The Most Affordable (And Perfect) Plaid Wool Blazer Yet!
WHAT I’M WEARING
Frank + Oak Glen Check Double-Breasted Blazer in Brown • Frank and Oak • $99.99
Neil Barrett Black and White Lighting Bolts Sweatshirt • Neil Barrett • $106
Frank & Eileen Tee Lab Cotton Fleece Cuffed Jogger Sweatpants • Frank And Eileen • $168
Saint Laurent - Loulou Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag - Womens - Black • Saint Laurent • $1,950
Alexander Wang Lyndon Suede Boot • Alexander Wang • $595
I’ve been looking for a good wool blazer all season and I finally found the perfect one from Montreal based Frank & Oak. It's slightly oversized silhouette is excellent for layering overtop of sweatshirts and t-shirts. Best of all, it's made from recycled wool which makes is sustainable and therefore perfect in every way. I bought mine full price but it does appear to be on sale now for $100, so make sure to add it to your shopping cart soon!
SHOP THE LOOK
Photography by Geoff Martin.
This post contains affiliate links.
5 Easy Ways To Wear Neon Right Now
I used to think that neon was one of those trends that would never be revived - like mom jeans and aviator eyeglasses but never think never because 2019 is proving to be the year that anything goes.
While my obsession with neon started innocently enough with a single bright green beanie, I soon found myself gravitating to most things neon. The challenge from there, of course, was how to wear it while still looking like a put together adult woman and not like some reject out of an 80’s sitcom.
After doing some hardcore outfit inspo on good ol’ Pinterest, I’ve come up with 5 fail-proof ways to rock neon every day.
HOW TO WEAR NEON
NEON AND NEUTRALS | In case you haven’t heard, neutrals will be huge this year. Think beige and brown but in a super chic elevated manner like you’ve never seen it before. Pairing it with a shot of neon pink, like this wool Helmut Lang coat, will make you feel like a powerhouse. Who said brown was boring anyway?
NEON WITH A MODERN SUIT | Nothing makes me happier than subtle juxtaposition, like this modern two-piece suit (that could be considered formal) paired with casual accessories like sneakers and a neon green-yellow beanie. It’s so damn simple but it works. Keep in mind that a good outfit doesn’t have to be complicated - it just has to be balanced and fit well.
NEON ON THE WEEKEND | One of my followers actually gave me the idea to wear a neon pink coat with an all grey outfit. It just so happens I don’t own a lot of grey clothing but I sure own a pair of cozy joggers and a badass grey Balenciaga sweater. This look is super casual but still chic - perfect for grabbing a coffee on the weekend.
ROCK NEON LIKE A FASHION BLOGGER | Nothing says fashion blogger like a daring outfit full of colour and texture. Truth is, a lot of people have a tendency to go overboard when attempting this and lose the purpose of their OOTD's and forget to connect all of the elements.
My advice - start with a focal point. In this case, the neon yellow hoodie immediately attracts the eye. The whole outfit revolves around it.
Next up, have an anchor point, like the cropped black pants I'm wearing here. It doesn't compete with the hoodie and helps neutralize it in a sense.
Next, make sure you have the connecting factor - like the plaid coat here which has a thin yellow line in the pattern, that connect it to the yellow hoodie.
Have complimentary pieces - like the black logo beanie and black leather handbag, which happens to pick up the black from the pants.
Finally, a subtle, yet complimentary, statement piece can bring the entire outfit to life. Here it's the bronze Balenciaga Knife mules which speaks to the aesthetic I was going for.
Some last words, when in doubt, always refer back to your inspiration, and remember to have connecting colours and elements in your outfit.
NEON ACCENT | If you’re hesitant to commit to neon but want to play around with the trend, why not try it by adding just one accessory to your wardrobe. This beanie has been a hit on my Instagram and I've loved receiving DM’s from you guys saying that you've also bought your neon beanie. It’s such a fun and easy way of having fun with colour, and best of all, it’s super affordable.
Photography by Geoff Martin.
This post contains affiliate links.
NARS Ignited Palette Review
NARS has just dropped their first eyeshadow palette of the year and I’m already smitten. With twelve dynamic nude shades, the limited edition Ignited palette features mattes, glittery and metallic shadows that are versatile and long lasting.
I personally love layering some of the shimmers to my eye lids if I’m looking for some subtle glamour. Otherwise I stick to the mattes if I want a quick and easy look that’s appropriate for day.
If you’re like me and you’re into warm shades, you’re gonna love this one so be sure to check it out!
NARS IGNITED EYE SHADOW SHADES
12 x 0.04 oz/ 1.4 g Eyeshadows
Ponte Noir (sparkling eggplant with pink)
Ignition (sparkling rose)
Atomic (sparkling bubblegum pink)
Fuse (sparkling purple with blue)
In Heat (sparkling magenta)
Light Up (sparkling pink pearl)
Fired Up (metallic rust)
Supernova (metallic coral with pink)
St-Paul-De-Vence (shimmering nectarine)
Nouméa (matte sienna)
Sophia (matte rich cool brown)
Hammamet (matte beige)
Photography by Nathalie Martin.
This post contains PR samples and affiliate links.
Suit Staples You Need To Try Right Now
Harry Styles continues to be my fashion muse. When I saw him rocking suits on tour last year I thought, “Okay, that works.” I didn’t exactly see myself as a suit person at the time but when I see Harry rocking something it makes me want to try it.
Since then I’ve added a few suit staples to my collection - something traditional and plaid (via the affordable Treasure & Bond two-piece from Nordstrom), something chic and modern (via the Zadig & Voltaire number featuring metallic pinstripes and an exposed cuff), and some colourful tailoring (via this amazing yellow plaid Robert Rodriguez suit with cropped flared trouser).
I’ve learned that suiting up doesn’t have to mean looking like a nine to fiver and that my personality can still come through with my use of accessories and shoes. Best of all, I can rock it as separates meaning I get more use out of them and more bang for my buck.
WEARING: Robert Rodriguez yellow plaid suit | Acne Studios face sweater and Pansy face beanie | Balenciaga clutch | Isabel Marant Mirvin shearling mules | Bonlook Jerry sunglasses.
WEARING: Plaid suit from Treasure & Bond at Nordstrom | Madewell adios t-shirt | Louis Vuitton 19 clutch and small agenda | Alexander Wang x Adidas Orange BBall sneakers.
WEARING: Aritzia Stedman coat | Zadig & Voltaire trousers and blazer | Zara beani | Acne Studios white knitted sweater | Saint Laurent small LouLou bowling bag | Bonlook Way glasses | Saint Laurent white canvas sneakers.
4 Ways to Rock A Modern Suit
SNEAKERS | Instead of reaching for the traditional dressy flats and heels, try a pair of sneakers or mules instead. My favourites are classic white kicks for an easy going vibe. If I’m feeling more outgoing I’ll wear my Isabel Marant shearling mules. They’re not for everyone but they make me happy and they're super comfortable.
SWEATERS & SHIRTS | My closet consists of plenty of tees and sweatshirts, which just happen to make the perfect pairing for a suit. I’ve seen Harry Styles rocking this combo plenty of times and to be honest, it probably kicked my ass in gear to do the same.
ACCESSORIES | Don’t underestimate the power of a badass hat and bag. How you accessorize your suit will not only show off your personal style but also break up the stuffiness of a garment that’s also worn by corporate types.
TOPCOAT | Since it’s still winter, you’ll need a good coat to layer on top of your suit. Go for one that’s longer than your blazer, preferably knee length. My favourites are by Canadian brands Aritzia and Montreal based Frank & Oak, who makes a killer coat in recycled wool.
A Lazy Girls Guide To Looking Put Together
WHAT I’M WEARING
Coat: Opening Ceremony pink nylon trench, sold out. (Similar here.)
Sweater: Balenciaga grey cropped sweater.
Beanie: Balenciaga wool logo beanie.
Pants: Zara sweatpants. (Similar here.)
Shoes: Saint Laurent white canvas sneakers.
Sunglasses: Bonlook Way glasses, $145.
Some days I just don’t want to get dressed and would much rather stay in my PJs. Instead of looking like a total mess, I thought I should invest in a pair of comfortable joggers to go with my grey Balenciaga sweater. The matching beanie keeps me warm in the winter but truly it means I can go one extra day without washing my hair. Hah. Finally, a bright pink nylon trench injects some serious colour into my day - but secretly I love how it feels like a cozy blanket wrapped around me. It’s almost like I never got out of bed.
SHOP THE LOOK
TIPS ON GETTING DRESSED WHEN YOU’RE TOO LAZY TO FUNCTION
KEEP IT MONOCHROME. Keep it all in the family by wearing the same colour and making a statement.
SHOE GAME. White sneakers look good with everything from joggers to suits and dresses. Get yourself a pair from your favourite brand you’ll find yourself reaching for them all of the time.
COATS MATTER. Whether it’s a leather moto jacket, a long wool coat or a bright pink nylon trench, a good coat will transform your look from “I don’t know what I’m doing with my life” to “I have my shit together”. This applies to all outfits.
GRAB A HAT. Wether it’s a beanie or a ball cap, grab a hat to cover up dirty, unstyled hair. Come on, who hasn’t done this?
LUXE FOR LESS
Photography by Geoff Martin.
This story contains affiliate links.
How To Rock A Suit in 2019
WHAT I’M WEARING
Wool coat: Aritzia Stedman coat, sold out. (Similar here.)
Suit: Zadig & Voltaire striped Volly blazer and striped trousers. (Currently on sale.)
Beanie: Zara, sold out. (Similar here.)
Sweater: Acne Studios white knit, sold out. (Similar here.)
Bag: Saint Laurent small LouLou bowling bag, sold out. (Similar here.)
Sunglasses: Bonlook Way glasses, $145.
Shoes: Saint Laurent white canvas sneakers.
I truly believe we’re fortunate to be living in a time with anything goes in fashion. Sure, trends will come and go but when you add some timeless staples to your wardrobe, you’re basically set. Allow me to elaborate.
I was doing a massive closet clean up the other day which resulted in either selling, storing or donating a ton of stuff. As I put summer clothes and skinny jeans into vacuum sealed bags, it occurred to me that a majority of my sell pile consisted of dresses and skirts. As I get older and become more aware of my comfort level and pushing my sartorial boundaries, I've come to terms with the fact I’m not a dress person. They look great on a lot of people but somehow I never feel quite myself in a dress.
So what are the options for women attending an event where evening attire is required? Well, why not a suit? Men wear them for work, to weddings, galas, and they look so dapper and put together. Who’s to say that in 2019 women have to continue to wear dresses for such occasions?
With that thought in mind, I happen to come across a simple, but beautifully tailored, pinstripe suit on one of my shopping excursions. This one from Zadig & Voltaire has metallic threads woven in the stripes so it’s more contemporary. The exposing cuff on the trouser makes it playful and versatile in that it can be dressed up with a beautiful heel or dressed down a simple white sneaker as I’ve worn here.
Honestly, I never considered a suit to be an alternative for a dress until now. Seriously, what took me so long?
We all know that suits aren’t going anywhere. It’s just a matter of injecting your own personal style and having fun with it.
SHOP MY LOOK
LUXE FOR LESS
Photography by Geoff Martin.
This story contains affiliate links.
Makeup Over 30 - Tips on How To Always Look Radiant
Looking for the right makeup is hard but looking for the right makeup in your 30’s is even more challenging. It’s a matter of finding something that will make your skin look fresh and radiant but never cakey. Cake is bad at any age but after 30 it can enhance line lines and make the skin appear older. UGH.
One of my secrets to faking glowing skin is to mix a few drops of an illuminating highlight to my foundation. In the instance of NARS limited edition Super Radiant Booster (in the shade Isola Rossa, a universally flattering rose gold shade), I like to add a bit to the tops of my cheeks before and after foundation. The result is more glow from within and less YouTube beauty guru aliens-can-see-my-highlight-from-outer-space.
There are other things I do to fake a good glow:
- using concealer only where I need it
- wearing a natural finish foundation
- lightly setting my makeup with a touch of loose powder
- layering a rosy blush to the apples of my cheeks
- and always misting my face with a good setting spray when my makeup is done
Less is more at this stage and how I apply my makeup makes a HUGE difference.
NARS FOUNDATION SHADE RANGE
Six additional shades (not featured here) can be found exclusively at Sephora.
RELATED STORIES: NARS MAKES FINDING THE RIGHT FOUNDATION SHADE A BREEZE!
In addition to the limited edition Super Radiant Skin Booster, NARS has released the Skin Deep eyeshadow palette featuring gorgeous nude shades that should suit everyone. The shadows have a good range of formulas that span from matte to shimmery and metallic shades.
I feel I should mention that this palette somehow feels an extension of the Atomic Blonde palette, a personal fave of mine. While SK features twelve nude/brown shades, AB features four eyeshadows and two contours in nude/brown. Regardless both are lovely and the overall formulas are what you expect from NARS, long-lasting, rich colours and velvety application. The SK palette is limited edish so keep that in mind if it’s on your wishlist.
SHOP THE POST
All photography by Nathalie Martin.
This post contains affiliate links and PR samples. All opinions are my own.