FALL FASHION | The New Way to Layer

via harperandharley on Instagram

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Don't let this last day of summer fool you for a single hot minute. Sure, it might not get freezing overnight, but before you know it, we'll be swapping our sandals for closed-toes, our tees for toppers and our breezy cute things for errthang cozy. The start of fall always signals a switch from simple, throw-on-and-go dressing to the all-important art of layering. For minimalists (aka the fashion lazy like me), layering can feel like a daunting task. I mean, seriously, who has time for mixing and matching textures and colours and playing with proportions to get it all just right when you've got 2 screaming kids, an early morning commute, or a snooze button addiction to contend with. Unless you're a stay-at-home stay-at-home, you don't.

Thankfully, this fall is all about laissez-faire layers that make all your casual go-to's look much cooler.  Whether it's an open grey sweater coat or cardi worn over your favourite slip dress, a plaid shirt dress worn open over your denim, or a  cozy statement sherpa bomber, you'll be begging for the cold weather to make an appearance, if only so you can start wearing these looks stat.

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SOLE MATES | These 50 Fall Shoes Are Goals

Speaking of goals...via Stuart Weitzman

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Summer was so amazing, so beautiful, so fun - just SO. But while I loved every minute of the ice cream and the excess, my body now has to deal with the fall-out from all that fun. Trying on jeans the other day, I was reminded of exactly how much fun was had. Sigh. 

As I slowly work my way back to fighting form, all the while trying to embrace my summer curves, trying to figure out how to keep some and not others (too much to ask?), I always find comfort in that one place where things always fit, where size doesn't matter, where I can be lifted up (literally), where I can stand taller (see where I'm going with this?), the place that understands my soul (and my soles): the shoe aisle. Thank goodness for shoes. Like Evan and Carly, we just get each other. We accept one another as we are. I know that if I invest in them, my shoes will always give back. And I know that once I find the one (okay, ones), I can stop looking. Well, at least until I see another pair that catches my eye. Luckily shoes have no feelings. It's a beautiful thing.

While I love to score good deals, I've learned over the years that good shoes are always worth it, even if you have to pay full price. I'd rather invest in one really amazing pair of boots than pick up 2 average pairs that will fall apart by next season. Okay fine,  2 really amazing pairs of boots instead of 4 average pairs. I mean, you can't expect me to pick just one, with pink block heel ankle boots to maje merlot midi boots to over-the-knee stunners vying for my affection. And don't even get me started on the flats - do we do the grey Puma Fierce kicks or the platform loafers? I can't even. For now, let's just stare at these 50 beautiful pairs and dream a little. Zero guilt. No regrets. Deal?

SEE MY 50 FALL SHOE PICKS HERE...

SHOE LOVE | See What I Scored at Canada's Largest DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse

When I heard that I’d been invited to shop Canada’s largest shoe store (I repeat: Canada’s LARGEST SHOE STORE), I cleared my calendar, hooked my kids up with a babysitter, and prepped myself. I can handle shoes. In fact, I’ve handled them my whole life. But the new 26,000 sq. ft. DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse at Vaughan Mills, loaded with shoes, boots and accessories, was beyond anything I’ve ever shopped. That’s 20,000 pairs of shoes at up to 40% off suggested retail prices. And a blogger with next to no self control around shoes. I’m in so much trouble. 

Head to the Vaughan Mills blog to see what I ended up taking home. Hint: they're tall, dark and gooorgeous...

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PUSH IT, PUSH IT GOOD | 18 Ways to Jump Out of Your Style Rut This Fall

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Stuck in a serious style rut? See 18 fall finds that will help you jump out of your comfort zone for good...

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FALL '16 FASHION | 5 Fall Trends You'll Want to Start Wearing Now

Gorgeous girl Teegan Williams via Instagram

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When it comes to fashion, there's no season more exciting than fall. While the cooler weather and return to routine can be tough little pills to swallow, the promise of a new wardrobe makes it all totally bearable. Scoff. A new wardrobe you say? Um girl, I can't afford a whole new wardrobe you say? Keep reading. Updating your wardrobe for the new season is a lot less spendy than you might imagine. If you're armed with the basics (and if you've been reading this blog for awhile, you've got those covered), all you need to do is add a few key new-season updates into the mix. 

This fall, I've fallen hard for 5 pretty updates that I plan on wearing starting, um, now...

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