A Love Letter of Sorts

Recently, thanks to my wonderful parents and some of my own obsessing, some lovely Kate Spade items have entered my life. A few were purchased when my parents took my brother, my sister-in-law, and me to Vegas and gave us a gambling/shopping stipend. I spent all of mine at the Kate Spade store. And then, even more exciting because it was surprising, we got an additional one present at Christmas and mine was also from the Kate Spade store.
The first reveal in my love letter to Kate Spade is this amazing sweater. I've come up with so many ways to wear it -- it's so versatile but still so special, but this way -- over a button down with jeans and my oxfords, is my current favorite. So preppy but playful and feminine.
I don't have a lot of sweaters that I'm really excited about, so this was definitely a very welcome addition to my wardrobe. I can't wait to show it off with skirts, dress shorts, dresses, and other jean combinations.
Sweater: Kate Spade store, Vegas

Jeans: Old Navy

Shirt: Thrifted, Value Village, Vancouver

Shoes: Bass, Zappo's

Purse: Thrifted, Alabaster's Attic, Greensburg
And my Christmas surprise -- this amazing Kindle cover! My brother and sister-in-law gave me the Kindle minutes early, so it was a pretty amazing time for me. I already downloaded the Hunger Games trilogy and cried and bit my fingernails the whole way through it. xoxo Anna Rae

Black and Blue

If you don't own teal tights I suggest purchasing some. I love the punch they bring to the simplest of outfits.
I kept up the bruise theme with a grey striped tank and black cardigan. The cardigan is Joe Fresh and features a great gathered trim. It's still available (also in beige) if you want a cheap new basic!
The shoes aren't new but are worth featuring. They have the perfect point and chic flat bow for a touch of timeless elegance. Don't own pointy-toe black flats? Get some.
Tights, Necklace, and Cardigan: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore

Tank: Talula Babaton, Aritzia

Skirt: Anthropologie, Turnabout Consignment (Broadway and Balaclava in Vancouver)

Shoes: Restricted, Amazon.com

Busy as a Bee

Nothing like getting back to the September grind to make dressing like a worker bee appropriate. Yellow and red are the 'popiest' colours to pair with black and white, and yellow feels fresher to me.
Reading this article about polka dot addiction made me realize that I am not alone. And also that I am perhaps a little bitter about the current uber-trendy status of my beloved spots. I think perhaps my spotted wardrobe needs its own family portrait.
This look is pretty simple, but full of details like ruffles, bows, and mixed-print accessories to make it something special. I'll never tire of this Joe Fresh blouse. Prepare for its American invasion soon my southern readers...(see article in October's ELLE) 24°30 or fight!I'm looking so pensive despite my sunny sweater because my lovely photographer Judith is departing for the semester for the libraries of Amherst. Her loss, combined with the darling Jenna's graduation, has left me looking for photographers. Names starting with letters other than 'J' may also apply.
Cardigan: J Crew

Blouse: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore

Pants: no brand, Winners

Shoes: Jessica Simpson, 6pm.com

Belt: Old Navy

Bracelet: Vintage, Etsy

Ribbon Wrapped Roses

I think polka dots and florals are my favourite two prints for mixing, especially when the dots are as subtle as the ones on my Kate Spade bag. I purchased it from Amazon.com's 'Warehouse Deals' section, an amazing venue for gently used (think purchased and returned) shoes and bags at deep discounts. Search by shoe size, since most are one-offs. This silk dress is a consignment store purchase by Tara Jarmon, an under-the-radar designer also responsible for my polka-dot dress. I waited for the price to go down and hoped that nobody else would buy it, (consignment items are usually reduced at regular intervals) and pounced when the price was right.A detailed Joe Fresh cardigan warded off summer breezes. The row of bows and gentle gathering compliment the light femininity of the print beautifully. Cardigan: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore
Dress: Tara Jarmon, Shine West Broadway
Purse: Kate Spade, Amazon.com warehouse deals
Shoes: Steve Madden. Freedman's
Necklace: Tiffany's, Gifted