Category Archives: guest posts

all in the details: classic black satchel

{Editor’s Note: I love Thursdays…and not just because I get a day off. Kate always shows me something I haven’t seen before, and gives me all sorts of new wardrobe ideas. But today, she really has me scooped! I didn’t even know about Joy Gryson’s newest line, IIIBeca, until I saw today’s pick. Check out the entire IIIBeca line while you’re at it…Gryson never misses!}

For a girl who has a lot of handbags, it’s a wonder how they don’t show up on the column more often! With fall on the horizon (I’m sorry to all those who are still basking in summer’s glow, but my brain is in full leaf-changing colour mode), thoughts inevitably turn into that “back-to-school” mindset…regardless of your age or association with academics. As per usual, classic polished collegiate lines quietly find their way into fall’s inspiration, particularly with ladylike satchels. Always in the market for that great black bag, new to the scene IIIBeCa’s North Moore Satchel is right on target.

North Moore Satchel, IIIBeCa, $188

With an adjustable shoulder strap, and dual handles it works as both a true “hand”-bag and as a shoulder tote. An additional great feature is the removable nylon pouch. Though available in a variety of other colours, I’m partial to black as it never goes out of style and really suits the understated shape. It’s a substantial enough size to fit your necessities without fearing the entrance into oversized borderline briefcase land.

This bag leans more towards the side of basic, and can be countered with foundations with visual interest. A black and white herringbone sleeveless blouse with a ruffled collar balances out sapphire coloured ankle-length jeans. Working with a basis of primary colours and black, adding a mustard toned sweater either over the top or nonchalantly tied around one’s shoulders would be my solution to any sort of coolness in the air (and I am a sucker for a good elbow patch).

Nicky Herringbone Top, J.Crew, $128 / Coloured Ankle Jean, Talbots, $90 / Elbow Patch Sweater, Banana Republic, $60

Your foundations borderline on colour blocking, the remainder of the details should be clean cut and simple. Black pumps or ballet flats would be a natural fit, but a slim cut oxford plays with the quirky collegiate tone of the look. Layer a couple of oversized bracelets to bring back a little femininity, and simple gold and black studs. Grab a pair of matte black sunglasses, leave your hair with a touch of texture and movement, and sport a bold orange-red toned lip – a subtle nod to the fact that it is still in fact summer.

Lipstick in Chili Flake, Face Stockholm for J.Crew, $24 / Black Studs, Kate Spade, $38 / Joyce Oxfords, Bass, $79 / Breslin Sunglasses, Raen, $142 / Lindsey Bracelet, Loren Hope, $58 / Corrin Bracelet, Loren Hope, $65

Taking a refined school uniform cue from the bag lets you play with ladylike accents and menswear inspirations all in a single outfit. There’s a certain spontaneity with this look and a refined playfulness that one can really only achieve by remembering that it’s all in the details.  ~ Kate

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all in the details: joie day dreaming flats

Smoking slippers are all the rage for autumn. While they’ve always had a place in the preppy summer wardrobe, the style is certainly going mainstream for late summer and really gearing up for the cooler months. I’ve seen a lot of suede and velvet offerings and my fair share of animal printed ponyhair in trying to determine the right fit for my wardrobe, but the ones that I feel absolutely obliged to share with you are these excellent red/black patterned ones from Joie.

Day Dreaming Flats, Joie, $175

The colour is vivid enough to stand out, but the pattern subtle enough to blend in. I particularly enjoy an orange/red tone for fall, and the combination of a black pattern with brown leather.

I’d naturally pair clean classic lines with a shoe like this, and but can’t resist the challenge of adding an additional pattern. Start with black ankle-length pants (to show off those fabulous shoes), and either be a little adventurous pairing pattern with pattern in the form of a classic red and white stripe, or add subtle colour with a blue button-down.

Pencil Stripe Pullover, Madewell, $58 / Cafe Capri, J.Crew, $90 / Classic Dress Shirt, Brooks Brothers, $90

For either stripes or solids, you have an opportunity to play with the mix of black and brown. Picking up on the Lucy crossbody bag from Botkier that Becki mentioned a few weeks ago, the small size and gold chain handle serves as a great base. This inspires a basic tan belt, and a brown and gold double strap watch. Sporting stripes? Skip a necklace and go with interesting oversized studs with a slightly retro feel, and a gold chain-link bracelet. Basking in blue? Keep with the colour palette of the shoes and add a graphic red necklace, plain gold studs, and perhaps a scarf tied on the side of the bag that mimics the pattern on your flats.

Smooth Leather Belt, Gap, $30 / Lucy Crossbody, Botkier, $295 / Chain Link Scarf, Banana Republic, $60 / Peyton Watch, Michael Kors, $225 / Urban Link Toggle Bracelet, Kenneth Cole, $45 / Button Earrings, Trina Turk, $44 / Knot Post Studs, Trina Turk, $45 / Resin Petal Necklace, Trina Turk, $100

Think about anchoring your outfit by combining classic shapes (boat-neck tees, oxford button-downs, and smoking flats) with patterns and colours as neutrals. Keeping a sense of consistency in the way that you inject a little visual interest in the classics is all in the details.  ~ Kate

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all in the details: alexis bittar wafer earrings

{Editor’s Note: Kate knows what I like. Those earrings! That tunic! I’m obsessed. Sadly, I better move fast – the earrings are selling out everywhere!}

Understated, but striking if you take a second look. Occasionally this is how I think accessories should best be described. It’s a conclusion that I came to when I was recently chatting about the addition of a couple of Alexis Bittar pieces to my own collection over on AnonymousChic. These  white and gold wafer earrings from Alexis Bittar caught my eye, and certainly fit the bill when it comes to being characterized as light and chic.

Gold Wafer Earring, Alexis Bittar, $150

These earrings are simply stylish, and still stunning – a way to heighten the look of an outfit without going overboard. They tread the line between casual (the colour and hammered gold) and dressy, which gives the impression of having put in a little extra effort.

Given the classic style of the earrings, I would either mimic the simplicity (white button-down and jeans) or use them to counter a print. In this instance, I’ve opted for a neutral printed tie-waist tunic from Tory Burch paired with easy navy shorts. Once autumn arrives, swap the shorts for slim cut navy pants or skinny jeans for a seamless transition. When wearing patterns let the colours influence the remainder of the outfit – picking up on accent tones (navy and white) or the base colour of the print (a deep blush-nude taupe tone).

Hana Tunic, Tory Burch, $295 / Cotton Stretch Shorts, Brooks Brothers, $49

The rest of the details should play into similar tones, colour palettes, and style (both in terms of the pattern of the tunic and the simplicity of the earrings), creating a cohesive theme. When pairing accessories with a longer earring, skip the necklace and use one bold item on the wrists.  Start with oversized sunglasses, and then pair a gold watch with a navy bracelet. Use basic nude flats to ground the outfit, and a structured bag to balance to balance the casual nature. If you’re really feeling like highlighting these excellent earrings, pull your hair up into a messy ponytail, otherwise refined beachy waves will keep the outfit from looking overdone.

Oversized Sunglasses, Michael Kors, $66 / Gramercy Crystal Watch, Kate Spade, $250 / Medium Crystal Detail Bangle, Sequin, $28 / Shirley Flat, Elie Tahari, $195 / Classic Satchel, Cambridge Satchel Company, $120

This tunic would always look great, as it’s a well-designed and interesting piece all on its own. What takes it from being a great top, to being an all-together stylish outfit is how the rest of the pieces complement it. Often with style, it’s all in the details.  ~ Kate

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all in the details: margaret elizabeth cocktail ring


{Editor’s Note: The always-lovely Kate is back with a pick I’m going to be scooping up the second I hit publish. This ring is too pretty for words…the only thing it’s missing is my finger. But the real question: why oh why don’t those fab ankle boots come in my size? Tragic.}

Thus far the details have ranged from handbags to shoes, necklaces to earrings and bracelets…but where are the rings! Clearly we’re due for something with a touch of sparkle to don on our digits. Rough cut stones are always great, as they look equally lovely with a button down and sleek pencil skirt, as they do with a flirty summer dress. This particular choice from Margaret Elizabeth features a stack of seafoam chalcedony, green onyx, and clear quartz stones set in gold.

Bezel Set Stackable Ring, Margaret Elizabeth, $154

Summer mornings call for as little thought as possible, and the solution can always be found in a dress. This striped option from Club Monaco picks up on the cool tones of the ring appearing inspired as opposed too dangerously matchy. For a cooler evening, or even just a little added style, I’d reach for a dusky army green safari-esque jacket to keep with the colour palette and not compete with the stripes of the dress.

Canvas Military Jacket, Gap, $80 / Nora Silk Dress, Club Monaco, $160 / Belted Safari Jacket, Vince Camuto, $69

As for the other details, my thoughts were utterly preoccupied with gold and sea-glass tones. A broken arrow belt adds unique interest to the dress, and wearing a single bold bangle on the opposite wrist will help to balance the ring. Opting to coordinate the earrings with the ring, I’d suggest some basic teardrops in either seafoam (if your hair runs on the lighter side) or green onyx (if your hair is a darker tone) that are simple and subtle. A deep green flat, and a funky but functional transitional tote rounds things out and keeps with the rustic oceanic palette for summer. Feeling a little autumnal already? Swap the flats for worn-in ankle boots, picking up on the rougher nature of the jacket.

Twinset Bangle, Henri Bendel, $118 / Green Onyx Teardrops, Margaret Elizabeth, $98 / Racing Green Henriettas, London Sole, $245 / Steel Bedford Kit, MZ Wallace, $395 / Seafoam Teardrops, Margaret Elizabeth, $98 / Broken Arrow Belt, Madewell, $25 / Horrigan Wrap Strap Booties, H by Hudson, $312

This week was inspired by something as small and simple as a stack of unassuming rings. Letting the green tones guide your intuition in setting the colour palette reminds one never to underestimate that it’s all in the details.  ~ Kate

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all in the details: kate spade kalla

{Editor’s Note: Oh, I adore these shoes! And while I have to admit, I’m usually a wee bit skeptical of khakis, I trust Kate implicitly. So, if she says khakis…well, I’ll at least try them on. Any excuse at all to sport those fabulous heels. Nice pick, Kate!}

I’m always partial to a little colour in my world, so thank goodness for colour blocking and summer trends always being in tune with that sentiment.  It looks like the trend is going to be making a subtle transition into fall as well, so even more reason to find a way to work it into one’s wardrobe.  These heels (a new pre-fall release from Kate Spade) definitely follow suit, and provide an excellent source of outfit inspiration.

Kalla Heel, Kate Spade, $328

The colour combination and styling of these shoes is incredibly classic, and yet right on trend. The teal and yellow combination makes them appropriate for late summer cocktails, and yet they’ll feel equally at home as autumn arrives and earthy, leaf-changing tones become apparent. Kate Spade heels are always one of my favourites – despite the height, I never feel like I’m teetering around. They’re sturdy, and surprisingly comfortable (though I’d still recommend breaking these in by throwing a small solo dance party in your living room while wearing thick wool socks in the shoes).

For the foundations, I’d keep it neutral.  Lighter-toned bottoms courtesy of a pencil skirt or khaki cigarette pants won’t compete with the shoes.  Remembering that it’s still summer, I’d go with a relaxed dark blue tank.  Given the style of the shoes, your outfit should aim to maintain a casual but refined nature.

Heritage Ankle Jean, Talbots, $90 / Blue Depths Tank, Trouve, $54 / No.2 Pencil Skirt, J.Crew, $70

The other details are a great place to play with extra colour, so that it becomes a series of surprise accents. Try jeweled earrings that pick up on the tones of the shoes, accented by a simple stack of interesting bangles. On the other hand, bold coloured studs and a coordinating long necklace might be more your style. In either case, if you’re in the mood to tuck in the shirt, I’d add a bright patent skinny belt – because I can’t resist a touch of fuchsia.  Add a small yellow cross-body bag, and you’re set.

Clear Sea Earrings, Anthropologie, $32 / Wire Nugget Bangles, Citrine by the Stones, $287 / New Bond Street Ettie, Kate Spade, $248 / Skinny Patent Belt, J.Crew, $40

Given the shoes, the outfit should really make an effort to string together fun summer colours.  They should inspire you to be playful yet refined…something easy to achieve when it’s all in the details.  ~Kate

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all in the details: geometric statements!

{Editor’s Note: Oh, summer…the only time of the year I’d even consider trying to pull off this stunning statement-maker. Thanks for making me dream big, Kate!}

Bold necklaces are one of the easiest ways to transform an outfit, and a great way to add saturated pops of colour.  If you can find a reasonably priced trendy necklace, it makes appearing pulled together and completely contemporary an absolute breeze.  Geometry, a touch of tribal, and concentrated pastels all come together in this particular necklace from Zara.

Necklace with Coloured Geometric Panels, Zara, $20

It’s easy to overdo the feminine vibe in summer, so the slight touch of edginess in this necklace is a great counterpoint, and the fresh seasonal colours keep it current. It’s an excellent “no-thought” piece. You could even accessorize with just this, and let earrings, bracelets, and the rest of the works be completely optional (…not that I’d ever be caught advocating for that…). Given the colours, length of the necklace, and size of the piece, though bold, it’s not going to look the same on everyone. There are a phenomenal number of ways to style this that move from day to night, and casual to corporate.

Black Blazer, Zara, $80 / Molly Mid-Rise Jeans, Mavi, $55 / Denim Shirt, Lands’ End, $40

Since white jeans are such a summer staple (the finer points of which were discussed by our dear editor not long ago), this week’s foundation uses those as a base. What works about using this as a foundation to your outfit is that they balance out the necklace as opposed to either one taking centre stage. Paired either with a black blazer (this particular one from Zara has a little stretch and is great for summer) and white tee for a more polished look, or a classic denim shirt, the jeans can really take on your own personal style. Either option gives off that cool and confident vibe, letting the necklace speak volumes without competing with the other components of your outfit.

Ball Studs, Ralph Lauren, $24 / Ball & Chain Bracelet, Carol Marie, $58 / Woven Hobo, Sondra Roberts, $268 / Kimry Wedge, Cole Haan, $198 / Achilees, Steve Madden, $60

I know I said you could get away with absolutely no other accessories, but I wouldn’t be living up to my job as a details junkie if I didn’t include at least a few picks.  Add oversized silver bead studs, a coral lip, and a bold but refined brushed silver bracelet that echoes the chain and bead detail of the necklace. Shoes should be of the black, strappy, and full of attitude variety, whether you go with a flat gladiator or something with a bit of a heel. Add a casual black hobo bag, and easy summer waves in your hair, and nonchalance might just become your middle name.

This week is about balance, about adding striking details to classic pieces. As always, it’s all in the details.  ~Kate

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all in the details: tory burch tribal scarf

{Editor’s Note: Welcome back, Kate! Today, it’s all about scarves…which, I swear, totally work for summer! Trust her.}

Lightly woven scarves are my summer transition piece and perpetual security blanket. As a cool evening breeze blows in, or for the odd overcast day, the last thing I want to be doing is sacrificing the bright bold hues of summer just on account of the weather! While light and bold options are a dime a dozen this year, one of my favourite finds is without a doubt this particular option from Tory Burch.

Combination Print Scarf, Tory Burch, $109

100% perfect-for-summer linen, an oblong rectangular shape, and a most interesting combination of lime-toned yellow-green, saturated orange, and a panel of magenta and bright pink…sign me up! When I first came across this scarf I was actually looking at another option, and this was just off to the side in the same display tray. The intriguing colours (and that on-trend chartreuse) were what clearly first caught my eye. This perfectly treads the line between bright and muted – the hues are summery, and yet I already know they’ll be equally at home in the fall with a leather jacket and boots.

When I first saw this scarf I thought “gauzy bright tank, black skirt, denim jacket”. But once I started sorting through my wardrobe, a totally different outfit spoke to me. For the foundations, I’d go the way of a black t-shirt, bright blazer (I’d go for green, but a bright pink would also work well), and your favourite skinny jeans. The best way to handle this scarf is to pull colours that are either in or reminiscent of those found in the scarf, then anchor it with dark staple pieces.

Favorite Scoop-Neck Tee, Eddie Bauer, $15 / Dark Rinse Always Skinny Jeans, Gap, $25 / Festival Blazer, J.Crew, $175

As an aside, if you’re looking to use the scarf to combat corporate air conditioning, just swap the jeans for black cigarette pants and you’re set.

Keeping in mind that the scarf may or may not be something that you wear consistently throughout the day, the additional details for for this outfit need to be able to hold their own. I love a long necklace and chunky stud earrings with a scarf, no matter the occasion. That being said, mid-length earrings and a stack of hammered bangles could also do the trick. Coordinating brightly coloured ballet flats are a must in my books (orange being my tone of choice), alongside a classic cognac bucket bag.

Crystal Necklace, Club Monaco, $70 / Crown Wax Seal Earrings, Pyrrha, $226 / Volcano Tumbled Leather Reva, Tory Burch, $195 / Classic Leather Duffle, Coach, $398

As bright and bold as this scarf is, it can really play the part of inspiring neutral in a summer wardrobe. Use it to guide the colour choices in your outfit, or just throw it on as you’re walking out the door so that you know you’ve hit the right accessories balance in your outfit. It’s all in the details! ~Kate

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all in the details: turquoise!

{Editor’s Note: Welcome back, Kate! This column is turning into such a guilty pleasure for me…every week, I spot at least three things I have to have. This time, it’s the earrings, the wedges and…oh, who am I kidding? I want it all!}

Summer always brings about a season of excellent accessories, and amongst them always manages to emerge a plethora of dangling earrings. Perhaps it’s because they’re an excellent balance to an otherwise simple wardrobe of solid coloured t-shirts and shorts, or maybe an inclination to avoid heavy arms of bracelets and statement necklaces, to accent ponytails or messy top-knots. Whatever the case, from eye-catching chandeliers to tribal inspired stunners, fun shapes and colours always seem to be hanging from fish-hook posts through the lobes of my ears.

This particular pair from Anthropologie, going by the name Clustered Curves is a new favorite of mine. The minty-blue turquoise pearly beads backed by light-catching crystals are excellent. Physically light and striking a balance between bold and dainty, these earrings pack punch without draining dollars from your wallet.

Clustered Curves Earrings, Anthropologie, $28

The colour is what instantly drew me in. Offset by a very light and delicate gold, they’re an easy way to hop on the mint/turquoise bandwagon without investing in skinny jeans or a flirty skirt that also bears that particular hue. What I also find attractive about these is that the crystals are just enough to catch the sunlight…without looking ostentatious.

I quietly live in a state of just-beneath-the-surface fear of wearing inappropriately loud earrings, thus I’m usually inclined to steer clear of the chandelier shape, but these truly pose no cause for concern.

Given the polished feminine nature of the earrings, they yearn to be styled one of two ways. On one hand I’d opt for a navy maxi-dress (there’s amazing rope detailing on the back of this particular selection) and white denim jacket – and yet on the other a navy blazer, white tee, and (if you’re a little daring) mint shorts would be lovely.

Navy Rope Cowl Maxi Dress, Bloomingdales, $98 / Lindsay Optic White Jacket, True Religion, $196 /
Navy Linen Schoolboy Blazer, J.Crew, $175 / Mint Chino Shorts, TopShop, $50

With either ensemble, I’d keep the details the same: a bold ring or a fun stack of bracelets, a tan cross-body bag, and simple strappy wedge sandals. Pull your hair up and back into a messy-yet-pulled-together bun and don a lovely pink hue on your lips.

Bridgewalk Sandals, Madewell, $175 / Kiss Me Deadly Bracelets, Vanessa Mooney, $42 / Wixon Purse, J.Crew, $198 / Turquoise Slice Ring, Michael Kors, $85

The point is to let the earrings (and your equally sparkling personality) do the talking for the outfit. Minimalist but dazzling, poised yet playful – these are the duos of adjectives that people should be using…both with regards to the earrings and the darling dame wearing them.  ~ Kate

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