The sunshine ain't going nowhere, and to prove it I've devised a ridiculously colorful mood board to make your weekend as pigmented as possible. My best friend is in town visiting over the next few days so it's gonna be a good'n for me. What are your plans for this mid-August break? xx
One of my favorite things about fashion is that it's really fun to play around with it. Nothing gets me going quite like proportion play and the thought of being able to strike the perfect sartorial balance by pairing unexpected items together. It's all about creating a middle ground for pieces that are otherwise on very different ends of the spectrum.
I've spoken before about my aversion to bodycon and I suppose it's a recurring theme because it's intrinsically part of my style DNA, but here I go again in a getup that is nothing if not far from my flesh. These oversized, baggy trouser bermuda shorts are actually quite dressy, but the fact I float in them attributes them a fun sk8er grrrl quality. Instead of trying to tailor them into a seamless fit, I embraced their largeness and figured, while I was at it, why not go large on top too?
Giving things a lift (literally) and balance are all four inches of my trusty mules. It's kind of like, girl at the skate park goes to Lincoln Center.
I've been back from Europe for about 3 weeks now and I've been so busy since getting home that I am only now starting to sift through the outfits I want to share with you guys. Our trip was amazing for a multitude of reasons, but the thing that stands out the most is how easy-going and relaxed it was, just how only the hubs and I can make it. Having previously lived in Paris for half a year has made me very familiar with the city, which meant that there was no rush in trying to see and do everything.
It was more a matter of taking things in slowly, living like the locals, catching up with old friends, having out-of-this-world dining experiences, waking up late and getting to bed even later, and, of course, imbibing some of the fantastic culture only a city like Paris can offer. There were some occasions where the dress code was slightly elevated, but in this particular instance, where there was nothing planned other than museum-hopping and lots of walking, therefore cutoffs and a loose tee had to be the way to go.
So no big fashion statement here, but just a girl who likes to be herself, even on the other side of the Atlantic. But the best accessory in this case? Do I even have to say it? Hint: it rimes with Eiffel.
It's hard to believe that we have almost reached Labor Day (if you're not in North America, allow me to put it in other terms: Labor Day = end of summer). I'm not into it. I actually love fall, but I just don't feel like I'm quite ready for it yet. You see, a typical New York summer consists of a lineup of heat waves overlapping one another, which means that by the time September rolls around, all anyone is excited about is the idea of stocking up on chunky knitwear. Not this year. Summer has been so reasonable that August, the supposed hottest month of the year, already feels like we should be gathering 'round the fireplace come nightfall. And I'm just not mentally prepared to start wearing pants just yet.
So while you ponder this issue, feast your eyes on this week's mood board and enjoy the next couple of days xx.
Today, I bring you yet another slice of my European visitor wardrobe. But first, let's begin by discussing the wonderful place that is Amsterdam. Landing there was probably the best decision of our Euro trip, as the airport is fantastic and they make it so easy to travel to and fro via train. It's also such an easy-going city, which made it the ideal slow start we needed for our journey. Case in point: this look was worn on the very first day, which was filled with lots of eating, walking and, to cap it off, our low-energy jet lagged selves took a fun boat ride along the canals.
Certain cities are so beautiful and charming that you just cannot help but Ooh and Aah literally every time you turn a corner. It's safe to say that Europe in its entirety is probably the likeliest destination for such marvel and Amsterdam is very much included here. It's such a unique place, so different from anything you come to know as a North American, rendering it very impactful.
This was my third time in the city of canals and it never ceases to amaze me. Everyone is incredibly kind (I love Dutch people in general, I think they are some of the greatest folk in the world), the food is delicious, it has its very own identity and at the top of my list is that it's small enough for the non-locals to be able to walk to any destination they could potentially want make their way to.
A little lipstick never hurt anyone, right? Here I am in all of my vacation glory, making a bit of an effort. A beautiful evening on the streets of Paris, reapplying my NARS Velvet Matte lip pencil in Sex Machine before heading to dinner, right after the quintessential Parisian activity: the apéro.
You guys, when you just don't have someone around to take your picture (or when there is but the result doesn't surpass that of a bedroom selfie you took), you just have to make with what you've got. AIN'T NO SHAME. And this is all I've got.
But it's a cute look, so allow me to elaborate on it: a cropped pinstripe trouser made cooler due to its baggy, oversized sensibility. An equipment-like silk blouse brings that perennial effortless je ne sais quoi and on my two extremities: simple accessories making the overall look complete. It doesn't have to be complicated, as long as you have a harmonious combo of complimentary pieces. That is all.
Here we are, friends, the end of summer. The final August weekend. The last hurrah. I sit here and weep as I type this, nowhere ready for fall to take over just yet, not at all prepared for fashion week to be among us yet again. But it's inevitable, it's happening, the cold will soon be taking over and I will eventually be excited about it. Just... not yet -- which is precisely why I'm still forcing dreamy images of beachy sunshine delight down your throats. Have an amazing Labor Day weekend to all of my fellow North American compadres and for the rest of you, have a great time too XX.
Few things are as exciting as seeing oneself in a brand campaign. Such was the case this week when these really fun images shot for an Ann Taylor Instagram campaign came out -- perhaps you saw the ad appear in your feed if you're in the good ol' US of A? No matter if you did or not, I was able to get a hold of the pics and here I am sporting some Ann Taylor pre-fall garb in all of my 9 to 5 chic glory.
The thing with this classic American retailer is that it has really upped its game in recent years. The folks of Ann Inc. have been so successful at making the brand fresh and young, while still catering to their core working woman clientele. Honestly -- and I'm a tough critic -- they have some really amazing pieces, perfect basics and fun accessories, all setting the bar for quality. I have a ton of items from them that are on super heavy rotation, so they're kind of a no-brainer go-to.
All of the pieces I'm wearing below qualify as wardrobe essentials for the woman who leads a busy life. That amazing, buttery soft leather moto jacket is a classic that will lend any look that perfect dose of edge. The über-flattering Laser-cut neoprene LBD is an essential staple for all well-rounded sartorial pools -- I kid you not, I had people on the street shouting at me about how much they loved my dress. It can go from day (paired with these!) to date night, to girl's night out, all the way to city wedding wear. That silk cami, which comes in an array of pretty colors, fits like a dream. The white dress is the ideal shift and even has built-in accessories thanks to the neckline embellishment. Basically, these are all solid fall buys, ladies.
Photographed on the Highline in New York by Scott Furkay.
September has arrived, and so has summer, apparently. The mercury is seemingly reaching its highest peak of the season this week -- SEPTEMBER -- and while some of you may be dreaming of chunky knits, oversized scarves and suede boots, I will happily take this final stretch of sunshine that allows for comfortable romping around in my favorite summertime attire: the playsuit.
Rompers are an obvious choice during the dog days of summer. It's literally the most brainless item of clothing that you could possibly throw on for both staying and looking cool. If you haven't gotten one yet, I highly recommend getting doing so -- it can even serve as a transitional piece by layering a denim jacket overtop and wearing it with booties.
I am also going to take this opportunity to wave my rebellious flag and give a big fat middle finger to the no-white after-Labor Day rule. Wear your whites all year round and take it up a notch by fully owning it and going monochromatic.
Well into September, well into fashion month and, well, well into soft hues and pretty pastels. It's all that was on my mind this week as the sun was shining stronger than it has all summer while having fall poking at its rear. I am starting to warm up to the idea (pun intended) of finally coming to terms with the fact that a perma cool down is imminent. Yonder, the most accurate visual depiction of what was inside my head, aka this week's mood board. Enjoy! xx
PS are you following fashion month? Which collections are you most excited to see?
While September is trying hard to make itself heard, it appears that summer is all like, wait a minute I'm not done. So in cutoffs and rompers we I happily proceed. It's also very convenient for me because it makes the atmosphere still very appropriate for showcasing my travel wardrobe (back fromm July #mybad). So onward I go with the scattered continuation of my Euro trip outfit rollout.
True to my no-fuss sartorial sensibility, I threw on an adorable (and oh so easy) linen floral print romper for a picnic in one of my favorite Parisian locales: the Jardin du Luxembourg. It may seem like a lazy move on my part, but it was a hot day, it was a leisurely Saturday afternoon and, my god, sometimes all a girl needs for playing is a playsuit. And when gallivanting about in Paris, both chic and comfort must be taken into account, but when you accessorize with a baguette, you win, always.
An overcast sky in Paris is not unusual, and it doesn't bother me one bit... except for when it hinders my ability to see for miles after trekking up the stairs of Montmartre. Can you imagine this view were the air not hazy? I know it's amazing because I've seen it before in all of its sunny splendor.
Moving right along, this post is a lot fun for many reasons. For one, I am wearing the brightest item of clothing I own: an amazing oversized linen number that is always a trusty fallback piece when needing to spruce up any look.
Secondly, it showcases not only one of the greatest views of Paris, which is from the top of the Sacré Coeur cathedral in Montmartre, but it also highlights one of the city's great treasures: the unique doors that pepper the streets, opening up to stunning Haussmannian apartment buildings, usually giving way to hidden courtyards. As you can imagine, I zeroed in on these giant blue doors like a bee to honey. They provided the most perfect backdrop juxtaposed against my already red, white & blue lewk. #fate
And there is a third reason for why this blog post is like a party: my hat, of course! I was spreading the FOR love all across Paris and looking ultra chic while doing it, if I do say so myself.
The trifecta of internationalism: a Canadian in Amsterdam wearing an American icon on her shirt. Could I be more intercultural?! All kidding aside, the thought of this crossing makes me smile and just reminds me that owning a passport is the gateway to global mélange.
Wearing Bruce on my chest is obviously a display of my affections, but I wish it were an original concert tee. I would never wear anyone whom I have no admiration for, even less so a copy of a vintage, but because Bruce is one my personal greats, there was no hesitation when I found this little slice of rock 'n roll Americana a couple of years back at everyone's favorite retail frenemy, Forever 21.
And while Bruce is a homeland hero, he's every bit universal. So does this count as me traveling to Amsterdam with him? I like to think that it is.
This week's mood board mirrors the transitional weather we've been having. I've been rambling on about how I was nowhere ready for the end of summer. Just last week I was squeaking at the thought of having to take my knits out of storage. Well, friends, the inevitable has happened: with the weather cool-down that's occurred this week, I am finally excited at the thought of fall's arrival. That very enthusiasm should transpire below... Happy weekend everyone! xx
For those of you who weren't aware, I am involved with a company called Keaton Row as a personal stylist. It's essentially a stylist agency that operates solely online in the US. Whether women need a new outfit for a special occasion, a seasonal update or a full overhaul, they contact their stylist through the Keaton Row platform and they in turn send them look books according to the client's request. The best part? The service is FREE - a selection of clothes tailored to your taste and demands (occasion, body shape, budget) by a professional, it's almost too good to be true.
This summer, I was very honored to be asked to be one of the three girls to represent their brand for their impending relaunch, along with two other stunning ladies who also like to spread their style knowledge, Caroline and Angela. The images have yet to be released, but I was able to get my little paws on some behind the scenes action.
Forgive the quality of the images (iphone only), but they're so much fun I couldn't resist sharing this super fun day with you. I'll be sure to reveal the final shots on the blog when I can -- with outfits comprised of Céline, Jil Sander, Bally and more, I have a feeling they're going to be quite awesome. Stay tuned for that...
- And now for a plug -
If you're based in the US and need style solutions (or know someone who does), head over to my profile and contact me to get started! Nothing to lose for you since the service is free.
Listen here, folks. You want to make yourself look presentable without putting some elbow grease into it? Just add heels and slap on some red lipstick. There's nothing more to it than that. And don't forget to strut it.
Another week bites the dust. It's been kind of crazy on my side and I'm looking forward to a little respite this weekend. As per usual, I've got just what you need to stay inspired throughout the break. Feast your eyes below! xx
Looking at these photos is so nostalgic -- Amsterdam is such a wonderful city with so much soul, and incredibly photogenic to boot. But revisiting these images is like taking me back to some of the most amazing moments of the summer. The thing I love so much about Amsterdam is that it's a place where you feel immediately at ease. There's a very chill vibe about it (coffee shops notwithstanding) and I find it to be nearly impossible to stress about anything while roaming its narrow streets and crossing the beautiful canals.
This relaxed attitude is automatically reflected in how I dressed during my stay. That loose spirit is exactly what I dreamed my vacation to be and so I had packed things that were easy, yet still stylish. Here, my uniform of black made a bit more multidimensional by stealing my man's shirt and giving it a bit of a grungy slant. Perfect for hanging with the Dutch, no?
There are three periods throughout the year that I consider to be opportunities for renewal due to their transitional nature: the new year (duh), spring time and the month of September. While it would be unfair to play favorites, to hell with it: I have a particular fondness for that delicious in-between weather that September so miraculously nails year after year.
Perhaps it has something to do with the end of summer being associated to back-to-school, which is synonymous to new beginnings, renewal and organic progression. But that September breeze, that early fall sunshine, it's all somewhat magical. The smell in the air changes, the light becomes this powerful glow that we all chase until we no longer can and the foliage morphs into a real-life masterpiece.
It's no wonder I have a special place in my heart for that cool, crisp atmosphere that September so sweetly brings on. The days are warm and the nights are cool, which is perfect for getting back into the layering groove and dabbling in the first manifestations of fall fashion. For me, it's an oversized chambray shirtdress and a fresh lightweight cotton scarf, basking in the radiance of golden hour.
