How to wear Beanies

Hey everyone,

A major trend on the Autumn and Winter fashion runways are beanies. This is a trend that you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe.

Look 1: Sleek and trendy

 Photo source

At the BCBG A/W'13, the look has a very sophisticated and luxurious feel. The layering mixed with leather and fur makes it very chic for fall and winter. The beanie can play down your outfit just a bit. Windblown hair looks great when wearing a beanie, it can hide a bad hair day or just keep you warm. Wearing monochromatic or neutral coloured beanies will help you pair them better with your outfits.

Look 2: Playful and colourful

Photo source

At Rebecca Minkoff A/W'13 show, the looks had a youthful sense to them with the use of colours. By wearing a colourful beanie with other colours and patterns it creates a fun look. 

Look 3: Edgy

Photo source

At the DKNY A/W' 13 show bold patterns were everywhere creating a very edgy look. The beanies were used to neutralize the look while using monochromic colours. 

It doesn't matter what type of style you have, beanies can go with any outfit! They keep you warm and bring a sense of effortlessness.

Larissa xx

Bedroom workspace!

Hey everyone!

So it's been a month or so since school has started and homework is starting to pile up! It's really important to have a good work space where you can focus. 

This is what my workspace looks like! What does yours look like?

Happy studying!
Larissa xx

FALL 2013 Outfits

Hey everyone!

Fall is coming quickly and we should all be prepared! I love fall because you can layer. I just love bundling up in a warm scarf and sweater!

Outfit # 1:

1. Jacket  2. Sweater 3. Boot 4. Pants

Outfit #2

1. Jacket 2. Sweater 3. Boot 4. Pants

Each of these outfits have a warm fall/ winter jacket. This grey wool jacket will keep you warm during the autumn season.  Grey is a great colour because it is neutral and will match alongside many colours.

Each of the outfits consist of a boot, either flat or heeled, sweater and pants. The red pants give the pop of colour in the fall yet the material keep it stylish. The leather pants give off the grunge look as it is a Fall trend! A sweater is essential to keep you warm, so choose a warm cozy knit. The jacket tops off the looks as it will be a great staple item to have in your close in the fall!

Larissa xx

Instagram Fashion Inspiration

Hey everyone!

These days Instagram is a way to keep up with the biggest fashion trends around the world. I follow these fashion stylist and icons to give myself inspiration. Check them out!

ChiaraFerragni

WeWoreWhat

Songdani

SongofStyle

ChriselleLim

Sincerelyjules

Somethingnavy

Camtyox

Hopefully you were able to get some inspiration!

Larissa xx

Back To School Essentials

Hey Lovlies! 

Its that time of year again... time to go back to school shopping to get the fall 'must haves' to make every outfit street style ready.
This fall it is all about the heavy layers and textures, these 6 essentials piece together a great look, or incorporated individually into any look will take a plain t shirt into fall 2013 ready!

1. BCBG Quilted Moto Jacket || 141.17

2. J. Crew Goodwinn tote || 320.00

3. Topshop Greta Lace Top || 75.00

4. Vanessa Bruno Chunky-Knit Sweater || 555.00

5. Steve Madden Cinch Boot || 150.00

6. Current/Elliott Soho Zipped Stiletto Jeans || 380.00

ilonaxxx

DIY: split heart art - simple prints

I find I am always looking for small pieces of art to hang up in my room, however they always cost a small fortune. I decided to give it a go myself with a couple diy materials I had around the house.

This Diy takes minutes, and can be done while your sitting outside catching the last sun rays of summer!

What you need:

Paint - Acrylic or left over house paint

2 Canvas' (square size) - I used two wooden blocks I got from Michaels for $1!

Cup of water

Sponge Brush - 1-2 inch wide

Paint Brush- for fixing up design

I chose the colour plum a nice dark, warm shade I thought would go well with the furniture in my room.

Lay your canvas' side by side how you want them to hang in your. Sketch your design out in pencil so you know what will fall on each canvas.

 

Pour the paint out and mix to ensure it is not watery and an equal consistency.

Go over the sketch with the paint- using the sponge brush. This doesn't have to be perfect its just a base.

Get the thinner brush and touch up any areas you want a thicker line, darker colour or a better shape. Make sure you don't have a dog around to push your arm.... then your stuck with a much wider line then you wanted (I might be speaking from experience!)

Once it looks how you want, put it up in the perfect spot in your room. There you have it some new art in less then 10 minutes!

ilonaxxx

Fall Trend: Punk

As we all know all good fashion trends recycle. First introduced in the 1970's made popular by designers like Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren the styles of metal hardware, recycled materials, DIY's and graphic images were commonly known as Punk. 

More recently seen in Vogue, an updated punk look has been used in styling with the layers of tartan print, black and white and torn clothing. As well as on the runway for Fall 2013 punk makeup and hairstyles were popular to see to minimize the appearance of lady like collections.

Vogue May 2013

The Met has also taken on the trend of punk showcasing the exhibit this summer the "London Look" versus the "New York Look" when it came to punk in the 1970's.

Diy Hardware Versace - Met Gallery

Diy Destroy - Met Gallery

To take on this falls trends without fully committing yourself to punk start with subtle, versatile pieces. 

1. The first must have is a leather jacket like this Topshop Shrunken Biker Jacket . Its a perfect piece to put on top of a flowy dress or play punk with some fitted skinnies, converses and a mixed fabric top.

2. A simple pencil skirt can become less office appropriate worn with a distressed tee like Distressed DJ Heroin Tee or pair a tartan print top like Topshop Tartan Tee with an aline skirt and ankle boots.

3. Mix things up and layer a lady like sheer blouse with a printed mini like Zara Checkered Mini Skirt or pair it with the Topshop Leather Denim Mix Kilt for a twist of the black classic skirt.

4. Play it safe by layering punk inspired jewellery with any outfit you put together, whether you put them with leather and plaid or accessorize your favourite t shirt dress and flats. Look for heavy hardware and mismatched pieces like House of Harlow 1960 Earrings and Adia Kibur Mix Metal Necklace or ones that resemble diy projects or make your own jewelry with safety pins, bolts and studs. 

ilonaxxx

New York City Day 1 & 2

Day One: Finally arrived in New York ready to begin the day of sight seeing

A quick lunch break in a hidden burger shop

A quick stop in times square, I have never seen so many people in one spot!

On top of Top of the Rocks to see the NYC skyline

Had to try the Magnum ice cream in NYC to compare to Toronto's - the poppy seeds and pretzels were defiantly worth it

we then took a visit inside New York Library

Day Two: 9/11 memorial and Brooklyn

A trip to Brooklyn - we attempted to walk across the bridge but got caught in the rain 1/3 of the way there... nothing was going to stop us from trying Grimaldi's Pizzeria under the bridge

Times Square round 2, eating dinner consisted of ice cream and chips!

 

ilonaxxx

Colour: Black and White

Hey Lovlies!

One of this season's hottest colour combinations is the classic black and white. A traditional colour combo has been seen everywhere from kaleidoscope prints on dresses to the perfect smokers loafers. These colours are easy to add into any wardrobe and style type, try a mix of the biker jacket for a punk look or add it in a circle skirt for a fun girly look. Play with the prints and the proportions/ locations of the colours.

1. Michael Kors Large Miranda Quilted Side Tote || 1295.00

2. Urban Outfitters assorted pillows || 40.00

3. May28th 1:19pm Watch || 40.00

4. Dolce Vita Giya Loafer || 133.93

5. Wilfred Colonne Dress || 82.50 (sale)

ilonaxxx

New York City Bound!

Hey lovlies!

I am kind of just a little excited to be going to New York for the first time (okay maybe a little over excited!) Limiting myself to packing only the essentials so I have plenty of room for shopping in my carry on was fun. Having to pre plan what I was going to wear to ensure I wasn't going to take stuff that would just take up space, and making outfits that easily transitioned to night with a change of top or some added accessories was important to do so.

As I am going with my family, we are doing a lot of the typical touristy stuff which I can't complain about because I've never seen it before anyway! But much of my outfits consist of casual combinations and flat shoes to accommodate all the walking we will be doing.

1. Philosophy Happy Travels Set || 32.00
All your travel beauty essentials in travel size make everything that much more convenient. Don't forget that for liquids you can only take so much on the plane so these little bottles of everything you love are ideal and they help you save extra space for your shopping! 
2. Rebecca Minkoff Mini 5-Zip || 195.00
Having the hands free cross body bag makes everything easier. The multi zips allow you to strategically place everything for accessibility to prevent you digging through your bag for your phone to get that perfect picture!
3. Madewell Roll Sleeve Colour Block Tee || 45.00
This basic tee is something you can wear with everything, an outfit malfunction (we all have those days where we decide to hate everything we own) or you want to wear that new skirt you just bought!
4. Zara Bird Print Dress || 80.00
This simple t shirt dress can be worn during the day, hair in a top knot with some sandals and then easily worn for the evening curl the hair and put on some red lips will have you ready for the night life.
5. Steve Madden Reader Sandal || 40.00 (sale)
With all the walking you should expect to be doing a flat, comfortable sandal is a must have. Having it in a neutral colour will allow you to wear it with most of your outfit options making them more versatile.

ilonaxxx

August Wish List

Hey Lovelies

Its upsetting to think that tomorrow is August and that summer is coming to an end, but the upside means time for fall fashions and some great additions to the wardrobes!

Here is my current wish list for august the transition me into the fall months.

Open Side Flats - These flats were first seen by Jenni Kayne and have since become a statement shoe for both day and night. Easy to wear with jeans as well as a flowy skirt. Look for these shoes in animal prints, or jewel colours like cobalt blue or oxford blood red.

Layered Statement Necklace - An instant fix to a tee and jeans kinda day, these necklaces are a quick hint of glamour for any day. This layered style catches the eye and brings colour and interest to any look.

Bar Studs - When I saw Emily's post on these earrings I fell in love. As someone that prefers to have the same pair of earrings in forever these bar studs had enough sparkle for a girly touch but were a little different with the bar shape as opposed to a traditional round stud. 

Leather Strap Watch - As fall comes around the trend of the chunky boyfriend style watch is changing to more delicate and sophisticated style. This Daniel Wellington leather strap watch is perfect to wear with jeans and a tee and summery dresses.

Leather Duffle - As I'm starting to think about school I have been in search of the perfect weekender duffle to take back and fourth on the bus and train as I make visits home or to friends. This leather duffle is a vintage looking piece, nothing too structured (which is perfect means I can stuff it to the brim!) 

What's on your lovlies wish lists?

ilonaxxx

What to Wear: Music Festival

As August is fast approaching, we are starting to come to the end of summer. But nothing can stop us from enjoying the rest that we have! This upcoming weekend there are a couple of music festivals happening in the area, each one attracting a different crowd and an outfit that corresponds with the atmosphere!

Nothing beats a music festival of good ol' country music! To stand out in the sea of plaid and cowboy boots mix it up with a faded burgundy denim, a white cami with an animal print and a updated version of the cowboy boot. 

1. Gorjana Graham Leather Bar || 75.00

2. American Eagle High Rise Festival Short || 25.70

3. Topshop Giraffe Burn Out Cami || 45.00

4. Steve Madden Guiltyy Boot || 170.00

In Toronto there is the Veld Music Festival, for the big city crowd keep your look simple and comfy with a hint of chic! Front tuck the tee into the shorts for an effortless look.

1. All Saints Silk Biker Tee || 68.00

2. Steve Madden VAMP Flat || 80.00 

3. Rotary White Ceramic Watch || 180.00

4. Cheap Monday Feline Sunglasses || 40.00

5. Talula Oleta Shorts || 15.00

This weekend in Montreal the Osheaga Festival is a combination of all music types. To pull of the classic "festival look" stick with flowy layers and bohemian prints. This kimono is perfect paired with a simple tank with these scalloped shorts. A fun and breezy look. 

1. Aerie Seamless Tank || 23.60

2. Topshop Black Scallop Hem Shorts || 45.00

3. H&M Patterned Kimono || 35.00

4. Forever 21 Colour Block Sandal || 6.80

ilonaxxx

Dinner Out

Nothing is better then a good dinner out with family! We took advantage of the last couple nights of Summerliscious and went out to Oliver & Bonacini. 

Caitlin wore her new maxi from Zara in a light blush colour with a cinched waist and beading detail on the shoulders. She paired it with a simple brown leather strap sandal from Forever 21.

I wore a halter top colour block dress from Banana Republic. In an ivory top with a rich blue colour block bottom. I wore a thin braided strap sandal in white also from Forever 21. 

hope you all had a lovely weekend!

ilonaxxx

Splurge or Save: Sweatpants

The Elder Statesman Pant || Quicksilver Freeport Sweat Pant 

The easy to way to stay comfy on those summer nights by the campfire. Stay chic with these cute sweatpants, layer them with a graphic tee, or simple tank and a light open layered cardigan.

ilonaxxx