Wearing: Aritzia jacket, Joe Fresh top (c/o), Levi's jeans, J.Crew pumps, Jeweliq + K.Amato necklaces

After waiting all year for sunny days to come, I've ironically been finding myself shooting in shade now that they're finally here. So much so, in fact, that I'd temporarily forgotten about the magic and beauty that is golden hour. Catching the light at this glorious time of day is always extra special, and, as corny as it sounds, always makes me feel like I've escaped into another realm. This small window of time makes for such lovely photos, and sets the tone for a perfectly peaceful, warm, summer evening.

Photos by Roderick Fung

Wearing: YesStyle dress (c/o), Talula (Aritzia) vest,  Artessorio bag, DVF pumps (super comfortable, in classic black here), Zara rings, Mona Mara necklace

Wearing: YesStyle top + vest (c/o), Forever 21 shorts (super old), Zara shoes, Proenza Schouler bag (in a smaller, black version here), Mona Mara necklace (c/o boticca), Nixon watch, Jeweliq and ASOS (spike) bracelets, NARS lips in Trans Siberian + nails in Lal Mirchi (from last year's Thakoon collab)

There's nothing like a perfect day dress to make you stand a little taller: I've been loving French Connection dresses lately (also wore one here) because they fit me right off the rack and seem to make the right parts smaller while highlighting what they should. This checkered one was no exception; I debuted it for brunch with some favourite blogger girls this past weekend and it proved to be the ideal balance between a ladylike frock and a no-fuss, casual piece... while also strategically hiding my post-meal food baby!

Wearing: French Connection dress (c/o), Coach bag, J.Crew shoes, Chanel lips Rouge Coco in Gabrielle

I feel like I've had more than a few conversations lately in which the person I'm talking to is majorly stressed. It makes me sad, because while I understand and agree with the importance of work, I do think there ultimately needs to be joy and balance above that. And although I know there's much more to it than that, I've realized the importance of finding some simple things that can be done to perk up your day at a moment's notice. For me, that's a walk in the sun, a coffee and pastry date with a friend, and treating myself to flowers (bonus points if they're on sale!) at Whole Foods. What are some of the little things that make you happy?

Wearing: Babaton jacket (via Aritzia), YesStyle blouse (c/o), Forever 21 shorts (old), Flashy Era necklace, Artessorio bag, Stuart Weitzman sandals

We've been experiencing a heatwave in Vancouver (okay East-Coasters, I know this is relative ;) over the past few weeks, and sleeveless silk blouses have been my best friend. These perfectly breezy pieces are not only comfortable, but they're polished enough to pull a look together and to wear to work as well. I've been living in this particular top - which reminds me a little of men's striped pajamas - lately... and I love that it's so soft that I'm tempted to sleep in it, too. Have a great Monday!

Wearing: Club Monaco blouse, Aritzia shorts (last year), MICHAEL Michael Kors bag, Pour La Victoire wedges (on major sale here), Jeweliq necklace (c/o), Nixon watch (on sale)

Wearing: BCBGMAXAZRIA top and skirt, Talula vest (similar), Joe Fresh heels (c/o), vintage Bally bag, Nixon watch, Jeweliq necklace (c/o)

I've heard many a stylish person say that when getting dressed in the morning, their choices are based entirely on how they feel. While that's true for me to some degree, my relatively systematic personality has actually narrowed down my process to a few different "formulas". One such formula, which happens to be a favourite, is to style an outfit by blending numerous textures, colours and elements... and pulling the whole thing together with two similar pieces to prevent it from looking like too much of a mish mash (the necklaces and shoes in this case). Do you use "formulas" when you get dressed, or is it more of a free flowing process for you?

Wearing: Joe Fresh top, YesStyle skirt, J.Crew pumps (on sale now!), Proenza Schouler bag, House of Harlow 1960 sunnies, K.Amato necklace, lips Chanel Rouge Coco in Gabrielle

Although it may be a considered a slight faux pas by some, I don't find any shame in buying the same piece of clothing in multiple colours if I really like it. Such was the case recently when I found this Zara sweater dress on sale (seen in black here): in addition to its unique fit and simple beauty, the fact that I'll be able to wear this piece well into the winter months with tights sealed the deal for me, making it a worthwhile purchase. How do you feel about "doubling up" when shopping?

Wearing: Zara dress (on sale in stores now), ALDO Rise heels (c/o), Club Monaco necklace (old), 3.1 Phillip Lim bag (love this mixed media rendition for the fall season), Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Grandest Grape

A few weeks ago, I came across the chicest lady while walking around downtown: toting an Hermès Kelly on her forearm and sporting a combination of black cigarette trousers, a striped boatneck sweater, and an oversized camel cashmere wrap, she was the epitome of effortless elegance. Although she was older in her years, seeing the way she carried herself with such ease and grace has since been inspiring me to veer towards the simple and classic. And when I saw this sweater dress at Zara last Thursday, I knew it was the ideal piece to do just that.

Wearing: Zara dress, Stuart Weitzman sandals (similar), Proenza Schouler bag (in black here), BCBGMAXAZRIA cuff (old), Nixon watch (c/o Watch Co), House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses, Zara ring, Chanel lip Rouge Coco in Gabrielle

I recently spent an after work evening shooting with Lin + Leon, the lovely couple behind Orange Memories. While I am so blessed to have an amazing group of photographer friends willing to shoot for me at a moment's notice, it's always nice to work with someone new... especially when they are as nice and creative as this couple was! It was the perfect opportunity to gain a fresh perspective and I love that they chose to shoot at this graffiti covered wall (something I would have swiftly passed by).

Wearing: Elie Tahari blouse, H&M skirt, Jeweliq necklace (c/o), 3.1 Phillip Lim bag, Céline pumps

Though they look so pretty on the rack, I've always been slightly afraid of swingy, trapeze dresses (let's be honest here, the pregnant look isn't exactly great if you're not expecting). Sometimes, though, all it takes is a slight change to turn things around. The scoopback feature of this Free People frock isn't only lovely, but really helps balance out the silhouette. It's officially my new perfect summer weekend dress and has been ideal for the warm weather we've been so blessed to have lately.

photos by Erin

Wearing: Free People dress (c/o), Talula vest (via Aritzia), Zara shoes and ringss, House of Harlow sunglasses, Saint Laurent clutch (also see this beautiful version...)
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P.S. Lots of amazing summer dresses at Free People worth checking out right now, by the way!