How to Layer Frames & Objects

There is a new trend in home décor: Layering. One would think that it’s an easy style to pull off... simply take a bunch of artwork and place it haphazardly on your mantle or bookshelf. Please, no! Be smart about layering your art. Here’s how: 

 

All images via

Step one: Pick images and objects that you feel would create an interesting grouping. They should be different sizes, but share a similar colour palette.

Step two: When visiting your local framer, keep things simple. If the frames are too ornate or too thick, it will be hard to layer evenly. Use glass and not exposed canvas, as an object could easily poke into an artwork and create a long lasting indentation.

 

Step three: The more you overlap, the higher the chances of losing the images you were hoping to show off. Notice how, in the following examples, there are no more than three consecutive levels.

Step four: Be careful! Sturdy the larger frames to your wall (by adding hooks and nails) or inserting a thin ledge or groove to your shelf. You want to be sure to prevent them from toppling over!

 

How to Wear Burgundy Pants

After going through a season of devotion towards green pants (remember this post?), I’ve switched to burgundy. A surprising fall neutral, wine-coloured pants can easily be worn at work or for a night out on the town. Since purchasing mine at ZARA's, I’ve worn them almost daily and have become quite skilled at mixing and matching to give a fresh new look every time. Don't be shy to combine with shades of emerald, marigold, navy, and of course, winter whites! 

Look 1: Stella McCartney Alyss draped silk blouse & Kenzo x Vans print sneakers / Look 2: 3.1 Phillip Lim silk-chiffon and crepe de chine blouse & Gucci Mischa suede ankle boots / Look 3: Etro Tweed Poncho & Marc by Marc Jacobs lace-up shoes / Look 4: 3.1 Phillip Lim satin-twill peplum top & Valentino studded calf hair pumps.

Here are a few wonderful examples of how to rock the oxblood/wine/burgundy (pick your synonym) trend!

Transitioning from Summer to Fall

I received an email request last weekend – and it’s a great question! “We've definitely moved into fall but I still want to wear some of my summer clothing, with its bold and fun colours. Any suggestions for a smooth transition?”

We purchase such beautiful spring and summer items only to disregard them once the leaves start to change. As a challenge, I revisited two older posts I wrote celebrating flashy colours and fun accessories: Summer Wardrobe Essentials and Spring Brights. I then combined them to my new Five Trends to Update your Fall Wardrobe. Here are the results:

 

(For more information regarding individual items, see links above.)

 

Keep an eye out for interesting summer/fall colour combinations. For example, turquoise is a great match with kaki and emerald. Navy can be mixed and matched with most bright shades, such as green, yellow and orange. Don’t be shy to add a few bright pink accessories to a plum ensemble or a neon necklace to a charcoal dress. You can also play with textures by combining summery silks with fall knits. To help you out, here are few pictures of some of my favourite bloggers as they transition from warm to chilly weather.

 

 

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Burgundy Lips

Have you been contemplating purchasing deep burgundy lipstick, but are still unsure about this fall trend? I hear ya! It can be scary since dark colours will easily wash you out or look Halloween-y if you don’t do it right.

 

 

A dark lipstick must be chosen wisely. What suits your complexion? Plum, violet, espresso or berry? (I still remember rocking the espresso shade in the nineties – so forgive me if I stay far from this one.)  1. CHANEL’s Baroque Rouge Coco Lipstick is a combination of berry, brown and ruby. As for most dark lipsticks, be sure to add liner for fuller coverage.  2. KATE VON D’s Painted Love in Homegirl is a dark plum. Its matte finish will look good on you fair skinned ladies. Since Miss Von D pretty much embodies vampy baroque, I trust her to make a sexy dark lipstick.  3. MAKE UP FOR EVER #49 is described as a satin blueberry. I must admit that I have a new obsession with MUFO products. They are creamy and highly pigmented.  4. REVLON Colourburst in Plum is a light wine colour. It’s a good starter to test off the trend as its price point is fairly low. Remember to exfoliate your lips before applying your lipstick since darker shades will highlight imperfections and flakes. Be bold & Have fun!