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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If You Like Piña Coladas...

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Dressing down has never been my strong suit. Picture me, as a 6 year-old, at the beach, in my sparkly bathing suit, with my ruffled plaid purse slung over my shoulder (yes, it was as awesome as it sounds). You could not rip that thing off me no matter how big the waves got or how hard my parents tried. And boy did they try. I couldn't help myself, I was born to accessorize. And yet, I've witnessed more blinged-out beach babes and foundation-plastered trophy wives at the gym than I care to count. So, over the years, through trial and error, I've learned the art of subtlety when it comes to casual style. The goal (always and forever) is looking like you care, but not too much. Never too much. 

Whether you plan on hitting the beach, cottage or pool-deck this summer, swimwear is way more than just swimsuits. If you're like me, you probably spend 86% of your time out of the water with your perfectly-pedicured feet planted firmly on solid ground. Whether lounging on a chaise reading a smutty beach read or making sand castles with your littles, a banging beach wardrobe is within your reach. From sunnies to cover-ups to an Instagram-ready beach towel, the stores are stocked with pretty finds to make your next trip to the water may more stylish. 

Want to make a big splash this summer? You'll be the belle of the beach in these sweet summer finds...

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GYM CLASS HEROES

via ELLE

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Wearing your gym clothes outside of the gym used to be a fatal fashion offense. Bright white running shoes worn with a dress would just never have happened a few years ago. When it came to footwear, comfort equated with totally out-of-touch. And then there were the leggings. Girls who wore Lululemons in public after yoga class were publicly (make that behind-your-back, semi-privately) shamed. 

But like everything in fashion, what was once a faux pass has become a big fashion do. From Gigi Hadid to Karlie Kloss, I'm sure that models started this whole athleisure trend. Instagram shots of leggy supers leaving their ballet classes, yoga studios and boxing rings in their classic old-school Adidas gear made us collectively want to look just like them. And since the fitness movement has recently turned sedentary stylistas into goal-crushing workout freaks, everyone is wearing gym gear 24/7.

This summer, a little sporty goes a long way. An old-school Nike swoosh or Adidas symbol will help you look right on point when wearing black & white. Prefer to keep your logos on lockdown? Look for mesh fabrics and sporty sandals or shower slides to look athletic, no push-ups required. Hair can stay a little roughed up (did you hear sugar spray is the new salt spray?) and makeup should stay minimal, but a bright orangey-red or bright pink matte lip never hurt. After all, even hardcore athletes like to have a little fun. 

See below for some sporty summer outfit inspo. Come on. Just do it ;)

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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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WORK IT | Spring's Most Stylish Workout Gear

Karlie Kloss via Nike

Originally posted in The LOOK

I don't know about you but it's really easy for me to get to the gym. It's the staying at the gym that's a problem. Every year around this time - you know the time where you see ads everywhere for beautiful girls in bikinis - I realize how badly I need to get my butt in gear. But this year, it feels different somehow. 

From Instagram to Snapchat, fitness fanatics are everywhere right now. And while getting fit is an especially huge trend at the moment, it feels less like a passing fad and more like a movement. Women I follow on social media not only look amazing in their bright workout gear but they look strong, powerful and crazy confident as they run marathons, hit the boxing ring and do mind-blowing yoga balances. Instead of models simply posing in pretty workout gear, you get the sense that they're actually doing the workouts in their daily downtime, too. Since having kids, I've never been so inspired to get fit.

While I think personal trainers are great, nothing motivates me to get my body moving more than cute workout gear. Luckily this season, the stores are loaded with the prettiest printed sports bras, bright tanks and sleek bottoms that will make you envy of any fitness class. As they say, looking good is half the battle ;)

Scroll through the slideshow for my top spring workout gear picks. You can do it!

 

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