We know that we've been MIA, but here is a quick snapshot of our "February Ready Lipwear" article in this month's publication of Life&Style. Life&Style is Western's Fashion & Lifestyle Society's monthly newsletter, which has been garnering a lot of attention this year (it also just so happens to be co-edited by Steph). Our blog tries to write content for the publication as often as possible, but sometimes with school and work, creating even the shortest content becomes extremely difficult.

Check it out below:

Check out the remainder of the issue at: http://www.issuu.com/flsnewsletter

We'll be back soon!

Much Love,

Steph & Jaein

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SUM-MING UP...

We're back from our Winter break, and welcoming 2014 with open arms. The weather has been at extremes in the past couple of days, but we're feeling good after some "me-time" spent appropriately devouring loads of home-cooked meals. Before we start of with anything new, we just wanted to look back on TWOSUM's very first year in the blog-mosphere (rhyme unintended).

Here's a breakdown of our top four most viewed posts:

1. "Meet Us" - Our initial post introducing who we are (Steph & Jaein) for the online world to read. The process of getting to this single post was long and slightly stressful, but we couldn't have been happier to reveal our new baby. We learnt the hard way, after taking these photos, how awkward it can be to photograph in public, and how difficult it is to look "casual" like other bloggers do .....

2. "Fall Back" - We spent our first summer as a blog pretty busy with work and other life-related stuff, so our second real lookbook post after 'Meet Us' was essentially a nod to the Summer gone, and a peek-ahead at the Fall to come. This was our first post and photo session that we had done on Western's Campus, and we tried really hard to find the least busy spot in order to attract the least amount of attention we could (there basically isn't a spot that exists like the one I'm describing).

3. "And then there was snow" - We were really lucky with this post, and were able to take these photos literally the day before a huge snowstorm dropped on London. So yes, it looks pretty warm ... but no, it was really cold.

4. "Cold Weather Blues" - These photos are probably some of our favourites on the blog. The setting sun made our outfits pretty difficult to see, but we really love the mood of these photos. The title in itself perfectly captures how we were feeling about school, our lives and the weather. Finals were coming up, so we were just about stressed out of our minds.

-

If you didn't catch it yourself, the title is supposed to be a pun-ny play on our blog name. We hoped you got a good read out of this post, as 2013 has been a really big year for the both of us. We wouldn't have the motivation to continue writing our posts (especially with school), if it weren't for the love that all our friends showed us. So cheers everyone, in hoping that you're all are having a great start to the new year.

Much love,
Steph & Jaein

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NEW YEAR, BETTER YOU (AND US)

The New Year is just around the corner, and if you are anything like us, the best part of the night is dressing up to show off the finest you there is. There is no better night than New Year's Eve to don metallic accents, sequins, and a bold lip. Here is some last-minute inspiration for some perfect accessories, cosmetics and outfits to sport on the 31st, to simply look and feel your best while welcoming 2014.

1. Gilded Shadow Necklace - Nasty Ga ($28.00)

2. Holiday Collection Polish - Urban Outfitters ( 2 for $8)

3. Train Bleu Matte Lip Pencil - Nars ($28.00)

4. Lucca Couture Iridescent Strapless Dress - UO ($59.00)

5. High Heel Court Show with Metallic Ankle Strap - Zara ($99.00)

6. Spring 2013 Collection - Butter London ($18.00)

7. Punched Metal Minaudier - Zara ($99.00)

8. KNT By Kova & T Backless Metallic Halter Dress - UO ($149.00)

9. Crystal Glimmer Clutch - Nasty Gal ($50.00)

10. Shiny Leather High Heel Pointed Shoe with Ankle Strap - Zara ($99.00)

11. Beguiled Lipstick - Topshop ($16.00)

12. Mystic Empire Necklace - Nasty Gal ($30.00)

13. Motel Dragonfly Sequin Off-The-Shoulder Dress - UO ($110.00)

14. Minaudiere with Metal Rim - Zara ($59.90)

Cheers,

Steph & Jaein

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Style = Practicality

Hi Everyone,

We hope that the holidays are going well, especially for those who suffered the wrath of the insane ice storm that recently hit Toronto and surrounding GTA. You're all probably busy with family and boxing week sales, of course, but we thought we would take a break from all the eating and shopping to talk about, well .... boots.

Boots are the one item we seem to never get enough of in the F/W time because lets face it, can you ever really have enough?

As students at Western, we both know the turmoil you girls face with the need to wear cute boots, while having to face weather that's just .... absolute shit. So, to combat these pressing issues, we've found some amazing boots that look great + are shitty-weather proof (we promise).

Clockwise from top left corner: 

1. Sperry Top-Sider "Suffolk Boot" ($213.89)

2. Dav "Devon Ombre" Rain Boot ($91.79)

3. Jeffrey Campbell "Forecast" Boot ($70.00)

4. Dr Marten "Drench" Boot ($134.99)

5. Hunter "Sandhurst Chaucer" Riding Boot ($225.00)

6. Hunter "Chancery" Riding Boot ($241.18)

7. Burberry "Halloway" Rain Boot ($297.15)

8. Hunter x Rag and Bone Boot ($286.35) 

9. Chooka "Lorum Strap" Rain Boot ($91.79)

While we know some of the boots are on the pricier end, these are just examples to remind you that the weather might be shitty, but that doesn't mean you can't look good. 

xo,

Steph & Jaein 

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Spotted: #UndoneOldSchool

Photo via Justjared.com

Last month's Flare September cover was exactly the inspiration we needed to describe one of our favourite trends this Fall: Undone Old School. This trend was spotted on the F/W '13 Runways of iconic brands such as Prada, Chloe, Valentino, Celine, Dior, Proenza Schouler, and many more.



Taking a hint from the movie "Clueless", Tai, Cher and Dionne have become this season's style inspirations. This trend combines a pastel palette with shapely silhouettes, soft textures, and dark accents, creating a look in perfect ode to the cast. We love the contrast between the sweet and careless ease of this inspired trend in combination with darker accents such as mod-inspired plaid and leather detailing.

Photos via Paramount Pictures

L.A. designer Wildfox was clearly just as inspired by Clueless as we are. From the impeccable styling, to models and scenes that perfectly resemble the movie, everything about this lookbook is too surreal.

Photos via Wildfox.com

The last picture seemed only appropriate to end the post...

Much Love,
Steph & Jaein

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Nail Notes: Marchesa x Revlon

Hi again,

As usual, we're late to post. However, it was absolutely necessary for us to write about this (sort of) new and favourite beauty product on the market. For those who have yet to check them out, the recently released Marchesa x Revlon nail appliques are a must have for the Fall. This latest designer collaboration has hit it right on the mark, receiving much attention and positive critique.

Partnering with an iconic brand such as Revlon allows for the Marchesa's show-stopping designs to be more easily wearable and accessible to the public. While we most likely won't have a reason (or the money) to showcase one of their gowns anytime soon, we sure have a reason (and the money) to rock these new nail appliques.

One pack retails for $9.99, including a total of 18 appliques. While it may seem pricey, it's good to remember that these are an extremely detailed and limited edition, designer collection. Eighteen appliques seem like an odd number to package, but because the prints are so busy, a great way to save use is to apply just one applique per hand as an accent nail.

Check out the collection of eight limited edition texture inspired by the collection's own dresses:

Here are our favourite designs, paired alongside dresses form the collection that inspired them:

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Staff Picks: F / W 2013 Part 2

Hey, 

Working at Zara this summer did the complete opposite of what a job is supposed to do - help me save money. Couldn't resist all the goodies coming in week after week.

It was hard to pick, but here are my favourites from Zara's f/w collection. All my faves are from trafaluc, which is the more casual and young (also slightly cheaper) collection at Zara. I'm obsessed with this year's f/w clothes and all the new trends - especially plaid (yes, plaid is back). I'm also super excited about the crop tops that made the cut into fall, literally cannot live without my crop tops.

Here are my top 5 picks for the upcoming seasons:

Faux Leather Cropped Top ($39.90). Obsessed with leather anything and cropped anything, so naturally, obsessed with this top. Perfect for a weekend out or even pair it with high waisted shorts for a more casual look. 

The Floral Print Skirt ($25.90). Like I said, plaid is back, and I love it. This is the perfect skirt for a casual outfit for class.

 Cropped Jacquard Top with Zip at the Back ($39.90). Surprise surprise, more crop tops. I will forever wear them even if the temperature drops. 

Zipper Skirt ($99.90). I love this skirt because 1. It's leather, and 2. Because of the zipper details. The zippers totally make all the difference and makes it perfect for pairing with something simple, like a basic tee - easy and stylish outfits for class. 

Leather Ankle Boot Sandal ($109.00). I can't even begin to explain how much I need these shoes. They are the perfect boot sandals and can be paired with so many outfits. From boyfriend jeans to leather skirts, these babies look so good. Hundred percent a must-have for your closet. 

Yes I've noticed my "fall/winter" faves are all skirts and crop tops, but I'm still nostalgic of summer and these pieces are my way of transitioning into fall. Still rocking that pant-less, mid-drift swag, but with darker colours and prints, not to mention all that leather.

Hope you're all fall ready.

xoxo, 

Jaein

P.S - We just got started on Bloglovin!
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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Staff Picks: F / W 2013 Part 1

Hi Everyone,

We're so glad to be back and posting, and we thought that now would be the perfect time to do a segment on our own fall favourites from Aritzia & Zara. This summer most of our paycheques were spent paying off our expensive shopping habits, so it is more than appropriate to write about some great pieces from the places we get some great discounts.

This season there are so many trends we are excited to sport. While we wish there was time to share them all, for the purpose of keeping it short, we're only going to post our top five picks in order to give you guys a general idea of some shapes and styles we're loving for the Fall & Winter.

We've broken this post down into two parts. So keep an eye out for part 2: Jaein's Staff Picks from the Zara F/W Collection.

-

Steph's Top 5 Aritzia Fall Favourites

This Wilfred Free Parleur Dress ($70) is a must-have, essential dress for the fall. A long sleeved, midi dress is such a versatile item to have in your closet. It's a great piece to be layered for a sophisticated, yet casual look (great for on campus), and looks especially rad accessorized with a cute beanie and some ankle boots.

This Wilfred Free Dree Hoodie ($150) is something I also know I'm going to get a ton of use out of. It's a really soft and oversized hoodie, with just enough faux leather detailing to give it that extra edge. Perfect for those lazy days where I want to throw something comfy on and still look like I put effort in.

This Wilfred Beaugrand Blouse ($135) is just the understated blouse that I've been looking for. Its combination of sleek paneling and minimalist appeal is a great nod to the reoccurring women's trend of menswear.

This Wilfred Telegraphe Trench Coat ($295) is on the pricey side, but any loose fitted crepe trench is the perfect fall jacket, which can also be worn in the Springtime. Either way,  a trench is such a timeless piece.

This Wilfred Chatou Vest ($225) is another piece of outerwear that I love. Its sophisticated design combined with the use of soft, textural sherpa creates such a modern silhouette.

I know Aritzia usually carries higher priced items, but I highly recommend everyone to check out my favourite in-house brand: Wilfred Free. WF clothing items feature a perfect, combined aesthetic of casual and sophisticated, with most pieces falling into a reasonable price range (which is great for students on a budget).

Hopefully you guys are able to use our staff picks as a sort of mood board for some inspiration on what kind of shapes and styles too look for in the upcoming season.

As always, thanks for taking the time out of your day to come check out our blog. Keep and eye out for Part Two!

Much Love,

Steph

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3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

The full 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection was revealed a couple of days ago, and we are elated - to say the least. Toronto Life did a really great job of explaining our thoughts exactly in their review "Target unveils the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection - and it's really, really good" (You can also find the full lookbook through the link).

One of Target's many successful collaborations was released back in February, by designer Prabal Gurung. Filled with vibrant prints and neons colours, the collection was ideal for the spring & summer season. In perfect accordance with seasons, the release of Phillip Lim's collection comes just in time for the Fall. Many of Target's collaborations have been targeted towards a younger audience in the past; but, this collection is a dream come true for the young (and older) professionals looking for some great buys to add to their casual or work-appropriate wardrobe.

The collection features some seriously killer accessories, trousers, tops, dresses, sweaters and tons of leather goodies, with nothing priced above $299.99. Only bad news is the collection doesn't hit stores until September 15th. But this just gives us more time to save up, duh. While there are tons of pieces to drool over, here are some of our favourites:

Photos courtesy of Target/refinery29.com

Lastly, here is some great back to school styling advice from Phillip Lim himself, as quoted from his interview with fashionista.com:

Q: Did you have a favorite piece? (in reference of his own back-to-school planning)
A: I was never about a piece actually, it was about the sum of the parts, it was about looks. In the 5th grade I was the New Romantics. I had suede slouched boots; I had a sweatshirt that had the Japanese Kamikaze sun that I got at Target actually and I cut the sleeves off. It was very '80s, with white pleated trousers. Fifth grade. I was super informed for some reason.

Isn't he just brilliant? Anyways, thanks for reading everyone. We've been pretty MIA with work/preparing to head back down to London (excuses, we know). Hopefully we have the chance to post more soon!

Much love,
Steph & Jaein

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Summer Essentials

Hey guys,

So we know we've been super MIA, but Steph and I have such a hard time coordinating our schedules due to work and other summer shenanigans. But don't fret, it won't be like this forever. 

To get summer started, we'd like to share our summer essentials with you and how we mix and match it into our wardrobe. 

Personally, the only summer essential that I need in my closet is my black lacy bralette. Dress it up or dress it down, it's perfect for showing off some skin ;) 

shirt: OBEY; shorts: topshop; bralette: urban outfitters; shoes: zara

Here I paired my bralette with a tank with deep open sides (show off them side boobs), high waisted shorts and a vintage denim jacket I stole from my mother. Accessorized by a spiky statement necklace, orange clutch and my favourite pair of booties, mwa. 

top: brandy melville; skirt and beanie: american apparel; shoes: urban outfitters; purse: h&m

Black on black on black.. I paired my bralette with a low-back tank and a neon yellow beanie to add some colour. Black is always going to be the new black for me. 

top: brandy melville; purse: marc jacobs; pants: forever 21; shoes: urban outfitters

Caged-back crop tank paired with a silky patterned harem pant. Since the sun decided to hide it's face for 98% of this Toronto summer so far, these pants have been my summer nights go-to. 

Xoxo, Jaein. 

For my summer essentials I sort of threw in a bunch of basics, because I'm totally a basics kinda gal. My three basic summer essentials are definitely denim shorts, drapey black shorts, and a midi dress. 

cropped top: zara, watch: kenneth cole, denim shorts: levi

This first outfit is something that every girl wears on a daily basis: a cropped top and high waisted denim shorts. I'm also usually super minimal with accessories, minus a great watch, rings or a chunky necklace (which is what you'll notice in these pictures). I've also grown a serious new appreciation for my chucks from grade 7.

sandals: zara, tank: aritzia, jacket: nastygal/ark&co, shorts: aritzia

Likewise Jaein, I've always headed towards all black everything. These sandals are may absolute go-to since they're just so basic. With my essential drapey black shorts, I paired a loose tank (this one has great metallic detailing), a silver ring, and a great jacket to finish the outfit. Mesh material, like my jacket, is one of my favourite things to wear when its so humid outside.

dress: aritzia, heels: zara, necklace: etsy, rings: asos, jacket: zara

First things first - these are the most AMAZING shoes. I can't express how much I love them (if you've seen my instagram you know). Since I tend to go towards black, they add a great pop of colour. It's also not totally obvious but the black item is a body con midi dress with thigh-high splits. It is super sexy, but can be turned casual when layered. I finished this look by adding a chunky gold necklace, gold rings, and my moto-denim jacket. 

Much love,

Steph

P.S Thanks for dropping by our blog, we promise to update with more posts. Hopefully you'll be back soon!

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Store Event! - Exhibition Closing Party : Living Lomowall

Hi everyone,

It's Steph again, this time just informing you of a really amazing event happening this Friday the 31st. All through May, Lomography Canada has been participating in Scotiabank's Contact Photography Festival involving a "series of primary exhibitions and public installations" (read more here). Throughout May, the staff at Lomo have been building a living lomowall, built with hundreds of in-store & online submissions from individuals everywhere. "A 'LomoWall' is created from a flood of authentic, colourful, and awe-inspiring photographs. This exhibition celebrates the experimental, lo-fi, analogue genre known as Lomography." (http://scotiabankcontactphoto.com/events/1237)

As our wall is near completion, Lomo Canada invites anyone and everyone to come check out the final product this Friday! Come in-store form 7PM-11PM (there will also be beer and wine, yay)

Check out the FB invite here: https://www.facebook.com/events/189561337859791/

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Student Living : Inspiration + Ideas

We totally realize school has just come to end, but we have been obsessing over the idea of furnishing and decorating our brand new apartments for next year. As students we totally understand the want to purchase expensive stuff but the need to save money. Here are some images we got inspired by (with furniture priced WAY over anything we can afford) so put together individual collages of our own cheaper / more accessible picks too make our rooms look just as fab.

1. Ikea LINNMON/NIPEN table & legs ($79)

2. Ikea MALM bed frame (white) ($149)

3. Ikea BAROMETER work lamp ($50)

4. UO cage pendant lamp ($39)

5. UO wire storage baskets ($39/each)

6. Ikea TURBO clothes rack ($40) 

7. Ikea HOVET mirror ($129) 

8. UO faux sheep skin rug ($114) 

9. Ikea TOBIAS chair ($89) 

10. Ikea KNIPPE hat & coat rack ($30) 

11. Ikea SANFRID/ODDVALD table & legs ($179) 

12. UO circle chain chenille coverlet ($79)

The apartment I'm living in next year is really nice. While my room is pretty small its really the living space I'm excited to furnish. Anyways, since the carpet in bedroom is black, I was really looking to white furniture to make the space feel that much bigger and open (plus I just love white furniture in general). While I do love the look of a super simple and clean room, knowing me, I'm most definitely likely to end up collecting and cluttering my room with tons of stuff. And really, thats always how my room has been accessorized. So while all the stuff I've picked is really clean and simple, I know my room while have its own personal feel once its filled with all my pictures and stuff. One thing I definitely want to do is build a hanging lomo wall with photos of taken this summer/will take using fotoclips from lomography. I've seen it and it looks amaaazing.

- Steph

1. Ikea ÅSUNDA LED Table Lamp: $39.99

2. UO Brick Trompe L'Oeil Wallpaper: $99

3. Ikea TURBO Clothes Rack: $39.99

4. UO Factory Side Table: $49

5. Ikea ANTIFONI Work Lamp: $34.99

6. Ikea LINNMON/ADILS Table: $35

7. Pottery Barn HADLEY RUCHED DUVET COVER & SHAM: $50.62+

8. Ikea SANELA Cushion Cover: $9.99

9. Ikea BENZY LAND Cushion: $14.99

10. Ikea SVELVIK Bedframe: $199

My bedroom next year is pretty spacey with a fireplace and a window seat, which leaves me with tons of ideas of how to decorate and make the room mine. My main inspiration would be to make my room feel like a loft, with very industrial-type furniture. While the industrial-look I'm aiming for rotates around a black and white colour scheme, I'm planning on accessorizing with cushions, quilts and paintings that are bright and colourful. While black and white do go with everything, I plan on sticking with more pale colours, such as light blues, light pinks and beige. 

My bed is going to be a fluffy white heaven, with cushions/pillows with cool prints (those are a must). 

One of the walls in my room is going to be dedicated to photos. I'm sort of obsessed with my polaroid aka the love of my life, so it only makes sense that I deck out my walls with all my pictures. 

The fireplace in my room is dysfunctional; so obviously, I've decided to turn it into a bookshelf (yes I love reading and yes I'm a dork) one of the many DIYs I have planned for my room hehe. 

I can't wait to start decorating my room and super stoked to show you all the finished product come August. There's a lot of Ikea shopping to be done (balling on a student budget, what) wish us luck with everything!

- Jaein 

P.S. We have a ton of DIYs coming your way. 

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