Author: amydressed

MY NEW OBSESSION WITH BODYSUITS…HEAR ME OUT.

This time of year we all struggle a bit with what to wear, the forecast says a warm afternoon but it is downright chilly when we are leaving in the mornings.

Style Tip: The key to transitional dressing is you guessed it layering. Choose a thin base layer and add a blazer, cardigan, scarf or all three depending on how cold your day starts…then peel them off one by one as need be.

Clearly I have something to say, I am probably professing my new fashion obsession…bodysuits! I have been wanting them to come around for years!

Bodysuits are perfect for a streamlined silhouette…no tucking, bunching or underwear required. I have a few now and find myself constantly adding them in my rotation.

Here are a few links, give one a try and let me know if you love them as much as I do.
Ballet Back Bodysuit (this is the one I am wearing), Ballet Back Striped Bodysuit, Sleeveless Bodysuit (picture this under a pencil skirt), Floral Off Shoulder Bodysuit, Ponte Scoop Back Bodysuit (the perfect underpinning), Button Down Bodysuit (no tucking required).

Peep toe booties are the perfect transitional item, these are old from Banana Republic…other amazing styles here, here and here.

Have a great Wednesday Fashionistas!
Your friend in fashion…amy.

The weather here in Southern Ontario has been downright chilly…we didn’t have much of a summer at all (I only got to wear my cute new romper once). As my son would say ‘If you can’t beat ’em join ’em’, that boy just cracks me up.

Below are links to beautiful Fall dresses for under $200, so many options at such an affordable price point. I selected a variety embracing all of the current trends….bell sleeves, prairie florals and the colour red, oh my! Many of them also transition perfectly from day to night, enjoy!

Banana Republic Bell Sleeve Dress  $170

Aritzia Pleated Midi Dress  $175

Gap Printed Maxi Dress  $100

Free People Sweater Dress  $148

Tahari Bell Sleeve Shift Dress  $189

California Moonrise Burnout Floral Dress  $75

Ann Taylor Orchid Tie Front Dress  $180

Le Chateau Lace & Chiffon Dress  $150

Club Monaco Turtleneck Knit Dress  $198

Wishing you a wonderful day.
Your friend in fashion…amy.

COOLER WEATHER ALREADY…sigh

I  realize it’s Friday, but somehow this post missed going out…this week seemed long enough already! These kids are getting bored and restless and this mom is starting to lose her s*%t! I love them more than anything in this world but we all need our routine back.

This week it has been on the cool side, down right chilly in the mornings! I still haven’t got to wear all of my rompers yet…hopefully a few hot days will be peppered in September.

Perfect weather to pull out my fav leather moto vest (last worn here), I slipped it on over a classic white tee (these are my all time fav’s) and distressed cropped jeans.

Style Tip: Layering is the key to drastic temperature change throughout the day. Start with a tee or tank and layer a thin bomber jacket or blazer or try the vest as a modern take, a vest looks great layered over a long sleeve tee or blouse.

I just purchased these kicks from the Coach x Keith Haring collaboration. They are so cool and comfy and I see myself wearing them all the time to amp up a classic dress, skirt or jeans.

To all my fellow moms out there…one more week!

We can get through, right?
Your friend in fashion…amy.

DISTRESSED DENIM & LEATHER JACKET EDITION

When I was scrolling through my feed I realized it has been forever since I did a SvsS post (this is the last one)…what took me so long? These are one of my favourite challenges, granted I am still an advocate of buying the best quality pieces your budget allows but we all need those trendy pieces to fill in the gaps.

SPLURGE TOTAL $19,091
1. Gucci  $4,200
2. Versace  $11,300
3. Iro  $1,500
4. Self Portrait  $771
5. 3.1 Phillip Lim  $885
6. Grlfrnd  $435

STEAL TOTAL $398
1. Aldo  $65
2. Baublebar  $35
3. H&M  $80
4. Topshop  $54
5. Aldo  $110
6. Gap  $54

We are off this week for some holidays, looking forward to some much needed family time.

Have a great week!
Your friend in fashion..amy.

SUMMER SALES ARE ON

Okay ladies and gents…all the best summer sales are in full swing. Buy now to wear now and into Autumn. Put on your walking shoes and hit the mall or put on your robe (or not) and shop online now!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

GAP Sale up to 70% off

Brown Shoes up to 70% off

Ann Taylor Semi Annual Sale

Hudson Bay Clearance

Aldo Sale 50% off

J Crew Sale on Sale

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

A FUN & EASY DIY PROJECT

Tassels are all the rage this summer (last worn here), they are on everything! This is a fun trend I wanted to explore…some of these tantalizing tassels cost a pretty penny ($100.00+). Because I can be a crafty fashionista, I decided to make some myself and you can too.  Here are a few inspiration pieces I worked from…

Off to the craft store, where I got lost in the embroidery floss aisle for quite a long time…the colours were so rich and gorgeous.

SUPPLY LIST
-embroidery floss (3 colours) x2 bundles
– earring hooks x2
– jump rings x2
– metallic thread (silver or gold)
– sharp scissors
– jewellery pliers

Here we go…

Step 1: String a jump ring through an embroidery floss until it’s approximately in the middle, fold the floss in half.

Step 2: Tightly wrap the metallic thread around the floss as shown above, tightly secure with a knot and trim.

Step 3: Trim the ends with very sharp scissors to the desired length of tassel.

Step 4: Ta da…ta tassel! Repeat using all embroidery floss and you will have six completed tassels which can be used on our earrings or anything else your crafty little heart desires!

Step 5: Attach the earring hooks to the jump rings on the top yellow tassels. Thread a needle and insert it into the centre of the teal bottom tassel and out the top, follow with the middle green tassel and end with the yellow top tassel and secure with a knot at the top of the yellow tassel, trim.

Step 6: The finished product…wear them this summer and be right on trend for a fraction of the price.

Here is another DIY tassel project if you are feeling extra crafty, above are some inspirations. I scored these cute blue gladiator sandals at Walmart in the clearance section for $7.00. I made many tassels and adhered them with crazy glue to create this fun expensive looking sandal.

I enjoyed these tassel projects, it reminded me that being crafty and thrifty is fun and very relaxing.

Wishing you a wonderful day.
Your friend in fashion…amy.

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.