I’m always curious, amused, and amazed when I see a woman who looks professional and put-together…. and carries a canvas bag. I just don’t understand it. For me, this totally detracts from the overall look. A key staple that every woman should have in her wardrobe is a good-quality, classic handbag. I’m a firm believer in investing (what you can afford) in this key wardrobe accessory/essential, is going to make you look more organized, professional, and – of course – stylish. By investing in a streamlined, classic piece, you’ll not only look on-point for more than one season but you’ll also keep $$ in your pocket (or in your new handbag… teehee). One thing that I always encourage my clients to do, when purchasing a new handbag, is opt for something that has colour and a light pattern yet can act as a neutral as well. Here’s a quick round up of six handbags that I love for Spring/Summer… and not just for this year but many other Springs/Summers as well (honesty, who doesn’t want to save some $$). Pebbled Leather Double Handle Satchel Eden Small Satchel Harper Anna Burlap Bag Navy Pashli Satchel Cambridge Satchel Company- Purple Satchel Nelly You must have a professional handbag to complete a work-appropriate look. Hope these bags inspire you to start looking for that piece that completes you… I mean completes your look… ok, I really mean completes you.
A wardrobe must have: The class white dress shirt
I was invited back to Breakfast Television this past week to share some tips on how to wear a basic item – the classic white dress shirt – in three different ways. Of course, my style mind started racing with all the amazing possibilities for creating stylish yet functional outfits with this must-have classic item. In putting the different looks together, I was fortunate enough to work with The Bay, in Edmonton’s City Centre Mall. Here are the three looks I came up with: Model #1: Michelle Rather than give Michelle a basic (ok… boring) professional look, I chose to go with something that looks fresh and interesting for Spring. Breakin’ it down: The classic white dress shirt has been paired with a tweed skirt that has an interesting lace-inspired pattern to it. The vertical seaming along the front is a great way to add length to the body. A bright orange trench coat was added to give this outfit a pop of colour. Since the dress shirt and skirt are fairly neutral, you could most definitely add other colours besides orange to complete the look. I kept the pumps a nude colour so that the overall look wouldn’t be too busy since this is, after all, a professional look. Michelle is only wearing 2 accessories, an emerald green cocktail ring and sand coloured earring. Michelle’s hair and make has been kept simple yet day-time chic. Model #2: Jennifer This is how you do day-time casual. There’s not a single sweatpant or hoodie in sight with this outfit but this will be pretty much as comfortable as shleppy sweats. This is a great outfit if you’re going for lunch with your lady-friends, to an afternoon art show, or strolling about town for the afternoon. Ladies, take some notes! Breakin’ it down: Layering is a great way to show that you know how to be stylish while keeping warm in the early part of Spring. The classic white dress shirt has been paired with a patterned, cropped cardigan and rose-coloured leather jacket. For those that don’t like leaving shirts un-tucked, don’t be offended… tuck it in! I’ve kept the pant in a similar colour family as the cardigan but used a much brighter tone. You must recognize, though, that not everyone can wear (or wants to wear) a skinny pant or jegging, as Jennifer is wearing. That doesn’t mean you can’t participate in this trend – if you really want to. Take a peek at my pants (off to the side of the models). There are wider legged pants that come in bright colours for this season. Jennifer is wearing a low wedge sandal which makes walking around comfy and easy. If you prefer a flat, go for it. I was tempted to add bigger earrings (which is my obsession) but opted for simple gold drops so as to not overcomplicate this outfit. Hair and makeup is a bit bolder for this outfit but feel free to tone it down
Booties: Hurry, hurry before they’re gone!
You know I’m no advocate for super-consumerism but I am an advocate of smart shopping. Here are some GREAT end-of-season sales on booties. There’s still a bit of time to wear them this year or, if you live in a warmer climate, just save these beauties for next year. It’s really a win-win and – for these options – a no-brainer! SAVEN They were $165 (CAD) but are now on sale for $59.99 (CAD)! Crazy. This chic bootie is stylish and versatile (yay!). It`s going to go with most items in your wardrobe. They are a wedge bootie with a 3 ½ inch heel so they’ll be pretty comfortable. Clift Bootie They were originally $185 (USD) but are now on sale for $129.50 (USD). One of my new favourite loves is a Jeffery Campbell boot. This stacked heel is stylish and very sturdy. I love the dark green as an alternative to black. They would be my everyday casual bootie. Harness Bootie These booties were originally $392.45 (CAD) and are now on sale for $235.47 (CAD). I love the colour and I love the buckle detail on these booties. They are the perfect mix of low-key casual and urban style. The heel is low enough so that you can walk around town and show off these pretties. Cami Flat Leather Boot They were originally $597.59 (CAD) and are now on sale for $356.36 (CAD). These shoes were definitely meant for walking… there’s no question about it. These are casual enough to wear while running around with the kids or taking in a Saturday afternoon art show. I’m really digging these ones. Enjoy!