It's no secret that I am not a purveyor of color when it comes to dressing myself. I love it on others but I never feel like it works when I'm wearing something flashy. While some people think that head-to-toe black is boring and unimaginative (just ask Anna), I beg to differ and I am about to make my case.
If your individual pieces are interesting, the sum of their equation has to be amazing by default, amiright? It's undeniable that black, no matter how cheerless in character it is, is a "color" that really serves as a style elevator. It's the one shade that you can throw on without asking yourself if it works -- it always works. Of all the hues associated with timelessness, this one is the queen mother. People who layer black always exude a certain power, a certain je ne sais quoi that transpires into everlasting, undeniable cool.
When I see a girl in a look comprised mostly of dark pieces, I always turn around. I want to analyze who this person is, my first thought being that she is really fucking cool. If you can wear all-black and catch people's eye, you're in a whole different style category. That said, I wear a lot of black and hardly think of myself as one of those girls, but that doesn't stop me from feeling chic when I do.
These were taken on our last full day in Paris this summer, but this outfit is the kind that has such neutral, minimal appeal that it could truly transcend seasons. Needless to say, I felt pretty strong in my layers of black.
There are three periods throughout the year that I consider to be opportunities for renewal due to their transitional nature: the new year (duh), spring time and the month of September. While it would be unfair to play favorites, to hell with it: I have a particular fondness for that delicious in-between weather that September so miraculously nails year after year.
Perhaps it has something to do with the end of summer being associated to back-to-school, which is synonymous to new beginnings, renewal and organic progression. But that September breeze, that early fall sunshine, it's all somewhat magical. The smell in the air changes, the light becomes this powerful glow that we all chase until we no longer can and the foliage morphs into a real-life masterpiece.
It's no wonder I have a special place in my heart for that cool, crisp atmosphere that September so sweetly brings on. The days are warm and the nights are cool, which is perfect for getting back into the layering groove and dabbling in the first manifestations of fall fashion. For me, it's an oversized chambray shirtdress and a fresh lightweight cotton scarf, basking in the radiance of golden hour.
Looking at these photos is so nostalgic -- Amsterdam is such a wonderful city with so much soul, and incredibly photogenic to boot. But revisiting these images is like taking me back to some of the most amazing moments of the summer. The thing I love so much about Amsterdam is that it's a place where you feel immediately at ease. There's a very chill vibe about it (coffee shops notwithstanding) and I find it to be nearly impossible to stress about anything while roaming its narrow streets and crossing the beautiful canals.
This relaxed attitude is automatically reflected in how I dressed during my stay. That loose spirit is exactly what I dreamed my vacation to be and so I had packed things that were easy, yet still stylish. Here, my uniform of black made a bit more multidimensional by stealing my man's shirt and giving it a bit of a grungy slant. Perfect for hanging with the Dutch, no?
Listen here, folks. You want to make yourself look presentable without putting some elbow grease into it? Just add heels and slap on some red lipstick. There's nothing more to it than that. And don't forget to strut it.
For those of you who weren't aware, I am involved with a company called Keaton Row as a personal stylist. It's essentially a stylist agency that operates solely online in the US. Whether women need a new outfit for a special occasion, a seasonal update or a full overhaul, they contact their stylist through the Keaton Row platform and they in turn send them look books according to the client's request. The best part? The service is FREE - a selection of clothes tailored to your taste and demands (occasion, body shape, budget) by a professional, it's almost too good to be true.
This summer, I was very honored to be asked to be one of the three girls to represent their brand for their impending relaunch, along with two other stunning ladies who also like to spread their style knowledge, Caroline and Angela. The images have yet to be released, but I was able to get my little paws on some behind the scenes action.
Forgive the quality of the images (iphone only), but they're so much fun I couldn't resist sharing this super fun day with you. I'll be sure to reveal the final shots on the blog when I can -- with outfits comprised of Céline, Jil Sander, Bally and more, I have a feeling they're going to be quite awesome. Stay tuned for that...
- And now for a plug -
If you're based in the US and need style solutions (or know someone who does), head over to my profile and contact me to get started! Nothing to lose for you since the service is free.
The trifecta of internationalism: a Canadian in Amsterdam wearing an American icon on her shirt. Could I be more intercultural?! All kidding aside, the thought of this crossing makes me smile and just reminds me that owning a passport is the gateway to global mélange.
Wearing Bruce on my chest is obviously a display of my affections, but I wish it were an original concert tee. I would never wear anyone whom I have no admiration for, even less so a copy of a vintage, but because Bruce is one my personal greats, there was no hesitation when I found this little slice of rock 'n roll Americana a couple of years back at everyone's favorite retail frenemy, Forever 21.
And while Bruce is a homeland hero, he's every bit universal. So does this count as me traveling to Amsterdam with him? I like to think that it is.
An overcast sky in Paris is not unusual, and it doesn't bother me one bit... except for when it hinders my ability to see for miles after trekking up the stairs of Montmartre. Can you imagine this view were the air not hazy? I know it's amazing because I've seen it before in all of its sunny splendor.
Moving right along, this post is a lot fun for many reasons. For one, I am wearing the brightest item of clothing I own: an amazing oversized linen number that is always a trusty fallback piece when needing to spruce up any look.
Secondly, it showcases not only one of the greatest views of Paris, which is from the top of the Sacré Coeur cathedral in Montmartre, but it also highlights one of the city's great treasures: the unique doors that pepper the streets, opening up to stunning Haussmannian apartment buildings, usually giving way to hidden courtyards. As you can imagine, I zeroed in on these giant blue doors like a bee to honey. They provided the most perfect backdrop juxtaposed against my already red, white & blue lewk. #fate
And there is a third reason for why this blog post is like a party: my hat, of course! I was spreading the FOR love all across Paris and looking ultra chic while doing it, if I do say so myself.
While September is trying hard to make itself heard, it appears that summer is all like, wait a minute I'm not done. So in cutoffs and rompers we I happily proceed. It's also very convenient for me because it makes the atmosphere still very appropriate for showcasing my travel wardrobe (back fromm July #mybad). So onward I go with the scattered continuation of my Euro trip outfit rollout.
True to my no-fuss sartorial sensibility, I threw on an adorable (and oh so easy) linen floral print romper for a picnic in one of my favorite Parisian locales: the Jardin du Luxembourg. It may seem like a lazy move on my part, but it was a hot day, it was a leisurely Saturday afternoon and, my god, sometimes all a girl needs for playing is a playsuit. And when gallivanting about in Paris, both chic and comfort must be taken into account, but when you accessorize with a baguette, you win, always.
