Instead of going out and partying on New Year's Eve, I decided to volunteer with Operation Red-Nose. The organization makes the community safer by offering a car-pooling service to avoid drunk driving. Basically, the volunteers are in teams of three and together they drive to a pick-up location. At that point two of the volunteers drive the customer home in their own car while the third team member follows in the other vehicle. This way, both the customer and his vehicle make it home safely. The organization is donation based, and all donations go back into the community. I teamed up with an aunt and uncle and I think we picked a good night to volunteer, it was busy! I absolutely loved the experience and encourage everyone to give it a try at some point. I definitely rang in the New Year on the right foot!
Jeans: Old Navy | Shirt: Old Navy | Sweater: Ricki's | Scarf: Old Navy | Necklace: Dynamite | Earrings: Thomas Sabo (True Bijoux) | Coat: Dynamite | Booties: Blondo
Haha, I was totally inspired by gift-wrapping for today's outfit! The black bow against the red sweater totally makes the outfit! I mean, how else would one complete a holiday look? This white neck-tie blouse is one of my favourite purchases of all-time. I never realized just how much wear I'd get from it. It fits perfectly! It's long, but not tunic long; it's loose, but not baggy; it's off-white, so not too crisp and is perfect for layering under sweaters, dresses, blazers, overalls, you name it! It is definitely one of my wardrobe must-haves! I do "knot" know how I ever lived without it!
Pants: Banana Republic | Blouse: Banana Republic | Sweater: Old Navy | Earrings: (gift) | Coat: Dynamite | Scarf: Excite | Flats: Bamboo
I've been getting a lot of wear out of this dress... It was purchased after the fire because I needed something formal to attend an event (here). I then wore it to a wedding (here) and now, out to dinner with friends. Cobalt blue is a colour that can be worn all year round. I had paired it with bright accessories for the summer and toned it down with black tights and metallic touches for fall. I think it would look great paired with a white blazer for winter too! I'm always tempted to invest in monochromatic lace dresses because lace is timeless, a monochrome colour is easy to style and versatile while the fit-and-flare shape suits my body type perfectly. It's a win-win-win situation! Although I've worn it three times in just as many months, I never felt like I was wearing the same outfit. That is how a staple piece should feel: always fresh and never tired.
Dress: Banana Republic | Belt: Jacob | Necklace: Aldo | Earrings: (old) | Tights: Hudson's Bay | Bracelet: Pandora | Jacket: Dynamite | Scarf: Dynamite | Booties: Zara
I don't follow the "Don't, wear white after Labour Day" nonsense. As luck would have it though, I decided to wear white jeans during the first snowfall of the season. Not the best idea, considering the slush I had to walk through. I've got lovely little slush stains on the back of the pant legs... Nothing a wash won't fix, but it does tell me this was not the best day to wear white jeans. However, it was cold, so my top layers were a good call. The best way to dress down a glitzy, shiny sweater is by pairing it with a casual shirt. I chose chambray for the contrast-factor. Super dressy vs. super casual, it was a match made in heaven! Plus, it kept me nice and cozy all day. I think it's time to take out the heavy artillery: winter gear!
Jeans: Old Navy | Shirt: Old Navy | Sweater: RW&CO | Earrings: (gift) | Hat: Old Navy | Jacket: Dynamite | Booties: Zara
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
