Stylesmarts

What are your favourite colour pairings?Pink and grey is one I love. Spoiler alert: we’ll be seeing a range of pinks trending over the upcoming months - that makes me smile

Fabulous b-day celebration last night (I didn't realize how much I took for granted eating out in restaurants!). As I enter in to the last year of my 40s - it's hard not to reflect on how many significant things in my life have happened this past decade. One of which was my stylist journey which began exactly 10 years ago when I started planning to spend a Summer in New York to take an Image Consulting program. In the upcoming weeks, I'll be reflecting on that journey and what I've learned along the way. I am so happy you have followed along with me - and am excited for what is still to come in this arena :)

Did you know that many stylists (myself included) believe there is a science and an art to style? And, once you figure this out - either yourself or with the help of your stylist - getting dressed in a way that makes you look and feel your best becomes so much easier! On the blog I’ve shared some of my top tips that stem from this philosophy. https://www.stylesmarts.ca//steps-to-building-a-stylish-ou

Shopping tip: keep garment maintenance in mind. If you are aiming for a more downsized wardrobe, it is hard to work with if so many of the contents require dry- cleaning. When purchasing something new, consider how care will factor into its overall wearability. I love the brand The Laundress for at home care. You can find it locally at Kiss and Makeup or on-line at several vendors.

Remember the mom jean? The straighter styles that are everywhere at the moment feel like the modern version (mine are also high waisted - very mom inspired!). A straight leg is flattering on so many body types. Don’t throw out your skinnies, but maybe consider a new silhouette if you feel the need for a denim wardrobe update.

On-line shopping perk: you aren’t restricted to just the shops in your local mall. Ever get tired of always shopping the same stores? One of the things I love about virtual shopping with my clients (and a definite perk of working with a stylist!) is that I can introduce them to new brands and possibilities- so many more options!

This top would pair well with any black skirt, however, this vegan leather adds an extra dose of style! An example of how easily texture can elevate a look.

Leather, lace and fringe are all trending textures this season. Incorporating texture is a simple way to elevate and add depth to a look. It’s covered on the blog (as are the print and colour trends). Reminder: don’t forget to shop your closet to see if some of these trends are already there and maybe give those pieces a little extra love this season. Find a particular trend resonating with you? This is the perfect time to consider adding to your wardrobe as you will likely continue to wear and love far beyond its trend status! https://www.stylesmarts.ca/single-/fall-2020-texture-trends

This season’s texture trends are on the blog. Attention to those of you who love to wear black, texture is an easy way to inject interest into an all-black look (or amp up any neutral palette). If, like me, you love colour and print; texture is for you too! An easy way to add depth and style. https://www.stylesmarts.ca/single-/fall-2020-texture-trends

Is pandemic-prepared chic a style? Not sure if a mask chain warrants the word chic, but it’s certainly a functional accessory given the times we are living in. It also doubles as an eye-glass chain. Given the path my eyes are going down with the increased screen-time these past months, I think this chain will easily earn its cost-per-wear!

Tips for achieving a versatile wardrobe filled with clothing you love, that you actually wear (and know how to wear - multiple ways!) will be shared in my October newsletter. Not subscribed? There’s still time! Link below. https://www.stylesmarts.ca/subscribe

Want to create a versatile wardrobe full of pieces you love and actually wear? My tips for a smart shopping mindset are on the blog. https://www.stylesmarts.ca//creating-a-smart-shopping-mind

Mustard (and masks!) in the library yesterday. I love the versatility and interest this hue provides. Mustard doesn’t flatter my skin tone, so I always opt to wear away from my face. It combines well with so many other colours and neutrals. In styling mustard pants, I selected a print yesterday (and went full on matchy matchy with my mask). My teaching partner opted for solids. I love the contrast of her colour blocked look and how easily she elevated it with a blazer and ...sleek personalized sneakers (she had them hand painted - so cool!). It’s fun to see how other people style pieces similar to what you have in your wardrobe- inspiration is everywhere and offers options for creating future outfits with what you have already invested in.

This dress and boots were back to school purchases. If ever teachers deserved to treat ourselves a little, it’s now...wouldn’t you agree? Cream ankle boots from @everlane feel like the perfect footwear to step into a new season. Can’t remember the last time I wore even a small heel! The doll style dress that was so popular this past Summer continues to be a trending silhouette - just in heavier fabrics (loving this corduroy!). It came with a matching belt but I always swap in my own for added personality and dimension. It’s a simple stylist trick that always seems to elevate. Have you treated yourself to anything new lately?

This season’s trending prints are on the blog - and the teacher in me loves that the 3 hi-lighted all begin with the letter p! It reminds me of a beginning reading class: p is for print, plaid, paisley and patchwork. https://www.stylesmarts.ca/single-po/fall-2020-print-trends

Summer dress + blazer + mask positioned at the ready = Fall 2020 transition outfit for the last day of Summer. Wearing plaid today as a reminder that tomorrow I will be sharing my print trend roundup. Have a good week!

When I was planning my outfits for the week, I ended up doing a mini edit of my scarves. Here are a few things to think about when it comes to styling your scarves with your body type in mind.

Fall closet edit criteria. When evaluating clothing ask yourself these ?s: Do I love it? How does it make me feel? Does it fit properly? Does it suit my lifestyle? Is it in good condition (ie: not loved to death)? The pieces in our wardrobe should meet this criteria and be more than just fine. Not wearing something because of the pandemic? It can have more of a grace period, but always come back at it with this mindset. What is hanging in our closets should flatte...r us and our lifestyles - making us excited to get dressed everyday. It may still be fabulous, but if you aren’t wearing..,it is just taking up space and not allowing the garments you love to really standout - and breathe! A grey weekend day is the perfect time to get into the closet and start asking yourself these questions.

Even stylists have skeletons in their drawers! I finally took action and got rid of my 20 year old dresser with 2 drawers that had stopped opening ages ago. I kept saying I needed to do it - yet somehow never got around to it...even throughput weeks of quarantine! Last night I weeded out the mystery clothing that had been in those unusable drawers - which I clearly didn’t need (primarily old workout gear and pyjamas) and was ruthless going through my t-shirts and tanks. Ev...erything that is left are pieces that I actually wear, I can now see (and access!) AND is all sorted and organized. The likelihood of me wearing them more frequently has strongly increased. Have something you have been meaning to tackle in your wardrobe? Now is the perfect time. Side note: I am LOVING this colour combo of lavender and fuchsia. Tonal looks have interest/depth and you can make unexpected combos if you play around with pieces in the same colour family.

Time to pull out the plaid! Not revolutionary, but plaids of all kinds (argyle, check, gingham, windowpane...) are trending this Fall - and I love it! Stay tuned for my full Fall print update coming soon.