As a designer and fashion lover, I’ve always had a thing for the Finnish design brand Marimekko. Known for their bright prints and bold patterns I was drawn to the natural playful and simple designs.
When Target launched a design collab with the brand last month (during the same weekend my parents were visiting NYC) I knew I was going to try to score some of the brands most famous prints made into new pieces. My parents killed it. This monochromatic outfit is one of my favourite looks.
Oh and I love the the tags, they tell you the history of the print you are wearing. My pants are Okariino meaning “ocarina” in Finnish and was designed in 1973. My shirt, which is actually terry cloth, was designed in 1986 and is named Ministeri, Finnish for “minister”.

Dress & Pants: Marimekko for Target, Shoes: Zara, Frames: Clearly, Coat: Banana Republic

Before Fall even officially starts, fashionistas were celebrating what is known as Fashion Month. Traveling to market across New York and Europe from designer shows to designer after-parties, showcasing what will be hot for Spring 2016. This is a time where we can preview the trends before they are out, and how to wear them by watching our favourite street style photographers’ social media accounts—who will snap celebs, international bloggers and models fresh off the runway.

The very talented Laura Kay of @diarysketcheslk illustrated some talented and beautiful blogger in a stunning series inspired by our #NYFW (New York Fashion Week) outfits – search the tag on instagram #OSFW.

Dress: DVF, Heels: 10 Crosby Derek Lam, Glasses: Clearly Contacts
Photography by Trevor Negin

When shopping on sale, I like to remember to keep to the basics. There is no reason to fall head-first into a trend–because it’s on sale–as it may be on its way out. If you are unsure if something may be seasonal, opt for the item in a neutral colourway, allowing it to be more seasonless. Collecting great neutral pieces will allow you to play with a contrast in a different way each season.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Tank: Zara (similar), Pants: Cut25, Earrings: Baublebar, Purse: Vintage, Shoes: Pierre Hardy from The Room (similar and unreal)

There is something to be said about gloomy grey days, and the lack of need to wear sunglasses, but rather my prescription frames that I simply adore.

When I wake up to a weather report that calls for a cool and cloudy day, I get excited at the opportunity to wear my glasses, before dreading the idea of leaving my bed. I drive into and out of sunlight during my daily commute, so unless it’s going to be overcast, it usually easier for me to wear contact lenses and sunglasses.

I picked out these Ray Ban frames at ClearlyContact.ca, and I absolutely adore their flirty shape. The cat-eye styled frame looks amazing on so many different people, and has really become one of the top style for glasses. I find that being able to style different glasses allows for your to change your look so easily. Recently, I’ve been recommending to all of my friends lately to buy two different pairs of glasses, something basic and another pair that’s more bold, fun or daring.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Frames: Ray Ban from Clearlycontacts.ca, Sweater: Joe Fresh, Skirt: 424Fifth exclusively available at Hudson’s Bay and Lord and Taylor, Earrings: Baublebar, Heels: Vintage

Fashion Magazine got all excited about spring’s trends and asked their style panel to talk about their favourite things for the up coming season. My favourite trend seen throughout the runway for this spring/summer is all about the artistic touch. Here is what I said.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Shirt, Pants, Shoes: Joe Fresh,  Glasses: Raybans from Clearly Contacts, Earrings: Hortense from Catbird

I’ve always said that the best furs are those that have a story along with some meaning behind them. I’m not for buying new furs, but special pieces that carry meaning to your family are important to cherish. This fur beret belonged to my father’s mother, Reva. I just picture her wearing it during the winters to stay warm, looking beyond effortlessly chic.

Photography by Trevor Negin

Dress (worn as a top): H&M, Skirt: Joe Fresh, Knee high socks: Roots, Platforms: Vagabond, Fur Hat: Vintage, Moto Jacket: Danier

You have favourite things for a reason. Music, food, entertainment or even lipstick colours, whether it be because they may taste good or they look pretty, we all have our own set of preferences that change and grow with us. Our wardrobe is like that too. We pick our fav T-shirts, jeans and shoes usually because they fit the best or are the most comfortable.

Something that I recommend for everyone to figure out is their own favourite trend. Something that can help define your wardrobe. It could be, black and white, florals or nautical, for example. Look for something that is a classic, yet an always updating trend, so you can always have something that looks current, while being able to add a new piece to spice up the look. This will help ease some pressure to find new trends each season.

Photography by Trevor Negin

Sweater: Topshop, Pants: Joe Fresh, Necklace: Fenton Fallon, Heels: Nine West

During the holiday season, there is really no better feeling than that of giving. A gift is something that is both special for everyone, and to see the joy that your kindness brings to others is truly breathtaking.

This season give a gift that means a little more. Billy Talent and Bluenotes have teamed up and designed a limited edition graphic tee, with all proceeds going to Kids Help Phone. The tee is only $10 and makes the perfect stocking stuffer.

Over the past 16 years Bluenotes has already raised over $1.6 million dollars for Kids Help Phone! So buy a tee, give a gift and help a kid! Available both in-store and online.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Tee: Bluenotes, Moto Jacket: Danier, Faux Fur Stole: London Fog, Trousers: Joe Fresh, Necklaces: Fenton  Fallon & vintage, heels: vintage Ferragamo.

As we approach the last long weekend of the summer, it’s probably the hardest trend transition of the year, as we tend to hold on to summer as long as we possibly can. This season there are some easy trends that we can carry over from summer, like the strong black and white outfit and really bold graphic prints. Here is what I said when Fashion Magazine discussed this with their style panel.

Photography by Trevor Negin

Sweater: H&M TShirt: BDG Skirt: Joe Fresh Necklace: Fenton Fallon Pumps: Vintage Rosina Ferragamo Schiavone

The 1990’s have hit 2013 hard. It’s a little overwhelming to jump back into this somewhat frightening decade filled with neon windbreakers, velvet jumpsuits, and some crazy power suits. Fashion Magazine has asked the style panel to help guide us through this trend, here’s what I said. The key is to try less.

There will be more talks of the 90s in up coming posts, but let me know if there is any big trend that you need help with! I’ll do my best to solve it! xx. b

* The skirt is 2 flannel shirts tied around my waist