The Cape Crusader

Photos by Kyler Kelly

I really can't say enough about the benefits of a good cape when traveling. There's nothing quite so enchanting and surprisingly versatile. You don't need punchy colours, heavy accessories or second-guesses. It elevates itself into the fashion stratosphere.

I recently went on a trip to China and this number really came through for me. Whether it was paired simply with jeans, a short shift dress or knee-socks and booties, I didn't spend a single sight-seeing day feeling dowdy. Despite the simplicity of the colour and design, the whole idea of a cape just adds intrigue to any outfit. In order to steer clear of the potentially frumpy silhouette, I made sure my legs were always well-defined in some classic skinny jeans or shorter hem-lined dresses. And for those brisker days, I threw on a dusty rose scarf and wool gloves. Granted, a cape may not be the best choice if the mercury drops below the double digits, but this beauty got me from Beijing to Guangzhou in style. What are your favourite travel must-haves?

                                                                

The Jean Jacket

Jean Jacket: H&M / Skirt: Target / Hat: F21 / Scarf: Joe Fresh / Boots: Michael Kors

The time is here! I can finally start wearing my favourite spring item, the jean jacket! Even if I have to layer on my furry scarf and my wool hat, I'm going for it, frockers. I've also incorporated a little floral skirt to drive the point home, it's time for spring fashion and we ain't lookin' back!

In Full Bloom

 Photos by Kyler Kelly

Sammydress frock/Spring pumps/thrifted handbag

A pretty print dress is our reward for patiently enduring this long, cold winter. Say "goodbye" to double pants and "hello" to bare knees! Spring, you're like the one that got away, the one I can't stop thinking about ... and now that you're back, I'm throwing caution to the wind and letting my shoulders do the talking. I've missed you!

                                                                

Schoolgirl Sway

Coat: Joe Fresh / Pants: H&M / Denim Jacket: H&M / Booties: Winners / Hat: Thrifted

As much as I love my darling red peacoat, I'm just about ready to pack it away for springtime! The weather is SLOWLY warming up but not quite there yet. I'm actually wearing my favourite denim jacket tucked under my red coat because as soon as spring weather hits, it's always the first thing I whip out. On the bright side, I was at least able to wear my jacket open without crying so I will maintain hope that jean jacket weather is definitely on its way!

Where Everyone's In Love and Flowers Pick Themselves

 Photos by Kyler Kelly

F21 cardigan/American Apparel unitard/thrifted flats

You would think I love all things floral, but you'd be wrong. Some floral prints make my eyebrows furrow, not gonna lie. It could be the colour choices, the design of the buds, the layout of stems ... I am a discerning floral lover! This beauty hit all the high notes just right. The rich blue, the stylized blooms, the cut of the hem and sleeves ... just add to that, the fact that I can now wear my favourite unitard to work without getting sent home like a 12-year-old and it was a match made in heaven. I love the whimsy and easy decadence this print introduces to what could have been a very casual silhouette. No question, it was love at first sight with this sheer floral number!

                                                                

The Search is Over

Jeans: Mossimo / Jacket: Old Navy / Shoes: Winners / Handbag: Michael Kors / Hat: Joe Fresh

Yes, the search for the perfect boyfriend jean is over and I couldn't be happier! The search was long and painful trying on tons of pairs that looked ridiculous on me but alas... I found my perfect pair at Target. Loose in the leg but still perfectly tapered, this jean is the perfect balance between fashion and comfort. And the best part, only cost me 30$!

Things I'm Looking Forward To This Spring...

... besides the sun, the flowers and not feeling like I'm trekking Mount Everest on my way to the metro station. 

Bronzy Lids

Clinique eyeshadow in At Dusk Super Shimmer

I fell in love with this look in the fall and I'm excited to see it lining the catwalks this spring as well! Not only does it work for all eye colours, but it's just a fun way to add some oomph to your peepers without going too extreme. All neutral eye shadows are flattering, but adding that bronze shimmer just kicks it up a notch. Just dust on the powder, blend and finish with some black liner.

The Classy Bar Necklace

Forever 21 necklace

Don't get me wrong, I adore a good statement necklace as much as the next girl, but sometimes clean, simple and minimalist is best. Enter this must-have piece that really goes with anything and will probably be a staple in your wardrobe for many seasons to come. Wear it to the office on Friday, the party on Saturday and the market on Sunday. This piece does it all!

Floral Hair Accents

Aldo headbands

Ok this one is just a no-brainer, but I'm happy to see that others are embracing one of my go-to year-round themes. My love of all things floral is no secret, but if you're not quite comfortable with the whole garden nymph look and want a more subtle way to introduce this motif into your do, try smaller buds, simple hair clips instead of a full band, paler colours if you're a blond or darker colours for brunette.

A Tangerine Pucker

L'Oréal Paris Color Riche lipcolour in Volcanic

Yves Rocher gloss in R301

I love me some bright lipstick and orange has become the new red to fear. Just like picking a red that will make you feel like a vixen, it's all about trial and error. If you're not really into the pylon orange, opt for a nice coral or a sheerer formula. And try both glosses and lipsticks to find what works best on you. Just remember: there's almost nothing you can't pull off with a bit of confidence!

Hang on Frockers...Spring is almost here!
                                                                       

Crochet Crazy

Crochet Sweater: F21 / Pants: H&M / Boots: Zara / Handbag: Cynthia Rowley / Hat: Vintage

It seems I am naturally attracted to all clothing that is reminiscent of a tablecloth. I absolutely love this new sweater I picked up at F21. So easy to wear and really brings the whole outfit together. It feels like a perfect transition into spring/summer fashion because I'm already thinking of ways to style it with a light dress or even a pair of shorts. What do you think?  

What's In Your Purse?

Sheaffer fountain pen
Rhoda notebook
Concordia University alumni business card case
Lesportsac "first aid" kit (filled with bandaids, lady products and medicine)
fresh Sugar lip treatment
The Face Shop lip palette
iPhone with BOF case
wallet from Seoul
bobby pins and hair tie
thrifted cateye sunnies
thrifted handbag