LABEL WE LOVE: Blank Denim

A great look from Blank NYC's Fall '14 Lookbook.

Back-to-school season can wreak havoc on even the best-planned budgets, between her dance classes, his new skates and daycare needs thrown in for good measure. Great new jeans can easily set you back a $300 which, for most of us, means that beginner tap class might have to be held off until next year. Saving grace? Hmmm...maybe. 

And yet, I am loving the jean line-up from Blank Denim. Totally on-trend, amazing fits, and reasonably priced to boot(ie), which means you can stock up on a few great new pairs from this lesser-known label and not feel the BTS budget squeeze.

Here are a few pairs of jeans and super cute jackets I've got my eye on. Loads of styles available now at Shopbop with free shipping and free returns to Canada. Um, yes?!

Blank Denim Distressed Boyfriend Jeans, $145, Shopbop

Blank Denim Mixed Vegan Moto Jacket, $110, Shopbop

Blank Denim Ripped Skinny Jeans, $100, Shopbop

Blank Denim Vegan Leather and Ponte Jacket, $112, Shopbop

HOLA MEXICO: Embroidered Pieces We Love

Embroidered Pom-Pom Maxi Dress, $178, J.Crew

It's Friday and I couldn't be happier. My #FOMO syndrome has taken over and after a summer of moving and renovating, I'm so ready for a break. So next week, the kids are finally out of daycamps and we'll be cramming a summer full of activities into one week. And by cramming, I mean ice cream cones in our faces, sprinklers on full blast, a lemonade stand or two, daily (make that twice daily and twice nightly) mojitos and then finally, a trip to our friend's cottage at the end of the week. Can. Not. Wait.

Since I do this fashion thing for a living, I of course have already thought of what I'll wear that screams 'I'm on vacation' and what better way than Aztec embroidery? I am loooving the Mexican influenced pieces in stores right now. Whether done in graphic black & white or in a rainbow of playful hues, embroidered tops, shorts & dresses are inherently perfect for scoring that coveted casual summer style.  

Happy Fri and happy August! Seriously, how is it going so fast?!

Embroidered Cotton Gauze Short, $55, J.Crew

Embroidered Sleep Tunic, $10, Joe Fresh

Pia Pauro Bag Embroidered Bag with Tassels, $250, Holt Renfrew

Embroidered Peasant Top, $44, American Eagle

Star Mela Mezzy Embroidered Clutch, $63, asos.com

Prairie Life Embroidered Top, $24, Forever 21

Mexican Fabric Bundle, $25, Etsy

DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Embroidered Blouse, $185, NET-A-PORTER 

ASOS PETITE Premium Embroidered Swing Dress, $113, asos.com

SEASONLESS STYLE: Buy Now/Wear All Year

Love this seasonless look from the InWear Summer '14 Campaign. via InWear

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Smack dab in the middle of summer, we're often faced with the toughest of dilemmas: to buy, or not to buy? I mean, should you pick up that cute sundress right now, even if it's on mega sale? How about sandals, or bathing suits or super trendy pieces that might be SO last year once next summer arrives. Yet looking at all of the chunky knits and fall boots making their way into stores just doesn't feel right when it's a balmy 25 degree day.

The idea of seasonless dressing has always made sense but it's especially relevant to our generation. We live in a world where it can be as freezing in your air-conditioned cubicle as on a cold December day. And in the winter, we're usually hot-flashy, whether chilling in front of our gas fireplaces or cruising to work on our (literally) hot bums. 

Want to know the trick to shopping smart this month? Make this mental note to self: Can I wear it all year? From denim to dresses, scroll through the slideshow below for 40 seasonless pieces that'll get you through the entire year without having to make a full wardrobe switch. And when it gets really cold again, just add a parka. Ooops....did I say that out loud? Sorry, you can go back to your air-conditioning now...

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SHORT STORY: 3 Ways to Wear Shorts Now

The pretty summer campaign from Stockholm brand Hunkydory. 

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

School's out for summer but that doesn't mean we can't all use a quick little fashion class. Today's lesson plan? How to Rock the Humble Short. You've worn them for years, or, maybe you haven't? Maybe you've avoided them because they always ride up, or give you a bubble butt, or, because summer hasn't really been much of a summer yet, accentuate the still-lingering paleness of your thighs. 

Shorts have come a long way and right now the stores are stocked with all kinds of cuteness - from printed cut-offs to on-trend bermudas to sporty faux-leather shorts. While you can always throw on shorts and a t-shirt on weekends, there are so many other ways to wear them. Accessories play a key role in taking your shorts from average to extraordinary; from bright or printed sneakers for your off-duty days to sexy sandals for date night. And while you might think of shorts as a tomboy go-to, they can be surprisingly chic when dressed up with feminine jewelry, a printed belt and a blazer layered over top.

The key to short success? Think outside the box. Your legs (and your packs of dropped-jaw admirers) will thank you as the summer heats up. Scroll down for 3 sweet summer short looks inspired by some of my favourite street style blogettes...

SEE ALL 3 SHORT LOOKS HERE...

 

SUMMER TREND REPORT: Winning Whites

Liu Wen rocks a Derek Lam LWD. Photo: Harper's Bazaar

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Between Wimbledon, FIFA World Cup, and the upcoming Rogers Cup, fairweather sports enthusiasts like me are currently experiencing some full-on fandemonium. I usually like to participate in team sports (girls shopping trips) and full contact sports (sample sales), but the thrill of Canada's epic Wimbledon run and the World Cup Final Four have me living on the edge of my seat instead.

Sure, I love the games, but you can't blame me for lusting after the style of these sports heroes; I mean, Eugenie in her tennis whites? Talk about 'love'. And Team Germany's highly impractical soccer whites? Winning. 

A hot summer day just begs for this coolest of palette cleansers: bright, solid white. When worn head-to-toe, there isn't a more winning combination for any athlete, whether your sport is sangria-sipping, World Cup watching or, of course, shoe shopping. 

Happy FIFA Finals! Oh, and while you wait for the next game to start, check out my fav winning whites in stores now...

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