Summer Fashion


Dainty Outfit: Winterized Orange Dress

Categories: Fashion

Today’s Dainty Outfit is a style savvy winter workaround! Think it’s a skirt? Think again!

I picked up this full-skirted, sleeveless orange dress in New York City last spring and enjoyed it all summer, especially with its sexy open back and vibrant colour. Once the warm weather went away I switched over to my winter wardrobe and forgot about it for a few months. Not very creative of me…

I’ve been trying to find ways to extend my existing wardrobe and started looking at my summer dresses for their transitional potential. This orange dress was a top contender with its thick (and warm) pleated ponte knit; so I started looking for pieces to layer with it. I tried a few blazers but the overall look was a little too A-line with the high-waisted full skirt and hip-length blazers. Cropped blazers worked better, but it was a fine line between chic and shapeless. I finally tried a black crochet crop top with sheer sleeves and a dainty scalloped hem – and Bingo!

Orange Dress

The length was complimentary to the shape of the dress without hiding my figure and the colour combo was fun too! I accessorized with opaque black tights, lace up booties, gold collar candy and my burgundy Mini MAC. It turned out to be a fresh yet warm winter look in a spring-worthy shade and a great experiment to extend my wardrobe! Here’s proof that seasonal wardrobes don’t have to be so black and white…they can be orange too ;)

Dress: Urban Outfitters, Top: ModCloth, Tights: Joe Fresh, Booties: Nine West, Necklace, Shop for Jayu, Bracelets: Biko Jewellery, Purse: Rebecca Minkoff

How do you push the limits of seasonal wardrobe boundaries?

Summer Sweat Control

Categories: Beauty,Skincare

There’s nothing dainty about sweat – it’s all good when we exercise, but getting sweaty in public, wearing nice clothing is uncomfortable and embarrassing! With the heat wave we’ve been having in Toronto and the summer ahead, we’re about to sweat outside of the gym a lot more!

I usually manage sweat control with regular deodorant / antiperspirant – but certain occasions warrant something stronger.

Like summer weddings – it’s hot, you’re dressed to the nines and dancing. For many people (myself included), this is a hot mess…especially when there’s a photographer around! Last summer, I made a discovery that takes the anxiety out of those sticky situations…

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Dainty Outfit: Lovely Lavender

It’s another hot and humid day in Toronto and since I have some after-work activities planned for this evening involving a TTC commute and the absence of air conditioning, I decided to keep it light today.

I bought this lovely lavender dress from ModCloth a couple of years ago and I still love the simple and comfortable, yet elegant style. Made of a silky polyester, it’s light and breathable but doesn’t lose its shape or get wrinkled like similar lightweight fabrics can. I adore the v-neck accentuated with flat ruffles, the functional pockets and the cinched waist. The colour is simply stunning – this photo doesn’t do it justice!

I added a skinny braided nude belt to match my tote and kept it light with clear beads and silver jewellery. Keeping my commute in mind, I decided to give my feet a break today with some comfortable flat silver gladiator sandals. I love the look and staying cool in this heat!

Dress: ModCloth, Shoes & Purse: Aldo, Watch: Michael Kors, Jewellery: Jacob

Dainty Outfit: Billowy Boho

It’s unseasonably hot and muggy in Toronto this week and while I’d love to be relaxing poolside with an icy cocktail, I have to work! I have a ton of cute, strappy summer dresses, but not many that I can wear to work without strategic layering to cover my shoulders or uncertain “is this too short?” moments. I often lean on blazers and cardigans while I’m in the office and shed the layers for happy hour or my commute home in the sweaty sardine can…I mean streetcar.

Some days I just don’t have the energy to pick out coordinating layers – and today was one of those days! Today’s Dainty Outfit is a loose and airy drop waist silk dress from Club Monaco with a simple floral print in a neutral colour palette (cream and blush print on grey). It’s comfy and breathable when I’m outdoors and provides the right amount of coverage in the office too.

I love the sheer silk, the billowy 3/4 length sleeves and the drawstring at the waist that allows me to find the right  balance without loosing my figure under such a loose style. It has a sophisticated bohemian vibe to it that can be dressed up or down. I’ve worn it with an infinity scarf and flats for a casual weekend look and jewellery and heels for a dressy evening look.

Today, I’m wearing casual nude canvas wedges from Aldo because I love how they coordinate with the print in the dress – and nude heels elongate the legs ladies! I chose an over sized tote (also from Aldo) in the same colour and sleek silver and crystal jewellery. I think it came together nicely! What do you think?