Spring Cleaning - The Wardrobe Edition!

Welcome back to my blog, my loves! It's been a long time since my last post but I am excited to be getting back on here to create weekly updated content for y'all. 

Spring is fast approaching! I wanted to reboot the blog by sharing a few tips I had for cleaning out and organizing your closets in order to get ready for all of your new Spring/Summer 2018 purchases, which are coming into the shop pretty consistently now!
So here's to your most fashionable and organized self!

Step One: The Clear-Out

Step Two: Question Each Piece 

Step Three: The Re-Load

Step One: The Clear-Out

In order for a new season to begin, the one before it has to end. A new Season is like a FRESH START and in my experience the best way to start fresh is a blank slate. Empty your closet almost entirely and put each piece into 3 separate categories.. 

Step Two: Question each piece

It sounds like a LOT of work but if you stay focused, put on some sweet tunes and go with your gut you'll be feeling refreshed in no time! If you're like me and have a hard time parting with things a professional or good friend can be really helpful for this step. I had a tendency to keep things even if I NEVER wore them because I just really loved them which creates clutter and disorganization. Out with the old so you have room for the new! 

*Don't forget to include the commonly overlooked items like socks, underwear, pyjamas, etc.*

Each item gets put into the following piles..

 A. Put it away until next season

examples include bulky sweaters, sweater dresses/tunics, cowl necks, turtlenecks etc.

B. Keep it in regular rotation

examples include lightweight sweaters, kimono's, blazers, or anything you couldn't imagine life without

C. Get rid of it entirely 

examples include anything you haven't worn in the last year or two, things that don't fit, things that are no longer your 'style', single socks, socks with holes, uncomfortable underwear... etc.

Step Three: The Re-Load

Hopefully after much deliberation you have 3 piles that you are comfortable with. Have on hand some appropriate sized storage bins for what you have decided to put away until next season and plastic bags for what you have decided to donate. I donate to the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, a cause close to my heart. Bonus: They have drop off points or an option for pickup! Click HERE for the details. Once you have your Winter Season stored, and your donation pile ready for pickup you are ready to re-load everything that's left into your dressers and/or closets! Thin hangers (the thinner the hanger, the more you can squeeze in!) with good grip are ideal. I suggest velvet hangers, these ones, on Amazon can hold up to 10 pounds and prevent damage to delicate items while providing a non-slip grip to keep your precious items from getting lost on your closet floor. If you also have dresser space, you can fold certain items and hang the others. Always hang your thinner, more delicate tops, as well as your dressy, dressy/casual tops which prevents creasing, keeps them  looking fresh and from getting lost folded amongst your more bulkier items. You can also hang your dressy bottoms, blazers/jackets and skirts of any kind. As for your dressers: Fold your denim, casual tops, sweaters, leggings, sweatpants and pyjamas. I have the Hemnes 8 drawer dresser from Ikea, I love having the 4 small drawers on the top for smaller things. I have separated leggings, socks, bras/bralettes, and underwear each into their own small drawer making the everyday items easily accessible. 

I hope you can take some of these tips and put your own spin on them. Remember not to take yourself too seriously just have fun!

x

Dakota Mae

Pom Pom Mania | A Convertible Pom Pom Beanie That Can Also Dress Up Your Handbag | A Great Gift Idea!

It's that time of year again ladies! Time to bundle up and stay warm for the next few months. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a huge fan of the cold weather, but it's here wether we like it or not! Scroll down and continue reading why this particular Pom-Pom hat has made it to the top of our wish list!

There are pom-pom hats of all different shapes and sizes out there but the quality and size of the pom takes this hat to the next level! The quality of the actual hat is also really great. It's sure to keep your head nice and toasty.

There are a nice variety of colour options! Black, oatmeal, charcoal grey and mauve, and the pom-poms have hints of the matching colours (with the exception of the black that has a full black pom) 

So if this hat couldn't get cooler the pom-pom is completely removable and comes with a keychain which you can attach the pom to if you choose to wear your hat pom-less! There is almost nothing I like better in an accessory than versatility! Pictured above with the pom attached to your purse and below the hat without the pom!

This Pom-Pom trend is so big right now and they're selling fast! They make a great gift, so before it gets too cold make sure to grab one for yourself or a friend in store or online. They are $52 and available in cream, oatmeal, mauve, grey and black.

While we suffer through the wind, the ice and snow at least there are fun and interesting things like these Pom Hats to keep you warm AND add some fun to your winter wardrobe!

Don't forget to tag us in your #dakotamaeshop styles!

XO

Dakota Mae.  

Welcome to Dakota Mae - Fall 2016 Boutique Tour

Welcome Loves! 

We have revamped the store for fall and I was SO excited about it that I wanted to give you all a mini virtual tour. As you scroll you'll also get to see some glimpses of our new fall merchandise!

If you need a little break from shopping to reflect what you're getting OR if you prefer to shop with a friend, please relax enjoy the couch and the jukebox where you can choose your own music to shop to! 

You will find mannequins all over the store, where we carefully select outfits and layer accessories in hopes to inspire you. 

Our Bamboo Collection is a necessity for layering. If you are already a seasoned Dakota Mae professional you definitely have your fair share of it and there is ALWAYS room for new styles & colours in your closet. It's that time now for the Fleece Lined Leggings! They are the coziest and come in 10 colours. They join the program with the Bamboo Turtlenecks, Mock-Necks, V-Necks and Heathered Leggings for fall.  

There is bamboo is for layering (which includes bralette's, crop tanks and regular tanks). We also have bamboo basics in long sleeve tops, sweaters and pants! 

All of the above: Fall staples. 

Fall means Sweaters! Chunky knit sweaters & sweater tunics with leggings. Both available dressy for work & casual for the weekend!

ACCESSORIES! 

These include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, scarves, rings and hats to name a few. All available in both dainty styles and chunky statement pieces. 

This concludes my fall Boutique Tour! I hope you enjoyed a small taste of both the store and what's here for fall! I look forward to seeing you soon and helping you to find the most perfect addition to your closet. Whether you've been shopping here for years or you're a new face!

I cannot WAIT. 

XO

Dakota Mae. 

Follow our Instagram, Twitter, Facebook Page for more fun along the way!

Oscars Best Dressed 2016

The Oscars 2016

Here are a couple of my my hi-lights of the night along with, of course, the best and worst looks from Hollywoods most talked about night! 

A serious shoutout goes to my school-girl crush, Leo, for not only finally bringing home an Oscar, but for giving an incredibly moving speech. He touched on some real environmental issues that effect each and everyone of us. Thank you Leo, for not only being a babe, but for trying to make a difference for all of humanity. 

Also, Lady Gaga is a superstar. That was such a powerful performance which seemed to move so many to tears. Her braveness and the braveness of the people who came out at the end to stand alongside her showcases something so much more than movies, glitz & glam, but issues near and far.

And now onto the outfits! We have our 3 worst and best dressed ladies!

Worst Dressed #3

Costume Designer Jacqueline West was nominated for The Revenant. I think it was a combination of things that bothered me, putting her in my least favourite lineup. The shapelessness of the dress, the BAGGY middle, the shoulder cutout and three quarter baggy sleeves... But mostly the slip sticking out the bottom and the seam on said slip which seemed unpolished.

Worst Dressed #2

Reese Witherspoon in Oscar de la Renta 

The lovely Reese Witherspoon was wearing a horribly fitted strapless dress with an awful and super awkward bow on top of her ASSets  

Worst Dressed #1

Heidi Klum in Marchesa

Heidi Klum looks like a 5 year old fairy princess. The fabric is one element that I actually appreciate, but not in combination with the one sleeve floral and ruffle details. The entire bust area actually has me at a loss... a little bit of a craft project gone bad and maybe a LITTLE glam?

Best Dressed #3

Charlize Theron in Dior 

The colour, the front, the back, the accessories. She looks beautiful (and makes me want to run to the gym and do a back workout or 5)! 

Best Dressed #2 

Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive. 

This mint shade is Cate's COLOUR!! Her waist is perfectly cinched. The colour is perfect on her. The texture is interesting but doesn't take away from the look at all. BEAUTY QUEEN!

Best Dressed #1

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

I literally don't even have words. Jennifer Lawrence is flawless in Dior. I love the contrast of the ruffled bottom and the slickness of the bustier styled top. The neutral nudes and blacks are so simple that it has symmetry. I am in LOVE with her look!

What do you think? Were the Oscars memorable? What outfits were your favourite? What were some of your most memorable moments? Let us know in the comments below!

XO 

Dakota. 

Celebrity Style Envy: The Full Midi A-Line Skirt

This 1950's style Midi Skirt is growing in popularity! I love it because it is flirty and fun but my Clients that want to stay a little conservative can keep the length. I love that this style skirt can be dressed up and/or down depending on the top you pair with it. Our Celebrity look-a-like is worn by Ali Fedotowsky, a correspondent for E News. Ali wears a Tibi Brand ($525) and pairs it with a casual tank top.  Steal the look from Dakota Mae for only $75! 

Ali dresses hers skirt down with a casual butterfly tank.

Click the link below for dress details & more!

http://dakotamae.com/collections/clothing/products/full-pearl-skirt

Would you try the Midi length trend this summer? Let us know! 

XO Dakota Mae

Top 5 Reasons to Buy Lisette-L Pants:

They're Generational:

Our clients LOVING these pants range anywhere from their early 20s to late 70s and beyond! 

Comfortable AND Flattering: 

Made with Lycra and built in flatter control. No buttons, buckles, zippers or snaps to bulge out or get in the way. All of our clients agree they look slimmer and feel more secure in Lisette-L. 

Fits to ALL Shapes and Sizes:  

From Taylor Swift (said to LOVE Lisette-L pants) to Oprah Winfrey, a seasoned Veteran, as a few major celeb examples, Lisette-L pants fit to MANY different body shapes and sizes. 

You're Supporting a Canadian Company: 

Not only is the company's designer Lisette Limoges from our very own Montreal, these pants are also made here! 

Wash & Wear:

Not only are these pants fashionable, but our clients are JUST as happy with the care process! These dress pants are fully washable in cold water. Lay them flat to dry, give them a few shakes and wipe the excess water off. Lay them down sideways to finish drying for perfectly centered creases that will elongate your leg. 

Do you have a pair of Lisette-L Pants? Tell us how much you love them!

XO Dakota Mae

We Gush Over BLUSH.

Spring is just around the corner and I couldn't be more ready to say adios to my Winter Wardrobe. Nothing say's Spring is here like the colour blush.

XO Dakota Mae