Friday 20 September 2013

B is for Basics!

Hello, fellow fashion lovers!

It's time to continue on with our A to Z's of fashion.  Basically, B is for... Basics!

What do you mean by "Basics?"

Good question! 

Basics are your wardrobe base-line, the bottom layer that you can then build on.

From inner-wear to outer-wear, basics are the pieces that you Just Gotta Have!

Stock up on these items, and we feel pretty certain you won't get stuck in a "Gee, this outfit would be great, if only it had a ( insert basic here ) ..." moment!

Some Basics Brainstorming... 

The "Poet" Tee



So named because if you add a black beret, a cup of joe, a journal, and a pensive gaze... Totally aspiring-poet material, right? 

What ISN'T this tee great with?  Basic black, seamless, comfy, and made from bamboo (a naturally breathable and eco-friendly material), this scoop-neck tee looks & feels great either on its own or under a high-waisted bottom.  


Dark Denim



What could be more versatile than a pair of dark blue jeans?  These ones come in both dark blue and black, which are two wonderfully easy-to-wear colours!  
Not to mention, they pair just perfectly with a ... 


Plain White Tee




That's right, we're channelling James Dean now (all that's missing is the leather motorcycle jacket..)!  What could be more basic than a pair of dark denim jeans and a white tee shirt?  This is one super-staple item that will serve you well (even if you're not James Dean's long lost twin).

Leggings 



We're all going loco for leggings this fall!  They are a fantastically versatile item for your fashion drawers; throw them on under a belted tunic top or an oversized sweater! You'll be glad for these cozy bamboo tights when the autumn chill arrives, that's for sure.


Nude Camisole or Slip



This little life-saver will help pull together your outfit when you're sporting a sheer or lighter-coloured dress or blouse.  That's right, wipe your wardrobe-malfunction worries away!  This stretchy slip is also bamboo, so it moves and breathes like a dream!  It's the under-wear that you gotta-wear. 

and, last but certainly not least...


Cardigans





Ahhh, the cardigan: our favourite layering item for fall.  It's perfect to throw over a dress or sleeveless blouse; just like that, your favourite wardrobe pieces transition with the weather! We love this cardigan and use it all the time.  Plus, check out the autumnally awesome colours:  Navy, olive, mustard, wine-red, grey, and black.

[Footnote: For footwear basics, we love feminine flats, tall riding boots, and class black pumps!]

So, there you have it:  our Can't-Go-Wrong Basics that will come through for you every time. 

Talk about handy-dandy outfitting tools!

Take care, and please share your favourite, most relied-upon basics below!



Wednesday 11 September 2013

A is for A-Line!


In the spirit of back-to-school, we thought we'd brush up on our style ABC's with the A to Z's of fashion!  First up: the A-Line skirt.

So what's an "A-Line," anyway?

An "A-line" skirt is snug at the upper hips, then gradually widens to a full hem, creating the shape of a capital "A." 

How did this "a-line" business all begin?  

Well, we're tickled that you asked. 

A-Line Origins:
  • The term "A-Line" was coined by Christian Dior as the name for his 1955 spring collection. 
  • Yves Saint Laurent also had a hand in giving the a-line its iconic status with his 1958 collection, the "Trapeze Line" (think far-out flared skirts!). 
  • The A-Line stayed on the A-List through the 60s and 70s, pulled a disappearing act in the 80s (skintight minis and sweatshirts, anyone?), and have since achieved uber-chic retro-revival  status. 
Outfitting




We adore adding a modern edge to classic shapes; this faux-leather A-line is a perfect example!
For a cool, girl-about-town vibe, pair with a graphic tee and cowgirl kicks.

Another take on the A-line?






Vintage, of course!  This Nick & Mo patterned knit twist on the A-line gets an A+ as far as we're concerned (ha ha..)
Pair it with a lovely, feminine button-down blouse tucked in at the waist for some 50's flair. 




What's your favourite way to wear an A-line?  Leave a comment below!




Friday 6 September 2013

Out of the Blue's Top Picks of the Season!



Hello everyone! Fall is quickly approaching and even though we often experience hot days in September, the evenings are getting cooler and it makes us aware of how close the colder weather actually is! Here are some of our favourite pieces to help get ready for the season. Enjoy!

1. Autumn dress by Arc & Co.
2. Black tights
3. Mid-weight trench with faux leather detailing 
4. Owl Mug
5. Matt & Nat Minka cross body satchel 
6. Infinity Scarf
7. Over-sized Cozy Knit