Concrete Jungle

I rarely take 'going out' photos, an oversight I hope to remedy despite the challenges of evening photography. I braved Yaletown hecklers and unflattering streetlights just to bring you these shots of my new black and white animal print haircalf pumps .

The outfit that I wore for drinks with the ladies consists of items I wear to teach. Because I am on a limited budget, I try for most of my purchases to be both business casual and cocktail cute. That way moving from academic life into nightlight just requires more daring coordination and thicker eyeliner. The majority of your wardrobe should be wearable to more than one type of event, even it it means your students will write about your shoes in your course evaluations.

Blazer and Pumps: Zara

Blouse: Club Monaco

Jeans: Paige Premium, Zappos.com

Necklace: Vintage, Etsy

Bag: Kate Spade, Kate Spade Outlet

Put a Sequin On It

Although I'm not typically a blue jeans girl, I can recognize when they will make a good outfit great. This vintage blouse worked perfectly with my very flared leg jeans.
The real star of the outfit, in my opinion, is the pairing of the blouse with my sequin tank from Joe Fresh. I love this shirt. I bought it on an excellent trip to Montreal, it's one of my favorite color combinations, and with it's slightly puffed sleeves and pussy bow, it's unlike most pieces in my wardrobe. Mixing vintage pieces in with very modern pieces is part of the fun of having a more eclectic wardrobe.
And it was officially time to pull the fall/winter shoes out of the closet. The working girl's blouse called for my favorite professional looking flats. The wide flare on the jean helped the outfit from looking too formal -- fitting its occasion perfectly, an afternoon of reading.
Shirt: Vintage, Arterie, Montreal

Tank: Joe Fresh, Downtown store, Vancouver

Jeans: Old Navy

Shoes: American Eagle
And I must thank Matty, who was an excellent photographer. It's great meeting so many new willing blog photographers. xoxo Anna Rae

The Darling Buds of June

Normally I wear this cardigan in more formal iterations, but I loved the way it paired with dots so much I wanted to wear it with my polka dot flats in a casual outfit.While I originally thought a short-sleeved cardigan would be totally impractical, and bought it for the print alone, I have been surprised at how often it is the perfect layering piece in a temperate climate like Vancouver's. I have been wearing my casual jean capris like crazy this spring with both t-shirts and converse and more dressed-up versions like this. I like how they make work staples like a staid floral cardigan and prim flats seem more laid-back.Because I often go for fun over practical, I have never owned a basic black camisole other than $6 spandex versions until I bought this empire-waisted one on sale at the Gap. I can't believe I ever lived without one! Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft, Ebay
Camisole: Gap
Jeans: American Eagle
Flats: Jessica Simpson, 6pm.com
Necklace: Tiffany's, gifted by my boyfriend

Genus Capri Species Leopard

Sometimes you have to keep it simple. I know that leopard will always work with neutrals like denim, beiges, and black or white, and that the addition of any bright colour will help give the print an extra kick.
Because black and white tops are often basis of your look, I like to look for blouses or even t-shirts with special details. Ruffles, pin tucks, or trim on a white or black blouse can elevate a simple look to something more, and are just as easy to wear as a plain one.
My pop of colour came in the form of cheap and cheerful flats, but a bright necklace, brooch, or scarf would have worked just as well. What is your go-to way to style animal prints?
Cardigan: JCrew, Ebay
Trouser Jean Capris: Old Navy
Blouse: Club Monaco
Flats: PURE Alfred Sung, Zeller's
Necklace: Gifted, Kelly
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Franca, Amazon.com

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough

Remember how I said my favourite colour is pink? I wasn't kidding. This outfit makes the bold statement of employing at least four different shades from cotton candy to fuchsia to rose.

While I could have stopped with the blouse and cardigan, adding the belt and shoes took that look from simple to styling. As Mae West said, "Too much of a good thing is wonderful." Try it at home by layering your hue of choice in as many tones as you own!
Blouse: Talbots
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Shoes: Jessica Simpson, Zappos.com
Jeans: Citizens of Humantiy, Hill's of Kerrisdale
Glasses and Case: Kate Spade, Winners

Going Dotty

Clearly today's look is all about polka dots. The way those little spots dance automatically makes any outfit just that little bit more peppy.

What might have been quite an extreme look is tempered by the most basic of basics: jeans and a t-shirt.

Paring a pink bangle with the polka-dot one added continuity to the look by anchoring the pink t-shirt. The matchy-matchy pitfall was avoided by both the varying size, quality, and materials of the polka dots and the mixed sizes of the bracelets.

Repeating a single print throughout an outfit gives both variation and cohesiveness. This would work equally well with stripes, gingham, houndstooth, or even animal print. Try it out and let me know if it worked for you!

Cardigan: JCrew, Ebay
TShirt: Gap
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity, Hills of Kerrisdale
Flats: Jessica Simpson, 6pm.com
Bracelets: both thrifted, Salvation Army Kerrisdale (if you are scared of thrift shops, jewlery is a great place to start)