More than one way to wear a dress

One of the most crucial things we tend to forget about after shopping for awesome new styles, is the creativity to accompany how to show off your new fashion. Today, I want to show that there’s more ways to wear the same piece of clothing. Specifically, I’ll show two ways to wear the same dress. Both for work, and for play. This dress is from LOFT. First up, is a look for work.   If you’re wearing this dress to work, remember to add a belt. I’ve contrasted this look with two different patterns, here. Personally, my belt is old and well-loved; it’s from Banana Republic.  But, here are two awesome and more up-to-date options: the Bria Belt and the calf hair belt. A briefcase is a necessary addition to pull off this professional look. And, finally, to keep that professional look, polished, add a pair of low, walk-around-town nude, pointed pumps to your ensemble. Second up is how to add a casual spin to this dress. First, you should add a pair of casual sneakers. Personally, I can’t stop wearing these Nubuck Street Shoes. Besides the shoe change, you’ll want to lose the belt. Leave your dress loose and flowing to pull off the casual look. What do you think of these options? What are your favourite pieces that can be pulled off both professionally and casually? Tell us on our L Squared Style page on Facebook or Twitter.

One item you’ll need for the rest of this summer

You needed these last year. You needed them last month. You certainly need to have them right now. Why? Because they’re stylish AND comfy AND versatile. I have them. They’re quickly becoming my favourite around-town kicks. They’ll work well all the way into fall.  For real. Do you know why else you’ll love them? Because you’ll love the company and what they stand for.  You can read more about Everlane and their way of giving you the best products at the best price. Here’s a great summer day outfit to rock with these sleek kicks.  

Wide leg pants? Yes please. (Part 1)

We recently got a chance to talk wide leg pants – really wide – on Breakfast Television. If you missed this segment, you must watch it. You’ll thank me for it. Many already have. ;) Wide leg pants aren’t new at all.  They have always been around. They are a classic closet staple. When I first start working with a client, I often get the (rather familiar) response, “I thought wide leg pants made me look short and wide.”  I’m not sure who is spreading that rumour. It’s just not true. For the most part, a wide pant leg can make you look taller and longer – you just have to style it right. We recently showed Breakfast Television viewers how to step in front of their fears and embrace the classic wide leg pant. We’re doing a breakdown on each of the looks… just for you. Model #1- Suzanne Clothing & Accessories: EXPRESS Shoes: Gravity Pope Hair: House of Tin Makeup: Makeup by Bean Why this outfit is awesome: This is a classic dress pant for work. I know that for years now, people have been gravitating towards a tapered or cigarette style dress pant. Well, it’s time to add these back into your wardrobe (and keep them there), especially this small houndstooth printed pant. It’s perfect for Spring. I’ve paired a sleeveless striped blazer under a fitted white blazer. What? Yes, I did that. It looks amazing together and isn’t as bulky as you’d like it would be. Once it’s warm enough, go ahead and shed that white blazer. As always, make sure the bottom of the pant just grazes the ground (with shoes on). This is how you ensure you look long and lean rather than short and stumpy. Trust me. I’ve pulled together a few different prints – in the pant, the bracelets, sleeveless blazer and clutch. That’s right, they don’t match. They certainly complement one another though. That’s effortless style. Try it. Her hair and makeup is perfect for a daytime office look. Check out the braided updo. It’s killah! With this hair, she should definitely go for after work drinks and appis. Stay tuned for a breakdown of our other models from this spring style segment. Photo cred: Dale MacMillan (he’s so amazing)