Trendspotting: Tribal

Spring has been really iffy around here (we had a snow/hail storm on the weekend!).  So here's to hoping that spring will transition quickly to the season we're really waiting for: summer!

I love adding a bit of tribal to any summer outfit: a wood bead necklace or a batik print.  This season it seems that the tribal trend has gone to shoes.

This pair caught my attention on this blog (also written by two sisters).  They are flat and comfy looking and colourful and also incorporate the B&W trend.

Source: aldoshoes.com via Linda on Pinterest

These ones, from Zara, are also in this category and could be worn immediately and through the summer.  Colourful but somewhat basic.

Source: zara.com via Linda on Pinterest

This pair is really for summer and I love them so much I'm adding them to my wish list.

Source: zara.com via Linda on Pinterest

Another flat pair on the affordable side.

Source: callitspring.com via Linda on Pinterest

And the last two are for those wanting some height.  Why not wear these to a wedding in an old basic dress.

Source: shopbop.com via Linda on Pinterest

Also in coral here.

And this one in Earth tones would be great  for date night.

Source: ninewest.ca via Linda on Pinterest

The Look for Less: D'Orsay

Jenni Kayne came out with the most wonderful stylish flat and I want it!

Source: shopbop.com via Linda on Pinterest

And now I just can't seem to stop seeing this simple beautiful silhouette.

 

3.1 Philip Lim worn by Diane Kruger

Source: my-wardrobe.com via Linda on Pinterest

Source: redcarpet-fashionawards.com via Linda on Pinterest

Proenza Schouler worn by Kirsten Dunst

I  did see a dead ringer for the Jenni Kayne's at Chinese Laundry in the US for those of you lucky enough!

 via Chinese Laundry

Zara has a few heeled options that are also beautiful.

via  Zara

 

via Zara

How about taking advantage of Spring's black and white trend too.

via Zara

Or the metallic trend great to offset pretty pastels.

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Linda on Pinterest

 

Jeffrey Campbell via Nordstrom

I find this silouhette classic, romantic (mostly from the name) and sexy.  By definition a d'Orsay shoe is open enough to show the foot's arch but I prefer the heel being completely separate from the front of the shoe.  You may think your foot would slip out but I've had flats in this style that were very comfortable.

What do you think about this style?

Las Vegas in style

Our last stop before flying home is Las Vegas!  I’m excited to take hubby to my favourite spots (especially here for breakfast).  While I won't be partying it up I thought it would be fun to make a style board anyway and what's more appropriate for Vegas than glitz and glam?  Gold and glitter.  You get the idea.

Viva Las Vegas by ellevee59 featuring petite dresses

What was most fun in Vegas (to me) was walking up and down the strip and looking at the ridiculousness that is Vegas.  And also the people watching.  So comfy footwear is key but you will definitely get the chance to dress up to the nines as well!

Tour in style

While on our trip we will be mostly hiking and driving.  But I was inspired by the colours of the landscapes to create this somewhat practical style board for touring the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Board by ellevee59 featuring leather shoes

Fly in style

Hubby and I have been planning our spring break trip to the Grand Canyon for some time, and honestly all I can think about is finding the perfect Navajo print scarf to bring with me.  I know, I have issues.  Anyway, to soothe myself I have made… you guessed it, a style board!  The solution to all the world’s problems.

We're flying out today so first: airport style.  It’s very important to be comfortable which does not have to exclude style.  I like to plan to wear my bulkiest shoes on the plane (saves some packing room, especially if you are carrying on) and obviously pieces I can mix and match throughout the vacation even if the weather will be different on arrival.  Layering really helps with this.

Airport Style Board by ellevee59 featuring leather handbags

Also some essentials: good socks, lip care and a rich moisturizer.  Sunnies upon arrival are always welcome.

Rose gold is the new Valentine red!

To continue on yesterday's post, the other Valentine day colour would have to be baby pink, far from my favourite colour! But instead of incorporating it in an outfit why not let your accessories speak with some rose gold.

Rose gold is the new Valentine red Style Board by ellevee59 featuring a rose gold pendant
Jacket, Madewell; dress, Anthropologie, shoes, Cole Haan; clutch, Clare Vivier

Paired with some romantic florals, it would be perfect for a date.

Gentlemen, pay attention, any of these baubles would make your Valentine very happy.

Coral is the new Valentine red!

I finally got an account on Polyvore and it’s all I can do not to quit my job and pretend I’m a fashion editor making (awesome) fashion spreads all day long!

While Valentine’s Day is one of those commercial holidays I’d rather not celebrate, hubby this year made a ‘surprise’ (he surprised me a few weeks ago when he asked me to check my schedule) reservation to have dinner at the Snow festival in the Ice Village so I guess it’s put me in the mood.  I made a few inspiration boards for different climates and activities and hopefully not too traditional Valentine’s Day choices.

First, instead of going for the usual crimson color why not usher in Spring with some coral instead of red. This colour is so much fresher and more modern and mixed in with neutrals it doesn’t look theme-y at all. 

Coral is the new Valentine red by ellevee59 featuring chambray tops
Sleeveless blouse, Equipment; jeans, AG; dress, Club Monaco; click here for details.

I love mixing different shades of one colour and oxblood being the it fall colour, spice it up with some coral!

During my research, I noticed that coral appears as two shades, a saturated bright red-orange or an orangey pink. Any excuse to make up another (awesome) board...

Coral is the new Valentine red by ellevee59 featuring essie nail polish
Necklace, Stella and Dot; bag, Rebecca Minkoff; glasses, Thierry Lasry; flats, Chloé; shorts, Club Monaco, click here for details.

Which do you think is true coral?

Tune in for more all this week!

Work Wardrobe: The Staple Blouse

If you've watched The Newsroom this summer, you were treated to some great drama and fashion!  I have to say that every episode I would admire MacKenzie's blouses which she wore with plain pencil skirts and pumps.  Conservative can still be playful and fashionable.  I became a bit obsessed with this colour block number.

I even found a great imitation here.  I believe Emily Mortimer might be wearing an Ann Taylor from a few seasons ago.  I didn't love the beige on me so I ended up with a more colourful version from Banana Republic Outlet (two locations now open around Montréal: Vaudreuil and Centre Notre-Dame).  This one could work for someone looking for a neutral.

 Club Monaco via Shop Bop, 150 CAD

Playing with print is always nice too.

Club Monaco via Shop Bop, 150 CAD

via Zara, 50 CAD

The trend for fall is embellished collars and there's nowhere like Zara to jump on some trendy bandwagon or another.

via Zara, 100 CAD

For something more whimsically on budget I love peter pan collars, and it is pretty classic but at this price who cares!

via F21, 22 CAD

For something a bit more lasting the following silk pieces which will be worn for years to come.

via BR

via BR

Look for less : Sweatpants

I have been obsessed with getting sweatpants at the derision of my friends since seeing these pictures.  But I and my vision trudge on, so I thought I'd do a look for less.

via Garance Dore

Zara is definitely my go to for jackets these days.  They are very affordable for the high fashion styles they carry, like this faux leather sleeved version of the classic black jacket.

via Zara

I don't really need to tell anyone where to get white tees, but I love getting mine on special at Gap!

via Gap

To stay true to the inspiration photo I went with these loungewear sweats from Gap, they had a fashion version that very quickly sold out.  Of course I would get a larger size for a looser fit than on the model.  For a dressier version, try these.

via Gap

The Isabel Marant Dicker boots have been worn by everyone under the sun!  When I first saw them I scoured the web looking for cheaper lookalikes with no luck; now the market is saturated with them.  Nonetheless this is a very flattering and comfortable style, so don't wear it out!  I was lucky enough to stumble across my pair at an Aldo outlet in the US for the ridiculously low price of $22.49, but here is the newer version.

via Aldo

Mine have been crazy comfortable. These seem to have a taller heel but still manageable.

Would you dress up sweatpants?

Look for Less: Gray Edition

I was so inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow's smokey look that I thought I'd try to style something a bit more budget friendly.  I have to say that her boots featured on GOOP are out of this world.

The scarf from Banana is kind of a splurge but who doesn't have a gray scarf?

via BR, 110CAD - 25% until 10/02

via ZARA, 80CAD

I'm usually not a huge fan of whiskering on jeans but was trying to stay true to the original outfit, I would definitely go with a more dark wash.  I LOVE these boots and they are going on my wishlist!

via GAP, 80CAD, - 30% online

DV by Dolce Vita via Little Burgundy, 165CAD

Speaking of wishlist, a little something to carry your necessities wouldn't hurt either, BLAM-O!

via BR, 74$ - 25% until 10/02

Packing for your summer travels

We have been meaning to write fashion posts on this blog, and what better way to start it off then with a packing tip, now that summer is just around the corner?

As Joanna discussed here, a great tip for your packing needs is to pack in a single colour scheme. I loved the blue and white one so much that I decided to go with it! Having done a 30 for 30, I was aiming for 30 items (including footwear!) for my month-long trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. I don't have the final count but it was under 30 and then I left my footwear behind in Saigon so I only had flip flops and boat shoes for most of my travels. Here are the results...

 Jacket - Zara.

Scarf - Club Monaco; top - Banana Republic; shorts - Tommy; bag (gift from my students!) - Call it Spring; shoes - Sperry.

Tank/shorts - Banana Republic; flip flops - Havaianas; sunnies - Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Scarf - Club Monaco; top - Banana Republic; shorts - Tommy.

Tank - Banana Republic; jeans - 7 for all mankind; shoes - Sperry.

Dress/hat - Banana Republic.

Top - Abercrombie & Fitch; shorts - Tommy.

 

Dress - Beverly.

I traveled from 10 degree weather in Paris to 40 degree in Cambodia and everything fit into my carry-on. That was quite an accomplishment! I really should have photographed the proof.

Happy travels and packing!