Spring outfits you will love – Spring wardrobe style guide

Nesting Story - 2018 spring Style guide

A couple times a year I overhaul my wardrobe. I start by thinking, “what is my style this season? Who do I want to be and what is my style going to look like this spring?” Then I gather inspirational style photos and begin planning out my new looks.

Here’s the thing, I am a 5’2″ thirty-five-year-old mom of four. So A. I am not always on top of the hot new trends, and B. I’m not sure if the hot new trends would suit my body type, or my age. So, I make sure that my style reflects my personal taste (feminine, cool and slightly bohemian) and suits my lifestyle (a self-employed woman who has often has events and meetings to attend, slightly athletic and a busy mom).

Oh, did I mention I’m also on a budget? Most of these looks are very budget friendly with a timeless, worth-the-higher-price piece thrown in here and there.

Although I’m a shortie with a busload of kids, that doesn’t mean these looks wouldn’t suit everyone. Younger, older, kid-free, taller, you name it!

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I just discovered kimonos and I’m in love! Where have they been all my life? I love this look because it’s cool, fresh and comfy.

Spring 2018 style - kimono and basic white tee

Spring 2018 style - kimono and basic white tee

Spring 2018 style - kimono and basic white tee

Shop the look: Kimono – Forever 21, White gathered T-shirt – Zara, Jeans – (similar) American Eagle, Sandals – Billabong , Sunglasses – Ray-Ban -Aviators, Necklace – H&M, Rings – Aldo

So my one of my three-year-old twin daughters and I have a thing for pjs and sweatpants. Seriously, I walk in my home after a day at an event in the city and the first thing I do is put on baggy sweats. So when I found a pair of dressy joggers that I could wear to events, I fell in love.

Spring 2018 style - black tank Spring 2018 style - black tank

Shop the look: Pants – Dynamite, Tank top – Dynamite, Shoes – Le Chateau, Necklace – H&M, Watch – H&M, Rings – Aldo, Sunglasses – Michael Kors,

2018 Nesting Story Spring Style Guide

I recently took up running again and have been loving it. I thought I could be a long-distance runner, but soon realized I hit my limit at around 2km. But that still makes me a runner, right? Regardless of how far I run, I quickly realized that I needed a running jacket that could take me through our crazy Canadian spring weather. After looking everywhere I finally found this jacket which was perfect…plus it’s pink which is my favourite!

Spring 2018 style - athletic

Shop the look: Running jacket – Nike, Running shoes – Asics, Sunglasses – Ray-Ban Aviators, Leggings – (similar) Lululemon,  Sweatshirt – Gap

I bought a couple form-fitting skirts a couple years back and never ended up wearing them. I finally decided that they needed to be paired with a breezy long jacket. When I found this one I knew it was the perfect match!

Spring 2018 style - formal look Shop the look: Jacket – Le Chateau, Watch H&M

I had been looking for over a year for a cardigan that I loved. I finally found it and I have been wearing it constantly.

Spring 2018 Style guide - casual

Shop the look: Cardigan – American Eagle, Watch – H&M, Rings – Aldo, T-shirt – Zara, Sunglasses – Ray-Ban Aviators, Bracelet – H&M, Necklace – H&M, 

Nesting Story Spring 2018 Style Guide

I am speaking at an upcoming conference and I knew that I needed a fashionable, but “take me seriously” kind of outfit. When I saw these dressy joggers and a sleeveless blouse, I was sure that I had found my power outfit.

Spring style guide - work attire

Shop the look: Shoes – Le Chateau, Pants – Dynamite, Top – Forever 21, Watch – H&M, Sunglasses – Michael Kors

I have found myself moving further away from the more structured blazers and embracing flowy tops instead. This blazer is a more relaxed style which is still professional, but a little less “can I sell you life insurance?”

spring style guide - floral print

Shop the look: Jeans – Gap, T shirt – Zara, Bag – H&M, Sandals – Le Chateau, Floral blazer – Forever 21, Sunglasses – Michael Kors, Watch – H&M

My absolute favourite place to buy dresses is BCBG. This one is is so comfy and pretty!

Spring style guide - formal Spring style guide - formal

Shop this look: Dress – BCBG

So, how exactly do I approach my seasonal wardrobe switchover? Watch as I gather inspiration, pull items from my wardrobe that I already  have and put my new wardrobe together, all on a budget. I use this method at least twice a year, which helps me save money because I am not mindlessly shopping all year round.

Part one…

Part two…

For more style inspiration, check out my Instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel.

How to pull off a 2018 spring wardrobe refresh

Spring has sprung – or at least it has in the fashion world. With the drab and winter-like weather we’ve had around here, I’ve decided to take on purging my closet and developing a new and improved wardrobe. Let me tell you, the bright spring colours and floral patterns I’ve been seeing in store have made me hopeful that spring is really about to start.

Maybe you’re also looking forward to t-shirts and light wash jeans? Or maybe you’d like to develop your personal style for a new job, a new body, or for a new perspective.

Here are some tips and tricks that may prove helpful in your fashion journey.

 

Figure out your body type and dress for it.

Are you pear-shaped? Maybe you have an hourglass figure? The best way to start is to find what your body type is, and what cuts and fits of clothing would be most flattering on you. This is a great way to build some body confidence and look more put together.

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Evaluate what you have.

Take everything out of your closet. Seriously, do it. Yes, it will be messy, but it is the best way to really figure out what you have and what you need. Here is a list of 25 essential pieces every woman needs. How many can you check off?

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Pack away out of season clothes.

Once spring truly starts, you won’t need those bulky sweaters and coats that are taking up space. But keep them labelled nicely and within reach in case another winter-like storm hits your area too.

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Try a 10×10 challenge.

Pull 10 basic pieces to the front of your closet and mix and match different outfits that you can wear over the next 10 days. This will help you figure out if a capsule wardrobe is right for you, or if you need to modify it a little bit to suit your lifestyle.

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Decide what items you need.

Are you headed back to work? Staying home with your little ones? Or do you have a new post baby body to dress? The type of life you live day-to-day will determine what kind of capsule wardrobe you should be aiming for. Do you need more business and formal wear? Or would you rather have comfortable and easy to pull together outfits? Take a look at some different examples of capsule wardrobes to help figure out what’s best for you.

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Research new fashion trends.

What colours are popular now that you would like to add to your wardrobe? What patterns are in season that you would like to wear? Here’s a great source for inspiration this season:

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Give your closet a makeover.

Maybe you need to add more shelving? Or a coat of paint? Or maybe it’s just as simple as buying new matching hangers. Give your closet a fresh new look for the season by giving it a makeover too.

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Go shopping.

This is the fun part! With all your research done and your shopping list in hand, it’s time to start trying things on and bringing home some new pieces for your wardrobe. Try not to overdo it, you want to keep it light and fresh, and also leave room for anything you might want to add later on. Take a look at this colour palette for inspiration.

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Add some accessories.

You may already have some favorite or sentimental jewellery pieces that you wear every day. Maybe it’s time to add some new sparkle to your collection? Another great way to accessorize in spring is to add a scarf. There are lots of ways to tie and basic scarf that can add a little extra oomph to your outfit. Check out these ideas.

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Be daring.

Maybe while you were shopping you spotted a trendy jumpsuit or floral maxi dress that you just had to have? Or maybe you’ve had your eyes on a new pair of hot pink heels, or a bright colour denim? Go ahead and splurge on a couple of on trend pieces for the season. After all, fashion is all about self-expression, you should have fun with it and love what you wear!

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For more spring wardrobe inspiration, head to my YouTube channel and check out what looks have inspired me this spring!

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Finding Versatile Clothes That Compliment My Curves

HBC I.N.C. CollageI am always on the hunt for clothing styles that not only fit my curves after kids, but are stylish too. You can probably imagine how thrilled I was when Hudson’s Bay asked me to try out their spring collection by I.N.C.! I was easily able to mix and match their pieces and create three comfortable, yet beautiful looks: casual (for when I am hanging with my kids), professional and a look is perfect for date night.

CasualJoanna bay casual look 1joanna bay 012To achieve a casual look that is perfect for running errands with my kids or meeting up with other mommies for a playdate, I paired I.N.C.’s Linen Embellished Cargo Pants with their Lace Two-Piece Top.

ProfessionalJoanna bay professional look 1Joanna bay professional look 2The Interior Designer in me always goes bananas for a large print clothing item. I love that I.N.C. has incorporated the tropical print trend we are seeing a lot of this season into their spring line. I allowed I.N.C.’s Stretch Foliage Pencil Skirt to stand out by pairing it with their sleek and comfy Cropped Ruffle Hem Tank. Did I mention the skirt is stretchy??? Love it!

Date Nightjoanna bay date night look 1joanna bay 040Whenever my husband and I are able to snag a babysitter to be able to go on a much needed date night, I always dress in layers. This way, when we head from a restaurant to a movie theatre, I know I will be comfortable either way. One thing I am always on the hunt for is a light weight, dressy cardigan. I.N.C.’s Trapeze Contrast Knit Cardigan is not only light weight and dressy, but has a whimsical print. I layered their cardigan over I.N.C.’s Zip Pocket Mixed Media Tee for a pop of colour. I rolled the bottoms of I.N.C.’s Skinny Leg Crop Jeans while enjoying their comfy high waist.

In honour of the line’s 30th anniversary, the pieces will be available for 30% off, in-store and online from May 15-21 (no promo code required).

This post was sponsored by Hudson’s Bay, I.N.C. Brand

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