Fun Fall Looks for Work: Part 2

So, let’s talk about the second outfit from our style segment on Breakfast Television! I have to say that I just LOVE this outfit that Kristin is wearing.  She looks stunning and totally on-point in this look! Model #2: Kristin Breakin’ it down: Kristin is wearing a really chic deep grey peplum blouse with black piping along the neckline and cuffs.  There is fine stitched detailing along the shoulders of this blouse… a detail you’d see close up.  This blouse has a very retro yet classic look which perfectly highlights Kristin’s tiny waist.  To draw the eye right to her waist, we’ve accentuated it with a double metal rope belt. We’ve paired this blouse with a deep, rich orange asymmetical fitted skirt with a very Mad Men feel to it.  While the rest of the outfit is quite interesting on its own, I’ve kept the colour palette muted so as to feature this totally chic skirt. I’ve paired this outfit with a black suede pump that is classic and uber sexy!  Since her skirt is a little longer than I’d normally recommend for someone of her height, it is an absolute must to wear heels with this outfit. Kristin’s hair and makeup pulls this retro-inspired look together. Stay tuned for a breakdown of outfit #3. For this segment, L2 Style was very happy to work with Floc Boutique, to pull together all three looks, and House of Tin and Makeup Artistry by Dana, for the fashion forward hair/makeup. See ya later!

Fun Fall Looks for Work: Part 1

Last week, I got to participate in a Breakfast Television style segment where I talked fall fasions for work. I often get asked for some tips on building a fun fall wardrobe for the office.  Some fo the key things I share with people are: Play with different colours. Your outfit doesn’t have to match.  In fact, you’ll look WAY more put-together if you pull pieces/accessories together that complement each other.  Some great colours that I’m loving this fall are oxblood (while uber trendy right now, it’s a versatile colour that will work for many seasons to come), deep oranges, deep greens, and mustard yellow. When it makes sense, layer.  With the weather getting a bit cooler, it’s a great idea to add a cardigan or thin-knit sweater on top of a silk dress shirt (for example).  One note of caution- stay away from adding big bulky layers.  While this is a cozy casual look that I certainly love, it really doesn’t look very professional in the office. Let’s get to looking at a breakdown of the Breakfast Television segment from last week.  For this segment, L2 Style was very happy to work with Floc Boutique, to pull together all three looks, and House of Tin and Makeup Artistry by Dana, for the on point hair/makeup looks. Model #1: Michelle Breakin’ it down: On Michelle, you’ll see a simple shift dress that has been sassed up with a bold print (faded from top to bottom) and strategically placed veritcal piping.  These details really draws the eye up and down and gives a more elongated, lean shape to the wearer of the dress. One other thing that helps create a long, lean shape is the two skinny belts Michelle is wearing.  This gives Michelle a longer leg-line. Since the dress is pretty bold and fun, I’ve chosen to pair it with a less conventional yet classicly-tailored jacket.  The rolled up sleeves gives the outfit a bit of a casual feel.  If you’re in a more conservative work environment you may want to go with a more traditional suit jacket. You can’t quite tell in these still shots but we’ve injected colour into this outfits by adding a deep red/oxblood red stacked pump (see the segment). To pull the entire outfit together, I’ve only added one accessory- a simple hoop earring. Last, but certainly not least, Michelle is sporting a chich bun and light daytime makeup for fall! Stay tuned for a breakdown of Model #2 from this segment. If you have a question, please go ahead and ask!  

Friday Find: Yes, you can transition some summer pieces into fall.

It’s with a heavy heart that I admit… summer is coming to an end.  It’s that time of year again – fall. On the bright side, it’s time for fall style. Yaay! You might be hesitant to put away those light, easy-to-wear summer garments.  I feel that way too!  I like to get the most out of my summer wardrobe and stretch my $$ further.  One easy-peasy way to do that is to transition some of your summer pieces into fall.  Gasp, you might think. Actually, it’s pretty simple to do – once you’ve tried it a couple of times. In this Friday Find post, I’m going to take an amazing summer garment (one that you’d likely have worn all summer) and show you how to transition it into fall. I’ve decided to take a casual summer dress– one that has a punch of colour and is pretty versatile.  Here is an amazing summer dress… and yes, it is a great deal right now! Madewell Tunic Dress Now, some of you are probably thinking “what do I do now?”   The next step is simple- add a layer.  This could be a light fall jacket, blazer, or a sweater.  I’m going to pair it a thick sweater.  I’ve chosen one that long and has a lot of texture to it.  On it’s own, this sweater is going to feel warm and cozy- perfect for cooler fall days. Haute Hoodie- Blankey Cardigan Since the dress is flowy and loose and the sweater doesn’t have a defined waistline, I’d be inclined to add a belt (over the dress and under the sweater coat/cardigan).  Opt for something with a bit of detail and interest to it.  Here are a few suggestions:   Once you have these items put together, it’s time for footwear.  I’d opt for ankle booties with this one.  Since we’re building a casual outfit, go for booties that not only are stylish but also sturdy and comfy.  This is starting to look like a fun weekend-prancing-around-town outfit to me!  Here’s a couple bootie suggestions that could be paired with this outfit (I love both!):   Lastly, you’ll want to complete this look with a few accessories – perhaps a pendent necklace, stud earrings, and an oversized cocktail ring.  I’ll leave these stylish details to you. For cooler fall days, feel free to add a patterned pair of tights and a beautiful scarf to keep warm. Have a question? Let me know. Happy Friday!