I have long admired people who can put together outfits with clashing prints but I have never fully given it a go myself. Perhaps that is because I have not quite had the right pieces or have not properly thought about why certain clashes work and some do not. So today I want to talk about how to wear clashing prints for summer and why this particular ensemble works oh so well together.
Today you are looking at an outfit that was not meticulously put together, but one that I thought up as I was lying in bed about a week ago. Both the floral top and the gingham skort are two of my favourite vintage finds so far this summer but I had had trouble finding an interesting way to style either. Suddenly, from the comfort of my mattress, it came to me and I wondered if they might look just awesome together - I was right! (I hope you agree!)
I think it is important to find some common ground between the two clashing prints. That could be combining similar shape prints (like gingham and tartan together); wearing different variations of the same print (pairing horizontal stripes with vertical); or, in this case, choosing two pieces with the same colour palette. The black and white of the gingham combined with the black base of the top means the two prints work really well together. It also helps that the skort is of a small gingham print and that, in true nineties style, the floral print is more understated and thus neither print dominates the look.
Accessories are key to bringing the clashing prints together into a well-styled outfit. I chose to pick up on the red of the flowers to finish off the look, adding red accessories, as is all the rage right now. These adorable red vintage shoes go perfectly with the sixties-meets-nineties vibe of the outfit, although I can’t walk far in them because they really pinch my toes (I cry). My favourite Mac ‘So Chaud’ lipstick is my go-to for injecting a pop of colour to any monochrome outfit and it matches the floral print so well. Of course, I had to wear a pair of statement earrings too, which is my latest obsession, and as I don’t have any red ones in my collection, I thought these white plastic sixties ones were just the ticket to tie in with the white of the skirt.
Clashing prints aside, let’s talk about the pieces themselves and why I decided to add these to my summer wardrobe. With gingham being the print of the season, the skort was a no-brainer and I know it is something that I will wear not just in summer but also all year round, thanks to its monochrome colour palette. Furthermore, it is super lightweight; perfect for both the humid and cooler summer days we are having here in Montreal and its unique shape is so flattering. As for the top, you may have noticed that I never succumb to the off the shoulder trend that has been around for a couple of summers now and that is because I don’t feel it really suits me. This top is a happy medium because it allows me to show off my décolletage, which I find so flattering, but I don’t have to have my shoulders on display – something that makes me feel a bit self-conscious (I wish it didn’t!).
So there we have it – how to wear clashing prints this summer. Will you be taking my tips on board and giving clashing prints a try or have you already got the print clash down?! Let’s chat! X
I don't know about you but I'm finding it harder and harder to dress for summer this year. I'm usually waiting all year for that warmer weather, the chance to get my pins out and to get some good natural vitamin D. However, this I'm struggling because after the harshest winter I have ever experienced, Montreal has done a complete 180 and is giving us a pretty damn hot and humid summer. The trouble is that I find summer dressing a bit less creative so I thought today, rather than trying my hardest to get out of this style rut, I would just share an outfit full of my summer essentials.
SHORTS: VINTAGE (SIMILAR VIA MISSGUIDED) | T-SHIRT: VINTAGE | SHOES: ZARA SALE (SIMILAR VIA CASTAÑER) | SUNGLASSES: RAY BAN
THE DENIM SHORTS
In my eyes, you simply cannot get through summer without a good pair of denim shorts. Surprisingly, I only had one pair (that fit me) until recently - some very very light blue Levi's shorts that are honestly a bit too tight but I kept wearing them because they're Levi's. I'm one of those people that likes to do things right so if I'm going to wear denim shorts, they have to be Levi's. However, I recently saw these adorable embroidered denim shorts in a vintage shop and thought I'd give them a try. I'm so glad I did because they fit like a dream around the waist but don't hug my thighs at all like the Levi's ones do in such an unflattering way. They are also slightly longer which makes them so much more comfortable, especially when sitting down in a park. They are my ultimate new summer essential so let that be a lesson to all of us - there’s more to the denim short game than Levi’s.
THE SLOGAN T-SHIRT
Although all I want to do in summer is free the armpits and only wear strappy tops, I often feel a bit self-conscious because I don't like the tops of my arms. Enter the slogan t-shirt, a total summer essential and something I am always on the look out for to add to my collection. I bought this cute 'Camp Mini' one from a friend in Paris and even though it is rather off-white now, I still love it. The great thing about a slogan t-shirt is that it is much more casual than wearing a camisole, which is certainly needed when stomping around the city in some rather statement shoes.
THE STATEMENT SANDAL
I am really not a sandals gal. I hate super flat, strappy sandals and I’m really not into flip-flops either. Instead, I have spent most summers in Converse, which are nice and practical but are not always very breathable…and I hate sweaty feet. Therefore, last year I thought I’d try something a bit more statement and purchased a pair of yellow flatform espadrilles from ASOS (which you can see in last week’s post about linen). They turned out to a total win so when I spied a similar pair in the Zara sale for just 18$, it was a no brainer. These ones are slightly different because they have that lovely ankle tie detail that is all the rage right now. So if, like me, you struggle to find sandals you like, I would definitely recommend trying a pair of flatform espadrilles. This summer essential is super on trend and surprisingly comfortable and easy to walk in. Plus they elongate the legs beautifully, which is always a win in my eyes.
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THE RAY BAN ROUND METAL
And finally, no summer essentials list would be complete without some sunglasses and the pair that I reach for time and time again is the Ray Ban round metal. They go with absolutely any outfit and add that touch of retro that I’m always seeking. They are also great for super hot days because they perch nicely on your nose without resting on your cheeks, which is what annoys me slightly about Ray Ban Wayfarers. I’m definitely looking to add some more round Ray Bans to my collection once the bank balance is looking a bit healthier – I’m lusting over the Ray Ban Ja-Jo with pink lenses, which are even more retro than these!
So there we have it – four of my summer essentials all rolled into one awesome outfit. I hope you’ve liked this post – I’d love to hear you summer essentials! Let’s chat! X
At the weekend, Lewis and I took his visiting dad and nephew down to Vermont from Montreal for a couple of days of exploration. Having only ever previously travelled through the New England state on the way to Boston, it was lovely to explore the cities, villages and nature that lush green Vermont has to offer. We set off bright and early on Saturday morning and spent an amazing 48 hours in Vermont, staying in a remote Airbnb apartment near Waistfield. Whether you’re just passing through on the way to other areas or planning a trip to the region specifically, grab a cup of tea and check out these tips for an awesome 48 hours in Vermont.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN & ITS ISLANDS
After crossing the US border into New York State at Champlain, we took the bridge to Vermont and drove down through the beautiful Lake Champlain. Lying in all of Canada, New York State and Vermont State, Lake Champlain is an enormous expanse of water, broken up by four main islands, which were an absolute joy to drive through. We stopped off briefly in the town of North Hero to stretch our legs, admire the lake properly for the first time and peruse an amazing antique shop. We then headed to the very south end of North Hero Island to Knight Point State Park.
As someone who is often dreaming of swimming in a picturesque lake, a stop at Knight Point State Park was the perfect way to kick off the holiday. After picnicking under a tree, we all donned our best swimwear and took a dip. It felt amazing to swim in fresh water with only blue skies and tree-lined shores as far as the eye could see. If we had had more time, we would have definitely gone kayaking (10$/hour) and been able to explore even more of the beautiful Lake Champlain.
THE MUST KNOW
Entrance to Knight Point State Park: 4$/adult | 2$/child.
BURLINGTON
Sat right on Lake Champlain, Burlington is the biggest city in Vermont and home to many universities, including the University of Vermont. We stopped off for a couple of hours to explore the downtown and waterfront areas. It is a nice place with some great red brick buildings – which I always love – but I couldn’t say there’s much to do in Burlington. We took a stroll along the famous Church Street Marketplace, which is full of both independent and big brand shops as well as lots of cafes and restaurants that spill out onto outdoor terraces. Perhaps we missed out on something by not stopping for a drink or a bite to eat but unfortunately it wasn’t the right time. As for the waterfront, it is certainly a nice place for a stroll, but after having seen Lake Champlain from a remote setting, it does seem slightly spoilt. I would definitely recommend visiting Burlington if you are in the area but you don’t need more than a few hours and it’s perhaps a good idea to aim to have lunch or dinner there.
AMERICAN FLATBREAD, WAITSFIELD
On Saturday evening we checked into our Airbnb just north Waitsfield and then headed out for dinner at a place called American Flatbread, which I had found while researching stuff to do in Burlington (they also have a restaurant there). Located on a farm just south of Waitsfield, American Flatbread offers indoor and outdoor dining in the most beautiful of settings. After about a 30-minute wait (during which we visited an adjacent art show and met a wonderful cat), we were seated outside beside a roaring bonfire just as it was getting dark. There was a wonderful atmosphere, with large groups of friends, families and couples enjoying flatbreads (which are essentially pizzas!) by fairy light. We ordered a flatbread between two because they are enormous – a margherita and one with lots of veggies and locally made goats cheese - and boy were they worth the wait! The dough was lovely and soft and the ingredients were delicious. We had an absolutely incredible evening at American Flatbread in Waitsfield – it completely exceeded our expectations and I will definitely be back.
FIND IT: 46 Lareau Road, Waitsfield, USA
MONTPELIER
Much smaller than Burlington but the State Capital nonetheless, Montpelier is a must-visit when in Vermont. We loved its quaint streets, numerous steeple churches and strangely picturesque steel bridges that crossed the Winooski River and North Branch that ran through the city. The Vermont State House is particularly impressive, its white façade and gold dome standing out boldly from the green mountain backdrop. After hearing there was a local baseball game on that evening, we returned later on to watch the Vermont Mountaineers face the North Adams Steeple Cats at the Montpelier Recreation Field. It was the perfect evening activity that had a lovely local feel we are all grateful to have been a part of. If you have to choose between a visit to Burlington or Montpelier, I would highly recommend Montpelier. The scenery is stunning and there are lots of cafes and restaurants to choose from.
WATERBURY CENTER STATE PARK
After swimming in Lake Champlain was such a success, we went searching for another lake to cool off. Just under a half an hour drive from Montpelier, Waterbury State Park was the perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon in Vermont. We sat on the grass bank, watching canoes, kayaks and paddle boarders go by before getting into our swimming gear and jumping in. It was just the most beautiful setting, with rocky shorelines, lush green forest and mountains in the distance; swimming into the middle of the lake with my love was certainly a “pinch me” moment.
BEN & JERRY'S FACTORY
As a big ice cream fan, I always insist that we visit the Ben & Jerry’s Factory when we are in the area. We have previously visited the factory off-season or on a rainy day, so it was amazing to be there and sample some delicious ice cream on a hot summer’s day. The great thing about visiting the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, especially as a Brit, is that there are lots of flavours that are either exclusive to the factory or not available in all countries. Lewis and I shared our usual pint of hand packed ice cream, opting for half Salted Caramel Blondie and half Sweet Cream and Cookies because it’s sometimes just too hard to choose just one flavour. For those of you not quite as greedy as us, you can opt for two scoops for around 4$ or three scoops for around 5$ - although at just 6.50$, a hand packed pint is a much cheaper option.
So there we have it – how to spend 48 hours in Vermont. I would highly recommend visiting this beautiful region, especially if you are planning a trip to Boston, Montreal or even New York. I hope you have enjoyed this post – I absolutely love putting together these little travel guides so please let me know if you visit anything I’ve recommended. Happy travelling! X
For more North American Travel Guides, check out:
How To Spend 48 Hours In Toronto | How To Spend 36 Hours In Boston | Five Free Things To Do In New York City
Am I officially an adult now because I’m a linen convert? I say this because my mum wears a lot of linen and she has done as long as I can remember. When I was back in the UK a few weeks ago I helped her do a wardrobe clear out and boy, does that woman have a lot of linen! Well, Bristol’s charity shops have some of it now but it still makes up most of her summer wardrobe. My mum has great style – sometimes it can be quite minimal but she wears a lot of stripes and has some interesting shaped pieces so I certainly trust her sartorial choices. Having seen linen on some of my favourite bloggers this season and as it’s my mum’s material of choice; I thought I would give linen a try.
I found this lovely yellow linen shirt in a vintage shop and knew it would be so easy to style up. If you have been reading this blog for a while, you will know I am having rather a moment with the colour yellow (remember that yellow coat? I can’t wait to wear that again) so this linen shirt was a no brainer.
LINEN SHIRT: VINTAGE (SIMILAR VIA VIVID LINEN) | DENIM SHORTS: VINTAGE (SIMILAR VIA MISSGUIDED) | SHOES: OLD ASOS (SIMILAR VIA CASTAÑER) | SUNGLASSES: VINTAGE | BANDANA: VINTAGE | EARRINGS: VINTAGE
I paired the linen shirt with a lot more yellow (I told you I’m obsessed!) and my new favourite denim shorts – which have yellow sunflower embroidery on! Too cute! I love how the linen shirt has rather big slits up the side, which means it’s easy to just tuck in one side of the front and the back still looks great. It was a rather warm day when we shot these photos so I rolled up my sleeves and donned a yellow bandana around my wrist. If you read My Current Inspiration post this week, you’ll already know that I’m loving outfits with neck scarves worn unusual ways and I think wearing a bandana like this adds a nice touch of interest. I finished off the look with last year’s favourite sandals, my yellow flatform espadrilles (I think this is when the yellow love began), which I find so flattering as they elongate the leg.
Finally I have to mention how pleasant it is to wear linen, even on a warm summer’s day! I felt great in this shirt even while walking around Montreal in the strong afternoon sun. It’s a really light, breathable material and I will definitely be on the look out for more pieces to add to my tiny linen collection. Have you given linen a try this summer and are you, like me, a linen convert? X
Hello and welcome to my first current inspiration post! I have recently really gotten into Pinterest so I thought I would share what has been inspiring me recently, because it’s not always possible to execute the same in my outfit posts and it’s nice to do a different type of fashion post every once in a while. I hope this gives you some inspiration too and please let me know what you think because I’d love to make this a regular post on Fashion Et Moi – enjoy! X
HAIM
Anyone who has spent any time with me recently will know that I am so obsessed with Haim. Their hotly anticipated second album, which finally dropped a couple of weeks ago, got me all excited again about how much I love this oh-so cool trio of sisters, not just for their music but for their style too. Their cool Cali-girl vibe mixed with clear vintage influences is right up my street and I would wear every single one of their outfits. I absolutely love these sunny promo shots from their new album – a-line mini skirts, matchy matchy suits and PVC - hello! When I saw them play Glastonbury this year, Alana and Danielle wore black PVC kick flares with a floral blouse while Este donned a PVC mini skirt with a sparkly top – queens, or what? I’m in love. Furthermore, these girls make a simple jeans, t-shirt and leather jacket outfit look so cool and effortless, which as an occasional lazy dresser, I always strive to. Their secret seems to be accessorising with retro inspired sunglasses, some trusty black boots and, of course, their long flowing locks (grow, hair, grow!).
STATEMENT EARRINGS
If you have been following me on Instagram or reading this blog for a while, you will have noticed that I have been wearing earrings, and more specifically big statement earrings, a lot more in the past six months or so. I first became obsessed with big earrings through discovering Maria Bernad on Instagram who has an earring collection to die for. I love how big and bold earrings can elevate an outfit - even a simple all black one like above looks so much more sassy with a bit of ear candy. My earring collection is coming along nicely and I have been regularly seeking out new additions in vintage and second hand stores, where you can often pick up a pair for 2$ or less! I particularly love interesting shaped gold earrings for a more classic look as well as the contrasting brightly coloured plastic variety, which are great for adding a pop of colour to any outfit.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO WEAR A NECK SCARF
Similarly to statement earrings, I have recently been very inspired by outfits with neck scarves, in particular when scarves are used in rather unusual ways. Perhaps the most accessible way to start getting into wearing scarves not round your neck is in your hair. Because of my fringe I have always struggled to tie a scarf around my head in a way that looks good so round the ponytail is much simpler. I have been wearing my hair up a lot more recently because of the heat. However, I always feel a bit less like “me” without a bit of hair around my face so a low side ponytail tied with a cute scarf is just perfect. Having previously worn bandanas round my wrist, I love the look of one tied round the ankle with a pair of mules and a raw denim hem. It adds such a cool, unusual detail and I will definitely be trying this one out on cooler days or evenings during summer. And finally, perhaps the least wearable but still so awesome is using a scarf as a top! I have tried this one at home and unfortunately my body shape and boob size just don’t allow for it but hopefully some of you will feel inspired to try this one out! It will look just amazing with a pair of high waisted trousers on holiday.
SUITS & CO-ORDS
And finally, one big obsession of mine that does not seem to be going away soon is matchy matchy dressing. Whether it be a jacket and shorts ensemble, a skirt and top co-ord or a colourful power suit, I want it all. I think there are a few reasons why I am so into matchy outfits. Firstly, it’s effortless and I am all about lazy dressing that looks good. The suit pretty much does the talking so you just need to add a simple t-shirt and you’re good to go. Secondly, I feel important and powerful. If I’m having an off day or need a boost, donning a suit is definitely going to make me feel like I can “boss” the day because looking like you’ve got you’re shit together means you’re going to get your shit together. Lastly, you can wear them separately! If buying two matching pieces can translate into three outfit combinations then that is a win in my eyes!
Sources: HAIM | MARIA BERNAD | PANDORA SYKES | BLOGLOVIN | REFINERY 29 | VOGUE PARIS | BONSERGENT STUDIO | CHRONICLES OF HER | MEGAN ELLABY | STYLE MEMOS
All other sources via PINTEREST
