With the end (fingers crossed) of the rain and the new May flowers that follow, what better way to celebrate it finally feeling like spring than with a dress! This year, there are so many adorable spring dresses to choose from that’s it’s hard to pick! (I just bought three…I have a problem.) But really, why should you have to choose just one? With retailers slashing their prices, you’re sure to find a good deal on one or two (or three) to satisfy your every dress need.

Or desire. Because that’s what it really comes down to, yes?

There are so many styles of dress to choose from, meaning there is the perfect dress out there for everyone, as well as every occasion.  More modest dresses worn with blazers or cardigans are perfect for the summer job, while the fun, flirty, floral mini dresses are sure to be a hit for a girls night out on the town.  With a large range of patterns and colors available, it’s easy to choose the statement you want to make with your dress, or find one that suits shoes and sweaters you already own. Read More »

I spy with my little eye a whole lot of pastels.

And no, I’m not talking about those tasty Cadbury mini-eggs (even though I’ve got plenty of those too – they’re so cheap after Easter!).

Pastels reminiscent of the colors of everyone’s favorite chocolate Easter treat have made their way onto store shelves and I am excited!  Pale blues, pinks, yellows, greens, etc. have a way of lifting the spirits, like a warm spring breeze or the smell of flowers on your way to class.

I love how pastels are shamelessly girly and flirty, especially when found in the form of ruffled tops or floral prints. But what I love even more is how seamlessly they work with edgier pieces, adding a feminine flair without making you look too sweet.  With pastels appearing on accessories, in makeup routines (pastel nails are perfect for even the most conservative setting!), and on many, many other items of clothing, there is no excuse not to add a few dainty pieces to your spring wardrobe. Here are a few of my favorite pastel incarnations. Just looking at them makes me yearn for a beer and a patio.

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It might be my inner journalist talking, but I’ve always been obsessed with trench coats.

This obsession only grew when Burberry put my girl crush, Emma Watson, into their summer ad campaign – looking as lovely as always in some gorgeous trench coats.

Trench coats are classic. Buy one now and you can wear it forever; regardless of trends they will always be chic and sophisticated. There are many options this year, meaning you could splurge on a classic, neutral trench or save on a fun, bright colored coat for spring. Either way, a trench is a must-have in your wardrobe. Not only are they a nice touch over an interview outfit, but trenches are also perfect for over skirts and dresses, meaning you don’t have to freeze (or rely on male chivalry) while wearing your hot little dress.

Long or short, classic or bright, solid or funky, there is a trench coat for everyone. And if, like me, you can’t afford one of Emma’s gorge Burberry coats, there are a million other beautiful options out there that won’t break the bank.  Although, it doesn’t cost a thing to sit back in your bed and drool over the rich and Burberry-clad on the Art of the Trench. Read More »

It’s that time of year again – the time to start hunting for summer jobs or internships (if you haven’t already), or start hunting for job or internship wardrobes (if you’ve already secured the gig). If you’re working in an office or a professional environment chances are you’re going to need to pick up a few pieces. Contrary to what some people think, Uggs and flip flops are not acceptable at most office jobs.

But don’t worry – you don’t have to pre-spend all that money you’re about to earn on a new work wardrobe. There are a few basics that can help make getting dressed for interviews or a work day simple. Just mix-and-match these with your everyday stuff and you’ll have plenty of options all summer long.

Well-fitted basics are the groundwork for a put together, streamlined outfit.  Dressing these up with accessories, or fun extras – tops, cardigans, or shoes – add personality to simple pieces and keep you lookin’ like you (and not some dowdy old lady).  If you want to hold onto these pieces for the future, it’s always good to spend a bit more and invest in pieces that fit well and are good quality. However, if you have a limited budget, many discount stores offer cheaper alternatives that will get you through your summer gig. Read More »

There is no shortage of prints in the world of fashion this season and it’s easy to see why.

1. Bold graphic patterns instantly add visual interest to any outfit, even if you’re just wearing jeans and a tank top.
2. Patterns are also a cinch to wear; they can either be paired with neutral fabrics, or by drawing colors from the large assortment found in the print itself.
3. For the daring fashionistas out there, you can add even more fabulosity to an outfit by mixing patterns. Pair a large pattern with a small pattern or match up prints with similar colors. And for those of us not looking for make a big statement, there are also smaller, more delicate prints such as flirty floral fabrics available this season.

Yes, there really is a pattern and a print for everyone. The only problem is, with so many options this season, how do you choose?

Don’t! Stock up on a wide variety of patterns and prints for a bright and fun spring/summer wardrobe. Don’t worry – you can dress ‘em down and mute ‘em with a blazer or a sweater come fall. Read More »

I’m going to be a little blunt – I personally think that dressing up for holidays is a little lame. There are, however, 2 exceptions
1. Halloween (duhhh)
2. St. Patrick’s Day.

Really, why wouldn’t you go all out for St. Patrick’s Day? After all those morning Irish coffees, you’re not going to care what you look like. And after your 6th green beer, you’ll want your outfit to match your teeth, anyway.

Plus, unlike that slutty nurse costume from Halloween, you can totally re-wear your adorably bright St. Patty’s Day outfits all throughout spring and summer. That is assuming you opt for one of these gorgeous greens items and not something like this.

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After a long, cold, gray winter, I think it’s safe to say that everyone is looking forward to spring. And by spring, I mean SPRING BREAK, baby. And while we all need a little warm breeze in our lives, what I’m looking forward to most is ditching the chunky sweaters and embracing spring clothes!

It’s time to bare those forearms and ankles, show a little skin, and soak up the sun! And what goes best with that bright, glowing orb in the sky? Bright colors, of course. Lucky for all of us, stores are overflowing with the brightest of brights that will be perfect for that beachside cocktail in Mexico or that late-spring study sesh when you (unfortunately) have to return to campus. From dresses to shoes, solids to patterns, bags to bangles, the brights are here and it’s time we turn up the volume in our closets.

So run, don’t walk, to the nearest store and stock up some color to kick those winter blues (and greys).  Not only will you feel more energized, but a bright color might make it easier for your friends (or cute males!) to spot you on that crowded Spring Break beach. Read More »

The countdown to spring continues. Only three (fingers crossed) more weeks to go! As my school’s spring break was last week, I am currently enviously admiring the tans of my classmates lucky enough to flee warmer weather. With most American schools still weeks away from break, now is the time to start thinking about what to wear.

And nothing screams spring like an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini… or any polka dot bathing suit, really.

Polka dots are one of those prints that never really goes out of style.  Every year, retailers roll out a new set of items with this adorable print – and this year is no different.  Polka dots come in many sizes and arrangements, and on pretty much any type of clothing or accessory.  So whether you’re looking for something to wear in the sun, an accessory to liven up your pre-Spring wardrobe or a pair of boots to fight the slush, there’s something polka dotted – and totally adorable -  for you!

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While there very well might only be 4 more weeks of winter, being from Calgary makes me a little cynical about the weather. I’ve come to terms with the fact that it could snow any month of the year and I’ll probably be wearing boots much longer than Punxsutawney Phil predicts, but that doesn’t mean I’m not craving flats. As the shoe stores begin to stock shelf after shelf of their adorableness, I’m left cursing Mother Nature for the blustery snow I’m seeing out my window.

Until the sun is shining and the temperature rises enough to expose the tops of my feet, I’m left admiring the plethora of flats retailers have to offer this year.  With most shops carrying inexpensive options, it’s easy to stock up on styles that fit with (and add some style to) all your favorite outfits.  Flats are one of those items that can be worn to subtly incorporate a season’s hottest trends, and there’s so much goodness out there you don’t have to kill your feet in 5 inch heels to look good.

With flats in everyone’s price range, it’s hard to resist these adorable shoes, making it easy to buy one (or ten) pairs to add to your wardrobe.  And hey, if you’re from a colder region like myself, they may even be on sale by the time you can FINALLY wear them. Read More »