Fashion Magazine asked their style panel how to keep cool while wearing all black this summer. My go-to was this super cool black and grey playsuit from Topshop Canada. The oversized graphic floral print is so beautiful in it’s monochromatic colour palette. Here is what I said.

It must be the weather, the reason that I’ve been in a daze for the last week or so. Toronto hasn’t felt this nice in so long, and everyone should be taking advantage of the Vitamin D. Dressing for early summer involves planning for the potential of extreme heat, with breezes and the potential dropping of temperature come sundown. I tend to gravitate towards breathable fabrics like silk, that are ideal for absorbing any sweat during the day while being light weight and easy to be worn layered under a sweater for the evening.

Photography by Trevor Negin

tank: Joe Fresh, shorts: J. Crew, sneakers: Jack Purcell for Converse (similar), watch, Movado,  bracelet: Nektar De Stagni, earrings: Hortense

I’m not sure who is reading my fashion dreams there at Lord & Taylor’s 424Fifth, but this entire new collection is insanely perfect. This sweater…I can’t even… I was at a loss of words when I found it,  which is exclusively available at Hudson’s Bay. Half leopard and half plaid – I’m not even sure how this came to be. Oh, 424Fifth, we are just getting started my friend!

Sweater: 424Fifth, Skirt: Topshop, Heels: Zara, Frames: Raybans, Double-Finger Ring: Banana Republic

Shot on location at Decosense, a beautiful floral studio
Photography by Trevor Negin

At the start of each season, I am always on the hunt for the perfect new dress that will become my favourite for the season. I look for something that fits well with a conservative/work appropriate elements (coverage of bra straps, not too deep of a v-neck, and the cut to be just above or below the knee). This season I’ve been able to find everything I was looking for with this amazing dress from eShakti, an online retailer that specializes in customizing those very details. It’s crazy to have a dress fit so well without trying it on and getting it adjusted! With a selection of adorable prints and styles eShakti.com has a great dress for every occasion and I can’t wait to see the next one I’ll pick up!

Photography by Trevor Negin

Dress: eShakti.com (similar), Blazer: T. Babaton Earrings: Hortense from Catbird Shoes: Zara 

I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 7, but I wasn’t always happy about it. I grew up with a love/hate relationship, but have since embraced this nerdy-chic accessory and with help from Clearly Contacts and Coastal. I really love how you can style your glasses to be a key part of your outfit and add so much character to a simple outfit.

My profile has gone live on their blog, please go check it out!

Photography Trevor Negin
Glasses: Ray-Bans  (similar), Denim Suit: Forever 21, Heels: Jeffrey Campbells from Nordstroms, Necklace: Liana Marie

Fashion Magazine asked how to transition your style from winter to spring. Here is what I said. 

I’m not making any promises, but I have a feeling that spring is on it’s way to melt the blanket of snow Toronto city has. To me florals are the ultimate spring print and spring 2013 is all them. Big flowers, little ones too, abstract, different colours and kinds, and  my favourite part is going to be playing around with their sizes to create contrast. Right now I’m on the hunt to build up my collection.

I’ve had this great pleated skirt for years and updated it with a lace knit sweater which adds a nice contrast of texture to this look.

Photography by Trevor Negin

Sweater: Banana Republic  Skirt: Old Navy  Tights: Tristan & America Boots: Ecote  Beads: Vintage

Trench: Rudsak Scarf: Banana Republic  Umbrella: gift  Rain boots: Joe Fresh  Chinos: Roots Wrap Hoody: Roots Glasses: Versace

So June has been fun. So far we are 4 days in and my birthday month is looking less like beginning of summer and more like the weather typical for the early cool days of spring we experienced this year in Toronto. So it may be time to layer up again, but try to bring in those great spring trends into your rainy day wear.

I got this great ecru Rudsak trench with beautiful pearl leather detailing and paired it with hand-me-down rain boots from my mother.
I love the difference in textures, and prints on this outfit.