Summer to Fall #Fashion Transition #trends

Take one dress and one bag, then transition it from the warm summer months to the cooler, crisp autumn evenings...what do you get?

Summer to Fall Fashion 2014 by sweetstellas featuring rose gold drop earrings

Metallics and pastels have been really hot through Spring and Summer 2014, and there's no reason that they can't be appropriate for Autumn...it's all in how to do them, and what you pair them with.

For Fall, pair a pretty champagne dress with floral blocking with a dark denim jacket, suede booties and nude tights. Pretty easy, but definitely gorgeous. Instead of sparkly bangles and pretty rose gold pearl drop earrings, pull your hair up into a messy top knot or side bun, and let the textures of your clothing and the details on your booties do the talking.

Happy Fall!

Summer to Fall on Pinterest

Upon searching summer to fall on Pinterest, I found some really amazing posts that I want to share with you here!

It seems that the natural transition is to layer up, go matte with makeup and embrace boots.

The top articles to help you with this transition?

How To: Transition Your Makeup bag from Summer to Fall from Makeup.com
4 Tips: Summer to Fall Fashion from GirlsGuideTo
How To Transition Your Makeup from Summer to Fall from The Life of the Wife
Summer to Fall Maxi Skirts from Deborah Simmons

How do you deal with the transition after months of warm weather? What pieces do you keep, and what pieces do you swap out?

Postnatal Summer Fashion #pregnancy #postnatal

When I had our first son, it was mid June. It wasn't super crazy hot yet, but the warm weather was definitely on its way. I learned very quickly that soft flowy fabrics, a good pair of sandals and simple accessories will become your best friend.

Postnatal Summer Fashion by sweetstellas showing how to wear sun dresses

Dresses were my favorite when I was in that first postnatal phase after having Owen, and they are this time around as well. Look for empire waisted, soft fabrics that don't cling to your tummy. Bonus points if you can find dresses with detail like the ruched neckline of the one above. A little detail can add just enough visual interest to make even the simplest summer dress special.

Gladiator sandals are still my favorite type of footwear for summer, and unless you're dealing with postnatal edema and swelling, they'll likely become yours too.

For accessories, think big floppy beach hat, structured fedora, or open weave cuff and long necklace like the ones pictured above.

Ultimately, you want to be comfortable, but feel human again!

Which Way to the Beach? #accessories

Summer is in full swing, and that means trips to the sun, sand, and surf! But what are the essentials for a trip to the beach this Summer?

Summer Beach Essentials by sweetstellas featuring striped beach towels

A good pair of aviators, a crochet cover up and a funky headband are really the only things that you need when you hit the beach. Put them in a hippie chic crochet bag, along with your towel and the only thing missing is the latest issue of In Style and Vogue!

My favorite piece in this collection is the Forever New floral headband. Crowns and headbands like this are huge this season, and this one is only $13 CAD! What an awesome score!

What is in your beach bag this summer?

Don't forget the SPF30!

Summer Skirt Trends for 2014 #trends #fashion #summer

The perfect bottom for summer is a skirt. Maxi, midi, mini...all of them are perfectly appropriate for the warm summer months and have so much possibility to be dressed up or down!

Summer Skirts by sweetstellas featuring a wool skirt

For skirts this summer, it's all in the details.

Lace overlays
Crochet hems
Geometric color blocking
Polka dots
Brocade
Volume

Have fun with your skirts this season. Pair them with basic tanks and gladiator sandals for day, or glittery tanks and wedge heels, with lots of layered necklaces.

Hair..think boho beach waves and braids.

Make this summer magical!

Spring to Summer Dresses Collection #fashion

And finally, a collection of sweet dresses that are appropriate for both Spring and Summer.

Spring to Summer Dresses 2014 by sweetstellas featuring a chiffon dress

You know the rules...tights and a light cardigan for Spring, awesome wedge heels and lighter toned accessories for Summer!

My favourite dress from the collection above is the ice blue one on the lower left (Forever New $44). It has such beautiful details on the bodice with the eyelet fabric, and then the skirt is soft, flowy and feminine. For Spring, I would pair it with a charcoal or plum sweater, tights and flats. For Summer, wedge heels and a long side braid or loosely swept hair.

Which one is your favorite?

Spring to Summer Handbag Collection #fashion #accessories

Another challenge that I made for myself on my editorial calendar was to curate a collection of beautiful handbags that would take you from Spring to Summer, with each one being under $50.

Spring to Summer Handbags 2014 by sweetstellas featuring a metal purse

These seven handbags are all $50 or less. Certainly ones that will not break the bank, and will get you through Spring and Summer...and special events in the fall.

When looking at handbags for Spring and Summer, look for pastel shades of your favorite color. Love plum? Opt for lilac. Need a bold pop of red? Consider coral! Add in details such as wristlets, buckles, fringe toggles, and zippers and you can instantly and economically update your wardrobe with just one item.

My favorites in the collection are the white wristlet in the centre (Mango, $50) and the two tone tan shopper bag (MG Collection $39).

The white wristlet is appropriate for pretty much every single outfit in your wardrobe from skirts and dresses to shorts and jeans. Great for a wedding, brunch, bridal shower...or just running out or errands!

The two tone tan shopper bag is a great all-year every day bag. I definitely see it as a daytime bag, not for evening, and it's large enough to throw in a travel wipes pack and a diaper in, so you can carry on throughout your errands.

Do you have a go-to bag once the weather warms up?

Easter Fashion for Her

As promised, an Easter outfit for mom. This may not be your typical outfit, but you deserve to feel radiant and special!

Easter Fashion for Mom 2014 by sweetstellas featuring nickel free earrings

There is so much that I love about this outfit. Since our toddler boy outfit featured khaki's, I went with a neutral toned sleeveless dress with lots of texture and detail to compliment. Certainly, Dad could wear navy pants so there isn't too much of this tone in the photos or at Easter brunch, but for Mom, I love it.

The accessories need to be bold with this outfit, so I went with structured knock-em-dead cobalt blue pumps. Seriously...I don't have words for them. They're just pretty.

Charcoal clutch to compliment the grey newsboy cap, and gold tone jewelry since the buckle on the clutch is gold as well. Coordinated and polished!

Holidays are just like any other special event. Wear the pieces that you absolutely love, and don't get to wear often as a mom! Put the yoga pants and leggings away, and get a little glam!