08.19.13

(Get the Look: Left here / Top Right here / Bottom Right in store)

Make a statement this summer by dressing up any outfit with a bold statement necklace! 

Trending this season, statement necklaces are a fun way to add sparkle and colour to your wardrobe, instantly dressing up even the simplest of looks. Not to mention, they are a great way to update the classic pieces in your closet with a sophisticated modern look.

From sparkly jewels to geometric collars in bright summer colours, we love the look of a statement necklace to polish off a basic tee, under a collared button-up blouse or a even a strapless dress.

Be sure to check out these new MAD arrivals! 

08.13.13

MAD THROUGH INSTAGRAM

Besides the cool temps and unpredictable weather we all have managed to still come back from our weekends with funny stories and memories from unforgettable get-aways! 

Our July was spent out on the water with friends, nights watching a film at Assiniboine Park, bands performing at Super Spike and ice cream...lots of ice cream (to name a few). The ultimate story comes from Nicola's trip to Vancouver with her hubby, family and friends for the Justin Timberlake concert (pictured above). If you don't already know, Vancouver is their happy place, the city they were married in and continue to create memories in! 

Here are a few snap shots of our July below and if you don't already follow us on Instagram, you can find us by searching MADABOUTSTYLE 

-MAD Team

08.09.13

THIS WEEK ON BT

We get hands on this week with easy DIY projects for your closet and accessories as well as simple storage options transitioning from season to season! Watch the links below as Nicola explains how to create these for yourself in your home:

PART I

It can be as simple as selecting the right hangers or the diligence in your folding techniques that can maximize the space in your closet! As we make room for our bulky knits and accessories like scarves, Nicola's tips will make sure you stay clutter free and organized this Fall! 

PART II

Have a great weekend!

-MAD Team

07.30.13

STYLING YOUR SHIFT DRESS

When you try on a shift dress, you have to imagine the full power accessories can have! While shift dresses are in fact boxy, wearing it alone or layered has the potential to perform as professional work attire or demure for those casual day-to-day looks. We have styled 5 functional shift dresses for tips on achieving both casual and work/night outfits! We've even included how the MAD Team would wear their shift dresses incorporating all our individual style into this trend! 

Layering is your best friend when your task is turning a dress into a casual outfit...and the 2 things most people have within arms reach is a denim or leather jacket! For those cooler temps or evenings these are your go-to's, and if the suns out opt for a vest. Any denim or leather, even a cardigan will tone down the any girly vibes and replace it with an easy going feel!

Since most shift dresses will likely have a print a belt is also a perfect way to break up the wild patterns and dress it down! (not to mention giving you more shape at the waist) For summer keep it light with neutrals like nude, brown or even a trend colour like a coral to mix into your accessories/shoes (flats for these casual looks).

(Get The Look: Left- Dress here / Cross body here Right- Dress here / Jacket available in store)

For the working gal a shift dress is ideal for office appropriate coverage that allows you to maintain a fashion forward and feminine look. Since blazers are a no brainer at the office, try layering a fun printed shift dress underneath to add a punch to your workplace attire! The shapelessness of the shift dress will need the structure of a blazer when dressing it up (which also will tone down the print) and to complete this look adding heels is the finishing touch. 

Accessories are also key to kicking it up a formal notch! A great statement necklace is a must, and when looking for the perfect accessory opt for a bold style when working with a solid coloured frock (your options are limitless) and If it has a bold print, stick to solid gold/silver jewels or even a solid colour to allow your necklace to pop off the pattern. 

(Get the Look: Left- dress available here / blazer here Middle- dress here / necklace s/o Right- dress available in store / necklace here and here)

"I hardly wear dresses...but fell in love with the print of our Everly shift dress and had to have it! This is where personal style comes in. To take away from it not only being a dress but it also being girly with the pink tones I styled our ivory poncho from Fall 2012 and (Sam Edelman) ankle fringe booties. Very boho and non-chalant, my ideal combo!"   

- Jen Boulet  
(shift dress available in store or online here)

"I was immediately drawn to this large floral print shift dress debuting in our Spring 2013 collection! I'm definitely not a fan of sleeves, especially come summer which is why when I found an alternative to a denim vest (or jacket) like this military style one, I was thrilled! It dresses it down and when paired with my gladiator sandals completes my easy-going, effortless style." 

- Taylor Morrow

"It's no surprise here that I'm a huge connoisseur when it comes to shift dresses! My most recent addition to my collection is this ombre black and white striped printed one that will forever be a classic in my wardrobe! At work I wear this without the jacket (since it has a nice sleeve) and add a statement necklace to pull it together, simple and chic. To take into the night, I would layer my favourite new moto jacket from F21 and a great red lip!"

- Nicola 


Happy Styling,
MAD Team

07.27.13

TRENDING: THE FEDORA 

Add fun and flair to any outfit by topping it off with this summer's biggest trend in hats: the fedora. In this week's blog post, we've hand picked three great ways to work the fedora into your summer wardrobe - for work, weekend and those fun summer nights out!

A must-have staple in every girl's closet, the fedora is a great summer accessory to add a bit of edgy sophistication to any outfit, while protecting yourself from the summer sun (and not to mention great for hiding those not-so-fabulous hair days too!).

This season, fedoras can be found in all different shapes, sizes and colours and have been spotted on such celebrities as Rachel Bilson, Miranda Kerr, Qwen Stefani and Cara Delevingne (to name a few). 

However, celebrities aren't the only ones on board with this trend! Here at MAD, we are loving the straw fedora with the classic coloured band. Its natural texture makes it the perfect summer hat, as well as a versatile light-weight accessory to complete any look: 

LOOK 1: Spruce up your everyday work outfit by adding a fedora to your professional ensemble. We love the look of combining the fedora with a modern structured blazer over a fun printed blouse and boot-cut yoga jean. Add a classic black heel and handbag to complete the perfect sophisticated work look.

Get the Look: Yoga Jeans available here / Blouse here / Fedora here / Blazer available in store

LOOK 2: For a more casual and relaxed summer look (think weekends and evenings), the fedora is an effortless accessory that will make any casual outfit instantly chic. We paired it with a simple classic tank over a statement maxi skirt. Topped off with a wedge or flat sandal and casual handbag, this outfit is perfect for a summer lunch date or afternoon stroll in the city.

Get the Look: Tank available here / Maxi Skirt available in store / Fedora here (brown s/o)

LOOK 3: For those fun summer evenings out, the fedora is a easy way to add attitude to a romantic summer dress. Paired with a strapless floor length dress with belted waist, the fedora gives a cool urban feel to any feminine print. We love this look for a late-night dinner or summer drinks on the patio!

Get the Look: Maxi dress available here / Fedora here

Our best advise for pulling off the fedora is to own the look and keep it simple. A great tip for wearing this trend is to keep your hair natural and your outfit fun. Throw on your fedora over loose waves or use it to top off a low messy bun. However you chose to style it, the fedora is definitely a must have piece in your wardrobe this summer!

Happy Styling,

-MAD Team

07.26.13

TODAY ON BT

This was our first time doing a Breakfast Television segment that landed on a home game for the Bombers! Naturally, the theme for our fashion segment was Blue Bomber inspired with topics on game day casual wear in their traditional blue and gold tones as well as a segment narrowing in on the blue hued trend mixed with gold accents for any night out, especially after a big game! 

We had a lot of fun putting these looks together as we searched for the perfect compliment to the teams colours in our game day outfits! We styled our favourite basics and trends for the summer season to recreate these looks, perfect for any Bomber fan cheering on their home team. 

Watch us in this first segment here:

PART I

Left: Striped tee here / Yoga Jeans in store / Handbag (coming soon) / Shoes (available at Joe Fresh locations) 

Right: Striped Skirt (available in store/call to reserve) / Tank here / Jean Vest & Gold Sandals (available at Gap stores) / Necklace here / Cross body bag (coming soon) 

Get Nicola's Look: Mad About Style Dress here / Worn with nude waist belt, white blazer from MAD (old) and nude Steve Madden heels

Whether it's a regular night out or you're heading out after the game to continue the party with your friends, we've styled 2 get-ups that still stay true to the team colours and are dressier for those special destinations! 

Cobalt blue (even navy) has proved to be a staple in any season allowing you to get the most wear from the items in this colour family. Adding the touches of gold in accessories is the finishing touch to your look that's not too over the top yet still refined for that after party! 

Watch us in this second segment here:

PART II

Left: Dress (available in store/call to reserve) / Necklace (Towne & Reese old collection) / Clutch (coming soon) 

Right: Tank (Available in store/call to reserve) / Necklace here / Yoga Jeans here / Flats (available at Gap locations)

07.16.13

We spent a beautiful Sunday out at Falcon with the MAD Team to take a load off which proved to be just what we needed! We soaked up some sun, survived tubing with only minor bumps and bruises, ski'd, wake skated and ended the day with the thrill of a cliff jump! Here are a few snap shots of our crazy fun and hilarious day out on the water..

We hope everyone is enjoying their summers and creating lots of great memories! 

-MAD Team