Little White Pleated Dress

As anyone who follows me on Pinterest knows, I'm a big fan of white dresses (I have a board solely dedicated to images of perfect LWDs). The ubiquitous little black dress, while a classic for obvious reason, can easily veer into funereal/frumpy/lacklustre territory, in my opinion, but the little white dress, in all its iterations, always seems so fresh. 

This pleated J. Crew dress, a sales-score from last summer, is incredibly versatile -- I love changing up the vibe of it by pairing it with different accessories and jackets. If I want to enhance its preppy vibe, I'll wear it with a blazer, while tossing on my leather jacket instantly edges it up. 

Which are you more a fan of -- the LBD or the LWD? 

Dress - J. Crew

Necklace - Forever 21
Sunglasses - Forever 21
Shoes - Forever 21
Bag - Kate Spade
Lipstick - All Fired Up by MAC

10 Trends for Spring/Summer 2014

Each new fashion season, I love seeing what new trends are surfacing--I take note of which I'd like to try...and which I plan on steering well clear of. Here are my thoughts on ten of the most popular Spring/Summer 2014 trends... Which would you wear? And which would you not be caught dead in?! 

1. Midi Skirts
Because I'm tall, shopping for skirts has always been a somewhat sad experience for me. When it comes to shorter skirts, something that would look respectable on someone else looks downright indecent on me, so you can imagine my delight when longer lengths started becoming a thing. If you feel like the classic midi is a bit too frumpy for your tastes, look for one with sheer panelling for a 2014 twist on this '50s style.

Lavish Alice midi skirt - lavishalice.com

2. Crop Tops
My waist is one of my favourite features, so I'm a big fan of this subtle way of showing some skin. Unlike the belly-baring styles of the early noughties, the 2014 crop top is a more demure affair, best worn with something high-waisted so that only a sliver of skin peeks through.
Preen short sleeve shirt - net-a-porter.com

3. D'Orsay Flats

So pretty! So dainty! So chic! I just love this feminine flat, which would look great with either boyfriend jeans or a midi skirt. Those with thicker ankles should stick to a thin strap, while skinnier ankles can take a chunkier one.

Gianvito Rossi white shoes - barneys.com

4. Kimonos
Kimonos, to me, are the epitome of laid-back luxe: sophisticated, but comfy enough for lounging around the house in. And they flatter every body shape! Toss one over cut-offs and a simple tank to add a dose of bohemian glamour to your look. 
Monsoon swim cover up - monsoon.co.uk

5. Sharp Pleats
I love the look of a crisply pleated skirt--either dressed down with an oversized sweatshirt, or up with a delicate blouse tucked in. Those with narrower hips can get away with more flimsy, chiffony materials, but hippier girls should consider a heavier fabric for a more flattering look.
J W Anderson mini skirt - brownsfashion.com

6. Culottes
Um, no. Just no. What the midi is to skirts, culottes are to pants, but this is one trend I just can't get behind. While there are many styles that I wouldn't wear but like on others, I have yet to see anyone rock a pair of culottes. I actually like palazzo pants, their longer-length sibling, but I think this calf-length style is very hard to pull off. 
Charlie Brear clothing - avenue32.com

7. Ugly Sandals
Honestly, I'm just not cool enough for man-repelling fashion in general, and the whole ugly sandal trend is no exception. It actually seems like a fun kind of trend to partake in (I think I'd kind of enjoy shopping around for the absolute ugliest pair I could find), but I don't think I'd actually bite the bullet and wear them. 
Steve Madden sandals - stevemadden.com

8. Sleeveless Blazers
This style can look very sleek and sharp, and would be perfect for warmer weather...but personally, I'm not a fan. What can I say? I just like my blazers with sleeves. 
Ted Baker blazer - tedbaker.com

9. Mules
Gross-sounding name, creepy-looking shoe (in my humble opinion). But one girl's shoe pariah is another girl's treasure, right?! In their defence, they do seem relatively comfy as far as heels go...and they'd be easy to wear with any style of trouser (just maybe not #6 ;-). 
Pour La Victoire shoes - revolveclothing.com

10. Overalls
Once upon a time, I was actually a fan of this farm-friendly look (I have fond memories of an orange, knee-length pair I had circa 1998). These days, however, it's not a look I'm in any hurry to revisit; while I've seen overalls look super cool on flat-chested, narrow-hipped girls, they wouldn't look so great on my figure.
Citizens of Humanity bib overall - stylebop.com

10 Items Inspired by Pantone's 2014 Spring Colours

It seems just yesterday that we were compiling our Pantone Fall Colours list, but here we are half a year later with the springtime edition! With ten hues ranging from delicate to vibrant, we hope you find a fresh new shade to introduce into your warm-weather wardrobe. 


http://www.countryliving.com/homes/how-to-get-the-look/pantone-2014-spring-trend-colors

1. Placid Blue
Calling to mind sunny-day skies and seaside waves, this tranquil shade of blue would be the perfect choice for your next manicure. 

Butter London blue nail polish - butterlondon.com

2. Violet Tulip
A silky shirt in this flattering, blue-based shade of purple can be dressed down with a pair of cut-offs or up with a perforated leather skirt.   
Long sleeve top - yoox.com

3. Hemlock

A gentle grey-based green, the fresh Hemlock would add an unexpected, summery pop to accessories--from sunglasses to watches. 

MARC BY MARC JACOBS mint green jewelry - monnierfreres.co.uk

4. Paloma
One of the hardest-working items in my wardrobe is my black leather jacket, but this time of year, it starts to feel a bit heavy...a similar style in a dove grey would be just as versatile but a little more summery. 
Reiss zip jacket - reiss.com

5. Sand
A buttery leather tote in this warm neutral will go with absolutely everything in your wardrobe, guaranteed.  
Chloé beige purse - barneys.com

6. Freesia 
Although it's one of the happiest colours around, many people complain that bright yellow can make them look sallow or washed-out--if you're one of those people, consider wearing it on your lower half instead. An adorable daffodil-esque skirt like this one combines a hot colour with a trendy trumpet hem. 
Chloé flounce hem skirt - harrods.com

7. Cayenne
A zesty shade of coral, Cayenne is a flattering colour on most, and adds a bit of oomph to any ensemble. But, just like its spicy namesake, a little goes a long way...use it in small, punchy doses tempered by neutrals. 
Dorothy Perkins petite shorts - dorothyperkins.com

8. Celosia Orange
Consider working this playful shade into your make-up routine--after all, the orange lip is making a huge comeback! To ensure the look is less '70s, more J. Crew catalogue, keep eye make-up to the bare minimum--just a slick of mascara will suffice. 
MAC Lipstick Morange (A) - nordstrom.com

9. Radiant Orchid
There are sunglasses, and then there are funglasses--we think these shades in Pantone's Number One Colour of 2014 fall firmly into the latter category. 
Karen walker sunglasses - shopbop.com

10. Dazzling Blue
You probably already have this trendy style of shoe in a practical black or nude...but why not branch out to a slightly more daring shade, like this rich cobalt?
Ava & Aiden metallic shoes - gilt.com

Ten Things to Do in May

This post has been a looong time in coming, but we hope you enjoyed your May! 

1. Celebrate May Day

http://furtherglory.wordpress.com/tag/maypole/

The first of the month was traditionally viewed as a time to herald in the start of the summer season. While your plans for the day probably don't include dancing around a maypole, you can still mark the occasion by donning a floral frock or going on a walk round your local park.

2. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

http://www.elkspringsresort.com/gatlinburg_cabins_blog/ole-celebrate-cinco-de-mayo-in-gatlinburg-tn/

Even if you're not Mexican, you can celebrate the 5th of May by indulging in all this vibrant country has to offer, whether that be noshing on tacos, sipping on a Corona, or listening to some mariachi.

3. Observe National Beverage Day 

http://mousehousekitchen.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/article-refreshing_summer_drinks.jpg

National Beverage Day is the 6th of May, and presents the perfect excuse to test out some summery libations, or even create your own and impress all your friends come barbecue season.

4. Partake in McHappy Day

http://www.cknw.com/eventcalendar/Details.aspx?ID=361618

If you've read our post on Ljubljana here, you'll know our views on McDonalds. (Basically, we pretty much love the place). But just in case you needed some coaxing to pay a visit to Mickey D's, the fact that the 8th of May is McHappy Day should persuade you, as proceeds from sales go to children's charities.

5. Get Bikini Ready

http://heidiklum.aol.com/category/style-files/the-ultimate-bikini-ready-countdown/

After one last gluttonous hurrah (see #4), it's time to get yourself ready for bikini season (if you so desire, of course. No pressure). Check out some lighter meal options (May is National Salad Month, after all!), and take advantage of the longer, warmer days to get in some more outdoor exercise.

6. Celebrate Mother's Day

http://www.oilpaintings-sales.com/oil-paintings/pino-a-mother-s-love-77278.html

While Ireland and the UK celebrated their mothers two months ago, Sunday, May 12th is North America's Mother's Day: the perfect opportunity to spoil your mama (or mother figure) rotten!

6. Watch the Eurovision

http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/novelty/eurovision/romanias-its-my-life-a-knocking-eurovision-each-way-bet_155171.html

It's hideously tacky and grotesquely cheesy...but we love the Eurovision--it's a prime example of something so bad that it's good. For the uninitiated, Buzzfeed provides a very detailed guide here, and if you watched the finals on the 18th of May, we hope you enjoy this recap of The 11 Most Absurd Moments of Eurovision 2013 here (totally with her on Romania...they were our favourites this year, along with Greece.) And yes, we were inexplicably mortified and utterly despondent that Ireland came dead last. Ohhhh, the shame!

7. Enjoy the May Long Weekend

http://kassiastclair.com/have-a-relaxing-long-weekend/

The last Monday in May marks Victoria Day in Canada and Memorial Day in the U.S. (and it's also a bank holiday in the UK), so long weekends all around! Enjoy yours however you see fit, whether that includes camping, picnicking, or just catching up on sleep.

8. Fill Your Space With Fresh Flowers

http://inmyownstyle.com/2012/03/my-found-desk-gets-a-high-gloss-makeover.html

A home filled with fresh flowers is a surefire way to brighten your day and get you in the mood for summer! Even a single, small bunch near your workspace is enough to make a tough day a bit cheerier.

9. Go For a Bike Ride

http://www.designcatwalk.com/cycle-chic/

The third week in May is National Bike Week, so why not take the opportunity to explore your city by bicycle? (Heels optional). If you don't have your own, many cities offer rental services--perfect if you want to go for the occasional cycle without having to commit to buying your own bike.

10. Have a Day in the Park

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A_Sunday_on_La_Grande_Jatte,_Georges_Seurat,_1884.jpg

May often has an abundance of perfectly pleasant days, weather-wise: sunny and warm, without being oppressively hot. Take advantage of the late spring temperatures by planning a day in the park, complete with snacks, blankets, music, magazines, frisbees, footballs...whatever constitutes good entertainment for you, really.

10 Things to Do in April

Sorry for being AWOL this past month...things have been insanely busy with finals, work, and packing for Ali's upcoming move to Vancouver! We hope this has been a rewarding month for you all, and hope you enjoy this re-cap of things to do/have done in April!

1. Play a Prank on April Fool's Day

http://grahamsdownunderthoughts.blogspot.ca/2012/04/april-fools-day-vintage-postcards.html

A well-planned prank may cause momentary mayhem, but is the only fitting way to welcome in the month of April, in our opinion. So long as the mischief doesn't cause any lasting emotional or physical harm, we say prank away!

2. Celebrate Siblings Day 

http://www.theslideprojector.com/art6/art6lecturepresentations/art6lecture4.html

Celebrate your siblings on the 10th of April, which just so happens to be National Siblings Day. Love them or loathe them, you and your kindred have a lifetime of shared memories, so spend some time together reminiscing on the good old days.

3. Celebrate National Humour Month

http://theangiemartinezshow.com/2012/10/14/2-cents-ha-ha-hoe-hoe/people-laughing/

We suppose it's only fitting for the month that starts off with a day of mischief to be assigned National Humour Month! Obviously, laughter should be an integral part of your life year-round, but this month take some extra time to watch funny shows, read humorous books/articles etc...(If you're looking for some comedic suggestions, we cannot recommend the Australian comedian Chris Lilley highly enough - Summer Heights High, We Can Be Heroes, and Angry Boys have us in stitches - and we defy you to not laugh at the hilarity to be found on BuzzFeed). 

4. Observe Stress Awareness Month

http://calibermag.org/articles/in-hindsight-thankful-for-a-break/stressed-student/

The clever people who assign causes to each month clearly don't do this arbitrarily: all things considered, as students we definitely find April to be the cruellest month. Final exams, multiple essay deadlines, etc., etc. can take their toll on your sanity, but make sure you take some time to just chill and re-energise...and remember, the end is nigh!

5. Observe Earth Day
















http://www.mobilecommons.com/blog/2011/04/earth-day-goes-mobile/

The 22nd of April is Earth Day, so show some love to our planet, whether that be cleaning up litter at your local park, recycling, using less electricity around the house, or riding your bike to work. We are certainly not the greenest people around so don't have the authority to be too preachy, but it really doesn't take that much effort to do these little environmentally-friendly things.

6. Observe Shakespeare's Birthday

http://archaeosoup.com/bard-memories-why-shakespeares-stratford-deserves-a-second-chance/

Shakespeare's exact date of birth is uncertain, but is traditionally celebrated on the 23rd of April. Not a whole lot is actually known about the man himself, but he is arguably the most influential figure in the history of English literature. Whether you take some time to read one of his plays or sonnets, or even just watch a movie like 10 Things I Hate About You (based on The Taming of the Shrew) or She's The Man (based on Twelfth Night), celebrate the day accordingly.

7. Celebrate St George's Day http://www.britainfirst.org/events/st-georges-day-rally-21st-april-berkshire/

The 23rd of April also marks the English celebration of St George's Day. First observed as a holiday in 1399 to celebrate the legendary soldier who saved a princess and slew a dragon, the day soon became on par with Christmas in terms of hype. Nowadays it's not as big a deal, but serves as a fitting day to celebrate all that is English.

8. Observe Poetry Reading Day 

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/30755796@N04/5418728612/

The delightful Poetry Reading Day is celebrated on the 28th of April, and serves as the perfect excuse to reacquaint yourself with favourite old poems and share them with others, as well as discover some new ones.

9. Observe Hairstyle Appreciation Day

http://living.msn.com/style-beauty/celebrity-style/50-worst-celebrity-hairstyles-of-all-time#8

The last day of April has the glorious honour of being Hairstyle Appreciation Day, so observe the day accordingly by both dishing out compliments to people with fabulous locks, and being awestruck by some of the more gruesome examples to be found in Hairstyle History. This is a fantastic round-up of the 50 Worst Celebrity Hairstyles of All Time. Enjoy!

10. Go For a Springtime Stroll in the Park
https://www.facebook.com/visittoronto?filter=2

Spring is a magical time of year, and what better way to witness the natural glories of the season than by paying a trip to your local park? Take countless pictures of the cherry blossom, inhale the smell of freshly cut grass, and bask in the mild sunshine.

Ten Laughs: Vintage Easter Card Edition

Happy Easter, everyone! We hope your weekend has been filled with sweet treats and springtime delights! If you're in need of a laugh and some paschal nostalgia, here are ten delightfully creepy vintage Easter images to enjoy :-)


http://normandylife.blogspot.ca/2011/04/joyeuses-paques-vintage-french-easter.html

http://www.123rf.com/photo_14916385_a-vintage-easter-postcard-of-a-chick-riding-on-an-easter-wagon-pulled-by-a-lamb.html

http://www.123rf.com/photo_9334535_vintage-easter-greetings-postcard.html

http://www.jeremiah-2911.com/2013/03/a-vintage-easter.html
http://www.crazywebsite.com/Pg-Holiday-Entertainment-Humor/Easter/Funny_Cards/pg_Free_Greeting/Odd_Vintage_Easter_Card_4_jpg.htm

http://livingvintage.blogspot.ca/2011/04/happy-easter.html

http://designyoutrust.com/2013/03/creepy-funny-vintage-easter-cards/
http://www.dailylife.com.au/photogallery/dl-people/dl-entertainment/ten-vintage-easter-cards-that-make-us-uncomfortable-20130328-2gvgs.html

http://www.vintagefangirl.com/topics/easter/page/3

http://jujusmusings.blogspot.ca/2011/04/happy-easter-vintage-style.html

10 Things to Do in March

Happy March, lovely readers! We hope you enjoy our suggestions for things to do in this charming month :-)

1. Spring Clean Your House

http://www.bayshore.ca/caringathomeblog/index.php/its-a-spring-fling-thing-time-to-recharge-and-get-things-done/springcleaning/

Way back in January, we suggested that you de-Christmas the house and clean out your fridge, but this type of cleaning is on a whole other level. Spring Cleaning requires that you do a thorough scrubbing, polishing, sweeping, dusting, whatever-ing to freshen up your place for the incoming season. Divide it into manageable hours here and there or do it all in one fell swoop Marathon Cleaning Session (but make sure to suitably reward yourself afterwards!)

2. Spring-ify Your Wardrobe


It's the time of year when heavy winter clothes are starting to feel stale and stuffy, so rejuvenate your wardrobe with some new Spring additions. Bring your old warmer-weather clothes back into rotation, and check out our 10 Items For Spring for some inspiration on what new items to buy.

3. Celebrate International Women's Day 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:We_Can_Do_It!.jpg

International Men's Day (celebrated on the 19th of November, fyi), does not have nearly the same level of hype that our day gets on the 8th of March, but we have had a tougher time of it historically, so a day observing the enormous strides women have made in bettering their lives and those of future generations deserves all the celebration it can get.

4. Spring Forward 

http://northdelawhere.happeningmag.com/spring-forward-sunday-dst-2013

Clocks go forward on Sunday the 10th in North America and on the 31st in Europe. It does mean you get shortchanged with your sleep that night, but on the plus side, the evenings will be getting decidedly lighter!

5. Celebrate Mother's Day (Ireland & UK)

http://heroinesofthefaith.blogspot.ca/2012/03/benefits-of-mothers-and-daughters.html

This is another one of those confusing days that occurs on different dates in Europe and North America. But if you're in Ireland or the UK, we hope you showered your mama with lots of love this past Sunday!

6. Observe Plant a Flower Day 

http://www.beneaththemagnolias.com/2012/05/planting-flowers-in-watering-can.html

The 12th of March (aside from being our darling mama's birthday) is Plant a Flower Day! Cool, right?! So we suggest you do just that! Whether you actually plant a flower/seeds in your garden, cultivate a window box, or simply take better care of existing indoor plants, it's a nice way of connecting with nature and getting in on the Spring vibes. 

7. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 

http://www.wespeaknews.com/world/st-patricks-day-proud-to-be-irish-40278.html

We love St. Paddy's for obvious reasons, but even if you don't have a drop of Irish blood in you, you can still get into the festive spirit by donning your finest shades of green on the 17th of March. (But as for that whole getting-pinched-if-you're-not-wearing-green? Completely a North American thing. As is calling it St. Patty's. Please don't.)

8. Celebrate Fragrance Day 

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/vintage%20perfume

Here's another obscure holiday for you to enjoy! (We swear we don't make these up - they're all certified, legitimate occasions :-) Celebrated on the 21st of March, it's the perfect day for investing in a new, springtime-appropriate perfume. Some suggestions? Daisy by Marc Jacobs, White Jasmine & Mint by Jo Malone, Cherry Blossom by L'Occitane, Chloe, and  Petite Cherie by Annick Goutal are all light, feminine scents perfect for this time of year.

9. Celebrate Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

http://www.coolfactsbro.com/holidays/march-26-is-make-up-your-own-holiday-day/

Another fun holiday we are most definitely in support of! Take it as a day to celebrate the little things in life (well, unless it's your birthday, in which case go all out). Get all dressed up, have cake for breakfast and champagne for dinner...whatever floats your boat, really, on this random Tuesday.

10. Celebrate Easter

http://jennyatdapperhouse.com/2012/04/happy-vintage-easter/

Easter Sunday falls on the last day of March this year. Celebrate Jesus' Resurrection however you see fit (which for us will include some serious demolishing of chocolate). And if you're in need of a delightful way to kill a few minutes of your time, we highly suggest you Google Image "easter vintage." The highly anthropomorphic rabbits, eggs, and chickens featured on old greeting cards are simultaneously hilarious and terrifying.