These past few winter weeks have been brutal and I've more or less morphed into my layered pants and leggings combo, chunky sweaters, boots, and as many pairs of socks as I can double up on. Winter in Canada means that all regards for fashion go out the window and you trade in all your favorite labels for fur and fleece. I was quite excited this past Thursday when I was able to shake the dust off my closet doors, and pull out this outfit to wear to the Keys 'n Krates event at York University. I opted for a pop of color because bright hues are so therapeutic for me and always make me feel cheery. Though is was unbearably cold, the sun was shining and gave me a little motivation to snap a few shots -- in my bedroom, of course. To finish it off this look, I threw on my favorite pair of distressed combat boots.
Top - New Look / Leggings - Garage / Demin Top - H&M / Boots - Stepss
Red strikes me as the color that demands (but rightfully deserves) attention and is always ready and willing to be the topic of any discussion. Recently, I've began the moderate transition of adapting this bold color into my closet and I'm beginning to believe that red really is the new black (well, for me anyway). Personally, I am thoroughly convinced that red is without end, a sultry color that looks divine on every skin tone, especially in lipstick form!
As I went into London today to sight see and explore the beautiful city with my family, I wanted to create an ensemble that would be equally refined and comfortable as we would be walking around for majority of the day. Seeing that the weather is highly unpredictable, I reached for my Hunter Wellys and combined them with a pair of black wax-finish jeggings (leggings meet jeans), and opted for a simple long sleeve sweater, so that all the focus would be directed to this statement trench coat.
Shoes: Back Adjustable Hunter Rain Boots / Pants: Urban Planet / Top: Ralph Lauren Long-Sleeve Striped Stretch Cotton Tee (Similar) / Coat: George Funnel Neck Coat /
Scarf: Thrifted / Bag: Borrowed
Come sunshine or rain, fall or winter, I do not discriminate when it comes to wearing my absolute favorite pair of ripped jeans. I've legitimately lived in these jeans for over two years. Over time, the wear and tear (literally) has improved the distressed look a great deal, making me adore these pants more and more! Funny story. When I first bought these jeans, the rips were merely slits that barely exposed any skin. Fast forward two years and we have a refined master piece on our hands.
I incorporated my biker jacket, custom ripped jeans and Chelsea boots for a laid back, grunge look, but made sure to keep warm with a fuzzy semi-turtle neck sweater underneath. I wore this look on this gloomy, winter's afternoon while doing some last minute shopping before heading back home to Canada. It's crazy that in a few days I'll be knee deep in good old Canadian snow, freezing my toes off, wishing I was still in rainy London.
Jeans: Garage / Sweater: Next (Similar) /
Purse: Borrowed (thanks, sis!) / Jacket: Zara Biker Jacket / Shoes: ASOS Chunky Chelsea boots
Forget what the unwritten rules proclaim in regards to combining alike textures/patterns together and "clashing" colors; fashion is all about you. Your comfort, creative expression, and sense of style. I love coloring outside the lines and swimming against the current - in other words, I highly dislike conforming. Everyone will always have their own ideas and views in the world of fashion about what looks good and what doesn't reach the bench mark, however, as the saying goes, beauty (and style) is in the eye of the beholder.
In the spirit of embracing the beautiful weather I'm experiencing in England (windy but snow-free nonetheless), I decided that this casual denim on denim look was perfect for this windy afternoon. I really like the idea of putting together the distressed denim shirt and these dark wash jeans for a contrasted look.
Top: CELINE Paris Tee (Amazon) / Long-sleeve Demin Shirt (H&M) / Jeans: Levi's Demi Curve / Shoes: Low Cut Classic Converse / Wallet: Kate Space New York
What are your favorite rule breaking looks?
When it comes to shopping, I rarely splurge unless I'm purchasing a staple item that I know will last me for many fashion (or weather) seasons to come or, if I've simply been saving for a specific piece. Like anything in life, you get what you pay for so even shopping becomes an investment. I like to believe that owning a handful of versatile bits can allow you the freedom to create different looks that are effortless and minimal, rather than hoarding a wardrobe full of unworn clothing. I've dreamed of owning a leather jacket for months now and I've been so iffy about forking out an arm and a leg just to get a decent priced, good quality item. Thanks to Boxing Day sales and ZARA, I finally added this leather piece to my closet.
Today for my church outfit, I paired these pink, fitted trousers with a white, chunky three-quarter sweater for a very feminine touch. To tone down the look and add a bit of character, I accessorized with all black pieces, including the aforementioned leather jacket. This look was inspired by the movie Grease - Pink Ladies meets Greasers.
Jacket: ZARA / Trousers, Brogues, Sweater: New Look / Purse, Watch: Michael Kors / Glasses: Rayban
Disclaimer
Unless otherwise stated, all images and content featured on A Dose of Jo belong to me, thus requiring permission and credit to be used. If you have any questions or general inquiries, please direct them to joannchizanga@gmail.com
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Posted in OOTD, Style