Winter Outfits | Style Blog | Canadian Fashion and Lifestyle News

What I Wore: Soft and Cozy

23 February, 2017 Nelia Leave a Comment

As February comes to a close, I look around my closet and realise that I’ve been pretty much wearing the same few pieces all winter long – same few sweaters paired with denim or work pants, and same few sweater dresses worn with fleece-lined tights. It’s not super creative, but I guess it’s a winter uniform that keeps me feeling warm and looking put-together during the cold winter months.

This season, I was very lucky to find a few of those perfect knitwear pieces that I get complimented on time and time again, and that I can totally see myself wearing for years to come (with a little TLC), which is why I’m so thankful for Ultra Downy Free & Gentle Liquid Fabric Conditioner. Truth be told, fabric softener is a fairly new discovery for me. For years, I didn’t see the importance of using it, until someone put it this way: detergent is like shampoo for your clothes, while fabric softener is like conditioner. You wouldn’t skip conditioner after shampooing your hair, so why not follow the same logic when washing your clothes?!

Once I started using Downy Fabric Conditioner, I noticed a huge difference in the way my clothes (and especially knits) look and feel. I no longer have to worry about washing my favourite knitwear pieces, because Downy Fabric Conditioner protects clothes at the fibre level to reduce damage from daily wear and frequent washing, which can prematurely age your clothes. When fibres are conditioned, they’re protected against stretching, fading, and pilling, giving you an extra season or two out of your favourite pieces. Even knitwear pros at We Are Knitters trust Downy Fabric Conditioner with their knits!

Thanks to Downy even my most frequently worn (and washed) sweaters look like new, and hopefully will continue to do so year after year.

What about you? Do you use Downy Fabric Conditioner to protect your knits? Share in the comments.

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What I Wore: Warm Spell

19 January, 2015 Nelia 6 Comments

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This past weekend, Torontonians got a momentary respite from the snow and frigid cold, and it felt wonderful. With temperatures hitting above zero, Canadians wasted no time shedding their winter layers, walking around in light coats, and swapping those scary winter boots for the cuter fall versions. I joined in on the fun, by wearing my coat open, with light but warm layers underneath. I felt so free!

Le bf and I took a stroll aroung Yonge and Lawrence, finally making our way to Bobette and Belle for a little afternoon treat, and we loved it! The place is inviting and oh-so-very-stylish, with yummy hot drinks, and even better desserts. I’m definitely going to be back!

By the end of the day, the weather had turned, and as we were making our way home, I had to button up, pull my coat’s collar up in order to avoid the wet snow from creeping inside my coat. I guess winter’s back, but we did get a little taste of spring, even if for a day.

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What I Wore: And It Was All Yellow…And Blue

15 January, 2015 Nelia

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Yup, I added yet another coat to my winter outerwear collection. This one’s from Forever 21, and it’s surprisingly warm, and well-made. It has a bit of a cocoony feeling to it, so if you’re into the slim look in your winter coats, this one’s probably not for you. But personally, I love all the layering possibilities this one brings. Last weekend, I wore it with my trusty Prada faux fur stole, adding even more colour to an already bright coat. You know my philosophy – if it’s gloomy outside, there’s nothing like colourful clothing to snap you out of the funk. And I must say, it worked like a charm!

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What I Wore: Dressy Sweatpants

5 January, 2015 Nelia Leave a Comment

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This year’s Boxing Day marked a couple of firsts for me. It was the first time I actually got out of the house and hit up the physical stores on Boxing Day (as far I as I can remember), and it was also the first time I wore sweats with heels and liked it. This outfit was so comfy, that not only did I end up wearing it on Boxing Day, but I also ended up basically living in it the entire post-Christmas weekend. This was beneficial in several ways – turns out that comfy stretchy pants are ideal for consuming Christmas leftovers, and when paired with heels and Kenzo sweatshirt gives an appearance of at least SOME put-togetherness, thus elevating this look from shlumpy slob to on-purpose semi-shlumpy designer slob. I know this look is not for everyone, but I’m definitely going to be wearing it a lot this winter. A perfect lazy day outfit that only looks slightly lazy.

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What I Wore: Pattern Play

28 January, 2014 Nelia 3 Comments

Not too long ago even the thought of pairing printed pants with a striped top would make me uncomfortable, and look at me now – mixing not one, not two, but three different patterns in one outfit. I consider this progress, while my husband probably thinks that I am one step closer to crazy-old-lady-dressing. Either way, this pattern play thing isn’t going to go away anytime soon, so he may as well get used to it.

If you’ve always wanted to try mixing different patterns and prints into one outfit, I follow a couple of simple rules/tips to avoid looking cray.

1. Patterns from the same colour family are the easiest to mix, so make sure that there’s a common theme when it comes to the colour of the garments you are trying to pair up.
2. Combine prints of different sizes to create a more balanced look. Large flowers with thin stripes, tiny houndstooth with loud graphic prints, etc.
3. Stripes, dots, and leopard print are basically neutrals, so don’t be afraid to throw those into the mix.
4. When in doubt – add a splash of colour. Jacket, bag, shoes, whatever…just make it pop!

So tell me, do you mix prints often…or ever? What are your fave combos? Share in the comments!

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What I Wore: Colour Me Happy

16 January, 2014 Nelia 2 Comments

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Today I’m going to share my winning winter-dressing formula. It goes something like this: colourful coat + cozy sweater + hot boots = instant cure for SAD. It’s nearly impossible to feel grumpy while wearing a cheerful yellow coat and a comfy sweater underneath. It’s like the Prozac of outfits. I was also happy to rediscover a pair of my fave old earrings to add a pop of colour to my look while indoors and coat-less. I’ve had a bit of a statement necklace fatigue lately, so naturally, I am now all about statement earrings. I think they look pretty cute with a turtleneck, non?

So tell me, do you have your own formula for those gloomy winter days when all you want to do is wear PJs on your couch while nursing a cup of hot chocolate? Share your tips in the comments!

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What I Wore: Snow Queen

30 December, 2013 Nelia 7 Comments

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Sorry for being MIA last week…thanks to the snow/ice storm, my house had no electricity, cable, or internet, giving me a much-needed break from all types of social media and blogging. Instead, I ate pies (Flaky Tart is the bomb!), hung out with family, and slept A LOT. It was awesome, but also challenging. I learned to put on make up under candlelight, and wore a lot of comfy and warm clothes, because getting dressed in the dark isn’t as easy as it sounds and having no heat is no picnic either. Thankfully, I had this cozy Ann Taylor sweater dress to save the day. All I had to do is throw it on over some tights to avoid looking like a shlub with no electricity. Mission accomplished.

Hope you and your loved ones have a warm and safe holiday season! Should be back to regular programming in 2014!

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What I Wore: Never Enough

17 December, 2012 Nelia 4 Comments

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…coats! Because, in my opinion, if you live in a country with winters, coats are a necessity, and you can never have too many! I picked up this moss-coloured beauty at Club Monaco with an extra 30% off sale items for a steal, and since the promo will run for a few more days, I strongly urge you to take advantage. There’s another coat I have my eye on…it’s cream, with a faux fur collar, and it’s beautiful! But seeing how I’m a messy…everything, a white coat might not be the best idea…for me. But I’m still thinking about it.

What’s one item you can’t live without and can’t get enough of? Share in the comments!

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What I Wore: Rebel Without a Cause

27 November, 2012 Nelia 3 Comments

Earlier this month Yorkdale’s new expansion wing finally opened its doors, and lucky for me, I got to stop by the new Club Monaco store to do some much-needed pre-winter shopping. Not only is the new and shiny store a visual masterpiece to behold (seriously, check out the details next time you stop by), but it’s also pretty much impossible to walk away empty-handed from the amazing selection currently in stores.

I’ve had my eye on the Candace leather circle skirt for weeks now, so I made sure to take the time to finally try it on…after which it became perfectly clear, that I couldn’t walk away without it. The perforated detailing and the breezy fit made this one a winner for me. I love that it’s girlie, but also tough, and I’ve already paired it with half the shirts in my closet. It goes with everything!

The other item I picked up during opening night was a Beatrice Sweater in grey. Asymmetrical hemline, softest cashmere, and open knit? Yes, please! This sweet sweater will surely keep me nice and toasty this winter, and more importantly…le bf actually approves! Score and score!

There were also oodles of printed pants, cozy sweaters, embellished tops, skirts, and dresses in perfect winter shades, and even vintage designer goodies too! So if you haven’t had a chance to stop by the new store, make sure to check it out. You know you want to!

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What I Wore: Back to Basics

6 February, 2012 Nelia 4 Comments

This past weekend I had to go in to the office and work, which naturally translated into comfy outfits with little to no thought involved. Sorry if this is kinda boring, but to me, a striped tee paired with denim is always a “do”…and an easy one at that. Which is why all of my striped tees are now looking a little mangy and tired for my liking. Time for a new batch, I say.

Apart from my stripe-obsession, there are a few other pieces that I always seem to be wearing, which is also why I will be doing a new segment on Style Blog – called Stylish Staples, starting next week. This segment will showcase some of my most beloved wardrobe essentials, and how I (and my fave bloggers) wear those pieces. For now, I’d like to ask you, my lovelies, what are your fave Stylish Staples? Share in the comments.