Tuesday, March 29, 2016

How to Look Laid-back Chic

Vancouver has been plagued by it's "too-casual" style title for a long time now, and I can't exactly blame Vancouverites for wanting to be casual. I mean, casual means comfortable, doesn't it? But why is it that dressing chic can't be comfortable too? It can!

These pants from BB Dakota were a great find from my favourite boutique in Fort Langley, the Little White House Co. Pro tip: they have a little closet on the second floor with super awesome sale items, which is where I found these pants! The tie waist and cut make them look like dress pants, but their ultra soft material makes them the perfect candidate for a chic yet comfortable outfit.

The weather is still a little cool as we get into Spring, so sweaters are still a staple in my wardrobe. The key is finding one in a classic print, like stripes, and that is a bit roomy (for extra comfort). My go-to styling for any slightly oversized sweater is to tuck in only the front of the sweater - it gives a great laid-back feel, while also showing off more of your cute pants! Over top, a good coat with a cut that is casual, like this open-style wool coat I found at Zara, is perfect.

Of course, when in doubt, adding a statement necklace and some statement shoes are the easiest way to elevate your casual outfit game. I often layer a casual sweater with a chunky, sparkly necklace to give it a chic finish, or switch out my Converse for some eye-catching low heels that are easy to walk in. You'll feel put-together in an instant!












Jacket - Zara | Sweater - Tobi (similar) | Necklace - Nobis & Grey | Earrings - Forever 21 | Pants - BB Dakota (via Little While House Co.) | Shoes - thrifted via Value Village


Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Friday, March 25, 2016

Vancouver Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016: Day 5


Day 5 was an exciting day at Vancouver Fashion Week. There was a great mix of new and old VFW designers: designers I'm always excited to see, plus a sprinkling of new ones I've never seen before, and pleasantly surprised! Plus, it was a beautiful warm Spring day out, which made for some lovely photos in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden before we headed in to see the fashion week shows at the Chinese Cultural Centre.

I long to wear this skirt from Kassinka more - now that Spring is finally here, I'm pulling out the pastels and starting to incorporate into more of my looks. I admit, for years I strayed away from pastels because of my perpetual paleness (oh don't pretend you hadn't noticed!). But I've since learned to embrace the paleness and enjoy the shades of the season. It feels so nice and fresh to be wearing crisp whites and pastels after months of my black and grey outfit obsession!

Keep reading below to see two of my jaw-dropping favourite collections seen at Day 5 of Vancouver Fashion Week:





Designer: Dominique Ansari

Oh man. This collection. Every piece. I've always been a sucker for elegant gowns and lace, so it should come as no surprise that I fell in love with this collection by Dominique Ansari. My favourite of them all, this crimson red peplum gown, looked absolutely stunning, especially the sheer naked-dress top. The naked dress has obviously be a huge trend this year, but I loved how this dress only featured a sheer top, balanced out nicely by the full-length skirt with a nude-coloured lining. Beautiful! Now excuse me while I go day dream of all the fancy parties I'd wear her gowns to, if given the chance...


Photo by Harry Leonard


Designer: Noe Bernacelli

Noe Bernacelli's collections have been a favourite of mine at Vancouver Fashion Week in the past. His gowns are stunning couture masterpieces, designed with the most immaculate attention to detail. This season's collection was a bit different than usual. It strayed somewhat from the gowns we had seen in the past, including less classic-elegant details like neon hair parts and baseball caps! I found the coat/pant outfits to be very reminicent of Chanel style, but the elegance is somewhat offset by the baseball cap, giving the look a fresh new twist.

I also couldn't write this review without also talking about the amazing 'epaulettes' the model is rocking in the second photo. The fringe gave the dress such beautiful movement - obviously not a dress for the faint of heart, but just look at that incredible detailing! Truly unique.



Photos by Dale Rollings












Vest - Forever 21 | Crop Top - Forever 21 | Necklace - Olive + Piper | Skirt - Kassinka | Bracelet - Nobis & Grey | Shoes - Sole Society | Purse - Vintage


Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Vancouver Fashion Week FW2016: Day 2


Well folks, this is officially my 13th season covering Vancouver Fashion Week! Pretty crazy. Day 2 of the Fall/Winter 2016 runway shows brought all kinds of fabulous new designers into the spotlight, including my personal favourites Lesley Hampton, Saint Jesus by M. Jesus Ponce, and Street and Saddle. Keep on reading below to see a few runway shots and my thoughts on each of their collections!

Fashion Week is always a great opportunity to step up your fashion game. Lately, fashion weeks have become notorious for the "circus" they create - bloggers dressed up in ridiculous outfits just in order to be photographed. I think that just becomes silly, but I must admit fashion week creates a wonderful opportunity to dress up more than you would on a normal day - because let's be honest, in Vancouver, there are only so many opportunities to wear these wonderfully comfy floral wide leg pants (from Target!) without getting weird looks. It's the one week twice a year where anything goes, and you're among equally fashionably flamboyant friends! Hence my chance to wear these wide leg floral pants, my favourite cape blazer, and a giant statement necklace. Oh and an avant garde pastel purple lipstick from NYX lipstick that I've been dying to wear. What better time than fashion week?







Designer: Lesley Hampton

I'm fully aware I'm attracted to shiny things. Sequins are a no brainer, so this collection from Lesley Hampton definitely caught my eye with its mirrored scales. I loved the shape of this dress in particular, how the scales really accentuated her curves and how the black inserts gave the arms and waist more definition. The exposed zipper also gave the dress a nice edgy touch. By the way, if you've ever wondered how to rock black lipstick, this is a perfect example. A killer outfit from top to bottom!


Photo by Ed Ng Photography


Designer: Saint Jesus by M. Jesus Ponce

I was a big fan of the sheer skirt when it became a big trend last year, plus I've always loved the retro vibe of high waisted bottoms. So naturally, Saint Jesus caught my eye. The geometric detailing on the sheer skirt is what made it really unique. It's certainly not a design for the faint of heart, but something that makes a fierce fashion statement!


Photo by Dale Rollings


Designer: Street and Saddle

Equestrian style has been a staple part of my fall wardrobe for a few seasons now. I adore the preppy look associated with Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, and now I think I have some new inspiration thanks to Street and Saddle! I love how it even incorporated one of my favourite styles: the cape! I loved the riding pants and other equestrian-inspired pieces of this collection as well, but this cape jacket/dress (complete with a wrangler belt to cinch) was by far my favourite. Especially with the added touch of the pearl necklace, the look is so classic but with a modern twist thanks to the cape slits and structured neckline.


Photo by Dale Rollings









Blazer - Lavish Alice (via Asos) | Shirt - Meiling Couture | Earrings & Necklace - Nobis & Grey | Pants - Merona (via Target) | Heels - Aldo (thrifted)



Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Monday, March 14, 2016

Canadian Fashion: How to Look Cute in the Cold


Yes, I know Spring is just around the corner...but the cool winter adventures aren't over yet, apparently! If you're still planning to head up to the local mountains for some snow shoeing, or otherwise making the most of the snow that's still left, here's some inspiration for dressing warm...without sacrificing style!

I found this buffalo plaid coat on sale on Modcloth - I love the quintessential Canadian/lumberjack pattern, and while the coat is somewhat thin, it makes for lots of room to layer cozy knit sweaters underneath comfortably. Layering is key here, since the temperature can change pretty quick when the sun peeks out. Plus, for those windy days, the long hemline is great for keeping your lower half warm too. Stretchy jeans are my pants of choice here, because you can throw on a pair of fleece leggings underneath if it's really chilly out! Pair it with a cute pair of tan faux-fur lined boots (like these ones from Bearpaw, or the similar ones I've linked below), and you're good to go! Well, an embellished toque can't hurt too...

Time to get adventuring in the snow - don't forget to Instagram your adventures (and your cute cozy outfits, of course!).








Coat - BB Dakota via Modcloth (via Amazon) (similar) | Hat - Aldo | Gloves - Winners | Jeans - Urban Planet | Boots - Bearpaw (similar)





Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Monday, March 7, 2016

How to Wear a Midi Dress

I have officially found my favourite transitional piece for winter/spring! The super stretchy curve-hugging midi dress is such a flattering item (especially with some miracle shapewear), and I think it's the perfect item for layering during the move to warmer weather.

I really liked this particular one from Forever 21 because it's short sleeve, which means you can toss on a sweater or jacket to keep warm, but once temperatures rise, you can whip off the layers and BAM - you're ready for the sun! The midi length also makes it a great choice for right now, as I'm not quite ready to go bare-legged in a mini dress quite yet. Pair the dress with some cute ankle boots for now, and switch them out for some casual converse for later in spring.

Is this dress already a staple in your wardrobe or are you itching to try it?











Jacket - Zara | Dress - Forever 21 (similar) | Earrings - Birks | Sunglasses - Simons | Boots - Zara Basic | Purse - Gucci (thrifted)


Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta
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