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Pattern Play

Fall, Fashion, Pantone, Pattern Play, Summer

PATTERN PLAY | POLKA DOTS

I’m so thrilled to bring you fresh installment in my PATTERN PLAY series as we transition into autumn, featuring a print I didn’t think you’d ever see me wear here at JustineCelina — Polka Dots! If you’re into FASHION you’re probably used to seeing spots in various garments, and at a wide variety of retailers, over the past couple of years. In stark contrast to the last post in this series dedicated to chain print (which I’ve worn and loved for the better part of a decade!), Polka Dots are a very new addition to my wardrobe — but one I’m happy to welcome into my closet! Isn’t it funny how your tastes change and you find yourself wearing things you initially didn’t think were for you? Today I’m embracing my style evolution with PATTERN PLAY | Polka Dots — a comprehensive guide on how to make one of 2019 / 2020’s key prints work for you in any season!

Although I consider Polka Dot to be a classic print, it took me awhile to find a piece that didn’t feel too was too sweet or traditional for me. I felt that polka dotted pieces in more basic colours (like black and white) just didn’t suit my personal style, because they felt too rigid and formal. But as I’ve mentioned many times in this series, I’m a firm believer that if you’re intrigued by a print, there’s a way to make it work for you — incorporating it into your personal style in a way that compliments your lifestyle, preferences, figure and budget. So when I spotted this darling Pantone Sugar Almond (I’m already drawing inspiration from the AW19/20 Fashion Colour Trend Report!) coloured wrap dress, I instantly fell for the unique colour and larger scale of the print. If you’re intrigued by Polka Dots but not sure how to wear them, you’ve come to the right place — I’m sharing my best tips and tricks for finding the right pattern for your body type, how to style spots into 2020 and shoppable links for my favourite polka dotted pieces at every price point!

September 9, 2019 by Justine

Fashion, Pantone, Pattern Play, Winter

PATTERN PLAY | CHAIN PRINT

Friends and fashionistas, welcome back for a fresh installment in my PATTERN PLAY series, dedicated to all things chain print! If you keep an eye on fashion trends, you’ll likely have noticed a surge of chain print trickling into your favourite retailers since the onset of autumn — and it’s hotter than ever as we transition into spring. Although this vintage feeling, designer-inspired print has always had a place in my wardrobe (namely in my vintage scarf collection!), I was thrilled to see its reemergence this season in so many fresh interpretations. That said, I always ensure trends have longevity before integrating them into my personal style and bringing them to JustineCelina — and can confidently declare that chain print here to stay!

While this bold, attention grabbing pattern definitely makes a statement, chain printed garments and accessories are popping up in nearly every colour, scale and fabric imaginable — there’s truly something for everyone. Because of the wide range of chain print currently available, I now consider it a seasonless pattern that works year-round! I’m a firm believer that if you’re intrigued by a print, there’s a way to make it work for you — incorporating it into your personal style in a way that compliments your lifestyle, preferences, body type and budget. Whether you’re ready to shackle yourself in chain print this season, simply want to learn more about upcoming SS19 trends (plus, how you can start wearing them right now!), or are here for my best styling tips to make your midi and maxi hemlines work during the depths of winter, you’ll love today’s post!

February 25, 2019 by Justine

Fall, Fashion, Makeup, Pattern Play, Winter

PATTERN PLAY | PAISLEY

Welcome back for a fresh installment in my PATTERN PLAY series today, friends! Earlier this autumn, we discussed all things snakeskin — one of AW18‘s hottest prints. While the pattern we’re focusing on in this post isn’t nearly as statement-making, I was absolutely thrilled to see a resurgence of paisley this season. Paisley is a very vintage feeling print that’s always had a special place in my wardrobe — but when I spotted this dress earlier this autumn (which I think would make a stunning holiday dress for you fellow bohemian beauties!) it was love at first sight! In true JustineCelina style I ordered her in 2 different colour stories and I have so much fun styling her up this autumn / winter. Today’s post, shot at my childhood home in rural Alberta, is dedicated to all things paisley — including the history of the print, styling options, tips to help you select your perfect paisley piece and tons of shoppable links at every price-point for your browsing pleasure!

Although I consider paisley to be a classic print, it’s also a polarizing one — you either love it or hate it. I personally love it! Paisley has graced the pages of JustineCelina many times, but made less of a statement (like in my vintage scarves, for example). It also has quite an interesting history! Although of Persian origin (the buta shape is characterized by an almond-shaped motif with a curved tip), paisley became popular in psychedelic culture in the 60’s thanks to The Beatles. The buta traditionally symbolizes fire and commonly makes an appearance on Persian carpets, rugs and textiles — but this season, we’ve seen it popping up more frequently in the form of dresses, skirts, blazers, scarves and ties. If you’re intrigued by this unconventional pattern and have been coveting a paisley piece of your own, settle in for a educational, fashion-focused read!

December 11, 2018 by Justine

Fall, Fashion, Makeup, Pattern Play, Vintage

PATTERN PLAY | SNAKESKIN

Animal print is absolutely everywhere this autumn / winter — and I personally couldn’t be happier about it! As I slithered through all the animal-inspired goodness this season brought, I have to say the print that surprised me the most was snakeskin. Snakeskin is bigger than ever for AW18 — type it into the search bar of your favourite online retailer and scale-covered options abound in nearly every garment and accessory. Admittedly, I wasn’t sure about the trend at first — but I absolutely think it can be elegant and beautiful when styled with a tasteful eye. Although I never thought you’d catch me in head-to-toe snakeskin, I’m all about experimenting with my personal style and staying inspired creatively, which is why I think it’s important to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. I was so thrilled to find a frock that I felt suited my personal style and also allowed me to dabble in a trend I wasn’t sure was for me — it’s since become one of my most worn and definitely my most complimented pieces. This post is all about empowering you to do to same! I firmly believe trends can be adapted to suit everyone’s personal style — it’s just about finding a piece that suits your lifestyle, integrates seamlessly into your wardrobe and makes you feel amazing!

Today’s post is an ode to all things snakeskin, including my favourite ways to wear it for autumn / winter, styling tips for both personal and professional settings and a roundup of my favourite snakeskin pieces plus links to everything I’m wearing (or similar alternatives) at every price point. If you’re intrigued by the snakeskin trend but simply aren’t sure where to start, this post is for you! Pour yourself a juicy glass of red wine and settle in for a fresh installment in my PATTERN PLAY series dedicated to AW18‘s breakout print!

November 28, 2018 by Justine

Fall, Fashion, Life, Pantone, Pattern Play, Summer, Travel

PATTERN PLAY | STRIPES

Happy Autumn Equinox, everyone! Today I’m saying farewell to summer and welcoming fall with the second installment in my PATTERN PLAY series, dedicated to one of my favourite prints — stripes! Remember when I mentioned that I took some time to get re-inspired style content wise this summer and was planning to bring you more comprehensive, multi outfit posts to JustineCelina? Well, this is the first of many! I’m kicking things off today by rounding up all the different ways I wore stripes this summer, highlighting key stripe trends and colours I’ll be wearing into autumn as well as sharing shoppable links for my transitional striped wardrobe (plus my AW18 wishlist!).

When I look back on all the content we captured this summer, one thing is very apparent — I wore a lot of stripes! These past few months I really took my commitment to getting back to a way of living and working in a way that nurtures my passions seriously — which included lots of time spent outdoors with friends and family. I also switched things up and shot more style content in the moment whenever possible! I wore stripes from the prairies, to farmers markets, to berry pick, to mountain lakes and just about everywhere in between. They’re such a versatile print that can be worn in both personal and professional settings, ranging from classic and understated to bright and bold — a true chameleon print! If you’re a stripe lover or are looking for some fresh styling ideas to incorporate stripes into your autumn wardrobe, join me today for a crash course in all things striped!

September 22, 2018 by Justine

Beauty, Fashion, Makeup, Pattern Play, Spring, Winter

PATTERN PLAY | LEOPARD

I’m spending Good Friday catching up on some editorial content — and I don’t mind one bit! It’s snowing (again… cue eye roll!) here in Calgary so I’m quite content to be curled up at my desk in a cozy pair of sweatpants and fuzzy socks with my second cup of coffee. Spring has definitely been holding out on us this year — and while most of the world (and the fashion industry) is in full on spring mode, I always dress for our current Alberta climate. Today I’m thrilled to introduce a new series to the JustineCelina FASHION department called PATTERN PLAY — where I dedicate an entire post to a specific pattern — along with tons of styling ideas, curated pieces with shoppable links at every price point and tips for selecting the right print for your lifestyle and body type. And we’re kicking things off with one of my favourite classic prints, leopard! I’m also taking this snow covered opportunity to get the last of cold weather textures in — including (faux) leather, satin and wool. Hey — I’m a glass half full kinda gal!

Regardless of whether you’re a leopard lover or never thought leopard was for you, there’s something for everyone in today’s post! I’m chatting about how you can incorporate leopard print into your wardrobe right now as well as transition it into spring (and style it with 2 of my favourite spring prints, stripes and florals!). I’ve always considered leopard print a neutral (when you break it down, it’s just shades of brown and black) — and while it’s more popular some seasons than others, this iconic pattern truly never goes out of style. In fact, I’ve owned my oldest leopard piece for about 8 years! Of course, there are some of the usual suspects in today’s look as well — including baker boy hats (but don’t worry — I finally trimmed my fringe this week so I’ll be sharing some new style content next month where I’m not wearing a hat!), longline coats, OTK boots and a beautiful, neutral lip — but I’ve also integrated some fun, playful textures in this monochromatic, leopard-centric outfit.

March 30, 2018 by Justine