Although I'm sure that colour blocking feels overplayed to many by now, the fun, mod-inspired trend still remains one of my favourites after all this time (and it's likely a look that I will never tire of). I can never seem to resist a good colour-blocked piece, since, in my mind, they're often the best items to build an outfit around. This particular sweater has proven to be no different, and I also love the detail of built-in collar and cuffs. It's definitely a closet classic in the making!

Wearing: YesStyle sweater (c/o), Club Monaco skirt, Zara shoes (old), Jeweliq necklace (old), bag from Asia, Joe Fresh lipstick in neon red

There is nothing quite like sunshine after the rain, especially in a city as wet as Vancouver. We were recently blessed with a week of sunny skies, and I was happily able to do one of my favourite things in the city: grab a good latte and spend the afternoon exploring Gastown. And on this particular day, even in this non-weather appropriate outfit, I actually kind of felt - dare I say it? - warm! Here's to the slowly but surely approaching spring season and the optimism that it brings. Happy Monday!

Wearing: J.Crew shirt (in a smaller gingham print here) and jacket, Aritzia pants, Zara boots (old), Jimmy Choo wallet (c/o - love this nude colour)

Partly inspired by Kate and also because of the cold weather, I've been practicing the art of layering my black cashmere turtleneck under everything lately. I particularly liked it under this downtown casual outfit recently and the way it made the look more put together. To further polish up the ensemble, I tried out a new lip colour that has quickly become a new favourite; it's definitely going to be on my lips often this spring!
Wearing: YesStyle grey sweater and jacket (c/o), J.Crew cashmere turtleneck, Rebecca Minkoff bag (c/o Shopbop), 7 For All Mankind jeans, Vince Camuto heels, Joe Fresh toque and lipstick in Neon Red

A moto jacket has, by now, become a closet staple; it is a go-with-everything piece that adds an instant element of edge. I've been loosely on the hunt for one for some time now, but wasn't too enamored by the trendy ones that have come out every season (e.g. studs, bright colours, etc). With its completely basic cut and absence of crazy details, I like that this one, which I recently picked up on sale, will definitely stand the test of time. I've also taken a liking to bright, royal blues paired with stark black and white lately, thanks in large part to this photo from Club Monaco, so it only made sense to style the new piece with that in mind for its debut!
Wearing: YesStyle top, Zara blazer, Aritzia jacket and trousers, 3.1 Phillip Lim shoes (50% off here!), MICHAEL Michael Kors bag

Although my friends would disagree, I often don't feel brave enough to step out of my comfort zone sartorially. As I was putting this look together last week, I changed my mind several times as I considered whether white shoes with black tights would look off, or if the faux fur headband was "too much". Ultimately, I decided to just go for it, reminding myself that it didn't really matter if it really did end up looking ridiculous. It was a good reminder to not take myself so seriously and that clothing choices should be fun. Happy Monday!
  Wearing: T.Babaton coat, Club Monaco sweater (c/o), Zara skirt, Aldo RISE shoes (c/o), DKNY bag, gloves from Finland, Barts faux fur headband

I'll admit it: sometimes I'll buy a hardcover book just because it looks pretty. And while The One Hundred, a book that D's sister gave me this past Christmas, is filled with beautiful images, I was pleasantly surprised that it is also an amazing resource for those looking to build their wardrobes from the ground up. Although I don't agree with all 100 items in the book (Nina does say that "if you are  not altering ... some of the items on this list to suit your personal style, you are not playing the style game correctly", after all), it does inspire me to be more discerning, to pay attention to what I really like & to ultimately feel good wearing what's in my wardrobe. Here are a few of my favourite pages from the book.

Although it may be a bit "much" for some, I do enjoy incorporating slightly more put together elements when dressing down. To polish up a casual look, I like to throw feminine textures, cuts, a heeled shoe, and of course a bright and pretty lip colour. How do you like to wear casual?
Wearing: Talula Babaton (Aritzia) coat, J. Crew jacket (last worn here), Zara top, J Brand jeans, H&M booties, Joe Fresh toque, Revlon Fuchsia lips

For the past year or so, I have started to find myself wanting to invest in pieces that are more classic and that will interest me for longer than a season or two. Because of a variety of reasons, I am now continually trying to be more intentional about my clothing choices and cutting down on fast fashion & impulse purchases as much as possible (they add up fast!). This classic camel coat fit the bill perfectly: I love that it's in a simple but beautiful cut that has just enough detail for a hint of interest.
Wearing: T.Babaton (Aritzia) coat and pants, Coach bag, J.Crew sweater, ShoeMint shoes (c/o), MAC lip pencil in Brick, gloves from local boutique

While he doesn't generally say much when I wear them (read: all the time), D has made it quite clear that he's not a fan of the faux fur vest. He's definitely more open-minded about fashion than most men I know, but he's said on numerous occasions that the garment reminds him of the Yeti. As much as I value his opinion, I couldn't resist adding this lovely violet piece after considering it for the past few months. It's my only non-neutral coloured vest and although that seemed a bit daunting at first, the rich jewel tone of it is proving to be a versatile and stunning addition to my wardrobe.
Wearing: YesStyle coat, J.Crew turtleneck, pants, and bracelet, Club Monaco vest, Zara shoes (old, but nearly identical pair here), DKNY bag, Banana Republic necklace (old), gloves from local boutique

In the process of learning to define and refine my style over the years, I have especially enjoyed discovering the no-fail items that instantly me feel good... regardless of whatever else I'm wearing. On the top of that list, personally, are accents of red, gold and leopard. I think that finding & investing in (and borrowing, as in the case of my mother's Ferragamo bag above) your own fail-safe items are some of the wisest things to do sartorially. "Simply put, these items make me feel classic.And there is no substitute for feeling this way." - Nina Garcia

As much as layering has admittedly begun to feel like a bit of a formula, it has felt almost necessary to change things up and do it a little bit differently after the same thing for a couple of months. Cue an oversized sweater: I love that it allows me to pile on multiple pieces (I'm wearing two cashmere sweaters!) underneath to stay toasty warm without the bulk. The cable knit details, two tone colouring and longer length of this particular number are all of the extra little details that make for a new favourite cozy piece. Happy Monday!
Wearing: YesStyle sweater (c/o), J.Crew cashmere turtleneck, BCBGMAXAZRIA leggings and spike ring, 3.1 Phillip Lim pumps, Artessorio bag (c/o boticca), Pandora (silver) and Coach (gold) stacking rings

There's something so striking about a long glove: I love the way the right pair exudes femininity, glamour, and sophistication at once.When made in leather, however, I think they get even better... like this pair, which I think have just the amount of edge in them so that they work just as well for a casual look.
Wearing: Zara cape and shoes (old), Aritzia pants, H&M snood (old), Club Monaco gloves (c/o - on sale here!), Artessorio bag, Lumiere Collection bracelet (c/o)