amy dressed

BUILDING A CASUAL WARDROBE

Hi everyone, I hope this Wednesday is treating you well. These past couple of weeks have been crazy and I can’t believe the school year is coming to an end…to be perfectly frank this panics me a bit. I know most Moms will say they can’t wait to have their kids around for the entire summer, but here is the thing…they are liars! Talk to any Mom (especially one who works from home) two weeks into summer vacation and odds are they are frantically googling summer day camps for free spaces.

One of the most common questions I receive from clients is ‘How do I dress for the weekends?’ Many women have the office wardrobe and the at-home wardrobe nailed down, but many are baffled on what to wear out and about after work or on weekends. Many of them wear yoga pants or sweats (gasp) out and about…don’t even get me started on the pyjama bottoms out in public phenomenon.

Style Tip: The key to casual dressing is in the fabrication…purchase clothing in the materials you love. Many dresses, pants and blazers are available in tee shirt or sweatshirt material.

This dress from Gap is stretchy jersey and feels like your fav tee shirt, the length is perfect for doing absolutely anything and the wrap waist is flattering and an instant outfit maker!

Another key to the casual wardrobe if comfy stylish flats, these gladiator suede sandals are also from Gap, they are the perfect combo of comfort and style…the perfect combo!

These tassel earrings are all the rage right now and can retail for around $100! I made these babies all by myself and look for my next post for a tutorial.

Happy Wednesday.
Your friend in fashion…amy.

…MY SPRING CASUAL GO TO OUTFIT

The switch from winter clothes to full on spring attire can take some time, the unpredictable weather is mostly to blame. Now that most days are warm-ish (granted I’m always freezing), my lighter denim is on repeat.

I have been on the hunt for the ideal white jeans for years, the perfect amount of opacity, stretch and a mid rise. One of my biggest pet peeves about white jeans is when you can see the front interior pockets, so distracting and unflattering. Some genius at Gap designed these interior pockets in a blush fabric instead of white!

These very affordable jeans from Gap are my new fav and I have been wearing them too much! My sister-in-law picked up this tie front jersey denim top from BCBG MaxAzria and I adore it…it is a comfy as a typical tee but with some elevated style. The perfect contrast to white denim, I also love to wear this top with white jean shorts.

I am obsessed with these Ann Taylor raffia earrings, (see exhibit A, and B) they are extremely light weight and add such a statement to any summer ensemble…and they are a perfect match to my red lip! Did I mention that I love these earrings?

Style Tip: White jeans can be tricky and can show every lump and bump…first never buy skin tight white jeans, ever! Try to find a mid weight denim with opacity, stick your hand inside a leg and test for transparency. Lastly, do not purchase white jeans with more than 2% spandex content…unless a saggy white bum is the look you are after.

I found these Sam Edelman sandals at Winners last year, they are my first pair from this brand and I am hooked. The comfort is beyond and the fashion is never sacrificed, I am on the hunt for another pair to add to my collection.

Wishing you all a great Wednesday!
Your friend in fashion…amy.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHALLENGING YOURSELF

The past couple of months I have been in a bit of a funk, feeling impatient and frustrated…working hard at growing my business and blog and not seeing the results I desire. Granted, I’m a perfectionist and overachiever. So I sulked for a bit, then pulled up my big girl panties (lace thongs or spanx of course) and decided to do something creatively challenging.

I went to school for graphic design and it was my profession for many years, something I was good at and enjoyed. But fashion is where my heart is and I will find my path…it is just taking a little longer than anticipated. Often I miss designing/drawing and I like to keep up my skill set so I don’t get too rusty.

InStyle magazine is my favourite magazine, the fashions always on trend and attainable for both myself and my clients. If you are a reader you know they have a regular column titled “Real Style” where readers submit pics of how they have been inspired by an issue.

My challenge was to comb through a few months and dog ear inspirational outfits and then come up with my own versions using only pieces from my closet.

This took a lot of preplanning and really pushed me creatively and it was just what I needed to feel inspired again. Next, I put on my graphic design hat and meticulously started to recreate an InStyle double page spread, and I have to admit I am pleased with the results of my little pet project.

If you are feeling like you are in a funk I highly recommend challenging yourself and do something you once loved before your busy life got in the way. It could be making jewellery, scrapbooking, baking, running or try something new and out of your comfort zone. From my little experiment you will be rewarded with a feeling of pride, accomplishment and relaxation.

Let me know your self challenge…and how you make out, I would love to hear all about it.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Mine is packed full of baseball, triathlons, networking events and a family trip to Stratford Festival…phew!

Your friend in fashion…amy.

RUFFLES AND PUPPIES…WHAT COULD BE BETTER?

If you know me than you know my Morkie Coco is my most favourite accessory! I love that furball more than I care to admit. She gave me those adorable eyes as I was dashing  out the door to meet my handsome photographer and I thought she needs to make the blog this week.

I found this cute ruffled sleeve top at Zara and love the weight, look, feel and most of all the price tag. I feel very flirty and feminine and wanted to contrast this with some distressed denim and lace up sandals.

Style Tip: If volume and ruffles are out of your wheelhouse pair the piece with something edgy…leather or distressed denim.

Some statement earrings are all I need to finish the look (similar here). I also went with straight hair and if you have long locks slick them back or topknot it.

I still love these lace up Marc Fisher sandals, the perfect mix of style and comfort. These Franco Sarto’s are a close second and on my wish list.

Wishing you all a wonderful week, muah!
Your friend in fashion…amy.

COMME OUT AND PLAY

Happy Wednesday everyone…May is just flying by, although the weather does not match the calendar. This wet weather has put a damper (literally) on my blog photo shoots, so this is an indoor shoot in my husband’s shop.

When I was out shopping with a client I spied this Comme des Garcon tee shirt I was smitten. I know it has a hefty price tag but I was willing to pay for it and I would never, ever, ever buy a knock off! My sister-in-law and I are always on the hunt for graphic tees they are so versatile and can instantly make any outfit hip and current.

Style Tip: Pair a graphic tee with a pleated midi skirt or floral trousers, make sure at least one colour is common in both pieces.

I love this casual outfit for running errands or I have worn it out shopping with a client.

I just got these new ‘Miss’ Stan Smith sneakers and they are like walking on a cloud…a streamlined version of the classic Stan Smith which I am also obsessed with (last worn here).

And this is me being an ass.
Your friend in fashion…amy.

SPORTY, SPICE…AND EVERYTHING AT A GREAT PRICE

I bought this pleated midi skirt from Banana Republic (also love this one) last season and I wasn’t sure how to style it, yes even I get stumped sometimes. I was flipping through my InStyle magazine and got inspired by an article on mixing polo shirts with flowy bottoms…modern and genius!

I scored this fitted Lacoste polo from Winners, but I think the quality is worth paying full price. I paired my casual shirt with statement earrings from Banana Republic that pick up the green in my gator. Since cutting my hair short I have a bit of an obsession with statement earrings.

Style Tip: Try wearing your  fancy statement jewellery with casual pieces in your wardrobe…anyone can try this look to feel fresh and modern.

These black chunky Nine West sandals (similar here) help ground the outfit and I threw on a thick black belt with leopard accents…because why not?

What are you up to this weekend? Levi has a ballgame tomorrow and Ava has her first triathlon of the season Sunday, hoping the rain holds off…I am so over this wet Spring!!

Your friend in fashion…amy.

LACE IT UP

I found this incredible classic lace Chloe top at Winners for an absolute steal (like I think they should have moved the decimal place over)…but who am I to question their pricing. I happily skipped to the checkout and made my purchase!

The weather here has been cooler and wetter than usual…kinda depressing really. But yesterday was simply sunny and glorious!

I paired this very feminine top with my fav distressed crops to give it some edge and I absolutely love this look.

And these are my magical Alexander Wang booties that are just the coolest, right?

Today is my son Levi’s 8th birthday. Look at that little angel, it brings a few tears to my eyes when I realize how quickly time does pass us by. I am surprising his class with McFlurries later…I am so excited to see his face! I am so proud to be his Mom and he has the biggest heart of anyone I know.

Here in Canada we have a long weekend, the unofficial start to summer…yeah right! But we will enjoy the extra day off probably wearing our toques.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Your friend in fashion…amy.