Sweater: Simons
Shorts: Madewell
Jacket: Saturday Sunday
Bag: Ralph Lauren
Sunglasses: Nordstrom
Boots: Ann Marino by Bettye Muller
Belt: Vintage
xoxo Karina
*Disclosure: I never actually had a turtle named Murtle*
Peach season.
Dress: Mei
Glasses: Dior
Bag: Sole Society
Shoes: Billie Jean
xoxo Karina
High-rise.
Bodysuit: Zara
Skirt: Express
Shoes: Shoe The Bear
Sunglasses: Nordstrom
Bag: Fossil
xoxo Karina
B-A-N-A-N-A-S.
T-shirt: Zoe Karssen
Shorts: Madewell
Belt: H&M
Shoes: Shoe The Bear
Sunglasses: Nordstrom
xoxo Karina
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shop pieces here
xoxo Karina
Head over heels.
Shirt: Chicwish
Skirt: Zara
Shoes: House of Harlow 1960
Sunglasses: Nordstrom
Bag: Fossil
xoxo Karina
Fort McMurray.
Hi everyone! I genuinely apologize for being absent from the blogging scene these last couple weeks or so. However it’s been for good reason. As some of you may have already seen on the news, much of my hometown of Fort McMurray, Alberta has been ravaged by wildfires. This is the place I took my first breath, had my first steps, and learned much of what I know for my first 18 years. It’s also home to over 80,000 of some of the kindest, most generous, and hardworking people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. While I no longer physically live in Fort Mac, my heart will always remain. It has been absolutely heartbreaking to watch my hometown go up in flames after years of building the community. But my heart has also been filled with so much hope and joy as I’ve watched how people from all over have come together to support everyone from Fort Mac. You too can help. The Canadian Red Cross is accepting donations as I write this, with both the province of Alberta, and the government of Canada promising to match each donation made. If you wish to help, I will provide the links below!
Today, instead of doing my usual outfit post I thought it would be fitting to share some of my annual fall photos taken in places around Fort Mac over the years. Surrounded by forest, it’s never failed to provide us with a spectacular backdrop. And let me tell you. There are no fall seasons quite like Fort Mac’s. Some of the photos that I have chosen to include were taken in areas that have sadly been lost in the fires, making them all the more special.
To donate online with your choice of dollar amount:
Or you can also donate via text:
Text FIRES to 45678 to donate $10
Text REDCROSS to 30333 to donate $5
Every little bit helps, and I know myself and the people of Fort Mac appreciate it very much! Now, without further ado I present to you my feature presentation of the day: Fort Mac Fall Photos of Karina’s Past…and hang tight. I got a little carried away going down memory lane.
xoxo Karina
Plaid in the prairies.
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)!
*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?
*Photos courtesy of Vogue*
xoxo Karina
The Rules of Red 