TBT - Auld Faithful

Since Christmas Eve fell on a Throwback Thursday, so does New Year's Eve. On this day of fresh starts and resolutions I wanted to share a simple look that is tried and true. The combination of a graphic t-shirt (or a simple white one), black skinny jeans and a blazer is as classic as it gets. So to start the year on the right foot, I'm sticking with a look that has proven itself to get me through any situation. I'm sure 2016 will bring its fair share of new trends and fun styles to try, but sometimes, it feels good to slip into a classic. What is your go-to look?


Jeans: Second Yoga Jeans | T-shirt: Smart Set | Blazer: Smart Set | Necklace: Smart Set | Earrings: Roots | Boots: NY VIP

Fleece Navidad

Ok, so this Holiday season is gearing up to involve more chilling than partying... I'm not complaining! This means I will be very relaxed and refreshed for the New Year. Today's look involves yet another sweater. How cute is this penguin outline? What I love about the image on this sweater is that it allows for it to be worn all winter long and does not limit it to the Christmas season. When I am not leaving the house, I pretty much live in my leggings, and seeing as I was at my folks house in the country for the Holidays, leggings were at the top of my packing list! Throw on some super comfy socks and you are ready for that lounging around marathon!

Sweater: Ricki's | Leggings: Dynamite | Socks: Old Navy Earrings: Dynamite

Dressed to Chill

For me, the Holidays are meant for equal parts chilling and partying! Today's look is perfect for chilling out! A poncho and leggings make a great snuggling-on-the-couch-watching-movies look. Comfort is key, and why not wear a blanket-like garment? A poncho is kind of like a Snuggie, but way chicer! I added my grey t-shirt scarf, which was a handmade gift from my mom. This was one of her classroom craft projects a few years ago and they are so easy to make! I've linked to a Pinterest image of the steps below. Could be a great idea to make use of old t-shirts lying around, or perhaps as a last-minute Christmas gift..

Poncho: Dynamite | Leggings: Lululemon | Turtle neck: Smart Set | Earrings: Reitmans | Scarf: (gift) | Boots: Aldo

Fair Isle Maiden

I just love wearing knits, there is something so comforting about them. I especially like the Fair Isle patterns, I find them classic and timeless. I remember my grand-mother use to knit them and I recall a particular picture of my older brother and myself wearing our matching knits! I believe his was blue and had rabbits on it while mine was pink with little dogs. The pattern in today's sweater is free of cutesy critters, but still has that iconic circular design. I paired it with my red cords and flats to add a festive touch. It was another example of a casual holiday look for cozy days spent with family and friends! 

Pants: Old Navy | Sweater: Old Navy | Earrings: Smart Set | Flats: Bamboo

Elfing Around

When you are running around like a chicken with your head cut off a few days before Christmas, dress like an elf! It will make you feel so much better. You can't get mad when you dress like a cheery little Holiday elf! I was spending the day at home (not sure I would go out in public dressed like this, unless I worked in Santa's village), and was wrapping gifts and packing for our trip. It felt right to dress like one of Buddy's friends to finish off my Christmas to-do list! Just call me Pompom Twinkletree!

Pants: Old Navy | Shirt: Old Navy | Necklace: H&M | Slippers: (gift) 

Preppy Layers

I went for a simple preppy look today. I only had a few days of work left before the Holidays, and I opted for a more relaxed look. There will be plenty of fancy dressing coming up shortly, so I'm making the most of the downtime prior to the festivities. Wearing a thin sweater over a blouse is a simple and effective way of dressing it down. The layers will keep you warm, but also provide an option should you get too warm. I decided to wear my red plaid scarf in a more cape-like fashion, tied to the side. It makes it look a bit more glamorous. I might not have been completely decked out today, but I added a bit of festive colour to my look. I don't want to be thought of as a Bah Humbug after all!


Jeans: Dynamite | Blouse: Smart Set | Sweater: Old Navy | Scarf: Joe Fresh | Earrings: Old Navy | Booties: Blondo

Yuletide Cheer

This year, I'm actually making the long trek back to the family homestead for Christmas. It's been a very long time since I've made it to the farm for the holidays and seeing as it is rather hard to coordinate with three siblings, this is quite miraculous to say the least! I chose a country chic look as I thought it was fitting with the environment. A blush pink coloured dress with crinoline, paired with a bronze coloured cardigan and fur booties. I could not resist adding burgundy tights... It was a feminine look, yet perfectly toned down for a cozy country setting. Formal dresses can almost always be dressed down with clever accessorizing.


Merry Christmas everybody! I hope your day is filled with joy and laughter spent in great company! 

Dress: Jessica Simpson | Cardigan: Old Navy | Belt: Smart Set | Tights: Old Navy | Earrings: Callura | Booties: Very Volatile | Coat: RW&CO | Faux-Fur Stole: RW&CO | Gloves: Old Navy

TBT - Festive Edge

Seeing as Christmas Eve fell on a Throwback Thursday, and the French Canadian way is to celebrate on the 24th, I found a look I wore during last year's festive season. I had opted for a more glam outfit by pairing my edgy jacket with a red sequin tank and dark wash skinny jeans. Since there actually was snow last year, I was wearing my grey wedge boots. It was a fun, festive, fuss-free look to let me celebrate in total comfort! Now, back to the dessert spread and hot chocolate!


Jeans: American Eagle | Top: Ricki's | Jacket: H&M | Earrings: Ricki's | Boots: Henri Pierre

Bingle Jells!

This is my version of the song, don't judge, it's fun to sing it this way. I like seeing the puzzled looks on people's faces! I have a serious crush on burgundy lately and why not make the most of that during the festive season? I paired burgundy jeans, with burgundy booties and a burgundy bubble necklace. I added a gold polka dot cardigan and a grey gingham blouse to the mix. I felt very outside the box, mixing my geometric prints today! Plus, this necklace makes me think of Christmas ornaments. If we decorate trees for Christmas, why not decorate ourselves in ornate baubles? Any excuse is good to layer-on the accessories!

Jeans: Garage | Shirt: Smart Set | Cardigan: Jacob | Necklace: Dynamite | Earrings: Smart Set | Booties: Zara | Coat: Costco | Rubber Boots: Giant tiger | Scarf: Old Navy | Gloves: Old Navy

Snow Bunny

There's no business like snow business and this vest means business! If it's -40 degrees outside, this vest has got you covered – literally! Now, I know it's not that cold out yet, but I felt like wearing something cozy today. I stuck with the nude palette of the vest and paired it with grey skinnies and a beige long-sleeve t-shirt. I could not resist wearing my little fur-trimmed booties, they were made to wear with this vest! Let's just say I was ready for that long-overdue snow storm, should it have decided to rage upon us today...

Jeans: Dynamite | Top: Old navy | Vest: H&M | Earrings: A Touch of Whimsy | Headband: Dynamite | Coat: Esprit | Booties: Very Volatile

Classic With a Pop of Colour

It doesn't get any more timeless than a black and white tweed skirt. I think of Chanel every time I see tweed, there is nothing more iconic than a Chanel tweed piece! I styled it in a classic way today with a bateau-neckline frill top and a red scarf to brighten up the look. I added some grey ribbed tights and black booties. Although we might not yet have snow, the wind was brutal today. Let's just say I was happy I chose some warm tights and heavy fabrics!


Skirt: Jacob | Top: (old) | Earrings: True Bijoux | Tights: Old Navy | Scarf: Excite | Booties: Blondo | Coat: Via Spiga

Infallible Leather

Today's outfit is another example of a more casual festive look. I wore my black leather pants with a red sequin tank and a beige blazer. Leather can be worn casually or dressed up. It all depends on your mood and how savvy of a stylist you are. This look sort of falls in between the two ends of the spectrum, not too casual nor too dressy. It's just right! A thought just came to me: what if the Goldilocks story was set around her styling abilities and finding the outfit that is juuust right for the occasion? I think I would have been more into the story as a kid if it centered on clothes as opposed to porridge... 

Pants: Zara | Top: Ricki's | Blazer: Dynamite | Earrings: Ricki's | Scarf: (gift) | Coat: Lululemon | Boots: NY VIP

Kindred Spirits

 

"It is ever so much easier to be good if your clothes are fashionable." - L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Ever since I can remember, I have been an Anne of Green Gables fan, and by fan I mean super obsessed! She was my idol growing up and everything Anne was sacred to me. That is why I had to go see the Anne and Gilbert Musical when it came to town. I mean, two of my favourite things balled up in one. How could I go wrong? I invited a cousin who also happens to be a huge fan. We got our front row seats and were as giddy as little girls waiting for the show to start. It turned out to be amazing! Everything we could have hoped for!

On to the look. I wore a simple navy sheath dress with black lace sleeves and detailing down the sides. I added a statement bib necklace and black boots and clutch. I kept the look rather simple instead of going for one of my usual thematic outfits. I don't own any lace-up heeled booties or a green pinafore. Nor do I have a pale blue puffed-sleeve dress... A thematic look would have required a lot more planning and I'm afraid it would have ended up looking more costume-y than anything else. I opted for the safer route and stayed in the classy lane.

Dress: Victoire | Necklace: ebay | Earrings: X Crystal | Tights: Calvin Klein | Boots: Call it Spring | Clutch: Ricki's | Coat: H&M

Tinsel and Holly

 

After yesterday's break day, I'm back into the swing of things with today's outfit. It looks like Christmas threw up all over me! I'll admit that I might have over done it just a tad, but I was feeling especially festive this morning. I could have gone crazy bright red and green, but though burgundy and forest green would be a less harsh combination. The gold sequin skirt is definitely the starring piece of the look. I kept the accessories simple as the outfit was busy enough on its own. The burgundy shoes blend right into the tights and elongate the leg while the suede waist belt adds definition. Let loose a little, the Holidays bring out the kid in all of us. It's ok to dress like your 10-year-old self sometimes! ;)


Skirt: Old Navy | Blouse: Zara | Belt: H&M | Tights: Old Navy | Shoes: Sears | Earrings: Reitmans | Scarf: (gift) | Coat: RW&CO

TBT - Talk Flirty to Me

Lace is so feminine and flirty. This lace peplum top is one of my favourite as it is so versatile and can be worn all year round. It really is the perfect layering piece. I paired the top with a multi-strand pearl necklace and my inkblot print pants. I added an asymmetrical burgundy sweater to give the look a cozier feel and give it dimension. I chose to wear nude pumps to elongate the leg and keep things neutral, as I felt the rest of the look was eye-catching enough. This outfit had a nice romantic feel to it and I felt extra feminine wearing it.


Pants: Dalia | Camisole: Old Navy | Lace top: Dynamite | Sweater: Lululemon | Necklace: ebay | Earrings: Smart Set | Shoes: Gomax

Faux Show

 

We all need a break from party wear every now and then. That's why I sneak in a few days of comfy attire in December. It's all about balance. I wore my oatmeal knit sweater with white skinnies and a black faux-fur vest. I added a floppy hat and over-the-knee boots to glam it up just a notch. While I was comfortable, I did get a little warm today. I don't know what I was thinking when getting dressed. The weather was way milder that it usually is at this time of year. I guess, in my head, wearing knits in December is perfectly logical. Today proved otherwise... Oh well, that's what's so great about wearing layers, you can adjust your look to your body temperature!


Jeans: Old Navy | Sweater: Smart Set | Faux-Fur Vest: Dynamite | Earrings: Dynamite | Hat: Nordstrom | Boots: Aldo | Coat: Lululemon

Seasonal Topper

 

Party, party, party! This season is in full swing! I love attending parties and themed events. They are the perfect excuse to pull out all the stops and wear your fanciest, dressiest, over-the-top looks. (Not that I need any excuses...) Today's outfit was worn to a Hat Mania work party. The first thing that came into my mind was: "Yay! I get to wear a fascinator!" I love any and all occasions requiring head ware, as I have an extensive collection. Part of me wishes hats were as mainstream as they used to be, they complete outfits so well. Back to today's look. I busted out the white jumpsuit, belted it and piled on the red accessories! You can never go wrong with red during the Holidays! Rudolph was on to something...


Jumpsuit: Dynamite | Cardigan: Zara | Belt: H&M | Earrings: True Bijoux | Bracelet: Fame Accessories | Fascinator: Elegant Style | Coat: ELFE | Scarf: Excite | Purse: Smart Set | Shoes: Call it Spring

Mad Print Mixing

 

This outfit is the perfect example of mixing three different prints and having them work harmoniously. Let's breakdown the look a bit. I started with a small leopard print cardigan. This is an organic print and meshes well with the more rigid check pattern of the vest. To soften the look I added a big tartan print scarf in navy blue and forest green. The print is so big, that it seems like a neutral. Also, the colour black is present in every print, helping in tying them to one another. For more examples of print mixing, visit this post. Since the top half of the outfit is extremely busy, I opted for classic blue denim and brown riding boots. Although one could say I was getting carried away with prints while putting this outfit together, I think I nailed it!


Jeans: Second Yoga Jeans | Cardigan: Jacob | Quilted Vest: Old Navy | Camisole: Old Navy | Scarf: Jacob | Earrings: Dynamite | Boots: Henry Ferrera | Coat: Lululemon

Fierce Upgrade

My trusty striped boat-neck tee got upgraded to party wear when paired with my black sequin mini! Today's outfit is a take on the casual party wear. You don't always have to pull out all the stops, sometimes a single party piece paired with everyday staples gets the job done. Plain black tights, with my everyday black booties and a simple black ruffle scarf add to the simplicity of the look while keeping it grounded. To me, this look is very 60's. The clean lines of the top paired with the mini give off that slight Audrey style. I took it a step further by wearing my hair in a high pony, lining my eyes in a bold cat-eye and wearing a nude lip. This look was far-out, while staying trendy!


Skirt: Jacob | Top: Smart Set | Scarf: (gift) | Earrings: (gift) | Tights: Old Navy | Coat: ELFE | Booties: Blondo

Rock and Red

'tis the season to rock your blingiest of attire! Now, I think it is pretty obvious that I am no stranger to shinny clothes... I don't have galas to attend regularly throughout the year, so I use the month of December as an excuse to wear all my shiny, sparkly and sequin bits and bobs. Although I run the risk of being compared to a Christmas ornament (which happened to be the case today... I took it as a complement!), I don't let anyone or anything dull my sparkle! I debuted my black waxed skinnies and paired them with a gold sequin tank and red blazer. I've had this blazer for years and remember thinking I would not get much wear out of it when I first bought it. Well, I assure you, that is most definitely not the case. I embrace the pop of colour and wear it often! Add some gold jewelry, fancy drop-earrings, a bold red lip and you are all set to make a memorable appearance at any party!


Jeans: Joe Fresh | Camisole: Joe Fresh | Blazer: Dynamite | Earrings: True Bijoux | Necklaces: Dynamite | Coat: Lululemon | Scarf: Excite | Booties: Blondo 

Stayin' Warm in Style

The mini makes another appearance. This length is perfect to wear with tights at this time of year, before it gets too cold. Today, I paired it with my polka dot tights and knee-high socks. I added my tunic cable-knit sweater and loved the result it gave! This outfit is all about proportions. A longer top, with a higher-hemmed skirt is an unexpected combination. By wearing the socks, I cover more of the leg and give the illusion the skirt is longer than it really is. By wearing the sweater, I create more bulk on the top of the outfit and that helps in giving off a less leggy look. As I've mentioned, if you are showing skin in one area, keep the others well covered. For the outside look, I added a black floppy hat and my creampuff coat. Black and beige is a winning combination that does not have to be shabby. Style your beiges outside the closet!


Skirt: Smart Set | Sweater: Jacob | Tights: The Bay | Earrings: Dynamite | Necklace: ZAD | Hat: Nordstrom | Socks: Mukluk | Coat: Esprit | Scarf: Saachi | Booties: Sergio Bari

TBT - Three Times the Polka

Sometimes, I pick a print and run with it! The star of the show today is the polka dot! I've incorporated the print in three different ways. The obvious one is the blouse with its big dots. I then added a black and white dotted waist belt and finished off with the spotted tights, which are much more subtle. I also went further by completing the look with pearls, which happen to look like dots! This was a very fun outfit and I like the whimsy polka dots bring to the table!


Dress: Smart Set | Blouse: Jacob | Belt: Call it Spring | Tights: The Bay |Earrings: Smart Set | Pearls: Smart Set | Bracelet: Pandora | Shoes: Zellers

Cold Cruella

Cruella de Vil seems to be a recurring inspiration of mine. How can she not? She is sassy and has a great sense of style (although I only opt for faux-fur). Plus, it's hard not to think of the character every time I pull out my Dalmatian-print pumps... I paired my canine-inspired soles with a red pencil skirt, a white and black neck-tie blouse and a black faux-fur vest (this element is a must when channeling Cruella). I also threw on some back seam tights to add a touch of 1920's glamour to the look. I switched into tall black boots for the outside look and added my bright red scarf and black coat (with faux-fur collar). I feel I nailed this look and would definitely consider wearing it again during the Holidays!


Skirt: Banana Republic | Blouse: Banana Republic |Faux-Fur Vest: Dynamite | Earrings: True Bijoux | Coat: Via Spiga | Scarf: Excite | Shoes: Ivanka Trump