Back to Basics...

Basic item are very important to have in your wardrobe. They’re the pieces that when I don’t know what to wear, I can just throw them on, knowing that they’ll go together no matter what.

Let’s start with Blazers. Now I absolutely love them and I think that they dress up any outfit, and add that finishing touch. There are so many different styles, colours, fabrics and designs you can find them in.

Classic T-shirt. This is a must. Whether you go with a V-neck, or a crew neck this is staple that I believe is important; and they come in every colour possible.

I love Jeans. Whether it’s pair of skinny or boyfriend, I live in them. Ankle, or cropped, dark or light wash; or even distressed, there is no wrong way to wear them.

Cardigans are essential. Throw one on when it’s chilly out or when you just need a light cover up, there are tons of styles and colours.

There are a few shoes that I believe are necessary to any closet:

Ballet flat. Simple. Easy. Goes with every outfit and they come in so many colours, styles and fabrics possible.

Classic pump. No matter what colour or style you pick; it’s a must.

Wedge. Love wearing them with skirts or dresses, and when you want something a little bit more dresser than plain sandals but more casual; it’s perfect.

Flat Sandal. So comfy for every day, you'll want different styles and colours for every outfit!

Top handle bag. Lots of room and a great every day bag…and gives your shoulder a break!

Clutches can be worn day or night, with any outfit. Endless styles and sizes make them perfect for when you don’t want to carry a big bag.

I love cross body bags because they make life easy. And with so many styles and colours, endless possibilities.

The high-end designers I love for bags are Hermes and Celine. They’re simple, timeless, and chic; and depending on the one you choose and how you wear it, can be edgy.

Grey Hermes Birkin

Hermes Constance Crossbody 

Image Credit: Polyvore

Celine Tri-Colour Boston Bag

Image Credit: Purseblog

Celine Trio Crossbody Bag

Image Credit: Lyst

Stella McCartney Fabella Clutch

Image Credit: Lyst

For high-end designer shoes, I love Lanvin, Jimmy Choo and Valentino made some gorgeous studded flats (as seen below)

Black Ballet Flats

Image Credit: Barneys

Jimmy Choo Morse Ballet Flats

Valentino Studded Ballet Flats

Image Credit: Saks

Valentino Studded Flat Sandal

Image Credit: Cool Spotters

Christina Louboutin Rolando Pump

Image Credit: Christian Louboutin

Jimmy Choo Suede Platform Pump

Image Credit: Jimmy Choo

Christian Louboutin Linen and Cork Wedge

Chloe Scalloped Flat Sandal

Image Credit: Polyvore

Some of the high-end clothing designers I love are AG, Current/Elliott, Hudson and Helmut Lang.

Dark Wash-AG Legging Ankle

Image Credit: AG Jeans

Light Wash-Hudson Skinny

Image Credit: Hudson Jeans

Current/Elliot The Boyfriend Jean

Image Credit: Current/Elliott

T by Alexander Wang

Image Credit: Net-A-Porter

Splendid Boyfriend Tee

Image Credit: Far Fetch

Miu Miu Cardigan

Image Credit: Net-A-Porter

Helmut Lang Wool and Leather Blazer

Image Credit: Lyst

Stella McCartney Wool Blazer

Image Credit: Cool Spotters

These are just some of the basics that are important to have and it's so easy to take any of them and turn it into a fun, chic and comfy outfit; with so many different styles and options, there's no wrong way to wear these items!! 

Cosmetics, Hair and Skin Care

Along with fashion, I will also be talking about cosmetics, hair and skin care, because I believe they all go together. If your outfit is going to look good why not everything else be as well?

Let’s start with skin care. I wash my face every night, though I don't wear makeup everyday, even if I’ve stayed home all day watching an endurance race, and haven’t put makeup on, I still take 5 minutes to do it. Why? Because the air has germs in it, dust, dirt and impurities that touch your face and because fingers have natural oils.

Washing it, toning and using moisturizer gives your skin a chance to breathe and soothes it.

Now, I’m no dermatologist, so I can’t say what will work for your skin, but there are some product lines that I love, and use on a daily basis.

Morning:

Nivea Refreshing Toner

Image Credit: Nivea

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Moisturizer SPF 30 (I've also used the 45)

Image Credit: Neutrogena

Evening:

Lacome Bi-Facial Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

Image Credit: Lancome

Lancome Creme Radiance Cream-To-Foam Cleanser

Image Credit: Lancome

Nivea Refreshing Toner (As seen above)

Nivea Daily Moisturizer (I love using this at night because it's not heavy)

Image Credit: Nivea

I've also used and love the Lancome Tonique Radiance

Image Credit: Lancome

A few high-end product I also love are Creme de la Mer Ultra Rich Cream Moisturizer and Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Gel Cream, thanks to Instyle Magazine for their sample card; Lancome Genifique, Lancome Visionnaire and Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, all of which I've gotten as samples.

Acne Products:

I always get the odd pimple, but I find that using this gets rid of it fast. And it can be used many times repeatedly.

Clean and Clear Spot Treatment. 

Image Credit: Clean and Clear

Facial Scrub:

If I could, I'd get facials every 2-4 weeks, unfortunately that's the not case but I do find that this works very well and makes my skin feel soft and smooth. 

Image Credit: Neutrogena

Cosmetics:

L’Oreal Tru Match Lumi Foundation

Image Credit: L'Oreal

Bobbi Brown and MAC eyeshow-various different colours/shades

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Image Credit: Shu Uemura

L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Volume Building Mascara

Image Credit: L'Oreal

Maybelline Full n Soft Waterproof Mascara (Unfortunately, this isn't available in Canada anymore)

Image Credit: Maybelline

Stila Convertable Colour Blush

Image Credit: Stila

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

Image Credit: Bobbi Brown

MAC Penultimate Eye Liner

Image Credit: MAC

Onto hair:

L'Oreal Paris Arginine Resist Shampoo

Image Credit: L'Oreal Paris

L'Oreal Paris Arginine Resist Conditioner

Image Credit: L'Oreal Paris

My hair gets put through a lot. I blow dry and straighten it 3 times a week, and curl it almost every day; but I’m very lucky that even with all that it’s still very healthy. Thanks to amazing treatments and serums.

L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5

Image Credit: L'Oreal Paris

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment.

Image Credit: Macadamia

Skin:

It's incredibly important to keep your skin moisturized, especially in the winter when it's so drying. 

Image Credit: Vaseline

Nail Polish:

Having worked in the beauty industry for 4.5 years, I started using OPI and Essie. Both of which I love.

My favourite colours are:

OPI-Big Apple Red, It’s A Girl, Suzi Says Da, Give Me Moore, Russian Navy

Essie-Chinchilly, Merino Cool, Lacquered up, Midnight Cami, Mademoiselle

I also use the OPI Natural Nail Strengthener and Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.

It's also important to have a pair of sharp tweezers and good makeup brushes. You don't need pricey or a lot of them, just the right ones.

Along with these products, I always love trying new ones (even if they don't work out). I could spend hours in Sephora and the Holt Renfrew Beauty/Cosmetics Department looking and would buy everything if I could!

But as always, use the products that work best for you and your skin. Though if you see something that interests you, don’t be afraid to try it as you may love it!

Celebrity styles I love...

Do you ever look at an actress/celebrity and think, ”I love what she’s wearing”, or “I love her style”? I know I do. Whenever I see a photo of them just out and about, I think to myself, I would love to wear something like that.

Now, obviously I can't go out and buy the same shirt or jacket but it’s a matter of details. To look for something similar, that matches.

These are some of the celebrities styles I look at, and love:

Jessica Alba:

Image Credit: Star Style

Charlize Theron:

Image Credit: Zimbio

Ellen Pompeo:

Jillian Dempsey:

                              

Reese Witherspoon:

Image Credit: Just Jared

Kristin Cavallari:

Image Credit: Star Style

These women all have something in common, their versatile style that I think is effortless. They're casual, chic, simple, and comfy with a little bit of a punk edge at times; all qualities that I love.

So whether you love someone’s style and try to dress like them, or simply just admire their fashion choices; don’t be afraid to look for the details that you can translate into your own style. You never know, it could work!