Friends, it is my most fervent hope that, whatever stresses and calendar obligations might befall you this summer, you have at least one day blocked off to do…absolutely nothing. And ideally, you’ll be doing all that nothing poolside, with a cocktail in hand (or at least a glass of wine). poolside style Read on
When I got back from Paris and gave you all my secret formula for how to dress like a French girl, so many of you asked if I could update it for warmer temps. And I totally get it – it is infinitely harder to look chic when it’s hot out. Layering isn’t an option, hemlines and humidity rise, and you end up spending the entire summer in a threadbare tee and a cotton skirt with an elastic waist. Which is not without its charms, but…sometimes, we still want to pull it together. So, over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some looks that are perfect Paris summer style solutions. Read on
Oh, Emerson Fry. Why must you be so very, very good at reinventing classics? At making them everything I was looking for but couldn’t find, and maybe even just a little bit better than I’d hoped?
As usual, EF’s spring collection is full of pieces I’m already mentally adding to my closet, but really, it’s this Biker Jacket that has me in a sad state of pining. I’ve been dreaming of the perfect perfecto, the best leather jacket my credit card could buy, for ages. Years, in fact. And I think, perhaps, it’s finally here. Read on
As I think you know by now, I’m a big believer in finding ways to make trends work for me, instead of having to change my wardrobe and comfort level to suit the trend. The truth is that I’m at that point in my life where I know what I’ll wear, what flatters me, and what belongs in my closet. And I worked hard to get here! Sure, I find a piece or two to push the envelope just a bit every season, but overall, running blindly after every trend that struts by just isn’t my thing.
To wit, I thought you’d like to take a peek at what I’ve actually been buying so far for spring. Ready for a little stroll through my closet? Read on
I can count on one hand the number of brands whose seasonal launches I genuinely wait for. The ones I hound the designer about, to see what the launch date will be, and log on first thing that morning to see what’s in store.
Yes, I can count them on one hand, and Emerson Fry is one of them. Every single season, they come up with pieces that I wouldn’t have considered, that push my boundaries just a smidge, yet that will fit into my closet so seamlessly, I can’t possibly say no. Read on
Kate M.W. ~ Around this time of year, I start demanding something a little different from my handbags. Sure, my day-to-day work-appropriate classics still reign Monday to Friday, but I’m now looking for something that longs for casual kick-around weekends and that can stand up to the structured jackets and tendency towards layers that my wardrobe takes on. I look for duffel or hobo bags whose focus isn’t necessarily structure, and whose colour isn’t limited to black. When I came across the Sea Duffel from AANDD I immediately stopped: deep wine colour, playful rope accents, and just enough shape to keep from looking disheveled.
Sea Duffel, AANDD, $484
Inspired by the rope detailing, I immediately thought of stripes (blame the nautical connection) but opted for a sweater that could easily be a foundation for many an outfit. Though there’s a natural tendency to use dark wash denim, your favourite medium or light-wash jeans still work at this time of year and contrast nicely with the depth of the navy in the sweater and the colour of the bag. And of course, since I’m known for arguing that a good jacket is a fall fundamental, I’d look for an option that provides ample contrast: an olive green with a particularly structured nature. That, and this particular one from Emerson Fry was just too good to resist (apologies for retail indulgences!).
Etienne Bar Stripe Crew Sweater, Cardigan, $195 / Matchstick Jeans, J.Crew, $148 / Army Coat, Emerson Fry, $485
In an effort to make sure that the details of the outfit aren’t too distracting, I’d stick with one category and go from there. Since the sweater already has stripes, I’d skip a necklace and go straight for a wristful of bracelets and simple pearl studs in my ears. Mimic the olive tone of the coat with this woven chain option, a cool pearl-capped bangle, and an oversized tortoise shell link to bring in the colour of the handbag. Speaking of that colour, dare to let it nearly match when you’re choosing your footwear, in this case a pair of classic boots. Either let your jeans hang down over the tops, or unzip them slightly at the back and let your jeans rumple down into the top of the boot. On a brisk but bright day, bring in your favourite navy-based scarf and classic shades.
Monogram Plush Wrap, Banana Republic, $75 / North Country Boots, Anthropologie, $258 / Highstreet Sunglasses, Ray-Ban, $145 / Pearl-Cap Bangle, Majorica, $85 / Oversized Pearl Studs, Juliet & Company, $21 / Woven Charm Bracelet, Brooks Brothers, $68 / Tortoise Link Bracelet, Loren Hope, $40
Inspired by a bag like this, it’s easy to make sure that adjectives like playful and fun don’t get lost amongst the layers of autumn, since by now we all know that they’re easy to play up, if you keep it all in the details.
For those (like me) that missed the memo, Emersonmade is now Emerson Fry. They were wonderful before, but the brand has grown by leaps and bounds, and well, there’s no other way to say it: if there’s one girl I want to be this fall, this is her:
Well done, don’t you think?