STYLE JOURNAL RECAP – APRIL

04.30.21

And there she goes! {insert: me waving slowly, staring blankly as April drives off into the distance.}

Today marks 3 whole months of the Style Journal’s existence and honestly, I’m surprised I’ve managed not to skip a single day (although one or two got scheduled for the wrong time lol). I’m pretty darn proud of myself for this level of follow-through and owe you folks a big thank you for sending messages of encouragement and positive feedback on this endeavour. It truly makes such a difference!

Now before we move onto my favourite spring month, let’s take a quick peek back at what happened on the Style Journal this April.


This post will be covering:

  • Some of my favourite looks from April.
  • Themes I noticed and styling tricks to employ in your own closet.
  • The new pieces I’ve added to my closet.
  • 8 items readers are loving.
  • What’s coming up for the Style Journal…hint: re-investing

Plus, a few questions for you!


LOOKS I LOVED

It was actually pretty tough to pick my favourite looks from April, which I’d say is a good sign. I wore a lot of denim this month and embraced my love of blazers once again. My white sneakers and easy slips ons were in heavy rotation, as were stripes and spring sweaters.


LOOK 1 | LOOK 2 | LOOK 3 | LOOK 4 | LOOK 5 | LOOK 6 | LOOK 7 | LOOK 8


THEMES & STYLING


Style Bee - Greige-y Day

SHORTENED BAG STRAPS

This might not seem like a significant styling theme but I made a point to shorten the straps on all my bags for a slightly more contemporary cross-body look.


JEANS JEANS JEANS

Despite the stay-at-home order, I just can’t do sweats during the week anymore. As such, my denim collection got a lot of air-time this month.

Comfort is key though and the 90’s Cheeky Straight Jeans are just that. Plus, a whole range of new washes were just released!


SWEATER SWITCH UPS

I may be out to lunch on this one but I’m kind of obsessed with this sweater styling. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!


HEADBANDS

I love a good headband in the spring. I think it’s because I can finally leave the house without a hat on!


Style Bee - Loafing Around

BARE ANKLES

My ankles were bare a fair amount this month and my cropped pants got put to good use.


NEW IN MY CLOSET

I haven’t been doing a whole lot of shopping this spring as we’ve got big plans for Steep Hill Cottage updates and well, I’m just super content with my closet and style right now. I’m planning to do a bit more shopping for my summer wardrobe since I’ll be embracing cottage core style full on!



70’S HIGH TOP – CONVERSE – TTS with room to spare, which I like for sock thickness flexibility. – After years of considering these I was finally motivated to get a pair by Emma Hill. They’ve already become a go-to for morning walks with Dobby.

OATMEAL RIBBED LONG SLEEVE – KOTN – TTS with good stretch. I got my usual Small – I love a fitted ribbed basic and this one is just what the closet doctor ordered!

BLACK RIBBED 3/4 SLEEVE – KOTN – TTS with good stretch. I got my usual Small. – I love the subtle elegance of a 1/2 length sleeve and the detail of a thicker band neckline.

Use LEEV10 for 10% Off your first order from KOTN (a Canadian brand!)

OVERSIZED TRENCH – UNIQLO – Runs quite oversized, but that’s what I wanted and got my usual size Small. – I’d been looking everywhere for a proper classic trench coat with minimal bells and whistles and an oversized fit. I took a chance on this one and I’m glad I did because the quality is excellent and it was precisely what I’d been after. Not to mention, easy on the budget.

FLIP FLOPS – TKEES – True to Size – Every summer closet needs some flippy floppies and TKEES makes my absolute favourite. I bought a pair of their original Flip Flop in Sunkissed and a pair of the Riley in Sable.

DENIM SHORTS – True to Size for a snug to start fit that will relax with wear. – My friend Andrea of Seasons & Salt shared the most perfectly timed denim shorts review as I’d been on the hunt for a pair over the last couple of summers. I went for the Dee Super High Rise Shorts in Chimes in my usual size and I LOVE them. Here’s a little peek of them on, which was just a test shot (hence the tags lol).


8 ITEMS READERS ARE LOVING



The ReNew Anorak – This one was spurred on by the rainwear capsule I created for sure but I think it’s a really great outwear option for the in-between seasons and drizzly spring weather.

Linen Wrap Top – I linked to this as an alternative to the wrap top in this post and it seemed to resonate with lots of readers. It is a lovely shape, approachable price point and comes in tons of colours. Perfect for any summer capsule.

The Fatigue Jumpsuit – This is another one I found as an alternative to a jumpsuit I have. It looks seriously comfy, perfect for gardening and and I love the walnut colourway.

Sara Striped Tee – This personal favourite is on sale for just $10 USD right now so I definitely see why it’s a hit.

Oversized Trench – This one is mostly sold out but there is an option to get notified of a restock. I signed up so I’ll let you know when it’s back!

Relaxed Linen Shirt – An ooooold favourite that is still available and well worth considering. I have a size 4 for a very relaxed fit.

The 70’s High Top – Converse – I’m glad it wasn’t just me that finally decided to give these a go!

The 90’s Cheeky Jeans – These are definitely a personal favourite and a whole bunch of new washes were just released! The Curvy Fit version has also been a popular one with readers.


Style Bee - Loafing Around

COMING TO THE STYLE JOURNAL FOR MAY


I’m excited to bring more colour and femininity to my style for May but I’m still really enjoying the ease of t-shirts and jeans and the process of reinvestment in older pieces. I hope that sounds good to you too!


A FEW Qs FOR YOU!


  • Do you like the #FlashBackFriday posts I share each week or would you rather just see new outfits?
  • My closet is getting a significant downsize and I’m wondering, for those interested, if you’d prefer to shop on Poshmark (which is limited to Canadian shipping only) or Depop (which allows for international shipping).
  • What’s your late spring / early summer lifestyle looking like this year? I understand a lot of folks have been vaccinated so their options are opening up to travel and return to the office. I’m curious about what activities you’re dressing for in the coming weeks/months.
  • Any special requests, suggestions and general feedback? I’m all ears 🙂

THANKS FOR BEING HERE FRIENDS!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Kirra says:

    I really enjoy these recaps and your Style Journal, it’s getting colder here in Australia so I’m looking and some of your winter style posts.

    I’d like any advice on shopping second hand with apps, as I haven’t done it before. I like your flashback Friday post too.

    Have a great time at the cottage on the lake!

  2. B says:

    I am a Poshmark user and seller. I don’t know if you have started an account but the biggest advice I can offer (take it from me, I learned the hard way) is to take your photos in a SQUARE format for listing. Otherwise you will be having to crop your photos to accommodate the square format that Posh uses. If you are fairly firm on your prices, I would list them a little higher so there is wiggle room to negotiate. Also, keep in mind that Posh keeps 20%. I have never shopped on Depop, so I have no idea what they are like. I would love to shop your closet, if you set one up, so please keep us informed!

  3. Kelly Matheson says:

    Thanks for sharing, you have given me a lot of great styling tips! I’ve been using your outfits as inspiration to shop my own closet. I would love the option to purchase some of your items on Poshmark, I’ve been selling and buying a lot on the platform. It’s been nice adding new items to my closet, but without the guilt of over-buying fast fashion 🙂 Thanks!

  4. Mct says:

    I love this series, please keep it going!! I would love a review of the Oliver cabbell mules vis a vis the Jenni kayne mules, as they look so similar. Also please do a denim shorts journey / review! I love your style and writing, thank you for sharing your journey with us and being a bright spot for me!

  5. Katrina says:

    Thanks, Lee! Looking forward to your spring styling. I especially love your casual lake/ camping style posts.

    Depop is my vote because Poshmark takes 20% from sellers while Depop and other sites take 10% and I think that’s unreasonable.

  6. Susan says:

    I love your site and your classic, timeless style. I would love to see how you would style a wide leg, full length flowing pant for spring/summer. Also how to style a maxi-dress so it doesn’t end up looking like a nightgown. 🙂 Keep giving us great ideas using staples in new, interesting ways with a twist.

  7. Lucy W says:

    Hi Lee!

    Thank you so much for this review – it inspired me to do a similar review, and set some style goals for May! I’m especially excited to hear about more feminine outfits to come.

    Do you like the #FlashBackFriday posts I share each week or would you rather just see new outfits? I LOVE seeing you rewear outfits! Despite following the blog for years I always forget past outfits, and love seeing so many items get reworn. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

    What’s your late spring / early summer lifestyle looking like this year? Although we’re vaccinated, we don’t have any travel plans coming up. We’re planning to spend a lot of time walking, biking, and camping outdoors, plus are SO looking forward to when we can go to bars and restaurants again for date nights (!!!)

    Any special requests, suggestions and general feedback? Only to say that your style and posts are so inspiring, I love your approach to your closet and design, and how thoughtful you are. Thanks for being you Lee!

  8. J says:

    Love coming here for that daily dose of inspiration! I’ve been enjoying the Flashback Fridays as it feels satisfying to see how timeless your style is 🙂 I’m a Poshmark user myself and would be curious to see what you might be letting go of… Thank you for all that you do!

  9. Abby says:

    Congrats on three months! I so enjoy this series and find myself checking it daily for outfit inspiration!

    I have never used Depop so would prefer Poshmark. I remember when you used to sell via IG and am glad you’ve decided to outsource to a platform instead of making all those mailing labels yourself! 🙂

    Even though I’ll be fully vaccinated in a few weeks my travel plans are still relatively local and minimal. I do have a few outdoor events and my first Zoom wedding to dress for. Like you, I’ve been migrating back to “regular pants” and have been craving more structured outfits, so I’m looking forward to these dressier occasions.

    Thank you again for being one of my favorite style muses!

  10. Sophie says:

    I’ve borrowed many a look from the Style Journal since you started, and it’s been so helpful for determining some wardrobe additions for the coming winter in NZ.

    Depop would of course work best for me, but since I can get what I need locally, it’s really up to you and your other readers.

    Looking forward to the next month on the Journal!

  11. Rosalie says:

    I love the style journal so much. I’m grateful to you for all the work you put into it! I do enjoy the flashbacks.

  12. Chris says:

    I love this feature – and do enjoy the Flashback Friday posts.

    I prefer Poshmark for shopping.

    Yours is my very favourite style blog/IG account – so good, Lee.

  13. LExie says:

    I just want to say again how much I love this feature! I look at the journal every Sunday to think about my own week ahead. I am now working the building again, looking for more work-friendly looks and your style always suits both casual and workwear!

    I personally prefer Poshmark to Depop, but only because I like to use the offer feature to negotiate. If your prices are firm, I’d use Depop! 🙂