All About The Bows

I haven't done a ton of Fall shopping this year but when I saw this dress, it went straight into my online shopping cart. I mean, I really couldn't say "no"... I love bows (evidence here, here, and here). Naturally, I also had to keep on theme by pairing it with this bag.

Dress: re:named (here) / Boots: Steve Madden (here and here) / Bag: Kate Spade

Bows in the Back

This looks like a totally plain outfit from the front, right? Like, wow, Alison -- you paired a grey sweater with some black pants. Well, the reason I needed to have this sweater was because of the bow detailing on the back. Not to mention the fact that it's made of cashmere, a.k.a. heaven in fabric form!

Sweater: Club Monaco (here and here) / Pants: Babaton (Aritzia)

Flats: Sam Edelman / Bag: Chanel

Loving That Lace

After missing out on this For Love & Lemons Guava Two-Piece, I was ecstatic to find this dupe of the top at Express for a fraction of the price. I wish Express had the matching skirt so I could recreate the full look; for some reason they have it in every other colour except white. Maybe it's time to write to the company and ask for a white version...?

Top: Express (here) / Skirt: Pink Tartan
Heels: Prada (here) / Bag: Chanel

DVF Wrap Dress

There is one item that has been on my wishlist for years: a Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress. However, when it came to investing in such an iconic piece of clothing, I knew I wanted to find a print that I absolutely loved. So, each season, I scoured the new print releases until this one (Indigo Snake Leaves) finally caught my eye earlier this year. I ended up purchasing it in the New Julian Two style which means the dress is knee-length with 3/4 sleeves and no collar. Overall, a very classic silhouette that's perfect for summer work outfits!

Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg (other colours) / Sandals: Naturalizer

Bag: Mulberry (here) / Bracelet: Mark. (c/o)

UBC Rose Garden

My alma mater, the University of British Columbia (UBC), is known for its beautiful campus and, in fact, the campus is one of the main reasons I decided to pick up and move to the west coast from Toronto so many years ago. The Rose Garden is one such a treasure... can you believe this was just a few steps away from where I took many of my law school classes?

Dress: Sunday Best (Aritzia) / Shoes: Topshop (here)

Bag: Chanel

Midi Skirt-ing

Some of you may have already caught a sneak peek of this skirt on Instagram but you know when you can't get an item out of your head and you keep thinking about all the outfits you could pair it with? That was me with this skirt, with its midi length and retro silhouette to the mesh detailing that I'm apparently obsessed with (see this favourite dress as just one example).

Blouse: Zara / Skirt: Club Monaco (here) / Heels: Valentino (here and here)

Clutch: YSL (similar with gold monogram)

Crop Top & Culottes

If you had told me I'd be wearing crop tops and culottes (let alone, together) in 2015, I would have told you were crazy. And yet, here I am. To be honest though, I kind of love it.

Top: Club Monaco (here) / Culottes: Club Monaco (similar)

Flats: 10 Crosby Derek Lam / Bracelet: WinK (c/o Brownie Sparkles)

Vested Interest

While in London earlier this summer, I wandered into Warehouse on Oxford Street and proceeded to fall in love with basically everything... a particularly uncharacteristic occurrence because the store was bursting and prints and colours -- things I typically avoid. But if I'm going to wear prints, Warehouse is definitely now my #1. I paid full price for this vest (and would again in a heart beat), but it's actually on sale right now.

Also, can we talk about this Art Deco Style Statement Necklace for a second? It's from a new discovery of mine, Happiness Boutique. If you like statement jewelry, Happiness Boutique is a veritable treasure trove, and the best part: free shipping worldwide!

Dress: Wilfred (Aritzia) / Vest: Warehouse (on sale and also here) / Belt: H&M
Shoes: Bloch (here) / Bag: Proenza Schouler (here) / Sunglasses: Vogue (c/o)
Necklace: Happiness Boutique (c/o)

Pixel Wall

To bring this sleeveless swing dress into Fall, I've been layering it over my black tissue turtleneck (which you might recall got a ton of wear last year too). I love simple tricks like this to make pieces work through all seasons!

Turtleneck: Club Monaco (here) / Dress: Theory (with sleeves)

Belt: Moschino (here) / Booties: Report (similar) / Earrings: Etsy (similar)

Olivier Theyskens:Spring Blouse Trousers 

Culottes

Since realizing that white jeans are a veritable a closet staple (see here, here, and here), I've now decided to add white cropped culotte pants to the mix. Never thought I'd be into something so 90s. But then again, I have been rocking the denim vest and plaid a lot lately...

Tank: Club Monaco (here) / Pants: Club Monaco (here)
Shoes: Camper (here)

CM:Ruth Lacosta Carrie 

Sweater Weather

I love sweaters with interesting details (for example, that "perfect sweater" I bought last year) and this one from Aritzia is no exception. The asymmetrical split-hem and sleeve slits are fun details; plus the silk/cotton/cashmere blend is super soft and comfy. Now if only I could stop getting accidentally caught on things... I refuse to give up loose-knit sweaters!

Sweater: Wilfred (Aritzia) / Pants: Gap (similar) / Heels: Prada (similar)

Clutch: YSL (in black or similar) / Necklace: Wantable (c/o)

Neutral Colourblocking

I can't believe June is already half-over... this month has really been one of my busiest so far this year! I'm also moving into a new apartment at the end of the month, which adds a whole new level of stress to the mix. Why is furniture (a good couch, in particular) so expensive??

As for today's outfit, these amazing pants have been on heavy rotation ever since I bought them. They mesh well with the other colourblocked items in my closet (like this top and this skirt) and in true Alison form, they're neutral to boot.

Blouse: Club Monaco  (similar) / Pants: Wilfred (Aritzia) / Shoes: Prada (similar)

Bag: Chanel (vintage version) / Bracelets: Derng

Metallic Sparkle

As someone who is used to dropping considerable cash at my tailors, eShakti is a great option for getting well-fitting clothing without having to pay a ton. Through their website, customers can tailor any item's design and fit using a series of built-in customization tools for only $7.50 extra.

I decided to customize the Bow Collar Boucle Jacket (unfortunately now out of stock) with 3/4 sleeves instead of full-length ones and I think it turned out really cute. The metallic thread interwoven throughout, which was hard to capture on camera, also adds a fun bit of extra sparkle.

Jacket: eShakti (c/o) / Dress: H&M / Shoes: Nine West / Bag: Kate Spade
Watch: Michael Kors (here) / Cuff: Soo Ihn Kim (here)

By the way, how cute is my new Kate Spade Bow Valley Rosa? I had been coveting this for ages and was lucky enough to receive it for Christmas!

Garance Doré for Kate Spade

Kate Spade has some of the cutest clothing and accessories (love this bow bangle and this ostrich-embossed purse), and the brand's recent blogger collaboration with Garance Doré is no exception. Featuring Garance's own illustrations and handwritten slogans, the capsule collection is whimsical, charming, and infused with a signature French style.

I had initially picked up this Georgie pouch (now on sale for only $68!) to stow my iPad in since it fits perfectly but I quickly realized its multi-purpose functions. For example, you could use it as a cosmetics bag or even as a clutch like I've done here. Très chic!

 Dress: Banana Republic / Tights: Primark / Booties: Report (here)

Pouch: Garance Doré for Kate Spade (here) / Necklace: House of Harlow 1960 (here)

An Embarrassing Shopping Incident

After my last work wear post, a few of you asked me to post some other looks that I wear to work. Since I don't have to wear suits unless I'm in court/meeting clients, I do have a bit more leeway in terms of what to wear, so I'm always on the look out for pieces that can be worn outside of the office too.

This particular outfit also comes with a totally embarrassing (but hilarious in hindsight) story. My friend Emily and I were on one of our typical shopping trips when I dragged her into Club Monaco. I saw this exact blouse/skirt combination on one of the mannequins and since I love recreating the mannequin looks myself, I instantly snatched up both pieces and headed to the change room where, as luck would have it, I got STUCK. I somehow managed to zip the blouse into the skirt and couldn't get it off! I had all the employees in the store trying to get me out of the outfit and it just wouldn't budge. They ended up having to cut the blouse out! I felt so horrible I bought the outfit. Kind of an apology buy, if you will, but at least I really liked it!

Blouse: Club Monaco (here) / Skirt: Club Monaco (here) / Shoes: Aldo

Wrap Bracelet: Alden Rae / Pearl Earrings: Ann-Louise (similar)

Pretty in Pearls

On the topic of pearls (see my previous post), I recently rediscovered this pearl & lace crochet top in my closet, which only cost about $10 at an Asian boutique in Aberdeen Centre. A number of years ago, I was extremely into Asian fashions because they catered to my more girly tastes. Lace, ruffles... you name it, I wanted it!

My style has evolved quite a bit since then; however, it's nice to still be able to work some old favourites into my current wardrobe. $10 well spent, no?

Top: Asian boutique / Blazer: Zara (similar) / Pants: Gap (here) / Bag: Miu Miu (in black)

Shoes: Ralph Lauren (here) / Earrings: Juicy Couture 

A Little Bit of Leopard

A girl can never have too much leopard print, right? Which is why this new leopard print piece from OASAP makes the perfect addition to my wardrobe - especially since it can be easily dressed up or down.

For those of you who haven't heard of OASAP, it's a great place to find high street fashions at amazing prices. This mini dress (which I'm wearing as a top) is only $25 with free worldwide shipping. Plus all new shoppers get a 25% discount coupon for signing up as a "new customer."

Dress (worn as top): c/o OASAP / Skirt: T. Babaton (Aritzia) / Heels: Steve Madden (in black)
Wallet: Miu Miu / Necklace: House of Harlow 1960 (here) / Bangle: Lulu Frost for J. Crew
Watch: Michael Kors (here)

And while we're on the topic of leopard print, have you seen my tutorial for leopard print nails? I really should do those again... they were super cute!

Work Wear

I recently realized that even though most of my time is spent at work, I rarely show my work outfits here on my blog. I figured I'd give you guys a peek into my everyday work wardrobe since I always find it interesting to see how people style their office attire.

My office is quite casual for a law firm so we typically don't wear suits unless we're going to court or meeting clients. I still like to dress up a bit though, so my usual outfits consist of silk blouses and pencil skirts. I'm also a huge fan of well-tailored dress pants like these navy wool ones from Theory. And can I just say how excited I am that J. Crew will be opening in Vancouver soon? No more dealing with missed deliveries for me!

Blouse: J. Crew / Pants: Theory (similar in black) / Belt: J. Crew / Shoes: Aldo

Black & White

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending the Vancouver Beauty Bloggers Meet-up at Sanafir, organized by Sheila of Maddy Loves. It was so nice to finally meet the faces behind some of the blogs I read... Vancouver has such a great blogging community!

I arrived straight from work so I was in total work attire (a.k.a. a full suit) but black and white are a classic combo, right?

Blouse: Talula Babaton / Pants: Gap / Shoes: Michael Kors / Watch: Michael Kors

I was also sporting my most recent nail experiment, which involved layering Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure over OPI Bubble Bath. I had always thought Hidden Treasure worked best over darker colours (see this post) but it turns out it looks great over light colours too. I think it gives it an added pop to an otherwise neutral mani.

A big thank you to the sponsors (we left with amazing gift bags full of items) and the industry reps from Vasanti Cosmetics and Nail Polish Canada who were in attendance. ♥