Practical Fashion - Only In Canada

You might have read the post that I put up last week where my 'lil peanut Arlo gave advice about dressing for occasions. That post was just for jokes, but it did get me thinking a bit about dressing up for specific occasions. In Canada, there are some occasions that are pretty Canada-specific. This week, I'm giving my suggestions for looking fine while livin' it up in the Great White North:

May 2-4 Weekend at the Cottage
Do you like people giving you this look?

You'll get a similar death stare if you mention to someone who lives in a warm climate that you're going to open up the cottage, rain or shine, on a weekend when you'll be guaranteed to encounter black flies and freezing water. People who live in Canada won't bat an eyelash. Being at the cottage in May means dressing in layers, as lord knows what the weather will bring. This cute little striped dress is perfect. Wear it with a sweater coat, tights and rainboots if it is cold/wet, or just a light cardigan, flats and bug spray if it is somehow warm.

It's pretty much a given that you'll need warm clothing at some point during the weekend. This poncho works as maternity wear, or as a warm layer to wear over top of you and your little one.

Beer Garden at the Sloan Concert
(can substitute any of the following acts: Rush, Tragically Hip, Guess Who, Kim Mitchell, Trooper)
You've got to love when a beloved Canadian band or musician hits up your city or town for some sort of  Midnight Madness/Fair action. I can't wait to sit out in a park, beer in hand, jamming out to the songs of my youth. Hopefully it will be warm, so that I can wear cute shorts and a top.

Poutine Restaurant
I go out to eat poutine waaaaaaay more often than I should. If you're going out for poutine, make sure to put on something that won't show gravy stains too easily. This cute little dress is perfect!

Because Canada is such a large country, there are more provincial and regional events than I am able pull looks for. If you have a specific event coming up that you're having trouble selecting an outfit for, close your eyes and picture yourself at the event, having fun. What are you wearing? Start there, and look around until you come up with something fantastic to wear. Good luck!

HBC Collection Cashmere Robe (thebay.com)
Striped T-Shirt Dress (joefresh.com)
Mamaponcho (evymama.ca)
Turquoise Pleated Short (phillipsparks.com)
Jeremy Laing Slope Tee (lagarconne.com)
Ruffle Dress (bedo.ca)

XOXO,
Emily