31 Oct 2016

Boo-tiful!

 


Happy Halloween!

I could not resist wearing a black and orange outfit for Halloween! This is the best way of getting into the spirit at work without compromising the dress code. You really can't go wrong with this orange lace pencil skirt and black top. I added a cute little owl pendant to stay on the haunting theme and finished off with a black velvet choker and booties. Subtle nods to the holiday is all it takes to look like a true sport! Plus, for those who are worried about their reputations should they dress up in costume, this is a surefire way of being part of the fun without going overboard! Happy haunting and stay safe everyone!

Skirt: Banana Republic | Top: Ricki's | Earrings: Claire's | Pendant: Ricki's | Choker: Dynamite | Tights: Hudson's Bay | Scarf: Smart Set | Jacket: BLANKNYC (Nordstrom) | Hat: Leith (Nordstrom) | Booties: Sergio Bari

30 Oct 2016

Fall Favourites

 




Fall calls for plaid blanket scarves, chunky knit sweaters, suede and leopard! This outfit contains all of the above. I love how the accessories elevate the basic outfit to a fall-worthy look. This outfit mixes textures and prints in a cohesive way that gives off that cozy vibe all while keeping you warm and stylish. Just because the temperature is dropping, it does not mean that style has to be compromised. I wore this to run a few errands and stop at a new chocolate place to try their chocolate dipped ice-cream cones. There are 12 different chocolate coatings to choose from! I had the s'mores flavor and it was amazing! A real decadent treat! 


Jeans: Smart Set | Sweater: Banana Republic | Scarf: Shiraleah (Nordstrom) | Jacket: BLANKNYC (Nordstrom) | Flats: Lollipop

29 Oct 2016

More or Less

 

This t-shirt is the best. I'm a sucker for graphic tees with witty saying on them. They appeal to my punny side... I pulled out my "Less is more" shirt and decided on a more is more approach. I piled on the statement bling with the buffalo plaid, the distressed denim and the OTK boots. Finish things off with a bold red lip and a sherpa jacket and I was ready to take on a busy Friday! Wearing a great outfit gives me a confidence boost and can sometimes act as armor. Having a crazy busy plate right now with the house rebuild, I've got to pull strength from anywhere I can get it. If that strength happens to be found in my outfit, I'll take it! When you look good, it make you feel good and ultimately affects your mood for the day. Bring on the mood-boosters! Hint, hint: plaid, bling, wit and killer boots do it for me. ;) 


Jeans: Smart Set | T-shirt: Old Navy | Shirt: Old Navy | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Necklace: Stunning (modified) | Coat: Dynamite | Boots: Steve Madden  

28 Oct 2016

Denim and Dots

 


I love this simple polka dot sweater from J.Crew Factory. It's a classic shape and fits very well, plus the fact that the dots are stitched on means they will stay in place. This is the perfect layering sweater for print-mixers like me. I cannot wait to wear it over a plaid or gingham shirt! I kept the look simple for today by wearing the sweater with my black coated jeans and grey OTK boots. I added more textures and patterns with the jacket and scarf for the outside look. I'm loving all this suede and cozy knits for fall!


Jeans: Joe Fresh | Sweater: J.Crew Factory | Necklace: Pandora | Bracelet: Pandora | Earrings: (old) | Scarf: Dynamite | Jacket: BLANKNYC (Nordstrom) | Boots: Aldo

27 Oct 2016

Cool Colour Block


Colour-blocking can be done all year-round. This outfit is a great mix of cool colours worn in the fall. The light blue dress is definitely more of a summer garment, but by wearing it with tights and a sweater, it is made cold-temperature appropriate! I opted for a deep fuchsia sweater and belted it with a white metal bar waist-belt to accentuate the waist and break up the look a bit. I then sandwiched the outfit in shades of grey with the tights, booties and hat. This is a great way of getting more wear out of your summer dresses. Plus, since they are summer dresses, they are perfect for layering as there is less bulk without sleeves! Go ahead, wear your breezy summer dresses all year round. Just remember to layer a sweater and you'll be good to go!

Dress: Smart Set | Top: Dynamite | Belt: Dynamite | Necklace: ebay | Bracelet: Pandora | Earrings: RW&CO | Tights: Old Navy | Hat: A Touch of Whimsy | Booties: You by Crocs

26 Oct 2016

Duchess Duds





So, today's look is completely inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge. The striped top, navy blazer, skinny jeans and wedge shoes is her go-to casual look. I've always been a stripe wearer and love my skinny jeans, but this outfit has become very iconic because of Kate. As much as I love it, part of me was wondering if it would make it seem like I was trying to emulate her. To avoid that, I wore nude wedges instead of navy one and added a leopard-print scarf to mix things up. I had to add a dose of Mimi to the mix and feel it made the look perfect for fall! How would you take a look inspired by an icon and make it your own?


Jeans: Second Yoga Jeans | Top: H&M | Blazer: Banana Republic | Earrings: Aldo (gift) | Watch: Fossil | Scarf: Sole Society (Nordstrom) | Shoes: Forever 21

25 Oct 2016

Buzz Worthy Boots



Who wears tall boots? I wear tall boots! OTK boots are a one of my ultimate favourites! They are perfect for us long-legged chicks and add a great dose of flair and style, with a hint of sex-appeal! These black suede Steve Madden ones are perfect in every way! The block heel gives it stability, the ties at the back of the leg keep them in place and the thinner material makes them comfortable ,all while defining your lovely gams! What is there not to like about that? I decided to wear them with my liquid leggings for added va-va-voom, but styed conservative on top with a knitted tunic that covered my bum. I also draped a plaid blanket scarf around my shoulders because fall calls for plaid in every outfit! I finished things off with a black velvet choker for some 90s grunge. This look strikes the perfect balance between trendy, traditional and vintage! 

Sweater: Jacob | Leggings: Dynamite | Scarf: Dynamite | Earrings: Callura | Necklace: Dynamite | Watch: Fossil | Bracelet: Pandora | Boots: Steve Madden

24 Oct 2016

Perfect Layer




It was back to the daily grind for me today... Staycation is over! My day started with a dentist appointment and ended with my usual tap class. It was a long day back for my first one. I decided to wear comfortable clothing and to layer, as it is bound to be colder by the time I get home. I decided on wearing my rubber boots, because the forecast was calling for rain. This open front cardigan is the best sweater. It is long, warm, cozy and burgundy! It's the perfect laying piece for the colder months, as it is long enough to cover the bum, which I like when waiting for buses in the cold. I predict I will be getting a lot of wear out of this piece this season.

Jeans: Zara | Shirt: Smart Set | Sweater: BP. (Nordstrom) | Necklace: Dynamite | Watch: Fossil | Bracelet: Pandora | Earrings: (old) | Scarf: Zara | Boots: Giant Tiger

23 Oct 2016

Masterclass

 

So, I signed up for a tap Masterclass with Michelle Dorrance. I've never done a Masterclass before, so it was a bit daunting. I do have to say, it was the best! Michelle is so amazing I cannot put it into words. The speed and precision at which her feet move is mind-boggling! It was surreal being so up-close and personal with a profession tapper. This was definitely a bucket-list check for me. I had a blast! I must admit, near the end of the class, the technique was far beyond my own level, but it was fascinating watching everyone else just hoofin' it! Afterwards, we had a group talk with Michelle, during which she shared her journey with us. I absolutely adore listening to people who are truly passionate about their life paths. What an inspiration!

Crops: Lululemon | Tank: Lululemon | Shirt: Smart Set | Scarf: Old Navy | Earrings: Callura | Jacket: BLANKNYC (Nordstrom) | Boots: NY VIP

22 Oct 2016

Butterfly in the Making

 
 

I've done so much cocooning this week that I might just turn into a butterfly! This could also be symbolic of the journey I'm on, and how I will be transformed by the end of it all. What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. I am a firm believer in that statement, and I refuse to let a hurdle such as this hold me back. Life is so much more than our trials and tribulations. It truly is what you make of it. I will pick myself up, dust myself off and, come hell or high water, I will survive! Just watch me soar!


Leggings: Dynamite | T-shirt: Dynamite | Sweater: (donated) | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Socks: Old Navy

21 Oct 2016

Burgundy Babe


 

Ok, I'll admit it, I love burgundy! There is something so soothing and comforting about the richness of this particular hue. It is so very close to my favourite colour purple, but has more red tones that make it that perfect in-between colour. I'm sure is comes as no surprise that I wore my burgundy leggings today! I paired them with my oatmeal knit sweater and burgundy marled socks. These socks are perfect for lounging around and I got them in every colour! Old Navy always has great, affordable options when it comes to cozy socks. It was another day of shopping for house things such as tiles, light fixtures, baths, showers and paint! As productive as this week has been, this project seems never-ending at this point... Thank goodness for my Pinterest boards, I'm actually using them!


Leggings: Dynamite | Sweater: Smart Set | Headband: J.Crew Factory | Socks: Old Navy

20 Oct 2016

TBT - Burgundy à la Mimi


When I came upon this look, I knew it would have to be my next TBT, as I recently wore this dress! In today's look, it has a more preppy vibe. I added burgundy tights and pointed-toe boots. The waist belt adds definition to the dress, which is more of a shift than a sheath. I realized I often wear this number during the fall. Perhaps it has to do with the colours of the print, the warm reds and neutral beige accents are very autumnal. Even though I've had this dress for years, I always seem to find new ways of styling it. It happens to be the perfect base piece for any newer, trendier add-ons. I love it when I find a timeless piece. The tricky thing is, sometimes you have no clue just how timeless a piece will be until a few years down the line...

Dress: Jacob | Belt: Dynamite | Earrings: Reitmans | Bracelet: Pandora | Tights: Old Navy | Boots: Jessica (Sears)

19 Oct 2016

Black Beauty


 

All black everything! Ok, maybe not everything, but mostly all black today. We had a meeting to discuss the future kitchen layout and cabinetry placement, so I decided to spiffy-up my weekend uniform a tad. I stuck with the leggings and sweater combo, but opted for an open-front version with a pattern and fringe detailing. I also accessorized with my lariat and black lace-up flats for added interest. I was super comfortable and appropriate for the meeting. It was after all a meeting on a construction site, so no need for boardroom attire... Always dress for the occasion!

Leggings: Dynamite | Top: Ricki's | Sweater: Dynamite | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Necklace: Dynamite | Flats: Old Navy

18 Oct 2016

Staycation

 
 

I am in dire need of a break. I did not take any vacations this summer and most weekends were booked solid. No rest for the weary! And then the fire happened, so that kind of put everything else on hold. Seeing as I have a bit of down time before my next busy rush at work, I figured I'd take a few days to try and recuperate. I will try and relax and hopefully make a bit of headway on insurance stuff. I didn't realize just how much extra work I'd have to do. My list seems to be never-ending. One thing is for sure, I will never complain about filling out a simple medical claim form again! That is easy-peasy compared to this major, multi-part claim I am currently working on... I'm taking it one step at a time and slowly, but surely, will see the light at the end of the tunnel. I've resorted to my good old weekend uniform this week. Skinny jeans, a sweater and knit socks are mandatory when getting stuff done at home. I'm sure to be more productive if I'm comfortable, right?


Jeans: H&M | Tank: Dynamite | Sweater: H&M | Socks: Old Navy  

17 Oct 2016

Shopping Spree

 

Now that I've compiled and taken inventory of all the losses with regards to my wardrobe, I can start rebuilding. My mom happened to be in town this past weekend, so we hit the outlet malls! I could not have asked for a better partner in crime to help me with the first big shopping spree post-fire! I lost a lot of sweaters, cardigans and knits so now is the perfect season to look for replacements. I was able to replace a few of my old favourites with very similar versions. The bonus of outlets is the sales! I was able to get so much more for my money because of the great prices. I'm usually a lone shopper, because to me shopping is more like a 007 mission. I've planned out my every move. This time was a bit different, as my mom was at my side. I must say, it was great having her help and give honest opinions! It reminded me of the good ol' days when I was a shopper-in-training. Thanks for the love and support mama!

Pants: Banana Republic | Sweater: Jacob | Scarf: Excite | Earrings: Callura | Booties: Very Volatile