Cara McLeay’s Spring Style Trend Report

Local fashion blogger Cara McLeay (A Fashion Love Affair) shares five fresh looks to add to your wardrobe this season

Credit: Patrick Stansfield, Cara McLeay in Nicole Miller

Vancouver fashion blogger Cara McLeay picks her favourite spring trends

With her long, soft waves and modern, feminine style, Vancouver fashion blogger Cara McLeay is the perfect source of inspiration for this spring’s bohemian looks. Since launching A Fashion Love Affair in 2011, McLeay has risen to the forefront of the city’s social media scene, earning more than 50,000 fans on Instagram alone (@carajourdan). From fringe to floral, gingham to denim, we catch up with McLeay to get her take on the hottest trends of the season and how to wear them.

 

Love Cara’s hair?

Get the look with her XO Styling Iron. Use the code XOBCLIVING for 15% off at AFashionLoveAffair.com

Credit: Patrick Stansfield

Relaxed Denim

Where to wear: Weekend shopping

“I love wearing looser denim, but of course you want to make sure you look chic and not just underdressed. I find adding heels is the perfect way to still look put together.”

Cara’s Look

Sweater by Vince, jacket by Whistles, jeans from Joe Fresh, heels from Zara, bag by Sophie Hulme, sunglasses by Céline

Get the Trend

“Boyfriend Beacon” jeans by Rag & Bone (pictured right) in soft distressed denim featuring bleached flecking and shredded knees (leg can be worn rolled or down), available at aritzia.com

Credit: Patrick Stansfield

Floral

Where to wear: Lunch in the city

“Florals are a classic trend that come back season after season, although always with a new twist. This bigger pattern of florals on the lilac background is an updated version of a good classic.”

Cara’s Look

Floral maxi dress by Bariano, vintage bag by Chanel

Get the Trend

Loeffler Randall “Ink Floral” leather lock clutch (pictured right), available at loefflerrandall.com

 

Credit: Patrick Stansfield

Gingham

Where to wear: Dinner on a patio

“Gingham is another classic print taking on a new life this season. I love the retro vibe (think Brigitte Bardot) paired with updated silhouettes. In my book, gingham is the graphic pattern for spring. This look works because the updated shape of the dress makes the print look modern yet still playful.”

Cara’s Look

Gingham dress by Keepsake the Label, shoes by Valentino, bag by Prada, necklace by Bauble Bar

Get the Trend

Diane von Furstenberg gingham “Riviera” wrap dress (pictured right) with chiffon skirt and asymmetrical above-the-knee hem, available at holtrenfrew.com

 

Credit: Patrick Stansfield

Fringe

Where to wear: Cocktails and the ballet

“It is all about fringe this season, be it on your skirt, dress, shirt or bag. White on white is also happening this season, so this outfit is two trends in one. This particular look is a very feminine take on the trend.”

Cara’s Look

Skirt and top by Alexis, jacket from Zara, shoes by Stuart Weitzman, bag by Céline

Get the Trend

Stuart Weitzman suede “Lovefringe” sandal (pictured left) in light blue, available at brownsshoes.com

 

 

AFLA x Melanie Auld

Want an easy way to add some of Cara McLeay’s signature style to your wardrobe? The blogger has teamed up with Melanie Auld, one of her favourite local jewellery designers, to create a collection of nine contemporary accessories. Featuring 18-karat gold-plated rings, earrings and necklaces, the jewels are meant to be worn either “layered or alone as that perfect, everyday piece,” says McLeay.

18kt gold-plated AFLA Pave Elongated Ear Climber, $149 and 18kt gold-plated AFLA Trillion Stacking Ring, $69 (pictured right)