here’s what happens: I buy something new for my wardrobe and it automatically becomes the only thing I want to wear. Like, to an embarrassing degree. My latest obsession has been with a floral print dress I picked up when I was in London awhile back. It’s dark in palette, easy in shape, and the kind of item you slip on and instantly look extra polished in – like you could run into anyone that day (former boss, an ex, what have you) and feel pretty darn good about yourself because you know you look gooood. Amy Poehler knows what I’m talking about, she chose something similar to wear to her Hollywood Walk of Fame induction ceremony. My floral frock has become a go-to garment this winter, which makes getting dressed on any given day super quick (add tights and booties, done), but there’s only so many times in a week I can bust it out. Hence, I’ve rounded up a few potential candidates that would make chic new friends. Check ’em out in the slideshow. More floral dresses? Yes, please!  

Sweater Weather

  I don’t know about you, but getting ready to face chilly weather takes both mental and sartorial prep on my part. I need to take my winter coat to the dry cleaner, see if any pairs of boots could use a cobblin’ and pull out all those heavy layers I’ve stowed away since spring. And assembling pieces I love to wear is mandatory because long and dark is just how Canadian winters like to roll. If you’re not able to bundle up in items you adore you’re doomed. Knits obviously play a big role here, which makes this the perfect time to re-visit a few of my favourite looks from the Best Health October 2015 issue. Any of these plush pieces would be a warm welcome on a frosty day. Art Direction by Jackie Shipley Photography by Genevieve Charbonneau Makeup and Hair by Cia Mandarello Styling by me Look 1: Cardigan, Line. Dress, Winners. Scarf, Marshalls. Belt, Stylist’s Own. Look 2: Sweater dress, Banana Republic. Scarf, Wilfred. Socks, Roots. Boots, Hunter. Look 3: Sweater, Club Monaco. Skirt, GAP. Poncho, Babaton. Look 4: Pullover, Melow …

Jacket Required

An assignment earlier this year for Best Health had me tracking down new takes on the classic trench coat. Besides the three beauties shown here, there are so many stylish trench options available from perfectly on-trend pastel hues to drapey, slouchy versions that beg to be worn with your best distressed denim. Confession: I have a serious soft spot for a good piece of outerwear. Something you can throw on top of anything and feel instantly ‘dressed’ is a style win. And now that spring has officially sprung, I’ve happily said sayonara to my parka and heavy wool coats, and reacquainted myself with the lighter outerwear that’s been hanging patiently in my closet for what seems like an eternity. How you doin’ leather moto? Animal print topper, you’re clearly ready for a walk on the wild side. And, dear military jacket, I see you’re geared up for regular rotation. As for my preferred type of trench: a sleeveless style is calling my name. What say you? Is there a particular jacket style that’s caught your eye? I’d love to hear about it!