Fashion

Fashion: The Best of the Met Gala 2022

I haven’t written about fashion in a long while, but I wanted to share some of the looks from this week’s Met Gala that caught my attention. I think these white, gold, and black ensembles are classic and fitting for a gala.

Image may contain Clothing Apparel Human Person Gabrielle Union Evening Dress Fashion Gown Robe and Wedding
Gabrielle Union in Versace
Image may contain Clothing Apparel Human Person Miranda Kerr Fashion Wedding Wedding Gown Gown and Robe
Miranda Kerr in Oscar de la Renta
Image may contain Human Person Clothing Apparel Evening Dress Fashion Gown Robe Khlo Kardashian and Premiere
Khloe Kardashian
Image may contain Clothing Apparel Human Person Fashion Naomi Campbell and Robe
Naomi Campbell in Burberry
Image may contain Kate Moss Fashion Human Person Premiere Red Carpet Red Carpet Premiere Clothing Apparel and Coat
Kate Moss in Burberry
Image may contain Footwear Clothing Shoe Apparel Human Person Alexa Chung Fashion Premiere and Red Carpet
Alexa Chung
Image may contain Human Person Footwear Clothing Shoe Apparel Julianne Moore Fashion Premiere and Red Carpet
Julianne Moore
Image may contain Amber Valletta Fashion Human Person Premiere Red Carpet and Red Carpet Premiere
Amber Valetta in Azzaro

All images via Vogue.

Fashion: Black and White Workwear

It’s back to work week! Oh my goodness – I can barely believe it. I haven’t been on in a classroom in two years. And I haven’t worn real workwear in just about that length of time, too. While at the beginning of the pandemic, I was mostly wearing jeans, pants, and a nice sweater, in recent times, I’ve succumbed to leggings and joggers paid with a nice top. It’s been awful. I have felt lazy and not put together. I wear makeup, perfume, and jewelry every day, but don’t remember the last time I blow dried my hair!

And now, I’m going to slowly get back into wearing workwear. I’m excited, but I also feel like I’ve lost my style over the last two years, so I’m not really sure what I’ll be putting together for my daily #WhiteCabanaStyle. I’ve cleaned out my closet several times over the last little while, but I haven’t really replaced too many pieces. Here are some outfits that are providing me with inspiration because (a) they’re effortless and (b) I already own many of the items.

Of course there’s a lot of black and white in my style inspiration files. Black pants (or jeans) pair easily with a white shirt, cream sweater, or black cardigan. Cream/beige pants pair well with a sweater of a similar tone or a white shirt. A LBC (Little Black Dress) goes a long way and is comfortable for all-day wear. A pattern coat or dress breaks up the solid black and white. I think items like the ones will be in heavy rotation for me from now until spring.

What about you? Are you back at work? Has the dress code changed since 2019?

Fashion: Cozy Slippers

Who else is dealing with a major snowfall today? On blistery, snowy days like this (when I don’t have to leave the house), I love staying extra cozy with a great pair of slippers. If you’re like me, and you hate having cold feet, then you may enjoy browsing the online shops for a new pair of slippers. Here are several that I’m considering as my next slipper purchase.

faux shearling slippers, $34.50CAD, Indigo; Sorel faux fur slippers, $64CAD, The Bay; faux fur slippers, $29.50CAD, Indigo
Eberjey slipper socks, $46.20CAD, The Bay; Vero Moda slippers, $29.40CAD, The Bay; Ugg slippers, $99.99CAD, SoftMoc
Smoko heated slippers, $48USD, Urban Outfitters; Sherpa slippers, $58CAD, JCrew; plush slippers, $65CAD, Knix; teddy slipper, $23CAD, Everlane

I’m leaning toward the UGG gold ones because, well, they’re gold, and I do love gold shoes!

Fashion: Sandro Paris

It looks like I’m heading back to in person work in January, and I’m already thinking about what I’ll wear! I have a closet full of clothes that I haven’t worn in two years, and frankly, there’s a lot in there that I don’t feel like wearing. A full closet edit is in order, and I’d like to buy a few pieces that will be comfortable and stylish for long days of teaching and commuting.

One of the clothing stores that I love is Sandro Paris. The dresses are lovely, and the fit is great. I have a few Sandro dress, and they’re among my favourite clothes in my closet. (They’ll survive the closet edit forsure!)

And, yes, it’s true…after nearly two years of working from home, I’m still drawn to black and white dresses for work!

Fashion: Is This The Future?

I saw this outfit on the Banana Republic site, and it made me wonder if this is going to be the future of fashion. Is work wear going to look like this mix?

Sweater hoodie plus sweater jogger plus slightly structured trench and statement flats…what do we think? It looks formal with the trench and shoes, but it’s informal because of the sweats. Do you think we’ll see more of this in the workplace?

I’m still working from home, so my daily wardrobe this fall has been a regular rotation of jeans and a black top. So boring! I don’t see myself wearing jeans and a tee in my post-pandemic work life, and I certainly don’t see myself embracing the sweater hoodie/jogger combo. But will I go back to suits and dresses? I think I’m in wardrobe limbo!

Design: Pretty Pinterest

What have you been pinning on Pinterest lately? Here’s what has been making my Pinterest boards pretty.

Pretty kitchens…

photo by Spacecrafting; via Domino

Pretty food…

crepe cake, Victoria

Pretty clothes…

Alexis Mabille, via Vogue

Pretty flowers…

Luna de Mare photography, via Style Me Pretty

It is so easy to spend an hour on Pinterest without realizing the passing of time, isn’t it?

Fashion: Black and White Chic

These photos may have been taken years ago, but the fashion remains chic today. A black skirt and white shirt is an easy pairing that provides instant chic. Throw on a Panama hat and a bag, and you’re ready for a day of strolling around town or an evening dinner on a patio. Because the structure of the set can be loose (or form-fitting, if you’d like), this is a good option to transition from loungewear to anything-but-loungewear this spring.

Fashion: Cecelia New York Shoes

On a recent online tour of Anthropologie, I saw some sweet shoes by a brand called Cecelia New York. One pair of shoes, of course, led me to a further scroll on the brand’s site. Just look at these shoes! I want them all…and I also want places to wear them this summer!

Lila, $169USD, Cecelia New York
Lala, $245USD, Cecelia New York
London, $159USD, Cecelia New York
Hibiscus, $225USD, Cecelia New York
Bloom, $245USD, Cecelia New York

Marketplace: The Belt Bag

I have been using a version of a belt bag/waist pack/hip pack/fanny pack/bum bag for years for walking and jogging. Most of the versions I’ve owned over the years have been in the athletic realm, but more recently, I invested in this stylish belt bag (if you’d even think to consider belt bags stylish!) from Toronto-based Ela. I’ve used it on walks when I need something that’s big enough to fit more than my keys and ID and when I want to do hands-free errands like grocery shopping. Overall, I’m a fan of any version of the belt bag.

Here are 10 belt bags at various price points that you might consider if this is a spring bag (and look) you’d like to invest in (Note that many of these come in multiple colours).

The Rest is Written belt bag, $58CAD, Lululemon; Fast and Free run belt, $38CAD, Lululemon; Herschel Supply Co. fifteen hip pack, $27.99CAD (on sale), Hudsons Bay; convertible waist bag/cross body, $91.28CAD, Kipling; waist pack, $58.21CAD, Kipling; belt bag, $88CAD, Ela; easy commuter belt bag, $45USD, Le SportSac; belt bag, $445USD, Sanreve; quilted belt bag, $119CAD (on sale) Michael Kors; belt bag, $1680CAD, Gucci

Thanks to J.M. for suggesting this post.

Fashion: White Kaftans for Summer

Even though we’ve had hail/snow in Waterloo recently, and we’re in a lockdown, it doesn’t mean that I’m going to stop dreaming of summer days and lounging on the beach or by the pool. An essential fashion item for this summer (and every summer?) may just be the easy-breezy kaftan. Do you agree?

Unfortunately, most of the ones that I like at the moment are pricey, so I have to keep my eyes open for more affordable options (two included below).

Odyssee kaftan, $137USD (on sale); La Vie Stylehouse kaftan, $650USD; Su Paris cotton-muslin kaftan, $430USD; kaftan, $29.99USD; Old Navy kaftan, $44.99CAD; Melissa Odabash kaftan, $260USD

Marketplace: Toss Designs

I need this champagne nightshirt for my next birthday!

Look at the other cute products from San Francisco-based Toss Designs.

champagne nightshirt, $76USD
champagne pyjama set, $76USD
pink truck champagne nightshirt, $76USD
hump day water bottle, $24USD
pouch, $22USD
water cooler art, $160USD

If anyone knows how/where to get these items (especially the champagne pyjamas) in Canada, please share!

Fashion: Fancy Slippers

All of my shoes will be so out of style by the time I need to wear them again. Slippers are where things are at now (and have been for the last year). But what price do you pay for a nice pair? Would you, could you, spend hundreds of dollars (or a thousand?) on a designer pair like the ones I’m featuring here?

Fashion: Jeans for Every Day

I mentioned in this post that I’m tired with all the loungewear options that are promoted online these days. I haven’t adopted the loungewear lifestyle even though I’ve been working from home for nearly a year. My pre-pandemic fashion included a daily mix of suits, skirts, dresses, and shirts, and all of these items have been hanging in my closet waiting for their turn again! My pandemic fashion includes jeans just about every day. I haven’t worn jeans so much in my life! Jeans are fine, but I don’t love them. I’m now due for a new pair, but anything I’ve ordered hasn’t worked out.

So my daily work-from-home (WFH) outfits generally consist of jeans and a sweater. I’m on Zoom (teaching, meeting) for the majority of every day, so I like to look put together and comfortable. I rarely wear all of my regular jewelry, but I think I’m going to get back into the habit of wearing it every day. I do switch up my glasses a lot, and I’m always eager to order more pairs!

black jeans + white tee + grey duster cardigan
grey jeans + white shirt + my absolute favourite slippers from JCrew that I’ve never seen again
black jeans + white tee + tunic turtleneck sweater + pom pom slippers (my second favourite pair)
grey jeans + grey turtleneck (one of my faves from Lacoste) + pom pom slippers
black jeans + peter pan collar top (socks and slippers were optional this day, apparently)

What are you wearing these days? Have you adopted the loungewear lifestyle? Do you wear slippers?

Marketplace: Happy Hearts

I love when all the heart items hit the market around this time of year. I wish hearts (and stars) would stay year-round. Heart pyjamas are my favourite, but they’re not always easy to come by (especially at a reasonable price). I also think adding a heart tea towel is an easy way to bring (more) happiness into the kitchen.

Valentine’s Day platter, $23.95CAD; Valentine’s Day mugs (4), $51.95CAD; cupcake mix, $24.95CAD; cookie cutter set, $44CAD; marble heart coasters, $37.95CAD; hearts towel, $16USD; raffia heart baskets, starting at $59CAD; heart picture frame, $275USD
kisses pajama, $59CAD; bib, $17.95CAD; Love sweatshirt, $11.87CAD; heart pocket top, $7.90CAD; heart print tunic and leggings, $50CAD

Fashion: The Puffer Coat

Puffer coats have been around for years, but each year, new versions hit the market. Cropped. Accessorized. Hooded. Slim. There are plenty to choose from, but here are white/cream puffer coats for women that might be of interest (listed from lowest to highest price).

puffer jacket, $59.99CAD, Old Navy
puffer coat, $74.98CAD (on sale), Avec Les Filles at Sporting Life
puffer jacket, $96CAD, GAP
puffer coat, $131.40CAD, Vero Moda at Hudson’s Bay
puffer coat, $174.94CAD, Invicta at Sporting Life
puffer jacket, $250CAD, Aritzia
puffer coat, $538CAD, Parajumpers at Sporting Life
puffer jacket, $899.94CAD, Sportalm at Sporting Life

Marketplace: Shop Local in Waterloo Region (and Beyond) This Holiday

I know many people are stressing the importance of shopping local this holiday season, and I’m eager, too, to share news of some of my favourite gift shops in the Waterloo region. (I’m sharing a few outside the region’s boundaries, too, because I want to.) So here we go…

Home

In the home category, I suggest the following shops:

  • UpMarket – a new shop with beautiful textiles (blankets, pillows, scarves), pottery, wood cutting/serving boards, Belmont Village
  • The Art of Home – a lovely selection of homewares, womenswear, kidswear, Cambridge
  • The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery – unique art (pottery, glass, jewelry), Waterloo
  • Porch Swing Candle – lovely scented candles, Waterloo
  • Wills & Prior – the most beautifully curated shop, new offerings include locally made pottery and wood items, Stratford

Clothes & Jewelry

In the clothing and jewelry categories, I suggest the following shops:

  • Erban Corner – high quality womenswear, many European brands, Waterloo
  • Hello Again – high quality consignment, Belmont Village
  • Channers – high quality menswear, Waterloo
  • Harmony – pretty, affordable, delicate jewelry, Waterloo
  • Frank’s Jewellers – high-end jewelry, Waterloo

Miscellaneous

And here are a few more shops that offer items beyond home and fashion:

  • Gifted – impressive selection of novelty socks, cute baby gifts, unique made-in-Waterloo items, the best selection of funny greeting cards, Waterloo
  • The Witty & Co. – impressive selection of specialty food items, beautiful items for the kitchen and entertaining, Cambridge
  • Charmed Flowers – pretty selection of flowers, Waterloo
  • Words Worth Books – independent bookseller with knowledgeable staff, Waterloo
  • Langdon Hall – my favourite, book a stay over winter to enjoy the fireplaces, Cambridge
  • Walper Hotel – unique boutique hotel in a prime location, Kitchener
  • local restaurants – consider supporting places like White Rabbit (Waterloo) in Waterloo and Grand Trunk Saloon (southern comfort food) in Kitchener
  • distilleries – Some distilleries like Kinsip offer more than just the usual stock of spirits. This year (like previous years), I’ve ordered several bottles of this delicious maple syrup

Fashion: 10 White Dresses for Summer

There’s no way I’m counting down the days of summer after the months (months and months) of cold weather. There is still plenty of time to wear breezy white dresses. If you’re on the lookout for options, here are 10 white dress to consider.

shirt dress, $118CAD (on sale), Kit & Ace
lace dress, $249.99CAD, See by Chloé at Simons
flounce trimmed dress, $49.99CAD, H&M
taffeta babydoll dress, $158CAD, Aritzia
Jenni Kayne, $325USD
eyelet midi dress, $270CAD, Urban Outfitters
white shirt dress, $250CAD, Odeyalo
lace dress, $245USD, Sandro
eyelet dress, $60CAD (on sale), Hudson’s Bay
linen shirt dress, $168CAD, Aritzia

Fashion: Seeing Stars (again)

Every few months, I seem to get on a starry kick. Last January, for example, I wrote this post featuring a ton of star-printed items that caught my attention. I’m seeing stars again in the marketplace now, and I’m loving them.

I recently bought these Aerie leggings and tights because I couldn’t resist the stars

star leggings, $41.97CAD (on sale), Aerie
star tights, $9.97CAD (on sale), Aerie
star pajamas, $124CAD, Banana Republic
Joanna August Rila dress, $295USD, Anthropologie
star sweater, $77.99CAD (on sale), Banana Republic
star print jeans, $190USD, ASOS
star print dress, $31CAD, SheIn
Lena Bernard star ring, $48USD, Anthropologie
Atlantic-Pacific star pearl bag, $205.62CAD, Nordstrom
star party picks, $9USD, Anthropologie
star cookie cutter set, $22.47CAD, Williams Sonoma
hand towels (set of 2), $24.49CAD, West Elm


Fashion: Christmas Earrings

It’s less than a month until Christmas (and almost December 1st), which means I can start writing about it on White Cabana. Right? I have been in the Christmas mood since I went to Christmas in Bayfield recently, then saw the Christmas market in Stratford last weekend. The Waterloo Park Festival of Lights opens this weekend, and next week is Christkindl in Kitchener.

I’ve noticed a few people wearing Christmas earrings already, so I thought I’d have a look around online to see what is available if holiday earrings are on your shopping list.

Many thanks to my friend Mary C. for inspiring this post. I was smitten with her gift bow earrings when we saw each other at Christmas in Bayfield!

#WhiteCabanaWearsPink: Pink Gifts for You!

Daniela was here recently sharing a list of sweet, pink gifts for children. She’s back today with a beautiful collection of items for you and your home (or gifts for others, of course).

***

Hello White Cabana readers! Here is my second pink shopping guide for #WhiteCabanaWearsPink. This post is full of fun items that you can use to decorate your home, to wear, to treat yourself, or to buy for someone else.

Have fun shopping!

Have you seen the variety of small appliances by SMEG that have popped up in the marketplace recently? I love all the colours and the retro vibe of SMEG’s collection. If someone you know loves pink, how about treating them to a nice SMEG Toaster as a house warming/Christmas/birthday gift?

SMEG toaster, $183.99 (on sale), The Bay

This beautiful casserole dish makes a wonderful gift for a housewarming gift or for someone who loves to cook.

Dansk casserole dish, $157CAD, William Ashley

Want to add the very trendy blush colour to your living room or reading area at home? This throw is subtle, cute, and super cozy.

blanket, $49.50CAD, Chapters Indigo

Or you can update your pillows by adding a pop of pink with these great covers.

pillow covers, $39.50CAD, Chapters Indigo

Do you know someone who has just been diagnosed with or been treated for breast cancer? Or maybe because you know that 1 in 4 Canadian woman are at risk for breast cancer makes you want to wear an awareness pin like this one. Either way, this is a great pin and product that helps raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

Estée Lauder limited edition pin, $18CAD, Holt Renfrew

By now you must have seen a Sentaler coat online or in stores. Many Toronto socialites and British royalty have been seen wearing this Canadian brand. This coat has been nicknamed the “Kate†as Duchess Kate has worn it. This coat can be dressed up or down as it is a timeless design in a beautiful shade of pink.

coat, $1295CAD, Sentaler

Here’s a great dress from a favourite store of mine that can be worn dressed up or down

dress, $39.90CAD, Zara

With the unpredictable Canadian fall weather we experience, this packable jacket is a great in-between-season jacket because it can fit into your purse, it is cute, and it keeps you warm up to -5.

jacket, $88 CAD, Aritzia

There’s nothing like a perfect fit Greta Constantine dress in a beautiful magenta to get you holiday-ready! This dress is also great for weddings or a New Year’s Eve party!

Great Constantine dress, $995CAD, Andrews

I hope you enjoyed my pink gift guides in honour of breast cancer awareness month.

Until next time, happy shopping!

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I love that Daniela included the Dansk casserole dish. It’s a classic style from Dansk and the lid is also used as a trivet. I have a larger version that’s great for making pasta and pasta sauce!

#WhiteCabanaWearsPink: For the Kids

I’m thrilled that Daniela has come to White Cabana today to share sweet items for kids – all in pink – for this post in my #WhiteCabanaWearsPink column. Daniela is a huge supporter and fundraiser for the Princess Margaret Foundation in Toronto. She regularly hosts events – bowling tournaments, poker nights, a gala – to raise funds! In fact, I’m heading to an event next month, and I have no doubt that it will be a success! Beyond her dedication to fundraising, Daniela is a two-time cancer survivor, and her strength and determination to fight this disease is absolutely remarkable. Most importantly, though, Daniela is a mom of two sweet little girls and she knows just how to spoil them – and many of the kids in her life – with the sweetest little things!

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Hello White Cabana readers! I am back in honor of breast cancer awareness month with some super adorable pink gifts for the little ones in your life.

This baggy comfy empire dress in blush is a must have staple – now if only they made it in adult sizes!

dress, $37CAD, Mini Mioche

You can’t get a more magical gift than unicorns, rainbows, and snow globes.

snowglobe, $49.99CAD, Well.ca

Have a wee one and not sure what to wear on Halloween? There’s nothing cuter than a pink Dino! The best part is that this costume can be used all fall to keep your little one cozy!

dino suit, $41.99CAD (on sale), Tiny Trendsetter

For the girly girl who also loves to run around, consider this two-piece outfit. It’s playful and fun!

maddie set, $24.95CAD, Little Lush Boutique

Designer diva girls in your life will stand out in these fancy Moschino shoes

Moschino shoes, $150CAD, Naturino

This pink cardigan will keep your little one cozy for fall. It has a slight shimmer to make her shine! It’s from Hatley, which is a great Canadian company.

cardigan, $54.00CAD, Hatley

Ralph Lauren is one of my favourite brands for kids. The pieces are always classic and so well made.

2-piece velour set for children, $46.87 (on sale), The Bay

When budget isn’t an issue, this fabulous Gucci number is, well, perfect!

Gucci dress, $415CAD, Designer Kidswear

And while you’re at it, grab these trendy sneakers!

Gucci sneakers, $415CAD, Designer Kidswear

Designed and made in Canada of merino wool, these pjs are comfy and perfect! They can easily be used as a base layer for our cold winter months.

pyjamas, $80CAD, Wee Woolies

I hope you enjoyed my take on pink shopping for little ones.

Until next time, happy shopping!

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Thanks, Daniela, once again for introducing me to such a variety of Canadian brands!

The Friday Five: The Teddy Coat

We saw the teddy coat hit the market last year, and it’s back again for an encore this fall. Although this fuzzy number comes in a multitude of colours, I like it in cream the best (of course)! I think it looks the most chic.

coat, $99USD, H&M
Midrix teddy coat, $468.69CAD, via Shopbop
teddy coat, $25.99CAD, Amazon
teddy coat, $228CAD, Aritzia
ASOS teddy coat, $168.32CAD, ASOS

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Fashion: Polka Dots for Fall

Polka dots are a recurring pattern here on White Cabana. I’ve featured them in fashion and and décor, and I still find them hard to resist. I added this affordable polka dot skirt to my wardrobe this summer, and I just love wearing it!

Now I can’t stop looking around for inspiration on how to style it (year-round!). Here are five pairing options for polka dots.

1.Pair polka dots with colourful shoes.

2. Pair polka dots with more polka dots.

Petar Petrov via Vogue

3. Pair polka dots with sneakers.

Ludlow dress, $197CAD
photo: Angela Datre; via Fashionista

4. Pair polka dots with an oversize sweater.

5. Pair polka dots with a leather jacket.

Two for Tuesday: The Evil Eye

In Italian, the evil eye – or il malocchio – is a superstition of bad luck caused by envy. If one brags too much, then others would become jealous of the person’s happiness and cause destruction in their life. To prevent the evil eye, avoid making people jealous, or carry an charm like a horn (as many Italians do).

In the fashion and design worlds, the evil eye constantly makes an appearance in jewelry, accessory, and clothing collections as well as in trinkets and knick knacks. Here are two that recently caught my eye (wink!).

evil eye clutch, $23.99USD, Amazon
Michael Aram evil eye box, $307.41CAD, Neiman Marcus

Fashion: The Panama Hat

I love wearing my panama hat in the summer. It provides a good amount of shade on my face, and it makes lazy outfits look chic. I bought mine in New Orleans nearly a decade ago, so it comes with fun memories, too.

If you don’t have one, but you want one, here are some in a range of prices that might interest you.

Rag & Bone panama hat, $341.56CAD; Halogen panama hat, $53.33CAD; Lanzom panama hat, $15.99USD; Janetshats panama hat, $37.99CAD; Marks & Spencer panama hat, $116CAD; Mantles panama hat, $14.59CAD; panama hat, $8.48CAD; Scala panama hat, $178.78CAD

And if you’re looking for outfit inspiration, here you go!

Fashion: Go Go Gingham

Are you a fan of gingham? I have a couple of pieces, but I’m always on the lookout for more. I have a pair of gingham pants that I bought years ago and still love, but I feel like their time has ended, so I’m on the hunt for another light pair for summer. Last year, I went full-on gingham style when I paired the pants with a gingham shirt. The outfit got mixed reviews online and in real life.

Bloggers like Krystin Lee and Grace Atwood have worn gingham beautifully, too.

If you’re like me, and you’re looking to add some gingham to your summer wardrobe, I’ve pulled together a few pieces that I think would be great pieces for summer.

dress with smocking, $39.99USD; skirt, $375USD; jacket, $417USD; swimsuit, $19.99USD; ruffle dress (navy), $242.95CAD; button front skirt, $26CAD; sneakers, $14.99USD; hair tie, $5CAD; tote, $82.80CAD; jumpsuit, $51.20CAD; short dress, $19.99USD

Fashion: The White Sneaker

When the warmer weather arrives and the sun stays out for longer than an hour, I make the switch from my black sneakers to white ones. I wear sneakers all summer long as they’re comfortable for walking to work, doing errands, and traveling. I have two pairs in rotation at the moment – a pair of Converse and a pair of People. I find the Converse aren’t so comfortable, so I tend to wear my People sneakers more often. Do you wear sneakers in the spring and summer? Are you on the lookout for a new pair? If so, what do you think of these nine pairs?

Muse sneakers, $80USD; VB Bolton Lo Sneakers, $250USD; Lilou leather sneakers, $254USD (on sale); internationalist sneaker, $126.25CAD; Ked’s champion, $39.95USD; sneakers, $19USD, Joe Fresh; Cole Haan sneaker, $120USD; sneakers, $29.99USD, H&M; Lacoste sneakers, $124CAD

Fashion: Summer Whites at Banana Republic

I was in Banana Republic over the weekend, and there were so many pretty dresses in the current collection. I was only at the mall for a quick stop, so I didn’t have time to try anything on, but I’ll be going back to see what I might like the best this season. Just look at this collection of summer whites. Pretty, yes?

ruffle dress, $160CAD; woven slides, $124CAD; mother of pearl earrings, $85CAD;pump, $70USD; midi dress, $170CAD; crossbody bag, $87CAD (on sale); bucket bag, $129CAD; glitter sandal, $102.97CAD (on sale); button-down dress, $105CAD; earrings, $44CAD (on sale); poplin shirt dress, $145;; perforated slide, $68USD; eyelet midi dress, $185CAD; print sandal, $98.97CAD (on sale); chain crossbody bag, $80CAD (on sale)

Marketplace: The Tote Bag

Spring…and summer, eventually…is on its way (slowly and very inconsistently), which means that tote bags will be in full force. They’re great for market days, beach days, road trips, and more. Do you have one? If not, is it on your spring shopping list? Here are some that caught my eye.

round tote – Creema, canvas tote – H&M, coated canvas tote – Best Made Co., boat and tote – L.L. Bean, tote – Joe Fresh, tote – Banana Republic, canvas tote, canvas tote – James Pearse, tote – Native & Co

Two for Tuesday: Wish Upon a Star

I was in Montreal this past weekend, and I stayed at the Hotel Birks. Since it is conveniently attached to – and the same company as – Birks, the jewelry store, it was easy to pop in to eye the current collection of sparkle and shine. Delicate jewelry caught my attention the most (second to diamonds, of course), including these star pieces.

Fashion: Spring Accessory Trends

While I think these are mostly spring trends, I think some are lingering from winter. What do you think of these fashion trends? Are you on board or are you saying pass?

cat eye sunglasses, $167.92CAD, Nordstrom
hair clips, $17.99CAD, Amazon
Blair Eadie – Atlantic Pacific
Lele Sadoughi headband, $211.67CAD, Nordstrom
Blair Eadie – Atlantic Pacific
round bag, $79.90CAD, Zara
Krystin Lee – Suburban Faux Pas

Gift Guide: Mother’s Day

I’m thrilled to welcome back Daniela to White Cabana. She’s prepared a fantastic gift guide with moms in mind, but as she told me, they’d be great for many people (I couldn’t agree more!). Mother’s Day in Canada is on Sunday, May 12th, if you needed a gentle reminder.

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Hi Everyone! 
My favourite holiday (a tie with Christmas) is right around the corner, and I’m back with a gift guide full of ideas for that special mom in your life.

Is there a mom in your life that is stuck in the T-shirt and leggings style and wants out of the style, but the thought of putting on a pair of jeans is terrifying to her? Well I have a solution—one that got me out of my leggings—Mother jeans! These jeans are not only extremely flattering but are so incredibly comfortable that I never want to take them off. Give the woman in your life a wardrobe pick me up by adding a pair of these to her closet. Trust me she will love them! 

jeans, $340CAD, Mother, Holt Renfrew

Have someone in your life that likes to read and wants to read about a woman that empowers and is relatable? If so, then I recommend picking up this easy read.

Becoming by Michelle Obama, $25CAD, Chapters Indigo

If you want to give something more funny, then pick up the latest book by my go-to author Sophie Kinsella.

Since becoming a mom of two, I rediscovered the knapsack! This is something that I had not worn since my university days. I actually don’t know how people don’t have a knapsack once they have one, two, or more children. I feel like I will need a knapsack full of things for my children for at least the next decade! Here, I’m including both a diaper bag knapsack (which I own) and a non diaper bag option if the mom in your life is past the baby and toddler stage. I’m sure the owner of a new, gifted knapsack will thank you a million times over!

Duo diaper backpack, $32.50USD (on sale), Skip Hop
City Adventurer backpack, $128CAD, Lululemon

It wouldn’t be a gift guide by moi if it didn’t have an element of coffee in it! This next item is on my wish list, so I hope it will be my next upgraded coffee maker for home brewing. This coffee maker brews an incredible cup of coffee. If you don’t believe me, stop in at a Williams-Sonoma as you may just find salespeople brewing coffee from it. Technivorm is handmade in the Netherlands and each coffee maker is individually tested. Learn more here. My wish is for the glass one linked below as I love my coffee from a glass carafe; however, the insulated option is great if you want to brew and take your pot of coffee to work with you.

Have a mom who is “fancy†but who also loves comfort? These sneakers are absolutely stunning (yes I used the word stunning to describe sneakers), and they may just fit in very well in your mom’s wardrobe.

Sneaky Viv buckle leather sneakers, $1485CAD, Roger Vivier, Holt Renfrew

I have always been a big Gucci fan, and I think these sneakers offer a casual yet still luxurious option for someone who is not into the bling as seen in the ones above. 

Ace leather sneakers, $690CAD, Gucci, Holt Renfrew

Finally if you have a mom who is all about giving back and supporting causes, Birks has just released this “bee chic for a cause” bracelet. 100% of the proceeds benefit the Nature Conservancy of Canada. 

Happy shopping! Happy Mother’s Day!

***

I think Daniela was right in saying that these items would be great gifts to spoil many ladies in your lives! I think the Birks bracelet is my favourite thing on today’s list. It’s pretty! Thanks for sharing your ideas and time with us, Daniela.

If you’re looking for more gift ideas, check out these White Cabana gift guides.

Two for Tuesday: Staying Warm in (almost) May

Every time I say the word spring, the sunny days leave, and the cold weather returns. I was so happy for a touch of warmth and sunshine on Sunday, and then yesterday, boom, back to gloves and my winter coat! Not fun for a sun-seeker like me.

So, since we have another cold week ahead of us, today, I’m showcasing two items that will keep us warm. And since they’re on sale, today is a great day to buy them!

sweatshirt, $45+, Gap
joggers, $32.99, Gap

Fashion: How to Pack Light

As many of you now know, I packed quite light for my 2-week trip to Japan. I travelled with a carry-on luggage only, and I used Ziploc space saver bags for all of my clothes. These bags really maximized the space in my luggage, and I was glad my sister introduced them to me just a few weeks before my trip. I LOVED traveling light; I zipped around the airport so quickly with my carry-on, and it was extra easy moving through cities in Japan. Beyond these things, my hotels were small, so I was grateful that I had a small suitcase as there was always plenty of room for it. A larger luggage would have required some moving of hotel furniture, I’m sure!

As you may remember from this post, I basically followed the 10 x 10 capsule wardrobe approach to pack for this 2-week trip. I packed what I had listed in my blog post along with a few other items (a sweatshirt, two extra pairs of shoes). If you’re looking to travel light, I highly recommend the capsule approach And, if you’re going to a place where laundry is easily accessible, I recommend packing even less! I used everything I packed, especially since I had a few different climates to deal with (rain, sun, cold, heat), but since I also stayed in hotels with laundry facilities, I realized that I could have lightened my load (aka…left more room for souvenirs). I did laundry one night half-way through my travels.

If you’re interested in seeing how my light packing turned into daily outfits, keep reading.

Most days, I wore one outfit from day to night as there was no time (or reason) to come back to the hotel for an outfit change. I wore comfortable clothes each day, and more than the clothes, my Cole Haan sneakers were comfortable for my many kilometers of walking each day. Here’s how my slim travel wardrobe worked out.

Day 1
1.Travel day: romper, long sleeve top, sneakers
2. Arrival night dinner: jeans, sweatshirt
3. Bedtime at hotel #1: pjs courtesy of my hotel*
Day 2
4. Tokyo day: jeans, tee, sweatshirt, sneakers
Day 3
5. Tokyo day: dress, tights, sneakers
Day 4
6. Tokyo day: documenting a good hair morning (The water in Japan made my hair SO soft! I only brought a travel size, foldable hairbrush, and I used whatever shampoo and conditioner were supplied in my hotels. I didn’t bring any liquids with me on account of my carry-on style.)
7. Tokyo day: leggings, dress, sneakers
Day 5
8. Tokyo day + travel day: jeans, striped top, Hello Kitty socks**
9. Nikko day: Yukata supplied by my resort hotel
Day 6
10: Nikko morning: Yukata (I had fun changing up how I tied my sash)
11. Nikko day: jeans, tee, cardigan, sneakers
Day 7
12: Nikko morning: Yukata (I LOVED this piece. Unfortunately, the hotel didn’t sell it, and I didn’t see anything in the same material in the shops. I really wanted it!)
13. Nikko + travel day: moto leggings, tank, black tee
14. Kyoto evening: moto leggings, layered tops
Day 8
15. Kyoto day: midi dress, cardigan, sneakers

16. Kyoto evening: midi dress, cardigan, tights, ballet flats
Day 9
17. Kyoto day: dress, tights, sneakers
Day 10
18. Kyoto + Osaka: jeans, tee
Day 11
19. Kyoto + Kobe: jeans, black tee, Birks
Day 12
20. Kobe: midi dress, Birks
Day 13
21. Travel day: romper, striped tee, sneakers

*I realized that next time I go to Japan, I won’t need to pack pjs. Each hotel that I stayed at supplied crisp, clean, comfortable pj sets. In addition, I bought two cute sets while I was there.
**I realized that I don’t need to pack so many socks either. I had packed way more than I needed for my 2-week trip, but I ended up buying so many fun Japanese socks. Like at every store. I had to really control myself near the end!

During the first week, I wore my coat and scarf every day. While I was in Nikko, I also wore my hat and gloves as I was in the mountains, and it got cold. On some days, I layered under/over long/short sleeve tops because the weather would change from morning to night, and I wanted to stay comfortable while walking around. Towards the end of my trip, the weather really warmed up, and it was too hot for sneakers, so I wore my Birkenstocks. If I did a similar trip in the future, I’d probably cut out the ballet flats (I only wore them twice), keep the Birkenstocks, and I’d maybe pack a second pair of sneakers.

As you can see, I stuck to black and white, so that all my pieces could work with one another. My black and white LeSportSac purse added a graphic print to each day’s outfit, but more than that, it was large enough to fit my camera, water bottle, etc., and I used different zippered compartments for easy access to things like Chapstick and my metro card. It’s a great purse style for traveling.

There you have it! The 10 x 10 capsule wardrobe plus the carry-on luggage approach worked out very well for me for this trip! I would definitely use the same packing approach in the future!

Note: I packed a Le SportSac duffle bag, and on way home, I used it (spot it in photos 20 and 21). (See earlier point about socks!)

I’ll be posting about my trip to Japan, but if you can’t wait for the posts, have a look at #WhiteCabanaGoesToJapan on Instagram for some highlights.

Fashion: A Capsule Travel Wardrobe

Have you heard of the 10 x 10 capsule wardrobe? The challenge, as per Style Bee, is to create a collection of 10 pieces of clothing and mix-and-match them for a period of 10 days. The challenge is great for all sorts of reasons, including to take a break from shopping and to get more creative with what you already own. For me, though, I’m considering it for my upcoming trip as I’m going to try to travel with a carry-on only. I traveled to Paris with only a carry-on, and I loved it. Moving through the airport check-in and security was quick, and I was guaranteed to have my luggage full of clothes on arrival (my fear of lost luggage has increased in recent years).

Here’s what I’ve gathered for my 10 x 10 travel wardrobe. I own most of these exact pieces or very similar items.

Can you already see how many outfits I can pull together with this collection? Here are some:

  1. white tank + black jeans + cardigan
  2. black swing dress + moto leggings
  3. maxi dress + cardigan
  4. black jeans + happy tee + quilted jacket
  5. moto leggings + white tank + striped top
  6. black swing dress + striped top
  7. maxi dress + white tank (underneath) + quilted jacket
  8. black jeans + striped top
  9. maxi dress + moto leggings + striped top
  10. moto leggings + happy tee + quilted jacket

I have Cole Haan sneakers as my only shoe in this collection, but I like traveling with more than one pair, so I’d likely add another. I’d also likely add another top – something longer to go over the moto leggings. Regardless of these additions, I think the collection of 10 items is doable for a getaway! What do you think?

Marketplace: Pleats Please

Have you noticed an increase of pleats in the fashion and interiors marketplace? I have seen the pleats coming for a while now, but it was this article featuring Leon Kalajian, founder of Tom’s Sons International Pleating, that pushed me to compose this blog post.

souffle chair, $7595USD, Kelly Wearstler
pleated melamine serving bowl, $22.95USD, Williams Sonoma
pillow, $49.99 USD (on sale), DKNY
dress, $26USD
drawing of Cardi B.’s Grammy look by Ashi, via WWD
pleated top, $45.90CAD, Zara

Marketplace: The World of Rolex

Luxury watches. Do you have one? Do you want one? Did you buy one to mark a special occasion? Do tell!

I’ve been a long-time fan of Rolex watches, and I’ve admired the ones my various family members own and wear. They’re beautiful, prestigious, and precise timepieces.

There are several classic designs, each of which have a multitude of customization options in terms of metals, diamonds, pearls, face colours, sizes, and bracelets.

The Datejust is available in sizes 31 to 41mm. The date is displayed at the 3 o’clock position under a cyclops (magnifying) lens (which was invented by Rolex in 1953).

The Lady Datejust is a feminine timepiece which is a smaller size but equally as elegant as the larger versions.

The Oyster Perpetual is the purest form of the Rolex collection.

The Day-Date, launched in 1956, showcases the day at the 12 o’clock position and the date at the 3 o’clock position. The Day-Date was the first wristwatch to display the full day of the week. It is only available in 18 ct gold or 950 platinum.

These are my favourite Rolex styles, but the brand has others in its collection, so visit the Rolex site to learn more about the Cellini and the Sky-Dweller, for example.


Fashion: The Chanel Window

The French know all about the art of the window display. Shop owners really take their time to design beautiful window displays. This is true of small, independent shops as well as high-end, designer boutiques. There were many beautiful windows to stare at, but it was this Chanel window that I came back to a couple of times during my recent stay in Paris. Each time I went by, I noticed yet another detail. So charming. So lovely. So dreamy.

Just last week, Karl Lagerfeld passed away at the age of 85. The fashion world mourns his loss. The public mourns his loss. He was a genius. Lagerfeld was the creative director of Chanel for 36 years, and during this time, he reinterpreted classic Coco Chanel tweed and pearls in countless ways. More recently, his Paris fashion shows have been over the top masterpiece performances. Ones that inspire and will continue to inspire many in the fashion and art world for a long time.

Two for Tuesday: Pearls

Normally, when you hear the world pearl, you may think of a pearl necklace. Today, though, I’m sharing how pearls are currently being incorporated into clothing.

Blair Eadie is a continuous source of inspiration. She has a special way of piecing clothes together to make memorable outfits. This one is all about the pearls!

Here’s an affordable sweater with pretty pearl embellishments. If you’re inspired by Blair’s ensemble, you might consider giving this or another version a try.

The Friday Five: 5 Things from Sandro Paris

I was so happy to be in Paris, even for just a few days. I was there for work, but I tacked on a few extra vacation days, so I could enjoy the city. I spent much of one free day shopping – and window shopping – and enjoyed seeing all the new-to-me brands and the latest in Parisan chic. One of the brands that I kept coming back to was Sandro. There were so many pretty items in its current and previous collections. The dresses fit me so well that I wanted to buy them all!

top, 66€ (on sale)
dress, 225€
shirt, 92.5€
dress, 275€
t-shirt, 125€

I realized once I came back to Canada that we have Sandro in stand-alone stores and at The Bay in Canada. I had no idea! Now I can shop the brand close to home…even though it’s much more fun to buy French brands when in France!

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