Well… sorry about my absence lately. I really do apologize for that. On a brighter note – I have some great summer style ideas for you (ladies AND gents)! I recently collaborated with some extremely talented people to put together this photoshoot. Ladies, let’s start with you. Here is a couple of different looks for you: sweet and edgy. I love this look. I’m really into the 50s inspired skirt paired with a bright, bold sleeveless blouse. Her hair and makeup is glamorous while being on point for a daytime look. This would be a perfect outfit for a patio lunch with friends. To make this outfit speak to your personality, I’d suggest adding accessories and shoes that fit your style. This is an edgy look that has a “don’t mess with me” attitude to it. I love the leather on leather look with the bold, rich blue racerback tank being the star of this outfit. I know some of you aren’t diggin’ the side boob that comes with this look but there are so many ways to take inspiration from this look and make it yours (e.g find a cobalt blue tank that is more full in the arms/back or perhaps incorporate this colour into an outfit using a blazer, necklace or earrings). Gents, in my next post, I’ll show you a couple of looks I put together for you. Stay tuned…. Photo Credits: Hair: House of Tin Salon Makeup: Makeup by Bean Photography: Kat Slump Model: Ashley Cote Styling: Yours truly (that’s me) Clothing: Simons and stylist’s own
The essential item in your closet: A blazer
I know many of you struggle with how to easily and effortlessly complete an outfit. When you have no time, no clue, or just don’t care, the easiest thing you can do to finish any look – whether we’re talking work or play – is add a blazer. Here are a few quick things to remember… this applies to both guys and gals. Make sure you choose a blazer that can be worn with many different outfits in your closet. Think about colour, cut and texture of the blazer so that it can complement outfits in your current wardrobe. My quick advice is to stay away from black (yawn… boring) unless we’re talking something more formal. I know you think this is a great option but, honestly, there are so many different blazers out there that are stylish and versatile – especially when thinking about your casual wardrobe. The goal is to make sure you get the most out of a blazer that you choose. Play up your presonality. Unless we’re talking a classic work jacket/blazer, I’d suggest looking for interesting details that speak to your tastes. Perhaps that’s a certain colour, zipper detail, stitching or button style that you like. There are so many options to make this additional layer something that speaks to your tastes and makes you feel confident and fabulous. Make sure the shoulders of the blazer fits you at your actual shoulder. If it’s too small or too loose, it’s going to look ridiculous. If you’re not sure, take the blazer to a tailor to see if minor (or major) alterations are required. When the buttons are closed, make sure there is no pulling (meaning it’s too tight) or that there isn’t too much room (meaning it’s way too big). You should be able to comfortably put two fingers inside the top button. Now, you may not wear a blazer closed, especially if you’re choosing to wear it in a casual way, but you should always have the option to do so. Also, always fit the widest part of you (e.g. shouders, chest, tummy). This might mean that other parts of this garment will need to be tailored. Just do it. It’s totally worth it. Ladies, additional tailoring or slimming through the torso of the blazer is going to give you a more feminine, hourglass shape. For most female body types, this is going to be extremely flattering. Remember to look at the length of the torso and make sure this matches up with your actual torso (e.g. if you’ve got a short torso, wearing a blazer that is long through the body is going to overwhelm you and make you look short and stubby). The hem of a blazer is important. You don’t want something that is either too short or too long. Fit a blazer to your height and frame. This is likely going to give you greater success than just thinking solely about what style you like. For example, if you’re short,
Casual menswear: yes, we’re finally moving into warmer weather!
Here’s a segment I did for Shaw TV’s Press 2 Play… sorry but you’re going to have to start at minute 4:15. I’ll make sure this is fixed for the next one. I often help clients with their professional attire so I decided to switch it up and give my male readers some interesting options for casual wear that are on-point while not being too “out there”! These three outfits are great to take you into warmer temperatures (hopefully, we’ll get there someday soon) and can certainly be taken apart to build other outfits as well. The segment starts at 4:15 into the video so feel free to start there. Outfit #1: Casual weekend day outfit – feel free to shed some of these pieces as it continues warming up! Outfit #2: Casual datenight – that third piece, this patterned sweater, dresses up the outfit. Swap it for a blazer if that’s more your style Outfit #3: A guys night out – to make this outfit more YOU, go ahead and add a different pocket square and a jean that best fits your body shape If you’re in Edmonton and want to find some of the pieces I featured here, go check out Brothers Clothing. There’s a reason they’ve been around since 1973. Enjoy! Have a question? Ask it.