FALL FASHION CLASS | Midi Dressing 101

Prabal Gurung Fall '15. via Vogue.com

Originally posted in The LOOK

You may have already noticed this: sweaters getting longer, knits going head-to-toe, layers becoming a way of life.  We're Canadians - we were born to get cozy - and so of anyone, we can totally appreciate this midi trend that's taken over the fashion world. I don't know anyone who wants to wear a mini skirt in a windstorm. And short toppers might be cute but we need a coat that's got us (and our bums) covered. This fall, it's all about going long and I'm loving it. 

While you might love the concept of long layers, too, you might not know exactly how to pull off the trend. Since most of our closets are stocked with neutrals, I thought I'd start there today. Here are 3 easy ways to do midi dressing this fall:

1) THE LONG VEST | Winter white in loads of different textures looks amazing all piled on. If you don't have a longer sweater, add a long vest to the mix to achieve a midi-length look.

2) THE DRESS/CARDI COMBO | For work, I'm loving the idea of a knit black midi dress worn with a matching black cardi. The key? Make sure the cardi and dress are the same midi length to score that refined loungy look. 

3) THE MIDI SKIRT | Some midi skirts can easily feel dowdy but the new form-fitting midis are surprisingly sexy. Choose a side-slit midi pencil skirt and pair it up with an oversized chunky knit. A long moto biker coat and pointy-toe boots will help finish off your look.

SEE THE LOOKS HERE...

THE BRAND-NEW BOHO

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

If you're under 30, you probably went to at least one music festival this summer. But even if you didn't (and even if you're over 30 like me) you probably dressed like you did. Boho chic has been on the rise over the past few years as flower crowns, distressed denim and fringe have taken over as summer wardrobe essentials. With the sun shining down and the latest indie album on repeat, going boho makes us feel like total free spirits on the weekends, even if we do nothing but work, eat and sleep during the week. 

While that boho vibe usually fizzles out by fall, this season feels different. For Fall '15, some of the top fashion houses embraced all things '70s, providing a softer option for those of us who just don't 'get' grunge. From supple suede coats and boots to pretty bow-tie blouses and flowy maxis, the options for boho babes are endless this season. Read on for my top boho scores and how to wear them to keep the party going for fall. Don't you just love? 

SEE MY BOHO SCORES HERE...

UNDER $100 | 35 Cozy Sweaters to Beat the Chill

via HUNKYDORY Stockholm

Originally posted in The LOOK

Sweater weather has officially arrived and I couldn't be happier. Now that I've packed away all of my summer things and brought my sweaters out of storage, I can't wait to cozy up in all of my favourites. There's the chunky fisherman knit that I know I'll have forever. There's the huge oversized cardigan that I put on anytime I'm tempted to wear my pajamas all day. And of course I've got some fun brights that I love to wear on those extra grey days. 

The thing about sweaters is this - after a summer of high exposure, they're awfully awesome at giving your body a break.  Whether your arms are more rotund than toned, or your stomach's never quite forgotten that you had kids (why won't it ever forget? why???) you can always count on a forgiving knit to keep you covered. Sweater, IMO, should be always be soft and luxuriously oversized (ie. don't be afraid to go up a size). Sure, a sleek tight turtleneck works for layering but otherwise, I like to keep my knits loungey and loose. So how to avoid looking sloppy? Wear tailored bottoms like waxed skinnies or leggings to give your outfit balance.  

While it's worthwhile to invest in a really good wool sweater, you don't necessarily have to destroy your budget to stay cozy. I've rounded up 35 under-$100 sweaters at Intercity Shopping Centre to beat the chill this fall. And of course, no sweater round-up is complete without a Shawn Mendes 'Sweater Weather' cover...

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FROCK STARS | These Fall Dresses Are Giving Us Serious Feels

Chiara Ferragni at NY Fashion Week SS16 - via Laia Magazine

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

I'm all for equality. As a full-time working mom, I feel I can do it all. Or at least most of it all. Or 'most of it all' 'some of the time'. When I remind my husband to be chivalrous, he jokingly gives me the 'but you're so capable' speech. 'I know you can open up your own car door, so why would I do it for you?' And he's right. As a 21st century woman, I can take out the garbage, pump my own gas, and bring home the bacon. And if a return to chivalry means a return to the life most women lived throughout history, I'll take 2015, please. 

Still, there are times when I just want to feel like a girl. I love to put on makeup. I'm inexplicably drawn to sparkles and shoes. I love when my husband brings me flowers, when he covers my eyes during a scary scene on HBO, and yes, even when he holds open the car door for me. And while I totally wear the pants in our family (obviously), I just love wearing dresses. It's not that guys can't wear dresses. But most don't. And so when I put on a pretty dress and a pair of strappy heels, I feel like a woman. 

Summer might be over but that doesn't mean you have to put away your dresses for the season. I've rounded up the prettiest new dresses in stores, perfect for wearing bare-legged on warmer days, or with opaque black tights, sleek boots, and a cozy cardigan or tailored blazer when we get into single digits later on. 

Scroll through the thumbnails below for the fall dresses that'll give you serious girl power this fall...

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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...