BRRING IT ON | Our Cold-Weather Edit

Photo by Kuba Dabrowski via WWD

Originally posted in The LOOK

Even though we all know it's coming, it's always a surprise when the cold weather actually hits. If you find yourself wincing when the mercury drops, it's time to get prepared. And if emergency preparedness means shopping, I'm totally down.

While this year's coziest pieces will keep you covered from the cold, it's never enough to just be functional. I look for pieces that perform under the pressure, both from the weather and from my Instagram feed. Just consider it your essential duty as a Canadian to be winter-ready - kind of like paying your heating bills but way more fun. 

From the coziest faux-fur trapper hat to the loungiest, most luxe-looking sweaters, I've rounded up the pieces you need for the cold weather ahead.  xx

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INCOGNITO | 3 Fun Last-Minute DIY Costumes to Try This Hallowe'en

via Elle Spain

Dressing up is my jam. As kids, we'd tag along with my mom to the fabric store where she'd pick out pretty material, then magically produce the most gorgeous costumes you've ever seen. As I got older, I'd plan out my Hallowe'en costume months in advance, dreaming up ambitious DIY's that could be assembled with tape and glue since I never really learned how to sew. Some exceeded expectations, most didn't quite hit the mark (turns out it's impossible to sit down in a lifesize Smarties box). But no matter what costume came to mind, I'd always give it my all. 

Now, with two kids of my own and way too many to-do's to count, costumes are the last thing on my mind. I pick up my kids' costumes at HomeSense ($24.99 for the win), throw on my orange coat for trick-or-treating, then spend the next two weeks eating my kids' stash. This year, though. This year is different. We just got invited to a Hallowe'en party with a group of families who take this Hallowe'en thing very seriously. There's talk of sewing machines, late-night trips to craft supply stores and (duh duh duhhhh) Matching Couples Costumes. Um, I was just going to wear my orange scarf. 

Okay, Pinterest? Help? I have a white tulle skirt that I've never worn so I typed in 'DIY costumes with white tulle skirt' and happened upon this super cute ice-cream cone girl. White tank, white tutu, multicoloured popsicle sticks doubling as sprinkles pinned everywhere and a brown paper ice-cream cone hat. My husband doesn't like dressing up but he agreed on this one - a white shirt, black pants and a red apron. All we have to do is add a white paper hat and an ice-cream scoop and his costume is done.  I happened upon some other ideas that I thought I'd share in case you've been invited to a Hallowe'en party and are on the hunt for some last-minute ideas, too.

BAD BLOOD | Whether you go solo or want to achieve your #SquadGoals, I can't get enough of the Bad Blood girls. Grab any form-fitting black pieces you have, from a tight black dress to a black biker jacket and leggings. Add a pair of sexy (ideally over-the-knee) black boots. Now add a super smoky eye, a slicked-to-the-side low chignon and clear safety glasses. Training gloves will help you look extra bad-ass. 

PINK FLAMINGO | Safety pin 5 to 6 pink feather boas to a pink shirt and voila - instant flamingo! Add a pink baseball hat (you can attach a large black beak made out of construction paper to the brim if you have the time), pink nailpolish and black leggings. Oh, and if you're looking for an excuse to buy a new pair of kicks, $45 pink Converse are a super cute finishing touch.

DAY OF THE DEAD | The bright colours and spooky makeup make Day of the Dead costumes some of my all-time faves. Simply wear a boho white peasant blouse or lace-detailed white tank and a black maxi skirt, then pile on loads of bright flowers and beads. To get that signature candy skull look, face tattoos are a brilliant idea if you don't trust your face painting skills.

SEE ALL THE COSTUME DETAILS (& WHERE TO BUY 411) HERE...

 

FALL FASHION CLASS | Midi Dressing 101

Prabal Gurung Fall '15. via Vogue.com

Originally posted in The LOOK

You may have already noticed this: sweaters getting longer, knits going head-to-toe, layers becoming a way of life.  We're Canadians - we were born to get cozy - and so of anyone, we can totally appreciate this midi trend that's taken over the fashion world. I don't know anyone who wants to wear a mini skirt in a windstorm. And short toppers might be cute but we need a coat that's got us (and our bums) covered. This fall, it's all about going long and I'm loving it. 

While you might love the concept of long layers, too, you might not know exactly how to pull off the trend. Since most of our closets are stocked with neutrals, I thought I'd start there today. Here are 3 easy ways to do midi dressing this fall:

1) THE LONG VEST | Winter white in loads of different textures looks amazing all piled on. If you don't have a longer sweater, add a long vest to the mix to achieve a midi-length look.

2) THE DRESS/CARDI COMBO | For work, I'm loving the idea of a knit black midi dress worn with a matching black cardi. The key? Make sure the cardi and dress are the same midi length to score that refined loungy look. 

3) THE MIDI SKIRT | Some midi skirts can easily feel dowdy but the new form-fitting midis are surprisingly sexy. Choose a side-slit midi pencil skirt and pair it up with an oversized chunky knit. A long moto biker coat and pointy-toe boots will help finish off your look.

SEE THE LOOKS HERE...

UNDER $100 | 35 Cozy Sweaters to Beat the Chill

via HUNKYDORY Stockholm

Originally posted in The LOOK

Sweater weather has officially arrived and I couldn't be happier. Now that I've packed away all of my summer things and brought my sweaters out of storage, I can't wait to cozy up in all of my favourites. There's the chunky fisherman knit that I know I'll have forever. There's the huge oversized cardigan that I put on anytime I'm tempted to wear my pajamas all day. And of course I've got some fun brights that I love to wear on those extra grey days. 

The thing about sweaters is this - after a summer of high exposure, they're awfully awesome at giving your body a break.  Whether your arms are more rotund than toned, or your stomach's never quite forgotten that you had kids (why won't it ever forget? why???) you can always count on a forgiving knit to keep you covered. Sweater, IMO, should be always be soft and luxuriously oversized (ie. don't be afraid to go up a size). Sure, a sleek tight turtleneck works for layering but otherwise, I like to keep my knits loungey and loose. So how to avoid looking sloppy? Wear tailored bottoms like waxed skinnies or leggings to give your outfit balance.  

While it's worthwhile to invest in a really good wool sweater, you don't necessarily have to destroy your budget to stay cozy. I've rounded up 35 under-$100 sweaters at Intercity Shopping Centre to beat the chill this fall. And of course, no sweater round-up is complete without a Shawn Mendes 'Sweater Weather' cover...

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COAT CHECK | The Outerwear Picks You'll Love to Wear This Fall

via Ricki's

Originally posted in The LOOK

I've always believed that a woman can never have too many coats. But if you live in Thunder Bay, you can actually say this and mean it. I mean, between fall and spring, we're talking 8 solid months of outerwear needs. You need a coat you can count on, a jacket that just won't quit and a parka that can prove its worth time and time again.

This fall might be the perfect time to update your outerwear collection. Whether you've actually worn out your old coats or your current coats are simply way out-of-date, we've got loads of new options for you to consider this year. From lightweight vests and anoraks, to fashion slayers that are never an afterthought, to cozy coats that will keep you covered no matter what the forecast brings, see our all-out outerwear edit below. 

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