Phew! We’re at the end of our breakdown from our recent style segment on Breakfast Television. Check out our last look: This is the perfect “going out dinner with friends/your partner” look. It’s stylish, effortless and pretty comfy. What I love about this look: Splurge items: This Helmut Lang bomber jacket is really the perfect transition piece for fall. Why? It’s lightweight and loose enough so you can add or subtract layers, underneath, according to the weather (yes, I just did some math while talking style). Though I often recommend staying away from black, I throw that advice out the window with this piece because of its interesting details- 3/4 length leather sleeves, the clean neckline and the bunched seeming along the back hem. ~ Coup Garment Boutique ($720) If you’re one of those people who want to try a print but you’re just not sure if you can pull if off (yes, I regularly work with clients who struggle with adding print/pattern into their wardrobe rotation), try this one. It’s a great investment pieces since you can pair it with MANY solid colours – think deep teal, eggplant, magenta, navy and so much more really. ~ Coup Garment Boutique ($320) These Jenny Kayne flats are great for casual work days or out and about on the weekend. I often encourage people to think of deep rich colours, such as these marine-coloured suede flats, as a “black alternative”. This is a great way to keep an overall dark colour palette while being a bit more style-forward. ~ Coup Garment Boutique ($475) Skimp Items: Sometimes you just don’t want to spend a fortune on pants, especially when it’s a coloured pant that you’re not sure will be in style in a couple of years. I get that. Enter: maroon skinny jeans. These are a great fall item (and winter, for that matter) at a very reasonable price point. You’ll surely get your money’s worth while strutting down the street. ~ Smart Set ($45) I’ve added a few accesories that I know you’re going to love. Since the jacket is 3/4 length, I’ve gone ahead and stacked some bracelets. If you’re into bolder pieces, go ahead and add them. I’ve also added a bold, gold/black linked necklace. I love it. It looks dressy, it’s versatile and it won’t break the bank. Since the necklace is a heavier item, I’d suggest adding a smaller earring, like this black pyramids studs, to balance the overall look. ~ Smart Set (Necklace- $14, Bracelets- $12/$12/$14, Earrings- $8) I hope you enjoyed the skimp vs. splurge segment as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Here’s a quick look at our four models. Credits Hair: House of Tin Salon Makeup: Makeup by Bean Model: Aileena Styling: Yours truly Clothing/Accessories/Shoes: Coup Garment Boutique, Smart Set Thanks to Brill Communications
Skimp vs. Splurge: Casual fall looks (part 3 of 4)
As you know, I’ve been doing a breakdown of each of our “skimp vs. splurge” looks from our last style segment on Breakfast Television. You can take a look at the breakdown of the first two looks here and here. Gents, I know there are many of you who just aren’t comfortable pulling together different patterns and colours in a single outfit. This look is an easy way to move in that direction. Also, it’s a great casual outfit that is WAY beyond the basic jeans and t-shirt. Take a look. What I love about this look: Splurge Items: This navy, quilted coat has so many subtle details. The cordoroy on the collar and four pocket front give a lot of interest to the utilitarian-inspired jacket. I think this is something that you’d have for at least 10 years. It’s surprisingly warm too so it would be perfect not only for fall but also warmer winter days (with a few layers – as shown on our model). ~ The Helm Clothing ($1425) Since the jacket is a dark neutral (but not black… black is harsh), a rich pop of colour is needed. This pumpkin Ralph Lauren cardigan is a great match with navy. It will definitely show your eye for style. Now, you might be like “Whoa! This is orange. I can’t do orange.” Yes you can. Just try it… or maybe a different rich fall colour. ~ The Helm Clothing ($385) Skimp Items: I chose a collared shirt under this caridgan. If that looks too dressy to you, swap it out for a t-shirt. The collared shirt adds a bit of formality but what I love most about it, is the pattern. It picks up some of the blue from the jacket and pants without being too “matchy matchy”. ~ Express Men ($69.90) Now I know that many of you are not at all into coloured pants. This is just a blue pant. You like blue. It’s a great first step into the world of colour on the bottom half of your body. I like adding a cuff – it’s interesting. Feel free to not cuff it too if that doesn’t seem like your style. ~ Express Men ($69.90) I really don’t think you should skimp too much on footwear; we are talking your feet here. I like to call these shoes a dressy sneaker. Yes, that’s right. Even if you were wearing an awesome pair of jeans and a basic white t shirt, these sneakers are going to take that look to a whole different level of style. ~ Jaisel ($133) This belt is awesome. If you are feeling bold enough to venture into bright, bold colours, do it with a belt (watch the segment to see the belt). Since this belt is a more reasonable price point, go ahead and try something new. You won’t be breaking the bank. ~ Express ($29.90) Our last outfit breakdown is coming up in the next couple of days. Stay tuned! Credits Hair: House of Tin Salon Makeup: Makeup by Bean Model: Stephen
Skimp vs. Splurge: Casual fall looks (part 2 of 4)
From the style segment I participated in on Breakfast Television last week, here’s my breakdown of outfit #2. This is the perfect “running errands” outfit. What I love about this look: Splurge Items: This Sophie Hulme jacket is perfect for fall. Though it’s the same rich colour throughout, the leather arms are an interesting detail that really set it apart from other similarly styled jackets. I like that all you really need to do is button this jacket up and, “brrrriiiiiing” (in that infomercial kind of transformational tone), you look polished and put-together. ~ Coup Garment Boutique ($960) A pair of medium-dark wash denim are perfect for the casual part of your wardrobe. I like the small zipper detail on the bottom hem of this pair. It makes a basic pair of jeans look a bit more interesting. ~ Coup Garment Boutique ($210) Skimp Items: I’m showing a pretty basic tee on our model. Yes, this one is a bit longer. Since our model is tall, she can easily pull off a longer tee without looking like she’s drowning in it. If you’re shorter, opt for one that is shorter in the body. T shirts are a great item to swap out every season or two… especially when they are as reasonably priced as this one. ~ Smart Set ($20) I love the light wash of this chambray shirt. Again, this is perfect for layering (either under or over garments). It’ll keep you warm as we start moving towards slightly cooler days. ~ Smart Set ($45) This flat is stylish and effortless. Yes! There are a lot of neutral colours in there (with that awesome pop of colour at the toe) which means that it’ll go with many outfits in your wardrobe. Yes, I just saved you from buying 5 different flats this fall. You’re welcome. ~ Sole Revival ($60) Though it’s a good idea to invest in quality jewelry, it’s not a bad idea to choose a few less expensive accessories if you’re looking for something that is uber trendy. This will allow you to keep up with trends without breaking the bank. Yes, save your clothing dollars for investment pieces. ~ Smart Set (Necklaces- $4.99, $12 and Earrings- $1.99) A breakdown of outfit #3 is coming up in the next couple of days. Credit: Hair: House of Tin Salon Makeup: Makeup by Bean Model: Sarah Styling: Yours Truly Clothing/Shoes/Accessories: Smart Set, Coup Garment Boutique and Sole Revival Thanks to Brill Communications.