So we all want it. Spring, spring, spring. And while there is no way to fast forward mother nature (although it seems we sure are trying our darndest with our excessive greenhouse gas emissions. not a rant I swear), we can fake it till we make it by getting into our spring wardrobe just a bit early! (why not?!)

This great green flowy skirt was a bit of an impulse buy (and during my strict shopping hiatus, oh Hailley…) but how perfect is it to jump start your mood? And when pulling on something that is a little ‘fashion forward’ thinking (seasonally and otherwise!) one perfect way to balance out the look is to mix it with a minimal and understated tee.

And honestly, you can never (ever) go wrong with a Canadian purchased, designed, and made coat to keep this spring look wearable when the temps are still a little unbearable (poet and I didn’t know it? oh my, I’m sorry…).

t-shirt|americanapparel . skirt|anthropologie . boots|frye . necklace|oak+fort . coat|allisonwonderland

photos|elise regehr

Every girl’s got one, the little black dress that is a tried and tested for looking chic, sophisticated and effortlessly put together at a moment’s notice. And with some quick accessories a ho-hum frock can become a stunning ensemble. Now I understand the classic nature of black (it goes with everything and is of course universally flattering) but I for one am very much in favour of taking your go-to dress in a simple cut and injecting it with a vibrant (and equally as flattering if I may add) burst of colour! And with a classic fit, this dress can be just as easily dressed up or down as your tried and tested LBD with a few choice add-ons.

Take this great silk dress here that I nabbed off of madewell.com (my absolute favourite shop season after season it seems) for half price. While it sometimes doesn’t do a shopper any favours to pick up last season finds at major discounts (who can wait till next summer to wear those strappy sandals) this dress can easily be transitioned through the end of winter, spring and right into summer. And the piece can just as readily be styled up as it can down. By adding a grungy (ish) toque, killer (if not a little hardcore) boots and a structured overcoat the delicate dress gets the edge it needs.

Now if only I could end my lifelong search for the perfect leather jacket (how good would a biker jacket be on this dress?!) half price as well, a girl can dream can’t they.

dress|madewell . toque|joefresh . belt|clubmonaco . boots|hollywoodtradingcompany(via freepeople) . coat|anthropologie

photos|elise regehr

It’s been everywhere this winter in almost every form. Black (or brown, dark green even…) patches of slick, sheeny (it’s a word) material applied to the most unsuspecting garments. We’ve seen it as a collar, an elbow patch, a full sleeve, and even one or two (kay or a million) pairs of super skinny pants. It’s pretty bad ass and can almost instantly edgify (it’s also a word) even the most feminine of outfits. And if you haven’t guessed it by now, it’s straight up pleather.

Now I know the fashion world has come up with a plethora of more ‘acceptable’ monikers than the one used above, but really, why does it matter whether we’re calling it vegan leather or polyvinyl when it looks so damn cool either way? It doesn’t.

And while I am a firm believer in leather footwear (personal experience states that a man-made copy simply does not wear or endure the way the real thing does) I am totally fine buying into fake for places that are not under constant rub, stress and strain. Take this great vest that I picked up at Zara. It’s the perfect way to easily incorporate this trend into your already existing wardrobe, over a chic silk dress, peaking out under a warm coat, or on top of a flocked velvet blouse as I have here. And while the rest of this look is comprised of last year pieces, the vest quickly works to keep the outfit on trend (and honestly, at $25, more than half off, you just need it).

So whatever you want to call it, I fully endorse this cost effective means of getting into the leatha look, something I think even Stella would agree with.

coat|clubmonaco . vest|zara(similar) . blouse|clubmonaco(similar) . pants|zara . booties|joefresh

photos|elise regehr

Now believe me, I get it. Why does it seem like a maxi skirt/dress, while functionally designed for colder months (I mean fashionable full coverage to your toes? seems too good to be true…) is solely wearable at summer farmer’s markets and patio brunches? Peronally, I’ve struggled with (read: avoided completely) how to style them through the winter for as long as I’ve had my collection of these Amish-length beauties. So when I pulled this gorgeous blue number from the depths of my closet I decided to challenge myself, was it possible to pair this floor length dress with something other than a great pair of leather gladiators? Was I maybe just over thinking it?

Well it turns out I was. By simply throwing on a flowy cardigan, short boots, and pulling the dress together with a great structured belt I somehow transformed a very summer statement dress into a cool (literally. please include a great mid length coat in this outfit for your health’s sake) look that all of a sudden didn’t read ‘maid of honour at destination beach wedding’.

And on a day like today (-41 celsius?! my word…) go ahead, wear three layers of leggings underneath that skirt to elude the hypothermia onset. Secret’s safe with me.

dress|anthropologie . belt|anthropologie . cardigan|anthropologie . booties|joefresh

photos|elise regehr

While the weather in Edmonton has been more bearable this weekend, it still takes a brave soul (or ex-Winnipegger) to get out there with bare ankles. So to balance out my chillier lower half, I decided to super-bundle up top in this outfit. Using your denim jacket as an extra layer in the winter allows you to wear your favourite Canadian Tuxedo topper all year round! And how cute does it look peaking out of your trench (or peacoat, or blazer…).
And for those of you who need a little colour therapy to get you through the snow and slush, don’t be afraid to prematurely don your petal powered prints (you can’t even walk into a store these days without being bombarded, just surrender) with a more seasonally appropriate coat. Believe me, those gawkers are just jealous of your confidence and impeccable taste.

blouse (dress)|dace (via moule) . necklace|anthropologie . denim jacket|levi’s (via urbanoutfitters) . trench|oldnavy . pants|joefresh . heels|joefresh . bag|clarevivier (via anthropologie)

photos|elise regehr

One of my favourite denim styles is hands down the boyfriend. I mean, how can you argue with one of the most comfortable, easy to throw on, effortless looking, ‘doesn’t matter if i gain 5 pounds or 15 at supper tonight’, stylish(!) pant around that is still acceptable in public? (note: don’t get me wrong, I am also a full supporter of a well styled sweat pant, but we’ll save that for a later post) The issue is then presented when temps dip below the negative single digits and you can no longer pair them with your (sockless) loafers or Bensimons, what’s a girlfriend (in her boyfriends) to do?

Enter the bootie. Now this is definitely not the only way to transition these staple pantaloons into sub zero climes, (cute socks and heels, or a willingness to grin and bear cold feet also work well) but applying the bootie will keep your feet warm(er?) and protected while giving you a flattering lift and dressing up your look (that was probably intentionally casual in the first place…oh well). Personally, I am in absolute love with this versatile leather pair I scored from Joe Fresh on uber sale for $30 this year (a replacement for the exact same pair I purchased last year that I wore till they were basically unwearable). Come to think of it, every piece in this outfit was purchased on sale. I’m that good…

Finish off the outfit with a warm wool blazer (that I readily double as my jacket layer on milder or just extra brave days) an oversized utility vest and a cozy scarf and you have a put together and practical outfit that doesn’t look like you’re trying too hard (am I right? oh man I hope I’m right…).
[Extra bonus: forgoing cute socks for tights as I have here will serve as makeshift long johns, insulating under those potentially drafty jeans]

Oh and if you’re unsure as to whether this slouchy look is lingering into 2013, just ask the Swedes what’s up.

shirt|joefresh . blazer|clubmonaco . vest|clubmonaco . jeans|levi’s . tights|joefresh . booties|joefresh . gloves|indigo.chapters . scarf|h&m . watch|timex

photos|elise regehr

I’ve never been one of those girls who bought into the concept of fashion rules. Now there are definitely taste choices that I abide by, but this idea that you can’t wear white after Labour Day blows my mind. I mean, how can you omit a full colour from your wardrobe for half of the year?! Wasteful.
So I obviously also disagree with other traditionally agreed upon fashion standards. Saving flower prints for spring? Nah. Inappropriate (and sometimes just dumb) flats in the middle of winter? But come on, so cute. And sequins on any (every) day other than New Years? …well that’s just an obvious.
The key here is to mix your festive pieces with more pedestrian ones. Like for instance, this cerulean blue chunky sweater topping a sparkly pencil skirt, while staying light on accessories. And these sorta roughed up Frye boots with a western twist are the perfect mix of dressy-cas(ual).

It’s all about balance ladies. And let’s be honest, a little glitz (yes glitz, bling schmling I say) never hurt anyone.

sweater|forever21 . skirt|anthropologie(similar) . tights|joefresh . boots|frye . headband|borrowed . cuff|localartist

photos|elise regehr

Well hello there! Welcome to what will hopefully be a fun, engaging, exciting (well or something…) ride into the depths of my insanely overstocked wardrobe. Justifying the overspending any way I can…
Winter in Edmonton can be long, dark and depressing, so to combat some of the blustery blues I’ve decided to start a blog documenting how to dress to brave the cold (which will hopefully morph into ‘embrace the warm’ if spring does indeed come again). One of my favourite ways to get dressed quick is to throw on a dress, easiest way to look put together in seconds (basically a single item outfit? a fashion onesie if you will). I got this great dress at Anthropologie and despite the loud (read: slightly obnoxious) pattern, have worn it time and time again. I also love toning down the formal factor by throwing on a fun toque.
Special thanks to my wonderful photographer (albeit short, see the necessary pee squat in the last photo) Elise Regehr.

dress|anthropologie . toque|h&m . coat|forever21 . gloves|h&m . tights|joefresh . booties|joefresh(similar)