Crop Star

When it comes to fashion, there are some trends I bypass entirely (ie. culottes), and some I latch on to right away (ie. crop tops). This little white top from last summer made a return appearance for our trip to Cuba, this time paired with one of my favourite skirts ever, a midi/maxi (mixi?) I picked up in a post-Christmas Anthro sale. I love long skirts but I often find it tricky to decide what to wear them with -- so often, a tucked-in t-shirt can look kind of awkward when it bunches up around the waist, I find. So thank God for crop tops! And I love that this plain white one is the perfect backdrop for a big, statement necklace.

Crop top - H&M

Necklace - Aldo

Skirt - Anthropologie

Bag - Kate Spade

Sandals - J. Crew

Sunglasses - Forever 21

Lipstick - Posh Pink (Lancôme)

Blinded by the Bright

This dress doesn't elicit many compliments (actually, it's the opposite: anyone who comments on it says something to the effect that it's blinding them), but to be honest, I'm willing to overlook the retinal damage of passersby for the sheer fun of wearing it. I'd had my eye on this little neon number since it first hit stores a few months ago, and snatched one up when it went on sale not too long afterwards (I've noticed that new stuff at J. Crew ends up in the sale section pretty swiftly, and at really substantial mark-downs, too). It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but lace is my thing (seriously, like 80% of my wardrobe has some kind of lace touch), and I love fluorescents, so it was a no-brainer. 

Dress - J. Crew

Shoes - Steve Madden

Clip-on earrings - Aldo

Lipstick - Schiap, NARS

Orange Stripes are the New Black

Of all the clothes I wore this summer, this dress is the one item that got the most wears (by  far!). I pretty much lived in it from about May up til now, and I'll be sad to say goodbye once the days get cooler. However, we got off to a kind of rocky start... The first time I wore it out, I could barely walk because it was so constricting--the fabric would wrap around my ankles in such a way that made it impossible to hobble more than a few steps at a time. I did some DIY alterations when I got home by snipping a few inches up the side (as you can see in the third photo), and it's perfectly comfortable now, but I still had chafe marks on my ankles for weeks afterwards (#firstworldproblems).

Moral of this blog post?! Make sure you can walk in a dress (or anything, for that matter; a few strides up and down the fitting room should be good) before you buy it/wear it out. There's nothing more awful than having to cut short your plans because you can't walk in your dress! 

Dress - River Island

Sandals - J. Crew

Lipstick - Morange, MAC

White nail polish (on toes) - Loft

Floral Farewell

Well, first of all, let me apologize for the bad quality of these photos -- I guess having a photo shoot at night wasn't the greatest idea. The darkness just seems to creep up so quickly these evenings! I always have slightly mixed feelings this time of year (and I say slightly because fall is my favourite season), but there's something about summer coming to a close that's bittersweet. And for me, it always ensues a slight panic as I try to cram in as many wears of my bright, summer-only clothes -- like this skirt -- before packing them away for 6 months.

Shirt - Forever 21

Skirt - Banana Republic

Bag - Kate Spade

Ring - Aldo

Tights - DIM

Shoes - J. Crew

Lipstick - Schiap, NARS

Little Black Summer Dress

I've been trying to wean myself off wearing too much black (because, to be honest, it has a tendency to wash me out), but when I saw this dress on sale at J. Crew for 65% off the sale price (!!!), I just couldn't resist. Combining eyelet and a trumpet-flare hem--two of my favourite style features--it was a winning combination. While I'm planning on getting as many wears out of it as I can while the weather is warm, I think it will transition well into autumn--I'll exchange bare legs for tights and hot pink lipstick for berry.

Do you have a favourite LBD? Or do you think it's one those "closet essentials" that's a bit overrated?! Let me know in the comments!

Dress - J. Crew

Patent flats - J. Crew

Rings - Aldo and Topshop

Sunglasses - Aldo

Black nail polish - Licorice, Essie

Lipstick - Schiap, NARS

Top of the Crops

While I'd been intending on trying out the crop top trend since early spring, it wasn't until recently that I actually managed to acquire one. White, affordable, and with some sort of sleeves were my only requirements...but somehow that trifecta proved difficult to find. But just when I thought my summer was going to be crop top-less after all, I happened upon this little white one on mega sale at H&M for under $5. White may not be the most practical colour (knowing me, it'll be stained within 2 seconds of putting it on), but it's the most flattering if you're fair: it makes even the ghostliest skin look (kind of) tanned.

Crop top - H&M

Maxi skirt - Topshop

Sandals - J. Crew

Sunglasses - Aldo

Lipstick - Rimmel Kate Moss #08

White nail polish (fingers) - Loft

Blue nail polish (toes) - Barry M Cobalt Blue

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

10 Items For Summer

Happy Summer, everyone! We hope you're all enjoying yours! Here's our final instalment of the seasonal 10 Items series, in which we share our top picks for summer! Happy shopping and wearing :-)

1. A Maxi Dress

I absolutely live in maxi dresses during the summer; they are just so comfortable, flattering to every body type, easy to pack, easy to style, and they hide a multitude of sins! If you still have your suspicions regarding their wearability, I urge you to just try one--I guarantee you'll be a convert ;-)
Floral maxi dress - newlook.com

2. A Wide-Brimmed Hat

A beachy hat not only gives your outfit a put-together, chic feel--it also has health benefits too, by protecting the delicate skin on your face from the harsh rays of the sun. Win win!
Lalù straw beach hat - pret-a-beaute.com

3. A Little White Dress

A cool, crisp white dress is an absolute summer must. Check out our round-up of favourite LWD styles here.
Miss Selfridge strap prom dress - missselfridge.com

4. A Fun Pair of Sandals

By 'fun', we mean something a bit quirky and colourful, like these gorgeous aquamarine ones. Pretty much everyone has a pair of practical sandals in a neutral shade, but bright colours can be just as versatile. 
Ankle tie shoes - makemechic.com

5. A Pair of Luxe Shorts

Ditch the Daisy Dukes in favour of something a tad more sophisticated, like these fab jacquard shorts, which can be dressed down for day with a casual tank and sandals, or up for night with heels.
Elizabeth and james shorts - shoplesnouvelles.com

6. A Kaftan

A folkloric, embroidered kaftan is such a ubiquitous summer holiday essential that it's almost a cliche at this point, but for a reason: it's the perfect thing to throw on over your swimsuit and looks fabulous with a tan and tousled, beachy waves.
River island - riverisland.com

7. A Swimsuit
Bikinis are all very well, but there is something so sweetly retro and cool about one-pieces in bold colours (and then of course there's the fact that they are infinitely more forgiving).
Norma Kamali pinup swimsuit - shoplesnouvelles.com

8. A Pair of Espadrilles

Every girl should have a pair of espadrilles, either with or without wedge heels, in her wardrobe: they're the ultimate shoe of summer.
Lauren Ralph Lauren espadrilles shoes - macys.com

9. A Pair of White Jeans

Yes, they can be scary, but they're just so darn summery: the perfect accompaniment to nautical tops and colourful sandals. (Just keep your Tide-to-Go pen handy--you're gonna need it with these bad boys!)
Citizens of Humanity denim skinny jeans - mytheresa.com

10. A Beach Tote
Even if you don't plan on setting foot on a beach this summer, a large, colourful bag is still the most seasonally-appropriate option for lugging around all your stuff on a daily basis. 
Two s Company jute tote bag - sundancebeach.com

10 Things to Do in July

Can you believe that this is our last ever monthly 10 Things list?! Where has the past year gone! (If you're interested, you can revisit our first 10 Things list--for August--here). We'll miss creating these monthly suggestions of things to do, but we have plenty of other "10" lists in the works, so stay tuned! 

1. Celebrate Canada Day

















http://www.canada-day.ca

Kick off the month of July by celebrating all things Canadian on the first. Even if you don't have the same ties to the country that we do, you can still use it as an excuse to indulge in a stack of maple syrup-drenched pancakes, read some Margaret Atwood, or listen to an exclusively Canadian playlist on your iPod.

2. Celebrate the Fourth of July

http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2012/07/02/where-to-watch-fireworks-in-massachusetts-this-4th-of-july/

Happy Fourth of July, Americans! No doubt you'll go all out on your special day, but those of us who don't live in the Land of the Free can still take advantage of the festivities by watching all the fabulously elaborate concerts on TV. 

3. Celebrate Bastille Day


http://www.stoffersgroup.com/vive-la-france-how-to-celebrate-bastille-day/bastille-day-fireworks/

The 14th of July is Bastille Day--France's day for patriotic pride. While it may not be your home country, it's the perfect excuse for indulging in some Gallic delights, whether that be a dainty serving of macarons, or a fresh-out-of-the-oven baguette. 

4. Partake in a Poolside Party

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/nevada/las-vegas/vegas-pool-party

Cool down from the hot temperatures in the most refreshing way possible--that is, poolside, and preferably with an icy cold drink in hand.

5. Hail Down an Ice Cream Van

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lomokev/7034881665/

Indulge your inner child and satisfy a sweet tooth by answering the siren call of the ice cream van next time you hear one doing the rounds in your neighbourhood.

6. Go to a Farmers Market

http://www.artpictures.co.uk/gifp0959.htm

There is something so wholesome and summery about farmers markets--and you're bound to find one somewhere in your vicinity during these warmer months.

7. Go on a Road Trip

http://kassyaugustine.tumblr.com

Whether it's a grand All-American monthlong affair, or an afternoon drive to a little town an hour away from where you live, there's nothing like hitting the road to get away from it all. 

8. Watch the Tennis at Wimbledon

http://www.theuksportsnetwork.com/the-digital-side-of-wimbledon-2013-who-is-doing-what

Did you watch the showdown between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic on the 7th of July? Nailbiting stuff, right?! We never realised watching tennis could be so edge-of-your-seat!

9. Go Camping
http://www.henandhammock.co.uk/helpingtheenvironment/index.aspx?id=2722

Well, first off, a disclaimer: we're not really camping girls ourselves, to be honest. But if it's your thing, then go all out and enjoy some time in the wilderness!

10. Make a Summer Playlist

http://www.bcliving.ca/entertainment/granville-onlines-ultimate-summer-playlist

A playlist of summery songs is the perfect accompaniment to all your warm-weather fun--from listening to at the beach on your iPod to playing at a party for all to enjoy. And, when you're feeling a bit down in the depths of winter, listening to those songs will bring back a flood of happy, summertime memories. 

10 Things to Do in June

Soooo. This blog. Believe it or not, we're still committed to it (her?) as it approaches its first birthday in August (they grow up so fast! Sniff sniff). We know we've been pretty lax on the posting front, but we're working on it, we promise! We hope you enjoy our belated suggestions for May and June (many of which can apply throughout the summer months), and we hope your summer is going fantastically thus far :-)

1. Make Your Own Summer Bucket List

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/summer%20bucket%20list

We enjoy giving monthly suggestions here on the blog, but only you can decide what exactly you want to achieve over the summer! Half the fun of summer activities is the planning stage; if you're a fellow list person, go all out and handwrite an elaborate bucket list (complete with illustrations!) of all that you'd like to cram in over the next few months.

2. Go For a Run

http://ehow-blog.com/how-to-breathe-during-running/

Did you know that the 5th of June is National Running Day? Nope, neither did we, and while it's not the most thrilling-sounding holiday for exercise-phobes such as ourselves, if running is your thing, go out and have a...celebratory...run! (Maybe wear a costume or something?! And then reward yourself with cake :-)

3. Go To a Festival






















http://www.motelrocks.co.uk/tag/motel-fashion/

It's the time of the season when festivals are in full force, and while Glastonbury might not be on your agenda this year, there's bound to be some sort of music/cultural festival happening in your vicinity that's worth checking out.

4. Have a Garden Party

http://madeleinelamour.blogspot.ca/2011/07/throwing-garden-party.html

Barbecues are all very well, but sometimes it's nice to introduce a bit of old-school formality into your life. Make this a slightly prim and proper, genteel affair at which everyone dresses up in frothy pastel frocks and dainty nibbles are served on delicate china plates.

5. Celebrate Father's Day

http://www.artrenewal.org/pages/artwork.php?artworkid=37157&size=large

Sunday the 16th of June is Father's Day: the perfect opportunity to make a big fuss of your dad (or father figure). Whether his recreation of choice is golfing or hiking, or simply taking in a movie, celebrate in style!

6. Celebrate Bloomsday

http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Bloomsday-Tracing-James-Joyces-Ulysses-through-the-streets-of-Dublin---PHOTOS-123936964.html

The 16th of June also happens to be Bloomsday--the day on which, in 1904, the events of James Joyce's Ulysses unfold in Dublin. If you're a big fan of the book (neither of us have read it), you can partake in the Joycean-themed events to be found in most cities worldwide.

7. Partake in World Sauntering Day

https://www.facebook.com/XLIreland

If #2 is not really your thing, you may be more in favour of partaking in World Sauntering Day, observed on the 19th of June; a day to simply take things easy, stroll around at your leisure, people watch, and soak up the summer vibes.

8. Celebrate Summer Solstice

http://www.templeilluminatus.com/group/beacons-for-love-and-light/forum/topics/summer-solstice-meditation-stonehenge-06-21-2013

June 21st, aka the Summer Solstice, officially marks the first day of summer. Weather permitting, it's the perfect occasion to perhaps organise #4 or #10.

9. Wander a Flea Market

http://design2share.com/design2share-qa/2012/8/22/tips-for-haggling-and-navigating-local-flea-markets.html

Some cities have year-round flea markets, but there is something so distinctly summery about wandering leisurely around one, admiring the random bric-a-brac and objets d'arts. Summer is also the perfect time for working on DIY projects, so be on the look-out for items that could be transformed with a few simple alterations or a lick of paint.

10. Dine Alfresco

http://www.masala.com/16089-al-fresco-dining-at-ottomans

There are few things more enjoyable than dining outside on a sunny afternoon or balmy evening. Whether your location of choice is the patio of a favourite restaurant or your apartment balcony, enjoy this summery pastime however you see fit.

Mint Floral

Floral print has been popular for quite a few seasons, but it has only recently made its way into jean territory. While the prospect of flower-bedecked legs may seem somewhat daunting, it can actually be quite a wearable look, when balanced with a casual, loose-fitting top. Vicky paired her jeans with a sheer, mint-coloured shirt to create an outfit that's perfect for this transitional time of year, when it's not quite warm enough for shorts but still officially summer. 

Sheer mint green shirt (worn with top underneath) - Primark

Floral print jeans - Primark

White canvas wedges - Aldo

Lip gloss -  Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm in "London" by Bare Escentuals

Nail polish - "Pedal Faster Suzi" by OPI (Holland Collection)