Currently Coveting: The Checked Shirt

by Jennifer on April 17, 2013

Who knew plaid and checkered shirts could look so stylish? It can – casual or dressed up, plaid, gingham and checkered shirts aren’t just farm-chic anymore. This spring and summer they can easily fit into your travel wardrobe – look for a fitted cut and in either classic colour combos (think blues and reds), or get flirty with pastels and neon checks. Use it like a a chambray shirt (see options here) when travelling (top it with a blazer, a light-knit sweater for chilly nights, and mix and match it with just about any bottom). READ MORE

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Win a $200 Gift Certificate from The Orchid Boutique

by Pretty Chic Travel on April 10, 2013

It’s never too early to start thinking about a new swimsuit. If you’re not lucky enough to live in a hot climate where bathing suits are year-round attire, then chances are you’re starting to think about a new suit for summer or (hopefully!) an upcoming tropical getaway.

To help you on your search we suggest checking out The Orchid Boutique. We recently discovered this online swimwear store and were instantly impressed with their awesome assortment of designers, and styles of suits. The boutique is home to tons of brands you’ll love too, like Tori Praver (we’ve raved about her here before), Mara Hoffman, ViX and Vitamin A.

We picked 7 of our favourite styles from the site, any of which we’d love to wear on the beach or even poolside! See something you’d love to have too? Well, we’re making it that much easier with our giveaway! Our friends at The Orchid Boutique are giving our readers a $200 gift card towards a purchase on their site! Entering is SUPER easy. Just head over to The Orchid Boutique, pick out your favourite swimsuit and tell us which one you’d love to wear in the comment section of this post! READ MORE

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Spring Travel Must: Anorak Jacket

by Stephanie on March 28, 2013

As the saying goes, April brings showers. Depending on where your travels take you this spring, it’s quite likely you’ll be faced with some rainy weather. Instead of cursing it, we say embrace it, by being prepared. A chic alternative to a classic trench is a stylish anorak jacket. Also called a parka (you’re looking for the lightweight kind, not the one for minus 50), your ideal rain protection should be waterproof and ideally hooded. We’re fans of this practical jacket because it packs well, is great for layering and also happens to be cute! We’ve found 8 options to consider for your upcoming spring getaway.

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Currently Coveting: Mint Green

by Stephanie on March 14, 2013

Emerald green may be the Colour of the Year, but we’re admittedly obsessing over the pastel hues — specifically mint green — that are everywhere this spring and have even made their way into the fall 2013 runways, meaning you will get tons of mileage out of your soft-hued picks.

Though we both tend to travel with a fairly neutral palette, adding a burst of colour every now and then is never a bad thing. Plus sunny destinations tend to have us craving shades beyond black and white. There is something so fresh and happy about mint that we are dying to incorporate it into our wardrobe. Whether you want to add just a touch on your nails or go for a pair of pretty cropped pants, we’ve found 9 items we just love and think you will too.  READ MORE

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How to Wear Printed Denim 3 Ways

by Jennifer on March 12, 2013

We’re loving the bold prints showing up on denim everywhere this spring — polka dots, stripes and florals are currently our three favourite prints that add a splash of personality and loads of interest to your other travel basics. Here are three ways to dress these must-have spring pants up or down, depending on where you’re jetting off to next.

The Key Piece
Club Monaco Sarah floral crop pant, $160, clubmonaco.ca

Look 1: To The Tropics
Keep it chic, clean and simple in hot weather with a light-as-air sleeveless blouse, chic wedges and a tote. Dress it up for evening by swapping your tote for a gold clutch and strappy heels.

Topshop flower crochet detail shirt, $68, topshop.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors large canvas tote, $228, michaelkors.com

Caryn gladiator wedges, $284, jcrew.com
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Earlier this week we were invited to the opening of Joe Fresh’s first Ottawa-based stand-alone store at the St. Laurent Centre. We of course, said yes right away (we never say no to a shopping trip). We are both huge fans of Joe Fresh, and frequently incorporate Joe pieces into our wardrobes on a regular basis (they always have key pieces ideal for travelling). Besides having AH-MAZING prices, the quality is fantastic and there is always a good mix of trend and basics to find in store at any given time.

Tons of coloured denim.

To get to the opening on time, we hopped aboard a Porter flight and in less than an hour had arrived in Canada’s capital. Since we both live in the city, Porter is one of our favourite ways to travel, not only because it’s super convenient, but the service and little extras leave us feeling oh-so happy! Glass of wine en route? Yes, please! READ MORE

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Trend to Try: Wedge Sneakers

by Stephanie on February 26, 2013

When it comes to travel, there’s nothing like wearing a pair of comfortable shoes. You could throw on a pair of ballet flats, or even smoking slippers, or you could try the hottest thing to happen to sneakers, since, well ever. Officially re-invented by Isabel Marant, her crush-worthy shoe has ignited an endless stream of imitations, which depending on your budget, isn’t a bad thing.

Unlike your basic pair of kicks, these wedge sneakers have a definite cool factor to them. We’ve spotted them on celebrities from Miranda Kerr and Jessica Alba, to Gisele Bundchen and Kate Bosworth, who have been wearing them off-duty everywhere — from airports to errand runs. Fashion-forward and comfortable? We must be dreaming.  READ MORE

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High/Low: How to Look Chic on an Airplane

by Stephanie on February 19, 2013

Our philosophy for travelling in style is simple — comfort and versatility. This however, doesn’t mean stretchy pants you plan on doing yoga in. We’re talking about a great jacket you can use throughout your trip or a pair of flats that are comfortable enough to wear wandering the city. For long-haul flights we tend to veer towards looser pieces — such as a sweater dress over leggings — but for 5 hours or less a proper pair of trousers will do just fine (just avoid linen or silk so you don’t look like you forgot to take out the iron).

In the first of a new high/low series, we’ve decided to take one look and show you it two ways — one head-to-toe designer and the second, affordable options that are not only stylish, but won’t break your travel bank. So whether you decide to add a designer piece or two into your look or stay budget-friendly, you’ve got options. READ MORE

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Celebrate the Year of the Snake

by Stephanie on February 10, 2013

Today marks the first day of the Year of the Snake — the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year. According to Chinese astrologers the Year of the Snake is about inner growth and discovering hidden meanings. There are different predictions for every animal sign (there are 12), but for those born in the Year of the Snake and their compatible signs (the Rooster and Ox), expect to have a lucky year!

Our plan for celebrating is by adding something serpent-like into our wardrobe — maybe a snake-like accessory or a python print. Plus snake-like prints were all over the Spring 2013 runways, at shows like Erdem, Valentino and Proenza Schouler, so even if it doesn’t bring it instant luck at least we’ll be on trend. READ MORE

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Travel Essential: The Chambray Shirt 3 Ways

by Jennifer on February 8, 2013

I’m all for packing light. One too many lost bags and waiting far too long at the baggage carousel, has trained me to travel with only carry-on as much as possible. Which is why I love pieces that I can wear multiple ways that take up as little room as possible. Enter the chambray shirt. It’s super easy to dress down, but also completely doable for a smart casual dinner with the right accessories and heels (you’re going to have to back an LBD for fancy events no matter what). I recently took mine on a quick trip to Munich (where I paired it with a blazer and under a cozy wool sweater), and I plan on creating these three outfits for an upcoming trip to London. Here’s how to mix your chambray shirt into your travel wardrobe.

The Key Piece
Perfect chambray ex-boyfriend shirt in ferrous wash, $70, madewell.com

Look 1: Casual dress
For those nights where you’re out for drinks and a semi-fancy restaurant, you can pull off a chambray shirt with slim black pants, heels and a chic, form-fitting blazer.

Minnie pant in bi-stretch wool, $138, jcrew.com

Multi bangle cuff, $7, mango.com

Stella McCartney studded satin pumps, $338, theoutnet.com

Satin finish blazer, $35, mango.com

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