A little while back, I was asked to ponder the question of Ottawa style…  

Often maligned, O-Town is not well known for its sartorial prowess.  There seems to be no shortage of those who lament Ottawa’s lack of fashion finesse, who bemoan our limited shopping options, and who willingly concede to a culture that celebrates casual dress. 

Not I!  Not anymore. 

I say it is incumbent upon us all, as citizens of Canada’s national capital, to do our part.  Stand up and stand out!  Every day we get dressed is a day to be the change we want to see.  Others will follow those who lead…

The following are just a few grown-up girl suggestions, suited to Ottawa’s more subtle style, that are sure get you started.

Statement Shoes - In my mind, there is no stronger statement that a seriously stunning pair of shoes.  With pants, a skirt or even at work, nothing gets noticed more that fancy footwear.  I am sold on the Internet shoe shopping - for diversity and for price - but for local shoe finds, check out Town Shoes, Nine West or Coach at the Rideau Centre.

The Perfect Pencil Skirt - Flattering and versatile, this trim shape will lend some sass to your ass!  Warning: wearing a pencil skirt may leave you feeling uncharacteristically confident.  I found my prized pencil in the most unexpected place…

A  Cool Cardigan -  Yes, the cardigan might sound a little too button-down or bow tie to be fashionable, but imagine the cool combinations…sexy with the pencil skirt,  refined with denim, and downright fabulous with a lovely little black dress…

Chunky Funky Jewellery - Finish off with flare by adding and an unusual piece of jewellery to otherwise unremarkable outfits.  Buy vintage or handmade, and discover the power of projecting your unique personality.  For great prices and a gorgeous selection, try Etsy - or for more local treasures, shop the park at The New Art Festival coming up June 6-7.

The Classic Jean Jacket - A jean jacket can do more than cover up your cold shoulders once the sun goes down.  It can also add a bit of edge when your wardrobe seems a bit too sweet.  Do try to avoid head-to-toe denim though, and instead pair this classic jacket with more colourful pieces and softer shapes.  For long wearing denim in contemporary cuts, get going right on back to the Gap.

Cowboy Shirt - Some might say plaid has no place in the big city, but I would beg to differ.  With sexy jeans and some statement shoes, a cowboy shirt might actually serve to shake up the downtown scene.  To find a genuine version, step into one of Ottawa’s very cool vintage clothing boutiques Aunt Olive’s or Young Jane’s to see what turns up.

The White T -  It’s clean.  It’s chic. It goes with everything.  What more is there to say?  I make my annual pilgrimage to Old Navy each May to get the season started and to stock up on white T’s.

Super Sexy Boots -  An authentic pair of cowboy boots will definitely put a kick in your step.  Talk about walking the walk!  Check in regularly at Value Village for a pair with that truly “worn in” look.

Summer White Jeans - What could be better than breezy, easy white denim jeans?  Dress them up with high heels and bold jewellery or dress them down with a few crisp and casual stripes.  Either way, white jeans will carry many a day!  The Gap is always a good place to check for wardrobe staples like these.

Standout Sunglasses - Why not add a little glamour and mystery to your everyday.  Who cares if you are only out to take the bus to your cubicle?  Slip on some slick shades and feel free to stare.  No one will know the difference!   This year, I splurged on a polarized pair from Marc Jacobs while in California, and have not looked back since…

A Smart Dress (preferably in black) -  It’s hard to go wrong with a dress, and it’s true, the LBD can be adapted to just about any occasion.  Even Saturday morning trips to the grocery store can be elevated by throwing a dress over the ponytail, and just adding flip-flops. 

Sailor Stripes - Some people are suckers for stripes, and this girlaboutOtown is definitely one of them.  Classic and clean, they can take you from boardroom to beach and back again.  The French Sailor shirt from LL Bean will stand the test of time and last forever!

The School Blazer - A crisp blazer can be made casual when matched with pants and some runners, but why not spiff up and send strong signals when you want to be taken seriously?   For good suits that speak well, consider Holt Renfrew and invest in the best.

Evergreen Jeans - No wardrobe is complete without a good pair of well fitting jeans.  Feel good in them, and wear them any day or everyday with whatever you feel like.  Keep them neat for work, with good shoes and a proper top or let loose for the weekend with nothing but a T.  Just promise when you find yourself staring confused into your closet, you will remember there are always other options. 

Mix and match.  Splurge and save.  Most of all?  Make the best of every day!

And remember - fashion fades, but style remains…

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