Shufflin', Shufflin'

Suzanne Rogers' sliding shoe closet - source: The Coveteur

Originally posted in The CLOSET

In life, we're taught to never settle.  Whether it's your power-tripping boss or a lacklustre boyfriend, a less-than-stellar relationship can make every day an absolute chore;   I see footwear exactly the same way.  Sure, shoes cover your feet and protect them from rocks, rusty nails and disapproving looks but ever more importantly, great shoes are meant to make you feel like a rockstar.  And in the end, isn't that what you deserve, you rockstar you?!  

Summer calls for easy, laid-back kicks that you can quickly slip on at a moment's notice.  If you're looking for an update (and last year's flops have bitten the proverbial dust), the stores are full of pretty summer shoes, from chic summer sandals (including celeb-fave TKEES) to 'Sloafers' (a hybrid of slippers and loafers that have all but replaced the ballet flat) to statement-making super wedges for those seeking a lift.  And since summer's in full swing, many of the season's shoes are currently on sale.  Must go...the shoes are calling, "Sarahhhh...Sarahhh...take us home!"  Does anyone else hear that?

Oh, and don't miss the new Spin It 2 Win It at whiteoaksmall.ca for your chance to win loads of sweet prizes all summer long! x

 Lily Donaldson does bicycle chic in Milan. Source: moicontralavie.com

Clockwise from Top Left: Beaded Sandals, $25.99, Gap; Printed T-Straps, $89, Guess; TKEES Flops, $55, Town Shoes; Havainas Slims, $28, Club Monaco; Vince Camuto Sandals, $109.99, Town Shoes; Medallion Slides, $35,ALDO; Missoni x Havainas Flip-Flops, $79.95, Town Shoes; Rhinestone Sandals, $50, ALDO 

Poppy Delevingne at Paris Fashion Week in her leopard loafers - source: E-Look

Clockwise from Top Left: Printed Slipper, $40, ALDO; DLG Linen Loafers, $21, Boathouse; Striped Espadrilles, $21.99, Gap; Pink Espadrilles, $16.98, ALDO; Navy Slip-Ons, $40, ALDO; TOMS Classics, $70, Boathouse; Printed Espadrilles, $14.95, H&M; BOBS Loafers, $49.95, Town Shoes

A model in a pair of Burberry Prorsum tribal wedges - source: Teen Vogue

Clockwise from Top Left: Braided Wedge, $80, ALDO; Enzo Angiolini Wedges, $119.99, Town Shoes; Jessica Simpson Wedges, $99.99, Town Shoes; Espadrille Wedge, $31.49, ALDO; Tribal Wedge, $140, Guess; Criss-Cross Wedge, $70.99, Gap; Franco Sarto Wedge, $69.99, Le Château; Gladiator Wedge, $67.99, Gap 

True North, Strong & Fab

Canada: An Infographic, by Kirstin Hallett

MILCK Clutch, $196, thecode.ca

Oh Canada Tea Towel, $26, Roots

Suede Bootie, $100, ALDO

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

We're pretty lucky to live where we do. Sure, we've got unpredictable weather, from our breathtaking cold-snaps in the winter to our sweltering heat waves in the summer. We've got pesky black flies and longer-than-average wait-times and sometimes, our politicians can't quite make up their minds.  Yet this gorgeous country allows us to raise our kids in safety, with its good schools and relatively good healthcare system.  Add to the mix our Timbits (yum), poutine (double yum), maple syrup (I'll spare you the agony...), hockey games, CBC and of course, Justin Bieber, and there's really nowhere in the world I'd rather be.  This weekend, we'll bust out the red and white, crack open a few cold ones and shoot fireworks into the sky. We'll eat strawberry cake, splash around in our lovely lakes and generally just get out (and aboot) to soak up our beautiful outdoors. Though Canadiana kitsch is a lot less rampant (and a lot less loud) than that of our neighbours to the south, it doesn't mean we can't show our pride this Canada Day.  These fun and stylish finds will help you do just that, whether you buy them for yourself or give them as a gift to your Canada Day hosts.  Great idea, eh? For more Canadiana gems, read on...

Short Story

 

Capris have always confused me; They're not quite pants and they're not quite shorts but sort of an awkward limbo between the two. I totally get it; summers are 'freaking hot' (as my nephew would say) and in the middle of a heat wave, pants sometimes feel inappropriate. And yet, will those extra five inches of exposed skin really keep you cooler? Really?? Do you feel the breeze on your exposed shin and think, "Yes!! Thank goodness I wore capris today! My ankles feel sooo refreshed!" My husband likens capris to running a marathon and then stopping just short of the finish line, jogging through the perplexed crowd on the sidelines and making a beeline for the bar. And designers tend to agree: since they stop at the widest part of your calf, capris visually shorten your legs, spelling disaster for those impossibly leggy babe-azons, which is why you rarely (if ever) see just-below-the-knee capris on the international runways.

So, what's a girl to do in the middle of a heat wave? Stick with dresses, skirts, and lightweight pants (either full length, ankle length or slightly cropped but avoid tight capris, per favore). Still feeling hot and bothered? This year marks the triumphant return of the short and the spring runways were full of them, worn both chilled out casual and totally dressed up. My biggest inspiration (as always) is Rosie Huntington-Whitely at Coachella; Her festival look reminds me that shorts don't have to be plain, pocketed and frumpy. A printed pair, worn with a breezy white blouse totally screams summer. As for the biggest short story of the season? The short suit, as seen in innumerable designer collections this season, is now the uniform of choice for New York's chic working girls. As trends tend to do, they've filtered down from runway to real life, from big cities to small, and if you haven't already noticed them, you'll start to spy them soon. (Of course, not all offices will approve, but if you work in a more laid-back place, a short suit is the perfect way to look current and stay cool all summer long.) Pick your fave legal-length pair, commit to some nightly squats (and a bottle of St. Tropez Self-Tanner from Sephora, hallelujah!) and you're ready to rock the short. My only rule? Mind your footwear, madams. Flat sandals are always good, as are wedges or tan booties to give your legs a little lift. But please (PLEASE!) steer clear of the stiletto/short combo. It's just never good, even if you are Rosie Huntington-Whitely.

Happy Friday (and happy summer) to you!  Squeee!

Neon 101

If you're like me, neon is something to approach with caution.  Oh, I've worn it head to toe, back in the early '90s, bombing down Mount St. Chicopee in avalanche-safe neon, from my day-glo toque to the tips of my neon skis.  Face done (in pink zinc), hair done (neon elastics), everything 'did'.  Oh ya, I was that little ski bunny on neon crack and I Loved. Every. Minute.

This summer, neon's back in a big way but this time, I'll let it play a supporting role in my wardrobe, with crazy statement necklaces and neon lucite bangles adding a perfect shot of fun to my daily grind.  Consider yourself a neon newbie?  Ladies (of all ages), take your cue from the Chloé Spring '12 show and let highlighter pinks, oranges, and yellows pop against an all white canvas.  Summer's nearly here - it's time to play! x 

Festival Style: Splurge vs. Save

Rosie Huntington-Whitely and her crew invade Coachella. Photo credit: PacificCoastNews.com

As you plan your foray into festival territory, it's important to strike the perfect combination of casual and cool. From SXSW to Coachella to Jay-Z’s upcoming Made in America, the season of music festivals is in full swing. Get with the band in these festival essentials, perfect for swaying, jumping, and fist-pumping in enviable style.  For my top 10 splurge vs. save picks, check out my full article at iVillage.ca

Hooded Anorak, $49, Joe Fresh

Multi-Coloured Skull Bracelet, $15, ALDO Accessories

Paper Straw Bag, $29.95, H&M

Printed Tie-Belt Shorts, $24.94, Old Navy

H by HUDSON Mirar Boot, $275, Revolve Clothing