Back to School Outfits and Glitter Nails

Okay, so forget what I said in my last post. I may have taken a little break from the fashion world during the month of August (seriously, I lived in shorts and t-shirts...nothing too exciting about that). Now that it's time to hit the books once more, I thought I would share three easy outfits for class, plus some fun nails.

T-shirt: Smart Set

Blazer: Eddie Bauer

Pants: Smart Set

I wore this outfit to go run errands one day last week. It was cool out, but I still wanted to look summery, so I opted for these bright blue pants. I topped this fun graphic tee with a casual blazer for a simple, but still put together look. I didn't wear any accessories here, but a stack of fun bracelets or bangles paired with your favourite summer sneakers (mine are black and white floral Keds) would finish off the look. 

T-shirt: Bang-On

Jean jacket: Aeropostale

Pants: Eclipse

I wore this outfit on a date last Friday (*giggles*), and it was really comfy, but still cute for bowling & ice cream. I got this shirt at a specialty store in the Byward Market, where there are hundreds of different photos and patterns to choose from to be printed on a t-shirt (or a tank top) while you wait. You can also bring in your own design or photo. I finally purchased a jean jacket earlier this summer (it was on my must-have list) that I am quite pleased with, as well as a pair of stretchy black pants that feel like leggings. 

T-shirt: Giant Tiger

Sweater: Justice

Jean capris: Garage (super old)

Necklace: Forever 21 (gift)

I wore this outfit to work the other night, and yes, that's where the sweater is from! I love this sweater because it kind of feels like a kimono in that the quarter length sleeves are loose and long and the front is open. Also, the crochet detailing? Super cute. This year I've had to replace some of my basic t-shirts, and I've found some really nice ones at both Target and Giant Tiger (my local Giant Tiger has a large fashion section).

Glitter Polish: "Teenage Dream" by OPI

Pink polish: Kiko Cosmetics

And here are my fun glitter nails! All I did was paint one coat of the light pink colour and then two coats of the glitter polish on top. I received the pink polish as a gift- Kiko is a popular makeup brand in Italy. 

What are you wearing for the first week back to school? Let me know!

Until my next post, stay stylish!

An Explanation...

...as to why I haven't made any posts (real posts, I'm sure whoever has been viewing my blog has enjoyed the outfits from Polyvore). First of all, I have been busy (kind of), so as much as I would have wanted to write something, making an outfit and posting it has been a lot simpler (call me lazy). The last time I made a real post was back in April (wait, May?), when I promised to report fashion trends all summer...oops, sorry about that.
A confession: unless I was going to work or out with my friends, I pretty much lived in shorts and tank tops all summer, so I definitely wasn't very stylish. But now that school has started up again, I have been making more of an effort; getting back into the swing of things by back-to-school shopping, making outfits, reading magazines to catch up on the trends- all that fun stuff. My first day of school outfit? A magenta pleated dress, belted at the waist, a grey shrug over top (though it was really hot out, so I ended up taking that off), a long pink beaded necklace, and pink flats. See, I still have style down.
I've also noticed that all my posts have been reporting various trends of the season; so I was thinking of doing one for fall this year. You know what I noticed? A repeat of trends! Or maybe the trends have kept on...trending through the whole year? Maybe. All I know is that lace, plaid, floral, and coloured denim are still in; joined by sheer blouses, polka dots (those were in in the spring, actually), stripes, cable knit, and faux-fur. Also from last fall are the colours of burnt orange, mustard, and burgundy. So you're in luck if you kept your fall wardrobe from last year!
I will keep the outfit ideas coming, but now and then I may surprise you with a post on my views on the trends of the season (or something of the sort).
Until my next post, stay stylish! :)

Fall Trends live from Campus

I've been wanting to write this up since my first day of class two weeks ago. But, like any fashion expert, I had to make sure all my first-day assumptions about University fashion were true (they were). So here are some general observations about fashion on campus and some fall trends that just happen to coincide with what I've seen.
The first thing I've noticed is that most students dress up for class. There are people from all over the world that come to study in Ottawa, and they bring with them fashion trends from their city, province, or country. It is a whole lot different from high school, where the basic jeans and t-shirt was the unofficial uniform. There are, of course, the people who wear sweats and flip-flops to class, but I'm guessing that's because they live on-campus and only have the one class that day (or because it's Friday, in which case dressing down is fine).
Now let's get down to the specifics. Sure, I've seen everything from jeans to skirts to dresses, but there are a few items that have been popping up more than others. First, the leather (or fake leather) jackets. These come in a variety of different colours, but most people stick with black or brown to get the most use out of it. They are usually short and light, with interesting details like studded or zipped pockets.
Next, I've seen an outbreak of scarves as the main accessory (especially since last week was a little chilly). These come in many different styles, weights, lengths, colours, and patterns. They can be worn many different ways and instantly dress up the jeans and t-shirt look from high school. Plus, they're a major trend for fall!
Even though it's not quite fall yet (or winter), I've already seen (and worn myself) all different kinds of boots. I know what you're thinking: boots are for winter!!! Why are people already wearing them??? They are an accessory. I mentioned this in my last post: the shoes you put on when you leave your house are the same shoes that you wear all day. They have to work with your outfit. I've seen ankle boots, heels, knee-highs, and even Uggs (which I think it's still too early for). Again, they come in different styles and colours. To touch in with the trends, riding boots are in fashion this fall.
To note some other fall trends (that I've seen here and there), plaid is still in style. Again, there are numerous styles and colours available, from cozy laid-back flannels to crisp, preppy collars. Also, blazers are still a major trend. They are good for the days when it's not cold enough for a jacket.
What did I wear for my first day of class? I paired dark denim flare jeans with a plain white t-shirt, and accessorized with a grey blazer, green water-coloured scarf, and black shoes. My friends called it "University chic." :)
That's all for now, but stay tuned for my next post for outfit ideas featuring all these trends!

Back to Campus

I hate to admit it, but in less than two weeks we will all be hitting the books again. For me, it is the start of University, which is scary but a little thrilling at the same time. I'm sure you've heard it before that when you look good, you feel good, which is why it's important to look your best even if you've been studying all night or just failed a test (I hope not).
Campus fashion needs to be practical. Who wants to sit through a three hour lecture in too tight pants or dash across campus in three-inch heels? I've put together a list of practical and classic pieces of clothing that will get you an A in Fashion 101.

1. Comfortable footwear. In high school, it was easy to just keep a few pairs of shoes in your locker if it was raining or if you didn't want to stay in your boots all day. However, on campus, you are pretty much stuck with the shoes you put on in the morning. I suggest Pumas, Converse, or Keds for sneakers, as they are lightweight and go with pretty much everything from skinny jeans to skirts. In the winter, a thick pair of boots work well for cold days, and one or two others for fashion and warmth. Personally, I think the look of skinny jeans tucked into knee-high boots is very chic. And who doesn't like shopping for shoes?
2. Outerwear.  In the past, a coat or jacket would be shoved into your locker at the start of the day, and taken back out at the end. Unless your campus has underground tunnels or atria linking every single building, outerwear will become your newest fashion accessory. Even in the winter, it gets hot walking around campus, so something not too bulky, but still warm is the ideal jacket. I suggest either a faux leather jacket or a sweater-material coat for those days that aren't too warm or cold (October/November), and a pea coat for the winter months. Make sure that your coat has a hood to protect your perfect blow-out from wind, rain, or snow.
3. Sturdy backpack or purse. If you're in science, I suggest you get a carry-on luggage for your books. Just kidding. A good bag is essential for University. If you choose a backpack, make sure it has lots of room and compartments for your wallet/cell phone/Ipod, etc. Your bag also depends on whether or not you want to bring your laptop to class. If so, make sure your bag has a separate compartment, or buy a smaller bag that will only fit your laptop. You don't want your books smashing your laptop! Purses are a bit more complicated, as there are more styles and sizes available. Look for one that has a cross-body strap as well as handles so the weight of your books isn't all on one shoulder.