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)

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

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  

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

Prep With Edge

Jeans Friday doesn't have to be boring. Wear jean overalls and you'll be a step above the rest. I paired my classic black overalls with my new favourite plaid shirt. This shirt is sooo soft, plus I can't get enough of the navy/burgundy/grey mix this fall. Loving those cool tones! I dressed up my somewhat casual basics with edgy accessories. The burgundy hat was a no brainer and the grey booties, a shoe in! The pièce de résistance is of course this BLANKNYC grey leather moto jacket! How amazing is this coat? I absolutely fell in love with it the moment I set eyes on it! Plus, it was on sale! These are the shopping moments I live for. There is nothing better than finding that perfect item on sale! Girls, am I right?

Overalls: Zara | Shirt: BP. (Nordstrom) | Earrings: Callura | Watch: Fossil | Jacket: BLANKNYC (Nordstrom) | Hat: Old Navy | Booties: You by Crocs

Proper Layer

I am beyond relieved that this monogrammed cape survived the flames. It was draped over my dress form, which was directly in front of the window of one of the worst-affected rooms. This was not an expensive cape, but it is a perfect dupe for the Burberry Prorsum colourblock cape from Fall 2014. I added the monogramming myself and it looks uncanny! This was a one in a million find and knew it would be irreplaceable. The fashion angels sure had my back on this save! This just goes to prove that its not the value of my lost clothing that upsets me, but rather the uniqueness of those special finds such as this one. A specially curated wardrobe is built over time. At least time is on my side for the rebuild. 

Jeans: Zara | Sweater: Banana Republic | Earrings: Anarchy Gallery | Watch: Fossil | Headband: J.Crew Factory | Cape: Dynamite | Pumps: Banana Republic

Petal to the Metal

Fall blooms paired with golden metallic is a winning combination! A little bling in the day time is totally ok, I'm all for it! I dressed down the golden sequin tank with a denim jacket and went for the casual vibes with soft pants. I added some gold jewelry and nude wedges to complete the look. This outfit is edgy meets glam all done in a fall palette. What more could a girl need on a crisp fall morning? Ok, maybe a pumpkin spice latte...

Pants: Banana Republic | Tank: Joe Fresh | Jacket: Old Navy | Earrings: Fossil | Lariat: Dynamite | Watch: Fossil | Wedges: Forever 21

TBT - Basic Blouse

Dressing up a basic outfit of jeans and a white blouse is with accessories, of course. I am partial to scarves, because they add so much oomph to a look, and it's basically effortless! Just drape it on! It's doesn't matter how you wear it, that's the beauty of a scarf. Just drape and go. This look is a perfect go-to, as it is suitable to basically any setting. Work meeting? Check. After work drinks? Check. Sunday brunch? Check. Running errands? Check. Church? Check. This look can take you anywhere you want to go! Stick with the blank canvas and switch out the scarf to fit with the setting.

Jeans: Second Yoga Jeans | Blouse: Smart Set | Scarf: (old) | Earrings: (gift) | Bracelet: Pandora | Flats: Old Navy

Bell of the Fall

I busted out my trusty bell-bottom jeans! I've had these jeans for ages and am so pleased I decided to hang on to them! Sometimes, the fashion cycle is predictable to a fault. I don't know why, but for some reason, I associate 70s fashions with fall. No clue why that is, but I feel like those styles are better suited to this season. Just the way my brain works, I guess... Either way, today, I styled them with a grey gingham shirt and faux-fur vest. I added a pop of orange with the belt and opted for metallic booties. Seeing as the pants are long, I need to wear heels. I tend to wear chunkier footwear with this particular pair, but forced myself to try something different with the stiletto booties. I really felt like a million bucks today struttin' my stuff through the fall leaves! 

Jeans: Old Navy (old) | Shirt: Smart Set | Faux-Fur Vest: Dynamite | Belt: Cloe Moda | Earrings: Callura | Necklace: Smart Set | Watch: Fossil | Booties: Zara

Into The Woods

 

No, I'm not going hunting today, even though my outfit apparently hints that... My partner was keen to point that out to me. Fair enough, the cognac hues and the buffalo plaid kind of scream "hunting season". All I'm missing is a bright orange hat! All kidding aside, this is not what I had in mind when putting this look together. I was going for a very organic, fall palette with mixes of beige and cognac then added hints of rose gold to give it a little sparkle. The red vest was added at the very end because I felt I was missing a pop of colour. It did just the trick and completed the look perfectly! At least now I'll know what to wear if a hunting opportunity ever presents itself...

Jeans: Old Navy | Camisole: Old Navy | Top: Dynamite | Quilted Vest: Old Navy | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Necklace: Reitmans | Watch: Fossil | Socks: Old Navy | Booties: Carrini