Spring time has got me very confused. There is no real consistency in the weather or when it comes to preparing for spring outfits and outings, the only way to survive is to be ready for everything. On cooler days, like last week when Trevor and I were running around downtown, the temperatures were bouncing around 10 degrees (50 fahrenheit) and depending on where you were and if you were in the sun or not, it was freezing and windy. Armed with a warm drink, and an extra layer, we were ready for anything.

I typically lean towards leather jackets during this season, but since this year’s biggest fabric trend is clearly denim, especially raw and embroidered, I’ve been loving the attention to the versatile staple. My perfect denim coat for 2016 is all about embellishments, and Marc Jacobs nailed it with studs, stars and even a sequins cherry patch. Paired with the must-have cut for denim pants, flares,  I was warm until we approached a terribly windy section of Queen St. where we grabbed another coffee to warm up.

Read the part 1, 2 & 3 of my Coat Confession series.

Coat: Marc Jacobs, Turtleneck: Picadilly, Jeans: Madewell, Platforms: Vagabond, Watch: Movado, Glasses: Derek Cardigans, Phone case: Face
Photography by Trevor Negin

Fashion Magazine asked the style panel how to look glam at the cottage. Here is what I said. 

Photography by Trevor Negin

On May 14th 2013, you should wear new jeans to celebrate and create awareness for the National Denim Day in support of the Cure Foundation to fight against breast cancer. Bluenotes will donate a portion of proceeds from each denim purchase nationwide from May 13 to May 19, 2013. Founded in 1996, the CURE Foundation has raised nearly $25 million, with National Denim Day as it’s largest initiative.

Bluenotes Spring/Summer collection has this season’s hottest denim trends from the oversized shorts, ombré shirts to the polka dot cropped skinny jeans, all available at crazy affordable prices.

Please feel free to click here to make a donation directly to The Cure Foundation and help ensure that not one life is lost to breast cancer due to a lack of funding.

Photography by Trevor Negin

Shirt and Jeans: Bluenotes Necklace: Fenton Fallon Shoes: Zara Belt: Cooperative 1968 Buick Wildcat: Gary Solomon (happy belated birthday!)

Tank: Lush    Mint Denim Shorts: H&M   Thongs: The Gap   Sunglasses: Kate Spade

Bumming around in the summer is probably one of my favourite parts. The ideas of “less is more” and figuring out if your straps would give you “good tan lines” all brings me back to my teen years.

As I conclude my style at the cottage for this year (I think) I just want to remind you what I often have to remind myself, dress for where you are going.
There is no point in being all dolled up, when everyone is in sweats, fashion is a part of everything I do, but at times, its function becomes equally as important.

Mens Denim Shirt: The Gap      Denim Shorts: Levi’s     Tube Top: American Apparel    Shoes: Keds    Belt:  H&M 

Denim on denim is huge, and although many can probably quote me on hating on this in years past, I have to say with the changes that denim has gone through in the recent years, it’s a fabric that can really be used anywhere. Luxury denims, we all know, can run us a a good chunk of our paychecks, but we should also remember that denim is a classic staple in both the Canadian and American lifestyle. Meaning that there are great and affordable options available at stores like The Gap, American Eagle, and Levi’s.

Top: COPE      Shorts: Levis    Shoes: Jeffery Campbell     Belt: H&M     Necklace Vintage      Bracelets: Orange and Gold-Banana Republic   Orange and Turquoise-Forever 21

It’s summer, and as much as I love neutrals it’s time to grab some attention in attention grabbing colours. Looking into the fall colour stories I see a ton of rich dark hues, combined with strong and powerful brights. So invest in these bright pieces now that they are on sale, just be prepared to tone them down for fall. I found this backless shirt and thought how easy it is to wear now, and throw to a cardigan over it in the fall, for a brighter take on stripes.