BRUSH YOUR SHOULDER OFF

via Collage Vintage

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I can't blame you if you haven't been bare-shouldered in awhile. Spring in Canada is a roller-coaster ride of temps and emotions - warm one day, freezing the next, grateful one day, totally grumpy the next. The main source of my frustrations with spring this year has rested in the fact that I have two new off-the-shoulder pieces I've been dying to bust out. Problem is,  the weather has forced me to cover up  exactly what I want to show off. My shoulders are dying for the sun, the warm breeze and the cute Instagram pic potential. 

Go get yourself a stellar strapless bra (if you need it) and then check out these 3 gorgeous off-the-shoulder looks to help you make the most of the (hopefully super warm & sunny) long weekend ahead... 

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LOOKS WE LOVE | Sweater Weather

Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall '15 - via Vogue

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I've put away my shorts. I've packed away my sandals. And looks like the small tan I had is already nothing but a margarita-filled memory. Summer is over. Gone. Finito. And I can't help but feel like I'm ready for what's next. This in-between season can make even a professional shopper like me want to just give up and wear pajamas all day. Not that I'm doing that right now. Or am I? (#bloggerbenefits) Anyway, the day starts out freezing but by the afternoon, you're a total hot mess. Plus, I don't know about you but I'm done with looking at fall trends - I want to actually wear them in real life.

So today I've finally done it. I've replaced ball caps & light summer scarves with my plaid scarves and fedoras. And I actually cried a little when I brought out my box of sweaters this morning. My favourite ivory fisherman knit that I scored at a Hudson's Bay designer sample sale last year was there. My go-to cozy grey sweater was right there beside it. And there are a few knits in that box that need some TLC before I parade them around in public. Um, this and this and a few hours on Netflix should do it. 

Since so many of my favourite fall outfits include oversized sweaters, I thought I'd share some sweater inspiration with you for the new season. See some of my favourite sweater looks below and get ready to get cozy - like you needed convincing...

SEE THE LOOKS HERE...

INSPIRED | 10 Fresh Fall Outfits

September can be a crazy expensive month. Luckily, sometimes all we need is a little inspiration to keep our fall outfits looking fresh. In my article for W Dish this week, I was tasked with putting together 10 pretty looks you’ll want to wear over and over again this fall, whether you’re compiling a want list or just want to reinvent what’s already in your closet. Enjoy!

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KNIT KNACK: 3 Sweet Sweater Looks

Photo via H&M.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

If you're like me, you want to avoid that box of winter stuff for as long as possible. I'm totally with you. I mean, it feels waaay too early for mitts and toques at this point, no? And it just feels like you're giving up when you finally have to admit that the cold weather is here to stay. 

So, let's start slow, shall we? Step 1: The sweater. There's nothing cuter, comfier or cozier than a great knit when the wind's blowing outside and you're hunkered up indoors. Here's which knits are causing a fuss this fall:

THE CABLE KNIT: This fall, the cable knit sweater is back with texture to spare. With a chunky knit like this, you'll want to keep the rest of your look sleek and sexy so try pairing it up with waxed black skinnies, cool skater shoes and a great oversized watch or handful of rings to add some edge to this classic piece.

THE LONG CARDI: The long cardi is one trend that we can all get behind. I mean, a sweater that covers your bum, and then some? Sign me up. This season, you'll see loads of long cardis in stores ranging from thigh-sweeping to below-the-knee. Add a tank or tee, jeans and a great pair of ankle boots to score that perfect casual-cool vibe. A floppy felt fedora and a fine gold necklace will put the finishing touches on your look.

THE VARSITY SWEATER: Whether you're a student or not, the varsity sweater will score you top style marks this fall. Choose an oversized varsity to pair up with tailored black trousers, sporty sunglasses, a sleek backpack and super sexy heels for a grown-up take on this schoolgirl staple.

Read on to see 3 sweet sweater looks to try out this fall...

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FALL '14 DENIM: 3 Easy Looks

A perfect double denim look from Paris Fashion Week. via collagevintage.com

Originally posted in The CLOSET

THAT time of year has come and while we've tried desperately to stave it off, it's time for a reality check: Back-to-School season is officially upon us. I'm in full kid shopping mode at the moment, picking up printed skinnies and slip-on sneakers for my daughter one day and little graphic tees and hi-tops for my son the next. Much as I love to give them the best BTS outfits ever (for their sake and that of my Instagram feed, obvs), and as much as I understand that I'm not actually going back to school, I feel it's always crucial to refresh our wardrobes, too, this time of year.

My fail-proof fall wardrobe updater? Denim, of course. Jeans in all shapes, sizes, prints and washes are currently flooding the stores and I've seen dozens of pairs I'd love to pick up. But how to wear them right now? I've narrowed down some of my fav street style looks from the ever-stylish peeps at Paris Fashion Week. See the looks below to get inspired as you get ready for a return to early mornings, cooler temps and jam-packed schedules. Blech. Luckily, you can look forward to wearing these super cute fall outfits. See? Fashion always gives us a silver lining...

SEE THE LOOKS HERE...