One, Two, Three: Day to Night Dressing

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One, Two, Three: Day to Night Dressing

I promise, there is a logical segue here. When you have more than a few things on your day’s To Do list, what you need are versatile pieces that will carry you from one task to the next.

Easy mix and match switch-hitters are a key part of putting together an eclectic style that will be as big a hit at 8 am as they will be at 8 pm, when your day is still going and night life is just winding up. Your clothes need to be chameleons that can work in multiple ways, no one needs an item that only goes with one thing taking up valuable real estate in their closet.

These looks each have at least two pieces that can easily transfer to the next outfit. Swap out #1’s black shoes for the punchy tie-up rust coloured shoes and add a polka dot clutch to wake the more subdued clothes up.

These looks were inspired by my day on Monday when I had to go 16 plus hours without going home with a triathlon of events.

#1: I was called in to do make-up for the VP of a major bank and the CEO of a non-profit, to prep them for their on-camera close-ups. They were shooting video content promoting their partnership and commitment to combating Breast Cancer, so it was important to put these clients at ease and get them ready to pitch this vital fundraising initiative. For me, in addition to being comfortable hauling and setting up equipment, it was necessary to look the part of a pulled-together make-up artist.

#2: Later that afternoon, I had lunch with my wife, walked the city and window shopped. I traded my more professional, structured top for a fun floral shell and cute shoes.

#3: I finished my play day by meeting a friend at a hip little food joint called, appropriately, The Hole in the Wall (Toronto). I traded up one final time (changing in my car) for a flippy skirt to go with (but not quite match) my floral top.

Hole in the Wall, Toronto.

Hole in the Wall, Toronto.

A hidden gem, built between two old buildings, this restaurant is long and narrow ... and full of character!

A hidden gem, built between two old buildings, this restaurant is long and narrow … and full of character!

I’ll have to say that this day of clothes hopping was entirely worth it, because after sharing some pinot grigio with my delightful friend, Katherine, and eating the best burger I can remember in a LONG time, the charming server (after overhearing our feminist conversation) dropped off a complimentary chocolate pot de creme and peanut butter dessert, layered decadently in a cute little mason jar and topped with whipped cream.

If I was going to be living it up, I certainly looked the part. Cheers to great causes, great shoes, great food and great company.

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Jonathan Saunders zip top
675 CAD – net-a-porter.com

Myne plaid top
180 CAD – ifchic.com

Oasis shirt
20 CAD – oasis-stores.com

Warehouse
20 CAD – johnlewis.com

Ezra flower print skirt
22 CAD – zulily.com

Pleated mini skirt
16 CAD – beautifulhalo.com

Jimmy Choo black leather shoes
1,120 CAD – net-a-porter.com

Jeffrey Campbell ankle strap shoes
195 CAD – anthropologie.com

Klub nico shoes
140 CAD – tradesy.com

3 1 Phillip Lim black leather handbag
1,405 CAD – lanecrawford.com

Kayu black crossbody purse
180 CAD – anthropologie.com

River Island bucket bags handbag
79 CAD – riverisland.com

Pretty Tough

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Pretty Tough
Unexpected contrasts: pastel and black, cutouts and flowing cropped trousers. This look is pretty, yet tough. The cropped top with simple shape, paired with the high waist trouser on the bottom helps lengthen the proportion of the body and the breezy cut of the pant keeps it feeling light, despite the full coverage. Add a retro fringed vest to take things in an interesting direction and some subtle Navajo detailing in the accessories department takes this away from ‘pastel and pearls’ territory. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.

Black slim fit shirt
12 CAD – shein.com

H M vest waistcoat
61 CAD – hm.com

TIBI silk shorts
335 CAD – modaoperandi.com

Forever 21 lace up wedge sandals
36 CAD – forever21.com

Rachael Ruddick leather bucket bag
440 CAD – otteny.com

Gypsy Soul collar jewelry
33 CAD – shopdandylionboutique.com

Raga cuff bangle
53 CAD – surfstitch.com

Engraved silver jewelry
12 CAD – newlook.com

Oh Oh Those Summer Nights

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Oh Oh Those Summer Nights

As the evenings cool off, keep rocking those summer prints and throw on a cozy poncho to ward off the chill. Add woven and textural accessories and rough details like raw quartz crystal for a tougher, more rustic edge. As always, shoes you can walk in are a must.

Dorothy Perkins floral print maxi dress
91 CAD – houseoffraser.co.uk

River Island cape poncho
92 CAD – riverisland.com

Miss Albright print shoes
235 CAD – anthropologie.com

Burberry brown leather shoulder bag
3,690 CAD – net-a-porter.com

Givenchy rock crystal necklace
1,010 CAD – bergdorfgoodman.com

Charlotte Russe belt
9.90 CAD – charlotterusse.com

Dark Blooms

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Dark Blooms

A coy nod to Pretty Little Liars’ character Vivienne Darkbloom, this maxi dress uses a dark backdrop to highlight feminine florals. My favourite fringed black purse and some geometric jewelery add some hard lines to this otherwise soft look. Also taking my new Topshop Mid-heel slingbacks for a spin: heaven! Maybe even throw on a floppy black hat for added mystery and moodiness.

Chiffon dress
55 CAD – pinkqueen.com

Long sleeve black dress
48 CAD – kalolia.com

Topshop shoes
73 CAD – topshop.com

Akira black handbag
60 CAD – shopakira.com

Plastic jewelry
77 CAD – anthropologie.com

Bib necklace
72 CAD – anthropologie.com

Gold earrings
5.41 CAD – yoins.com

Gemstone earrings
8.32 CAD – newlook.com

Cottage Bound – Vacation Checklist 2

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Cottage Bound - Vacation Checklist 2

What?! Twice in one day? Yes. This is my 87th entry on the ‘new’ blog. Because one page of ‘what to pack for the cottage’ doesn’t quite cut it, here is the other half of the hit list. Please leave room in your suitcase for: jelly shoes (for water walking and wet feet), a peplum top, sunscreen, bug repellent, striped bikini (a soaked suit is never fun to put back on, so bring a spare), lounge wear like a long tunic and drawstring pants, linen pants, and warm layers for night time by the bonfire.

I used to draw my vacation packing lists (no joke), so I would have a record of what I’d taken in case I lost my suitcase, and because it’s fun to draw, and so I could visualize what I wanted to wear before pulling it all out of the neatly arranged bag.

I’m an organizer to the core, but definitely in need of some time away from the city.

What do you consider a must pack for your vacations?

Slouchy tunic
345 CAD – lespommettes.com

Free People stripe top
55 CAD – asos.com

H M jumper top
20 CAD – hm.com

Zara halter neck top
39 CAD – zara.com

Black long sleeve t shirt
24 CAD – amazon.com

H&M zipper pants
51 CAD – hm.com

Tory Burch swim bikini bottom
82 CAD – farfetch.com

Mikoh bikini cover up
205 CAD – avenue32.com

Melissa jelly flat
135 CAD – nordstrom.com

Kate Spade wallet
16 CAD – katespade.com

Eugenia Kim woven hat
285 CAD – theoutnet.com

Coach logo sunglasses
235 CAD – sunglasshut.com

Sun Bum sun care
21 CAD – nordstrom.com

Turkish beach towel
58 CAD – dianesbeachwear.com

Cottage Bound – Vacation Checklist 1

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Cottage Bound - Vacation Checklist 1

I’m very excited to be heading back to the island of my childhood to spend some much needed Q.T. with my wife and our family… lakeside. My suitcase is packed, and I love a good visual; with a pair of boyfriend jeans, a retro bikini, band t, coverup, deck shoes, a onesie, hat and shades. I’m ready to relaxxxxx.

Glamorous leopard dress
43 CAD – glamorous.com

Maurices womens plus top
51 CAD – maurices.com

White tee
10 CAD – shein.com

Super skinny jeans
59 CAD – hannaandersson.com

Emamò beach wear
565 CAD – net-a-porter.com

Blue romper
28 CAD – rosewe.com

High waisted bikini
52 CAD – etsy.com

Sperry Top-Sider shoes
78 CAD – shoemall.com

Leto scarve
20 CAD – zulily.com

Billabong wool hat
47 CAD – lulus.com

Blue scarve
225 CAD – trouva.com

Black glasses
13 CAD – necessaryclothing.com

Scotch & Soda Pirate T-shirt
77 CAD – scotch-soda.com