The Retro One-Piece of My Dreams

Photos by Kyler Kelly

As you will all come to know, Modcloth is one of my favourite shops, especially for all things retro. And as I mentioned in an earlier post (Just Beachy), I'm not really into the tiny string bikinis. Enter this amazing Esther Williams number from Modcloth that just hugs, drapes and pulls in all the right places.

Swoon.

Forget those triangle bikini tops, I have never felt so fetching in swimwear!

                                                 

An Ode to the Hudson's Bay

How do I love thee? 

Let me count the ways...

This is just a quick shout-out to one of my very favorite stores, The Bay. As everyone has heard by now, the Hudson's Bay Co. will be acquiring major US fashion retailer Saks Inc. in a huge 2.9-billion dollar deal. I, for one, am very excited about this! Over the past few years, I've witnessed The Bay's evolution into an ultra-modern, trendy department store but at the same time, still remaining true to their classic style. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am The Bay's number one biggest fan always keeping a close eye on their sales and new arrivals. Since my office is conveniently located right across the street, I've been known to spend many-a-lunch break browsing their ever-improving shoe department. Anytime I find myself in need of a last-minute purchase or a gift idea, I always know The Bay will have what I need.

Congratulations Hudson’s Bay!

The Secret Garden

Hope you had a great weekend, fashionites! We want to start this week off by presenting to you one of our latest fashion shoots. In this series, Jackie and I were inspired by this little piece of idyllic nature and went with a 'garden nymphs' theme. We are really trying hard to get the most use out of our best summery summer dresses while the weather is still quite hot. Heck, August is around the corner and before we know it, we'll be layering on the sweaters and parkas.  

As you may have noticed in past posts, Jackie is extremely talented with her hands and those little hands of hers can whip up the most complex of hairdos effortlessly. She'll then try to convince you that it's super easy, but that is a lie. All this to say, Jackie created her floral headband from scratch and although it was rather delicate, I'm so amazed at how good it looks in these photos. We hope you enjoy them!

 

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Debbie's dress is from H&M. Headband is vintage. Wedges in the last photo are Michael Kors.

Jackie's white dress is from a random shop in the south of France. 

                                         

Pondering on Hair Splits

How does everyone feel on the issue of middle-part VS. side-part?

I must admit, I most often go for the side part due to its more universally flattering quality as well as for its feminine, almost romantic charm. However, I equally enjoy the middle part. If done correctly, the middle-part is bold and effortlessly pretty. I sometimes find a simple middle-part will enhance a girl's beauty even more because of its simple, bare and honest attitude...as if to say, "This is my hair. This is my face. Deal with it."

What do you think?

Nailed It Again!

I've recently acquired an invaluable tool in my quest for funky nails that I wanted to share with you guys. I have tried everything from nail stickers to stencils to freehand and let me tell you, nothing has worked quite as well as a basic nail dotter in dressing my nails in chic designs that don't end up looking like streaky blobs (how is that even possible?!)

Don't get me wrong, it's still tough to get everything just right, and you still need a steady hand and lots of control, but what I really like is the precision it offers without taking away the freedom to let your own designs roam free. 

I am using an Essence brand dotter that I picked up at Pharmaprix (Shopper's Drug Mart in the rest of Canada) for under $3! Can't wait to get some more fun nail polish colours and go to town!

                                                       

Urban Jungle

I don't know why but this green skirt just makes me think JUNGLE. I spotted this little number at H&M and was immediately attracted to it. It might be the subtle contrast between the rugged safari-inspired print paired with the femininity of those layered tiers. Another thing I love about this skirt is that it will transition well into fall/winter, seeing as the darker tones will look great with a pair of black opaque nylons and some booties. I was tempted to pair this skirt with a simple black tank but then opted for this bright yellow top and I'm really glad I did. I am loving this color combination!

 

Joe Fresh yellow top / H&M skirt / Circa Joan & David sandals via The Bay / Thrifted purse / Revlon Blushing Mauve lipstick / Forever 21 bracelets

Croquet? Why Yes, I Do Fancy A Game!

Last weekend, I played croquet for the first time. Sadly there were no flamingos, and shocker, I didn't win, but I had a jolly good time whacking balls with my mallet.

I'm not sure what the standard croquet uniform consists of, but I think my orange birds-in-flight romper did the trick. And what's croquet without a bit of crochet? I know, I know, that was horrible...

Now that I've had a taste of the game (and of bitter defeat) I'm off in search of a secondhand croquet set of my own!
                                                   

Among The Filth And Flowers

Montreal, like any major urban city, has many hidden nooks and crannies to discover. We were inspired to contrast this little derelict corner of the city by donning these simple, fun and feminine frocks. And you can never really go wrong with a floral or lace dress - femininity is always flattering.

 

Photos by Kyler Kelly

On Jackie: Zara dress/Zara booties (old)/Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in Rossetto lipstick

On Debbie: Forever 21 dress/Thrifted booties/Thrifted belt

                                                 

It's A Crop Top Summer!

One of the biggest trends this summer is baring a bit of belly. Before you close your browser in dismay, let me be the first to tell you, I don't exactly have a 6-pack either. More like a minus 1-pack. 

But this season's crop top is all about sneaking a peek. 

Bare as much or as little as you're comfortable with, and pair your top with a high-waisted skirt, pants or shorts for a more classy and flattering look.

From top left moving clockwise:

H&M

Brand unknown

Garage

Brandy Melville

                                                       

I Believe In Costume

"I don't believe in fashion. 

I believe in costume. 

Life is too short to be the same person everyday."

- Stephanie Perkins, Lola and the Boy Next Door