Wish List: Cedric Charlier Contrast V-neck dress

Simply chic and classically minimalistic. There's really no other way to describe this great version of the LWD (aka little white dress) for the summer.

Available here and here. 

I also picked up this top here for a similar look. 

Image credit: Barney's

Weekend Web Round-up: April 26th edition

Happy weekend! Over the last few weeks, I've had the opportunity to attend a number of "women in business" networking events. Being relatively new in my career, it's always inspiring to hear from others about their own professional journeys. More often than not, I walk away with a few gems that I keep close and reach for, especially when work (and life) get very busy. 

This week's web inspiration comes from three different categories of women. Each are successful (and coincidentally famous) in their own right and inspired me this week. 

-1-

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen on The Ellen Show are hilarious and refreshingly human. The petite fashion moguls have come a long way since their Full House days with their Elizabeth and James and The Row lines being among my favourites for minimalistic chic. 

-2-

The Duchess of Cambridge, during her tour of New Zealand and Australia, has provided one sartorial treat after another. The WhatKateWore blog is the guide to see in detail everything that was worn. There is something so refreshingly feminine, elegant and chic about Catherine's wardrobe choices. I'm even more impressed with how at ease she looks in both "fast fashion" like her go-to Zara blazers and skinny jeans as well as her impressive collection of high-end designers. She is truly the master of restyling and re-purposing pieces for multiple occasions. 

-3-

I'm currently reading Arianna Huffington's Thrive and this interview with Julianne Moore in Harper's Bazaar offers eight key takeaways for how to elevate one's life from merely existing to thriving.

Have an amazing day!

Image sources: Ellen Show, WhatKateWore blog, Harper's Bazaar

Starts with Inspiration: Eco-friendly Chic

Today is Earth Day, and what better way to celebrate our beautiful planet than with feel-good fashion?

Although "fast fashion" is a great way to stay on trend and try new styles, pieces that are versatile and can be re-purposed and restyled in many ways serve as the cornerstone of any well-rounded wardrobe. 

Below are three of my current favourite picks:

This Alex and Ani bangle (previously seen here) is handmade and fully adjustable. There's nothing like a darling little bird to remind you of the lovely Spring days to come. This can also be layered with other similar pieces to elevate a simple white dress like this. 

A durable hand-crafted pouch (similar available here) means that you'll get plenty of use and this cute chevron pattern is perfect for adding a pop of pattern to a monochrome outfit. If you're travelling, this can double as a toiletry case and simply re-purposed for a casual beach dinner. As a packing hint, I use large toiletry cases to carry bathing suites and other delicates, ensuring they arrive snag-free. 

And finally, with another wedding season quickly approaching, this Henkaa convertible dress is perfect for guests and bridesmaids alike. The tutorials on the website are endless, and this deceivingly simple-looking dress can be worn in a variety of styles ranging from halter, one-shouldered, or strapless. 

Hope you're having a great day!

Fashion News: Marissa Webb joins Banana Republic

Gap Inc. announced today that as of April 28th, Marissa Webb will be joining Banana Republic as its Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design. 

Having spent time at Polo, Club Monaco, and most recently J.Crew, Ms. Webb is sure to breathe a breath of fresh air to the company.  By sheer coincidence, she happens to have influenced three of my top brands.

This, of course, is hot on the heels of Banana Republic's recent announcement of an upcoming collaboration with Roland Mouret. Perhaps this is a sign that the brand is looking to steer its direction towards higher fashion?

The first collection with Marissa Webb at the helm is Summer 2015.

Image source: Banana Republic

Starts with a embellished neckline and playing with patterns...

Happy Monday! Another business casual look today that works just as perfectly for weekend brunch!

An embellished neckline is a fun alternative way to "wear" statement accessories. This sweater with its feminine floral jewel detailing instantly drew me in, and even better that it was on sale!

I also decided to play with patterns and paired leopard-print smoking slippers with the marled texture of the sweater. 

Have an absolutely lovely week!

Top: J.Crew sweater, Uniqlo blouse

Bottom: Citizens of Humanity

Shoes: Banana Republic

Starts with a green plaid shirt...

Happy Wednesday! Continuing to indulge by current obsession with plaid I recently picked up this boyfriend plaid shirt to add to my "business casual" rotation. 

One of the perks of working in an environment that isn't overly formal is the freedom to experiment a bit more with textures and patterns. This crinkle boy shirt is made work-appropriate by layering a fitted blazer on top. This is paired with skinny jeans (not jeggings) and a statement belt. The stack-heel ankle boot is a casual alternative to the classic pump, providing height while still being comfortable. 

Admittedly, leaving a a formal workplace where shift dresses and dress pants were go-to staples took a bit of getting used to. But once I figured out the balance of looking (and feeling) too dressed-down and being overly dressed-up -- business casual became quite fun. The best part is that items previously reserved for the weekend could be re-styled to be work-appropriate for the week. Imagine the possibilities!

Hope you're having a great week!

Top: J.Crew shirt (other colours here and here, sale items now an additional 30% off until April 6th with code "SHOPNOW")

Blazer: Banana Republic

Bottom: J.Brand

Shoes: Vince Camuto

Accessories: Tiffany & Co necklace, Ferragamo belt, Botkier bag, D&G sunglasses, Hermes bangle