Look of the Week: Modern Vintage

I often get so carried away with all the modern brands I find while thrifting that I forget to search for those precious vintage pieces. It's probably because they're also harder to shop for; sizing isn't always right, it may need to be altered (time to get rid of those shoulder pads!), and it can be hard to define between 'vintage' and 'junk' when it's on the hanger. If you find yourself with a piece you're not sure about, try it on anyway! Sometimes they really do look horrid on the hanger, but they can become beautifully fitted and feminine once you try it on. This dress looked pretty blah on the hanger, but I loved the colour and the length and I had a sneaking suspicion that it would have a slim fit. I'm so glad I tried it on! I loved it...as soon as I got rid of those pesky shoulder pads...yuck.

For fear of looking like I came out of a time machine, I used modern accessories in solid colours to keep the look fresh. I love wearing nude heels with calf-length dresses and skirts because you look super tall and gives an overall elegant vibe. With a dress that is completely monochrome (even the belt!). It's a good idea to add a dose of colour and some detail in there, and a statement necklace works perfect for that!

Dress-Braemar Petites by Jeremy Scott(thrifted), Purse-my mom's, Necklace-Olivia Bib(Stella&Dot), Ring-Camilla Ring(Stella&Dot), Heels-Jessica Simpson(via Vince Camuto)

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Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

How to Dress for a Boating Trip: Breezy Summer Fashion

Summer means excursions and trips to enjoy the outdoors and get some sun; it's a great time of year, but sometimes I struggle to find fashionable outfits that are casual enough for these types of activities. My goal when toning down my looks is to keep the outfit simple, while adding special details which keep it looking chic. For day 1 of our recent boating excursion up the BC coast, I opted for a Parisian-inspired look with a simple striped tank and jeans. I dressed it up with my new Olivia Bib necklace from Stella & Dot to give it that pop of colour and 'chicness', and a straw fedora to give it a breezy summer feel. As you've seen from my Summer Colour Inspiration post, you'll know what goes great with this: mint! So I finished off the look with a mint cardigan to keep things looking light and fresh, yet cozy, since the weather was still not that warm.

So what's the key to looking chic yet casual this summer? Keep your clothes simple and accessorize to give your outfit that extra pop that will make it stand out!

Sweater-H&M(thrifted),Shirt-Active(via Winners), Jeans-Urban Planet, Hat-The Hatter Company, Necklace-Olivia Bib(via Stella&Dot)

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Happy Styling! xo
~Britta

Stella & Dot: Shopping for Summer Accessories

Anyone who knows me knows that I dream of shopping in luxury, with a glass of champagne in one hand, dainty eats in the other, and an array of beautiful items to peruse. So when one of my University friends asked if I would be interested in having a Stella & Dot shopping party, naturally I got super excited. For those of you who haven't heard of Stella & Dot, they are a jewelry company who have individual stylists who  help you host a trunk show, where you can get together with your friends, family, anyone you want, and shop their newest collections in your home. The lovely ladies Chantale, Shivani, Victoria, Rebecca (of Rebecca Elizabeth Designs), Irene, Alison (of Styling My Life blog), our stylist Shannon, and my mom all came to join in on the afternoon of shopping and treats.

I was very glad to finally get a chance to use some of the pins from my Fashionable Eats board on Pinterest for the event!  With the help of my photographer/bestie, we decided on a list of girly and delectable treats: citrus sangria, lavender lemonade, earl grey scones with devonshire and jam, meringue with whipped cream and raspberries, cucumber sandwiches, and lavender cupcakes with vanilla bean frosting. YUM.

It was a truly delightful afternoon of girl time, and of course, we all walked away with some stunning new jewelry that will be sure to be show stoppers! I decided on some serious statement pieces: a necklace called the Olivia Bib, and another called the Juniper, as well as a simple yet feminine Camilla cocktail ring. These are going to be great for adding some colour to plain tops and dresses this summer! 

The moral of the story? Girly days like these are a must!

My mom perusing the catalogue

Shannon, our stylist, wearing the Lillith Fringe Earrings

Rebecca wearing the Dot Bloom Necklace

Doesn't Irene just look amazing? I couldn't get over her sassy glasses and trendy collar!

Myself trying on the Olivia Bib

Victoria and myself

Shivani and Alison (of Styling My Life blog)

Irene and Alison both brought bouquets of bright, beautiful flowers, how sweet!

Happy Styling! xo

~Britta