Casual Summer Style: Converse Sneakers & Dresses

My Converse sneakers have become a staple in my spring & summer wardrobe - and not just with jeans and a tee! While I love wearing cute heels with my dresses, the reality is that most of the time I need a more comfortable option. And it just so happens that my Converse sneakers look super cute with dresses too.

I'm actually working on procuring a pair of Stan Smith's right now, because I think they'd be equally cute with jeans or dresses, but in the meantime I'm happy with pairing everything from shirt-dresses to flirty, frilly dresses with my Converse. Most people have the regular Chuck Taylor All Star Classic, but I find them just a tad too chunky on me when wearing them with dresses, so I prefer the slightly slimmer Chuck Taylor All Star Dainty.

The best part? They transition well from one season to the next, so you'll be able to wear them all summer long, and straight into fall!

Dress - Banana Republic (thrifted via Salvation Army) | Sunglasses - Target | Necklace - c/o Nobis & Grey | Purse - JustFab | Shoes - Converse (similar)

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Covergirl's Katy Kat Matte Lipstick Review: My Favourite New Matte Lipstick

This girl loves a good matte lipstick. I know not everyone is on the same page as me, though. A lot of people hate the dryness that usually comes along with matte lipsticks, and I don't blame them! So when I heard Covergirl had partnered with Katy Perry to create Katy Kat Matte, a collection of highly pigmented and moisturizing demi-matte lipsticks, I thought "I need to give these a try"! Maybe they'll be the perfect solution for those who don't like the dryness of regular matte lipsticks.

I think they really nailed it on this formula. I tried the shades Coral Cat and Magenta Minx, and they have a slightly less mattifying texture when compared to my other matte lipsticks, which means my lips were left far more moisturized than usual. I was relieved that the matte texture wasn't abandoned completely though. They are still far more matte than any of my satin lipsticks.

While there are also some more crazy colours in the collection, like Perry Panther (black) and Cosmo Kitty (purple), I am totally in love with Coral Kat and Magenta Minx. They're the perfect pink and orange shades to go with my summer outfits. You know I'm all about bright pops of colour this time of year!

What do you think? Would these make you want to give matte lipsticks a try? You can find them at drugstores in North America, including London Drugs!

Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick in Coral Cat 

Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick in Magenta Minx

Happy Styling!

~ Britta

Chapters Spring Preview

Chapters Indigo might actually be one of my favourite stores of all time. Disclaimer: I'm no bookworm. It's all about the home décor and the adorable stationary for me. And I seriously can't get enough of it. I am in Chapters an awful lot...whether it's for a birthday gift, or just to peruse their selection of Kate Spade for the millionth time.

So of course, when a whole new collection of goodies launches for Spring, you know where to find me! I now feel like my whole apartment needs a revamp, and I have some serious patio envy for anyone who has space for a patio set and a BBQ. You'll see what I mean when you see the adorable patio drink sets and pitcher below...

For those of you who haven't explored Chapters in a while, they also have a perfectly curated collection of stylish items like purses, scarves, wallets and more. If pretty florals are your jam, your going to love their Spring collection. I think their floral scarf would be the perfect accessory to an all-white Spring outfit!

Possibly my favourite table in Chapters! Black, white, and Parisian-inspired!

If I had a patio....I don't think I could have resisted any of this!

Stripes and florals: love the combo!

Tiny ice cream cones from la glace! I want to do this at home.

This whole collection embodies west coast style to a T!

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

How to Layer in Spring: The Longline Vest

I have to start by saying that I am truly shocked that I have found a button-down blouse that I actually enjoy wearing outside of the office. I feel like this is a once in a life time experience for me, finding this perfect shirt. It was thrifted from Value Village, and while the label claimed it was a "boyfriend" fit, for me, it just felt like it fit nicely but not snug. I seriously can't believe I don't want to peel it off like any other work blouse the second I get home!! That little extra bit of room really makes it that much more confortable. I love that it's a little longer than normal button-downs too, which I think is what lends to its more laid-back style when worn un-tucked. 

But what to wear it with? I've had this longline vest from Forever 21 in my closet every since Vancouver Fashion Week a couple seasons ago, and I've gotta say, it's become one of my favourite pieces for layering in the spring/summer months. It's certainly not the kind of layering for if you're cold and want to cover up, but rather to help add a bit more intrigue to your outfit. After all, wearing a button-down not tucked in isn't exactly ground breaking when it comes to styling, but slip on this mid-length vest and now we've got a variety of lengths and cuts going on here. Want to see how else you can style it? Check out my posts here, here, and here for more options.

Why not give spring layering a try?

Shirt - Talula (thrifted via Value Village) | Vest - Forever 21 (similar) | Sunglasses - Target | Necklace - Stella & Dot | Bracelet - c/o Nobis & Grey | Jeans - Urban Planet | Shoes - Converse

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

The Comfiest Shoes You'll Wear This Summer

As I said in my recent post here, olive is a great transitional colour for Spring and Summer. And it just so turns out that I have quite a bit of it in my closet! Maxi dresses like this one are also a great way to transition slowly into the warmer weather, as they look Summer-ready, but still offer a bit more coverage for those chilly evenings.

I've noticed I've been wearing a lot more flats recently as part of my Spring outfits. Part of me still loves wearing heels, but the practicality of living in downtown Vancouver and wanting to walk everywhere has made me reassess my footwear choices a bit. Plus, especially when you're wearing a maxi dress, I feel like there's no point wearing heels because no one's going to see them anyway! Might as well be comfy.

Well I've been a huge fan of Bearpaw, ever since falling in love with their cute winter Kayla boots a couple of years ago, so when I had the chance to take their Miley sandals for a spin, I was more than thrilled! Having never tried anything other than their boots before though, I wasn't sure what to expect, but let me tell you, they are so insanely comfy! The soles are so soft, I can see these being fantastic shoes to take when you're travelling to keep your feet happy on long walks. But for now, they'll also be perfect for roaming around Vancouver! 

Dress - Zara (thrifted via Salvation Army) | Earrings - c/o Nobis & Grey | Belt - my mom's! | Sunglasses - Target | Sandals - c/o Bearpaw

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Nautical-Inspired Office Outfit

I went a little nuts with buying wide leg pants recently...one of which was this cute pair of sailor-inspired pants from Forever 21! I also get a bit nautical crazy this time of year, so anything with anchors and gold buttons tends to pique my interest. But other than the obvious beach-appropriate nautical outfits, I wanted to try styling a work outfit that still incorporated some sailor style.

Here are some key elements I like to include in any of my nautical-inspired looks, whether it be for the beach, or for the office:

1. The foundation: every great nautical outfit starts with something navy!
2. Gold accessories: from statement necklaces to earrings or a watch
3. White accents: a crisp blazer or purse
4. Orange accents: not a must, but a pop of bright orange pairs nicely with the navy
5. Brown sunglasses: brown matches the gold, white and navy beautifully

Believe me, as the weather gets even nicer, you're bound to see a whole lot more nautical style here on Vancouver Vogue!

Shirt - Talula (thrifted via Value Village) | Necklace - Nobis & Grey | Pants - Forever 21 | Watch - Fossil | Heels - thrifted via Value Village | Purse - JustFab

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta