Canadian labels to love.

Happy Canada Day to all of my fellow Canadians! Today Canada turns a whopping 149 years old…and I must say, I can only hope to look as good when I’m 149. So in order to celebrate the big day, I’ve rounded up some of my favourite Canadian brands/shops that have undeniably made their mark in the industry. Enjoy!

SOIA & KYO

As featured in one of my previous posts, this Montreal-based outerwear brand has gained major momentum in recent years, even catching the eye of major celebrities across the border. With a unique spin on contemporary-meets-timeless classic, SOIA & KYO crafts quality pieces that you’ll love. Trust me.

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Shop pieces here

CoutuKitsch

Based out of my current stomping grounds in Calgary, this hand crafted jewellery line knows what’s up. From small, delicate necklaces and earrings to bold, statement body chains, they truly have something for every kind of woman. Thanks CoutuKitsch. You’re a gem.

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Shop pieces here

OAK + FORT

I first discovered OAK + FORT back in the fall of 2011 and instantly fell in love with their luxe fabrics and chunky knits. Since then, it has been my go-to for cool classics and the coziest sweaters in those chilly winter months. What started out as one location in Vancouver has spread its influence to locations across Canada, and more recently the USA. It’s safe to say that this brand isn’t going anywhere but across the globe.

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Shop pieces here

Hudson’s Bay Company

One does not simply speak of Canadian brands without mentioning the oldest of them all. Quick history lesson: With beginnings stemming back to before Canada was even a country, the Hudson’s Bay Company began as part of the fur trade (SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHERS FOR TEACHING ME SO WELL). These days it continues to be a staple for all Canadians as a department store with all of your clothing/accessory/cosmetic/kitchen/home needs and desires.

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Shop pieces here

Pink Tartan

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, Pink Tartan has been making waves in the fashion industry since designer/president Kimberley Newport-Mimran launched the brand in 2002. This luxury line is nothing short of pleasing to the eye with fun colours, flattering silhouettes, and utter sophistication for the woman looking to make a splash day to night.

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Shop pieces here

lululemon

This pivotal, Vancouver-based active wear company has changed athletic apparel as we know it. Originally catering to yoga devotees, the brand is now the ultimate go-to for all of your active adventures (women AND men). And with the athleisure trend standing strong, there’s lots to be excited about on the lulu front.

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Shop pieces here

Simons

Oh man. This place is dangerous guys. Straight out of Quebec, this department store has everything your heart desires and more. I first visited Simons after their Edmonton location opened a few years back, and every visit since I have not walked away empty handed. With a broad spectrum of high end to affordable pieces for women and men, exclusive lines only available at Simons, and even home décor/furnishings, this place truly hits the nail on the head when it comes to the ultimate shopping experience.

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Shop pieces here

Aldo

This Canadian go-to shoe shop never misses a step. Growing up, Aldo was one of the few shoe stores where I lived. However, even now that I have mass variety, I always go back to Aldo. The brand consistently spews out cutting edge trends in footwear for a quarter (if that) of the price. Not to mention their accessories are a saviour to my wallet and my wardrobe.

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Shop pieces here

Aritzia

I don’t think Aritzia needs much of an introduction. It’s hard to go anywhere without seeing someone flaunting their Aritzia finds these days. From what started as a single boutique in Vancouver (must be something in the water), has now expanded across North America- easily becoming a favourite of many.

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Shop pieces here

xoxo Karina

Spring Style Rundown: Victorious.

To end my Spring Style Rundown series, I saved one of my personal favourites for last: Victorian-inspired details. High necklines, ruffles, intricate details of lace, and delicate bows dominated the runways…I guess you could say they’re victorious. Zimmermann was one of my personal favourites for the season, featuring soft colours accompanied by feminine silhouettes that had a clear Victorian influence. And while this trend is seen as a conservative one, Zimmermann still managed to create a flirtatious collection that I can totally see myself wearing with ease in 2016. So without further ado, I present to you all my top picks for the best Victorian-esque looks for spring (and they are all Zimmermann because I couldn’t pick just a couple)!

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*All Photos Courtesy of Vogue*

xoxo Karina

 

Spring Style Rundown: Do the ruffle shuffle.

Ruffles. It seems as though runways across the map for spring were seeing the feminine classic flouncing about. This season, however, ruffles were like no other. RIP to the strictly girly girl ruffles that we’ve seen in the past (although there’s still plenty of room for ruffles in the girly closet). Olivier Roustling of Balmain did what he does best and gave ruffles a punch of sexy, while over at Alexander McQueen we were blessed with a special sweetness and glimmers of inspiration from the Victorian age. All of this while Jason Wu gave us some black and silver ruffles to make people like myself feel too cool for school. With all this being said…let’s all do the ruffle shuffle, shall we?

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Alexander McQueen

 

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Alexander McQueen

 

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Balmain

 

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Jason Wu

 

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Jason Wu

 

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Alexander McQueen

 

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Alexander McQueen

 

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Balmain

*Photos courtesy of Vogue*

xoxo Karina

Spring Style Rundown: White-Out.

Ahhh yes, white. There’s nothing more classic, yet so fresh about this snowy hue. The best thing about white is the fact that it’ll never look dated and everyone at any age can effortlessly pull it off. For this season, designers pulled out all the stops to show the latest and greatest ways to wear white, including one of my personal favourites – Christian Dior. In his final collection with Dior, Raf Simons reminded me of why I love the iconic label. The feminine scalloped detailing on much of the looks he sent down the runway were feminine and classic, yet he still managed to bring us that modern punch and simplicity that we have grown to know and love from the designer. I could have posted every look from the collection, but I’ve spared you the time and selected just a few of my Dior favourites. Also included are some ultra chic pieces from Fendi, The Row, and Carolina Herrera. Bon Appetit!

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Dior

 

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The Row

 

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Carolina Herrera

 

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Dior

 

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Fendi

 

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The Row

 

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Dior

*Photos courtesy of Vogue*

xoxo Karina

 

 

Spring Style Rundown: Sweet Daydreams.

One trend that designers flaunted down their runways for spring is something you thought you’d only see in your wildest dreams. No, really though. Pajama dressing seemingly popped up on every runway, blessing us with that luxurious daytime comfort that we’ve been longing for. Simple, yet chic silhouettes, accompanied with delicate silks and lace, button ups, and light as a feather slip dresses are everything for this spring. So, here are my top picks for pajama dressing.

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Dolce & Gabbana
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The Row
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Celine
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Dolce & Gabbana
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Balenciaga
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The Row
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Balenciaga

What are your thoughts on pajama dressing?

*Photos courtesy of Vogue*

xoxo Karina

Spring Style Rundown: Go Bold or Go Home.

While it may only be February, spring style has already sprung on my mind (sorry, not sorry at all). With that being said, I thought I would give you all the ultimate breakdown of all the must-have clothing for the upcoming season. And let me tell you, this year’s spring style is off the chain. So much so that I have decided to break up this post into a 5-part series so I don’t overwhelm you with the bazillion looks that I have hand-picked. So brace yourselves for theme #1 from this soon to be glorious series of spring pieces:

Go Bold Or Go Home.

Runway’s across the board were splashed with bold prints and colours (hallelujah-amiright?) Hands-down, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana showcased some of the best colour and print of the entire season and I’m sort of obsessed-as you’ll see below. So, here’s my picks for all you ladies looking to make a statement this spring.

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Dolce & Gabbana

 

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Alice + Olivia

 

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Alice + Olivia

*Photos courtesy of Vogue*

xoxo Karina

Currently coveting: Fall footwear.

Now, I don’t know about you guys but I’m pretty tired of the same old boring footwear. This season, I’m spicing things up a bit. If I want to go for a black boot, I want something that’s going to make a statement (like a metallic heel…I recently bought these Sam Edelman ones and I’m obsessed). There’s so many amazing options out there this season, so let’s all add a little spice to our feet shall we? Here’s just a few of my top picks…

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I have to admit that I’ve been admiring these Tory Burch booties since the middle of the summer when I first saw them. And let me tell you…this picture doesn’t do them justice. With the glossy finish and chunky heel, these boots will leave you thinking about them forever and ever…unless you buy them of course. Them being navy is also a huge bonus as it’s a nice switch up from the usual black.

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Suede is continuing to have a major moment right now, and these Prada patchwork booties are everything. The rich colours have me drooling just a tad. I’d rock these all season.

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Oh hello. Metallic booties will undoubtedly make a statement. These Topshop ones are crazy good and I need them in my life a bit.

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While looking at the previous pair of booties, I stumbled across the same pair in this glorious colour. Topshop, you do amazing things.

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MORE METALLIC. I love these Stella McCartney loafers so much. Talk about lighting up the room. Amazing.

What are your favourites?

xoxo Karina

1 year ago…

I am so excited as today is the day the blog turns 1! Going into this, I had no idea just how much work it would take to run a fashion blog and I have gained so much more respect for all my fellow bloggers. This past year has been amazing. Since day 1, I have had incredible supporters (THANKS MOM) and people who have helped out with the blog. Along the way I’ve also gained many more followers  who have been so sweet and supportive in the blogger community. So for that, I want to say thank you so much for making what I love that much more enjoyable! I have lots of exciting plans for this next year and I can’t wait to share them with you all…With lots of love, here’s to many more.

xoxo Karina

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*Note* -I had an absolute ball with these balloons. AND I even smiled for those who have expressed their concerns over me not smiling for outfit posts…just because those balloons were that exciting for me.

Currently Coveting: Miss Patina.

I first came across Miss Patina last year after I had seen Taylor Swift wearing this insanely fabulous jacket. I could not help but scour the internet to figure out where it was from. And just like that, BAM. I found it. That my friends, is the moment Miss Patina came into my life. These days I spend much of my free time dreaming of the British brands signature vintage inspired pieces. I am obsessed with 99.99% of it, so it was quite difficult to narrow it down to only a few of my favourites. But here they are!

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I have been drooling over this lovely burgundy coat for a good month now. I may just find it in my closet soon enough. I am also in love with the sweater underneath. That will also be in my closet soon enough.

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This polka dot blouse is too adorable. And the little bow tie…I need this in my life.

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For those who don’t personally know me, I am obsessed with dogs. So naturally, I got very excited when I stumbled upon this English Hound blouse. Not to mention the cool zipper detailing on the collar.

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T-Swift has this dress. That is all.

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A sweater with little foxes! What could be better?

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Perhaps this kick ass set? Click for: Jacket/Shorts

xoxo Karina

Well Styled.

5 reasons Harry Styles continually kills it in the style game and what we can all learn from him.

Warning: May experience some serious fan-girling.

Reason #1

Unbuttoned shirts-So undone, yet so gloriously put together all at once.

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Reason #2

Layering- Everyone can learn a thing or two…or three about Harry’s layering ways.

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Reason #3

Crazy prints are more than okay.

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Reason #4

The right coat can make an outfit.

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Reason #5

Sometimes a simple tee/sweater paired with jeans is really all you need.

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xoxo Karina