Cottage Bound - What to Pack!

It's Friday, which means I'm counting down the hours till the start of the long weekend (Yay Canada Day!) Here are some of my favourite styles for lounging at the cottage.

1. A bathing suit with detachable straps - great for sunbathing AND water skiing - Gap

2. Boat shoes for the dock during the day and to hide your toes from mosquitoes at night - J.Crew

3. A roomy tote bag for sunglasses, sunblock, reading material and towel - J.Crew

4. A chambray shirt, great for layering when the temperature cools down - Urban Outfitters

5. Comfy leggings for sitting around the bonfire roasting marshmallows - Urban Outfitters

6. A pull-over for windy boat rides - Forever 21

7. A light jersey-knit dress that makes for a great bathing suit cover up - Old Navy

8. A white Panama hat to block the sun when the rays get too strong - J.Crew

9. Fun, colourful shorts for trips into town for ice cream - Gap

Any other Canadian cottage go-ers? What are your plans for the long weekend?

P.S. Pretty In Polkadot now has a Facebook Page! Help me reach 100 Likes?

Currently Craving

I feel like I’m the last person to find a great, summer white blazer. I absolutely love
the length and simplicity of the one in this photo (not to mention those cap-toe heels),
but have yet to find the perfect real life version, perhaps this one? Anyone know
of any other good finds?

DIY Denim Vest

Skirt: Forever 21 (similar); T-Shirt: Gap; Denim Jacket turned Vest: Gap; Clutch: Zara; Heels: Zara (try a fun neon pair like these); Watch: Michael Kors; Bracelet: Gap

I can’t help but notice the do-it-yourself trend this season, from dip-dying, to adding studs to a pair of shorts, to braiding friendship bracelets, the possibilities seem endless. I love the idea of re-inventing old clothes and finding new ways to wear them, so over the weekend I decided to be a little crafty myself. I took an an old jean jacket and simply cut off the sleeves at the seams to turn it into a summer vest. I can’t wait to wash it and put it in the dryer for a naturally frayed look. Does anyone else have any fun DIY projects on the go?

Vested Interest

Skirt: Urban Outfitters; Basic Top: H&M; Vest: Winners (recent); Ankle Boots: DSW; Purse: Old Navy (similar); Headband: Fawn; Bracelets: Madewell and H&M

This orange, crocheted vest was a gift from my mom. She’s an avid shopper at Winners, and unlike me, has the patience and the eye to shop through racks upon racks of clothing, always coming home with a bag full of goodies. Isn’t it nice when someone gives you clothing as a gift that you would have never thought to buy for yourself, but end up really liking? It’s like an eye-opener to new possibilities. When I shop for myself I usually have an idea of how I’m going to pair the item I find with other things I already own, but when the item is a gift you become faced with this exciting new challenge of going through your closet to find complimentary pieces and accessories.

On another note, it’s noon and I just realized that I’m wearing two different earrings today – both metallic studs, but one silver and one gold, and both different sizes. Maybe I’ll start a new trend? Either way, I think it should be acknowledged that planning your outfit the night before can be so much more productive than doing it the morning of pre-coffee, plus it allows for a few extra minutes of shut-eye. Oh how I miss working from home.

Hope your Monday is off to a good start!

Cap-Toe Love

Top: Banana Republic; Pants: H&M (similar); Jean Jacket: Gap (similar here and here); Heels: Zara (similar); Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Watch: Michael Kors; Neon Bracelet: H&M

Lately every pair of cap toe, pointed shoes catches my eye. These are currently my favourite. I love the soft pastel colour and ankle strap, which in such a neutral hue and slim width, won’t cut off the leg. Other great versions of the cap toe shoe here and here, or if you’re feeling really crafty you could try this DIY version. 

Maxi Dresses and Oxfords

Dress: Gap (similar); Oxford Shirt: Gap; Shoes: Also Gap (similar); Necklace: Vintage; Watch: Michael Kors

This is my attempt at making my jersey maxi dress work appropriate, yet still comfortable enough to embrace the humidity. How are you dressing for the heat?

Currently Craving

Neon Orange/Coral Pleated Skirt

I spent way too much time on Pinterest this weekend (and reading Fifty Shades of Grey...shhh). Anyways, amongst all the pinning, this particular bright pleated skirt caught my eye (also love the contrasting pale blue/mint heels). I've discovered one version of the skirt at Urban Outfitters (which I can't seem to find online), and another at American Apparel. Anyone else have any retail suggestions? What's on the top of your "want" list right now? 

Work Day PJ's

Pants: Zara; Top: Club Monaco (similar); Heels: Zara; Clutch: Coach; Watch: Michael Kors; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

As the temperature and humidity continues to rise in the downtown core of Toronto, I’m finding that soft, loose fabrics in light shades are most effective for combating the heat. Besides, who doesn’t like feeling like they’re wearing pajamas at work without actually wearing pajamas? Win-win if you ask me. Hope your week is going well so far!

Preppy Details

Sweater Dress: Madewell; Chambray Top: American Eagle; Belt: Gap (similar); Shoes: DSW; Bag: H&M 

A collar buttoned up right to the neck feels fresh and crisp when paired with the right pieces. I'm not about to add suspenders and bermuda shorts here, but I do love the mix of chambray with a patterned knit dress, complete with a pair of refined, metallic boat shoes. In addition to done-up collars, I'm also really liking oversized bow ties over oxford shirts (Blaire of Atlantic-Pacific makes it looks so polished here)! Any thoughts? Share in the comments. I'd love to hear what you guys think. 

Wild Flower

Blazer: Gap (fun striped version here); Sundress: Forever 21; Shoes: Gap; Sunglasses: Ran-Ban; Necklace: Club Monaco (similar here and here); Bracelets: Madewell and H&M 

There's nothing I love more than going for a walk and coming home with freshly picked wild flowers. Hoping they last the week. Happy Monday! 

Canadian Outdoors

Jacket: Banana Republic (love this style); Chambray Vest: H&M; Blouse: gift from Thailand; Pants: Gap (similar); Bar Necklace: Urban Outfitters; Pendant Necklace: Idele; Heels: Nine West (similar); Gold Bracelet: Madewell; Watch: Michael Kors

It's been a week since we left San Fran and I am slowly adjusting to life back in Canada. One thing that I've really noticed more now is how much grass there is everywhere, particularly in the suburban area where my parents live. With so much greenery around, I find I'm more drawn to earthy colours and relaxed fits. I like that these heels are unexpected and add some pattern and dimension to this look. Mixing patterns and textures continues to be one of my mottos. 

Last Glimpse

Blouse: Urban Outfitters; Jeans: Banana Republic; Heels: Banana Republic; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Bar Necklace: Urban Outfitters; Pendant Necklace: Idele (boutique in Haight Ashbury, SF); Gold Bracelet: Madewell (also love this one); Blue Stone Bracelet: Banana Republic

These photos were taken on our last day in SF, right before we hopped on BART to head back to our apartment before catching our flight to Toronto. We spent the day downtown sipping on Blue Bottle Coffee; enjoying rooftop drinks above Union Square, window-shopping, and making a final stop at Ghirardelli to stock up on some chocolate squares. Four months went by far too fast.