Diane von Furstenberg flats

Lately I’ve been trying to enjoy the beautiful weather as much as possible before the cold winds of fall set in. This involves going out for morning coffees to little cafes, going on more jogs and walks and grabbing lunch on outside patios. Today some lovely friends and I are going to grab brunch at a restaurant we discovered recently that we simply love! After a long week of studying and running around, it’s nice to sit back with great friends, laugh, sip some wine (and then some more!) and enjoy the long days of summer. For my outfit, I decided to go with something minimalist and clean, thus I settled on my Mexx shirt dress. It has always been one of my favourites, but it originally came with a skinny white that camouflaged into the dress. Instead of the white belt, I used my Zara belt. I finished off my look with my new DVF flats!

Happy Weekend!

Zara belt

Mexx dress

After some searching and more inquiring, I learned that eco-fashion is really quite a simple concept. Taking into account the environment is something that most of us engage in everyday and the idea behind eco-fashion really just extends that into our closets. This, eco-fashion is a conscious effort to produce clothing that does minimal, if any harm to the environment and takes into consideration the working conditions of those people who produce and distribute the clothing. I was instantly intrigued and ever since I’ve made a conscious effort to ensure that my purchases are in some way eco-friendly.  It doesn’t take as much effort as I initially assumed, it’s really all about being aware. Try browsing for some local brands or boutiques and inquire about their policies. You won’t always be successful, but you’ll be more knowledgeable and since we take out wardrobes with us everywhere we go (yes, everywhere. You mean to tell me that you don’t shower in your couture Chanel suit?)  it’s important that we stay informed.

Today’s eco-fashion highlight is KAYU, a San Francisco* based company that produces hand-crafted accessories that are most definitely eco-friendly! I stumbled upon their site a few days ago and instantly fell in love with their clutches. Their minimalist, clean feel is exceptional and perfect for a chic night out or a casual Saturday brunch with friends. Of course, when buying eco-friendly products there is always an added bonus, perhaps the little guilt that lingers from making a purchase before payday is eliminated knowing that your purchase is going towards promoting fair worker rights and environmental sustainability. Below you’ll find pictures of their complete collection of clutches. Go ahead, indulge, the earth will thank you for it!

*Cait’s design post on San Fran is an added dose of inspiration!

This might sound silly, but ever since I first watched Full House and then Mrs. Doubtfire I’ve had this obsession with San Francisco and the familiar 19th century-style homes that make up much of what outsider’s know of the city’s residential architecture. I so, so want to go and experience the city for myself, but until then all I can do is dream. And dream I do.

So this may not be any of the houses made famous by movies or t.v. shows but it is my new dream home of the week. Yeah, I’m not super faithful when it comes to interior design. I bounce around constantly drooling over all sorts of abodes – a week is about as long as I can promise to place this place on a pedestal. No promise rings are being handed out around these parts.

Things I love about this home …. Thing the first: obviously the bones of the place are amazing. It’s hard to imagine this house ever looking bad just based on it’s structure alone!

Secondly, I love that there is so much natural light, and the open concept of the kitchen, dining, and living area really allow the sunshine to spread through from one end of the main floor to the other. 

This shower is bigger than my closet. This bathroom is bigger than my bedroom. Also note how the shower juts out between the his and hers sinks (oh! that name is so 2000-and-never, I’m going to call them twin sinks from now on and that’s that) ahem, I think this is a fabulous set-up as you are given some sense of privacy even if you’re not technically alone. I also adore the tile mosaic on the one wall of the shower, it’s like functional bathroom artwork. 

Finally, I love how there is one strong colour pallet throughout the entire home. This is no easy feat and I love that it can be pulled off without looking too matchy. I really dig the neutral base and the bright splashes of yellows, oranges and greens, especially the accent wall by the stairs in the living room, the bathroom towels, and the throw pillows on this bed. I think this idea could even work slightly switching the accent colours from room to room – in fact i’d be more inclined to do that so as not to get bored.

images via houzz

Wunderkind

Peter Jensen

Happy September! The seasons are changing and in the spirit of some change, let’s take a moment to forget about trends, designers and accessories. Today we’re focusing on something that often gets lost in the fashion week jargon: the male models. While looking through every fall RTW show I scanned for popular trends, prominent colours, the best accessories and the of course, the worst of the worst. However, after looking through collection after collection, I stumbled across shows that featured both male and female pieces and as a result, male and female models. This post will focus on the former.

Sure, it isn’t an official {oh so chic} post, but four words tell me that you won’t be mad at me for too long. Those 4 words? Well dressed male models.

Gap

Givenchy

Gap

Gap

I love how this town home is decorated in such a way that it seems both regal and hip.

images via jj locations

images from belle via desire to inspire

This past weekend was one of those draining ones and the cure is always some retail therapy. One of the great things about shopping as one season is ending is all of the season-end sales that take place. Everything from shoes to skirts is marked down and on the sale rack. Once in a while I’ll find a really nice summer piece that I am tempted to buy and keep for next summer, but I usually abstain because I tell myself that my style is ever changing, but in reality it’s just that I can’t convince myself to invest in a piece of clothing that I’ll be putting away until next year, no matter how discounted it is. However, there are some summer things that can be carried over to autumn. One of these things is flats! The weather is still warm from the long summer, but not yet cold enough to get out the socks and boots!

I have always been a big fan of flats for two reasons: the first relates to my height and the second to my love of comfort (though I’ve heard that the latter is a globally embraced phenomenon.) As much as I love the empowering feeling that stilettos provide, I’d much rather slip on flats. As I was browsing for a new pair of jeans I stumbled up these Diane von Furstenberg suede ballerina flats. One of the great things about being 5’11 is that I wear a size 10 in shoes, which is a rather rare size on this continent and thus, almost always ends up on the sales rack. Guess it pays to be in the minority! Not only was I lucky enough to find them in my size, but I also snagged them at discount from their original $230 price tag!

Hope your weekend involved some shopping and great finds!

There are some things that most people would agree are good. When they are mentioned, everyone nods in agreement as if it were instinctive. The weekend is one of those things. Whatever you decide to do on your days off, it’s always nice to have some music to accompany you. Whether you’re staying in with a glass (or two!) of wine and listening to Ellie Goulding, getting ready to go out with some friends while listening to some Arcade Fire, or simply busting out some moves in the privacy of your room while listening to Juanes’ infectious La Camisa Negra, it’s time to press play and enjoy the weekend! Below are some tunes that I will be enjoying this weekend.

Ellie Goulding – The Writer

Magnet & Gemma Hayes – Lay Lady Lay (Bob Dylan cover)

Oren Lavie – Her Morning Elegance

Juanes – La Camisa Negra

Arcade Fire – We Used to Wait

Happy listening!

Like the songs we’ve recommended? We’ve recommended a few more tunes down below, all under the {Special Sounds} category for your convenience Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

LINKS À LA MODE: AUGUST 26TH

• A La Modest- Note-worthy Fashion in Indie Films + Shows.
• Beyond Fabric- Incorporating Traditional Local Items in Your Style
• Cloud of Secrets- Dior and decadent 18th Century Deshabille
• Consumerism Killed My Soul- The Pros and Cons of Fast Fashion
• Eco-Fashionista- Don’t Accept Diamonds from Strangers: The Provenance of Diamonds
• (Fred and) Ginger (in Prague)- Classic Books as Inspiration for Fall
• Holier than Now- 5 Catalogs to (Secretly) Shop for Fall
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Beef Up Your Blogging Biceps at Evolving Influence
• Love From Lou Lou- Vintage 70′s Images to Inspire Your Interpretation of Fall’s 70′s Trend
• Kramey Martin- What Would Nancy Drew Wear?
• Lovely & Lavish- Collegiate Cool: College-inspired Looks
• Pull Your Socks Up- Why Do You Wear Vintage?
• Retro Chick- 60′s Chic Hits This Season’s Runways
• Seven Style Notes- Vintage Family Photos for Style Inspiration
• The Column of Samantha Tyler- The Flamboyant Comeback of the Hat
• The Haute Hoosier- Personal Style Icon: How to Get Zelda’s Fitzgerald’s Look
• The New Professional – Foundations: Underpinnings for a Smooth Work Look
• The Taxonomy of My Wardrobe- A Look Back at the Style Icons Behind Fall’s Aviator Jacket
• View from 5 ft. 2- Use What You Have to Interpret Fall’s Trends
• What 2 Wear Where- Paris: Les Arts Décoratifs History of Contemporary Fashion
• Your Saving Style- Revamp: From a Dress to (An Awesome High-Waisted) Skirt

I’ve been extremely fortunate to visit Austria twice before. Though the country’s architecture and museums never fail to entertain and amaze me, I was more impressed with its nature and wildlife. How great would it be if you could pack one suitcase, board a plane and have this be your view for a weekend? Or two. A cup of lemonade by your side while you sit back, flipping the pages of a good book and occasionally glancing up to take in the breathtaking view.

Enjoy the weekend!

Images via here