Printed Materials

A printed dress is pretty much dressing for dummies. It makes a big impact for as little effort as zipping a zipper. The downside, however, is that unlike my endless parade of black and white and bright separates, it cannot be combined into endless permutation of outfits.
Still, the conservative neck and hemlines and cool linen fabric make it the perfect summer work dress, even if I do need to remember to stand up straight to avoid wrinkles.
Regular reader have probably noticed my affinity for wedges and these brown ones exemplify why I love to rock a graduated heel: comfort and leg flattery. Even though their colour is at the very bottom of my favourites list (like my six-year-old self I still love pink and loath brown) they work with many of my summer teaching dresses.
Dress: Vero Moda, Plum Clothing

Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden, Zappos

Strawberry Prints Forever

I bought this dress at the Real Canadian Super Store in Prince George, and I am so excited that I was able to catch it on clearance. I love novelty prints, and this sweet, playful print works so well with the classic shape of the dress.
I played up the fun print with these outrageous sunglasses, and added my pearls to highlight the vintage feel of the dress's cut. I added a metallic belt and sandals as subtle neutrals.
Dress: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore, Prince George

Sunglasses: H&M

Belt: Target

Shoes: Gap

Necklace: Gifted, Erin
Wearing this outfit was the perfect way to browse the high end stores at the King of Prussia mall while staying with my friend Priya over the weekend. I made one very exciting purchase from the very nice end of the mall, and I can't wait to debut it on the blog. xoxo Anna Rae

Bold patterns, electric colors

Sometimes you just have to wear a bold coral print and pair it with a neon-colored clutch. For me, that sometimes was yesterday. I love the shape of this dress because it reminds me of the 1960s -- okay, it reminds me of Joan from Mad Men -- but the pattern is so fun and modern.
To not overwhelm the coral-neon green color scheme I was rocking, I wore a white cardigan and (of course) my new black wedges. I stayed bold but simple with coral lipstick and a gold chain necklace that worked with the dress's boat neck.
I bought this Kate Spade purse at the Outlets and because it has a small, almost invisible black mark from a color transfer, it was marked down to $30. Amazing.
Dress: Adrianna Papell, Nordstrom's

Purse: Kate Spade, Kate Spade Outlet

Cardigan: Thrifted, Value Village, Vancouver, Tommy Hilfiger

Shoes: Target

(probably belt worn as) Necklace: Saturday Morning Market, Etown
Look at the adorable lining! Polka dots! It's inspiring me to dress in the slightly-off primary colors of coral, neon green, and navy all the time. xoxo Anna Rae

My Lips are Sealed

Today was the first day it actually felt like spring in Vancouver, so I was especially glad I choose to wear my favourite blouse. I love watching people figure out what the print is and realise that what looks like a very twee blouse has a rebellious side.

For this outfit I chose to dress the top down with cropped pants and flats while bringing out the print with a pink belt and cardigan. Top buttoning the cardigan under the collar emphasised its petal-like detail.

The finishing touch was a pair of polka dot flats, a print that is neutral enough to play well with other while also maintaining the quirky vibe of smoking lips on the blouse.

Blouse: Kate Spade, Ebay

Cardigan: Banana Republic

Pants: DKNYC, DKNY Outlet

Flats: Jessica Simpson, 6pm.com (Zappos' clearance site)

Belt: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore