Styling the Little White Dress
When it comes to summer staples, that outfit that is perfect for any summertime activity (ice cream in the park, romantic stroll at night) and is always ready for those steamy hot temperatures, we have always believed that you can’t go wrong with a ‘little white dress.’ White is the perfect canvas to add your own personality and style to, white never goes out of fashion and white looks good on everyone. Yes I said it...everyone! If you're worried about the see-through factor, don’t be - there are countless undergarment options - it’s time to get savvy and sexy.
With our dream team of photographer Scarlet O'Neill and hair/makeup artist Ashley Readings, Paige and I wore the same little white dresses and styled them in completely different ways, proving that this style can be as versatile as the ‘little black dress', and the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.
Romantic Morning In // The morning can be just as beautiful and romantic as the night. The sun is peeking through and greeting us with a warm smile, the birds are singing their own love songs, everything feels fresh and alive - it’s a new day and a new beginning. The morning sets the tone for the rest of the day so why not wear a beautiful lace slip, dance in your kitchen and sip your favourite coffee. Here we paired the Free People Meadow Slip with black undergarments for an unexpected look. Make some pancakes for your sleepy man in this little number and he won't even realize you burned half of them (that’s probably just my dilemma, oh well!). Wear lace in the morning, dance in your underwear, rejoice in your body and love what you have because you are uniquely and beautifully you and that should be celebrated everyday!
Bohemian Wedding // The FP lace maxi was meant for a boho wedding. The romantic lace, the open back and delicate details are oh-so-romantic and pretty. Find a meadow with weeping willow trees and gardens of wild flowers, hang pretty string lights and candles in mason jars, create a makeshift stage in the forest, find the perfect folk band (banjo player is a must) and marry a good man or woman and you’ve got the most picturesque, simple and magical wedding. Paige looks gorgeous in this hand crafted floral crown courtesy of our DIY floral workshop with Blush and Bloom and completed the look with statement earrings and bare feet!
Sunday Brunch // It’s Toronto’s favourite Sunday morning activity. With all the great options this city has to offer - Swan, School, Mitzi’s, Lady Marmalade - it’s no wonder this city is brunchsessed (obsessed and brunch). We hit up one of our favourite local spots, Nadege with our Darling dress. Paige wears this feminine structured piece with the perfect mint printed blazer and mint flats for added pastel perfection. Keeping makeup and hair simple and pretty, this look is perfect for a creative meeting or catching up with your girlfriends. Let’s get all Sex and the City and go stylish for brunch because why not have more reasons to wear your favourite summer dresses?
Cocktail party // Who doesn’t love a good excuse to get all fancy and wear some glittery heels and drink sangria on a rooftop patio with the twinkling stars above? This white Darling dress is a perfect alternative to the black cocktail dress. It’s unexpected, fresh and can be just as elegant especially when you pair it with a sparkly head piece from our Gypsetter collection with Armed. This look instantly reminds me of something Suki Waterhouse or Sienna Miller would rock at a gala in London. It’s ultra stylish but still so wearable and is guaranteed to make any ex jealous. Find a swanky cocktail party this summer, get all dolled up and sip on some wine spritzers while flirting with the hot bartender with the man bun... yes, dreams do come true.
Flea market or Farmers market // There are different tales as to where the name ‘Flea Market’ originated but the one we will stick to is from the French “Le Marché aux Puces” which translates to ‘market where one acquires fleas’ dating back to 1860. The name of this outdoor bazaar in Paris comes from those little parasites that apparently infested the old furniture that was being auctioned off at the market, ew! Today the flea market is a fun community driven tradition that brings out artisans, crafters, vintage sellers, bakers... you name it. We love finding little treasures and spending the day perusing the market. We are also big on organic and locally sourced food (did you see our post about the Dufferin Grove Farmers Market?) and having a cute outfit for the trip makes it all the more fun. Paige is wearing the white crochet detailed dress layered with a slouchy cardi, cargo jacket and black felt hat. There are so many incredibly healthy and local spots to buy your groceries, its time to throw on a fun outfit and hit the local market.
Playing a music festival or concert // We love going to music festivals, “this one time at Osheaga last summer…”, but performing at one is a secret dream. How cool would it be to take the stage in the middle of a beautiful park surrounded by thousands who are all there for the boho experience of a festival. Having that beautiful dialogue with an audience, moving them and connecting with them has got to be one of the best natural highs. The right festival look, especially when you are performing, is so important. You want to be comfortable, breezy and lets face it super stylish. If I were taking the stage this white dress with crochet detailing would be the perfect little white dress. Its light and comfortable, not to mention pretty and feminine. We gave it a bit of an edge with my vintage black boots and this black metal belt and leather jacket. Now, if only I could brush up on my piano skills and hold a tune, I’d be ready for my first gig.
[photos: Scarlet O'Neill // hair and makeup: Ashley Readings]