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Category Archives: Fashion Tips
How to Layer Fall Outfits
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As the later half of fall approaches and temperatures tend to get chillier, it’s the perfect opportunity to layer-up your outfits and step up the chicness with cute overcoats. I put together this everyday layered fall look with pieces you can find on www.shopspring.com. Here are my top 3 tips on how to layer your fall outfit.
Start With a Basic
Basic long and short-sleeved tees can go a long way, so I always have a few different colours stocked in my closet. Start with a basic plain shirt and then work your layering up from there. This Aether V-Neck shirt is the perfect base piece for layering because it’s soft an made from breathable materials.
Over-sized and Chunky Sweaters are Your Friend
Over-sized and chunky sweaters over fitted shirts instantly make for a cool layered look. This French Connection knit is long, cozy, and adds an extra layer of warmth. You can also add a belt on top of a chunky sweater to give your outfit more shape.
Don’t Forget to Accessorize!
Accessories can also be used to add layers to your outfit. This double strapped Marc Jacob watch makes for some cute wrist candy! You can always throw on some necklaces or chokers to add to your layers.
What is your go-to layering piece?
My Top Summer Accessories
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You can wear these looks any time during year, but with sun, fun and longer days these accessories are the perfect way to top off your summer outfit. Here are my favorite summer accessories and some suggestions on where you can find them.
Henna Tattoos
If you follow me on Instagram you probably already know I adore henna tattoos. The use of henna for body art has been used for centuries, and can be traced back to ancient India. Used as an art form for Indian weddings and other ceremonial celebrations, henna is now worn by people of all cultures. The intricate designs can last up to 2 weeks and are traditionally put on the hands and feet, but you can have it applied almost anywhere on your body.
Where you can get it: In Toronto there are often henna artists with tents set up at street festivals. You can also search on online classifieds such as Kijiji and Craigslist for local henna artists, or if you have a steady hand, you can purchase some henna paste and do it yourself.
Choker Necklaces
Choker necklaces are a simple accessory which can pair well with a lot of outfits, they’re especially cute with strapless items. I’m loving that the black tattoo necklaces have made a come back.
Where you can get it: I found my choker necklace at the dollar store (Dollarama), but I have also seen them at accessory stores like Clarie’s.
Anklets & Foot Chains
Anklets and foot chains are great because it’s a chance to accessorize the lower half of your body. Both are perfect for wearing at the beach, and if you want to step it up you can also pair them with your favorite flats or heels.
Where you can get it: There are many hand-made foot chain styles to choose from on Etsy. Also, Forever 21 has a selection of anklets.
Metallic Tattoos
Metallic tattoos are a quick and easy way to add some shine and shimmer to your skin. They’re great for places like the beach, or when you don’t want to wear a lot of jewelery but you still want to accessorize. Simply cut out the design you like and place it face-down on clean and dry skin. Using a sponge or cloth add some water to the back and hold in place for about 30 seconds. Remove the paper and you’ve got some skin bling.
Where you can get it: Flash Tattoos is a popular brand. A quick Google search of “metallic tattoos” will also generate many websites and stores which also carry them.
What are some of your favorite summer accessories?
Divalicious 7 & Style Tips On How to Wear All White
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Photo by Vincent Dayrit Photography
All white ensembles are a classic fresh look for the summer months. I recently attended an all-white party for the Divalicious 7 birthday bash. Myself along with a few other local bloggers were invited to model an all white outfit from Toronto designers.
The event was hosted by DivaGirl Inc, which is an all female community dedicated to empowering women through fun and engaging conferences, events, and workshops. It was a great time! There were performances, vendors, henna and champagne. Here are a few photos from the event.
Continue reading below for my tips on how to stylishly wear all white this summer.
Dance performance by the DivaGirl Cabaret
Me getting some henna done while wearing beautiful Stella & Dot accessories. Photo by Vincent Dayrit Photography
Shop for Jayu accessory table
Bloggers being models for the day
With different shades of white and varying textures it can sometimes be difficult to pull off an all white ensemble. As long as you stay away from the red wine, all white outfits can be easier to pull off than you think. Here are some style tips for wearing all white this summer.
Mix up textures
Photo Eonline
Add dimension to your all white ensemble by mixing up textures. If you’re wearing something made of a heavier material like denim or cotton, pair it with a lighter material such as a linen or something sheer to balance everything out. Sheer materials also pair great with off-white items.
Matching Set
Photo People
If you want to make sure your all white outfit is on-point, invest in a matching set such as a tailored two-piece or matching top and skirt. You can always mix and match the pieces and wear separately. You can count on the set as a go-to source for when you need an all white outfit in a hurry.
Show Some Skin
Photo Express
If you’re comfortable with showing some skin, break up your all white outfit with a crop top and high waisted trousers or skirt. Ripped white jeans can also be a fun way to show a bit of skin and add texture. For the more reserved, clothing with sheer and crochet materials are another great option.
Add some accessories
Photo Daily Mail
Since all white ensembles are pretty much a blank canvas for accessories, use them as a way to dress-up or dress-down your outfit. Layering metallic jewelry can look really chic with an all white outfit.
Shoes, shoes, shoes!
Photo People
If you want to achieve a total monochromatic look and you don’t own white shoes, go with a neutral or tan coloured shoe to finish off your look. If you’re going to wear a darker coloured shoe go for a strappy style heel or sandals with smaller or light straps so it doesn’t over power the outfit.
How do you like to wear all white?
– Shanel
Style Tips On How to Wear a Scarf
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Now that Spring has arrived, it’s finally nice to use a scarf as an accessory rather than as a tool to guard my face against the cold. Scarfs are a great way to add a pop of colour and texture to an outfit and there’s so many fun and different ways to wear them!
On one of the first warm days of the year my friend Kristen (check out her blog here) and I went for a walk and I brought my collection of scarves along. I discovered they are not only great to style, but also fun to take pics and play with.
Here are some style tips on how to wear your scarf this spring and summer.
Wrap It
Wearing a scarf as a head wrap can be a great style addition to an outfit. It can also double as a handy accessory for when you’re having a bad hair day.
To get this look, I took the scarf and wrapped it around my head starting from the front. I crossed the ends of the scarf in the back and brought the ends to the side of my head. I twisted the loose ends into a bun and secured with a hair tie.
Belt It
Throw a scarf around your shoulders and secure with a belt. I love doing this during the warmer months because it looks like a vest and adds another light layer to the outfit. Let the loose ends hang, this can look super cute if your scarf has fringed ends, or tuck the ends into the back of the belt.
Double It
Take your outfit up a notch by wearing two scarves at once. Use two scarves with varying colours or patterns and twist them together and wrap them around your neck.
Handle It
Enhance and add a touch of colour to your darker toned purse by wrapping a scarf around the handles of your purse. Simply tie a knot at one end of the handle, wrap the scarf around it and tie a knot at the other end.
How do you like to incorporate scarves into your outfits?
-Shanel
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5 Style Tips on How to Wear Coloured Jeans during Winter
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During the colder months my wardrobe can sometimes be a bit drab. I tend to wear a lot of black and grey, while items like my coloured jeans shift to the back of my dresser. I came to this realization a few weeks ago when I met with my friend and fellow blogger Kristen (check out her blog Twenties and Fabulous). She was wearing a nice pair of coloured jeans, and they looked great.
Coloured jeans are a great statement piece for any season. It’s all about keeping your outfit in proportion since brighter coloured pieces are typically associated with spring or summer. You don’t want to look like your ready for a picnic when it’s the middle of February.
Here’s 5 tips on how to style and accessorize your coloured jeans during winter.
Chunky Knit Scarf. This is a great way to winterize your outfit and add layers when the temperature starts to plummet.
Over-sized Sweaters. Neutral coloured sweaters in black, grey, cream etc. balance out coloured jeans, while keeping you warm in style.
Hints of Leather. A top with leather accents, a leather vest, or accessories help chic up the look and add a wintery feel.
This top from Rudsak’s would pair great with coloured jeans.
Fur it up. Nothing says winter like fur. Add a faux fur vest, scarf, or clutch to your look.
Over the knee boots. A great winter accessory. Coloured jeans with over the knee boots add a hint of colour and a sexy edge for a fun winter look.
How do you like to add colour to your winter outfits?
-Shanel
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From Day to Night, Ways to Wear Your Little Black Dress
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The Little black dress or LBD is an essential clothing staple for any females wardrobe. Black is flattering for any figure, and it’s a blank canvas that you can easily dress up or down regardless of your style. I love the LBD because it’s versatile enough to take you from a day of coffee to a night of cocktails. 2 looks from 1 dress, how can you lose?
With the help of Style Sets from dailylook.com. Here’s my tips on how you can take your little black dress from a day at work to a night on the town.
Layers
Day
A nicely cut blazer or cardigan can instantly polish up your LBD, and make it look more professional.
Whether your at work or running errands a patterned scarf is an easy way to add texture and a pop of colour to your LBD. Plus, if your LBD has a plunging neckline or shows a lot of skin a scarf can be an easy way to make it work appropriate.
Night
Adding a vest to your LBD can give it an edgier look and also add some shape to your dress.
Day & Night
A pair of tights can go a long way and can add some fun texture and color to your LBD.
Accessories
Day
If your going to wear a bold or brightly colored patterned scarf with your LBD during the day, I like to keep the accessories to a minimum. A classic watch is a great way to finish off your look.
Night
Have fun mixing and matching your accessories. Like I said the LBD is like a blank canvas, and accessories such as a statement necklace instantly add some shine and shimmer.
Shoes
Day & Night
Black booties with some detailing and a heel can transform your look from day to night with ease. Plus the added height from the heel can make your legs look longer.
Bags
Day
A dark colored chic duffel bag is the perfect size for carrying around everyday items and it’s easy to pair with a LBD.
Night
If you don’t want to lug around a large bag all night, keep a clutch inside of your bag to use for later. Clutches are perfect for carrying the essentials, and a statement clutch can also help glam up your look.
How do you like to wear your Little Black Dress? Try making your own Style Set at dailylook.com. It’s a lot of fun!
-Shanel
Where to Look for Last Minute DIY Halloween Costume Ideas
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Where has the time gone? Halloween is a week away. If you’re still not sure what to dress up as try DIYing your own costume.
You don’t have to be super crafty to make your own Halloween costume. When you think outside the box cloth it can be easy to create a unique and inexpensive look. DIYing or customizing your Halloween costume gives you the chance to add your own touch. When you’ve bought your costume out a bag there’s always a chance someone else could be wearing the same one. Then you could instantly find yourself in a who wore it better showdown. And nobody wants that.
Here’s a list of tips and places to look for inspiration for DIY Halloween costumes. Some of the suggested costumes were created inexpensively by myself or friends.
Shirt Printing Company
Use a shirt printing company to print the logo of your favorite beverage or food on a piece of clothing. Most companies just require a high vector file version of the image. You can purchase the clothing item to print on from the printing company or bring your own clothing to print on. Then you can add or make your own accessories.
Costume Idea: My friend Sofia printed the Tim Hortons logo onto a dress and she made earrings out of sugar packets. And no that’s not coffee in her hand.
Thrift & Vintage Stores
Vintage and thrift stores are a good place to find unique pieces for a low cost. It may take some creativity and searching to piece together an outfit, but the efforts are well worth it. No one will have the exact costume as you.
Costume Idea: Try dressing up as someone from a different era, like the 80’s. Search the isles for bright, colorful and shiny items.
The Dollar Store
The dollar store is a great resource for Halloween accessories. I’ve seen wigs, face paint, wings, face masks all inexpensively priced at the dollar store.
Costume Idea: DIY 3 Blind Mice Costume
3-blind mice is a cute group costume you can easily make with dollar store supplies. Here are the supplies you’ll need,
Dark sunglasses
Black eyeliner or face paint
Headband
A sheet of grey felt or construction paper
A sheet of pink felt or construction paper
Glue or tape
The Steps
Use the grey paper to cut out a large circle to create the outer part of the mouse ears. Use the pink paper and cut out a smaller circle to create the inner part of the ear. Glue the pink paper to the grey piece to complete the ear. Glue or tape the ears to the headband
Use black face paint or eyeliner to draw a nose and some whiskers on your cheeks
Tape or glue the ears to the headband.
If you want to, you could even make walking sticks.
Your Makeup Bag
Wear your Halloween costume on your face. Makeup can be used to create some spooky Halloween looks.
Costume Idea: Draw spider webs around your eyes with black eyeliner. If you’re not skilled in the makeup department many cosmetic stores will do your makeup if you purchase a product. There are also a lot of great tutorials on YouTube.
Raid A Closet
First raid your own closet to look for any old clothing items that could be used for a costume.
Or try raiding someones closet with a totally different style than yours; like your grandma, boyfriend, etc. You may find something that could work as a cool costume.
I took my first communion dress and with a bit of cutting and sewing. I was able to turn myself into a runaway bride. I completed the look with a Ring Pop engagement ring.
Costume Idea: Your graduation dress you wore once? Dress it up once again with a sash and crown and turn yourself into a prom queen.
Old Uniforms
Get creative and use parts of old uniforms from school, work, sports, or organizations.
Costume Idea: Weed Brownie. This weed brownie costume is a hilarious and clever way to make use of an old Brownie sash.
I hope you’ve been inspired to make your own Halloween costume.
What are you dressing up as this year?
-Shanel
5 Fix-it Fashion Tools
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Wardrobe malfunctions are a huge annoyance that anyone who wears clothes has likely experienced on occasion. These tools are great to have handy if you find yourself in a clothing catastrophe.
1. Safety pins
Safety pins are a great tool for when you need to fix a wardrobe malfunction in a hurry. You can use a safety pin to hide an exposed bra strap by pinning to the inside of your shirt. Safety pins can also help hold pieces of a broken chain together.
Got a broken zipper? they can help with that too, use a safety pin as a replacement tab. They’re also a great last resort for holding material together when you have no time to sew.
Plus, here a bunch of DIYs you can try making with safety pins.
2. Double sided tape
Jennifer Lopez’s epic Grammy outfit probably would not have happened without the help of double sided tape.
Use double sided tape to keep knee high socks and stockings from falling, as a temporary hold for loose hems, and to hold fabric in place for plunging shirts or dresses. For bustier girls, it’s also a great tool for keeping gaping holes in your button down shirts closed, which helps avoid any awkward stares below the neck.
3. Clear nail polish
Clear nail polish doesn’t just make your nails look pretty, paint on a coat to keep your costume jewellery from tarnishing. To stop a stocking run in its tracks, paint on clear nail polish on both ends of the run. Also use it to save time when threading needles by adding to the end of unruly thread.
4. Permanent markers
Use permanent marker to quickly cover up any scuffs or scratches on black heels or bags.
5. Rubber Elastics
If you, like me prefer to hang most of your clothes it’s pretty annoying when you have shirts that constantly fall off. Add some rubber bands on the ends of the hanger and problem solved. If you have a long belt that you want to wear high on your waist, add a small elastic to the same end as the belt buckle to hold up the long hanging end.
Do you have any annoying wardrobe malfunctions stories? Share below!
-Shanel
Image Sources: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6
NYFW Dash of DIY Inspo
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With the recent finale of New York Fashion Week. I decided to scope both runway and NYFW street style looks for some dashes of DIY inspiration. Even though winter hasn’t started (**shudders) the collections made me excited for what styles are to come for Spring 2015. Check out the pics below for 2014 NYFW looks and DIY inspos.
Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2015
I could see myself twirling in these dresses all day long! To get this flirty fringe take a maxi skirt or dress start from the bottom and begin cutting long narrow strips up to the thigh. Stretch each strip as you go.
As a sucker for colours this statement clutch looks like a bag of fun (lol see what I did there?). To don this as a DIY find a plain clutch and brightly coloured fabrics. Create a stencil with paper, cutting out different sized and shaped pieces. Trace the outlines of the stencils on the different coloured fabric and cut out. Use a good fabric glue to stick the cut outs on to the clutch.
J. Mendel Spring 2015
Love love love this dress. To DIY it grab some black, yellow and white fabric paint and some paint brushes. Create diagonal strokes with the different colours. Try it on a skirt or shirt.
I like how delicate and feminine the lace makes this outfit look. Take a maxi dress cutting out the sides of material, replace the cut out with lace by either sewing or gluing with fabric glue.
DKNY Spring/Summer 2015
Mesh is no longer just for the gym. For a sporty-sexy look get a bunch of mesh fabric and overlay it on a mini skirt that’s either stretchy or has a zipper. Sew the mesh along the sides and to the top of the skirt, like this DIY.
Thom Browne Spring 2015
To get this look simply get a badminton racket (because they are smaller and lighter than tennis rackets) and a headband. Cut the head band tying each end to the side of the racket and wear on your face. LOL I’m totally kidding but if you want to give this a go please make sure to send me a lot of pictures, or at least tag me on Instagram at @outsidethecloth.
Do you have any favorite collections or looks from 2014 NYFW? Let me know in the comments below :).
-Shanel
Think Outside the Cloth 