With all the running around I've been doing for the wedding and house hunting, I've been gravitating towards the comfort level of athletic wear. It started out with a hunt for comfortable flat shoes for spring that were versatile enough to wear with multiple outfits, and now I'm in love with the ease of on the go style. Excuse me while I go on the hunt for a baseball cap that fits my small head...

Top {on sale} | Vest {on sale} | Leggings | Sneakers

Top {on sale} | Vest {on sale} | Leggings | Sneakers

What are your favourite athletic pieces for weekend wear?
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Linking up with: Lauren |  Laura | Lindsey | Sarah | Saumya

If you follow me on social media you'll already know that this was a pretty significant weekend for us. Not only was it Easter, which is an important and exciting day for us as Christians, we also went to pick up Tyler's family's new pup!

Meet the newest member of the Smith clan! 😍🐶 We're thinking maybe Riley or Toby - what do you guys think?? #puppygram #newpup #namethatdog #dogsofinstagram #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #photosinbetween #darlingmovement #abmlifeisbeautiful #abmlifeissweet #abmhappylife #flashesofdelight #lbloggers #dbloggers #bbloggersca

A photo posted by Nadia (@tvibblog) on Mar 26, 2016 at 10:15am PDT

Isn't he the sweetest?! We ended up going with Dawson because they wanted something a little more unique, but he's already fitting in with the family and settling in super well. As a dog lover that plus the beautiful sunny day left me in the best mood on Sunday.

Top: Old Navy {similar} | Coat: Burberry {exact} | Leggings: Old Navy {similar}
Hat: Areopostal {similar} | Boots: Daav {similar} | Necklace: Old Navy {similar}

How was your weekend? 

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 Linking up with: Lauren |  Laura | Lindsey | Sarah | Saumya

Happy first week of spring! We may be officially into the season but I've seen a couple of you on Snapchat experience the same dip in temperatures as us here in Toronto. I for one am still determined to brush the dust off of some of my favourite layering pieces and hope that the weather cooperates!

Jacket: Dynamite {similar} | Tshirt: Target {similar} | Jeans: Old Navy {similar}
Sunglasses: Old Navy {exact} | Necklace: Old Navy {similar} | Boots: Aldo {similar}

What piece are you looking forward to reincorporating into your spring wardrobe?

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 Linking up with: Lauren |  Laura | Lindsey | Sarah | Saumya

Whoever said darker colours had to be saved for fall? This outfit was one of my favourites in July because it managed to work in so many different environments - an afternoon tea bridal shower,  a day at the office, and a date this past weekend. Changing up the shoes or accessories, and adding or subtracting a cardigan was all it needed to adapt.

Top: F21 {similar} | Skirt: Mercer & Madison {similar} | Earrings: Heirloom {similar}
Shoes: Tory Burch {exact}

I was looking for more pattern to work into my office wardrobe, and this skirt fit the bill perfectly. The length, the fit, the pattern, the colours, they all work together to create a great wardrobe staple that I can see getting a ton of use of spring, summer or fall!

What are your favourite pattern pieces?

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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.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

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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This dress is one of those magical pieces that can transition so effortlessly for different occasions and weather conditions depending on how you accessorize it. I think it might be the cooler colour palette of the watercolour floral, but when paired with dark colours it really pulls out the deeper colours in the pattern making it perfect for livening up a chilly, rainy day.

Dress: H&M {similar} | Cardigan: Old {similar} | Necklace: Target {similar} | Belt: H&M {similar}

Pairing it with a solid colour helps to tone down the pattern and make it work appropriate, but doesn't look too stuffy or corporate to take out to dinner or drinks afterwards. I have gotten compliments every single time I've worn this dress, so I highly recommend keeping your eye out for unique patterns like this that could easily be dressed up for down for almost any season or occasion! 

What are your favourite patterned pieces?

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Oh how I've missed doing style posts. We're back at it today, and what better way to get back in the swing of things than co-hosting my favourite fashion linkup the Creative Closet! My own camera is still out of commission so apologies for the quality of the photos, but I could not miss out on styling this week's prompt: East Coast Prep. Link up below and don't forget to check out Jana and Maegen's looks!

Dress: Marshalls {similar/similar} | Shoes: Aldo {similar} | Chain Bracelet: J. Crew {exact}
Faux Pearl Bracelet: Joe Fresh {similar} | Necklace: H&M {exact}

Looks like I missed the hat memo, but aren't these mamas looking so fresh and fabulous for summer?

My mind immediately goes to three things when I think of east coast style - nautical, navy & pearls. Since I'd already done a couple of looks featuring my favourite lobster sweater, I decided to go with this collared "country club" dress and some nautical-inspired accessories. Fun fact - this was the dress I wore on my first date with Tyler!

Can you believe we're almost halfway through May already?! Seriously where does the time go. I'm definitely looking forward to the last two prompts of the month!

 

Now it's your turn! Link up your East Coast Prep outfits below & share the button below or link back to this post!

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An InLinkz Link-up

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 Linking up with: Jana & Maegen | Laura | Lauren | Saumya |

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!

What's your best advice for accessorizing like a pro?
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Do you ever have those days that you have to look somewhat put together but just can't stand the idea of wearing anything that doesn't make comfort #1? On those days, cotton dresses are my BFF. Easy and comfortable to throw on and can be dressed up or down in a flash.

Dress: J Crew {similar} | Cardigan: Express {similar} | Earrings: J Crew {exact}
Shoes: Airwalk {similar} | Necklace: H&M {similar}

This cardigan is actually Tyler's, but it was the perfect weight and length for the warm but breezy day. Sneakers kept the whole outfit super casual and comfortable for running around during the day, but since I knew my hair would be up (and would it really be me if I didn't add a little bling?) I added these pretty pastel statement earrings that play well with the minty tones in the dress. Can you believe I got them at J. Crew for $6? Such a steal. Their muted tones aren't too loud, but they add just a little bit more interest to an overall very basic outfit.

What are your go-to clothing items for put-together comfort?

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Linking up with: Jana | Laura | Lauren | Saumya | Amber

Finally we are starting to see the beginnings of real spring weather around here. A week of stormy days is much preferable to any sort of solid precipitation in my books, so I say bring it on. Besides, it gives me an excuse to revisit my favourite thrift store find ever.

Coat: Thrifted - The Bay {similar} | Dress: Forever 21 {similar} | Boots: Winners {similar}
Necklace: Nadri {exact} | Watch: Asos {similar}

Does anyone else find the "inbetween" seasons the absolute best to dress for? Give me spring and fall styles any day. I know sometimes it can seem less exciting to get dressed on dull/dark days, but I'm a firm believer that an outfit can make your day just that little bit brighter!

How do you brighten up a rainy day?

Remixed Pieces:

One | Two

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Linking up with: Lauren | Jana | Laura | Lauren | Saumya | Amber

Although I was greeted Easter morning by a new blanket of snow on the ground, it still felt appropriate to start dusting off some more of my spring wardrobe for the day. Thankfully the snow had melted by the afternoon, now let's hope it stays that way!

Headband: H&M {similar} | Blouse: Loft {similar} | Skirt: H&M {exact}

I bought this feather headband around Christmas with the intention of wearing it for New Year's Eve,  but that day came and went and it just sat in my closet. When I pulled out this skirt for Easter, the grey and rose colour pattern immediately bought it back into my mind. Nothing like a celebration for adding a little extra sparkle right? It was still much too cold to go bare-legged, so instead of picking my default black opaque tights, I decided to keep things a bit lighter and go with this subtly patterned grey pair.

Do you have an accessory that you absolutely love but have never found an excuse to wear? 

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Linking up with: Jana | Erin |  Sarah | Lindsey | Lauren

Happy Spring friends! The snow is finally starting to melt away, but I'm still waiting for the real spring weather to find its way North. Still, nothing that a little layering and bright accessories can't help cure!

Shirt: Old Navy {exact on major sale} | Vest: Old Navy {similar} | Jeans: American Eagle {exact}
Necklace: Forever 21 {similar} | Boots: Spring {similar} | Glasses: c/o Firmoo {exact}

I've been waiting all winter to be able to bust out this necklace again. I just love the pretty spring hue that it brings to this basic outfit. Paired with my well-loved staples, the world's most comfortable jeans and black puffer vest, and a little bit of pattern it makes for the perfect Sunday outfit for church and errands.

Here's a little peek at how I've remixed some of these pieces:

Going Dotty | Black & White | Fashion Friendly Frames

 What are you favourite comfy layering pieces?

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Linking up with: Jana | Lauren | Erin |  Sarah | Lindsey | Tara | Allison