#NoMoreRules: Swimwear and Summer Style with Addition Elle

I had the pleasure of presenting another fashion segment on CTV Morning Live yesterday. We featured summer looks and new pieces from Addition Elle’s 2016 Swimwear line. My favourite part, other than meeting my new gorgeous models, was styling summer outfits around swimwear.

Addition Elle #NoMoreRules Campaign

I am so proud of Addition Elle’s recent #NoMoreRules campaign featuring plus size model Barbie Ferreira. Their message is totally on point! Don’t follow any rules and do what makes you feel sexy this summer! It’s easy to do that, when they have such gorgeous bathing suits and properly fitting bikinis.

Forget what you’ve been told. Plus size bikinis are in and stripes are a must! The Cactus collection features playful, sexy and supportive swimwear.

So how did I style my models? Well here they are!

Vaia is wearing a one piece bathing suit with white Bermuda-style knee-length shorts. The bathing suit has a supportive layer underneath and a lose fitting top layer. The ruching on the side creates movement and keeps the bathing suit flowy and flattering.

Plus size bathing suit swimwear Addition Elle Ottawa Fashion Blog

This is Kerry and she looks fab in this gingham top which is hot hot hot this season, and not to mention the off-the-shoulder look. I paired the black and white top with some bright red shorts to add a punch of colour.

Plus size clothes Addition Elle Ottawa Fashion Blog

Nathaly completely kills this look, I mean, look at that hair! Nothing says summer beach party like throwing on your favourite summer dress over your bathing suit and heading out to the party. I absolutely love this dress and I love this look! Again, the off-the-shoulder style creates a feminine and delicate look. The ruffles over the chest also softens the whole outfit.
Plus size dress Addition Elle Ottawa Fashion Blog

Now this bikini look that Melanie is wearing, I love! This macrame tassel vest is everything! It offers light coverage and loads of interest to the look. I also love that the bikini bottom doubles as a mini skirt. Nothing says summer like adding bright turquoise jewellery to finish off the look, so we did!
Plus size swimwear bathing suit bikini Addition Elle Ottawa Fashion Blog

Don’t forget to have fun with your summer style this season and most importantly, remember that there are #nomorerules! Find swimwear that fits, that is supportive enough for your curves and werk it!

In case you missed the segment, you can watch it here.

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Tiaras and other fun accessories to try this Summer

How do you feel about accessorizing? If I had to chose, Spring and Summer would be my favourite seasons to go bold with accessories. Maybe it is because our legs are bare, our arms go sleeveless, or its time to dust off those backless dresses and off the shoulder tops. Now, what to do with all this freshly exposed skin? I know, pile some bracelets and layer them necklaces!

This season’s accessories are a feast for the eyes and include bold, corky and utterly dreamy pieces. It got me thinking that at some point this summer, we should all attempt to try at least one of these looks. There are many accessories you can choose from and the following are some of my favourites!

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Image credit: Theblondesalad.com

The tiara

You may have spotted one of the biggest fashion bloggers, Chiara Ferragni, wearing a tiara during Coachella this year. While tiaras are typically worn by real princess, donning a tiara for your next night out may be the daring piece you have been looking for all season. Remember balance and try not to go too girly with this look. Pair your tiara with chunky Doc martins and maybe some dark eyeliner to bring an edgier feel to this look.
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Statement necklaces

Pull another Chiara Ferragni, or follow along with other fashionistas like Kendall Jenner, who were wearing bold jewels at Coachella. These statement necklaces bring a level of drama to an outfit like no other. Find the statement necklace that suits your style (and frame!) and be sure to wear it for any occasion. The bonus is that you can easily take this look from the cubicle to the cocktail lounge.

Layered Necklaces

If large, chunky necklaces are not your thing, then try layering delicate necklaces for a softer more bohemian look. Layer them over a simple white shirt or draw some attention to your shoulders. Delicate necklaces are the perfect subtle accessories for gals with simple style.

3Image credit: Asos.com

Capes
Cozy and dark colored capes belong in your winter wardrobe. But don’t forget colour and bold prints this summer and accessorize with flowy capes, even on the warmest days. Find a delicate piece — one that is made of lace or sheer and draped with pearls or crystals and turn a simple dress into an elegant look to wear for those special occasions. A shear layer can also help you hide from the sun and protect your skin.

 

Hair bands
The 80s and its cacophony of colors clearly transpires in the hair band accessory pieces found this season. From pompom hair bands to floral numbers, it seems like this spring your hair needs as much attention as the rest of your outfit. And yes, the scrunchy is back with a vengeance!

Stacked rings
Rings seem to have made a glorious comeback these past few years and this season be sure to pile those thin bands together and don rings on all of your fingers, even on your pinky!

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Image credit: Fashiongum.com

Scarves
A hot new trend, and oh-so Parisian look this summer is the scarf! Neatly tied around the neck with a simple white shirt or paired with a midi dress can go a long way. Skip the necklace and opt for the scarf, which can be perfect to wear to the office and beyond and channel a look that will never go out of style.

So, have I inspired you to try any accessories this season? Are there other accessories you want to try working into your style this year? Share your thoughts below!

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These mules are made for walking

According to Wikipedia “the French word, Mule, is a style of shoe that is backless and often closed-toed. Mules can be any heel height – from flat to high.”

My main goal this spring, was to get my hands on the perfect neutral pair. Something that would go with any outfit, something comfortable that I can actually wear all day and not regret it as soon as I am in the car! Before we dig in further, let’s start with a little fashion history lesson. These are always my favourite.

OK, this description seems a little bit dramatic, although what history lesson isn’t. I can’t imagine a woman wearing these heels be considered a prostitute. Let me guess… I bet a man was involved in either writing that description and coming up with that garbage.

Anyway, before I get on my feminist horse, I wanted to show you what I’ll be wearing soon (but first, please cross your fingers for this April snow to melt away). So here they are folks my new Emu Australia mules, this is the “Burleigh” style in Mushroom colour.

I purposely went for something neutral in tone to not only elongate the leg, but to offer versatility. With the popularity of the boho style making a comeback this summer, I’m sure I’ll get lots of wear out of them!

At a cool $159, you can’t go wrong.

I won’t even even tell you the workout I got from taking this photo.. squats and all! 

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