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...

LABEL LOVE | FRAANKLIN

The Souvenir Toronto girls show off their FRAANKLIN scarves. Via FRAANKLIN on Instagram

Have you heard of FRAANKLIN yet? My stylish cousin just introduced me to the Toronto brand and I have to share the label love with you. FRAANKLIN scarves are total stunners. The team works with its designers in Germany and NY, then sources the finest materials from around the world - New Zealand wool, German blends and Inner Mongolian Cashmere. Scarves are then produced in-house under strict socially responsible standards. 

Aside from that, here's all you really need to know - no matter what material you choose (yes, even the acrylic ones), FRAANKLIN scarves are so cozy, so generous, so luxurious-feeling, they will ruin you for every other. I wore mine all week and have never enjoyed the winter weather quite so much. Whether you're gifting or simply want to treat yo-self, here are some of my top picks rocked beautifully by those in-the-know (I'm especially smitten with the reversible line - I'm convinced every cool girl needs at least one). 

Happy, happy Fri! 

via big.chantelle on Instagram

Grey Plaid Reverse Houndstooth, $85, FRAANKLIN

via 6 by Gee Beauty on Instagram

Hunter Green Reverse Plaid Herringbone, $85, FRAANKLIN

via dearlynnjewelry on Instagram

Contemporary Royal Plaid, $65, FRAANKLIN

Lauren Soper via FRAANKLIN on Instagram

Merlot Plaid Reverse Herringbone, $85, FRAANKLIN

Wrap Stars

Originally posted in The LOOK

If you've ever had the chance to visit Paris, you'll understand the importance that French women place on their accessories. They might be wearing a pair of 10 yr.old distressed jeans and a $20 sweater from the local Monoprix but on their pieds are beautiful flats, on their yeux, a chic pair of designer shades, and on their bras, an expert edit of good jewels. Though each accessory plays an important role, none is quite so crucial to a woman's je-ne-sais-quoi as the scarf. And unlike most Canadians, a Parisienne never just throws on a scarf as an afterthought, allowing it to hang weak and limp around their well-moisturized cou. Oh non - the foulard must be given a starring role, with great attention to detail and a certain, practised flick of the wrist so that in the end, it looks as though you just grabbed it last-minute while running out of your pied-à-terre. Parisian insouciance, as it turns out, is anything but.

Not to fret though, if you have absolutely no clue how to tie a scarf. If you haven't already seen it, check out the brilliant viral video above for 25 ways to wear a scarf in 4.5 minutes. Then perfect your technique with one of these pretty scarves from Bootlegger, Sears, Bluenotes, Garage, ALDO, Ricki's, Le Château, Northern Reflections, Aeropostale, Danier, American Eagle and Ardene. (Or just pick up a cozy infinity scarf and be done with it) Bisous, mes belles! x

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Found: A Stunning Scarf

 

When it comes right down to it, what really separates the ordinary from the extraordinary ?  In fashion, it's all about the details:  the great silver cuff, the punchy green bag, the slightly oversized collar on a jacket or the pop of colour in a cobalt pump.  French women have always known that all you really need are a handful of good, versatile wardrobe basics made extraordinary with accessories.  

A scarf takes a bit of courage but you really don't have to overthink it.  Imagine a good white shirt, a tan trench coat, your favourite pair of jeans and then, the pièce de résistance - a vibrant silk scarf tied loosely around your neck, and you suddenly transform from average to amaazing.

These new silk scarves from Jacob are a total must-have.  The colours are bang on, the prints absolutely Hermès-esque and they're only $15.  That's a fashion risk I'm totally willing to take.

Get them before they're gone at Jacob stores nationwide.   Happy Friday!