154/ HOW I STYLE A PLEATED SKIRT

Pleated skirts have the ability to elevate an ensemble. They effortlessly mix textures, materials and designs. I love how they add a bit of luxe to a look as well. For this outfit I paired my skirt with a classic striped top, my new favourite burgundy moto jacket, a pair of chelsea boots and a beaded handbag for some added personality.

I'm not really one to follow trends but this is one that I can really get behind. I have a shorter one (pictured below) and a midi length one in my collection and I'm really hoping to expand. I love how you can dress this trend up with a glitzy top or dress it down with a band tee. I love how versatile this trend is and I'm always on the hunt for more. I could honestly live in this kind of skirt - it's comfortable while still looking chic. If that's not perfection, I don't know what is.

Although there are a few pleated skirts on ASOS that I'm lusting over, you really don't have to spend a lot of money to play with this trend. I found my longer one (that I've blogger about here and here) at a thrift store years ago, and I'm constantly finding pieces in similar materials and cuts almost every time I thrift. The market is currently saturated with these skirts and I'm 100% here for it. A lot of fast fashion / high street brands are fully stocked with a wide range of colours and textures too. It's always fun to me to see how different people or different retailer style pieces, so I'm watching this trend like a hawk to get more and more inspiration.

This is one trend that I don't see fading any time soon, and even if it does I'll still rock the hell out of it. I really just love it that much.

JACKET/ Love & Legends TOP/ Forever 21+ SKIRT/ Michel Studio 

BOOTS/ Old Navy (thrifted) HANDBAG/ H&M HAIR CLIPS/ Dollarama

Photos by Derek Waugh

NINETY-SIX/ winter wear

The temperature in Ottawa is finally dipping below zero and I'm one of the weird ones who actually enjoys it. I'll probably regret saying that when January/February rolls around but for now I'm loving the cold. 

This coat is virtually ancient and I've actually replaced it with a newer model *wipes away tear*. We've had some good times together and it's help me battle through the coldest of winter days but it has rips in the lining and I'm not sure if it will last the entire season. The new coat I bought is virtually the same, just with minor differences. I'm sure I'll introduce it on the blog sooner or later. For now this jacket is reserved for warmer winter days and whenever I feel like taking a trip down memory lane.

I can't get enough of my Nike Roshe Runs. I know I'm going to have to trade these in for a pair of winter boots once the snow comes but I'll wear them every second I can until then.

SUNGLASSES/ Aldo SCARF/ Burberry COAT/ Addition Elle

JEANS/ Forever 21+ BAG/ Zara SHOES/ Nike 

Bag and scarf were purchased via consignment
Photos by Suzanne Waugh

FIFTY/ distressed jeans

This outfit was a huge step outside of my comfort zone for so many reasons. For starters, I never wear blue jeans anymore. Other than these, I've only ever had one other pair that I was in love with but unfortunately those no longer fit. I also see jeans as way too casual and I never know what to pair them with. Unlike most people, I see the blue in the jeans as a legitimate colour and not a neutral, so I try to pair them with like colours. I usually get frustrated and give up and wear my trusty black skinny jeans or a pair of leggings instead. The other way in which this outfit is outside of my comfort zone is the fact that I'm not wearing a stitch of black. This is the first time in years that I haven't worn one piece of black clothing and I have to say, I didn't really miss it. I love how laid back and comfortable I felt in this look and I wouldn't be shocked if it becomes one of my regulars. I can bring it into the fall by adding a scarf and a jacket for warmth.

These jeans are flawless. I have yet to find a pair of pants as comfortable as these, and I wish I ordered like three other pairs. They're from Forever 21 so the quality isn't the greatest but these aren't jeans that I will be wearing very often. The dress code at my work is fairly lax but I wouldn't feel comfortable working in a pair of jeans as distressed as these. These jeans will be reserved for weekends, running errands and hang outs with friends, and I look forward to wearing the life out of them on my days off.

TOP/ Addition Elle JEANS/ Forever 21+ SHOES/ Minnetonka
ACCESSORIES/ Ardenes WATCH/ Michael Kors (via consignment)
BAG/ Marc by Marc Jacobs (via consignment)

* All pictures were taken by Sue Waugh.