Sexy Back

{ Dress: Wilfred Free "Yasmin" via Aritzia // Sandals: Seychelles // Hat & Necklace: H&M // Bag: Zara // Sunglasses: Prada }

Today's post title has two meanings: 1) It refers to the sexy cut-out in the back of this Wilfred Free dress that I am living in this summer, and 2) I'm heading out to see Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake in their Legends the of Summer tour tonight! They'll be bringing sexy back to Vancouver, that's for sure.

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Monday Muses: Alyssa Milano & Milo Bugliari

Welcome to the last Monday of July, everyone! Hope you've all been enjoying your summer so far. This month's final Monday Muse installment is Alyssa Milano and her son Milo. Shop their looks below!

For Mama:
1) 3.1 Phillip Lim embellished printed silk and cotton-bend top $160.61
2) Joe's Jeans skinny ankle denim $158.00
3) Schutz lace-up sandals $230.00

For Mini-Mister:
1) Old Navy oxford uniform shirt $5.10
2) adidas athletic shoe $29.99 on sale
3) Okie Dokie roll-cuff denim short $ 6.12

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Camo Shorts: 2 Ways to Wear them Day or Night

Day Look: Blouse | Shorts | Bag | Sandals | Sunglasses

Night Look: Crop Top | Tassel Necklace | Shorts | Clutch | Heels | Rings 

Summer style is all about ease and staying chic in the heat. On days when you need to go from morning brunch and flea market shopping, to cocktails with the girls, you don't necessarily want to change your entire outfit. For this day to night look, the common piece is a pair of high-waisted camouflage shorts from Garage, which stocks lots of fun, effortless denim. Both looks play with prints, with the day look featuring a striped and floral tank from Persunmall and the night look adding a bit of luxe with Clare Vivier's haircalf clutch.

What are your tricks for taking a piece from day to night?

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PARIS

{ Paris T-shirt: ASOS // Sequin Shorts: Zara (old, last seen here) // Shoes: Christian Louboutin // Bag: Zara // Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs // Necklace: HRH Collection // Lipstick: MAC Candy Yum-Yum }

Audrey Hepburn once said Paris is always a good idea, but until I can get myself there again, this Paris print boyfriend tee from ASOS will have to do.

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Insta-Snaps

Some recent snaps of what's been going on via my Instagram feed. Follow along @marisajoyxo.

Left to right from the top:

1. The most gorgeous fiery sunflower and a little bumblebee
2. Outfit I can't wait to wear featuring this Paris tee from ASOS
3. Evening run at golden hour
4. Farm-fresh BC local strawberries
5. Jellyfish invasion at the Vancouver Aquarium
6. Beach bumming with Eleanor
7. Sunshine, Starbucks and sandals
8. Loved this bouquet at a friend's wedding
9. RiRi Woo lipstick from the highly coveted RiRi Hearts MAC collection
10. Local food from the farmers market

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Pick of the Crop

Crop tops have made a comeback and they have a much more sophisticated look than the Britney Spears midriff baring days. The key to wearing them now is to pair them with a high-waisted bottom so that you're only showing a small sliver of skin; think high-waisted pencil skirt, denim cut-offs, cigarette pants or flared trousers. Here are my picks of the crop tops. Is this a trend you'll be trying?

Left to right from the top:
Missguided Polka Dot High Neck Crop Top $11.07
Lush Zip Stripe Crop Top $34.00
Forever 21 Floral Print Crop Top $9.80
American Apparel Baby Rip Crop Top $35.64
Topshop Crochet Crop Top $44.00
ASOS Geo Aztec Print Polo Crop Top $10.18
Boohoo Zara Slash Neck Crop Top $7.92
ASOS Cropped Tank Top with High Neck $10.18

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Monday Muses: Rebecca Romijn and Dolly & Charlie O'Connell

Today's Monday Muses features the first set of twins in this series: Dolly and Charlie O'Connell! Get their looks along with mama Rebecca Romijn's below!

For Mama:
1) ThreadSence Garden of Good high-low dress $44.00 USD
2) Bella Caribe leather lace up sandals $90.72 CAD

For Mini-Me (x2):
1) Genuine Kids from Osh Kosh woven dress $15.00 USD
2) Kid Express red leather sandals $39.99 USD on sale
3) Build-A-Bear fuchsia bling purse $5.00 USD

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White Hot

{ Romper: H&M // Sandals: DV by Dolce Vita "Archer" // Bag: Kate Spade New York (similar) // Sunglasses: Chloe // Jewelry: Urban Outfitters necklaces; bfrend Flora bracelet; JewelMint Gold Reef ring // Lipstick: MAC RiRi Woo (very similar) }

Romper. Jumper. Playsuit. Whatever you want to call these adult onesies, I highly recommend getting one for yourself. A top and bottom that's attached together makes throwing something on in the morning so simple. The not so easy part? Going to the washroom. It's a small sacrifice to pay in that department when a piece like this is so cute but I seriously think designers should start putting snaps in the crotch area. Like a bodysuit. Or a baby onesie. Who's with me on this?

< GET MY LOOK >

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To the Max

{ Tank: H&M (old) // Maxi Skirt: Bobeau via Nordstrom // Sandals: Sam & Libby for Target // Bag: J. Crew // Sunglasses: H&M // Watch: Michael Kors //Jewelry: H&M earrings and double ring; small rings from Portland Saturday Market }

Maxi skirts and dresses are the ultimate in comfort. They're my clothing of choice whenever I travel because a maxi is stylish with the added perk of feeling like you're wearing pajamas. It's a win-win fashion combo, don't you think?

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Monday Muses: Sienna Miller & Marlowe Sturridge

Sienna Miller is known for her bohemian fashion sense that is effortless and relaxed. Her baby girl Marlowe's outfits exude the same hippie-chic style, which makes for the most adorable mommy-daughter looks. Inspired to bring out your inner boho vibe? Shop Sienna and Marlowe's inspired looks for less below!

For Mama:

• American Apparel Courtney sunglasses $40.00 USD
• ASOS knit dress in stitch detail $27.81 CAD on sale
• Steve Madden Plover booties $129.95 USD

For Mini-Me:

• Gap floral ruffle one-piece $24.95 CAD

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What's In My Bag: Beach Edition

{ Bag: Adidas //  Panama Hat: H&M // Water Bottle: Lululemon // Sunscreen: Coppertone // Sunglasses: Giorgio Armani // Beach Towel: TNA (Aritzia) // Bikini: Seven }

One of my absolute favourite things to do in the summer is to soak in the sun and be a beach bum. Of course, I always practice safe sun smarts and wear a minimum of SPF 50 along with a hat to protect my face. The rest of my beach bag gear includes the usual suspects: sunnies, a magazine, a cute bikini, water, and a beach towel (with a beach mat layered underneath for added support). Below is a round-up of my beach bag essentials. What are your must-pack items for a day in the sun, sand and sea?

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

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Silver Lining

Metallic footwear has been a growing trend for the Spring/Summer 2013 season and they're turning heads for a reason. They make just the right amount of impact and act remarkably well as a neutral. I've owned my pair of BCBGirls silver pumps for years and as you can see here, they're easy to wear with almost everything (click on the photo to visit the original post).

Looking to add a pair of metallic shoes to your wardrobe? Scroll through to check out some of my picks below!

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Paradise Cove

{ Jacket: Babaton "Dominic" via Aritzia // Tank: Brandy Melville // Shorts: Talula "Roxie" via Aritzia // Sandals: Kelsi Dagger (similar) // Bag: Alexander Wang "Rocco" // Sunglasses: Prada // Watch: Nixon // Nail Polish: Essie "Blanc" }

There's nothing like a heat wave to make you feel like you're in a tropical paradise. Wearing this Paradise Cove tank must have invoked the  weather gods because this past Canada Day long weekend was a scorcher. I'm not complaining though. Bring it on, summer! I'm ready.

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