Tangerine dream: Bringing orange into your wardrobe

tangerine-collage

Orange ya glad this post is about the colour orange? Whether it’s pumpkin or tangerine-toned pieces, this spring we’re saying yes to orange and updating our wardrobes with a few key pieces. 

It may be one of the most abrasive hues on the colour wheel that reminds us of pylons, safety vests, and the Dutch (it’s their country’s colour of choice), but orange also looks mighty fine with a tan and is a fun colour to bring into the mix. It’s time for a tangerine dream, my friends. 

Zara Leather Sandals. Coloured sandals are always an excellent jumping-off point for trends. They subtly bring the new tone into your wardrobe and add more interesting details to every outfit. Plus you need sandals in the summer, so investing in affordable pairs in a variety of colours is the way to go. $80, Zara.

Topshop Orange Ottoman Skater Skirt. The flop on this skirt is everything. The weighted, textured material makes it a little bit more special, and because it has skater in the title I’m envisioning pairing this skirt with a pair of white sneakers and a boyfriend’s skateboard (for looks, not for skating). That is if my boyfriend wasn’t imaginary and had a skateboard…you get the picture. $45, Topshop.

Forever 21 Cat-Eye Sunglasses. Seven dollar sunglasses? Sign me up! Statement sunglasses are so major for spring it’s kind of hard to handle. The combination of the cat-eye with the bright coral shade of frames screams ready for summer. $7, Forever 21.

Urban Renewal Dip-Dyed Denim Shirt. If you haven’t realized, we love denim (and everything that denim has to offer my closet, which is a lot). This tri-toned button-up is the perfect combination of true denim colours plus a faded orange. When it’s finally hot enough outside to forego the spring jacket, you could sling this around your waist for the days and wear it all night long once it has cooled off. $54, Urban Outfitters.

French Connection Fit and Flare Dress. This dress is ideal for the summertime. The neckline is tasteful, and the flare on the skirt will let your legs feel a nice summer breeze. The additional cut-out just adds to the cuteness of the look and it will be an eye-catcher with the bright orange tone. $208, ASOS.

TNA Biome Sweater. For the days you’re feeling super loungey or are at a friends cottage, this sweater is the perfect layering piece. Paired with shorts, jeans, or even overtop of flared dresses (like the one above), it will add a little bit of warmth. $55, Aritzia.

Bliss Blood Orange +  White Pepper Soapy Suds Bodywash. I get that orange isn’t for everyone (real talk: it’s one of my least favourite colours). If you fall into that category, try smelling like a nice Florida Orange in the springtime. $18, Sephora.

H&M Shoulder Bag. We’re all about cheap accessories that are on trend and can be used and abused until the season ends. You can add this coral purse to your closet rotation and not feel depressed when the summer destroys the bag with all the fun times you’re having. And if you’re good with your things and nothing ever gets ruined, 10 points to you! $18, H&M

Think pink: Your guide to a blush-worthy wardrobe

You guys, it’s time we gave pink a second chance. Being told from birth that pink is the colour for girls and girls only made me personally reject the colour from my wardrobe, so I opted for blacks and greys. But for Spring 2013, I propose we look through some rose-coloured glasses and embrace pink—but in new and slightly badass ways (floral studded crown, anyone?).

The key to wearing pink like a champ is not wearing too much, because it is still a pretty bold colour. Baby pinks can bring back memories of the Spice Girls (!!!) and hot pink lips have a total Barbie girl vibe, which is also a little bit mysterious in my mind. Go bright and go bold, because it’s time the colour graduated out of our childhood rooms and into our grownup closets. 

think-pink-collage

Topshop Pink Jacquard Mini Skirt. A sculpted floral skirt in pink? Don’t mind if I do! What’s best about this skirt is the fact that it’s jacquard, meaning it won’t fly up in a sudden wind storm (which somehow happens every time I decide to wear a skirt). This cures that problem and adds a cute pop of colour into your spring wardrobe. Price: $68, available at Topshop.

H&M Sport Shorts. I actually own these shorts and definitely don’t only do fitness in them. They are so comfortable and look cute (I think) when I’m running about in my sneakers and a oversized denim button-up. P.S. If you’re travelling this summer, these are perfect—they dry in 30 seconds and manage to never look dirty. Price: $15, available at H&M.

Forever 21 Sheer Striped High-Low Shirt. One can never have too many button-ups, because a) they look cool with jeans, shorts, skirts, or whatever, and b) they can be worn open a la Cory Matthews in Boy Meets World for an airier look. And this pink striped take on the button-up will be a perfect summer staple. Price: $22, available at Forever21.

Casio Digital Watch. So totally 90s! And in hot pink! Yessssss you want this just because it’s perfect. ‘Nuff said. Price: $35, available at ASOS.

Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil. Nars Lip Pencils are Man Repeller-approved, and if you haven’t figured it out, I really like her. Bright pink lips are all the rage for Spring 2013, so pick up a pink that flatters your skin tone. You can never have too many lipsticks. Price: $25, available at Sephora.

Zara Leather Slipper. If you’re super weary about wearing skirts and shirts in bright pink, fret not, because these leather shoes are the perfect solution to your fear. You can keep your look neutral but then add a bright shoe to add a fun little quirk to the look. Price: $100, available at Zara.

ASOS Flower Spike Hair Band. Giving pink a bit of attitude in this floral crown with gold spikes. The perfect summertime accessory—the floral crown—is also a super easy DIY! Head to your local Dollarama and pick up some hot pink flowers and headbands and use a glue gun to attach them. It is the quickest and cutest craft that you and all your pals could make. DIY party, amirite? Price: $18, available at ASOS.

Nasty Gal Shine-Up Shades. These are the rose-coloured glasses we were talking about. Half clear plastic and half pink, they are an unusual solution to statement sunglasses, which Spring 2013 was also all about. And sunglasses are for your health! Protect those eyes. Price: $40, available at Nasty Gal.

Wilfred Free Wasaga Dress. Full disclosure: I own two of these dresses and wear them almost every day. This is not a joke. I almost bought a third just the other day but heard my friends mocking me in my head, so I controlled myself. That being said, I highly recommend you pick up one in hot pink and relish in the fact that it’s the best piece of clothing ever. It’s like a giant T-shirt that looks nice enough to wear to a party and also cool enough for daytime hangs. Trust me on this one. Price: $50, available at Aritzia.

Musically-Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas: Dum Dum Girls, Grimes, Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj

One year, my roommates and I went as the Jonas Brothers for Halloween. It was not a good look. People basically thought I was Bette Midler, and the only person who guessed our costumes correctly was a drag queen we ran into at two in the morning. If you’re looking for a slightly more successful Halloween costume idea, why not try channeling some of these amazing ladies?

Dum Dum Girls

The idea here is black and white and Victorian all over. Add red lipstick. 

Lace Dress, Forever 21
Sleeveless Lace Dress Topshop
Solid Stripe Pantyhose, American Apparel 
Rhinestone Hells, Forever 21 
Vintage Cameo pin on Etsy

Grimes

The bonus of this costume is that anyone who doesn’t know who you are will just assume you’re an animé character and be too afraid of appearing irrelevant to ask. 

Short sleeve tshirt leotard, American Apparel
Tulip Skirt, American Apparel
Jersey Headband, American Apparel 
Black leather and lace fingerless gloves, Urban Outfitters 

If you’re seriously crafty, here’s how to DIY a flaming sword. If not, construction paper and a toy one will do nicely. Here’s how to temporarily dread your hair.

Taylor Swift

You can have all your friends dress up as her monster-mascot backing band! Score some $5 spectacles in Kensington Market, at one of the sunglasses stands near Augusta and Nassau. Top with red lipstick, like this shade from Gosh.

Nick & Nora Poplin It’s  A Hoot Pajamas, Target

Nicki Minaj

Nicki’s looks are usually a bit too intense, or risqué, for Halloween costume copying, but this look from “The Boys” is a more easily recreated Minajsemble. We, however, are suggesting you replace the bathing suit with a bodysuit, for both warmth and dignity. The only craftiness required here will be cutting the belt in half and attaching it to the straps of the white bodysuit.

Blazer, H & M
White Bodysuit, American Apparel
Ottoman Rib Tube Top, American Apparel
Spike Love Belt, Remi & Reid
Leopard Print Hat, Topshop

Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Nilou has found her look. It’s called FUN WITH FEATHERS. We ♥ it.

While Kate, Madelyn and Lin have shopped for part of their prom outfits, Nilou has assembled hers head to toe. And it’s gorgeous.  

Ready…set….prom! 

Shopping for prom may not be as easy as shopping for your 8-year-old sister. In fact, it’s kind of like trying to get your dad a gift; if you’re like me, that’s a pretty grand task!

There are so many dresses at Yorkdale but once you’ve found “the one”, then the fun begins, ACCESSORIES!! If I can impart some wisdom: Don’t go too overboard. There are many pretty little things, but not everything will necessarily “go” with your dress. 

I’d like to call my look FUN WITH FEATHERS. I’ve paired this Bebe dress with pastel accessories, to add colour but still keep things sophisticated.

1. Isis Sequin Feather Dress in tan from Bebe $198

2. Mackall Peep Toe Pump in light pink from Aldo $100

3. Metal Knot Ring from BCBG $18.00

4. Spike Bangle from BCBG $35.00 

5. 12 Pack Earrings from H&M $6.95

6. Landaverde Clutch from
ALDO $45.00

7. Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray from Sephora $29.00

8. Moonshadow Baked Eyeshadow Collection from Sephora $30.00 

9. Sephora Collection False Eyelashes from Sephora $8.00 

10. Bumble and Bumble Spray De Mode from Sephora $15.00

I ’m ready for you prom!

XO Nilou

Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Nilou compares clutches and shows us how to pack a purse for prom.

Clutches are the best because you can play with the colours and not worry too much about matching. What I mean is: Don’t pair a yellow dress with a yellow clutch! Do get funky and show off your personality with something fun!

Here are six clutches at Yorkdale that caught my eye, how could they not? 

Printed Messenger Bag from Zara
$79.90

Odessa Caged Clutch in bright blue from BCBG
$118.00

Satin Rhinestone Trim Clutch in fuschia from Le Chateau
$49.95

H&M neon yellow clutch with gold chain H&M
$19.95.

Hains Clutch in royal purple from Aldo
$42.00

Exotic Rainbow Tablet Envelope Clutch in electric green from BCBG
$98.00

What to put in that cute clutch? Nilou’s got tips for the perfect prom purse. 

Imagine being at prom and forgetting your lip balm. You’ll be stuck with chapped lips all night while you’re trying to swoon your crush aka date (not cute). There are a couple of MUST haves for prom that you should have packed all nice and ready in your clutch.

1. Lip balm! If you’re like me, you already have this ready, but sometimes we forget, so let’s avoid the mental breakdowns and pack 1 or 2. Don’t forget your lipstick either! This way you can touch up the color on your lips AND have nice smooth looking lips. Dry lips are never fun.

2. Blotting pads or mattifying powder: If you’ve followed my posts, I recommended a finishing spray by Urban Decay to set your makeup. To ensure full oil control, pack some of this magic!

Sephora Matte Blotting Papers: $8.00 for 100 sheets

Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder: $32.00, this translucent is a must have for setting make up and touch ups. Just a light amount will give you a fresh face!

3. Your phone: Please don’t put your phone in your bra. Please.  Keep your phone in your clutch and don’t be a Tina Texter. It’s prom! You can take it out for some photos, but surely your mom has snapped a million at the pre-prom event.

4. Advil: You never know when a headache will hit you. It may seem weird, but some of us are prone to daily headaches and migraines. A little travel pack would be cool to have since you can’t run to a drugstore at prom. You could even save a friend from having a crappy night of head throbbing. Hey, it could even be your crush!

5. Gum: You already know! This is a staple.

~ Nilou

Looking for your prom outfit? You gotta hit Yorkdale this week and try the walk-in closet and Pinterest your look!

Okay, so this is a little hard to explain but trust us, there is no better way to find your prom outfit than the dream-like closet currently set up in Yorkdale’s centre court.

Have you ever seen the film Clueless? Well, my friends, this is better than Cher’s robotic wardrobe. Stylists swarmed all the great stores in Yorkdale and pulled a gazillion dresses, accessories and cute heels so that you can easily browse different styles you like and pin your kickass prom look to a live Pinterest board. If you do this, you are automatically entered to win a $500 prom spree! Weeeee!

BCBG, H&M, Jacob, Zara, Banana Republic: the stylists have gathered the best range of outfits to make your shopping experience fun and super easy! Once you’ve pulled your look and pinned it, you can skip over to the respective store and get your prom shop on. We can’t say enough good things about this awesome set up! It’s happening from now until Friday and is open until 9PM each night. Make a date with your friends and hit Yorkdale after school. TRUST – you want to do this.

We went this past Saturday with the Yorkdale Prom Ambassadors and had a blast. We even discovered styles we love in stores we wouldn’t normally go to. Check it out and let us know what you think!

We tweeted a bunch of looks that stylish girls pinned on Twitter. Follow us @Shedoesthecity and @YorkdaleStyle for prom updates!