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Black Sheep | UNIF x Urban Outfitters
I am obsessed with this oversized faux-shearling moto jacket by UNIF! I love the relaxed fit because it is the perfect layering piece to stay warm AND stay fly in. The stark contrast between the black detail and soft cream faux-shearling highlights the motorcycle cut of the jacket perfectly. I paired it with an all-black look and my go-to chunky knit scarf to keep with the cream theme.
In an outfit like this that is short of vibrancy by way of colour, it’s fun to play around with texture. The pony hair handbag, crushed velvet leggings, angora cap, and faux shearling jacket make what could be an inherently yawn worthy colour combo, fun and interesting!
Feelin’ Blue
An OOTD dabbling in pastels and 90s silhouettes, and a questionable outfit choice in wake of a snow storm.
This Fall/Winter has been all about pastels which is awesome because you’ll be able to carry some of your favourite pieces over for spring! This outfit is a step away from the smart wool coats and collegiate inspired looks in pastel hues that have gained massive popularity this season. When it comes to colour trends, it’s not crucial to adhere to how you’ve seen them represented on runways and by bloggers. Get creative, be yourself, and translate it to something that feels like you.
I like to keep it retro inspired, so I paired this UNIF mock neck cropped knit with my favourite vintage acid wash jeans and my white on white leather Chuck Taylors. I added punches of black in my hat and handbag to break up the look.
YEEZY SEASON 1 | Adidas x Kanye West FW15 RTW
Adidas Originals x Kanye West Fall 2015… One word: OBSESSED.
You know you’re in for one one heck of a show when seated front row are Anna Wintour, Jay Z, Queen Bey, Rihanna, Kim K and P Diddy.
After watching the show I was reminded of the creative genius that is Kanye. The simplicity and rawness of the show is what captured me. The line was showcased so amazingly, with the detail of an individual piece being the highlight of each look.
The theme was utility with parkas, utility vests, industrial backpacks and inspired work boots. The collection touched on the aviation trend as well with jackets falling under the same overall muted colour story, though punches of bright were incorporated in all the right places.
The styling was so minimalistic which is what kept your focus as a spectator right where it needed to be. Of course it wouldn’t be Kanye’s style to miss an opportunity to promote his other projects as well. Luckily, it flowed flawlessly with his presentation. The debut of his track “Wolves” featuring Sia and Vic Mensa tied the show together perfectly.
My top 8 looks after the jump!
– Michelle
Photos: Alessandro Garofalo / Indigitalimages.com
Broke&Living Pop-Up Shop
Our friends at Broke&Living held a charitable toque-centric pop-up shop last week at the Dundas West location of Sole Survivor Shoe Repair. For every Toque sold, one was donated to Youth Without Shelter, a Toronto based charity for the benefit of homeless youth in distress.
A charming event complete with a DJ and the chicest balloons ever, brought out friends and fans alike to support the cause in wake of an oncoming snow storm. Not to worry, the toques being donated will not boast the wooden “broke” plaque pictured below. Plain black toques will be donated to the respective charitable organization.
Check out brokeandliving.com and fall in love with their current collection of vinyl, wool, and brocade apparel. Visit www.yws.on.ca to find out what you can do to help homeless youth in Toronto.
More photos after the jump!
xo, Dee
#SHOECRUSH | January 2015
Spring is fast approaching and in light of the coming season, I’ve decided to talk about one of my favourite footwear trends for Spring 2015. Now, I’m no Sneakerhead, but I think I may have caught a bit of the bug.
I have a love for everything retro or vintage inspired, so it is to my delight that throwback athletic shoe silhouettes are trending for Spring. It’s all about lifted athletic soles and chunky, chunky, chunky. The repurposing of styles originally created for athletic or lifestyle needs is what the Sportswear/Athletica trend stems from as a whole. Most of us likely won’t be taking our flawless white sneaks out on the track or to a skate park(hats off to those who will, though) but will be paying homage to the history and personalities which the trend and individual styles originate from.
In depth breakdown of the list after the jump!
I. Vans Slip-On: White Perforated Leather (Available here)
The Vans slip-on sneaker had it’s first big moment in 1982 when Sean Penn rocked a checkered pair (here) in the iconic teen comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High. They’ve continued to be popular and are a Vans staple. In the last year or so, skate inspired slip-ons appeared in the collections of several designers. Miu Miu, Sam Edelman, Jeffrey Campbell, Ash, Opening Ceremony and countless others all want in on the action. I like the Vans version best because they were the first, and there is something endearing about the culture connect and authenticity behind the brand. Go for the perforated version to get a bit of ventilation for barefoot comfort in hotter weather.
II. New Balance 996 Revlite: White Leather (Available here)
N is for No longer just a Dad shoe. A once staple for Dads everywhere has become a recent favourite of Sneaker Heads and Fashion Bloggers alike. A step back from the statement pop colours of last spring, this version can be worn as a nod to Normcore, or if you are a collector they’re the perfect white-on-white addition to any collection. Wear them with a chic all black outfit, maybe even a little black dress to really own the look.
III. Miu Miu Slip-On Sneaker: White leather (Available here)
This one’s for my girly girls. My ultra-femme, high heels-only gals who are into this trend but are not down to delve too deep into Sneaker Land just yet. These Miu Miu slip-ons are a luxury take on the classic with a pointed silver cap toe, leather upper, and leather lining. Perfect for a smart sporty look and a great way to play up silver jewelry on an all white outfit. I love that they have taken inspiration from design elements of the classic rather than just borrowing. The more formal design elements of this shoe help bridge the gap between work week and weekend.
IV. Nike Air Max: White Leather (Available here)
Last Spring, you couldn’t go anywhere(or scroll/swipe anywhere…)without seeing someone decked out in the Nike Roshe Run. This Spring, it’s all about the Air Max. The style was first popularized by athletes in the early to mid 90s in wild and fun colours. Spring 2014 saw a resurgence of the statement sneaker. This year it’s being thrown back to the original silhouette with a focus on clean and pristine, although they continue to be available in a variety of colour combinations.
V. Converse Chuck Taylor: White Leather (Available here)
This is the second appearance the all white Chuck Taylors have made on a #SHOECRUSH list. Being the American classic that they are, there was no way I could leave them out of this list. Though they may not fall into the athletic lifted sole aesthetic that I’ve discussed, they do pay tribute to a style that has been represented in the closets of folks of all walks of life for over 60 years. This is a style that holds sentimental value to a lot of people, myself included. Fashion is about wearing things that make you feel good and in some cases it’s a piece that means a little bit more to you.
If you can look down at your feet and smile because your shoes remind you of someone, something, some place, some time, or even just because they look rad, then those are shoes that you should be wearing.
xo, Dee
ROCCO
At last, the Rocco! I’ve been drooling over the Alexander Wang Rocco bag for years and finally caved a couple weeks ago. A friend of mine co-owns Elk & Dawn (see this post) and I was beyond thrilled when she told me they had found me this bag. I originally had my sights set on the all over black pebbled leather with rose gold hardware (available here) but the version that ended up in my possession is far harder to come by, which makes it feel a bit more special and personal, considering how popular the Rocco is in itself.
The version that I purchased is the mixed material, black calf hair, black pebbled leather combo with silver hardware. Since the hardware is real silver, the concern of it eventually tarnishing is eliminated. Pony hair/calf hair in a handbag, to some people’s surprise, is quite easy care for and maintain. If anything gets on the calf hair portion of the bag, it’s quite easy to brush right out. I mean as long as you’re careful not to spill ketchup on it, you should be golden.
As anyone who owns this bag will tell you, the studs that cover the bottom do make a difference in it’s weight. This is definitely not a handbag for those with an affinity for the lightweight, but for someone like me who is used to carrying a heavy handbag around on the regular, it’s perfect. The size is perfect for my lifestyle and transitioning from day to night.
More photos and a peek at what’s in my bag after the jump!
Here’s a little peek at the daily essentials that I like to keep in my handbag!
I must say I made an amazing decision in purchasing this bag. Now I just need it in metallic purple.
xo, Dee
Elk & Dawn
Elk & Dawn is a brand new Toronto based hub for highly coveted designer goods at reasonable prices. We’re talking everything from luxury consignment, to vintage and pre-loved high end and designer merchandise. Whether you’re in the market for Chanel and Givenchy or Jeffrey Campbell and Michael Kors, the girls at Elk & Dawn have got you covered.
Sergio and I recently popped by their lovely showroom to pick up an Alexander Wang handbag they’d found for me. While we were there, we decided to shoot a couple images to give our readers a preview of what Elk & Dawn has to offer. Some of our fave items included a colourful variety of Céline handbags, a handful to-die-for vintage Chanel, and an amazing MCM backpack.
Check our friends at Elk & Dawn out on Instagram at @ElkandDawn or shop select items online at ElkandDawn.com
Photos by Sergio Roque.
Hit he link below for more images!
#SHOECRUSH – December 2014
I’d like to start this post off by wishing you all a belated Happy New Year and Happy Shoe Year from the bottom of my heart!
This month your girl did a fair bit of shoe shopping. If you’re anything like me, holiday gift shopping goes something like “one for you, one for me,” a method which resulted in this mini haul.
One of my resolutions this year is to try new things, and what could be a better way to start than with shoes. In the month of December I ventured into realms on opposite ends of the footwear spectrum: Sneakers & Stilettos. Not to worry, my love for all things chunky and 90s inspired still holds strong, but every girl needs a bit of variety in her shoe closet!
Keep reading for the deetz on December’s #SHOECRUSH picks!
Converse Hi Top Chuck Taylors in White Leather: Available here
These white on white leather sneakers are the second pair of Chuck Taylors to walk into my life. The first were a green pair purchased for me by my mother in 8th grade. I at one point had Dora the Explorer shoelaces in them, as if I weren’t enough of a misfit already. Those green kicks got me through many a Warped Tour and hold loads of sentimental value. I decided an upgrade was necessary and welcomed the smarter, chicer, older sister to the tried and true into my closet. The Chuck Taylor is a classic that will never be passé and is the perfect way to make the monochrome sneaker trend a bit more punk rock!
Patent Platform Chelsea Boots by New Look: Available here
I met these babies during a late night online shopping binge. I’d been on the lookout for the perfect patent chelsea boot for a while, and was stoked when I came across these. They are the perfect height and are wide at the ankle which makes them super cute with chunky socks. This is the first New Look item I’ve owned and I must say I am impressed with the quality so far, as they are very reasonably priced. The material is low maintenance and the chunky cleated rubber sole makes them perfect for looking cute while safely trekking around in the winter time.
The Topshop “Allsorts” Boot in White Canvas: Sold out but available in black suede here
I also own a version of these boots in black suede (as seen here & here) so I was beyond ecstatic when I found these for an amazing deal at Topshop. They had been listed as sold out for a while so I was very lucky to get my hands on these. They are the perfect way to do a white platform without looking overly Baby Spice inspired. I expect that these will be my go-to shoe for early spring.
The Tophsop “Gallop” Pump in Burgundy: Avaliable here
I’m all about height on any occasion but I seldom stray from my block heel ideal. As soon as I laid eyes on these however, I knew they had to be mine. As you may or may not have noticed by now, I am a massive fan of Topshop brand footwear. They are usually full leather and made in Spain while being more affordably priced than many of their competitors whose product quality is not to the same standard. These for example are genuine leather and fully leather lined with a perfectly cushioned sole for comfort. I’d recommend these to any girl in need of a classic sassy pump to keep her comfy and confident all night. They are available in 5 different colours and are reasonably priced at £58.00 or $105.00 which is awesome!
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xo, Dee
VESPER
Bloomin’ Brilliant is a hand crafted jewellery line by Toronto based designer Rhea Jacinto. She specializes in brass and combines raw crystals, fur, natural stones, and geometric silhouettes to achieve her unique aesthetic. Her vintage inspired pieces have a modern twist which makes them special and exciting. You know how I love a good juxtaposition! That is exactly what you get with this line. The Eva necklace for example, combines soft, draped silhouettes and geometric details in a way that really works.
I’m wearing the Vesper necklace which features raw rose tone quartz, cascading onyx talons, and geometric brass chain link. This piece is step away from the big 90s inspired gold chains you usually see me in, and has rekindled my love affair with raw crystal!
Outfit details and where to buy after the jump!
Outfit Details:
Turband: D.I.Y by my girl Shawna of AssignmentFashion.com (Similar here)
Necklace by Bloomin’ Brilliant (Shop the collection here)
Necklace by Bloomin’ Brilliant (Shop the collection here)
Jacket: H&M (Similar here)
xo, Dee
regalrubbish 