FALL SHOE REPORT | The Flats, Heels & Boots We Can't Even Wait to Wear

via Marc Fisher

Originally posted in The LOOK

The heart wants what it wants. And when it comes to shopping, my #1 love will always (and forever and ever) be shoes. Shoes are patient, shoes are kind, shoes won't judge you if you've gained an extra 5-10 patio pounds. Shoes are there to support you, to take you where you want to go and make you feel like a bae while you're getting there. My feet have had flings with everything from flats to four-inch heels but I always have a hard time picking a fave. I mean, isn't that what true love is all about? Acceptance, right?

And so, after years of trying to justify my love, I've accepted my fate as a true shoe addict. This fall, I plan on proving my love big-time. I'll pick up a new pair of black patent beauties to add some shine to my day-to-day - I'm currently torn between brogues and ankle boots. I'll go for many long (ideally 10,000-step) romantic walks in new lace-up kicks (I'm thinking red this year). And, of course, super sexy heels are a must for date nights. Meanwhile, this week's piece in Vogue has me contemplating the need for a pair of practical stompers (aka - cocktail boots) that I'll wear to both hikes and hot-ticket parties. If you can believe it, THE shoe of the season (currently sold out & waitlisted everywhere in the States) is Birkenstock's Boston clog. Hmmm. My credit card and I have come to terms with the fact that we'll be investing in shoes for a lifetime. And that's one long-term commitment we're totally willing to make.

I can't feel my face when I'm with shoes. But I love it. I love it. 

SEE MY FALL SHOE PICKS HERE...

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?

READ MORE...

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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5 Ways to Get Out of a Summer Style Rut

via Just the Design

Originally posted in The LOOK

While summer is the most laid-back of the seasons when it comes to fashion, I know so many women who still struggle on the daily with what to wear. More specifically, they struggle with getting out of their style rut. It's happened to the best of us. You know, your work uniform. Your weekend uniform. Your gym uniform. So many of us have the tendency to reach for the same colours, the same styles, the 'practical' choices when we're shopping because it's easy, it's safe and we know it's going to work on us. The result? Fashion fatigue. Zzzz...

Luckily, all it takes is a few key summer pieces to take your summer outfits from boring to beyooond. I've hit up some of my fave street style blogs to help inspire you out of your summer style rut right now, and they're all incredibly easy to pull off. Read on for my 5 simple summer tricks to add instant interest to your wardrobe...

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LIKE A BOSS | Your Fail-Proof Guide to a Chic Summer Work Wardrobe

via RW&CO.

Originally posted in The LOOK

I've worked in many different jobs over the years. And while I'm now the Director of my own company, I never quite reached boss status before Real Life Runway. In my adult life, I've been an Editorial Assistant, a Public Relations Coordinator and a Sales Representative. But when it comes to dressing for work, I've always been a boss. Sure, nobody's ever given me private jets or bottomless expense accounts, but I've always known that when it comes to dressing for work, I can roll with the best of them. I mean, if they gave promotions based on Footwear Focus and Accessory Deliverables, my raises would be totally epic.

Summer is a tricky time when it comes to dressing for 9-to-5. You want to be on vacation but you still have to get dressed every morning. Summer is the perfect season to loosen up at work but you walk that fine line between poor judgement and professional. Spaghetti straps are a no. Exposed bras are a no. Shorts can be a yes but only in a strict private school uniform kind of way. Plus, you have to contend with sweltering temps outside and freezing A/C blasting directly at your desk. The struggle is real. 

I've put together a list of fail-proof finds that will help you navigate your workplace in seriously chic style this summer. There, my work here is done. No, really, is it too early for sangria? 

SEE MY SUMMER WORK WARDROBE PICKS HERE...