Cozy

This is THE reason why I'm looking forward to fall every time summer ends. For me, cozy outfits are quite the uniform when it comes to fall weekends. Chunky sweaters, comfy boots, puffy vests and scarves are my fall go-to, in neutral colors (if you look at my wardrobe you can notice that stripes and leopard-print are in the neutral category- I own too many items with those prints!). On a fall day, I enjoy taking slow walks in lovely neighborhoods (with huge trees) where I can step on leaves (or even better, jump in piles of leaves!). I really appreciate those little things especially since fall is a season that goes by way too fast (and quickly gets replaced by freezing winters).

My friend Camille Brunelle helped me out again shooting these photos. I'm very lucky because as most of the leaves are gone and the temperatures have dropped here, I will be travelling down south in a few days and will be able to enjoy a few more weeks of my "fall uniform" while here people are all about winter tires and winter attire!

Sweater: American Apparel, High-waist jeans: American Apparel, Vest: J. Crew, Boots: Steve Madden ( at Macy's, sold out in this color, similar here), Leather pouch: Gap (sold out in leopard print), Scarf: Pieces at Vero Moda (old, bought on sale for 5$ !!)

Last Leaves

This weekend I was lucky enough to have my friend Camille Brunelle and her camera (and skills!) for a photoshoot. We took what I feel is my last fall walk before all the leaves have fallen. I always feel sad in the fall that such magnificient colors go by so fast.  They shouldn't be allowed to!  But I'm pretty sure they will be gone by the end of the week, as it is terribly windy here in Quebec. Well at least, it'll be just in time to create a spooky atmosphere for Halloween!

As you can see I am still obsessing over leather this fall and one leather skirt wasn't enough. I had to get a different one that is much more playful than my pencil skirt, that I actually wear to work. Denim and stripes make a perfect pair to wear with leather. I won't be able to wear over-the-knee socks for long and will have to switch to tights very soon...sadly!

Skirt: American Apparel (It's real leather. I suggest to wait to have a discount code in the newsletter!), Crop top: American Apparel, Denim jacket: H&M (old, you can still find good options in store), Socks American Apparel (they are "thigh-high". Don't do the mistake I did and buy the "over-the-knee" instead. I'm 5'9'' and still have to fold them over), Boots Jeffrey Campbell (Love 'em!).

Late fall also means I'm getting really excited for Halloween! I'm hosting a party at home...I still feel like a child when it comes to wearing costumes. Do you still get excited for Halloween? What will be your costume this year?

How to Wear: Pastels for Fall

I was very doubtlful when I first saw pastel was a huge trend this fall. Imagining myself looking like a peppermint bowl against a orange, red and yellow backdrop made me cringe. For me, fall has always been about plaid shirts and dark colors, like burgundy, mustard, hunter green, navy and grey. I must have been brainwashed because I am now starting to like what I see in other blogs and on Pinterest. I still haven't committed to anything yet. I needed to analyze the trend at a deeper level before taking the risk (and I am still skeptical)

But first, here are a few of the pictures that made me (start to) change my mind:

 Chictopia

 Found on a swedish blog

 Found on Pinterest, no source.

Kayture.com

Ahhh that last look... I could totally see myself wear this!

I think there are a few simple rules to follow while wearing pastels for fall:

1- Don't wear a color that makes you look sick. As much as I liked mint green last spring, I know that if my face is not tan, I just can't walk around wearing that color without looking like a zombie (I think it is almost the case in the second picture). I also noticed that the most popular pastel colors this fall are pink and blue.

2- Stick with 1 or 2 pastels at a time. You don't want to look like you're the easter bunny. Especially in fall... it's very out of place. When I say that, I'm excluding white. You can wear light pink and light blue and add a touch of white or cream, that's fine.

3- Choose your occasion. The pictures above all have another thing in common besides pretty women in pastel. They people are in a neutral or city setting. If you plan on picking apples or hiking in the forest or doing anything that involves pumpkins, autumn leaves and mud, forget about pastels. Plaid is as big as pastels (if not way more), so stick with the classics. You'll never go wrong.

So what do you think? Would you wear pastels for fall? Or would you wait for winter to have a matching environment (at least here in Canada)?

8 Annoying Things People Do on Pinterest

I really like Pinterest.

 It's an endless source of inspiration for anything, and while my wallet disagrees (it does makes me buy a little more), it also helps me reinvent my style with things I already have in my closet. However, I have noticed that some people do not fully understand how to use that awesome inspirational tool. I even created a board to pin all those "annoying" posts. Here is a few of my (least) favorite pins. Of course, I had to repin them so my name sits under, but the words are those of the original pinner. My apologies to those who read this and ever did one of those "mistakes" on Pinterest. Please don't take it personnaly, this is just for humor purposes. Obviously, this is my own opinion and I don't possess the truth about Pinterest. 

1. People who use Pinterest like it's Facebook: 

Ok this one is really obvious. Unless your husband is David Beckham, please don't post a picture of him on Pinterest. Pinterest = Pin + Interest. I would be surprised if random people became so Pinterested in your husband. 

2. People who don't pin in the right category:

(See bottom left pin; this is in the Women's Fashion category). This one is definitely not the worst. It even happened to me a couple of times, but when I noticed, I edited the pin to put it in the right category. It's just really annoying when you're trying to get some fashion inspiration and all you get is Halloween pumpkins and kale salads. 

3. People who pin things they don't really like:

Please. There are more than enough pins on Pinterest for you to pin a pair of black pumps that you actually like. The spikes DEFINE those shoes. If you don't like the essence of a pin, don't repin!

4. People who pin things that are undoubtedly a scam:

Those Ray-Bans are obviously fake. They look like they come from the dollar store. And there are many, many cheap choices that look better. Plus, the link doesn't even work. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. 

5. People who pin things they don't really agree with:

This is similar to #3 but even more obvious. If you agree with only one word out of three, then you disagree. Don't pollute!

6. People who try to get their boyfriends to propose by Pinterest or leave hints:

Nothing more to say. If you want to show something to someone, send the pin to the person. You can't tag people in pins, it's not Facebook.

7. People who don't know what they're talking about:

This one might surprise a few people. Breaking news! Chambray is not denim! This is the mistake I see the most (mistaking denim for chambray), but I've seen others: Mistaking tortoise for leopard, houndstooth for plaid or even for tweed!

If you want to know more about the difference between plaid and denim, read this:

http://makeupbytiffanyd.blogspot.ca/2013/04/denim-vs-chambray-fun-little-fashion.html

8. People who are just plain ridiculous:

This one actually regroups 2-3 different Pinterest no-nos! #6, #3 and #5. And also... why? Just...why?

But don't worry. If you have been doing some of those annoying pins, I don't hate you. It actually makes me laugh, so it's positive! I still feel like some advice needs to be shared for proper use of Pinterest (if you don't want to look lame):

1- Pin only what you really like (if you only like the color of the eyeshadow out of the whole look posted, don't pin).

2- Send pins to people if you want to show them something.

3- Don't tell the world about your life on Pinterest. We don't want to know this is your dream bikini for when you finally lose those those lingering 15 pounds. 

4- If you pin in the wrong category, please correct your mistake.

5- Verify your pins. Don't repin links to shady websites or bad pictures. 

6- If you wan't to pin something really ridiculous, you can use a secret board!

7- And again, Pinterest is not Facebook.

8- Nor Twitter.

9- Nor Instagram.

10- Fill free to repin any of my pins!

What do you think? Do you find these things annoying? What do you like about Pinterest? What do you dislike? 

October Wishlist: Going Grey-zaayyy!

Ok, I could have made a thousand lame puns here, but I didn't (50 shades of grey, grey's anatomy, dorian grey, etc.).  I guess I still needed to show the world I don't live in a cave and yes, I thought of them.

 

I don't know what is going on lately. I usually only like colors and think black, white or grey are boring. I guess the fashion trends are rubbing off on me, because I have been obsessing over black and white for a while and now, over grey. Some people trying to psychoanalyse me may think that's a sign that I'm depressed, but I think it's the opposite. I think that it actually means that I am genuinely happy and that I don't even need bright colors to cheer me up! Same with songs: I've had periods of my life where I couldn't stand sad songs, and now can't stop listening to them. I guess I know how to be Happily Grey... (if only).

 

There is something about the grey color that says "cozy". I love that there are so many (50? nope, more!) shades of grey and that there are even more different textures. From felt to suede to boucle and velvet, grey always seems soft and warm and is the perfect choice when temperatures start to drop. Plus, it reminds me of my cat's grey fur (there is NOTHING in the world softer than that. No, don't even try!). My cat's the cuddliest little living thing I've ever known so it adds up to my current love for grey. 

 

Here is my wishlist, and the details are here.

That grey topshop cocoon jacket is incredible. I would spend my whole winter in it if I owned it. A short leather bootie is a must this fall, as is a leather skirt. I already have a pencil skirt (for work), but I think a circle skirt is more fun for going out. I love baseball shirts, and this two-tone wool sweater is a great remix. In case you haven't noticed yet baseball caps are still huge and this fall, you can replace a colorful, printed one by a warmer felt version. Circle scarves are a must and a grey smokey eye, with a statement necklace and stud earrings, complement well an all-grey outfit.

 

 

I think the key to a mono(or bi)chromatic look is texture. The less colors you have, the more textures you need to have. Here is my equation. A look must always equal 3. The equation is colors + textures -1. So, if you have 1 color, you must have 3 textures to equal 3.

 

1 color + 3 textures -1 = 3.

 

For example, pair a black leather circle skirt with a cozy grey wool sweater!

Ok that whole equation thing is ridiculous, please don't start making calculations with your oufits. Just wear what feels and looks nice... but you get the picture. Don't overdo it with textures and colors and let yourself fade to grey!!!

 

What do you think? Are you also slowly starting to ditch your brights for darker tones?