The Long & Short of Style
Fashion

A Tale of Monochromatics: Series 3

Chocolate, toffee, caramel – all beautiful colours you’ll find in our next installment of our series on monochromatic looks. This week we tackle the variety and richness of the colour brown. Follow along as we show you have we flip it and reverse it to create fun monochromatic looks in shades of cocoa.

Gail’s Ode to Cocoa

Trench Coat: ASOS Curve // Top: Shoe Dazzle (sold out) similar here // Faux Leather Joggers: Aliexpress similar here here or here // Pumps: Ally Shoes

For my straight sizes sisters: Trench Coat // Top // Pants

I cannot lie, I’m really feeling this toffee meets, caramel, meets, café au lait look! You ever put on an outfit and you’re just like, “BAM, I am FEELIN myself!”. Well, friends, that was me in this look. This ode to brown features faux leather pants, a trench coat topper and little animal print for good measure.

First up is this trench coat. I snagged this guy from ASOS Curve site and I’m so glad I did. It’s simple wrap sstyle trench – so no buttons. Now normally I’m not really a fan of wrap style coats only because after a while the front portion of the coat always “riggles” open on me and I’m constantly adjusting it but because the coat is pleather when I tie the belt everything stays locked, loaded and in place.

I love the high of the coat as well. I purchased the coat in a size USA 22 and of course it has pockets. While the interior of the coat is not lined in the “traditional” sense, there is a sort of white backing on the underside of the pleather material.

Now about these caramel coloured faux leather joggers. When I first pulled these out of the package there was, shall we say, an unusual odor that assaulted my nostrils. I had to air them out for a couple of days before I could put these bad boys on. I got them in a size 3X and the fit was perfect – not too baggy but generous fit for my hips, thank you Lord! While I really do like these joggers a lot, especially the caramel colour, I wish the faux leather was a little bit thicker.

I paired my lovely joggers with this cafe au lait top from Shoe Dazzle. I’m wearing a 2X which gave me a more snug fit. The top features a fun draping detail detail at the shoulder which I thought was really cute.

I completed the look with fun gold accessories and these oh so comfy Ally Shoes in a leopard – because as you know, leopard print is a neutral LOL.

Leslie’s Brown Sugar Baby

Coat: Hudson’s Bay // Sequin Blazer: Zara (old, similar here) // Skirt: Topshop (old,  similar here, here) // Boots: ASOS (old, similar here, here, here) // 

For my plus size babes: Coat // Blazer // Skirt // Boots, Boots //

Yes, you often see me in outfits with a lot of bold colour and prints, but man-o-man there’s something to be said for that mocha-choco-late that is just so sweet!

Monochromatic and tone-on-tone looks can be quite striking by the simple fact that they are all one colour thus making for a dramatic impact. This look combines the richness of mocha with the sparkle of sequins and a metallic.

In our journey of monochromatics we’ve seen the magnificents of bright colours, the visual interest of introducing prints into your monochrome look and now we’re looking at the impact of textures and tones!  Another great way to keep your monochrome look from falling flat is introducing the mix media of texture. For this look, we have sequins, a metallic pleat, an embossed croc print and a great wool blend. All of these elements come together to give the look depth, interest and a touch of playfulness.

I added the belt to highlight my waist at the last minute, but you know what? I actually prefer the look without the belt (surprise, surprise)!  The skirt has a black waistband which would have been enough to highlight my waist, but you know I just had to be extra!lol

All in all, as our journey in monochromatics and tone on tone looks comes to an end, I just have this to say; whether you decide to mix your prints, colour block those hues or rock one great colour, make sure the individual pieces work for your body, highlighting the features you like most. That way, no matter what you do, you will always be looking fly!

And that’s the long & short of it!

Gail & Leslie xoxo

Fashion

If The Shoe Fits

If you think expensive sneakers are the only way for you to find comfort in shoes, you have not been introduced to Ally Shoes.  Cushioning, support, fit and style all come together in the form of shoes fit for a Queen at Ally Shoes! This female led company says they are crafting scientifically engineered shoes to alleviate pain and we couldn’t wait to put them to the test. We want to start by saying that neither of us have any serious foot related issues, but we were happy to see that Ally Shoes offers a fit quiz that people can take to determine the correct fit for their feet, including questions on width, if you have one foot bigger than the other and much, much more. Read on to find out if the shoe fits!

And of course we have some lovely promo codes for you! Use code LONGANDSHORTHEELS FOR $40 off your first pair of Ally heels and LONGANDSHORTFLATS for 10% off your first pair of flats!! HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Gail’s Leopard Print Love Affair

Shoes (gifted): Ally Shoes // Animal Print Trench: ASOS Curve (old) similar here // Blouse (also available in straight sizes): Fashion Nova // Faux Leather Skirt: Reitmans (also available in straights sizes)

OKAY Y’ALL!!! I’m going to confess something to all of you. As much as I LOVE fashion, I have a love/hate relationship with shoes. I know its a little nuts right. Well, I have very wide feet and finding shoes that work for me is a chore that ends in me not finding much of anything. Most of the time I’m wearing my sister Leslie’s shoes!

The first time I slipped my foot into these leopard print pumps I felt like I was walking on clouds!!!! To say that they are comfortable is an understatement! These shoes feature patent pending comfort technology and what that spells is functional professional looking heels and flats that are – COMFORTABLE! The other thing I love about this brand is that they’ve really nailed the idea of comfort AND style because lets face it, some “comfort” styles are a little sad looking – thankfully, that is not the case with Ally Shoes.

Ally Shoes offers sizes from 4 all the way up to 12 and they of course offer wide and narrow widths. Ally Shoes also offers a “Fit Quiz” which helps to really drill down to the size that best for you! Isn’t that AMAZING!

So, I selected the a leopard print block heel style that’s uber walkable and so stylish! The heel measures 3 inches and is made of suede upper with leather sole and suede lining.

So, styling these leopard print beauties was a dream! For Leslie and I, leopard print is really a neutral so, naturally it goes with everything. I went for this faux leather pencil skirt with the orange and navy printed blouse. I especially love the blouse because I feel like it has a 70s vibe to it.

The piece de resistance was this snake print trench coat. I figured, why not add another cool print to the mix! And with that, my look is complete!

Leslie’s Shoe-Gasm

Shoes (gifted): Ally Shoes // Coat: TopShop (old, similar here) // Dress: TopShop @ Hudson’s Bay // Belt: Zara (old, similar here) // Purse: Michael Kors (old, similar here)

For my beautiful plus size babe: Coat // Dress // Belt //

 I am ALWAYS professing my love of suits. It’s true, I am a suit girl all the way! But, the hidden truth, the truth that many people don’t know is this: I am a shoe ADDICT! I am obsessed with shoes. My dad is always making fun of me because he doesn’t understand where I will find the time (or the feet) to wear all the shoes I have. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a cute shoe. BUT, I’ve learned the hard way that cute is not everything, no matter what some shoe designers may try to tell you!

“Comfortable heels” is not a phrase that many people think is a possibility, and I get it. I’ve worn and tossed out my fair share of cute, uncomfortable shoes in my time. But Fam, for a pair of pumps I ordered online, never  having tried on a pair of this companies shoes before in my life, let me tell you, I was blown away!

As we mentioned earlier, Ally Shoes provides you with a fit quiz that you can take to see what shoes size you will need. And get this; you can do an at-home trial so that you can try them out before you buy! While this only applies to their classic pumps, it’s a perfect way to test drive these shoes to ensure a great fit. Sadly, at home trials are only available for American customers but we are hoping it will be available for Canada soon. They also offer shoes up to size US 12 and have half sizes up to US 12!

Now let’s discuss fit! Being the shoe junkie that I am, I’ve tried on my fair share of supposedly comfortable shoes. When I opened the box slipped my feet into the right foot (that’s my bigger foot), people. I was like – oops, I left some of the stuffing in the shoe. I proceeded to pick up the shoe, and examine it in greater detail only to realize that there was no left over stuffing in the shoe. They have this wonderfully cushiony insole that supports my arch and feels like I’m standing on padding. IT FELT AMAZING! I then made Gail try them on, and Roseline our talented photographer and they too put on just one foot and were like “oh wow”. These shoes ARE COMFORTABLE! 

Just for the record, I’m not pushing anyone to wear pumps if you know they are not for you, but Ally Shoes also offers some super cute flats too! 

These gorgeous rose-gold classic pumps I went for make me feel like I’m wearing jewelry on my feet! The heel height is such that I can walk in them for a long time, and the colour and style allow me to add some pop to any look I rock them with.  With jeans or a dress, these pumps take an outfit from regular to next level cute! 

Styling this overall look was as easy as 1-2-3! A printed red midi dress to which I added a belt to emphasize my waistline, bold statement coat with a brown leather coat underneath because it’s Canada and it’s cold and I was ready for my runway!

And that’s the long & short of it!

Gail & Leslie xoxo

Photo credit: Roseline Bonheur

Shoot location: Bisha Hotel Toronto

Fashion

Cardi Chic

As the cool crisp air of fall blows it signals that its sweater weather and time to reach for your fave knitwear. Follow along with us as we keep it cute while keeping the cold breezes at bay.

Leslie’s Zeal for Zebra

Sweater: Hudson’s Bay (old, similar here, here) // Coat: H&M (old, similar here) // Cami: Walmart (old, similar here) // Skirt: River Island (old, similar here, here, here) // Boots: Zara (old, similar here, here) // Belt: Zara // Purse: Michael Kors (old, similar here) //

For my gorgeous plus size sisters: Sweater, Sweater // Coat // Cami // Skirt, Skirt // Belt //

I love feeling comfortable in everything I wear, and this pandemic has only strengthened this feeling in me! So whether I’m lounging at home or going out for a night on the town (remember when we used to be able to do that ) either way, I wana be comfy. This look is all about bringing the comfy to my cute!

This sweater that we scooped up from TopShop at Hudson’s Bay is so soft I can literally fall asleep in it. I purposely bought it 2 sizes too big so that I would have that oversized look. This would also ensure that the sleeves would be more than long enough as well! And don’t get me started on how much I love the animal print!

Animal prints have never really gone out of fashion. When I watch movies from the 40’s, 60’s, 80’s and now, an animal print often makes an appearance. My mama always says, everything comes back in fashion (whether you want it to or not!LOL) and from what I have seen, it’s true. This cardigan with its beige and brown zebra print is on trend and easy to pair with jeans and sneakers or, in my case, a faux leather pleated skirt.

Continuing my theme of comfort, this skirt being pleated allows me to be free, free, free! For colder days, I can throw on a pair of jogging pants underneath (and for the record, yes, I have done this) and on warmer fall days, it allows for great air circulation! LOL 

The faux leather means that I don’t have to worry too much about this creamy colour getting dirty and it too goes with so many pieces in my wardrobe which is even more important to a lot of us these days! 

While I love colour and print, it always pays to have some neutrals in your closet. These boots that I picked up from Zara a couple years a go now are still going strong. The heel height is such that I can happily wear them for a prolonged period, while the style and colour are classic e enough to be fashionable year after year. Investment pieces y’all, that is what I’m about !

The oversized belt has become my thing – I can’t lie, I love it! This one I recently picked up from Zara and I am not disappointed. Because I’m long and lean with minimal curves I am always looking for ways to create that desirable hourglass shape and I’ve found belts are the simple key to my success! I use them to both shorten the appearance of my long torso as well as highlight my waistline creating the silhouette I’m after.  

Comfy, cute, classic, that’s what this look is all about! 

Gail’s Graphic Print Goals

Cardi: Topshop (old) similar here // Tank top: Reitmans (old) similar here //Faux leather pants: Lane Bryant (old) similar here // Wide Calf Faux Suede Boots: Lane Bryant (old) similar here // Handbag: eBay

For my straight size sisters here are some options for you: Cardi (see Leslie’s option) // Faux leather pants // Faux Suede Boots

Getting to play with fashion is so much fun. I get to express myself how ever I want to and that is so exciting really. So, putting this look together was so much because it incorporates something that I love so much faux leather pieces. I know the point of this post is about the cardi that Leslie and I are both wearing but it’s the faux leather cropped pants for me!

I was traveling with my cousins for our annual icewine festival trip last year when we were free to be outside and travel and what not and I hopped, skipped and jumped into Lane Bryant hereto for referred to as “LB”. I saw these faux leather wide leg cropped pants, which were on sale, and I knew I had to try these bad boys on. Now I don’t want you to freak out that these pants are wide leg. The flow beautifully and have an edgy quality to them so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

These size 22 cropped pants are a pull on and feature an elasticized waist in the back. There is a cute button details in the front with a seam running down the front. They also have pockets which lie flat so no added bulkiness at the hip.

Ok, now for the cardi. So, this lil zebra print gem does not come in plus sizes. Leslie purchased this Topshop cardi in two sizes, medium and large. The cardigan is already rather oversized so she didn’t need it in the large size so I thought let me at least try it on before she returns. To my pleasant surprise it fit so, I kindly took it off her hands. So, ladies let that be a lesson to you. Try things on. If they don’t fit, no big deal…there is nothing wrong with you PERIOD!

I completed my look with these wide calf from faux suede boots also from LB (they really came through for me!). Now finding wide calf boots has been the bane of my existence.

I would find the coolest of cool knee high boots and then have my hopes dashed because the zipper couldn’t get past my strong calves. Thankfully things have changed and there are endless wide calf boots options out in the marketplace – AMEN! lol

And that’s the long & short of it!

Gail & Leslie xoxo

Photo credit: Roseline Bonheur

Fashion

Marooned

Are you trying to figure out what coat to rock this season? Thinking about straying away from the more traditional grays and blacks and trying something new? Well read on folks, because sometimes getting “marooned” is not bad at all!

Gail’s Trench Coat Vibe

Coat: Hilary MacMillan // Blazer: ASOS Curve (old) similar here // Belt: Walmart (old) similar here // Skirt: Forever 21 Plus // Boots: Ashley Stewart (old) similar here // Handbag: Michael Kors (old) similar here // Sunnies: eBay

For my straight size sisters here are some options for you:

Coat: see Leslie’s beautiful option // Blazer // Skirt // Belt

Faux leather weather is definitely upon us and I for one could be happier. I just love fall and getting to play dress in sweaters, nifty faux leather boots and all. I love investing in great transitional pieces like this faux leather trench from Hilary MacMillan which I got in a size 3X.

This coat is perfect in that its heavy enough to offer warmth on cool crisp days but not too heavy to get you over heated. The rich burgundy colour of the coat is another great plus to combat these dreary fall days.

So, I decided to pair this rich burgundy coat with warm neutrals in the form of this tailored cafe au lait blazer. I’ve featured this jacket several times on the blog because its a gift that keeps on giving. I can dress it up our down easily. I just love when my clothing can do double duty.

The new addition to my closet is this light pink satin skirt. This skirt is a dream – honestly its the fluttery hem for me. The skirt, which I purchased in a size 3X, is cut on the bias so it just skims my curves wonderfully.

I completed my look with faux cognac coloured suede boots, studded purse from Michael Kors and these kick ass sunnies.

Leslie’s Marinating in Maroon like…

Coat: House of CB (old, similar here, here) // Blazer: Zara (old, similar here) // Trousers: Zara (old, similar here) // Booties: Shoe Dazzle (old, similar here) // Purse belt: Zara (old, similar here) // Top: Zara (really a dress, old, similar here, here) // Sunglasses: eBay // 

For my plus size babes: Coat (same as Gail’s see here) // Blazer // Trousers // Top //

I love the colour burgundy or maroon as I feel like they go with so many different colours in my wardrobe. From greens to purples, yellows, oranges and browns, it’s a great colour to go with the coloursmost synonymous with fall.

I wanted to pair this maroon faux leather trench coat with a fun mix of gray plaids and leopard prints. Plaids continue to be a huge trend and why not pull out your fave plaids and remix them. First lesson here is: your plaids don’t have to match! In this instance I decided to take a plaid blazer in my wardrobe with a fine print and rock it with a lighter plaid trouser with a similar, but different print. 

If you are feeling a little concerned about trying this for the first time, start by taking a bolder plaid print and mixing it with a more subtle plaid print in a similar colour. Then when you’re more comfortable, dive into mixing plaid colours and prints that are more striking. Remember, fashion is supposed to be fun and can be a way of expressing how you feel! Stepping out of our comfort zone can sometimes be an integral and exciting part of that!

Continuing with the theme of mixing prints, I added leopard to the mix. We have always considered leopard to be a neutral. It really goes with almost anything. Here I put a touch of leopard in my look by wearing this belt bag and booties. 

Now, because I just wanted to be extra, and I’m all about mixing my prints, I opted to wear a houndstooth top (which is really a dress) with the look. I kept it black and white so that it easily went with the colours in my plaid mix, but still added an extra punch of print.  

The trench coat was just the perfect topper for it all. It works for both work and play making it a great investment piece at this time when we may not necessarily be trying-to-try to buy too much beyond joggers and pajamas!LOL

All of this to say, if you’re looking for a coat this season and were going to go with black because you think it goes with everything, consider switching it up and sliding into a maroon coat instead!

And that’s the long & short of it!

Gail & Leslie xoxo

Photo credit: Roseline Bonheur

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