Friday Inspiration: Autumn

candles, scarves, messy hair, warm colours, changing leaves, early sunsets, vintage textures, comfy knits, off-white lace, chunky rings.

Maroon Pants

I'm so not ready to wear jeans yet. After a summer of dresses and shorts (read: loose, flouncy outfits) I'm just not ready for the closeness of jeans, with that tight waistband and suffocating fabric! So, I've been on the lookout for an alternative this fall, I'm thinking looser fit and softer fabrics. I'm finding inspiration in my pink Tommy trousers, but in a more Autumn appropriate colour and cut. After trying on many different styles + brands, I finally found this gem of a pair at Zara.

I love the maroon colour, it's perfect for fall, and they feel so comfy! I decided to cuff them, and they look great both with wedge booties or black pumps!

I also spotted this pair on the website, but didn't notice them in store. When I started my search a few weeks ago I had chinos in mind, so these could be the perfect final addition to my fall wardrobe!

Orlando Vacation

I went to Orlando a few weeks ago for a much needed vacation... I spent the week in pure relaxation mode -- swimming, eating, reading, shopping, and soaking up the sun. These are some of my favourite pics from the week!

Florida palms

One of the beaches at the resort

Universal Studios

Audrey's star

Breakfast with Goofy

Tuesday Tunes: Florence & the Machine

NEW FLORENCE. This has been playing on repeat for the past week.

The Decor Dilemma

I recently moved into a new apartment and I've been running around trying to decorate the place. My new bedroom is MASSIVE at 12x18 feet with HUGE walls. I've got all my furniture set up in a way that I'm happy with, but now I'm trying to find ways to store my "stuff" and fill the space on the walls to make everything in the room not feel so, well, small.

My biggest obstacle? The wall space above my bed. I toyed with the idea of getting a bunch of artsy prints I have framed, but even buying super basic, cheap frames ($9.99 each) will still be pricey since I need to frame either six or nine to really utilize the space -- and do I really need any more prints? I already have scores of photos on every surface and other areas of the walls. Overkill, I would say.

So my dear friend suggested a pretty cool idea... to hang fabric above the bed from a curtain rod, as she's done in her own bedroom. It's a great (cheap) way to fake a headboard! I think I just might try it...

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This is what I'm working with...
As you can see, that's one bare + boring wall. The room is crisp, fresh and fun, but I really want something to cozy it up. Here are a few other ideas I like, or that would just look damn good against that huge wall.

This is my favourite for sure. The room divider. It would look super sharp in white, set against the teal walls, and bring a cozy, vintage feel that I badly want to incorporate into the decor.

Fun/abstract art is also something I considered. But I'm worried it would be too much with the busy pattern in the quilt, and the other photos + prints found around the room.

I think orange would pop really nicely against the teal walls. I hope to eventually find/make some orange throw pillows to round out the bedding and accent details.

What do I do?? How did you solve your headboard dilemma?

(Photos via pinterest)

My Newest Additions

The past few weeks have been crazy busy -- between finishing my internship at ELLE Canada, vacationing in Orlando, moving to a new apartment, visiting family + friends in Ottawa, and job interviews, there's definitely been no shortage of things to do.

Here are a few of my new loves that I picked up on these recent adventures:

My new fall wedge booties

Owl candle holder + "Leaves" candle

My much-coveted midi skirt

Finally, a new purse

(Wedges: Steve Madden, Candle/holder: Bath & Body Works, Skirt: Forever 21, Purse: Urban Outfitters)

Free People Fall Fashion

Okay, even though I wore sandals yesterday, I'm officially so excited for fall weather! Boots, scarves, blazers, skinnies, corduroy, tights.... Keyword: LAYERING. Here are a few looks from the Free People fall trend report that are giving me amazing inspiration for fall looks of my own!

Hats, blouses, vests, tights, booties.

Colour, sheer, messy hair, skinnies, wedges.

Peacoats, knits, tunics, geometric patterns, toques.

(Photos via Free People)

Pretty in Pink: Style Icon Edition

One is California cool, the other is NYC hip. In case you didn't know already, these two ladies are my absolute style icons. They personify an easy + chic girlyness with an edge that I absolutely ADORE. Check them out -- pretty in pink.

Rachel Bilson -- In Erin Fetherston at a party for her new show, Hart of Dixie.

Lea Michele -- In Michael Kors at a benefit lunch hosted by the designer.

Emmy's 2011

My favourite dresses from this year's 2011 Emmy Awards! Who were your faves??

MY TOP PICK

Minka Kelly
Classic + Demure -- I love the lace sleeves & mix of navy and black

Nina Dobrev
Elegant + Sexy -- I love the shape, the neckline & the side-swept hair

Kate Winslet
Sultry + Classic -- I love its simplicity with one surprise, sexy detail: a plunging neckline

Sofia Vergara
Sexy + Fun -- I love the different take on red & the asymmetrical neckline

Gwyneth Paltrow
Edgy + Fun -- I love the simple shape & the amazing detail and bead work

Tuesday Tunes: Hedley

Shamelessy obsessed since '04

ELLE Canada + H&M

Barb and I working hard at the Dundas Square H&M style station a few weekends ago. We gave out piles of complimentary ELLE Canada October issues (featuring the amazing cover girl+singer Feist), free gift cards, 6-month subscriptions to the mag, and tons of free style advice to shoppers!

I hand-picked my outfit especially for this event. The horse print tunic (I tucked it in to fake it as a blouse), tailored dress shorts, and chunky leather+gold bib necklace are all currently available at H&M stores countrywide. What do you think??

Tuesday Tunes: Young The Giant

Since watching them give a KICK-ASS performance at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, I've been obsessed with Young The Giant's entire album. And how adorable is the lead singer? I've since learned that they're a So-Cal band (from Irvine, CA)... I can't help but gravitate to Cali bands.

Fashion Files: Q&A with City and Colour

"I love fashion."

These are the excited first words out of Dallas Green's mouth when I ask him if it's alright that I detour from our music convo and ask a few fashion-related questions.

The always dapper and put together musician is the man behind the heartfelt acoustic band, City and Colour. I had the chance to sit down with Dallas at Osheaga this summer to get the inside scoop on some of his favourite things, including fashion.

Green's style is all his own. He doesn't use a stylist, and when I prodded him on whether he gets fashion advice from his wife, Leah Miller, he admitted that he actually gives it to her.

"She always asks me what I think of her outfits," he said. "Me and Leah are both on point with one another so we go to each other for things like this."

Here are a few other tidbits I learned from the tattooed troubadour regarding his love affair with fashion and personal style.

Favourite store in Montreal: "I actually went to this store this morning that I was really excited about because I’d ordered stuff from their website. It's called Rooney, and it’s on Notre Dame West. They carry a lot of things that I like. But it was closed! It said open 12 to 5 on Sundays, so I think they’re probably here [at Osheaga]. They closed for the festival. I was so bummed."

Favourite brands right now: "There’s a brand called Our Legacy from Scandinavia. I really like their stuff. And there’s a really awesome brand from Australia called Vanishing Elephant. They make pretty subdued things too, but they make crazy patterned shirts, shoes, and socks."

Favourite footwear: "I love John Varvatos shoes. I’ve had these John Varvatos boots for six years. And I tour in them, and just every once in a while, every couple years, I get them re-soled and polished. And his shoes are awesome too. I could go on forever about the things I like."

Favourite music video growing up: "That’s a tough one. I always loved The Pharcyde videos. You know The Pharcyde, the hip-hop group? Like 'Drop'. Remember that song, 'Drop'? The whole video is filmed backwards. Spike Jonze directed it. That was a great video."

Favourite music video now: "What’s the last music video I saw? Oh my God! I saw the new Chris Brown featuring Justin Bieber video yesterday. It’s like an action movie. There’s cars blowing up, buildings falling down, there’s a love story... It’s like a Michael Bay movie! And I think it’s because the song is very boring. I really like his first two singles, 'Beautiful People' and 'Look at Me Now' with Busta Rhymes and LIl Wayne, but this is the first time I heard that new song and the video is insane. He’s got bleached blond hair, like old Eminem, it’s crazy. So I don’t even know if that’s a good song or a good video, but that’s the one that’s in my head right now."

Music style icons: "Daniel Romano. He plays guitar in my band. He’s my style icon. He’s the kind of kid who can pull off anything. He can show up to band practice wearing a wetsuit and I’d be like ‘Wow, where’d you get that, it looks great.’ Do you know what I mean, like I wouldn’t even question it."

Onstage style: "Yeah, I do think about it. I like to wear a nice shirt or something. Depending on the day. Today I’d like to wear a jacket and a shirt, but it’s probably too hot. I don’t know what my style would be considered. Professor? That’s my look. History professor. Tattooed history professor."

Tattoo tales: "The last one I got was last summer. I’ve kind of slowed down now. I still have lots of space, but I’ve run out of comfortable spots to get tattooed. So every time I have to go get one it’s really painful. Last summer I got a ship’s wheel right here [on my thigh], with my best friend Joanna. Her best friend passed away from cancer last year, and they were going to get this tattoo together before she died, but then she died before they could get it. So I got it with her instead. It was a nice thing."

Hanging out with Dallas Green at Osheaga.

ELLE Canada + H&M Style Station

Tomorrow I'll be hanging out at H&M at Yonge + Dundas as part of the ELLE Canada style team. I'll be at the ELLE station with my fellow fashion expert, Barb, from 11-4pm and we'll be giving style advice on the best fall trends for you and sharing the hottest picks in the store--straight from the ELLE Canada editors! Come by and say hi, you may even get your hands on a free gift card.

Here are just two of the awesome outfits I'd happily put together if I had the entire H&M fall collection at my fingertips...

H&M and ELLE Canada Style Station: My Picks by somethingtrendy

Friday Inspiration: Make Your Workspace Creative

A lot of designers talk about "mood boards" whenever they're creating a new collection. This is a collage of images, colours, fabric swatches... whatever inspires them at the time.

Well, I've created my very own inspiration wall at my ELLE Canada desk to keep me inspired and to remind me of all the pretty things in life.

I find having these little visual reminders helps keep the creativity flowing, no matter what's on the to-do list for the day. What's inspiring me right now? The beach, the ocean, waves, summertime, adventure, and travel.

Tuesday Tunes: Chromeo

This week, Tuesday Tunes is coming to you all the way from sunny Orlando... This song should keep you dancing right into fall! xx

Fashion's Hottest Young Thing: Chloe Moretz

She's super trendy + hip. She's on the cover of the September issue of LOVE magazine. She's graced the pages of NYLON. She's worn everyone from Chanel to Versace. She's fierce on the red-carpet.

Chloe Moret is a DOLL.

Friday Inspiration: Words of wisdom

Inside the Alexander McQueen Show at The MET

Breathtaking. Heartbreaking. Tragic.

These are just three words I'd use to describe Savage Beauty, the Alexander McQueen exhibition that showed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art this summer.

First, the Royal Wedding coup, and, now, with the astonishing success of this exhibition, I think it's safe to say that Alexander McQueen rules both the high-fashion runway and the mainstream art world.

I spoke with one of the Met gallery staff, and he said that Savage Beauty is the most successful exhibit the museum has ever had. The museum had to beef up security, extend the show's run by a week (it closed August 7), and even open the doors on Mondays, when the museum is normally closed, for people to check out the show.

The exhibit was gorgeous. It had an eerie feeling, but it was perfect. Instrumental music played to set the mood (the same music in the first video below) and there were plaques displaying information about each piece as well as quotes from McQueen.

It's been almost a year since the designer's suicide, and getting a glimpse into his mind and creative process was no easy task.

A few quotes that stuck with me?

"I want to empower women. I want people to fear the women I dress."

"I oscillate between life and death, happiness and sadness, good and evil."

"I'm about what goes through people's minds, the stuff that people don't want to admit or face up to. The shows are about what's buried in people's psyches."

"It is important to look at death because it is part of life. It's a sad thing, melancholic but romantic at the same time. it is the end of a cycle—everything has to end. The cycle of life is positive because it gives room for new things."

It was obvious that McQueen lived a tortured and melancholic existence, and perhaps this is what drove his genius.

With his background in tailoring, every piece of clothing was like a work of art. They were all beautifully made with care and intensity, and have such a rich story and intent behind them. It was so tragic, yet incredibly beautiful.

I left the exhibit feeling like I needed to take a moment of silence. A true fashion talent was lost, but McQueen's legacy remains to be shared.

In memoriam, here are some of my favourite McQueen runway moments: