Starts with Black and White...

Happy Thursday! Doesn't it seem like the cold weather just crept up and surprised us?

Despite the colourful leaves outside, something about Fall evokes images of monochrome ensembles for me - maybe it's because I'm a summer girl at heart, and winter always feels gloomy and grey.

On the bright side however, the great thing about a monochrome ensemble is the freedom to play with patterns and textures. This also helps elevate the outfit and prevent it from being too flat.

For a friend's engagement party last weekend, I layered a soft patterned silk shirt underneath a leather-trimmed cape. Cropped trousers and a croc-print clutch helped further tie the pieces together.

My trick to monochrome dressing is to add subtle pops of colour to provide visual interest. For this evening, I chose a sparkly neon-accented necklace and my trusty cobalt pumps (I seriously can't get enough of these!).

It's been a while since my last post, but I hope you're doing well! I'm really trying to not let work take over so much :)

Have a great day!

Top: Joe Fresh shirt (available here), Barney's Co-op cape (old)

Bottom: Gap

Shoes: Zara

Clutch: Danier

Necklace: J.Crew

Fashion News: Joe Fresh confirms online shopping coming soon!

It's true! Joe Fresh confirmed today via Twitter (#FreshOnlineShop) that an shop will be opening soon and ship everywhere in Canada. 

Until then, it's time to start building the wishlist. For starters, this laser cut top would be perfect with a pair of casual skinnies for the Fall.

These affordable leather ankle strap ballet flats complete the pairing. What are you looking forward to?

 

Image source: Joe Fresh

Starts with a chambray shirt...

Happy Wednesday! Perhaps this post is more appropriately titled, "chambray-inspired". I've been on the hunt for a chambray shirt for the summer for a few months. However, each one I found seemed too heavy for the humid months we always get in Toronto. This linen version with the chambray colouring is the perfect compromise.

While taking these pictures, my hubby was suddenly overcome by a creative spark to photograph my snake-print shoes - pretty neat, right? His inspiration? A snake in the grass of course!

Top: J. Crew (for chambray purists, there a quite a few from Gap)

Skirt: Joe Fresh (old)

Shoes: Jimmy Choo "Lewis" pumps

Fashion News: Joe Fresh launching online e-commerce

Fashion isn't just what you're wearing now - it's also what you're planning on wearing later. In this new segment, I hope to share with you fashion news that inspires, intrigues, and excites me. 

First piece of news? Joe Fresh is finally launching e-commerce! I've often drooled over a piece online only to find out when I visit the store that it's no longer in stock or no longer in my size. As reported by Glamour magazine, as part of a deal with JC Penny, Joe Fresh will be available online starting Spring 2013.

Until then, Joe Fresh is available to Canadians in select Loblaws stores, Real Canadian Superstores and standalone stores.

Better late than never, right?

Image credit: Joe Fresh

Starts with a faux fur scarf...

Things are definitely getting chilly. In place of a statement necklace this weekend, I opted for a statement neck-warmer instead.

I paired this wonderfully cosy accessory with an otherwise neutral outfit for a brisk afternoon stroll.

Sometimes cold-weather dressing can be tricky. How can one elevate outerwear and make seemingly repetitive ensembles look different day to day? After all, one can only own so many coats. 

One way I do this is to keep a small collection of  outerwear with pieces that are distinctively different from each other but still highly functional. I have a warm parka for extra frigid days, and three wool coats: one short, one medium-length, and one long. Each wool coat is also a different colour from the other and with a unique detail (like a funnel collar or leather trim). The varying lengths also ensure something for every occasion. 

This olive wool jacket for example, has a great oversized collar for extra warmth and frames the fur scarf nicely.

In addition, I use scarves and other accessories to dress-up or dress-down the coats, allowing for even more versatility. And don't forget about bags and boots! As I rule, I tend to not spend too much money on expensive winter boots, as I know inevitably they will get damaged by the salt and slush.   

For those of you in chilly climates - how do you combat winter outfit blahs?

Scarf: Zara (this year's version here)

Jacket: United Colors of Benetton (also loving this version here)

Top: Joe Fresh

Bottom: Abercrombie & Fitch

Belt: Gap

Boots: Expression by The Bay (similar here and splurge-worthy version here)

Starts with ruffles and lace...

My hubby and I recently went to our last wedding of the year. Rather than splurge on a new dress, I decided to do a bit of reinventing with  my existing wardrobe. 

I opted to top my lace skirt with a peplum top (purchased during FNO in Vegas a few weeks ago) and added a skinny silver belt to create the look of the on-trend peplum dress while also mixing textures to keep the ensemble from looking too one-dimensional.

Adding a few silver accessories for additional pop, I was pleasantly delighted with the end result. Even better was the chance to wear pieces, that, if separate, probably would not have seen as much wear. 

Top: H&M

Bottom: Joe Fresh (old)

Shoes: Elie Tahari

Clutch: Salvatore Ferragamo

Belt: Femme de Carriere (old, great version here)