FASHION CLASS | 45 Ways to be Extra Stylish This Fall

Backstage at the Chloé Fall '15 show - via Style.com

Originally posted in The LOOK

It's the most wonderful time of the year. While most people are mourning the loss of summer, we style slaves are staring at the silver lining - poring over September issues, shaking out our summer closets and making room for the sweaters, boots and jeans that will define our fall season. Okay, fine, I'm totally going to miss the warm weather, too. But when it comes to fashion, no other season is better than fall. 

And this season, there is SO much to be excited about. From oversized cardis and distressed jeans to pretty dresses and jewels that will make dressing for work a joy, Fall '15 is loaded with tempting finds. While some of my fashion friends are snobs (and they know it), throwing their entire shopping budgets at designer pieces, I'm all about mixing the high with the low. If I see something designer that I know I'll wear forever, I don't mind saving up and making the investment. But most of the time, it just doesn't make sense to spend money when you don't have to, especially when you're just doing it for the label. 

I get some of my best jeans at American Eagle. I find some of the coolest random pieces at Bootlegger and edgy little accessories at ALDO (always a shock to my Toronto friends at Fashion Week). And with its new design team, RW&CO. is poised to become every working-girl's new favourite go-to.  I included just a few pairs of shoes as a teaser this time but count on a full fall shoe report in the coming weeks. 

Still need some convincing that fall is actually a good thing? Whether you're going back to school or just feel ready to refresh your wardrobe, I've handpicked 45 pieces (almost all under $100) that will make you extra stylish this fall. Don't you just love retail therapy?

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Orange Is the New Black

Prabal Gurung Fall '15 - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images North America

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Orange you glad summer's almost over? No? You're right, no. Definitely no. But judging by what designers sent down the Fall '15 runways and the palpable (make that pulpable) buzz surrounding the season's juiciest colour, looks like we'll be able to take some colour comfort for the new season. 

No shade stood out so vibrantly for fall as orange. I'm talking in yo face, unapologetic, orange.  Designers like Derek Lam, Jill Stuart, and Prabal Gurung splashed their collections with the vibrant shade and fall looked far brighter for it. Orange was shown mostly head-to-toe on the runway, but the shade looked especially wearable when mixed with tan & black, with bright white or even, surprisingly, with merlot.

You might not be super stoked for fall but remember fellow stylistas, shopping makes everything better. Get your dose of Vitamin C here with my top orange picks to wear now and all the way into fall. 

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THE SWITCH | Our Wear Now, Wear Later Guide

via RW&CO.

Originally posted in The LOOK

There's something about August that makes even the most avid shopper like me pause mid-credit card swipe. Is that sale really worth it? I mean, will that shirt even be in next summer? Is it better just to wait? And sometimes it feels too hot to even glance at those new sweaters in stock.

Luckily all shopping hope is not lost. I've tracked down a crop of amazing finds that will help you get your fashion fix while the seasons make the switch. Don't get stuck in a mid-summer slump - this wear now, wear later guide will help you stylishly navigate that slow (please make it even slower) transition from summer to fall, boosting your summer wardrobe now while priming your closet for the season ahead. 

So many irresistible finds here. Don't say I didn't warn you ;) 

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3 Reasons You Need a Shirtdress This Summer

via Stockholm Street Style

Originally posted in The CLOSET

If I was stuck in a heatwave (which we are), and had to choose only one item of clothing to wear (which I sincerely hope to never, ever have to do), I would always choose the dress. I love dresses. I live in dresses. And when it comes to helping my clients choose their dream summer wardrobes, dresses are always part of the equation.

While my obsessions come and go, I always come back to the classic shirtdress. It's easy to throw on, it's flattering on almost every figure, and always looks super chic. The menswear-inspired piece is inherently cool on its own of course, but as some of my fave street stylers have proven time and time again, it's all about choosing the right accessories to make the outfit epic.

See 3 cute & compelling cases for the shirtdress below. Stay cool (even though you already are....)

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If You Like Piña Coladas...

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Dressing down has never been my strong suit. Picture me, as a 6 year-old, at the beach, in my sparkly bathing suit, with my ruffled plaid purse slung over my shoulder (yes, it was as awesome as it sounds). You could not rip that thing off me no matter how big the waves got or how hard my parents tried. And boy did they try. I couldn't help myself, I was born to accessorize. And yet, I've witnessed more blinged-out beach babes and foundation-plastered trophy wives at the gym than I care to count. So, over the years, through trial and error, I've learned the art of subtlety when it comes to casual style. The goal (always and forever) is looking like you care, but not too much. Never too much. 

Whether you plan on hitting the beach, cottage or pool-deck this summer, swimwear is way more than just swimsuits. If you're like me, you probably spend 86% of your time out of the water with your perfectly-pedicured feet planted firmly on solid ground. Whether lounging on a chaise reading a smutty beach read or making sand castles with your littles, a banging beach wardrobe is within your reach. From sunnies to cover-ups to an Instagram-ready beach towel, the stores are stocked with pretty finds to make your next trip to the water may more stylish. 

Want to make a big splash this summer? You'll be the belle of the beach in these sweet summer finds...

SEE MY PICKS HERE...