FINAL TOUCH: ON POINT

Can we just take a minute to talk pants lengths? Most of us can agree that until kind of recently we were wearing our pant hems pretty long. And then a few seasons ago we collectively started to see things differently. Palazzo pants, cropped pants, ankle length hems: it’s part of a straight up fashion movement and as shoe lovers – ok, obsessives – we’re all over it! Coverage where you need it and skin where you don’t, plus an excuse to show off our amazing footwear? Don’t mind if we do.

There’s just one tiny thing about a shortened pant leg: it can potentially give the impression of a shorter leg. Of course, there’s an incredibly easy solve for this. First, a monochromatic look can help to balance that out. And second? Why, a heel of course! We love the idea of having a slightly surprising color at the foot – something that still works within your spectrum, but that brings with it a rich, sophisticated feel. For instance, doing an all-over orange look? Try something in camel. Wearing cognac hues? Do a Bordeaux in suede. Paired with a series of neutral tones, a Bordeaux is a warm welcome, like a glass of red wine by a crackling fire in the South of France. Except that while you’re watching the fire, everyone else will be watching you.

CARRY ON: THE FESTIVAL SET

Failsafe festival wear coming right up!

Much is made of festival fashion, and that’s because it’s awesome. Seriously – where else can you tap into your most unencumbered and creative self? Where else is it totally safe to let your fashion flag fly, to go all out and yet still be one of the crowd? And not to freak you out or anything, but it’s time to get to it because summer is nearly half over. Sorry to bum you out with harsh vibes, but it’s true.  So grab passes to whatever you can – Osheaga, OVO fest, Gathering of the Vibes, Austin Psych Fest, North coast Music Festival, or the myriad of other fests taking place this summer – and get going.

Looking for a failsafe festi-outfit? Since heels are obviously a rookie mistake (hello mud, oh hi there porta-potty) we suggest a gladiator sandal instead:  bold, sexy, and made for stomping around. Pair with cut-off shorts and almost anything on top. A printed envelope clutch adds a graphic element and also looks good as you wave it around. And since this is fest-fash we’re talking about, sunglasses, some beaded bracelets, and a long necklaceare practically mandatory – but they’ll also help pull your outfit together. Now go go go! Because you need to start having all the fun, like, right now.

CAMPAIGN CREATION: FALL 2015 INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE

INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE

A glimpse inside our new Fall/Winter 2015 campaign is all you need to get stoked for the season ahead. The video features a diverse cast of authentic personalities, including street style fave Irene Kim, director Sandra Winther, model/musician Staz Lindes, DJ Will Power, and radiologist/home improvement blogger Chris Nicholas. The cast of the campaign was chosen for their unique personal style and creative expressions representing a range of tastes, experiences and lifestyles. Each portrait and accompanying still life is as distinct as the person they represent; their inspirations on full display both literally and figuratively. We’re paying tribute to those who find inspiration in the everyday, the everywhere, and the everything.

Inspired? See the collection here.

FINAL TOUCH: BLOCK PARTY

Make a colourful statement and flash your brights this fall

There’s something comforting about wearing all black: It’s flattering and ultimately foolproof, but then again, it’s not exactly fun. So while the end of summer might seem like the right time to start falling back on sombre hues, we say turn up the colour for an unexpected take on between-season style.

With colour mash-ups making a splash on Fall 2015 runways including Céline, J.W. Anderson, Rag & Bone and Fausto Puglisi (to name but a few), feel free to take a “more is more” approach this season when it comes to mixing shades.

A two-tone pump is the perfect place to start, especially one that combines punchy fuchsia with a lacquered red block heel. Then it might be tempting to let your statement shoes do the talking, but why keep the rest of your outfit simple when you can speak volumes in other vibrant shades? The best day-to-play outfits are a blend of sophistication and sass, so dare to be bold in your choice of palette while keeping your silhouettes on point. Anchored by a classic white blouse, a cobalt-blue pencil skirt beats any neutral alternative by a long shot. Pull it all together with a structured purse that plays off a colour from your soles, and you’ll be putting a fresh spin on colour-coordinated dressing straight through the fall.

FINAL TOUCH: LAYER SLAYER

Want to hone your personal style this fall? Show some restraint.

You probably know and admire––and possibly even resent?––someone who makes it all look so effortless. Fashion-wise, that is. In fact, you definitely know the type. These are the people who, ostensibly, wake up every day and slide into the perfect ensemble with breezy conviction. These unflappable sorts are not style mavens or especially clothes-obsessed; they just exude a cool self-assurance, and wear what feels comfortable, and, as it happens, what looks good.

Trust, however, that these folks put more forethought into their wardrobes than you think. They execute this bit of harmless sartorial deception thanks, in large part, to calculated simplicity and restraint. Layers, neutral colors, several carefully chosen items that mix and match well, a key accessory here and there; this is how you own casual fall weekends.

When it comes to autumn-appropriate wear, it so often starts with a classic sneaker: say,all-black low tops, for argument’s sake. Consider this a solid base to build on. Don’t hide those lace-ups either––cuffed skinny trousers or jeans, in black or dark grey, are the right move. Stick to the same color scheme on top, with a white tee thrown in for good measure, as you layer with light jumpers, cardigans, and sweaters. Remember: you don’t have to do much for your fall weekend wardrobe to be greater, and more versatile, than the sum of its parts.

FINAL TOUCH: STYLE BLUEPRINT

Play it cool in a pair of bold blue kicks

There will always be those anxious few who insist on wearing sandals before the last snow has melted and busting out the boots while the weather is still warm. After months of sporting the same stuff, it only makes sense to want to rush the new season, but there’s being ahead of the curve and then there’s #TooSoon. Thankfully, there is a way to shake things up while still living in the moment, sartorially speaking.

Take the shift from summer to fall: Why swap out your open-toe shoes for something clunky when you can keep the spring in your step with a stylish sneaker, especially one in an eye-catching colour like cobalt blue?

So much more than a weekend staple, a sporty shoe in a saturated hue is the perfect way to give your polished ensembles a cool and unexpected twist. From your commute to cocktails with friends, head-turning kicks will stand out in a sea of ho-hum soles while lending everything from office separates to ’70s-inspired suedes a modern look. Opting for a weather-appropriate shoe that’s fashionable and functional? Now that’s what we call a bright idea!

FINAL TOUCH: SLINGBACK TO REALITY

Tiptoe into Fall with a Pair of Red Slingback Sandals

Back to school shopping really is the best kind of shopping, even if you aren’t technically going back to school. While you may not be stocking your pencil case with fresh pens and pencils anymore, fall is the ideal time of year to refresh your work wardrobe. Picking up some chic new duds for the office can really revamp how you feel about that 9 to 5 grind and add some instant newfound polish to your young profesh look.

That said, summer is always way too short, and you’re probably not ready to put away your open toes just yet. A pair of chunky-heeled slingback sandals is a classic yet trendy way to help transition your wardrobe into the fall. Made of red snakeskin print, these low-heeled slingbacks are the kind of shoes you can easily style for work and weekend hangs, combining feminine and put-together vibes while still being chic and cool. Pair them with your new, heavier work basics that you can wear from the tail end of summer well past Thanksgiving, like a corduroy skirt that will look just as great with opaque black tights as it does with bare legs. Plus, these sophisticated sandals are a fun way to incorporate a little colour into a neutral fall look.