Fashion: Workout Wear

Okay, so now that I’ve had one workout session at Hourglass, I feel that it’s about the right time to see what’s new in the world of workout wear.

fashion-workout-gear-White-Cabana-style

Reebok D Layering TopOld Navy leggings Under Armour sports braNike socksGoody ouchless hair elastics Asics running shoesKate Spade water bottleUnder Armour half zip topTimbuk2 gym bag

Design: The Buffalo Check Trend

What’s black and white and square all over? Buffalo check, of course! While the pattern does come in just about every colour, I’m obviously most drawn to the black/white/grey versions.

It seems like buffalo check just emerged on the design scene within days. Seemingly suddenly, I’m seeing this pattern on everything from chairs to table cloths to settees to clothing.

Buffalo check works with a lot of existing styles – traditional, modern, country, shabby chic – as you’ll see in the interiors below.

pancakes-pajamas-2016avia Rambling Renovators

buffalo-check-homevia Studio McGee

buffalo-check-chair-studio-mcgeevia Studio McGee

7754128ccb0e2c40f79d91872d0d0606via Steward of Design

main.original.640x0cvia My Domaine

buffalo-check-hunted-interior-makeovervia Hunted Interior

7130026_origvia Cottage Decor

5-600x890via Interiors by Studio M (that dog!)

MSI_5040via Mustard Seed

kitchen-427x640via Atlanta Homes

Now that you’ve seen some inspiring interiors, here’s a round-up of items available in the marketplace just in case you’d like to include some buffalo check into your own home (and wardrobe).

jackchairwindowpane_1518Jack chair, $1500, Schoolhouse Electric

36248219_018_b1Kimball check, $1598, Anthropologie

XXX_0055_1000219th C. classical carved American empire recaimier, $7500, 1st Dibs

berta-ruta-fabric-black__0137764_PE296491_S4Berta Ruta fabric, $9.99/metre, Ikea

Product_FRL12108_Image_1buffalo check tea towels, $33, One King’s Lane

882709236689_hibuffalo check throw, $34.99 (on sale), Chapters Indigo

36115822_018_gsweater, $119.99 (on sale), Urban Outfitters

John-Galliano-buffalo-check-dressJohn Galliano dress, $1850, 1st Dibs

eroad3000292855_q1_1-1._QL90_UX336_Emerson Road PJ set, $95

3564154064_2_3_1check shirt, $45.90, Zara

And for the men…

3894400064_2_5_1check flannel shirt, $19.99 (on sale), Zara

hmprodplaid sweater, $19.99 (on sale), H&M

hmprod-1check pajama pants, $14.99, H&M (hello!)

A nice way to end the post, eh? Yeah, you’re welcome. Happy Monday!

Fashion: My L.L.Bean Wellie Review

Last month, I reached out to American classic L.L.Bean to inquire about their rain boot collection, and I’m grateful to L.L.Bean for sending me a pair of their tall black wellies and wellie warmers. When I prepared this style post, I hadn’t yet worn my wellies too much, so I couldn’t do a full review. Now, though, since the arrival of quite a bit of rain and slush, I have plenty more to say! Care to read on?

As I mentioned in my last post, I was completely impressed with L.L.Bean’s social media team, PR pro, and online chat personnel. I received excellent and speedy customer service, and my initial reactions were positive. I do already own an L.L.Bean personalized duffle bag, and it has passed many tests over the years, so I had high hopes for the boots. Thankfully, things are working out very well!

White-Cabana-Wellie_rain Boots_LLBean-2Here I am on one grey rainy December day wearing my L.L. Bean wellies. I paired them with leather-detailed pants, layered black tops, and a classic Longchamp bag.

The boots fit my foot perfectly, and they’re very comfortable for walking around. I do walk a lot (to work, to the grocery store, to the library, to cafĂ©s, etc.), so I’m not lying when I tell you that they’re comfortable for walking (as much as walking in the rain is comfortable – ha!).

White-Cabana-Wellie_rain Boots_LLBean-1I still feel put together even thought I’m wearing rain boots.

When I originally placed my order, I wasn’t 100% certain that the boot would fit comfortably over my calf (I do have issues with this with some companies). After asking the online chat person about the sizing, I felt more confident. The boots do fit over my calf easily – even with the wellie sock – and the elastic feature on the back increase the comfort level. The boots sort of just move with me as I walk if that makes any sense. The fit is true to size. I’m normally a size 8, and I ordered size 8, and they even fit well when I wear  the wellie sock.

White-Cabana-LLBean_2back elastic feature

There are loops at the top of either side of the boot, and I hang on to these as I pull the boots on. Easy.

White-Cabana-LLBean_1

loop detail

Another feature I surprisingly like is the buckle detail across the top/side of the foot part of the boot. These make the boots feel unique, substantial, and a bit rock-and-roll.

White-Cabana-LLBean_3the buckle

The sole is thick and sturdy, and I feel very stable as I walk through puddles or slush (you can see evidence of those puddles right there on my boots).

Finally, the boots come in at a fair price point considering the rain boot market. The boots are $89US, and the wellie warmer socks are $24.95. L.L.Bean offers free shipping and an unbeatable guarantee, which are bonuses in my mind.

So, as you can gather, I have only positive things to report about my new wellies. They get my stamp of approval!

White-Cabana-Wellie_rain Boots_LLBean-3Let’s all take another moment to stare at the boots, shall we?

Many thanks to Rox-Anne for taking these photos during one random post-café-meeting photo shoot! Boot photos by me.

Movies: Dior and I

I watched Dior and I the other night – a documentary about the House of Dior and Raf Simon’s journey of his first couture collection. The movie gives us the backstage pass to the atelier, and I loved it. Those ladies and men who do all the beautiful hand stitching is incredibly impressive, and, of course, it was interesting to see Raf Simon’s approach to fashion design. On top of this, the movie is in French, and so I got to enjoy the language for a couple of hours.

Still+1 DIORANDI_STILL9+copy Still+2Let’s have a look at what’s currently going on over at Dior, shall we?

lady-dior-bag-silverLady Dior bag

Lady-Dior-ParadiseLady Dior – Paradise bag

Dior-Fusion-sneakerDior Fusion sneaker

Dior-Tribale-earringsDior Tribale earrings

silhouette_50Dior long off-white wool dress

silhouette_15Dior printed and pleated white dress

silhouette_05Dior white cotton organidie top and shorts

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