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


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brogues

brogues

brogues

Contrary to popular belief, money can very well buy happiness -- well, assuming that you're searching in the right stores. During my three week adventure/holiday in England, I discovered the amazing world of ASOS online shopping (kudos to my shopaholic brother in law) and I haven't looked back since. I'm talking next day delivery and 70% off the entire store! I was in retail heaven. Initially, and probably the whole reason why I have never been a fan of online shopping, I was very skeptical about making online clothing purchases because I am a strong believer in trying clothes on before purchasing (for obvious reasons) and I didn't want to bother myself with the agony of returning items that didn't fit or simply being deceived by the photos on the website. *Plot twist* Well, I'll be damned. The rest is history. 

My favorite purchase by far, without a doubt, is these gold tipped brogues. The gold detail and shiny finish provides a classy and feminine touch to this oxford shoe that could very well be found in the men's department of most clothing stores. Being the anti stiletto person that I am, I love incorporating shoes into my closet that allow me to dress up any outfit without the discomfort. You can find these shoes here!



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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 


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distressed denim

leather jacket

biker jacket


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 


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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? 


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For this look, I paired my Beige trench coat with black leggings, a black long sleeve tee, and threw on a statement pashmina scarf to add some personality to this put together 'fit. 

In the efforts of revamping my wardrobe and investing in simple, staple pieces to improve my not-so-minimalistic life, I've been wracking my brain, searching high and low for the perfect tan trench coat. I imagined this beautiful, neutral coat to rock during the fall and winter months, but for the life of me I couldn't get my hands on the right one! I wanted that effortless boyfriend fit, a little bit above the knee in length, double breasted buttons, and a color that reminds me of melted caramel and butter. I mean, am I asking for too much?! After weeks of online window shopping, I stumbled into a local thrift shop this afternoon and found the current love of my life. Perfect size, condition, and barely worn. Quite frankly at this point, I would have paid $100 bucks for that thing, used and all, that's how determined I was to add this piece to my collection. To my surprise, I ended up spending a measly $24.99 for the Fairweather Classic and I couldn't be happier. Below, I took the liberty of creating a clean and simple fall outfit that is perfect for a casual date night, featuring the currently trending trench. 


Get This Look:







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celine

This collection was inspired by the look recently sported by Taylor Swift as she headed to Fred Segal in California. However, because I wasn't a big fan of the plaid skirt that (or quite possibly shorts - it wasn't obvious) she had styled the outfit with, I traded it for this high-waist vintage skirt instead. Though the skirt and tote bag give off a classy vibe, I find that the graphic tank adds some spunk to the look, allowing it to be worn during the day with a pair of brogues, or at night with a pair of statement heels. Finally, to tie it all together, I would throw on a distressed leather jacket and rock a bold, red lip. 

michael kors


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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 


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My style for accessories and a number of my most recent looks are inspired by 90s fashion; high waist mom jeans, oversized blazers, Chelsea boots, denim on denim (or anything Levi's for that matter), and my absolute favorite -  the grunge inspired combat boots, plaid shirts, leather jackets, beanies, knee high socks, and dark lipstick combinations. My selections in regards to watches are equally inspired by throwback fashion that is making it's way back into store windows and high end fashion magazines. 

There is something simple yet very appealing about a men's time piece that I've been drawn to recently. I love the big face, subtle detail, and solid strap that combined, add a polished finish to any look. They are neither dainty nor feminine, rather they are bold and dynamic. Men's fashion is making it's way into the closets of women all around the world, who are embracing their individuality by customizing common trends. Back are the times of expression through style! Watch out gentlemen, sister's are no longer the only ones who need to worry about sharing clothes anymore! The four pieces that I have chosen below are all from ASOS. 


asos men's watches

(via ASOS)


1. Vintage Style Boyfriend Strap 

2. Monochrome Round Dial 

3. Casio A168WG-9EF Gold Plated Digital 

4. UNKNOWN Navy Leather Strap 

What are you favorite male fashion accessories? 


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Winter has officially arrived and if you live in the arctic country of Canada like I do, you'll know this statement to be true! We've learned to welcome the crazy cold and mounds of snow with smiles and open arms. Ok, who am I kidding... we still run at the sight of flurries falling, but nonetheless, I felt that this post was very appropriate as the brisk days of fall are leaving and the colder days are following closely behind to make a dreaded appearance.  

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fall fashion

Heading into the lovely season of dark colors, layers, and bundling up, I thought I would share my favorite jeans for the fall months. The good Lord blessed me with a curvy figure that sometimes makes it a tad difficult to shop for the right pair of jeans that fit oh-so-snug. I find myself having to choose between jeans that will fit my legs and thighs but drown my waist requiring me to singe them taut with a belt and creating that bulging effect in the back that we all hate, or, simply going for the pair that fits my waist right but leaves my thighs glued together, giving me the inability to climb stairs or even walk for that matter. So, you can imagine my joy when I finally decided that it was time to put this jean misery to rest!

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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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