prep style Archives - Pearls and Polkadots

Many of my readers know that maxi dresses are a favourite of mine. I love how you can throw one on, accessorize and be ready to go for the day! I wish I could wear maxi dresses to work, but unfortunately, they are a tad too casual for my workplace. The weekends is where the maxi dress shines, and this black maxi I found at Winners is no exception!! I love how many ways there are to wear a black maxi (post idea!!), and today, I am going to show you two ways that I have worn the dress so far!

Number One: On its own…

Maxi dresses really don’t need to be dressed up, in my opinion, because they do plenty well on their own. Especially a black maxi, it’s slimming, hugs the curves and looks great with a few accessories and the right shoes. I love to wear maxi dresses with heels, only because I’m the shortest person on the planet (okay, maybe I exaggerated there…) and I like the extra 3-4 inches.

These shoes that I am wearing are cognac coloured and perfect for summer!! They are about 3.5 inches, and the perfect height for this dress. The great feature about this maxi, is the slits on each side. It goes just high enough to give plenty exposure to the leg, but not high enough that you don’t have to worry about any “oops” moments. The slits also give you a chance to show off your fab shoes – usually long dresses are too long that the shoes are hidden!!

I decided that a longer necklace with the maxi on it’s own would be more flattering. I tried on several different statement pieces, but didn’t love any of them. When I put this one on, it just felt like it kept the length going. No one wants to look short in a maxi dress, therefore, accessorizing with long accessories, will keep that lengthy look going. Plus, it gives the outfit some glam that stands out against the black background, as opposed to right on the skin.

See how good the dress looks on its own? It’s perfect for a hot summer day, or even bounding around town running errands! Cute, simple and the slightest bit trendy!

Number Two: All Dolled Up!

For the second way to wear this maxi, I paired it with a darker washed jean vest. I remember when jean vests (and vests in general) were in style in high school…I had a black one that I wore (I felt so rebellious)…so I was hesitant when I bought this jean vest. I don’t regret it though!! Because look how it transforms the maxi, from simple and fabulous, to chic and casual!!

Everything else (accessories, shoes, etc.) remained the same, except the add of the vest. Well, and the hat. But that’s because how could you not accessorize with an adorable hat like this? (Side note: I finally grabbed one of the hats from my #WishlistWednesday post! Horray!) This is a very summery hat, and works with this overall look, if I do say so myself!

What I love about adding the jean vest, is how it provides coverage of certain areas that would be extenuated by the dress if it were worn on its own. There are times to show it off, and times to cover it up, and in my opinion, adding this cute piece on top, really transforms the outfit in a conservative way (i.e. totally appropriate to wear in front of my Grandmother).

I got this bag earlier this year, and it is honestly one of my best purse purchases! I found it at Aldo and it was truly love at first sight. I was in the market for a cognac coloured bag, and this one caught my eye the moment I walked into the store. It is the perfect size, and the black floral scarf tied to the strap is so cute! I added my little touch of glam with the gold “S” key chain (gift from my Mom). And bonus…it goes perfectly with the shoes!

I love maxi dresses and have been on the bandwagon for a few years now. It really is the perfect summer look and so easy to style! I look forward to styling this dress more in the future, giving you even more ways to wear a black maxi!

If you want to get similar items to what I have shown in this post, visit the links below. I tried to find the similar styles as the dress is from Winners. I wasn’t able to link this jean vest that I got from Old Navy, but I did link up some other cute ones I found!!

Happy styling!

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I spend a lot of time on my phone or online. It’s a tad shameful, but it is true. One of the many apps I frequent is Pinterest. I’m sure many of you know how dangerous that can be when you need to focus on something (like, say, writing tomorrow’s blog post??). I scroll and scroll, and pin and pin…it can go on for hours!! While doing this, I find great tutorials, home designs, and the best thing of all – clothing!! Pinterest has become a haven from me…which is why I am breaking down my favourite pink pins that I pinned this week!

How cute is this little two piece from Lulu’s? It’s absolutely to die for and I love how this look is dressed up! It is such a sweet and cute look, and the break between the top and bottom is a refreshing look! The great thing about a two piece set, is that you can mix and match. You don’t always have to wear them together, so it is that much more satisfying!! This is such a versatile look and definitely ranks high in my finds of the week!!

If you have been reading my blog lately, you will know how IN LOVE I am with the colour mint. I even wrote a post on all of the favourite mint pieces that are out in the market right now!! This look is pretty much the apple of my eye and happens to be one of my favourite colour combos that exists!! Coral pink and mint is so pretty today and this look overall is great for summer. This colour really pops and is the absolute standout piece of this look, so of course I had to pin it.

Although I pin a ton of dresses and two piece sets, I do love the shorts and chambray look from time to time. This is why this was totally pin-worthy when I came upon it. The pop of pink in the short (along with the polka dot pattern) is perfect for summer and the accessories on top of that just makes the look!! This is so cute and I may just need to recreate this simple look in the future!!

Pinterest is a great way to find new looks and I use it all the time now!! Check out some of the links below for some cute pink finds I have found in my Pinterest travels (they are all available in the colour pink …in case you were wondering) …enjoy!

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Do I have some picks for you on this gorgeous Sunday! I am always looking for cute, fun and colourful pieces to add to my wardrobe, and lately I have been OBSESSED with the colour mint. Mint is an interesting colour. It is one of those colours that I didn’t have in my closet for a long time. In fact, I didn’t really recognize it as a colour you wore (isn’t that crazy!?). However, in the past year, and through my obsession with Pinterest, I realized that mint is actually a great colour to wear!!

It can be used in an accessory, like the cute tassel necklace I have linked from Banana Republic. Mint can also be made the focus of the entire outfit by wearing a mint skirt or pair of pants!! I barely have any mint in my closet right now, but with this roundup, I will surely be showing off my mint fashion soon! I’m going to show you two things in this post:

1) My most favourite minty looks.

2) Where you can get beautiful mint pieces.

How can you not love the outfits that Taylor Swift walks around in? I mean, her style is pretty classic and this is certainly one of the classics. This is a perfect example of the colour acting as the stand out or focus of the ensemble. Although the shoes pop, the focus piece is the patterned mint number she’s wearing. Everything else is coordinated with the minty overall feel (the fuchsia, peep toe heels; the neutral bag; the simple necklace). This is one my favourite looks.

There is no other word to describe this look than adorable. There are so many things that I love about it, I don’t know where to begin. So I will begin with the colour scheme. Mint and white go together…it is a fact (white pretty much goes with anything). This winter white, lace detailed top compliments the tulle perfectly and makes for a pretty party look. To top it all off, the pointed nude heel is just the neutral that the look needs to keep the focus on the skirt. Stylish Petite is the blogger behind this magnificent look. I have been reading her blog for a while now, and she has the greatest eye for style. Definitely give her blog a look-over when you get a chance (you will not be disappointed!!)

The mint piece doesn’t always have to be the focus of the look. Maybe you don’t like mint, or don’t want to dress head to toe in it…that’s completely fine!! But incorporating the colour as a compliment to another piece in your look will leave you looking pretty in the pastel. For example, this look shown below has put the focus on the polka dot pattern. That is what draws the eye at first sight, but having that soft pastel colour in the cardi brightens the look up, so it does not become an all-black-and-white outfit.

The items that I showed in the three outfit reviews, are unfortunately not linked below. However, I have linked the items I picked out for my banner (which are all available in-store right now – just use the links below!!). My top three items of my mint picks are:

This polka dot mint clutch is currently part of the Betsey Johnson collection at Macy’s. I love how the white dots are so subtle…this clutch is absolutely to-die-for!! Another favourite are these sneakers by Sperry. If you look really closely, there is a white pattern on the shoe that resemble flying birds! So summery and adorable!! Lastly, I am crazy for tassels…but have never owned any! Which is why I have included this tassel necklace from Banana Republic. It is the perfect accessory for any mint-lover’s outfit!!

Well, there you have it – my mint picks. Hopefully you will take these cute pieces into consideration (or find your own fab pieces!!). Mint is the summer colour that’s taking over, and I am perfectly okay with that!! Let me know how you wear this pastel in the comments below!

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Let’s start off by saying that I am not American. Maybe that’s an abrupt way to start, but stay with me. I am not American, but I love the 4th of July. Why is that, you may ask? Well, because I feel so much pride for Canada, my home country, that I find great appreciation for those Americans who appreciate and support their country. Not to mention, I have connected with so many bloggers from the U.S.A. and made so many great friends!!

One of my favourite things about the 4th of July, is the inspired style that comes out the holiday! You have to admit, some of the stunning outfits that are coordinated for the 4th of July festivities, are just that…stunning! So that is why, I perused Pinterest this week, looking out for all of the American looks…and I am going to detail some of my picks (as a Canadian) in this post!

Look #1 – Anchors away on the 4th of July with these cute chino shorts!

This look if absolutely to die for. This was one of the first looks that I came across, and I fell in love with it. Let’s start with my favourite piece of this look – the anchor shorts from J.Crew. It’s no secret that J.Crew knows how to make the best of preppy clothing. As soon as I saw these shorts, I went crazy trying to find myself a pair…unfortunately…no luck. These are from a few years ago, and they haven’t been sold since. However, the good news is, is that I found a similar pair, linked at the bottom of this post (I am using a new widget, from this point forward to help you find my picks!).

The skinny red belt is such a simple detail, but totally stands out against the navy, anchor print backdrop…which makes this outfit completely suitable for the 4th of July celebration you are heading to! Even better, the statement necklace ties the entire ensemble together, giving just the right amount of red in the look. This flower necklace is very popular and originally sold by J.Crew. However, in keeping with my poor luck with these items, it is also unavailable. More good news!! I found a similar, knock-off, that I have linked down below (make sure you check it out!). The flashes of red, tied in with the navy anchor print and white blouse, makes this outfit the perfect BBQ or parade wear for the day!!

The final thing I will say about this look…the Sperry Topsiders . How can I even express my obsession with Sperry’s? I really can’t…I just love them and for a look like this, they are definitely a staple. Linked below, are a few pairs that I think would make this look!

Look #2 – Striped to perfection, with the pop of red everyone needs this holiday!

I LOVE stripes! Some people say that stripes will make you look wide, fat, etc.. but I am not one of those people. Certain patterns, yes, can not be flattering on everyone, but you really can’t go wrong with a simple striped top like this. The navy stripe paired with the red chino shorts is the ultimate preppy, patriotic look for this festive weekend (coming from a Canadian, of course!). I have linked similar shorts and shirt in the widget below (both from J.Crew and on sale!!) so make sure you check those babies out. Perfect for the 4th of July!

What I love in this look above, are the white Jack Rogers sandals. Not only are they super cute for summer, in general, but totally add to the American look! However, I do feel that any white sandals would work with this look and I’ll tell you why. The focus in this ensemble is not the shoes (if you can believe it!!). You really want the focus to be put on the top and bottom, because it brings the most patriotism (and that’s what you want to show on the 4th of July!!) The shoes are merely an accessory…which is why I opted to link a super versitile and cute pair of Steve Madden two-strap white sandals (a girl has gotta have her Steve Madden’s, of course!).

To top the look off, throw an American print bow in your hair (linked below) and you are set to go! For that extra flare, I linked a navy satchel below…because no look is complete without a bag to carry the necessities!

Link #3 – Gingham and Solids…make for the laid-back, dressy look!

I would totally wear this look to an evening bash or get together. What I love most about what this outfit, is that it screams casual, but also emits that dressy vibe as well. The gingham shirt on top, incorporates that laid back aspect, while the red skirt dresses the look up. This makes it appropriate to wear to whatever 4th of July soiree you may be attending (or hosting..)! I linked up two different types of skirts – the skater skirt and the midi skirt. Both work with this look…so it’s up to you how short you want to make the skirt (I prefer midi).

The white bag tops this whole look off. It completes the American theme we’re going for and really adds the flare that the outfit needs, It also breaks the outfit up in a way. Having the blue on top, with the red in the bottom…it looks a tad colour blocked (indirectly, of course). By adding that pop of white, it balances out the outfit. Although her shoes aren’t pictured, I can visualize some dressy white or off-white sandals with this look. I have linked a few of my favourite pairs in the widget below – so make sure you check them out!!

So there we go…

Not bad for a Canadian, eh? (hehe…)

I hope all of my favourite American bloggers have a blast today in all of their American festivities!! Happy 4th of July!!

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I didn’t become an Audrey Hepburn fan until this year, around the time I began writing my blog. It’s kind of shocking how I didn’t really know about her until now. Of course, I had heard of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but I never really looked at Ms. Hepburn as a style icon. How could you not? She is the epitome of ‘upper class’, in my opinion. The pearls, the updo, the little black dress…it’s all so chic and amazing! I want to go through some of my favourite portraits of her and try and recreate the looks she so fabulously rocked over her many years!

Audrey Hepburn makes style look effortless, and in her case…it is. A simple striped tee, simple black trousers and simple black pumps. How hard could that be to recreate? Not hard as long as you have they key pieces. If you can believe it, the summer season catalogues do not highlight black and white striped shirts…but if you must find one, there is one at Reitmans for a great deal. Through shopstyle.ca, I found these great trousers. I’m not familiar with the brand, but they sure mimic Ms. Hepburn’s ultra-casual look. To top it all off, a great pair of Nine West pumps dresses the look up just enough to look hot and stylish!

In Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Audrey Hepburn searches in the pouring rain for her cat. Even in the pouring rain, she looks fabulous. In case you are cat-hunting in the rain, you will want your chic beige, tie-up trench coat, accompanied by a headscarf tied at the chin to keep your very polished updo dry. I have linked a very in-style trench coat below that I found through shopstyle.ca. To complete the Hepburn-esque look, add a headscarf of your choice!

Now for the ultra-classic look of the century. Audrey Hepburn basically created the little black dress look that every woman considers a must-have in their wardrobe. I have about three go-to little black dresses, but you really can never have too many. I particularly love this look of hers though because it incorporates matching black pumps and a multi-strand pearl necklace. With or without the gloves, the look is timeless.

Those are my three favourite looks that Ms. Hepburn wore effortlessly over her years. There are many more and her overall outlook on life is admirable. She is certainly one of my favourite style icons. I will leave you with this quote…

Outfit Details: the Black Maxi two ways!

Pinterest Finds of the Week: Pretty in Pink!

My Mint Picks!

4th of July Style: the Canadian’s Picks!

Style Icon: Audrey Hepburn