I am! By now you all know how much I love my scarves (I go around building hanging units just for these babies of mine!)- so you know I’m right in my element when the cool weather comes around.
This fall I’m styling up Bellelily scarves and loving how I’m incorporating them in several of my looks- I’ve even transformed one altogether! These scarves are even better than what they look like online. I love the quality and softness, as well as the vibrance of the colors. See here what I mean:
The first thing that I noted about these scarves (besides the beautiful warm colors) is the quality. I love that they use 100% wool- making them warm and practical for Canadian winters- but they’re also super soft!
Another important point for me is size. In my opinion, when it comes to warm scarves; the bigger the better. And Bellelily is right on point when it comes to this! That’s what I find so fun about these scarves, because of their softness and how large they are, it makes them so easily transformable into outfits and looks. So many possibilities. They’re way more than just a simple accessory.
Winter isn’t even here and I’ve already styled these lovelies more than some of the tops I own! Imagine what I’ll do when winter coat season comes around. I’ll be wrapping myself up in chic ways; over the coat completely- around my neck- and as a hoodie as well. Winter? Bring it on!
If you love these scarves too- Use my Exclusive Coupon: 10% off for order over CAD$52: BLE10
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There’s a saying here in Montreal; We have two seasons: July and Winter. Not quite true- but close enough! It can take forever to get us into warm weather- but when it hits, it’s scorching. It doesn’t last though as our fall arrives quite fast. And our summers can be so temperamental! So how does a Montreal girl shop or plan her wardrobe to meet the fussy weather?
DON’TS
Avoid shoppingtoo early for summer wear. We are so eager to see sunshine that some of us begin shopping for summer as soon as the very tricky warm rays appear in early spring. But our weather is tricky! Hold back.
Over shopping (because of over-positivity) is another downfall. Again, hold back.
Avoid too trendy. We can get carried away when we find the perfect summer dress- and overspend. Consider how many wears you will get out of it?
Instagram and advertising is not always geared to your country’s weather. Some little summer dresses can be divine in Florida…but don’t quite work for long in Montreal. Same can be said for the colours and patterns in vogue from a tropical place to a northern climate.
Shopping while away on vacation (where it’s usually way hotter than back home), can be very tempting- but I don’t recommend it. Unless you are shopping for vacation only!
It’s best to give all these some serious consideration, if you don’t want tooverfill your closets with things that will just hang there…for you to maybe wear next summer (if you even get a chance). And remember that trends change!
DO’S
Transitional is wise. Invest in pieces that will carry you from fall to spring – and the occasional cool days of summer. One good trick is to opt for florals or patterns that go for all seasons.
The advantages of color. Keeping several light colored pieces, even if the fabric is a little heavier, will work for summer; as will lighter fabric clothing in darker colors work year round as well.
Layering is key! Invest in pieces that can be layered, or, that are the layering pieces.
Scarves! I can’t say enough about this incredible accessory! Easily turns into a mini top for summer, or a cover up for cooler temps.
Blazers: An absolute must for all seasons- yes, summer too! You can wear your halters no problem and be all set when the chilly wind pops in (coz it will!).
If you need change, and shop you must, then why not give thrifting or vintage shopping a try? This will be an all-around win-win situation for your pocket, your taste, and the environment.
This is not everything- but it’s a good start. We adore summer, but for us Northern girls, let’s be honest with ourselves…it really is our shortest season (so sad!!).
Here are a few looks that can work for more than just one season, while still being perfect for northern weather (like in Montreal or New York). We all know there are days like this- where the sun has turned its back to warm some other place!:
Wore this mid June. This mixed print outfit is in a very light cotton blend- but because the colours are darker, it also would work for fall (with booties!)
Here’s the same outfit worn with a jean jacket and a scarf. This pic was taken same day as above (mid June!! ) It was still cold! The straw bag brings in the element of summer- it helps make the outfit work. As you can see, this outfit can easily be transitional for fall. And what about the scarf? Like I mentioned, you can wear them on chillier days like I did with this look.
Light breezy fabric once again- in this case no matter that the skirt is sheer, it’s animal print and it works all year round (again picture this look with booties!) The little black vest also works all year-round. For this particular day I wore the bright yellow top with the vest to give it an accent. On very warm days I can wear this same look: Vest, no blouse. Perfect!
Now how can this look be transitional you ask? First of all the plaid shorts are of heavier material (wool blend – good for both summer and winter), and I’m wearing a leatherette jacket. The color white gives it its summer look. Yet if I were to recopy this look with thick tights and boots, it would be perfect for fall!
Like I said, blazers are always a good idea. See how this works for both summer and even all year round. Because they’re shorts, it still works that this is a thicker kind of material.
Again, using all-year-round material like leather, and long sleeves in a warm tone -even if in a light fabric, can be worn all year-round (think tights for fall and winter).
And so here you have it. Note: these outfits you probably saw me style before. And for good reason, they are timeless- fashionable always. My way of shopping my closet and re-inventing as I go along!
Don’t think of this as limiting! In fact think of this as creative, and money well-spent! Your wardrobe will get you through for longer periods of time while being good for your pocket as well as the environment. Stretching clothing use, wear and re-wear is where fashion is at right now. Do your part and look the part, smart and gorgeous.
Take care my lovely Fashion Divas xx
#Confessionoftheday: These tips are tried and tested- not only in my professional styling opinion…but I have been known to shop for the cutest summer dresses (and in different colours!) to never wear them more than once…sad, I know. But true.
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Have a great week!
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Hats give the special finishing touch to outerwear. But I’m talking especially about the vintage ones living somewhere in our closet. Do you have a favorite hat that you swear next winter you’ll wear for sure…and then you never do?
There’s a good chance that something’s holding you back. There was a time when hats were de rigueur…now, unless it’s on the Runway, we often feel reluctant. Maybe there’s the glamour aspect that makes it feel like it’s a bit too much- it feels too elegant.
For me, it’s always been a question of practicality. Like if I’m gonna wear a hat, it better keep me warm, and, it better look good. And then there’s the whole fur ordeal and my new outlook on this (I’ll never buy real fur again). But what do you do with all the fur vintage hats you have stashed in your closet?
Mine have real sentimental value, since they mostly all belonged to my mom, grandmother, or another close relative. I don’t want to throw them out…So I do want to wear them- if only for the ode of respect for the animal as well as the environment (don’t want them in a landfill). So now that I’ve made my peace with that, what do you do when because of the fashion back in the day, these hats are not in the least bit practical? Meaning, yes, they’re made to keep you warm; yet they don’t even cover your ears?!
If you’re one of those ladies who’s bought a few winter hats because of how cute they are- but can’t figure out how to wear them with purpose…Then, take a look at my video clip for some practical styling tips. Try these out and see if you can revamp those beauties you’ve got hidden in some pretty hat box at the far end of your closet. And…do let me know- send me a pic- I love seeing women styling hats!
#confessionoftheday: I secretly long for those days when, as a little girl, my mom used to take me to Eaton’s (remember that department store in the 60’s- 70’s?)- all the customers were elegantly dressed. The women wore fancy hats, gloves and marvelous coats. Shopping was a chic and very big ordeal (well at least that’s what I thought!) I used to love taking the elevator just because it was operated by the ladies in uniform. Do you guys remember that? I guess that’s wear my love of hats…and styling of course, began.
