Next to nothing

V-neck mesh top c/o New Dress / Black asymmetric skirt c/o Lovely Wholesale / Envelope clutch from Groupon

I'm really indecisive when it comes to trends. I'm trying to invest in more classic pieces, but even "classic" can get pretty subjective. Get a good pair of jeans? Well skinnies are out and mom jeans are back in. Invest in a cozy cardigan? Nothing is fitted anymore these days. The oversized look has gotta go out of style sometime, right? 

Which is why I like buying into fun trends every now and then on sites like New Dress. They have a really nice variety of products from funky purses to vintage dresses at a ridiculously low price. With low prices, you do always have to proceed with caution because it can mean that the quality isn't that great. But the quality here really isn't any worse than something you'd find at a typical mall. The best part is that every week, they have a set of items off their normal collection that sells for $0.01! Yes, that's right. What can you get for a penny these days? Well now, you can get a shirt like this. Okay, so it's a bit wrinkly when it arrives in the mail, but that's mostly my fault for not bothering to iron it.

In other news, I use this envelope clutch quite often now, but I'm a little bitter about it. I got it off Groupon for $10, which is a great deal. Except that I found this exact envelope clutch on New Dress with a wholesale price at $1.50. So some seller really cashed out by jacking up the price to offer it on Groupon. Moral of the story: Don't be afraid of $3 items. You're probably buying them anyway, but without getting the amazing savings.

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How to: Make a style statement

Everyone has that moment where they look back on what they used to wear and think about a trend gone wrong. Making a statement is one thing, but there's a fine line between unique and tacky. Here's what you can do to avoid those cringe-worthy memories:

Preempt Any Wardrobe Malfunctions

Making a style statement can be a risky business, especially if you plan on wearing anything revealing. Try to preempt any wardrobe malfunctions. Maybe practice wearing the outfit for a little while beforehand just to be sure. You can’t be too careful - you don’t want a wardrobe malfunction or something of that caliber!

Consider the Occasion

Think about whether your style statement is suited for the occasion or not. If you’re going to a friend's wedding, it probably not the best time ever to make a style statement. You don’t want to take any of the attention away from the bride, whether it’s for a good or a bad reason! Stick to a classy party dress like one from Missy Dresses for occasions such as that. If it’s your birthday or a big night out, feel free to wear something different and have fun with it. When it’s your time in the spotlight, it’s the perfect time to make a statement!

Make Sure You Love it

If you’re making a style statement, make sure you’re making it for the right reasons. Because you love it! If you don’t love it, it just won’t look right. You don’t want to end up looking like Lady Gaga in her Kermit the frog dress. When you love your outfit, you’ll exude confidence. This will make it look even better! If you feel uncomfortable, you shouldn’t try. Stepping out of your comfort zone is great, but not if you’re going to give off uncomfortable vibes. How would you describe yourself? Use 3 or 4 words. Would you describe your outfit the same way? If not, then you should probably consider switching it up.

Start Off With Accessories

If you’re not used to making style statement and you’re a little frightened, then start off with your accessories instead. WeWood watches are different and you’re bound to get a lot of compliments on them. You could even just go for statement shoes and bag with an understated outfit. Start off small and then build yourself up!
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Pair With Something More Understated

If you’re wearing a statement top, pair it with something understated like plain jeans so that you don’t look like you’re trying too hard. If you plan on going all out with your outfit, maybe keep your hair and makeup understated too. It all depends on where you're going.

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Birthday bore

Flower cutout top c/o New Dress / Houndstooth skirt from TJ Maxx / Crystal necklace from Banana Republic

I'm not a fan of the question "what are you doing for your birthday". I kind of feel like any answer that doesn't include balloons, pretty cakes, party shenanigans, or copious amounts of alcohol is considered boring. But that's just the way I like my birthdays - relatively boring.

All I want to do is collect my birthday freebies and get a chance to wear pretty things. And that's just what I had on Saturday. I sat at a Starbucks with my Venti drink with an unnecessary amount of customizations. Then, dolled myself up, and went for dinner with the boyfriend in a nice little local restaurant where I got some free cake, and best of all, nobody sang.

Here's to another year of being older. Now get off my lawn.

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How to: Get over the feeling of having nothing to wear

How is it that we all have closets filled with dresses, drawers packed with clothes, and shelves decorated with bags, yet we have a high tendency to feel like there's nothing to wear? The reality is that things get boring. The solution isn't necessarily to buy new things, but to remix what you have and to get inspiration from unlikely places.

Try Something on You Wouldn’t Usually Consider

If ever I’m stuck in a fashion rut, I try something I wouldn’t usually consider. Whether it’s because of the color, cut, or style, I just try it on. I grab a couple of things that wouldn’t usually take my fancy and I can end up surprised. I’ve bought a few new items this way in the past! At the very least, you’ll have a good laugh in the changing rooms.

Find a New Favourite Pattern

If you’ve never worn a pattern, you’re missing out! Or, perhaps there’s always a pattern you gravitate towards. Find a new favorite. Go for stripes over spots. Pick floral rather than animal. Just do something different and see how you feel!

Play With Accessories

Your accessories can enhance an outfit and make it so much more fun. If you're not one for statement jewelry, turning a good piece into your staple can really help define your style, like with Shinola watches for women.

Go Darker/Brighter

Take a look in your wardrobe and decide whether you wear mostly colour or darks. Whichever you usually do, do the opposite. If you prefer dark colours, wear something bright for a while. If you wear brights a lot, go for a more mysterious, dark outfit.

Try Vintage Clothing

Vintage clothing is amazing! If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend you do. Not only is it better for the environment, it’s unique. It’s very unlikely you’ll find somebody else with that same piece anywhere near you, if at all. I always get compliments and questions when I wear my vintage. Just make sure the fit is good! Have it altered if you can.

Play a Game

This might help you, it might not. Either way, it’s a bit of fun! Get some big bags and fill one with tops, one with shoes, one with bottoms, etc. Then, without looking, pull an item from each bag. Lay them out on the floor and take a pic. You might find that some items you never would have paired look great together!

Ask for Help

Sometimes, fresh eyes are all you need. Ask a friend to style an outfit or two for you. Don’t get involved, just let them do their thing. You might learn a few things along the way!

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Bronze haze

Bronze statement necklace c/o Happiness Boutique / Mauve tank top from Pac Sun / Denim shorts from Forever 21

It has been a summer full of heat waves lately. Compared to the -30 degree weather we had in the winter, I am not complaining. Mostly. I do find that the heat makes me rather lazy and unmotivated, which have made easy tank tops and shorts my quick go-to outfit for casual errands and iced coffee stops on the weekend. 

Just so I'm not completely shlepping around town, I always add a statement necklace so it still looks like I tried. This particular one is perfect with simple tops and any neckline, instantly giving an outfit a bit more edge. However, I don't recommend wearing it with knits...it's a pretty intricate necklace and little bits can easily get caught on stray threads. That's something I'll worry about once the thermostat isn't scorching though.

This particular necklace is from Happiness Boutique. Aside from the great selection of unique statement necklaces, they have a great gallery with customer photos so you can see exactly how the necklace looks in person, and get great ideas about how to style it. The best part? Free shipping! 

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