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The Top Trend For Fall: The Teddy Coat (3 Styles)

Welcome to the last week of November! As we transition into the colder, brisk days of December, I know we all just want to stay inside and keep cozy underneath our blanket burritos (trust me, that’s all I want to do). For today’s post, I’m going to talk about an essential jacket that you can wear with any outfit for braving the cold outside! Whether you’re at school, work, or hanging out with friends, the top trending item is a must have.

I’m sure the majority of you have seen and heard about this season’s top trending item: the teddy coat. I must admit, I am obsessed with this piece… because I have about 6 different styles of it (don’t judge me). One of the most popular brand for the teddy coat that constantly gets sold out is the IAMGIA Pixie Coat. Even retailers that carry IAMGIA tend to have this style sold out in their stores. So i’m going to show you 3 different styles and where you can buy them. Keep on reading!

(source: styleandsenses)

(source: depop) 

(source: crossroadstrading)

1. THE TEDDY SWEATER

The first style of the teddy coat trend is actually a teddy sweater. This is more of a lighter material that you can layer up with and style a casual, running errands look or to keep warm around the house/in the office. You could even wear this for a chill night out with friends or going out to eat. Since it is lighter, you are able to wear it with your winter coat, instead of having to bulk up on sweaters.

(source: uniqlo)

Here is a teddy sweater from Uniqlo that is both really affordable and versatile with basically anything. Only at $29.90, you can’t resist buying more than one. I already have two of them, one in beige and the other in black. For an office-wear outfit, I would suggest getting your usual size for a fitted look, in comparison to an oversized style that is more appropriate for the casual and going out outfits. I got the black colour in a men’s size small, and the beige in a women’s extra-large since they fit differently but still gave me that oversized look. I could still wear my winter jacket over top them as well but I can guarantee you that you will be sweating!

(source: zaful)

This teddy sweater is from Zaful, again similar to the Uniqlo one it is lighter in material and meant to be a layering piece. But unlike the one from Uniqlo, this one is already made oversized. It comes in 7 different colours if you want to try a bold colour like red or darker colour like “midnight blue”. The oversized look is really meant to emphasize “the teddy” part of the piece, as if you are a teddy bear yourself.

With both of these styles you can wear them with jeans, dresses and joggers, and wear a lighter material underneath like a t-shirt or a thin long-sleeve. The possibilities with the teddy sweater are endless!

2. THE CROP TEDDY JACKET

The next style for the teddy-coat trend is a cropped one. Wearing a cropped jacket is better suited for those outfits with dresses or skirts and a pair of over the knee boots. But if you don’t want to sacrifice warmth for style, pairing it with jeans works just as well and looks just as cute!

(source: poshmark)

(source: lookbook)

(source: IG @kathleen.post)

My top two recommendations for finding a cropped teddy jacket would be Aritzia or Urban Outfitters. Aritzia is on the higher price range ($178), but their Teddy Crop Jacket has a bomber style, with cuffed sleeves and a more fitted waist, which is different from the regular teddy jacket. It is also lined with gives you that extra warmth.

Urban Outfitters is a little cheaper ($104) than Aritzia but their version of the Cropped Teddy Jacket is basically a shorter version of the IAMGIA style but comes in 4 different colours! The green and light grey colours are definitely ones to have if you want to stand out a little and not have the common beige or black colours.

Now if you really want to get a cropped teddy coat for less than $100, I would suggest checking out Zara’s Fleece Bomber; it’s still a cropped style, comes in the two neutral colours (black and beige), and a good alternative to the Aritzia bomber style, only at $79.99. 

3. THE ULTIMATE (WINTER) TEDDY COAT

This last style for the teddy coat trend is a “i want to look bougie” look. It isn’t a sweater that you can wear overtop, it isn’t a cropped jacket that you can style with dresses or skirts, it is meant to be your ultimate winter teddy coat, wrapping your entire body from your neck to your knees. It is also an investment piece as coats in general are price ranged between $100-300 or more.

(source: oakandfort)

I honestly get Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” vibes with this long teddy coat (check out the video here for reference). It definitely screams “statement piece” and also could definitely make you feel richer than you look.

Oak & Fort’s teddy coat is the perfect, dark brown colour that really highlights the teddy coat trend. This coat is long, a little bit of an oversized fit and keeps in all your body warmth. It is the coat you grab and go, and will match with any outfit that you wear.

(source: H&M)

Want to still look bougie but spend less money? H&M has their version of a teddy coat, the pile coat, that is just as long and warm as the Oak & Fort one. It comes in the lighter beige colour and has a lining on the inside for insulation. Super affordable at $99 but it’ll make you look like you spent at least a couple hundred.

That concludes my 3 styles of teddy coats as the top trend for fall! This piece, whether you prefer a sweater-style teddy coat, a cropped teddy jacket, or a long teddy coat, should be one of your closet staples to have for getting through fall and winter. If you’re someone like me, I would have all 3 different styles because you can never have enough of the teddy coat trend!

Check out my Twitter @kayy_aii where I tweet about more fashion related content and follow me on Instagram @fashiondiariesbykristina to look out for my Friday post of an #OOTD with one of my teddy coats! Let me know what your favourite teddy coat style is and if you have more than one style!

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The Essential Black Bootie You Need For Fall 2018

So I know my past couple of posts have been focusing on closet essentials and putting together fall outfits (if you haven’t caught up or are new to my blog, check out my previous posts on 5 Articles of Clothing to Wear in All 4 Seasons and 5 Outfit Ideas for Layering This Fall)!  You’re probably wondering, “what shoes could I style with these outfits for the fall and transition into winter?!” Well, today’s post is going to guide you through 3 essential black booties that should be a part of your closet staples for this Fall and Winter 2018!

I’m going to be walking you through both high-quality investment boots and affordable but still durable boot option for those who are on a budget. Let’s read on!

(source: Urban Outfitter's Jeffrey Campbell Hurricane Rain Boot )

(source: ASOS Pimkie Studded Boot )

1. THE CHELSEA BOOT

First off, is the Chelsea Boot. This is the most popular and go-to first for a black ankle boot. It has more of a flat heel, has a rounded toe (although you can find some with a pointed toe) and basically goes with any outfit. There are many different styles of Chelsea boots that can be found at any store that sells shoes. My main store that I go to for finding a Chelsea boot would be Aldo Shoes or Call It Spring since they are both good in quality, affordable, and come out with similar styles every year.

Here are a couple of recommendations for picking out your first Chelsea boot. Frank And Oak is known for really good quality products, with their Palace Chelsea Boot with a leather lining and insole, and its really modern style that you can wear everyday! At $165, that might be steep for some of you to pay for an ankle boot.

For those of you who like to save some money, H&M has many styles of Chelsea Boots that you can choose from and majority of them are under $60. Although it is faux leather, these Chelsea Boots look just as great quality as the Frank and Oak boots.

If you want to put some effort into styling this first black ankle boot, here is an article by Maxine Eggenberger on whowhatwear.co.uk that shows you 19 Ways To Style A Chelsea Boot. Eggenberger let’s you know that you can wear this boot with jeans, dresses, skirts and any style pants, giving you versatility and maximization of your Chelsea boot.

2. THE BLOCK HEEL

Next up is the Block Heel. This bootie is a little more elevated than the Chelsea boot. It has about a 1-2 inch heel that lets you play around with dressing up your casual outfit and really pulls together a business-casual outfit.

Here are two Instagram Influencers that are wearing different style block heels with two contrasting outfits, both look AMAZING!

(source: IG: discoverbella)

(source: IG: theminimalistvirtue)

Block heels are great to wear with casual pants or dress pants, like @discoverbella did in her post, and they also help break apart the monochromatic look as well. In @theminimalistvirtue ‘s post, she dressed up her casual outfit in black jeans with her block heels, making her legs look a little longer.

My top recommendation for an affordable block heel would be Zara’s Heeled Booties with Lug Soles (mainly because I have my eye on them!). Only for $59.90, you can’t go wrong! Call It Spring also has an affordable block heel called the Grilin for $79.99 (plus 30% for black friday!) Both of these boots look super easy to pull on when you’re on-the-go and gives you a little extra height.

(Zara)

(Aldo)

If you’re looking for more of an investment type of block heel, here is a Square-Toe Block Heel Boot from The Gap, with its genuine leather exterior at $159.95. This boot from The Gap also looks like it is more for a work outfit in comparison to a casual-day outfit.

Stylecaster has an article that takes you through 25 Ways to Style Black Booties to give you some outfit ideas! Whether it be the Chelsea Boot or the Block Heel, this article provides that outfit inspo to finish your look with a black bootie.

3. THE SOCK BOOTIE

Finally, we have the Sock Bootie. This boot is almost another variation of the block heel but in a suede fabric and with a more ankle-hugging style. This is perfect for the more colder fall days and transitioning into winter.

I must emphasize the versatility of the sock bootie, as it really dresses up your outfit. This article by SyndneStyle tells you 6 Ways to Wear Sock Boots and shows you the different combinations you can wear with a sock bootie. You can wear them with jeans, dresses, leggings and pants! You can tuck them underneath your pants or have them layered over your pants. This Youtube Video by Alegria Jimenez shows you how you can Style Sock Booties For Fall.

(source: fashionstylemag)

(source: brunettefromwallstreet)

This is probably my favourite bootie out of the three mainly because it has a different texture and the style is meant to accentuate your ankles. My top 2 sock booties that I would recommend are the Lothelimma from Aldo and the Ivy from Steve Madden. Both have that ankle-hugging style and faux-suede texture, with the block heel to really give you a fashionista look.

The photo from fashionstylemag styles sock booties with jeans and a sleek leather jacket and in contrast, the photo from brunettefromwallstreet styles sock booties with a dress and blazer combination, giving both completely different outfits a more elevated and edgier style. 

(Steve Madden)

(Aldo)

Both of these booties have a heel height that is comfortable enough to walk all day in (2”-2.5” heel) so don’t feel intimidated by the heel. This other sock bootie by Michael Kors is definitely one of those pieces that you can splurge on, the Mandy Stretch Ankle Boot has a 3.5” heel and higher ankle opening for those who want to really make a statement, at $198.

Those are my top 3 essential black booties to complete your fall outfits! Whether you prefer the classic flat Chelsea boot or a block heel boot, these ankle boots will be your everyday staple for the rest of the season. 

Still want more black boot options for the fall? Check out Youtuber Rachspeed and her video on Top 5 Black Boots For Fall. She also does fashion and beauty videos as well!

Follow me on Instagram: @fashiondiariesbykristina and look out for my Friday post for my #OOTD with a black bootie. Also follow me on Twitter @kayy_aii and let me know what your essential bootie is for the fall! I will be posting a link to more ways to style a black bootie!

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5 Outfit Ideas for Layering This Fall

Now that we are well into the fall season, it can be difficult and sometimes time consuming in the morning to think about the amount of layers we have to wear to brace the cold weather outside. Often times it is easiest to grab that same sweatshirt and joggers, and throw on a wool coat. If you are someone like me, I like to try and look like I put just enough effort into my outfit without sacrificing my warmth. So for today’s post, I am going to walk you through 5 #OOTD ideas for layering this fall!

First take a look at this article by Janet Sahm Easter for a few "No-Brainer Layered Outfit Ideas" and get some fall fashion outfit inspo! Although this article is dated from 2015, mainly all of her outfit ideas are still fashion forward for this fall. I am going to be taking my favourite 5 of her layered outfit ideas and show you where to get these affordable pieces to put them together. Let’s begin!

OOTD #1: THE DRESS SHIRT, CHUNKY KNIT, & OVERSIZED JACKET

This is a classic OOTD to start off with. Transforming your work wear into something layerable for fall. Easter references Lillian Fallon’s 5 Tips to Help you Thrift for Trendy Coats for this first outfit.

(source: verilymag)

Fallon took a classic button-up, a sweater and an oversized blazer, pulled together with a dark denim for this look. Here are my suggestions to recreate this look while going easy on the wallet.

First stop: Uniqlo. Uniqlo is the absolute best store for any basic at really affordable prices. This long sleeve blouse comes in 6 different colours and is perfect to wear underneath a chunky sweater such as this H&M knit sweater.

(source: pavlinajagrova)

(source IG: ameliecheval31)

You can either button up the blouse up to the collar to have it show over your neck or have the bottom part of the blouse peek out from underneath the sweater.

To finish this outfit, take an oversized jacket, could be denim, faux leather, or an overcoat, and there’s your first layered outfit to get into fall! If you want to know other ways to wear an oversized jacket, read this article from CBC.

(source IG: thatsotee)

OOTD #2: THE SWEATER DRESS & BLANKET SCARF

This second OOTD, Easter combines a maxi dress and an oversized scarf. Since we are all about keeping extra warm this fall, I have decided to combine a sweater dress with a blanket scarf. My top suggestion would be to head to Forever21 and either get a turtleneck sweater dress or any knit sweater dress.

You can even wear a sweater dress underneath your favourite fall jacket, with a pair of tights and a beanie:

(Source IG: @jessicailam)

Here is an article that gives you 20 style tips for wearing a sweater dress.

(Source IG: dtkaustin)

One of the warmest blanket scarves that I know of is the one from Wilfred by Aritzia, the Diamond Mosaic Blanket. It comes is multiple different patterns and is made from “pure Australian wool”. How much more cozy can you get with that?

OOTD #3: A LEATHER JACKET & A COAT

Two of Easter’s outfits combine a leather jacket with an overcoat on top with either a t-shirt or a dress. You can really elevate your outfit by wearing two pieces that are meant to be worn on its own. So you can wear your jeans and a plain white tee, or dress pants and a blouse, and layer up with a leather jacket and a wool coat.

(Source: fashiongum)

(Source: purewow)

The best store where you can get both a faux leather jacket and a long wool coat is Zara. Topshop at the Hudson’s Bay also carries some good coats to have, like this Herringbone Check Coat. If you feel that wearing two jackets is too bulky, read this article from Fashionista about Coat Layering 101.

OOTD #4: LONG TUNIC OR A DRESS & DENIM

This outfit might look strange to you as you imagine it in your head, but Easter suggests a dark-wash or black denim underneath a long tunic or dress for a “eclectic look”. This outfit will definitely keep your legs and midriff extra warm.

(Source: crossroadstrading)

(source: sylhetstore)

If you are still skeptical about this outfit, read this article from Bazaar that will convince you to wear dresses over your jeans.

One of my go-to stores to get dark wash or black jeans would be Abercrombie & Fitch, I would recommend these high rise super skinny jeans or these high rise ankle jeans, which are both on sale right now for $42.00!

In terms of finding the right dress or tunic to wear over top, any can do! My suggestion would be a dress or tunic that falls around your knee area, for example, this faux-wrap dress from Old Navy.

OOTD #5: A TURTLENECK & A DRESS

This last outfit that Easter mentions is bringing back out your summer wear. Wearing a sweater or turtleneck underneath a dress is another great way of layering up for the fall while maximizing your closet!

(source: closetfulofclothes)

(source: theeverygirl)

Finish off your week with this outfit and a pair of knee high boots! Not only does it repurpose your summer dresses but you are also showing how fashion forward you are by layering up these two pieces together.

I would get a turtleneck that is more fitted and a neutral colour like black or white, such as this one from Dynamite. If you want to stick with fall pieces, a dress that is corduroy material definitely works plus it gives you a little extra warmth, take a look at this one from UrbanOutfitters.

There you have it! My 5 #OOTD ideas for layering up this fall. Check out Toronto-based Instagram influencer thatsotee for more fashion inspo, her posts has a lot of layering and chunky sweaters that are perfect for fall.

Follow me on Instagram: @fashiondiariesbykristina and watch out for my Friday post about a layering outfit that I put together. Also tweet me at @kayy_aii on what your favourite Fall layering outfit is and look out for more Fall outfit inspo!

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5 Articles of Clothing To Wear In All 4 Seasons

As the bitter, cold Canadian winter approaches, I know i’m personally missing summer and dreading having to think about how many layers I would need to wear to keep myself warm. Sometimes I use the transition of seasons as an excuse to buy a few sets of new clothes just because it’s a new season. But I realize I have some key pieces of clothing that I can wear throughout these changing seasons, saving me money while putting good use to these key pieces as the seasons change.

Here are 5 articles of clothing you can wear in all 4 seasons:

1. BODYSUITS

Bodysuits are my number one essential to wear all year round. It is such a simple basic that has multiple uses and they are inexpensive. You can wear them with basically any outfit in each season. For the fall you can wear a long sleeve bodysuit under your jackets to give your arms a little extra warmth as it transitions into winter. Then you can re-purpose that bodysuit to add a layer underneath a cozy sweater.

Long Sleeve Bodysuit Outfit

If you really want to maximize a bodysuit, purchase one that has either lace detailing or an off-the-shoulder look so you can again wear it as a layer or wear it by itself with some high-waisted denim for a night out.

Layered Bodysuit Outfit   Tank Top Bodysuit Outfit

One of the more basic bodysuits is a t-shirt/crew neck bodysuit or a tank top bodysuit.  which definitely can be worn through spring, summer, fall and winter. Pair it with some high-waisted denim for a simple summer outfit or with a skirt, tights, boots and an oversized jacket for a more dressed up fall outfit.

If you need a few more ideas on what kinds of bodysuits you can style with what, here’s a link to Missguided's "How To Wear A Bodysuit" video that shows you 5 looks on styling a bodysuit and checkout this article on Stylecaster.com for 25 Bodysuit Outfits.

2. BOYFRIEND JEANS

Another article of clothing that you can wear all year round and is a good investment piece are boyfriend jeans. Like bodysuits, they can be worn with a more casual outfit with sneakers or dressed up with a pair of heels. Here is a Youtube Video that styles Boyfriend Jeans in 5 Different Ways for some inspiration.

A really good brand that I would highly recommend investing for a pair of jeans are the Levi's 501 Taper Jeans. Their denim is authentic, 100% cotton, and I know many other fashion bloggers have a pair of staple boyfriend jeans they wear constantly. If you aren’t into the boyfriend fit, fashion blogger Jess Undecided has a Youtube Video showcasing other styles of Levi's and ways to wear them.

(IG: @jessundecided)       (IG: @jessicailam)

Here are two fashion influencers that I follow that are wearing different style boyfriend jeans but also wearing them in two different seasons, winter and summer.

One key fashion tip is to try and roll up the hem of your jeans for a more relaxed look. If you feel Levi’s aren’t in your budget, I would suggest checking out HollisterCo Jeans as they always tend to have a sale on them throughout the year.

3. DENIM JACKET

Along with your staple boyfriend jeans, you always need a staple denim jacket. I always have to ask myself, “Do I really need ANOTHER denim jacket for this year?” and the answer is “No, I really don’t.” But I end up buying one anyways. Which is why finding a good versatile denim jacket that you can wear throughout the year is a must for your closet.

For good quality and good price point, I would go to Zara. Their denim is either authentic or premium and still under $100. If you really need two denim jackets, I would recommend getting one that is cropped and fitted, so you can wear it with dresses in the summer or with a thin zip-up hoody in the fall, such as this Light Blue Denim Jacket.

(source: miss louie.com) (source: Scoops&Vogue)

The second denim jacket you should have is an Oversized Denim Jacket which you can layer over a chunky knit or underneath your coat. Denim is also worn a lot but washed very little, to keep its structure and authenticity. This article by Grana gives you a few tips on How To Care For Denim.

4. CULOTTES OR WIDE LEG PANTS

One key thing to have in a pair of pants is both style and comfort. I also would look for a pair of pants that also give me a cool breeze in the spring/summer and an outer layer for the fall/winter.

Culottes In Winter Outfit Culottes In Summer Outfit

With culottes you can wear tights or knee high socks underneath and an oversized sweater to give you that extra layer of warmth for your legs in the winter. Once it transitions to spring and summer, feel free to wear your culottes on their own with a crop top and sandals and you are set keep wearing these pants through all seasons.

I would look in Uniqlo or Zara for a good pair as they both have different styles and colours, AND are both easy on the wallet.

5. TWO-PIECE SETS

You’ve reached the last and final piece or I should say pieces of your versatile closet essentials. This may be the least thought about type of clothing but matching sets or two-piece sets are basically giving you an even more wider range of outfit ideas for the year.

(IG: hellosylviaa)

I know that Forever21 sells matching sets but only on their website as web exclusives and at a good price too. With matching sets you can wear it together or separately and they come in many different combinations, such as shorts with t shirts / tank tops or skirts with a long sleeve. The possibilities with a matching set are endless.

(Business Matching Set) (Sweater Matching Set)

HollisterCo also has matching sets but they sell the pieces separately. The models wearing the matching sets always make me want to buy both pieces anyways!

With these 5 pieces in your closet, you can make so many outfits out of them for a whole year, saving you money while looking fashion forward!

Let me know what your favourite piece is by tweeting me @kayy_aii or if you have another piece of clothing that is essential all year round to you. I’d love to hear from you!

Follow my IG @fashiondiariesbykristina for some #OOTD ideas every Friday and look out for my post on styling a denim jacket!