Starts with Inspiration: Kendra's Fashion Challenge - A Trip to Disney's Epcot

Happy Friday! 

When Kendra Thornton, travelling guru, approached me with a fashion challenge to inspire her wardrobe for a family trip to Disney's Epcot, I was instantly intrigued. Even as an adult, Disney World remains one of my favourite places to visit, and vacation packing is always a creative exercise to look fabulous while packing light. 

My go-to trick is creating a base outfit that can easily be transitioned from day to night by swapping layers and accessories. For this particular set, I opted for a silk cami and scalloped shorts for a functional, feminine look. For daytime, this is paired with a light cashmere hoodie (it can get chilly in the air-conditioned buildings), comfortable yet stylish striped flats, and a  stainless steel menswear-inspired watch. I also added sparkly mouse ears so that she can complement her daughters' princess outfits.

At night, the hoodie is swapped out for a cardigan in a hot-for-Spring floral pattern, glamorous pointed flats, and oversized hoops. The pièce de résistance is a match-everything cross-body bag that can be used as a clutch for dinner by simply tucking in the strap while leaving one hands-free for day. 

For more information about Kendra's Fashion Challenge, check out her message below!

I want to take this time to introduce my latest project, "Kendra's Fashion 

Challenge." I am Kendra Thornton a well-known travel expert! I need some 

fashion advice from some of the best expertise fashion bloggers! I'm currently 

planning a trip to Orlando with my family and I'm particularly concerned 

about what I'm going to wear for a day visiting Epcot! I want to look trendy 

and chic with a princess theme! I am letting my girls wear their Disney attire 

and I would like to match along but in a mature way. We will be attending the 

Princess Storybook Breakfast in the morning then off to see Beauty & the Beast 

in the World Showcase France Pavilion! I’m sure we will enjoy some delicious 

French food later when we meet up with my son and my husband. We will then 

take off to the heart of Paris at a charming café! Chefs de France has high 

ceilings, intricate mosaic flooring and expansive windows looking out onto the 

promenade! I can’t wait to try some innovative French cuisine! I was able to 

plan this day with a new booking website that gives great first hand reviews. 

I checked out the website Gogobot and there were endless options offered for Walt 

Disney World hotels and excursions! I am really looking forward to my trip to 

Orlando. Once I figure out what I'm going to wear, I'll be all ready to go! This is a 

destination that's perfect for families with children! I know with StartWithStyle’s help I 

will have the perfect outfit for my day at Epcot!

Details:

Top: J.Crew hoodie,  Dolce & Gabbana cardigan, Equipment camisole, 

Bottom: TopShop shorts

Shoes: Gap flats, Valentino "Rockstud" flats

Jewelry: Michael by Michael Kors watch, Kate Spade hoops

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff "Mini MAC" bag

Image source: Polyvore

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Starts with Inspiration: Grey pieces for Fall...

Grey is a go-to colour for me. In light cotton for summer or richer textures like leather, cashmere or wool for cooler weather, it's the perfect neutral. Combining various shades and materials provides dimension and is anything but boring.

This ensemble is perfect for a weekend dinner with the girls or a casual Friday at the office.

What's your go-to seasonless colour? 

Clockwise from top: Rebecca Taylor split neck pullover sweater; Saint Laurent Y Ligne Medium Cabas tote; Manolo Blahnik Nausikaba Scooped Patent Leather pumps; Les Chiffoniers Velvet-trimmed stretch-leather leggings

Image credit: Polyvore

Starts with Inspiration: Classic Black Totes

A black tote is the quintessential staple on any Fall must-have list. A classic bag in always-chic black is worth the luxe price tag as it will inevitably always find a place in your ensemble.

Despite the fact that my own wardrobe already contains two classic black bags, I still find myself undeniably drawn to timeless black pieces season after season. Note however, that despite the classic hue, each bag below has distinctive hardware that serves not only for function but iconic detailing as well. 

After all, there’s no such thing as too much black, right?

Clockwise from top: Saint Laurent "Chyc" Tote; 3.1 Phillip Lim large "Pashli" satchel; Prada Saffiano leather tote; Balenciaga "Le Dix Cartable" Black; Balenciaga Classic "City"

Image source: Polyvore 

Starts with Inspiration: Leopard print ankle strap pumps

The perfect accessory to elevate an otherwise neutral outfit - the leopard print pump. I'm especially loving the ankle straps as they add a subtle touch of femininity to the edgy look. Or in the case of the Valentino Rockstuds, a whole lot of glam.

Left to right:

Valentino "Rockstud" pumps (available here), DKNY "Saffi" ankle strap pump, Sam Edelman "Okala" ankle strap pump (available here)

Starts with Inspiration: Blue Suede Pumps

Ever since I added a pair of blue suede pumps to my wardrobe (seen here and here), I've been consistently impressed with how versatile this colour truly is. The perfect alternative to black for Spring, this colour complements everything from denim on a Saturday to slim cropped dress pants for work.

Left to right: Manolo Blahnik (available here), Ann Taylor (here), Zara (here)

Image source: Polyvore

Starts with Inspiration: Floral blazers

If you’re looking for evidence that April showers bring May flowers, look no further than the three lovely blazers above. The perfect topper to a white t-shirt, jeans, and bright flats, a little botanical inspiration goes a long way when the rain is pit-pittering at your window.

High, medium, and low-priced options from left to right: Stella McCartney (available here), Paul & Joe Sister  (available here), and Zara (here)

Images from Polyvore

Wishlist: Denim Jacket

The search for the perfect denim jacket for me has been akin to Goldilocks looking for that perfect chair - there are so many things to consider. Not too dark, not too light, not too distressed/washed out, not too cropped, and not too expensive (it is a denim jacket afterall). 

Here are a few that have called out to me. While the Proenza Schouler one is lovely (I've left it here for reference), I think that one of the other three are more likely to make it into my closet.

Any ideas of where to look next? And how about you? Will you be sporting a denim jacket to "autumn-ize" your summer favorites?

Clockwise from top left:
Old Navy, Proenza Schouler (available here), Madewell (currently sold out), Mango

Wishlist: Rose Tones

Just discovered Polyvore, and boy, is this fun!

I'm loving uber-feminine rose tones for late summer. I'm specially featuring my dream Valentino shoes in my first set here, the perfect amount of edginess to balance girlie peplum.

Top: H&M
Pants: 3.1 Phillip Lim
Shoes: Valentino
Clutch: Lanvin (available here)