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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MAD FOR PLAID | 3 Ways to Wear It Now

via FashionVibe.net

Fall and plaid are my idea of the perfect partners. When faced with a cold day, a great plaid accent always warms things up. Sure, a solid scarf, flannel shirt or cozy coat all get the job done, but it's the bold print that puts a unique stamp on any lacking outfit, adding colour and texture to any solid ensemble. This season, it seems like every store has checked off checks on their must-have lists. 

Here are my 3 fave ways to do plaid right now. Scroll down for outfit inspo:

1) THE REVERSIBLE SCARF | While silk scarves might be a Parisian thing, I see the chunky plaid scarf as our Canadian signature. Wear it draped over your shoulders or neck and belted around your waist, leave it long and flowing, tie it artfully around your neck or even toss it over your couch when you get home. This season, even the chain stores are doing luxe-looking reversible scarves so you don't have to commit to just one print. Genius. 

2) THE DRESSED-UP PLAID SHIRT | You can always wear a plaid shirt with jeans but this season, why not give it the glam treatment? I love a plaid shirt worn with a pencil skirt and sexy heels for a perfect date-night/going out look. The unexpected combo will help you achieve cool-girl status, no matter what your age. 

3) PARTY PLAID |  Tired of being stuck in a sea of LBD's? Plaid skirts, dresses and scarves are an easy way to look instantly festive and stand out in a crowd of black. If you've already got black pants and a white shirt, simply add a plaid coat or blazer, then tie a black grosgrain ribbon around your neck for your next cocktail party. Easy! 

CLICK HERE TO SEE 3 PLAID-PERFECT LOOKS...

FASHION CLASS | Score Effortless Summer Style in Seconds

via Sincerely Jules on Instagram

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

The middle of July is one of my favourite times of summer. The stresses of end-of-school have subsided, work has resumed but at a much less frantic pace, and I haven't even started to think about fall yet. Oops, just did. My wardrobe has relaxed a bit, too. While I always like to look polished and put together, it just doesn't feel right to spend loads of time putting together outfits this time of year. 

My summer fashion philosophy? If you can throw it on and go, it's good. I mean, I don't even want to see an ironing board until September. Luckily, there are loads of stylish options for women like me who want to be lazy but don't want to sacrifice their style in the process - from easy, breezy summer dresses to chic basics that you'll rely on summer after summer. 

Want to look like your favourite Instagrammers? I've rounded up the pieces you need to score effortless summer style in seconds. After all, I'm sure you have more important things to do than worry about your outfit, like, um, sangria? Yup, thought so...

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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...

SUMMER STYLE CLASS | 3 Must-Try Trends

via Stradivarius

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Summer is nearly here and while I've been lusting after the season's top trends for months now, many of them haven't felt all that feasible until now. I mean, busting out floral shorts on a frigid day just didn't seem right. And all that girly gingham really only makes sense during picnic weather.

For Spring '15, designers sent loads of tempting trends down the runways but as we all know, so many of them look better in performance than in practice. Luckily this summer, it's easy for even the most cautious dressers to diffuse the big trends down into outfits you can actually wear. 

Florals can feel too precious but the right blooms make for the perfect summer look. I'm loving the floral high-waisted shorts at H&M right now - add a chic white shirt and block-heeled city sandals and you're good to go for the Best Lunch-Date Look Ever.

The Seventies has been the biggest trend of the season so far but I like my disco-era in small doses. You dig? Round sunglasses, wooden accents and clean, pale denim feel like just enough to give off the right vibe. I'll be rocking summer's must-wear shirt - the short-sleeved chambray shirt - with my white girlfriend jeans and easy slides (another huge summer trend, btw).

And while stripes are a perpetual summer staple, the most fresh print of summer is gingham. The picnic print is back in a big way and will ensure you'll look right on point this season. I love the idea of a sweet gingham dress worn with sneakers or gladiators. I've shown a mildly risky pair but if you feel like pushing it even further, I'd highly recommend a pair of super tall gladiators this summer. 

Check out the looks below for some hot-weather style inspiration. Happy (summer) shopping! 

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