Cropped with Tribal

If you follow my blog you will know I recently did a post on Aztec.  I have become obsessed as I've seen over and over eye catching tribal print skirts in pretty colours.  Finally not too long ago I stumbled upon the one that was perfect for me.  In Toronto we have a wicked boutique call JacFlash that sells a lot of cool stuff that won't be found over and over again throughout the City.  Anyway I will admit I walked away from this outfit the first day after trying it on but when I got home I quickly realized I had made a mistake.  I mean this was something I had been searching for!  I think it was because I'm not really a 'mini skirt' kinda girl except I was looking at it all wrong.  I associate mini skirts with sexy and I don't like to dress 'sexy' but this is far from the case with this skirt.  It's actually such an easy casual wear whether it's worn with this crop top that I bought with it or even just a basic white tee.  So ya, I'm very happy I went back the very next day to buy this look because it's another item of the list of wants!
And ps you should check out Our Prince of Peace because he's got some super fun stuff xx

Top : Our Prince of Peace.  Skirt : Our Prince of Peace.  Watch : Michael Kors.  Bracelet : Club Monaco

All photos by Pj Stephen

What a nice complement...

Inspiration Source

With orange being designated the colour of the year and denim tops being hot on the streets it hit me that this would be a fantastic combination.  I went on a hunt to find someone else who was on the same page as me with this and I finally stumbled upon this blogger Maria (who also has an online shop Haute & Rebellious).    Not only did she combine the two but she exceeded my vision with this amazing outfit.  With orange being such a fun, bright pop of colour the denim calms it down a bit into a casual yet trendy look.  Below I have created two looks because I couldn't pick just one after I found all this fabulous stuff.  I'm huge on my gold accents but then realized just how amazing leopard would complement this ensemble too!!  What do you think of this pairing?

1 Shourouk Cluster pendant necklace, $321.  2 Essie Orange it's obvious, $8.  3 JCrew Classic link bracelet, $102.  4 JCrew Wild side wide bangle, $82.  5 JCrew Wild side skinny bangle, $72.  6 Duccio Venturi Mary metallic leather d'orsay pumps, $512.  7 True Religion Vintage rocky love arlington, $219.  8 Preen Wool-crepe straight-leg pants, $1040.  9 Rosantica Messalina necklace, $625.  10 Pamela Love Window cutout bronze ring, $195.  11 Aldo Fabiank clutch, $45.  12 Essie Good as gold, $8.  13 JCrew Greta metallic sandals, $218.

It's a trend thing... Colour Block

FROM THE RUNWAY

1. Diane Von Furstenberg : Source  |  2. Max Mara : Source  |  3. Steven Alan : Source  |  4. Rag & Bone : Source

INTO THE STORES

1 Gucci. 2 Alice + Olivia. 3 Diane Von Furstenberg. 4 Rebecca Minkoff. 5 Romwe. 6 JCrew. 7 Roksanda Ilincic. 8 Asos. 9 Moschino. 10 Mysuelly. 11 Dsquared2. 12 Victoria, Victoria Beckham. 13 B Brian Atwood. 15 Just Fab. 16 Lipsy.  

TO THE STREETS

Zina : Fashion Vibe

Eva : Born This Way

Ani : Ani's Catwalk 

Bethany : B Soup

Layla : Chic Chef

TIPS : HOW TO WEAR IT

My trend reports stick to current season runway shows however I have began this article with Gucci's SS 2011 campaign.  I did this because for me that's where my love for colour blocking all began.  Each look was so striking and I can bet every girl that loved this trend at that moment wanted to get their hands on that gold belt that tied each of their looks together!  Gucci's colour block look was replicated by handfuls of celebrities and the great part for us is we all can achieve this trend with what works for our budget.  Now we are in SS 2012 and the trend has still stuck around.  What's cool about it now is we see colour blocking done using bright colours and pastels.  Some trends come and go and others like this one adapt to incorporate new trends.  So how do I recommend wearing this trend?  Colour blocking is meant to be fun.  To start off easy stick to colours in the same family like pairing red with fuchsia or turquoise with cobalt blue. However if you are a bit more adventurous and have a keen eye on great complementing colours not within the same family go for it!   One of my favourite looks above is a great example of this.  In Ani's outfit she has paired a royal blue with yellow and it looks beyond amazing!!!  So play with alike colours and get daring by placing together colours you wouldn't normally and trust your judgement on if it works well or not.  When it comes to accessories I'm torn.  Sticking to neutrals or metallics are safe since your outfit is already very loud however with some colour combinations adding even more colour works!  If you are going all out keep the jewellery again in the same family or ensure it's a complementing colour to your look.  Use the bloggers above to help guide you.  I've made sure to include different colour combinations and some more safely put together than others.  

Here was my first attempt at colour blocking last summer : Colour Block Me

...always room for improvement!

xx

Cobalt Stripes

This outfit is such a great example of showing you that looking good doesn't have to cost a lot.  The tank and skirt combined cost me $35.  The funny part about this outfit is that cobalt blue is one of my absolute favourite colours.  It's so striking and being a blond I find it complements me very well.  Anyway aside from loving this colour I'm also a hoarder of silk tanks.  I have them in an array of colours.  I just can't help but to buy them every time I see one.  So this tank I actually bought from Forever 21 four years ago and this was the first time I had worn it - no joke.  I can't really tell you why especially after confessing my love for this colour to you.  What I can say is that sometimes it takes finding that other piece that was meant to be worn with the other.  I found this skirt at J.Crew a few weeks back and with summer sales came a crazy deal where I took this maxi home with me for $20.  Blues are my ultimate favourite to pair up together and with some gold accents I was comfortable but still felt chic and the best is I finally gave this tank it's match made in heaven.

Top : Forever 21  |  Skirt : J.Crew  |  Necklace : Stella & Dot  |  Sandals : Browns

All photos by Pj Stephen

Pardon my print : Aztec

Source

Tribal prints were huge this season and aztec is one of my absolute favourites!! The root of aztec goes back to Mexico where tribes that made up the Aztec empire wore aztec clothing.  Clearly this erupting trend has evolved and modernized and is now recognized by it's colourful impact that commonly consists of a lot of lines and triangles.  Because this print is so dramatic, keeping the rest of your look simple is the way to go.  Especially if you are wearing a dress your accessories should be very minimal and your look should be finished off with a pair of flats.  If you are wearing the print as a skirt pair it with a simple top, one colour no detail, and this I would recommend a fun accessory piece like a rad thick cuff, a playful necklace or tribal inspired earrings.  Again depending on the style of your piece stick to flats as aztec is usually a more casual style however if you are dressing it up a tad pair your look with the perfect pair of wedges.  I want to know with prints being so popular what your favourite has been this season.

xx

1 Ally Fashion.  2 House of Harlow.  3 Ettika.  4 Ally Fashion.  5 River Island.  6 River Island.  7 Mara Hoffman.  8 H&M.  9 Asos.  10 All Saints.  11 Topshop.  12 Etsy.  13 Betsey Johnson.

Love the aztec print every time!  So much it was tough to narrow down my inspiration pics.  And can you tell I'm obsessed with the print being worn on the bottom half the most?

Check out my Pinterest boards for more of my Print & Tribal inspirations

Orangesicle

Orange is the colour of the year according to Pantone; Tangerine Tango to be more specific.  Orange is a colour I don't normally gravitate toward when I'm shopping but I suppose with being surrounded by bright colours this season I was more accepting to give it a shot.  I found this skirt in a tiny shop with little amounts of clothes even in the store but I really did fall for the colour and I've always liked the look of these circle skirts of which I didn't own at the time.  The necklace that I'm wearing in this outfit I love!  It's so colourful and I knew right away when I saw it that it would complete my look with this orange skirt I bought maybe two weeks prior.  So what about you?  With all these colourful pieces available to pick from this season did you end up with something orange?

Top : Club Monaco  |  Skirt : Black Stalker  |  Necklace : Anthropologie  |  Watch : Michael Kors  |  Clutch : Club Monaco  |  Shoes : Nine West

All photos by Pj Stephen

I made the cover!!

Hey lovelies,
I was going to share an outfit post with you all today but instead I woke up to something exciting that I had to share instead... Rivista di Moda is a new blogger platform who shares blogger posts and style in their online magazine.  How do I fit into this?  I was approached to be featured on the cover of their first magazine!!  Being their 'cover girl' I did a mini interview that you can find published inside as well.  You must check it out and visit their site to join this amazing community of support.

It's a trend thing... Neon

FROM THE RUNWAY

1. Jason Wu : Source

2. Nanette Lapore : Source

3. Peter Som : Source

INTO THE STORES

1 Nasty Gal.  2 Aldo.  3 La Mer Collections.  4 BluBijoux.  5 Cambridge Satchel.  6 Zara.  7 Christian Louboutin.  8 Brian Atwood.  9 Mason by Michelle Mason.

TO THE STREETS

Emily : Cupcakes and Cashmere

Jessica : Tuula

This stunner and one of my favourite style bloggers also loves neon!!

Chiara : The Blonde Salad

TIPS : HOW TO WEAR IT

Neons have been a favourite of mine this summer for sure so I know you have heard me talk about them before (and it won't be the last).  I love a pop of colour to set the mood for a happy day ahead.  The thing is, neons are very powerful obviously due to their vibrancy so wearing them correctly is important.  Neon is not to be overdone - we don't want to be blinding those around us.  Instead we want to achieve a tasteful but still a super fun look.  To achieve this break up your neons with something else that lacks colour.  I've used the examples above because I'm clearly drawn to neon yellow/green being worn with black.  It brings the look back to a more casual yet funky setting.  Also play with basic white pieces and implement them with any pink or coral accents and a playful accessory or two.  Or if you are shy to be wearing anything this dramatic but still like the trend then just stick to accessories like a clutch, or just shoes or a wrist full of neon arm candy.  Definitely have fun with the neon trend but also make sure to check in with yourself before you leave the house to make sure you haven't overdone it.

xx

I forgot one more blogger who likes neon.... Click here to find out

Change room diaries

Today's images were captured in the change rooms of French Connection

 It's all in the details.  I'm in love with this cream dress, it's so chic for a special occasion.  The best part you can obviously see is the surprise open lace detailing in the back.  With lace being such a feminine and classic look this dress will always be in style.

More lace detailing that I can't get enough of.  I like this one because it's got a sexy plunge but it's covered up in a pretty way.  Again the lace is just so delicate and pretty making this dress an easy go-to dress when you are looking for something a little more fancy when you are in a bind for time.   

 Trend Struck : Metallics

I seem to find myself drawn to anything metallic these days.  I'm very excited to rock the trend come Fall.  This tank is a really nice casual option to wear on it's own or dress up under a great blazer.  I'm looking forward to seeing metallics styled for some inspiration.

I'm a sucker for sequin.  I actually already own these from when French Connection came out with them in black last fall and I just love them.  But I love the colour of these too!!!!!  Can't I own both?  I'm currently talking myself into it so I'll let you know if I cave.  They are kind of pinky/gold and I think they would look fab with a silk charcoal tank for a night out.


Don't forget to tweet me with a picture using #crd for advice on your shopping finds!!

What a nice complement...

Inspiration Source

My inspiration behind these complementing colours was from Lulu's Girl and the Sea lookbook.  I can't help but to love the romance of pastels.   When dressed from head to toe in these soft colours it creates such a feminine impact.  This summer I have lived in my pastel skinny jeans (yellow, blue and coral).  They are just an easy wear that always looks polished.  I hate to say this to give you the reminder but I will really miss wearing them when summer's over.  I won't give pastels up completely but I also won't be wearing them as a complete look.  I'll stick to accents to hang on as long as I can!!!  Are you obsessed as I am with pastels this summer?

xx

1 J.Crew Zigzag sequin tee, $160.  2 New Look Sleeveless sheer blouse, $8.  3 Nasty Gal Shocker skinny jeans, $57.50.  4 Essie Mint Candy Apple.  5 Victoria Beckham Tri-tone leather shoulder bag, $2,750.  6 Dannijo Kendra earrings, $420.  7 Versus Patent-leather and mesh slingbacks, $417.