Outfit Inspiration: Easter Pastels

Well, I wish I could say I'd be wearing this outfit out for Easter this weekend, but no. Easter will be spent on the couch this year. For the record, these photos were actually from last year (notice the shorter hair!), as I realized they never did make it to the blog here for some reason. I still absolutely love how colourful and pastel-y this outfit is (it definitely puts a smile on my face!), so I figured it was still definitely worth sharing. And with Easter this weekend, pastels seemed more than appropriate.

I've actually worn these pastel blue trousers to Easter brunch a few times in the past. Would you believe they're just from Forever 21?? I love a good pair of statement pants, and have an obsession for wide leg trousers especially. I bought these ones years ago, but I found a few similar pairs online - in plus size, and high waisted. I wish I could share a link to this adorable macaron blouse too, but sadly, I can't find anything similar in stock online! But...I think a simple white blouse would also look great with a pair of pastel pants like these. Just pair it with a pastel pink lip and you'll be set to go! Even if you're just celebrating Easter from your couch...

As for Easter-themed celebrations, I'm thinking it may be a waffles and mimosas kind of day. We usually do a waffle brunch with the family on Easter. Since we're stuck at home this year, just me and the bf, I also thought I might do a little adult Easter egg hunt (I've searched for some jumbo fillable Easter eggs that might fit mini bottles of alcohol)! I'd fill them with chocolate, but let's be honest, I've already eaten two big bags of Mini Eggs by myself as a quarantine snack here. I'm going to have to hide the eggs really well though, considering we live in a very tiny apartment! What are your plans for a self-isolated Easter?

Blouse - Winners | Pants - Forever 21 (similar) | Purse - Kate Spade (similar)

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Graphic Sweaters: A Must-Have in Your Closet

You're probably already familiar with the 'graphic tee' - simply put, a t-shirt with some form of graphics on it. Usually, I'm drawn to the ones with phrases in French or Italian. They go great with pretty much anything, and can easily dress down an outfit. I love wearing them with a feminine skirt, or a leather jacket. Graphic tees are a must in my closet, but in the winter time, I don't wear t-shirts much. Then I spotted this cute 'Ciao' sweater at Value Village! It's the perfect way to wear a graphic top in the winter that offers a bit more warmth.

I've linked a few 'Ciao' graphic tees and sweaters at the bottom of this post, if you're inspired to add one to your wardrobe too. Might I suggest styling with a beret? I went for some serious preppy vibes with this outfit. A thrifted Burberry-style scarf, a navy pea coat, wide leg pants with cold button detailing...and a classic red lip.

Spring is just around the corner, but it's not here quite yet, so stay warm!

Beret - Granville Island Hat Shop | Coat - Zara (thrifted at Salvation Army) | Sweater - Loft (thrifted at Value Village) | Scarf - thrifted at Value Village | Purse - Winners | Pants - Forever 21

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

A Dressed-Up Outfit with Shorts? Yes it's Possible!

Full disclosure: I am not the biggest fan of shorts. Sure, if I was 6 feet tall and had super long legs, I probably would be, but I've just never felt shorts have really done my legs any favours. But, I must say, if there's one style of shorts I'm more likely to be ok...it's shorts with a scallop hem! Why? Because they're just so adorable! I thrifted these ones from Value Village, but I've linked up a few pairs of similar ones at the end of this post. And they also look a lot dressier than your average everyday pair of shorts. So I thought today I'd put together a classy shorts outfit with this new pair of not-my-enemy shorts.

I wouldn't normally wear heels with shorts, as I don't like the look of jean shorts with heels...but with a dressier pair of shorts, I think they can work well. Especially if they're in a nude-type colour, like the light pink ones I'm wearing here. They help to mitigate my main issue with shorts by elongating the look of my legs.

To balance out the look, I recommend going with a looser fitting top - in this case, a floral Kimono blouse from SheIn. While these shorts are skin tight at least, they're still obviously fitted, and show off plenty of leg, so I like to balance that out. This kimono top is super cute, and only $9!!!

And just like that! I'm ready for Happy Hour drinks on a fancier patio. What do you think? Can shorts ever be considered 'dressy' in your book? I'm not saying they'll pass for a cocktail-attire wedding, but I think they can go a lot further than the beach or bar!

Top - c/o SheIn | Shorts - TopShop (thrifted via Value Village), similar | Heels - Target

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

The Universally Flattering Summer Romper

If you had asked me how I felt about wearing rompers out in public a year ago, I would've said that's a hard 'no'. But apparently 2018 is the year of the romper for me! You may have caught this red crochet romper I wore here, and now I'm sharing a new favourite: this floral bell-sleeved romper from Tobi.

I'm really excited to show you this particular romper, because I genuinely believe it's a style that's universally flattering! Here's why:

1. The wrap around-style neckline is flattering on bigger as well as smaller chests. The tie around the waist (more on that below) makes it easy to pull the neckline tighter for a smaller chest, or leave as-is if you need more room.
2. The tie waist means you can adjust how much you want to cinch the waist.
3. The shorts are flowy and loose, which I think look far more flattering than tight shorts (those just aren't as forgiving!). The little ruffle trim doesn't hurt either - it's so cute!!
4. The long, bell-sleeves keep the clothing-to-skin ratio even (show some skin on bottom, cover up a bit on top - or vice versa).
5. We all know black is a universally flattering colour: that's why I love that the base of this floral print is black!

If you want a full-out flattering look, it also helps to match your shoes to your skintone. I am totally obsessed with these light pink heels from Target (similar). They're pretty close to my skintone, so they really give my legs an elongated look (and at 5'5", I don't mind a little added height!).

Is there a piece of clothing in your closet that you think would be universally flattering? I'd love to hear what it is - share in the comments below!

Romper - c/o Tobi | Heels - Target (similar)

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Unique New Year's Eve Style

Hard to believe 2017 is almost at a close! We're now just days away from ringing in 2018, so today I thought I'd share with you some New Year's Eve style inspiration! Of course, the holidays (both Christmas and New Year's) are often the time to wear more glamorous textures - especially metallics and sparkles. For previous New Year's Eves, that usually included some sequin-clad clothing: a skirt or a top. This year, I decided to go with all black, and instead style my accessories with metallics and sparkles!

I found this unique cape jumpsuit on SheIn, and totally fell in love. I've had a cape obsession for years now, and just can't say no to capes in any form - from outwear, to jumpsuits. I thought this was one particularly interesting, because the cape is actually split into to pieces, which gives it more of a flowing movement when you walk. At $32, it definitely doesn't break the bank - which is important if you're planning to buy something only to wear it for NYE.

I also found a stellar deal on the accessories. The silver metallic pumps where a Value Village find, and only $13 (virtually brand new, might I add!). They're from one of Payless' collaborations Christian Siriano. I thought they would be great for holiday outfits, and actually wore them with this green velvet holiday dress here. Even my Kate Spade Sunset Lane Mini Kirin purse was a crazy deal, on sale for 75% off, and then an additional 20% off. I finished off the look with my Olive + Piper Lucy Crystal statement necklace. It's super sparkly, and I often use it to amp up any outfit!

If you're wanting to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to a NYE outfit, it definitely makes the most sense to buy a dress/jumpsuit/etc. that you can wear the rest of the year (aka not covered in sequins), and instead add that glitz and glam with your accessories.

How are you ringing in the New Year?

Jumpsuit - c/o SheIn | Necklace - Olive + Piper | Purse - Kate Spade | Heels - Payless x Christian Siriano (via Value Village)

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

UNIQLO Opens First Store in Western Canada at Metropolis at Metrotown

It's not every day that a store opening gets me as excited as this. The last one before this was probably Simons. Japan-based UNIQLO is a store I've admired from afar online for years now, and I was absolutely gleeful that they were finally setting up shop right here in Vancouver - at Metropolis at Metrotown. The massive 2-storey shop has now officially opened its doors, and was met with massive lines of eager customers ready to get their first look at the Japanese retailer's affordable coats, sweaters, pants, shirts and more. Their Heattech and Blocktech technology are well-known amongst UNIQLO fans. Being in Raincouver, I feel the Blocktech outerwear will be of particular interest: waterproof, windproof and breathable. The brand is also well known for its minimalist aesthetic, so don't go here thinking you're going to find lots of statement pieces. But they have a fantastic selection of sleek basics that even a non-minimalist like myself would love.

I was lucky enough to get a peek inside before the crowds hit, and was able to witness the official opening of the store, complete with a breaking of the sake drums, a glass of sake to toast, and even a speech from the founder of UNIQLO himself, Mr. Tadashi Yanai. Once the ceremonies were over, I headed straight for the massive wall of cashmere sweaters. I had remembered years ago coming across their cashmere sweaters online, and noting the price was reasonable, but wishing I could feel the quality in person. Well, I am happy to report the quality is excellent for the very reasonable price of $99.90! I have other cashmere sweaters at home which are worth more, but are far thinner than this one.

I also fell in love with a rusty-coloured batwing top, and some wide leg trousers while trying things on. Unfortunately I felt the trousers were a bit of an odd length (they'd be good for someone shorter than me I think), but I ended up bringing the batwing top home with me, along with a camel-coloured cashmere v-neck sweater. In fact, I'm wearing the sweater right now as I write this! So cozy for cool fall evenings.

If you're planning on taking a peek, you can find UNIQLO on the lower level of the Grand Court of Metropolis at Metrotown.

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta