Happy Wednesday everyone, how the heck are you? I hope you have been doing well and that 2020 is off to a great start. I can’t believe that this is my first blog post of 2020. This is the first time since I started the blog that I took some time off. I was really sick to start the year off and then work has been crazy busy already so I had to make a conscious choice to give myself some self care. And man oh man this weather has not been helping. I swear every time I plan a shoot something happens. But that’s life, right?
Well I am back and slowly starting to get into the swing of things and so I think it’s pretty fitting that we kick the year off with a post sponsored by my friends at Catherines. This is one of my favourite times of year to shop. Most brands are done with their winter clear out sales and all the pretty things for spring start to come out. And since Spring is my favourite season I start to stock up on all things for the warmer weather ahead. While this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own, as always!
I love seeing what new trends are coming out for Spring and what colours are all the rage. And when I checked out Catherines new arrivals section let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed. There were so many things that I had a hard time choosing. And the pantone colour of the year being blue is giving me all the feelings. The different variations and prints are just up my ally. And then when I see offshoots of teal and purple while I am basically in colour heaven.
For this latest series of posts I wanted to put together some looks that are made up of great transitional pieces. I also wanted to create outfits that are perfect to carry me through the rest of tax season. They are easy to put on and go but leave me feeling comfortable and polished. Because let’s face it, I may have client meetings where I need to look good but I am also going to be at the office for 12 to 14 hrs a day, so comfort is key. This is one of my favourite things about Catherines. They offer pieces that just make my life easier. I love using my creativity to put together a great outfit but I also love that I can find items I can easily mix and match because some days your girl runs out of steam and creativity comes to a screeching halt.
The other thing that I love about Catherines is that I can confidently order online because their sizing and fit are consistent. I know that I wear a 4x or 30/32 in basically everything. It takes away the frustrating parts of online shopping – reading size charts, carefully reviewing product descriptions for words like “stretch” or “no stretch” and details on fabric contents. Or trying to look at the photos and assess tiny details or imagine what it will look like on me at my size.
For those of you that read my December posts, you might remember that I also mentioned how much I love the new “shopping” pages they have on the website where they have curated head to toe outfits to inspire you and to make things easier for you if you struggle when trying to put a look together. I am really happy to see that they have carried this into 2020. Right now they have really cute “Easy Outfitting” inspiration, a “Valentine’s Day” shop filled with fun graphics and themed items and “New Blues” which give you ideas on how to incorporate the current “it” colour into your wardrobe. I know many of you told me how much you enjoyed this feature so great job team Catherines!
The look I created for this post ticks so many boxes for me. It is one of those looks that I know I really loved because I can always see it in the photos when I get the proofs to choose my final edits from. Despite the -12 degree weather I still had a smile on my face and was dancing and laughing in this outfit.
So why do I love it you may ask? Well the first obvious thing, is the gorgeous colour of this dress. I mean purple is my absolute favourite colour and I give all shades equal opportunity to make it to my wardrobe. This Violet shade is a great middle of the range shade, it packs a real punch but still has a softness to it. I also can’t deny that a dress made out of super soft stretch jersey like this one is a no brainer for me. Its a fabric that wears well, washes great and keeps its colour. It also gives you a great shape.
Someone asked me recently if I prefer a midi or maxi length and I have to say I couldn’t quite answer them because I love them both so much. I do like to show some leg so I think a midi works well. I tend to wear something longer so that when I sit it doesn’t ride up. The a-line silhouette, pockets, three-quarter length sleeves and twist detail at the neckline are all just added bonuses for me. These are things I have grown accustomed to seeing in all of my pieces from Catherines. I appreciate the attention to detail and the focus on a great fit.
A dress on its own is always a great option in my book but I really do love when I find a coordinating piece that can take the outfit to another level. It’s just like the “third piece” concept. It can be a jacket, a wrap, a kimono, a poncho, wearing a layering piece underneath or a scarf and a nice brooch. When I saw this poncho I was super excited and new that it would really make this outfit special. I love the paisley print mixed with black white and purple.
But ultimately my favourite thing about this is the versatility of it. The button detail in the front and back are something that I have never seen before and it really is a nice touch. I love how it elevates the idea of a basic poncho. And then the fact that you can wear it the opposite way with the buttons on your shoulder was really unique. It gives the look a different feel. And finally you can actually turn it in a traditional scarf. I could also see myself tying it to a large tote bag as an accessory.
An outfit is never complete in my books without great accessories. A comfortable but cute shoe is definitely part of that equation for me. And Catherines sandals are always at the top of my must have list. Their fit is true to size, a true wide width and they have great support with their Ortholite insoles. This simple gladiator style in pewter with a small wedge are a great shoe for every day and will go with anything.
I love to inject a little bit of fun into my outfits whenever I can and this purse was definitely that piece. Snakeskin is still super on trend for spring and this black and white one from Aldo was a Christmas gift from my sister. And I mean how cute is a fur pompom? These earrings are also from Catherines and I love the slight marbling in the stone and how they go perfectly with the dress. A simple silver bangle was the finishing touch.
I have to say I feel accomplished now, my first post of 2020 officially is under my belt. And this outfit was the perfect way to celebrate. And yes I am fully aware that it might be a little cold for sandals right now but you can easily swap them out for a cute flat or bootie till it gets a little warmer. Here’s hoping the ground hog day predictions are right and we get an early Spring!
Special thanks to Rebecca of Rebecca Northcott Photography for capturing these images.
Poncho by CATHERINES | Dress by CATHERINES | Sandals by CATHERINES | Earrings by CATHERINES | Bag by ALDO |
