The catwalk: spot skater dress

It's no secret... I love spots. And if you've read any of my previous catwalk posts you already know I am in love with Oasis! Rewind several months to when my husband was in London and picked up this pretty spot skater dress at the Oasis flagship store for me. I fell in love with it when I saw it online and I never expected that I'd be lucky enough to hang this lovely piece in my closet let alone wear it!

Arguably a spot-on match to Tangerine Tango (Pantone's colour of the year in 2012) this belted fit and flare was a staple for me this summer. It transitions nicely from day to night - but even better - it can be a staple in my fall wardrobe too. Pictured below, it's paired with a small Dooney & Bourke handbag that's teal in colour. Even though they're a bold pairing, the colours are an absolute perfect match and make the outfit even more fun and playful. Topped off by a tan patent pump, simple accessories and some soft mermaid waves this ensemble was one of my top go-to outfits of the summer. To take this into fall, I'll pair it with black tights and boots, and I'll darken up the handbag choice to something a little more seasonal. Do you like this dress better for summer or for fall? Happy shopping! x

Oasis spot skater dress with teal Dooney & Bourke handbag. Photo by Sam Russell

Oasis spot skater dress with teal Dooney & Bourke handbag. Photo by Sam Russell

Oasis spot skater dress with teal Dooney & Bourke handbag. Photo by Sam Russell

The catwalk: Oriental infusion

SS2013 is in full swing. The weather is warm, the sun is shining and flowers are in full bloom in wardrobes from London to New York. One of the season’s top trends welcomes Oriental-style pieces with a Western flavour. Asian-inspired motifs have been dawning the pages of fashion magazines everywhere. High fashion Oriental pieces have been a fixture on the catwalk this season and the good news is, if you are into this trend you can get your hands on some trendy pieces that can be infused into your everyday style, adding a little Asian spice to your closet this season.

When I found out my husband was going to dedicate a day to shop for me in London, my Sherlock Holmes skills emerged. I quickly started researching his target shopping destination, Oasis, and I stumbled upon a full section of their site dedicated to the Oriental trend. I fell in love with some of the pieces I saw, and I decided to embrace my inner geisha and give this trend a try.

This floral plait neck top features a vintage floral print, ruffle trim cap sleeves, a keyhole button closure and layered pleated hem. Since it's light and airy it pairs well with skinny denim. It's shown below with dark blue skinnies but it also works very well with white. I've worn it both ways, and I like to change it up between the two to keep my look fresh. Sometimes I wear this top with a thin coloured belt to create a defined waistline but I think it's nice to let the shirt just flow as it is (both looks are shown below.) As I mentioned in a previous post, I love Oasis (I can't emphasize how much I love them) and I hope that someday they'll ship to Canada but for now you can order Oasis pieces on asos.com. Keep your eye out for this trend during SS2013 and let me know if you try it too! x

Photo by Sam Russell.

Photo by Sam Russell.

Photo by Sam Russell.

Photo by Sam Russell.

The catwalk: Pretty in print

Summer is almost here and hernameiscat is ready for the catwalk! After a winter hiatus (or maybe hibernation) I'm back and ready to blog about my favourite fashion trends and to tell you where you can find them!

My first look of the season features a summer staple that's very on-trend and was bought from a lovely place in one of the big four fashion capitals of the world – London, England. My husband was on a business trip in the UK, and I think he sensed that I might be a little envious of his location because he earmarked a whole day at the end of his trip to go shopping for me. Clearly, I took advantage (what girl wouldn't?) Someone quickly pointed him in the direction of Oasis, a contemporary British brand that’s grown to 79 stores world-wide and conveniently seemed like it was right up my fashion alley.

Putting my fab fashion investigative skills to good use, I quickly started researching. I'm thinking that this store is amazing yet I can’t have everything. How can I choose? I sent him a variety of things I liked – everything from dresses, to tops, to accessories – to help him as he embarked on his shopping mission (not an easy task, I might add!) He went to the store armed with photos and styles, and he was there no time before some of the friendly staff were voluntarily recruited to help complete Operation Oasis. He left with a few pieces that I absolutely adore, and some complimentary chocolate for the road!

Now, back to the dress. This Photo Floral Skater Dress which was featured in LOOK is a clear favourite. I love everything about it: from its bold floral print, subtle pleated front, and cut out detailing to its cinched waist, bright belt and flowy skirt. It’s perfect for anytime and any place. Wear it to work with black tights and pumps, dress it down during the day with a pair of flats or sandals, or glam it up during the night with your fav heels! Finish the look with a bright handbag and fun accessories.

While Oasis doesn’t ship to Canada (yet – I’m hoping that someday they will), you can still get their latest trends on asos.com. I, for one, am now an Oasis girl! Happy shopping, and see you next week! x

Photo Floral Skater Dress by Oasis. Photo by Sam Russell

"Denise!" Photo Floral Skater Dress by Oasis. Photo by Sam Russell

Cut out detail. Photo Floral Skater Dress by Oasis. Photo by Sam Russell