FASHIONEEKA.

Rooftop Utility

Utility dressing is possible whilst being aesthetically pleasing too (despite google defining “utility” as “functional rather than attractive”), and it certainly helps having a dress-that-can-turn-into-a-jacket item like this one. Green – and particularly olive – is a hot hue this season, as seen on the runways of Nina Ricci, Hugo Boss, Céline, and Jason Wu.

Olive (as a neutral tone) also tends to be easily matchable with a wide assortment of colours: lavender, crimson, shades of blue, chocolate browns and perfect-for-summer whites. I particularly like the olive and black combination, as in this outfit, with the flowy, feminine fabric contrasting with an edgier black studded ankle boot, leather hobo & waist-cinching Balmain-esque belt. If you hadn’t noticed from previous posts, feminine with an edge has become my style staple and this is a perfect showcase of that (sans the usual floral number).

As mentioned, with its dual usage (1. as a dress; 2. as a duster jacket for those breezy summer nights), this dress couldn’t fit within the definition of “utility” any more perfectly. Being machine washable is just icing on the cake.

photos: @sasha.honey

dress: Babaton at Aritzia | boots & bag: Stuart Weitzman | belt: Club Monaco

location: a Gastown rooftop, Vancouver B.C.

Polka Dot Spot

Welcoming the start of spring in feminine silk ruffles, velvet mules & no-fail skinnies. There is absolutely nothing that beats springtime in Vancouver.

Blouse – Club Monaco / Jeans – TopShop / Mules – Loeffler Randall / Handbag – Stuart Weitzman

photos: @sasha.honey

Dawn to Dusk

Same outfit, two ways. The concept takes you from office to evening and is as easy as a simple change in outerwear (or for more formal occasions, a change in footwear – metallic Manolo BB pumps or a sleek evening sandal).

Statement coats were all over the Autumn 2018 runway shows back in February/early March (in all four cities) and this trench by Massimo Dutti hits all of the right points: Prince of Wales checks, pops of colour, 70s-style lapels and understated details. Until we get out of this winter weather, coats are still a must for daywear, and pairing the pastels with darker shades creates a colour-popping contrast.

I’m going through a blazer moment right now, and I fell in love with this peak-lapelled velvet number because of its Tom Ford s/s 2018 runway feel to it (minus the hot pink hue!). Blazers are foolproof for evenings and pairing a strong masculine piece with a feminine slip dress is one of my favourite combinations. The mix in textures elevates the look (velvet, evident from the runways, is here to stay) and can work just as well with a pair of dark skinnies and a slinky camisole.

P.S. Yes, navy and black do go together.

trench: Massimo Dutti/ blazer: Massimo Dutti (and on sale!)/ slipdress: Aritzia

photos: @comfycarn

Autumn Emeralds

October. Up there with May (the birthday month), it has to be my favourite month of the year, in my favourite season of the year: Autumn. The season of light layers, playful textures and the first time since summer that you get to wear your favourite chunky knits but still get away with a bare leg.

Colours this season are making an impact (as are florals, chenille, statement suits and sleek silks). On par with statement red (seen everywhere from ankle boots, to statement blazers, coats and head-to-toe power suits), emerald – and green generally, in its various hues of olive, mint, jade, teal – is one of those impact colours. I paired this statement trench with a simple black bodysuit (to help block out that fresh autumn chill), a vegan suede mini, and my favourite suede booties.

Mixing textures, and pairing statement colours like this eye-popping green with neutrals, tones the colour down for an everyday touch but still catches your eye (like it did with me, when i fell in love with it in store!).

Practical tip: as a Vancouverite, we all know that “40% chance of rain” actually means 100% – the downpour I got caught in about 2 minutes after these were shot is proof, and has me thinking twice about risking my suede boots!

trench: TopShop / bodysuit: Wilfred Le Fou at Aritzia / skirt: Aritzia / booties: Isabel Marant

photos: @comfycarn

Spring forward

It’s officially Spring, and unfortunately Vancouver has yet to get out of its Winter rut. Despite that, we managed to catch a rare ray of sunlight one weekend and it was absolutely glorious (before it down-poured for a week afterwards!).

This Spring, I’ve fallen in love with the blush-tones that dominated the catwalks in September. My wardrobe (since autumn, really) has consisted of neutrals, blacks, whites and pastels. They all work together, making it extremely easy to get dressed in the morning — hello, everything matches!

I had my eyes on this silk robe from Aritzia the moment I saw it online. The length is perfect, the fabric luxurious, and it doubles as a chic (and daring!) wrap dress. I’m also hooked on monochrome black and white at the moment, as it is easy to take from day to night, and goes perfect with a classic red lip or hot pink heels – yes I’ve tried both!

For those averse to sinking into the crop top craze, wearing one with high-waisted trousers might give you some comfort. The high-waist limits the amount of skin shown, and highlights the most flattering part of your torso – win win!

Photos by StreetScoutMe

Robe, trousers & crop: Aritzia| Mules: Zara| Glasses: Ray-Ban

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