Tag Archives: bass

currently coveting: MiH jeans

I have what friends might lovingly call a denim problem. Because I work from home, and because I live in a pretty casual part of the world (hello, fleece lovers!), I spend an exorbitant amount of time in jeans. To the point that I’ve had to have the seats in my car replaced because they’re covered in denim dye. Truly, I’ve tried to stop. But what are my alternatives? Cords? No. They make strange sounds when you walk, and leave woefully unflattering color changes when you sit. Khakis? Absolutely not. Have you ever looked at your backside in a pair of khakis?

So, what’s a girl to do?

As it turns out, the solution lies with those impossibly stylish folks at MiH Jeans. They singlehandedly resurrected the trouser/flare jean a few years back (for which I’m still thanking them), and now they’ve just launched their latest and greatest: a collection that translates their signature denim fits into a whole range of perfectly-fitting casual pants to get us through the winter.

The beauty of MiH, as with all denim, is the fit – and friends, the fits at MiH are absolutely dreamy, whatever your figure. They espouse a more structured style, which is very good news for your physique (though it does mean sizing up, so be prepared).

If you’re petite, you’re going to adore their Brighton, a cropped mid-rise style that should land right in that ultra-flattering base-of-the-calf/top-of-the-ankle zone and sit comfortably above your hips. I’m thoroughly in love with this grey flannel version which is, let’s face it, about as versatile as it gets.

 

Brighton in grey flannel, MiH, $202 / Dream colorblock sweater, J.Crew, $98 / Wayfarer in gold, Bass, $91 /
Wendy Necklace, Grayling, $120 / Mini Gabriella crossbody, Milly, $198 / Gold stud earrings, Marco Bicego, $405

And for my tall girls, have you met the MiH Marrakesh? Long, lean, and a stunner whether you have curves or not, this high-waisted flare does some gorgeous things for a figure, trust me. I’m head over heels for this one in hunter twill, which has such a fresh feel after all of those colored skinny jeans we were inundated with all summer.

Marrakesh in hunter twill, MiH, $205 / Hunter tee, Club Monaco, $90 / Gala jacket, Helmut, $460 /
Geo panel tote, Topshop, $190 / Sylvia Piping boot, Frye, $320 / Crystal bracelet, Zara, $26

(For the record, I can’t think of the last time I styled something in which I wanted every.single.piece. quite so badly. That blazer? Those boots? The leather-trim tee? Come on!)

If you love them as I do, don’t dally…shell out some support for MiH’s daring adventure into the world of casual pants, and let’s see if we can turn them into this season’s staples. Vote with your wallets, people!

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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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falling for…loafers

Today’s guest post comes from a favorite blogger of mine, Kate of Anonymous Chic. She’s a first-class writer with serious style, and she’s not afraid to speak her mind. Oh, and she’s Canadian to boot (which means, among other things, that she gets to spell “colour” with a “U” – jealous!). With all that going for her, I knew she’d fit right in. So, I was thrilled she agreed to school us on a topic near and dear to my heart this time of year: fall footwear.

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Fall and winter are a time for indulgence in fabulous boots, but I refuse to lock myself into one footwear genre for two entire seasons…and I’m sure I’m not alone in that opinion. My go-to solution once the colder months roll around is a great pair of loafers. They are absolutely appropriate either barefoot or paired with socks (my inner preppy craves subtly coloured argyle or bold stripes). The great thing about loafers is the degree of creativity that they allow. No matter your taste, there’s a pair for everyone.

A key when considering them for colder months is their level of “weather appropriateness”. I live in that snowy place north of the 49th parallel (…that’s Canada, for those of you who are geographically challenged), so I’ll always opt for something with a good structured sole and patent leather. The only time I break that rule is when I’m looking for a good excuse to change out of horridly practical winter boots, but into something that still accommodates comfort and warmth. Considering there’s a serious collegiate kick in a lot of Fall/Winter styles this year, loafers are the kind of nostalgic nod that could be a practical and fashionable addition to your footwear wardrobe.

At one end of the spectrum lies your “fits like a glove” driving loafers. These are the pairs I’d recommend if you’re looking for something stylish for a commute that isn’t slippery, or as something comfy to change into at the office. The defining pair from this category is clearly Tod’s, definitely an investment piece in any wardrobe, but I will testify, they are well worth saving up finding your favourite.

Tod’s Heaven Laccetto Driving Moc, $445

Tory Burch has recently done a couple of great metallic versions that definitely add a little subtle sparkle to the mix if you’re look for a petite bit of pizzazz for these bleak months.

Tory Burch Kendrick driver, $275

If you’re in the mood for something more weather-friendly or structured, head to the classic penny loafer. Bass or Sebago are classic preppy staples (the addition of a shiny new penny is absolutely optional). I’m thinking that this version in navy might be the next addition to my collection.

Bass Vanessa loafer in navy, $149

Another great option comes courtesy of Cole Haan. Great colours and contrast stitching, coupled with patent leather, equates to positively weather-friendly options. Two-tone options are also available if you’re up for being a touch more daring.

Cole Haan Air Sloane moc, $168

Need an in-between option? This patent leather version from Jeffrey Campbell will work for wet weather, and the driving loafer style means that you’ll feel as though you’re taking your daily stroll in custom-fit slippers all day.

Jeffrey Campbell Mocky Penny driving loafer, $83

Whatever you choose, here’s hoping that a great pair of loafers can be added to your fall and winter footwear fashions.

I’d also like to take an opportunity to thank Becki for two things: first for having an excellent blog, and second for having me on here. It’s always a treat to not only be reading one of your favourite blogs, but also to be contributing to its greatness makes it extra-special. Anonymous Chic

**The love is mutual, Miss Kate! xox, Becki**

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