35 Reasons to Love Winter White

via RW&CO.

Originally posted in The LOOK

There comes a time in every person's life where we're forced to grow up. Whether it's living on our own for the first time, having a massive work crisis, or raising kids, life has ways of showing us how capable we really are. My fashion awakening came when I realized that I could wear white. And not just a white t-shirt but all white, head-to-toe. I started one summer with the purchase of a little white dress. I loved this dress. Like wanted to marry it. And then 5 minutes in, I spilled a smoothie all over the front of my would-be spouse. I was like, 'Shoot. I should have known. I'm so clumsy. I, of all people, cannot pull off a white dress.' But then I realized, 'I have a washing machine. I have a Tide stick. I think I might even have bleach. I can handle this.' We had a summer like no other, me and that dress. And then I got pregnant and it didn't fit anymore. But that dress changed me. Sniff. It really did. 

I don't spill as much as I used to. I count on my kids to do all the spilling for me. But white remains one of my favourite colours (or non-colours) to buy, both for myself and for my kids, even though everyone swears its impractical. Solid white can be bleached or Oxi-Cleaned or put out in the sun to brighten it up. And it's so much less moody than black. 

I'm sure you know by now that it's encouraged to wear white after Labour Day, but how much do you actually wear it? Whether you opt for bright white or cream, or even a mix of the two, white has this subtle way of brightening up your complexion and your mood that few shades can. And as the snow starts to fall, I can't think of a better way to embrace winter than with a chic white coat, a cozy cream cable-knit sweater or even cool white runners. And if you're worried about them being impractical, don't. You're a grown-up. You can handle this.

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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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3 New Ways to Work a Turtleneck

via For Love & Lemons

Originally posted in The CLOSET

If there's one hero piece that stood out this season, it's got to be the turtleneck. Yup, the humble t-neck is back in a big way, ready to keep us covered through all the cold months ahead. Designers showed tight layering mocks and full-on turtles under errthang on the fall runways - from flowy tanks to power suits to dresses. For party season, the newest versions come patterned and pretty (see the sequinned stunner below) so you can layer one under your dress to make all those boring LBD's jealous. But the turtleneck is turning out to have serious star power on its own, too. For this fall, I'm liking my statement turtlenecks extra loungey and oversized. Whether you wear it with a skirt or perfectly distressed jeans, XL turtlenecks make your scarf redundant so you can just throw on your coat and go. Oh, and btw, since your neck and wrists are already covered up, too, simply hone in on a pair of edgy little earrings to perfectly finish off your look. 

Take a look at the 3 pretty turtleneck looks below and get ready to get seriously cozy. 

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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! 

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WORK IT | 12 Ways to Wake Up Your Work Wardrobe

via Le Château

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

When it comes to getting ready for work in the morning, the struggle is real. And while we all face challenges at our jobs throughout the day, from uncooperative co-workers to a lackluster boss, a bad work wardrobe can make it all so much worse.

Okay, before you pass this post off as a first world rant, stick with me here. I mean, fretting every morning about what to wear must wreak havoc on productivity. Wearing the same suit day after day has got to cut short your creative flow. And all black everything? Depressing. No matter what job you have, your work wardrobe should be inspiring. It should help you bounce out of bed every morning, ready to face your closet with a smile. Okay, fine, coffee first. It should help you strut into your office, telling your company in no uncertain terms that you are not someone to be messed with. And of course, it should be ready for cocktails after work to celebrate a sartorial job well done. Make that a double. 

Whether you're on the hunt for a job or just want to shake things up at your current office, it's all about thinking outside the box. I've gone beyond the basics for this post (good tailored trousers, a fitted white and blue button-down, a beautifully-fitted blazer, a black pencil skirt, a suit if that's how your company rolls) and rounded up 12 ways to wake up your work wardrobe like a boss. Now all you have to do is work it...

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