Overalls + Stripes

Overalls are back in a big way!  Here are some of my fav looks - with stripes...

Atlantic Pacific

stripes + floral

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm really into mixing patterns lately.  I especially love the stripes + floral mixing going on in these outfits!  It looks like the best way to begin is with a plain black and white striped shirt, and pair it with a floral skirt or scarf.  

Also, these stripes + aztec, just for fun.

Find the links for all of these photos on my Pinterest board.

Embracing Colour: Pink & Orange

Do bright colours make anyone else a little nervous?  I absolutely love colour and would not want to live in a world without it - but this crazy thing happens in my mind when I see something I like in a bright colour.  It's like a battle between my left and right brain.  My right brain is all about the vibrant, go-get-em, boldness of everything bright.  But it doesn't take long for my practical, you-can't-pull-that-off, downer of a left brain to kick in.  What's up with that??  Part of the problem is that I don't pay attention to what crazy colour combinations work well together, so I tend to stick to one at a time.  

Until recently, when I bought this $10 shirt from Garage Clothing Co...

 

There were other colour options that were more "safe", and easier for ol' left brain to swallow.  But you only live once right!  So I took the plunge into the pink/orange-ness of it all.  (Side note: My sister was there and pep-talked me through it - she wouldn't steer me wrong)  I'm really glad I did, and now I'm caught up admiring all the other bright colour combos out there!  I've decided to dedicate my next few posts to random inspiring combos that work - in fashion, at home, anywhere; from crazy and bold to simple and subtle.

Here's to throwing caution to the wind and embracing all the bright, vibrant colours the world has to offer!

1. Striped Dress by H&M 
2. Couch and Pillows
3. Pink Skirt, Orange shoes
4. Decorative Pillows
5. Macarons
6. Balloons

Shorts with tights.

I've been loving this trend for a while now, so it's about time I posted a few pics for inspiration.  I may even pull out my shorts & tights sometime this weekend!  (ps how cute is the little girl with the pink tights?) 

photo credits are here.

Ruche favourites

Someday, I'd like to own something from the online boutique Ruche.  They have the prettiest items, so I thought I'd share some of my favourites. A comfy knit sweater, a tailored blazer (preferably with elbow patches), and a pleated skirt in a fun colour are on my wish list this year...

Spring colours.

Well, it snowed again yesterday.  In light of that, I'm extra anxious to see spring come in full force, with pretty flowers and summery clothes.  Speaking of which, here are some J.Crew (of course) looks that I love for summer.  And some adorable clutches from Ila handbags.  Then, I threw in a bathing suit from J.Crew - love the ruched look, deciding on a colour would be hard...Enjoy the spring colours!

 Ila Handbags and J Crew

Making the Dress: Part 1

As promised, here is the first of several posts over the next few months - my adventures in wedding dress making!  Before I begin, I must mention that I am NOT doing this alone...oh my goodness no.  I'm definitely not a professional (or even close).  I've been blessed with an amazingly talented aunt who is guiding me through this whole process (she's the pro!)  Thanks Aunt Donna!  


The first step is really gathering ideas/inspiration and sketching my design, but that would reveal too much at this point.  Maybe I'll do a prequel sometime!  For this post, I'm jumping in at buying the fabric.  I gathered the girls together on a Saturday afternoon, and even though a blizzard threatened us to stay home, we braved the 401 for a day in Toronto's fashion district.  I didn't pick a specific store, but I knew that heading to the corner of Queen and Spadina was where we should start.  We went into the first store we saw, and that's where we found it!       

 Leo's Textiles was wall to wall bolts of bridal fabric with lots of sweet Asian ladies bustling around (their fluffy dog was sleeping on the floor near the front door!)  You won't believe this, but the first bolt of fabric I pulled out was EXACTLY what I was looking for.  Then a lovely lady named Suzy led us directly to the right fabric for the bridesmaids dresses*!  Really!  So in 20 minutes we picked it, paid for it, and packed it up!

We even asked Suzy if she would take a picture with us - she was so cute and excited to help "such beautiful girls"!

That's me in front of the store holding my bag full of fabric!

I really couldn't have planned a better experience - it was lovely.  I was soooo happy!

Mmmmmm, plus we had my favourite fast food - Chipotle Mexican Grill - for dinner. And to top it all off, I got the cutest text from Bryce asking if he could rent us a movie and have some snacks ready when we got back.  Of course we would!  Here's his handiwork - complete with 27 Dresses ready to play in the background!

That's all for part 1!  Next up, making the bodice pattern!

*Did I mention we're also doing the bridesmaids dresses?  The fabric is the same for all, but each girl got to choose their own design - they will look fabulous!  (oh, and did I mention they've only paid $30 so far?  yep.  Might be $10 more for the lining...)

love this trend.

via JCrew and Kendie Everyday

What goes around...

Somehow every trend reappears. I'm kinda liking the long skirt thing again...maybe...I think...sort of? Still in the 'admiring from afar' phase. Maybe I'll try making one - if I wear it, I'll move into the 'embracing the trend' phase. Or something like that. Anyway, here's the inspiration.

From left: Chloe, Alberta Ferretti, Hermes, Kenzo

Urban Outfitters.

And my personal favourite - J. Crew (of course!)

Thoughts??

j. crew does it again.

It's just fabulous. Their fall 2010 collection, I mean. Love the way they use certain fabrics in interesting ways (sequined shorts, anyone?). Plus, they do the basics better than anyone. See what I mean?

This cardigan is like "wearing artwork".

Lace vest!

See what I mean about the sequins?

Ugh, the dresses. In case you didn't know, J.Crew also has a wedding line....yep.

And, the basics.

Been dreaming of these boots for soooo long. Too bad they're $298....

summer wish list.

Just a few things I always have in the back of my mind while I'm shopping...just in case I stumble across the perfect one. Or find a great pattern to make it myself...

paper-bag-waist.

flowy-summery-shirt.

eyelet detail.
gladiators. (never had any!)
more eyelet...
long dress.