#TREATTHEHEAT with Vaughan Mills

The Vaughan Mills Jam Van via Vaughan_Mills on Instagram

I know Toronto's currently in Pan Am lockdown. And I've already personally experienced how much the current traffic sitch sucks. But it's totally worth your while to be downtown this week. I've teamed up with Vaughan Mills on another super fun project and am so excited to share it with you. The Vaughan Mills Fashion Truck will be all over downtown Toronto this week (July 13th-19th) and you do not want to miss it. 

If you spot the Vaughan Mills Fashion Truck come over and say hello - my perfect summer outfit's displayed on the truck (see below) alongside looks styled by Christian Confidential, Casie Stewart, Christella Says and Natalie Ast. Pick your favourite outfit or fashion find, then simply tweet #TreatTheHeat to get a free premium ice cream and a chance to win one of the luxe prizes we've handpicked from Vaughan Mills (aka Canada's premier outlet destination).

I found this gorgeous oversized Rebecca Minkoff Avery Tote at hr2, which you can win. Check it:

Ray-Ban Aviators, Nike Kobe X kicks and an amazeballs fringed bag from Rudsak are among the other coveted prizes to be won. 

HERE'S HOW TO WIN:

1) Follow @Vaughan_Mills on Twitter

2) Tweet us your favourite blogger fashion find w @Vaughan_Mills & #treattheheat

3) Enjoy a free ice cream treat on us

4) Stay tuned to Twitter for winner announcements

Aaaand, my outfit from Vaughan Mills:

White Floral Skirt, H&M, $60 | Neon Necklace, H&M, $10 | Tan Belt, BR Factory, $18 | Short-Sleeve Striped Non-Iron Blouse, BR Factory, $39 | Gold Chevron Bracelet, J.Crew, $14 | Round Sunglasses, Joe Fresh, $22 | Faux-Leather Bomber, Joe Fresh, $17 | Nine West Shootie, hr2, $98 | Pink Bracelet, Charming Charlie, $13

TOTAL - $291

Style | STREET SMART

Inspiration | New York x Paris, on a Friday, in the summer.

Why these pieces work together | When it comes to choosing between New York & Paris, I say - why choose? Blue, white & tan is a classic summer combo my inner Parisienne can’t help but love. But, then there’s my NY side - I love the way the cool black booties and faux leather moto add some street edge to this look. The best part? Each individual piece is a wardrobe booster in its own right. I’d wear this outfit to work on a Friday, then throw on the bomber & aviators and head straight for a chic little patio somewhere to bring on the weekend. In a word: #friyay.

 

See you soon at the Vaughan Mills Fashion Truck. Can't wait to #treattheheat w you! 

 

SPRING STYLE | 17 Fashion Finds Bloggers Can't Live Without

via Krystin_Lee on Instagram

Originally posted in The CLOSET

It takes one to know one. As a Fashion Blogger (the capitals make me feel legit) I can spot another member of my 'crew' at the drop of a fedora. It has nothing to do with her # of Instagram followers because, let's face it, some bloggers buy those. And she might not even have a proper blog yet. But all stylish fashion bloggers, wannabe or full-time profesh, have certain key pieces they rely on to look stylish on the daily. They're not always super expensive, and some pieces change from season to season, but there's a certain savoir-faire when it comes to shopping for that perfect blogger wardrobe.

For spring, it's all about the mix - that perfect combo of street meets chic. Bold standout pieces reside next to classic keepers, sporty finds balance out super girly scores, and ideally, there's always that amazing conversation piece to keep your 'followers' interested.

From cute dots to culottes, I've rounded up 17 blogger-approved finds you can add to your spring wardrobe now with the insider secret ways to wear them. Enjoy!

READ MORE...

DENIM LOVE STORIES | My Spring Denim Test-Drive with Reitmans

 

When Reitmans approached me to collaborate on their spring denim campaign, I was excited to check out the collection and get reacquainted with the brand. Okay, hold on, put away your fashion snob hat for a minute. Don't be a hater with that whole 'ugh, no-name denim?' thing that I know some of you are doing. Let me tell you that Reitmans has actually come a long way. With Smart Set closing, Reitmans has shifted its focus to be younger and more trend-focused to appeal to SS's old customers, including women like me. I've always been a big believer in peppering your denim collection with well-made, inexpensive options, and if you can find them at a Canadian retailer, it's always a big bonus.

So, I headed to my closest Reitmans and got right to work. My fashion mission? Find a pastel pair, a bleached pair, and a boyfriend, then style them three different ways. I tried on loads of pairs, tossing aside anything I deemed too 'mom' (even though I am a mom), finally settling on a pair of cute marbled skinnies, a pair of pretty pale pink ankle jeans and a comfy pair of dark drawstring boyfriends. Also managed to pick up a super pretty lace tee, a classic black watch and a perfect long silver pendant (see below).

If you haven't checked out Reitmans lately, it's totally worth the visit to try on some non-budget-busting spring denim. In the meantime, scroll below to see how I styled my picks and don't miss the Reitmans Facebook contest at the bottom of this post where you could win a trip for 2 to the seriously dreamy 5-star Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Sigh...can I win, please? Oh, and be sure to tell me which look is your fav - would love to hear what you think! 

Cat-Eye Sunglasses, ALDO | Flower Necklace, J.Crew, similar here | Cheetah Coat, Bootlegger | Quilted Black Jacket, Old Navy | Non-Iron Fitted Dress Shirt, Brooks Brothers | Only Denim Skinny Jeans, Reitmans | Black Wrist Watch, Reitmans | Black Strappy Pumps, Nine West (top pic) | Patent Croco Slip-On Sneakers, H&M (bottom pic).

THE JEAN |  Only Denim Skinny Jeans (sku 312777)

WHY I LOVE THEM | Bleached denim is a tricky affair, usually best left to the designer denim pros. However, I fell for these bleached marble skinnies because they're just so eighties (in a good way), and made my legs look skinny. I'd say to wear them with a white blouse and keep it simple. But then again, if you're going to wear marbled jeans, why not go all out? Marble. Cheetah. Hot pink lips. Yes. Yes. Yes!

Ray-Ban Aviators, Sunglass Hut | Neon Earrings, J.Crew, similar but even cuter here | Lace Tee, Reitmans, similar here | Structured Trench, RW&CO. | Pastel Ankle Jeans, Reitmans | Leopard Calf Hair Pumps, J. Crew Factory.

THE JEAN | Pastel Ankle Jeans (sku 736949)

WHY I LOVE THEM | Pale pink jeans are so girly that I had to have them. Going head-to-toe tonal always makes a strong fashion statement, especially if you can add in an unexpected pop somewhere. I threw on a pair of neon earrings and they instantly finished off the outfit. I normally find pale denim super unflattering since they show the world every little bump but the Reitmans pastel jeans are the right thickness so they give you nothing but sleek, clean lines and legs for days. 

 

NY Yankees Ball Cap, LIDS | Mirrored Sunglasses, American Eagle | Navy Blazer, Banana Republic, similar here | Long Silver Necklace, Reitmans | Non-Iron Fitted Dress Shirt, Brooks Brothers | Printed Crossbody, ALDO | Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff, Tiffany & Co. | Only Denim Boyfriend Jeans with Drawstring, Reitmans | Patent Croco Slip-On Sneakers, H&M

THE JEAN | Only Denim Boyfriend Jeans with Drawstring (sku 313000)

WHY I LOVE THEM | For me, these jeans are ALL about the drawstring. They're crazy comfy like joggers, only with the option to wear them out. Since this spring is so heavily influenced by the '70s, I am loving the clean denim look right now and plan on wearing these with both heels and sneakers this spring. Yay spring!

It might be spring(ish) but anyone else craving a getaway right now? Then you do not want to miss this amazing Reitmans Facebook contest: Enter here for a chance to win an all-inclusive trip for two to the 5-star Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit resort in Mexico, courtesy of Transat Holidays. Good luck! xx