Anyone else seeing the light at the end of the tunnel that is this winter? I'm not sure if it's because Easter is so early this year or the fact that we will be above freezing all week, but my mind is all on spring and I'm not mad about it. I love this transitional time of year because you can focus less on retaining every ounce of heat and more on lighter layers and fun accessories!

There is just something about a sweater dress that manages to tick all the boxes when it comes to being both fashion friendly and practical, am I right? I love a good cowl neck because it basically acts as a built in scarf for some extra warmth, but isn't at all constricting around the neck. Top it all off with a cute knit headband and you're still toasty warm without the hat hair - total win win!

Anyone else already feeling the spring bug?

When the weather is not cooperating with your outfit plans, sometimes it's better just to take the hint and keep things casual. This weekend cycled from pouring rain to blizzard, which didn't do much for the outside outfit photos I had planned, but gave me the perfect excuse to pull on the most comfortable, flowy sweater I own and do some planning for my upcoming vacation (5 days to go!). 

Who doesn't love a good loose sweater for lounging around the house? There is something about the cold shoulder that makes me feel less like I'm wearing my PJs (I love sleeping in oversized crewneck sweaters!) and inspired me to pair them with some leather leggings and simple jewelry to complete the look. This sweater is so comfortable I'm seriously considering wearing it on the plane - not too heavy, not too light, and no need to worry about being uncomfortable in cramped seats for hours. Stay tuned on Snapchat (tvibblog) to see what I end up choosing!

What is your favourite weekend uniform?

This year for Christmas I got my very first blanket scarf, and it's safe to say that I am obsessed. I'm always cold so I for one am so glad that walking around wearing a blanket is fashion-friendly! There are so many ways you can wear these pieces, but this was my favourite over the holidays for staying warm while still looking put together.

Wearing this super soft scarf poncho-style was like being wrapped in a warm hug, and the monochrome base is perfect for letting the metallic touches shine. It wouldn't be me without a little bit of sparkle, right?

It feels like ages since I've done a style post, and I have to say I've missed it! Today's look pretty much encapsulates my personal style. I love classic and feminine fabrics and cuts, and pieces that could be taken through multiple seasons with a few alterations. Add a little sparkle and you've got me swooning.

Top: c/o Shein {exact} | Belt: Goodwill {similar} | Skirt: H&M {exact} Braclet: J. Crew {exact} | Necklace: Jessica | Boots Aldo {similar}

I love the delicate pattern of this blouse, but it's actually quite a thick material which balances it out perfectly by adding a little bit of warmth to what could be considered a spring/summer top. Pairing it with some sparkly accessories and a bold lip makes it a perfect option for the holidays. It's lined at the top which I appreciate, but the arms and hemline are unlined which gives a really flattering cutout look that makes it great to layer over top of bottoms, not just tucked in. Just picture it untucked over a forest green pencil skirt for work holiday parties - how pretty would that be?

I took the advice of fellow reviewers and went up a size, and am glad I did since the shoulders and arms fit me perfectly.

What are you planning on wearing for your holiday occasions?

In the past few years my wardrobe philosophy has changed pretty dramatically. While I'm still one to head first to inexpensive clothing stores like Target or H&M, I now understand the value in investing in a few key style pieces that can elevate the look of lower cost accessories and grow with your style throughout the seasons.

Before I choose to invest my hard earned cash into any material goods, I like to consider the cost per wear of the item in question. Even if it is expensive upfront, if it's something I could see myself using everyday or even once every other week, it often ends up being less expensive in the long run than many of the fast-fashion items I have bought and worn only a handful of times.

Day to Night Dress | If you don't already own a wrap dress, you're missing out on one of the easiest and most comfortable wardrobe staples! I once baulked at the price of a DVF version, but that all changed the first time I tried it on. I've said it before, but I swear the fabric and the cut of the dress make it so comfortable it's like hanging out in a robe all day long. A lower cut front and longer sleeves keep things sexy but classy for a dinner date, but can easily be paired with a camisole underneath for work. I found  my black 3/4 sleeve version at an outlet for less than half the price of the original so keep an eye out for sales!

The Everyday Bag | A simple, everyday, fits-everything bag that can hold up to a bit of a beating is an essential to me. The Le Pliage bags were ridiculously popular when I was in university, but after getting on myself I instantly saw why. The simple shape and size make them the perfect multi-taking bag for lugging around your laptop or files for work/school during the day, or fitting in all the necessities for a weekend away. The nylon fabric means it is waterproof and easy to clean (I just throw mine in the washing machine) and even with carrying around heavy items they hold up extremely well. I've had mine for over 4 years, and the only visible signs of wear and tear are on the bottom corners.

A Classic Coat | While the style of coat will depend much on the climate you're living in, a good quality, durable coat that can transition through multiple seasons is a great investment. I had always wanted a classic Burberry trench coat, but when I took into consideration that I spend most of the year freezing my tush off, the wool trench ended up making much more economical sense for my environment.Whether trench, leather or wool, timeless cuts and colours will stay in your wardrobe for years to come.

Cashmere Cardigan | Cashmere is an incredible fabric because it manages to be so thin yet so warm, making it perfect for transitioning into almost any season. In a neutral colour a simple cashmere cardi can be perfect for wearing all day in the winter, or out at night in the spring and summer without adding any bulk to your outfit. There are varying levels of quality and price, but if taken care of properly a 100% cashmere piece can stand the test of time and be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe.

What fashion items do you choose to invest in?

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Accessorizing can be what takes and outfit from plain to Pinterest-worthy, but I know it can be difficult to know where to start. Of course accessories are all dependent on your personal taste and style, but as someone who has struggled in the past here are some of the tips I've learned along my personal style journey!

Find the "Dead Zone"

Once I have my clothing choices down, I look at the outfit to see if there are any large open spaces that immediately draw the eye. Filling these "dead zones" with pieces that balance with the proportions of the space is a great starting point. Long pendant style necklaces and scarves help to draw the eye up and down and can make you appear longer and leaner, while statement pieces bring the attention to your face and neckline.

Balancing Act

I prefer my accessories to coordinate versus match. Sometimes jewelry comes in matching sets, but I prefer to split them up into different outfits to let each piece make their own statement!  Choose a focal piece that you want to shine, and build around that. Rocking a bold lip? Having a colourful arm party? A neutral dainty necklace or scarf can help balance it out. Wearing a pattern on the bottom? Chunkier accessories on top can harmonize the look. That being said, don't be afraid to play with patterns, textures and finishes. Just because it's neutral doesn't mean it can't make a statement!

Save or Splurge?

While I don't think it's at all necessary to spend a lot on trendy accessories, consider investing in a few key pieces that are versatile and classic. When I'm in a rush and don't know where to start, there are a few key pieces that I know I can rely on to go with virtually any outfit. My staples are: a skinny black adjustable belt, a chunky watch, pearls and delicate clear stone pieces. These can all be dressed up and dressed down with ease and are neutral enough to go with any other colour scheme. I wrote this post on my 5 most worn pieces of jewelry in 2013, and I still wear all of those pieces at least once per week!

Even though the official start of spring is just under a week away, in the North we're still in a holding pattern of cooler weather. During this transition time I love playing up the seasonal accessories, and what says spring more than a bright green? 

This coat was something that I had fallen in love with months ago, and finally decided it was worth the splurge once they started clearing out their winter collection. I see the classic style and amazing fit becoming a staple in my fall/winter/spring wardrobe for years to come. I just love the combination of camel, green, and fuchsia - it brings some much needed brightness to my still white surroundings.

What are your favourite bright accessories?

 

I have to admit, I didn't even know that "colour of the year" was an actual thing until last year. While Radiant Orchid was a beautiful shade, I was beyond thrilled to see Marsala take the title for this year. Burgundy-wine colours are some of my personal favourite colours to wear (as you could probably tell from here, here and here) and would look good on absolutely anyone.

While this dress may come closer to maroon than marsala, I still think it fits the bill pretty well. I just love how this family of colours acts like an almost-neutral, but still adds a little punch to an outfit. The darker hue makes it perfect for winter, but I can't wait to see what inspiration comes along for summer! 

How are you rocking the colour of the year - clothing, lips, nails?

Do you have any pieces in your closet that you wish that you could find more excuses to wear? This sweater is one of those. Originally picked out by Tyler I was at first skeptical about how much use I would get out of it, but it quickly turned into one of my favourite pieces because of how unique and comfortable it is. The nautical graphic screams spring/summer, but I wanted to try and find a way to make it a bit more winter appropriate.

Even surrounded by white fluffy snow, I don't think this sea creature looks entirely out of place paired with a dark flannel plaid with a similar colour scheme. I love that both pieces are structured enough that they could be dressed up for a casual day at the office, or kept low key for running errands on the weekend.

What spring/summer pieces have you taken with you into the winter?

Is there anything better than a long weekend in the depths of winter? Especially now that the temperatures have dipped into the -20s for what seems like the rest of the month, I couldn't be more happy to have an extra day to cozy up and catch up on my latest Netflix addiction.

For when I did have to brave the cold this weekend, it only made sense to bust out my warmest wool "grandpa" cardigan that I found in the mens section of a thrift store years ago. I have gotten so much use out of this sweater over the years, it's amazing what treasures you can find when you go with an open mind!

I hope you're all staying warm out there! What is your cold weather staple?

Since the lace/crochet fabric and bold belt made enough of a statement on their own, I opted for more delicate jewelry - rose gold and hearts just seemed to appropriate to say no to. I loved both the effect that layering these two dresses gave and the extra mileage I realized I can get from some of my favourite pieces! 

If you think you recognize this "top" you'd be correct, here are some of the ways it's stayed with me through the seasons:

Beachy Date | Leather & Lace

What does your ideal Valentine's outfit look like?

I consider my style to be typically more on the feminine side, so putting together something a bit more "grunge" was definitely out of the ordinary for me.  Even though I skipped the sunglasses, purse and heels, because I definitely I wasn't going anywhere, I took inspiration by the monochrome palette, leather accents, and threw in a chunky statment necklace to add a bit more interest. All in all still keeping it functional for a day mostly spent sipping tea by the fire, but something that will definitely be repeated out in public this season.

Have you ever recreated one of your favourite outfit pins from Pinterest? Are you a fan of these types of posts? Show me your favourites and I'd love to give them a shot!