FLAT Out Over It.

Vintage Necklace

REFORMATION- 'Helen' Top

REFORMATION- 'Bowie' Pant

STEVE MADDEN- 'Erosion' Flat

I cannot help myself but feel a ping of guilt every time I think of the state of the lower part of my closet; the part that holds my collection of shoes. It is not because I am ashamed of the style of shoes lining the floor of my closet or because I have too little or too many. The reason my conscience is speaking to me is because of the number of heels I have that I DO NOT wear. While I feel contented with the very practical Nike runners, my Hunter rain boots, and my Vans slip-ons, there are also about 5-10 pairs of heels that I have only worn once or twice. All that money, all that style wasted! Why? Because, for f*** sakes they are NOT practical.  The reasons for this are best presented in a list that I like to call ‘Why I despise wearing heels on daily basis, despite how ‘pretty’ they are:” 

1.     How they make me walk like a dog with shoes on for the first time.

2.     The ones that look the best are ALWAYS the highest and most uncomfortable heels at the store.

3.     They are so unbelievably uncomfortable! I swear they design them with the narrowest and thinnest little Italian woman’s feet in mind.

4.     They make me saunter rather than walk, like everyday is a Sunday. No, in my opinion, slow and steady does not win the race.  

5.     How as soon as I walk on grass they are ruined.

6.     They make me taller than the guys in the room! I don’t know about you but I hate feeling like a woman Cyclops.

7.     How they make it really difficult to drive a car.

8.     How heels are such a tease. They make me want to wear them (because they look gorgeous and make me feel great), then they make me want to take them off (because they hurt) and THEN when I gain up the courage to put them back on again I can’t because my feet have blown up to be twice the size.

However, I find some comfort in the fact that I am not the only one burdened by this problem. After looking through female friends’ and family members’ closest (is that creepy?…lets just call it ‘research’) I have found the same epidemic; wasted money on a plethora of high heels.

But have no fear ladies your next shoe purchase can be on trend, comfortable and breathtakingly sharp. This spring/summer season FLATS have gotten a creative makeover and look really innovative and edgy. One thing is for sure is that this trend will not contribute to the island of long lost shoes that is your closet.

The rule for riding low this year is all about a trim and thin silhouette with a subtle point. Some styles are really fun with coloring blocking, patterns, buckles, and laces. This shoe can really take an outfit to the next level. In this shoot at LACMA, I am wearing a pair called ‘Erosion’ by Steve Madden. I also love this pair from ASOS.com and this pair from Aldo.

Into the Blue

Zara Wave Hem Shirt (from KENZO here)

J Brand Boy-fit Jeans 

Aldo Block heel sandals

Vintage Clutch from my Grandmother

H&M Chain Necklace (similar here)

Silver and Black Cord Bracelet (similar here)

Dell'Arte Spiral Ring

Essie Bikini So Teeny

Stila Perfecting Concealer

Well ladies and gentlemen, I’m moving to LA. The one-way communication from me to all of the world’s fashion brands, during my job search, has gotten to me; I am going back to school. I have learned one major thing about finding a job in fashion and it is that connections are essential. And as a person who grew up in the smallest town possible in rural Southern Ontario…I have none. So it is time to gain a focused education in fashion and meet people in the industry. So once again, i'm still fighting for fashion because I'm not quite there yet. 

While I would have preferred to have dough in my pocket, a secure job, and a new apartment…it does sound rather boring, doesn’t it?… and I’m only 23. We all work for our entire lives so why not prolong the madness of our youth. 

With my new adventure on the horizon, my summer style has been deeply inspired by California. Wind swept beach hair, relaxed fit, and all shades of ocean blue have been occupying my looks for the summer. And nothing reflects the west coast’s laid back vibes better than an ocean of bruised and battered denim. This shoot compiles these California inspirations into a fun, colorful, and laid-back look for the warm summer months.

From cyan and cobalt to navy, sapphire and periwinkle, countless shades of blue are being seen on dresses, tops, skirts and more during the summer months and will continue to be seen this fall.

Kenzo’s Spring/Summer Ready to Wear 2014 line was one of my favourites of the shows displaying the ocean’s hues.  The models were adorned with crop tops with laser cut hemlines in the shapes of waves, water prints that looked like they had been drawn with pencil crayons, and stiff scuba fabrics.  Zara has taken note of this look and has created a few crop tops that take inspiration from this line (note my inexpensive Zara version above). By styling this top with a plain low-slung pant or skirt (while showing some belly) or a simple high-waisted paint or top, you provide focus to the uniqueness of the watery hemline.

2013 Fall Fashion: Presented by Fisher and Company and Accents

 

These fashion videos are bound to provoke closet envy with an emphasis on pattern, color and texture, as nature’s vibrant hues dissolve into grey, and the last trace of summer fades from our complexions into paleness (well, in my case…into transparency). 

I gained the opportunity to wear these beautifully styled outfits by working with two connected local boutiques located in London, Ontario, called Fisher & Company and Accents.  Fisher & Company provides both contemporary brands such as Philip Lim, Elizabeth and James, Rag and Bone, and J Brand, in addition to more classic brands such as Marc Cain, Michael Kors, Riani, and Diane Von Furstenburg, in order to accommodate women of all ages. 

This great boutique provides an unparalleled and personalized wardrobe planning and purchasing experience by using what they call “the Formula.” The formula of (F&C)+9=36 uses Fisher & Company’s style expertise and 9 key pieces to create 36 different looks. In addition, they provide the customers with a journal of personal style, which consists of 36 pictures of the complete looks, for easy reference by the customer on a day-to-day basis. To top it all off, the stylists will work to involve your favorite and most stylish pieces in your current wardrobe when styling to ensure a new wardrobe that is comfortable and uniquely you. Whether you are starting a new job (hint, hint, my Ivey peeps and other upcoming grads), or just looking for a wardrobe facelift, this system will make dressing fun and easy. 

Adjoined to Fisher & Company is Accents, which is an accessory boutique that provides customers with both trendy and classic shoes, bags, scarfs and jewelry. The boutique houses brands such as RED Valentino, Rebecca Minkoff and my new personal fav, Canadian jewelry designer Dean Davidson. By working in combination, these two stores provide more clothing and accessory options and better customer services to increase your chance of finding a truly individualistic style.