Outerwear is notoriously difficult for independent designers to make. The materials are really expensive and difficult to work with, so it’s hard to justify the effor in small quantities. But Little Houses is a Vancouver indie line that has amazing outerwear options.

 
The combination of ruffles and plaid on this jacket is killing me softly. The high button neck and hood ensure that you will be kept nice and toasty in this crafty-cute coat. Available for $260 from Little Houses.
Photo Credit: Little Houses

Plaid is a pretty trendy look this season. I own a plaid top that looks like it came out of my mother’s closet circa 1980. And I love it! A great fitting button up plaid top with skinny jeans and boots makes a great casual outfit. The same button up top with a high waisted skirt makes a great work ready look. But, some people need to look in the mirror before they walk outside in plaid (ahem Kelly Clarkson).
Now, Miss Kelly, I am the last person to say that I am perfect, but I know when things look okay …read more

Architects have been rocking them for decades, but I am excited to see that bowties have finally hit the mainstream.  Real bowties (not the clip-on tuxedo kind!) are definitely a fashionable accessory for men this Fall.  Men, your biggest challenge in wearing the bowtie is to figure out how to tie it.  I’ve tried it myself and my only advice is:  practice makes perfect!  Once you have that mastered, you can definitely pull off the look!
Bowties have a history of being strictly formal, but they are now actually a versatile menswear accessory.  You can wear a bowtie traditionally for a …read more

Sometimes for a day in the outdoors I just love a cute bucket hat.  I have a plaid Burberry one that I have had for years that still works when I just want to throw on something for a cloudy day at the beach.  For more affordable options, Athleta has some simple cute plaid bucket hats at low prices.  If you haven’t checked it out yet, Athleta is the new brand in the Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic/Piperlime powerhouse.  They have California-inspired athletic wear for women that are created with performance and style in mind…think lots of cute yoga and surf gear.
Athleta …read more

Missphit has been pumping out some great plaid in their most recent collections, including the likes of this gorgeous tunic! A bold buffalo print is set off by a great wide belt, and it has an even scoop front and back that makes it extra special. Available in sizes 1-3X, it’s also done in a couple colors that are as bright as they are stylish.
I can’t decide which I like better, though: this scoop-neck top or the more frilly plaid dress. Erg, I just want all the plaid, please! I’m ready to stock up this season, and from what I …read more

Delicate lines of smocking, plenty of plaid in blue and white, and sleeveless for layering with cardis and long-sleeved button-downs (as well as over bikinis): I think we have a winner! I’ve been drooling over Missphit’s plaid all season long, and every time they add a new piece, I’m adding it to my shopping cart within minutes.
What do I like so much about this particular piece? It has a nice long appearance, but it’s not technically tunic-like, so you get the best of both worlds. Plus, all you need to do is throw on some red for an awesome …read more

The temperature won’t be the only thing that’s hot this summer. Make sure you’re sizzling and accessorizing with some cute hats this spring and summer. What better way to protect yourself from the sun’s rays than to look cute at the same time? This Summer Plaid Newsboy Hat is perfect for fun in the sun and I think just about any female would like it.
I really love the cool and casual design of this hat. It’d be great for just about any outfit from laid back jeans to an adorable mini skirt. The other fabulous thing about this? The colors! …read more

Mmmmm, Missphit. I just zipped over there after they were featured in the L.A. Times, and they’ve got a cool bonanza of plaids going on! While this piece has some amazing details like a ruffled front yoke and a shaped midsection, there are also more casual cowboy-plaid shirts that will go awesome with jeans. Now if only they produced clothes past 3X, I’m sure we’d all be tickled pink (and blue… and green).
Take a look, and have fun!

(image: plasticland)
Knowing that I’m 5′1, you’ll see why I would want to wear this as a dress, but it’s really a tunic. It’s meant for layering and has a pretty black and white plaid print. Plaid has been everywhere these days, it’s the new, thing, didn’tcha know?
Runs slightly big, 30″ long. From Gentle Fawn. Only one medium left! $41.65 from $49
Get it at Plasticland.

Pretty simple otherwise, the collar of this coat is what makes it worthwhile to me. Pulled down it’s just a normal shawl collar. Pulled up, it looks a little more industrial/futuristic which is so very characteristic of House of Spy.
In small and medium only. ($336)
Get it at House of Spy.