Dress … for Spring

Spring?

Pardon?

Spring has arrived in stores … but not outside. It’s extremely difficult to start thinking about dresses, bare legs and sandals when any exposed skin could lead to trouble out there.

But, eventually, spring will come. And the number one question I will likely get asked is, “What’s my perfect dress and how the heck will I know?”

There are some main things to consider if you are out on your own, searching for the right one for you. Colour is BIG. It deserves it’s own line.

COLOUR IS BIG.

If you buy a dress in the wrong colour(s) for you, the cut, fit, and fabric – won’t matter much. The dress will be wearing you instead of you wearing the dress.

So if you can’t find a dress in your perfect colours (depending on the ‘it’ colour of the season or what happens to be in stores) then make sure the colours near your face are correct. Sometimes you can cheat this with jewelry or another accessory like a scarf.

The fit is next. Buy good quality and befriend a good tailor should you need one.

Pay attention to the cut of the dress, the fabric and the smaller details. Are there any lines? Do they work for your shape? Does the fabric complement what the cut of the dress is doing? These are all important things to consider.

So to break it down by shape, there are some good examples of dresses that work more often than not. Here are a few:

The Boy Figure (or H … or straight …)

There are a lot of names for this shape. Basically your shoulders, waist and hips are pretty in line with each other and so to the ‘eye’ you are considered ‘straight’. You could also be considered athletic and broader in the shoulders. Look for details in a dress that draw the eye up and out, like this stunner.

The Hourglass

Channeling Marilyn Monroe. You are curvy (and sometimes busty ) which means your bust and hips are the same and your waist is smaller. You want to look for cuts and fabrics that follow this curvy shape. A wrap dress is great on this shape and a V-neck draws the eye up to the face. Pattern play is fun on this body shape.

A Shape, or Pear

Since you have a smaller torso and are larger in the hips, you want fabrics that flare off your lower curves and emphasize the torso. A line dresses are fabulous in a fun pop of colour.

What’s your shape? Have you found the dress that works for you? I’d love to hear from you!

Till the next … snowfall.

Is shopping more fun when there are deals to be had?

In a word: Yes. And in a word: No.

I have not met anyone who does not like a good sale. I have met plenty of people who hate to shop (I might not have a business if everyone loved to shop) but when there are sales – meaning your money goes farther and you can get more stuff – it can mean there are more … people. Who are also shopping. And when there are more people the stores can be messy and chaotic and noisy and there are long lines … you get my drift.

This is not how I like to shop.

I like calm, organized and quiet. But I digress.

I am heading to the US for BLACK FRIDAY. I went last year and although I did find some good deals I also only lasted for 3 hours – for all the reasons I mentioned above. This year, my list is quite short so I am hopeful to find what I’m looking for and be done with it. After-all, I’ll need this time for poolside and happy hour.

The good news is, Canada has kind of jumped on this US holiday from a retail perspective. Besides boxing day, we don’t really have a ‘bargain’ shopping day that can compare to our southern friends. (In some parts, black Friday is a downright dangerous event so be warned.) Starting next week, some stores will be offering deals upwards of 30-40% on select days and this is a nice way for them to gain a head-start pushing holiday items for gift buying as well. If you love to shop online, the deals are even sweeter.

Shopping for a fun holiday maxi dress? Find it here for up to 60% off. Colourful bulky sweaters that are all the rage? Starting tomorrow, Forever 21 has some pretty sweet deals. Even locations like HR will have some nice discounted items like these street style looks, if you're willing to hunt.

So get out there! Have some fun and score some deals or start tackling your Christmas gift list. Need some help? You know who to call…

On that note – watch for an AMAZING Holiday offer from moi coming next week!

Happy shopping.

Spring is in the ... STORES!

So – if there’s one thing on my mind when it comes to adding a piece or two to my spring wardrobe, it’s mixing patterns. I’ve never really been good at this so I’m taking my inspiration from this look, to start. Take one patterned piece that you absolutely love (skirt or top is best) and pick a colour within to match with a different pattern – but no similar patterns (we don’t want to look like a 70’s couch and scare people away). If you’re doing a floral, paisley or larger pattern (like the skirt in this photo) pair it with a smaller pattern, like a stripe or polka dot. Keep all your other pieces, like a jacket or sweater, in a solid. Add a bold necklace and rock a knee sock with a flat or sneaker. Too school for cool.

Till the next pair of shoes … kylie