Teal Next Time

Party's over, back to reality. After a late night, the next morning came quickly. We grabbed a bite to eat with the family before each heading our separate ways. Keeping in line with my usual weekend packing habits, I decided to wear the same shorts on the way back. It might also have something to do with the fact I only have a couple pairs of shorts to begin with... Either way, I chose the denim ones as they are more versatile. I simply paired them with a teal tank, minimalist jewelry and my trusty Birkenstocks. I swear, I have never gotten so much wear out of a single pair of shoes! I've said it before, but I'll say it again. If you only have one pair of sandals, make them Birkenstocks, you won't regret it!


 Shorts: American Eagle | Tank: George (Walmart) | Belt: American Eagle | Necklace: Dynamite | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Sandals: Birkenstock

Fancy Soirée

So, we attended my mom's President's Banquet to mark the end of her second mandate as the Ontario Teacher's Federation's President. We were not going to miss this milestone, so out we went to purchase fancy clothes. I already had an outfit planned out for this event, but seeing as I could no longer wear that, I had to kick it into high gear and find an alternative. Off to Banana Republic I went! I know I can always count on BR for classic pieces. I was lucky enough to snag this sapphire blue dress on sale and got some nude sandals to go with it. The necklace and earring set is one I've had for ages, and had been planning on wearing it to this event, so when I found the blue dress, it was meant to be! This jewellery was actually stored in its original clam box and survived the fire and smoke damage. The final missing link to complete the look was a clutch. I waltzed into Aldo and low and behold found the perfect pink bag on clearance. I swear, my shopping karma was definitely on point that day! We had an absolute blast that evening! It was great seeing friends and family and meeting who my mom has been working with all year. She is definitely a passionate and devoted teacher and all that she has done for the teaching profession over the years is not going unnoticed. I am extremely proud of the work she has done and can only hope to one day be as successful in life as she has been. She is the best role model a daughter can ask for. Je t'aime maman!

Dress: Banana Republic | Necklace: Fifth Avenue Collection | Earrings: Fifth Avenue Collection | Bracelet: Pandora | Clutch: Aldo | Sandals: Banana Republic

Discovery Day

We went for a little road trip on our way to my mom's banquet and stopped in a quaint little town at a B&B for the night. Once there, we were looking for something to do, when we found out about this new winery. I discovered a taste for wine a few years back on a trip to Niagara Falls and have loved touring wineries ever since. Let me tell you, this recent discovery was a real gem! It is called Potter Settelement Winery and is located right on the edge of the Canadian Shield. It is owned and operated by actor and model Sandor Johnson, who happened to also be the one to give us a private tasting. These wines were absolutely out of this world! This winery has revived a few traditional strains of grapes that had been developed by our French ancestors when they immigrated to Canada. Those strains have become extremely rare, seeing as they were fazed out by the bigger liquor companies in favour of more commonly preferred grapes. I am so happy Potter Settlement is reintroducing them to the world, one bottle at a time. While very exclusive, should you get the opportunity to try any of their wines, I highly suggest you do! 

Shorts: American Eagle | Top: (Donated) | Necklace: Dynamite | Earrings: Payless Shoes Source | Sandals: Birkenstock

Familiar Find

When rebuilding a wardrobe from scratch, I'm tempted to hit my favourite stores. Dynamite has always be a go-to of mine, as they are affordable, trendy and fit my body well. I also know they have staples that are always available, simply updated every season. I was looking for a dress that would be good for work, but that could also be worn for many different occasions. I was extremely happy to find my favourite dress in this season's print! It's a great feeling when you find a piece exactly like the one you owned, but still different. That familiar feeling is a true comfort in these difficult times. It was nice being able to rely on a regular shopping destination! Thanks for having my back Dynamite!

Dress: Dynamite | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Flats: George (Walmart)

Greyscale

A simple grey tee with black jeans is all a girl needs to look put together. Dark washed denim always looks more professional and polished than lighter washes. The black piping around the neck line of the t-shirt gives it a slightly more sophisticated feel. Add black wedges to the mix and I'd say this is an ok look for a casual office setting! At this point, I'm trying really hard to find ways of making casual clothing work for the office. It is possible to look put together without breaking the bank. It just requires a bit of ingenuity!

Jeans: Jordache (Walmart) | Top: Dynamite | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Shoes: Payless Shoe Source

TBT - Ariel Vibes

I was hit by a wave of inspiration when I put this look together! I turned to yet another Disney princess for my fun look. I paired my purple t-shirt with my bright green skirt for a more modest take on the traditional purple seashell bra and green fish tail. I added a mint teardrop necklace as it reminds me a bit of seashells and finished with light pink studded sandals. I obviously let my hair down with a lot of volume to make is seam like I'm under the sea! Although it's been a couple summers already that I have worn this look, it still puts a smile on my face!

Top: Smart Set | Skirt: Jacob | Earrings: RW&CO | Necklace: ebay | Bracelet: Pandora | Sandals: Bamboo

Coral Cigarette

I decided a useful garment to purchase would be a proper black work pant. I opted for this cigarette-shaped one and think it will be very versatile. I mean, you can't go wrong with black cigarette pants, they were after all one of Audrey Hepburn's staples! I decided to pair them with a coral blouse, which was donated to me by a dear friend. Little did she know, I actually own/owned the same one! Great minds think alike! I even recently featured it in this post! It's sort of nice to have an exact piece I had. I decided to accessorize with a cognac belt and shoes to give the look an overall summery feel. I'm definitely learning to maximize the few pieces of clothing I do have to truly get the most wear out of them! Needless to say, this is a change of pace from what I'm used to, but I am up for the challenge! 

Pants: Dynamite | Blouse: Smart Set (donated) | Camisole: Dynamite | Belt: American Eagle | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Flats: George (Walmart)

Just Keep Swimming

So I ended up going to Simons for the first time in my life. I know, it's hard to believe, but it's true. I was so happy when I found this adorable seahorse-print skirt! I've always had a soft spot for seahorses. For a long time, when I was younger, I use to say the seahorse was my favourite animal. I was also fascinated by the fact the males of this species carry the eggs! Anyways, this voluminous skirt is cheerful and whimsical. I dressed it up a tad with my new black wedges (which happen to be my only work-shoe for the time being) and a white t-shirt, seeing as I had to attend an information fair at work. That's right, second day back and I'm as busy as can be. It's probably better that way, it serves as a great distraction. The blue of the seahorses remind me a little bit of Dory. A fish who's motto has never rung so true to me: Just keep swimming! Such a wise fishy. True words to live by!

Skirt: Simons | Top: Dynamite | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Necklace: Dynamite | Shoes: Payless Shoe Source

Back to Work

When Monday morning came around, it was time to go back to work. The best part of the week following the fire was spent filtering the contents of the home and determining the next steps. We were also searching for alternate living arrangements for the time being. Once those things were dealt with, we have to get back into a routine of some sort and find a level or normalcy. Going back to work would definitely help in attaining that. I must say, it felt wonderful to go into work! It was a familiar place, with familiar things. It provides me with a bit more stability. The environment and my colleagues are all part of my "normal", so it felt wonderful being on familiar ground. Although this step isn't always easy to take, I'm happy I took it sooner rather than later. I'm sure it contributes to my well-being in a positive way. I'm taking it one day at a time and I am slowly, but surely, falling into old and familiar patterns.

Jeans: Jordache (Walmart) | Camisole: Dynamite | Top: Dynamite | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Shoes: George (Walmart)

Railroad Distress

Now that the show's over, I have to go back home so to speak... It's a little odd taking a train home, when you don't currently have a physical place to call home. The break was nice, but I was very happy to be reunited with my partner and the puppies. We've been through some tough times, but nothing compares to what we are currently experiencing. As much as this situation could create tension, it is definitely strengthening our bond. If we can get through this next chapter together, nothing will come between us. We have the luxury of rebuilding our life together and we are eternally grateful for that opportunity because so many aren't as lucky. I was pondering all of this as I was steadily moving forward along the tracks...

I decided to wear my newly acquired distressed shorts with a burgundy Walmart top and my trusty Birkenstocks, because they are really my only option right now!


Shorts: American Eagle | Camisole: Dynamite | Top: George (Walmart) | Belt: American Eagle | Necklace: Dynamite | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Sandals: Birkenstock