Style

At a certain point in the last few years, comfort became key.  Trends have played a part in this, with looks like athleisure, casual footwear, and oversized tops/dresses being in style.  Another factor is that I no longer have to dress up for an office setting.  The problem with all of this, is that, like most things in life, I managed to take things to an extreme.  Somewhere along the way, I’ve lost both my motivation to dress up, and, well, my figure!

My new mission is to find once again find a balance between casual cozy and an elevated look.  There has to be a way to blend my dressier style with a balanced comfort, right?  With a new season, comes new inspiration and this look is a step in the right direction.  This badass new Western belt from ASOS with some high waisted jeans gave me the ability to *shocked face emoji* find my waistline again!  Loved matching this all black ensemble with this New Look belted coat that was only $80 CAD from ASOS.  Can already tell that I’ll be re-wearing both of these a ton!  Anyway, I feel like I wanted to say this out loud so that you guys can help keep me accountable.  If it’s all giant sweaters and leggings in a row, maybe remind me of this post so that I can step my game up again.  Cool?  Cool!  Knew I could count on you all 🙂

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Layering.  This is just one of many reasons why I freaking love autumn.  All the possible combinations of stacking your favourite clothing pieces on top of each other while still trying to maintain a relatively flattering silhouette.  So much cozy styling fun!  Since I’ve been cooped up at home and Pinning all day long, I saved some inspiration from my Simple + Chic // Outfits To Recreate board.  This is my favourite way to bookmark looks that I want to wear at some point and can be quite a saviour in those “what the heck am I going to wear?!” moments!  Are we following each other on Pinterest?  If not, we should be!

Below are a few unique ways to layer pieces that you might even already have in your closet!  I’m definitely going to be giving these a try this season.

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The first big fall storm is rolling into town and I am kind of looking forward to curling up and listening to the wind and rain outside.  We’re apparently to get three different storms, which is thanks to the remnants of a cyclone or something dramatic.  Sounds pretty darn cozy to me!

I still have to get my winter coats out of storage at my parent’s house (I may or may not use my childhood bedroom as a free storage locker – sorry mom!) so I’m crossing my fingers that temperatures don’t dip TOO much.  Speaking of items in storage, I’ve finalized a date for that clothing sale I mentioned, so if you’re in Vancouver, pencil in some shopping for October 29th/30th!  It’ll be in Gastown and there will be a few of us selling our gently loved items, so there’s be tons of size range and selection.  More details soon!

For now, you can shop the look below:

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There’s a lovely little story behind this suede jacket.  I was hopped up on cold meds, sweating and dizzy, navigating my way through the basement level Nordstrom Rack in Seattle.  Wandering the aisles, I stumbled upon this jacket and somehow mustered the strength to try it on.  A while later, Adam found me and payed for our items. My mind was so cloudy, that I actually forgot about the purchase until three days later.  It was a wonderful surprise, though.  Good to know that despite how out of it I was, I still managed to stay on track with my fall shopping must-haves.  Priorities = in order!

GET THE LOOK:

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I am determined not to let that Pacific Northwest rain drag me into months of only leggings and oversized sweaters.  Of course, that WILL inevitably happen at some point (see, yesterday’s post lol), but I hope to mix it up when possible.  Rain boots don’t always have to mean leggings or jeans, so I took a note of inspiration from Gal Meets Glam and Atlantic Pacific and have been trying to pair my Hunters with skirts or dresses for something slightly unexpected.  The only thing I was missing this day was a darn hat.  So much for straightening my hair, only to let it be exposed to the elements and turn into a voluminous frizz ball!  Next time, my rainy day style will absolutely include a giant hat that I can hide under.

Hilariously, we are quickly learning that Reggie does NOT like the rain.  I have a theory that he was a littlest hobo for a while, living on the streets of Cali and fending for himself.  This was really apparent when we got caught in a downpour the other day.  He did anything he could to get under a shelter, be it a tree, an apartment entrance, or a storefront overhang, and thought I was genuinely crazy for not doing the same.  Such a funny little dude, always learning new and silly things about him as he gets more comfortable and his personality shines through.

GET THE LOOK:

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Now, this might sound ridiculous.  But, how the heck have I never thought to layer with stripes?  Such a simple concept, and yet, all this time I felt limited to collared blouses and white tees.  I mean, what’s next?  Silky greys?  Delicate lace?  I feel so many possibilities coming on.  I have a few striped tees lying around, and after seeing the look on Alex, I had to give it a try myself.  And as much as trends come and go, I always feel so comfortable in the timeless classics like black and white.  I updated the usual rouge lip colour for this slightly burnt orangey red shade.  It’s one of my favourite bold lip colours at the moment!

GET THE LOOK:

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This is, by far, my favourite time of year.  I’ve always been a sucker for the back to school hype, despite the fact that I haven’t been enrolled in classes for quite some time.  It’s that prospect of change, soothing new, and a fresh start.  September is the real new years.  I’d march into school, with a shiny new outfit, head held high, convinced that this was going to be the best year yet.  And you guys, I really feel like it could be!

Inspired by the Ardene Disney collection, I simply couldn’t miss out on playing back to school dress up!  My classroom look is definitely always comfortable classics, light layers, and pieces that are ready for whatever weather the day brings.  Especially here on the west coast, it could be bright and sunny at the start of lecture and doomsday monsoon rain by the time you leave.  A chic hat can help that and also keep an air of mystery.  Seriously, this look makes me want to sign up for a couple courses again!

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Last week, Alex and I found ourselves in an Elle Spain article that, for a second, felt a little lost in translation.  It’s in spanish, but google tells me it’s titled ‘The Trick To Look Thinner’.  Which, I mean, I think I get what it’s trying to say, and it really is something that I do (but for a second, Alex and I both felt a bit like ouch, what is this article about?).  With an hourglass figure and some curvage, I definitely try to implement some slimming styling tricks to feel my best, but suppose I never really thought of it as a strategy.  Looking back at my last 4 outfit posts though, it’s quite obvious that I have a particular look on repeat.  Let me explain.

This dress/vest combo is the perfect example.  A simple t shirt dress and booties would be fine, but can seem a little bit unfinished and depending on the fit of the dress, can feel a bit too loose and frumpy.  A draped coat (like what I wore the other day) or a vest like this one here, create the illusion of a long line, slimming the mid section.  The drape also provides some movement, which I usually find fits my frame best.  Throwing on a longer draped piece can honestly also just feel like the finishing touch of an outfit, no matter what your shape is!

I’ve linked to some trench vests and duster jackets below:

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I wish I could show you an effortlessly glamorous look, but walking a dog everyday means that I essentially live in sneakers.  The fact that I have a chic trench coat on is genuinely out of character as of late.  Been living a true Vancouver cliche and rocking only exercise friendly athletic wear.  Adam has been away for a few days and being a single dog mama is no joke.  Can’t imagine what you parents of human children go through, jeez!  It has been challenging and consuming, but doing my best to take care of the little man and still find balance in my own life.  This is only my second post this week, so you can imagine how that’s all going…

Today is, as I’m sure you know, the first day of fall.  I LOVE September 22nd.  It will always hold a special place in my heart.  And no, not just because of pumpkin spice and colourful falling leaves (but I am admittedly super basic and freaking love those things too), but it’s because it was on this very day, back in 2013, that Adam proposed.  I love the significance of today in terms of kicking off my favourite season, but also to think back to the joy we felt that day and how it was essentially the beginning of a brand new chapter in my life.  I think I just might celebrate today with an epsom salt bath, good book, and some fall scented candles.  A proper welcome to this cozy season, wouldn’t you say?!

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