Vest Intentions

For my loyal followers and those of you who know me, you know I have a ‘minor’ obsession with blazers. Now since the weather has warmed up, I have found a new love…the vest. {Seriously, I wore a vest 4 out of 7 days last week. It’s a problem}

 What started off as a undergarment for men’s formal wear has evolved into a fashion craze, especially for women. With the endless options today, a vest can compliment any look and fit into anyone’s personal style. Whether your punk, prep, or glam, I assure you – there is a vest for you! Intrigued yet? Well I shopped around to find you the best vest’s to suit your styling needs. Check ’em out!

First up we have the classic waistcoat. Certainly your most handsome choice, the waistcoat is your best bet for formal attire, whether it be for a special occasion or an important work function. The waistcoat is sleek, modern, and super sophisticated.

contrast lapel waist coat $89.99 at Mango

If you want something fun and flirty, an embellished vest will do the trick. A little shimmer and shine is a perfect addition for a night out or to pretty up a day look.

beaded vest $59.90 at Zara

If you’re into the menswear trend, then you should try a pinstripe vest. Great for business casual or day wear, this is one you’ll wear over and over.

pinstripe vest $54.99 at the Gap

Another classic, the denim vest is a summer favorite. The perfect contrast to a girlie dress, you can count on this one to always stay in style.

denim vest $28.00 at Old Navy

Channel your inner hippie and get boho chic with a crochet vest. Crochet is soft and natural, and because it has little to no structure, it’s also ultra feminine.

crochet & fringe vest $27.80 at Forever 21

If you’re a biker babe (or want to be) you’ll look bad ass in a leather moto vest. This one will add some edge to you’re every day casual look, or toughen up your LBD.

studded leatherette vest $19.99 Forever 21

Probably my fav of the bunch is the cargo vest. Inspired by safari and military trends, this vest offers a trendy cool and casual look.

4 in one convertible jacket $98 Victoria’s Secret

Want some glam? Try a {faux} fur vest. Yes, you’ll look like a high maintenance bitch, but if you’re wearing a fur vest, you probably are a high maintenance bitch. Own it.

fur & cable vest $22.99 Forever 21

And so goes my wish list of must have vests. Do you have a fav? Or {if you’re vest obsessed like me} do you need them all?

xo Cree

Denim Denim Denim…

Today I’m talking about the hottest and most current trends in denim. Whether it’s colors, shorts or one pieces,  denim is the epitome of casual chic. An obvious classic, denim has become a staple in your everyday wardrobe and has evolved into much more than just a basic classic boot cut. Depending on the fit, wash, and style you can make denim work for just about any occasion. Check out the trends and see what you might be missing out on!

COLORS

Colored denim has quickly become Spring’s hottest fashion trend. From pastels to bold hues – you name it, we want it! This is  a great way to add some zip to your outfit and really stand out. Colors like yellow and pink make for great day wear, while red and purple can create a sexy night time look.

PRINTED

Another hot trend for Spring and Summer is printed denim. A nod to the 90’s, a fun floral print is a flirty and feminine way to update your summer look.

WHITE

White denim is fresh and clean. It can make a great dressy or office look paired with a black shirt or blazer, or go rocker chic and pair with leather and an oversize tee.

SHIRTS

A denim shirt looks light and casual left open over a cute graphic tee or simple tank. Go long and pair with leggings or shorts for day wear, or go tailored and tucked in with a fitted style.

JACKETS

Offset a pretty little dress with a denim jacket. The thrift store is a great place to hunt for one. These have been a popular trend in every decade so you’re bound to find a gem. Not only will you get it at a steal, but you’ll avoid the stiffness of a new jacket since the denim will likely be soft and worn in already.

VESTS

A vest can also down play a pretty little dress by dressing them down, making them perfect for day wear. This will add some edge and flare to any outfit and will be extra comfy without the sleeves.

ROMPERS

Nothing says summer like a romper. Try sticking to a lightweight denim to avoid heavy wrinkles or folds at the waist and added bulk in unwanted areas, like the bust or hips.

JUMPSUITS

This can be a toughie to pull off, but if you can you’ll look long and lean. Be careful not to let this style overwhelm you. Try wearing heels, adding an over sized bag, and even adding a big floppy hat or fedora to tone down the all over denim look.

DRESSES

For a feminine look, a denim dress will do! A denim dress is perfect for outdoor events like a BBQ or a concert. Since the denim is a little heavier it’s not as likely to blow up and reveal your (cringe) panties and is easy to clean if you drop some ketchup or get stubborn grass stains.

SHORTS

Everyone has a classic pair of denim shorts (if you don’t, you should!), but today there are so many other options. Colored, high-waisted, pleated, bermuda, cut offs….the options are endless!

SKIRTS

The denim skirt has gone back in time, and not only is this mini a solid choice, but pleated and button down styles that were popular in the 90’s are back in a big way.

BELL BOTTOMS

For a retro vibe try a bell bottom, flare, or super flare. This style works best on tall and slim physiques. If you’re petite or plus, a boot cut or slim flare is a great alternative.

DENIM ON DENIM

If you’re OBSESSED with denim (much like myself and these 3) why not try a head to toe look? Sounds like a fashion faux pas, I know, but this is super easy to pull off. Just make sure you’re denims are in a different wash. Pair dark and light, distressed and solid, colored and traditional blue…you get the idea.

DISTRESSED

A rocker chick’s go-to denim is a pair of distressed jeans.  This is another one I think everyone should have in their closet. You can do summer casual by cuffing them up at the bottom and throwing on some flip flops, or trendy with boots or heels.

See something you need?? Head over to forever 21! They’ve got a great selection of everything denim. Here’s what I found:

colored skinny $28.80, bell bottom $32.50, distressed skinny $33.80, printed skinny $28.28

cut off short $21.80, floral short $23.80, white bermuda $18.80, high waist short $15.26, pink short $18.80

shirt $21.80, jacket $35.80, vest $29.90, halter dress $29.90, acid romper $27.80

DENIM DON’TS

I don’t think I need to add any comment here, but just in case – when I said do a head to toe denim look, this is  NOT what I had in mind.

Also don’t do this…

…or this. And thank you in advance.

xo Cree

Get It While It’s Hot!

Spring has arrived, and summer is just around the corner. For retailers, however, Spring arrived in January and Summer campaigns are in full effect. Though there is still snow on the ground and the temperatures haven’t even reached the double digits yet in most places, now is the time to buy if you want the best and hottest Summer pieces.

As someone who’s worked in retail for about 8 years, I can’t tell you how many horrified faces and snide remarks I witness every single year because we launch our Spring collection in January. They wrinkle their nose and snatch up some clearance winter jacket or cardigan instead of picking up the pretty strapless dress they love, and pass up the pastel pink shorts that they NEED to get when the weather “warms up”.

By the time the weather does in fact “warm up” (which for NL is late July/Early August) all those summer duds you were drooling over a few months prior are sold out or are now in the clearance section with only extra small sizes left. Fall collections will be in full swing and stores will be gearing up for Back to School.  It can make shopping confusing, but I say – you see it? you like it? Buy it! Regardless of what the weather is like today. Take advantage of the fact that we happen to live in an era of fashion where just about anything goes and almost any piece from ANY season can be a transitional piece.

Now, keeping in mind that you CAN very well buy items early for an upcoming season, here are my top 5 picks of summer must haves UNDER $50!

#1  The Jumpsuit

Last year was all about rompers, but this year go all out with a full length jumpsuit. If you’re a fan of the maxi, this is a good choice for you, especially if you have a petite frame like Rose Byrne. Wear it alone in the summer, or add a jacket in the spring or fall.

floral jumpsuit  $34.50  gojane.com

#2 The High-Low Skirt

Olivia Palermo in a high-low skirt, also know as the tail skirt or mullet skirt. This is a great alternative to a mini skirt for us tall gals. Your can show off your gams without looking too hoochie. Again, wear alone in the summer, and in fall or spring you can add tights and a blazer or cardigan.

floral high-low skirt  $23.80  forever21.com

#3 Denim Vest

Add a little edge to a feminine dress by adding a denim vest like Sienna Miller. Rock it like this in the summer, and in cooler temps wear a long sleeve underneath.

denim vest  $34.90  garage.ca

#4 Colored Denim Shorts

Colored denim is a huge trend this spring, so it’s only fitting that colored denim shorts are going to be a hit this summer. Miley chose a high waisted red pair. Carry them over to fall/winter with tights and boots.

colored denim midi short  $39.39  ae.com

#5 Athletic Swimwear

The athletic trend is making a come back this year. It started with nylon jackets and is moving on to swimwear. Looks best if you have the athletic body to go along with it, like Cameron Diaz. You don’t need to wait to hit the beach! Go to your local indoor public pool, or take a tropical vacay. (preferably the latter, right?)

piped-trim bikini  $45.88  oldnavy.gapcanada.com

So going forward ladies, if you see a super cute bikini you HAVE to have, but wait…”I can’t wear it for another 3 months”….don’t have me say “I told you so”.

xo Cree