Thursday, February 28, 2013

A Look Back at February


February was a busy month and flew by in a snap (I guess being the shortest month does that) but seriously, it feels like just yesterday I was saying, 'I can't believe it's the end of January'.  Needless to say, I'm not complaining, we are just that much closer to summer & warm weather!

This month I wore neons & rocked my new leopard belt, I picked up a few new cases for my phone (pink spike, mint stud, black rhinestone bow & rhinestone skull which isn't shown here but I did show on Instagram) and showed you a few different ways to style three tops for a date.

I learned how to layer my jackets (and shared with you!), bought some stuff from China (that didn't really fit, sadly), and took some outfit shots in my apartment.  I DIY'ed a maxi dress into a skirt & showed my car several times (which I eventually sold).

I received flowers a week before Valentines' Day, wore a skirt after months of just pants & hit the gym 4-5 times every week for five weeks (hello, that's pretty awesome).  Someone special cooked some amazing meals for me, my family surprised me a month early to celebrate my birthday and the best of all, I purchased a new car!


Other look-backs:

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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

What is your biggest body hang up?


Okay, this one is a toughie for me because I don't really like to talk about this, except maybe with my best friend.  I don't like to openly admit, out loud, to others (on the Internet!) what my body hang ups are.  However, this is an open, safe space and we agreed to share and just be totally honest.  So, here goes nothing...

If I could change something about myself, it would be my...

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Sorry I'm a day late!  Here are some shots from the weekend...
 On Friday night I decided to make spaghetti & meatballs
(instead of just regular meat sauce for the spagehtti).


A mini blueberry pie (perfect for sharing!).


 Saturday morning.


Breakfast with my girls
(yes, at the same spot I normally go on weekends with the man, but a different location!).


 On Saturday night I went to watch the boy dominate in an indoor golf tourney...
Oufit deets:  Urban Planet sweater, H&M tank, Sirens denim & Spring boots.


 ...then we grabbed pizza & wings afterwards.


 Sunday morning breakfast.


 Sunday afternoon I did some shopping for my upcoming vlog (see all fashion vlogger vlogs HERE).
Outfit deets:  thrifted jacket, DIY sweatshirt, Sirens leggings, Spring boots & MK watch.


 Sunday night sushi date.



And because I'm just so excited, a pic of my new car that I've been giddy about every time I have to drive somewhere.


Vroom vroom.

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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Getting the Most Out of Your Jackets


I have a ton of jackets (two closets full, which is a little cray) that I love, but being in a climate where we have four distinct seasons it makes sense.  Except when winter tends to be much longer than it should be and drowns out the milder times you wish you could wear all those lighter weight jackets. 

This year, I discovered a way to wear the jackets that I love, despite them maybe not being 'season appropriate'; layer them!  Two jackets are much warmer than one and tend to be just as warm as my warmest jacket.  Provided your jacket is slightly roomy, this method will work wonders and keep you warm without sacrificing style through the colder months.

How to do it:
1.  Start with a smaller, snug but warm jacket for the under jacket.  This one is an old Joe Fresh puffer; a warm leather jacket would work well too.
2.  Grab your roomier jacket and throw it on over top. 
3.  Add your accessories (long gloves, a scarf, ear muffs, whatever!).
4.  Zip or tie up your top jacket to hide your jacket underneath et voila!  Warmth & style.

* Tip:  if you can belt your coat to cinch your waist, it helps define your body under all the layers (but not imperative).


(Black bomber is Joe Fresh & herringbone coat with fur is Forever 21; both old)
 
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Saturday, February 23, 2013

My new car!


I'm so excited to share with you all my new car: an Infiniti G37 S!  

This car has been my dream car for many years and I never thought I would be able to make it a reality.  I'm still in shock and just so freakin' happy!  

I have been car hunting since last summer, casually, on-and-off, but more seriously since November.  I'm a big car girl and wanted to get a car I really, really loved this time.  I bought my old car nine and a half years ago, and while I looked after it and babied it for many years, it was not my ideal car (but of course it wasn't, I bought it when I was 19). 

When I started my car shopping, I was looking for a new Honda Civic SI.  Brand new, as it would offer me a warranty for many years, and a Civic because it was within my budget and I would feel pretty good driving and having that.  Of course, it was not the car I really wanted.  The car I really wanted was a G37 but I didn't think I would ever find one with the features I wanted and in my budget.

Long story short, I found this car at the beginning of January after pulling out 30 minutes before 'signing on the dotted line' for a new 2012 Civic SI.  I started to pursue this car, but still was unsure if it was financially feasible or the right decision (being a luxury car, ie. higher repair bills; and a used car).  I went back and forth and did a ton of research.  I priced out wheels, a brake job, read forums and reviews about the car.  Hours upon hours of research to really educate myself to make an informed decision (despite loving the car in general).  

Finally, this past week I took possession of the car and could not be flying higher!  It's a real dream come true to be driving this vehicle and I feel so lucky! 

Here are some specs on the car:

2009 Infiniti G37 S
* Pearlescent white on black leather interior.
* 27k kms (practically brand new & never winter driven... until now).
* 6-Speed manual transmission.
* Rear-wheel drive (not ideal for winters here, but this car does not come in all-wheel drive with a manual transmission, which was not an option; I love driving standard).
* 6 CD disc player.
* Moonroof.
* Bluetooth.
* 19" stock alloy rims (the rims on the car currently are the new winter tires and alloy rims I ordered from TireRack.com; love the black rims and couldn't go with regular steel wheels as they wouldn't fit over the brakes).


See my old car HERE.

The day I picked up car: Thursday, February 21, 2012.  So happy!

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Friday, February 22, 2013

Maxi Dress --> Maxi Skirt

I found this beautiful sheer and opaque striped maxi dress on the weekend (at Sirens) and like all maxis, it was too short for me.  I couldn't pass up the eye-catching fabric though and decided to purchase it for $19 and re-fashion it into a maxi skirt.

It turned out beautifully and I can't wait to wear this on vacation and come summer!



More steps after the jump if you're interested in how I did this...
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Thursday, February 21, 2013

New Car Day!

Outfit deets:
* Old Navy blouse (purchased in November; available in maternity HERE) with Smart Set cami underneath.
* H&M skinny denim which you've seen with OTK boots (when I first purchased them two years ago), with a dolphin top (a favourite post!) and also with .  On a side note, these are one of my fanciest denim, and I love 'em but they barely have any stretch which makes them pretty uncomfortable.
* Aldo suede wedges which you've seen with
*Accessories: J.Crew bubble necklace.

Today is the day, you guys! Today is the day I'm (supposed) to be buying my car (eep!).  I'm so excited and provided everything pans out, I will be driving her tomorrow; so so soo excited!  I'll keep you posted!

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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Do you pee in the shower?


Okay, this is a little bit of a weird one this week, but I heard this discussed on the radio and was shocked at what I heard.

The morning show I listen to, has two men and two women.  The men were all for shower peeing, claming it saves time, is sterile, and isn't a big deal.  The two women were totally grossed out and did not agree.

I spoke to a few of my friends before posting this, wondering if I should go there, and most of the girls I asked said they did, but one said, 'I bet 60% of women do but half won't admit it'

I personally don't think there is anything wrong with it, and totally 'go there'.  I mean, why waste time (and toilet paper) if you don't have to?  (Haha)

Are you brave enough to Chat about this?

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

A Quick Hello!



Hi you guys!  OMG, between craziness at work and getting down to the wire with purchasing a car, this week has been nutty; and it's only Tuesday!

So, as you know, I sold my car and fortunately, one of my good friends has lent me her (super sick) ride for the week while she frolicks in Mexico. 

I'm finalizing the details of my new car this week and if all goes well, I should have it (and some pictures) to share with you all come the weekend!  Wish me luck!

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Monday, February 18, 2013

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Work wear.
Outfit deets: Urban Planet top (first time I've worn this) & H&M dark red waxed pants.


Friday night I celebrated Valentines' Day with a special someone at Gezellig.  This was the beef tartar appetizer (ah-mazing).


Getting dressed for a date in the winter is so difficult!  The shoes can really make or break an outfit and I'm constantly in the same over-the-knee flat boots.  Anyone else agree? 
It was freezing on Friday, but the roads were dry so I took advantage and wore my faux-suede cap-toe flats (but would have preferred heels had I not been faced with potentially climbing over curb-snow banks).
Outfit deets:  Everybuying jacket, F21 skirt, Mexx snood, unknown gloves, Ardène clutch & flats.


Little Peanut.


On Saturday I spent the day shopping for my next vlog and picked up several items for Spring (which you will see soon!).
Outfit deets:  Joe Fresh cardigan (old), Old Navy slip (worn as a top, old), Zara faux leather pants, Pier 1 ring, Ardène flats, vintage necklace & Cleo belt.


Later that evening, my family surprised me with a month-early birthday dinner celebration!  We had my favourite meal (turkey dinner) and my mom made the cake you see above.  I was so shocked as I thought it was just going to be a family dinner of six and ended up being nine people instead!


 My birthday is not till March, but it was so nice to celebrate early!


Sunday brunch with the bff (look guys, it's a different meal!  Ha!).


Afterwards, my bestie and I did some shopping and I used up a gift card I got for Christmas.  I picked up a maxi dress (which I will sew into a skirt, as the dress isn't long enough for me) and a necklace and didn't spend a penny of my own money.
Sarah joked that these sunglasses from Boathouse looked like 'Blue Blockers'; haha, remember those!? (Update: and apparently BB's are way more stylish these days)


Sunday shopping outfit.
Outfit deets:  Ardène pashmina, Zara sweater (the sweater in my header!), Sirens trapeze top & leggings and Rampage boots.


Sunday evening dinner: tomato, avocado, cucumber & Buffalo mozza cheese salad.


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Friday, February 15, 2013

Covet



Beautiful necklace, and you get to custom choose what it says.  I'd get rose gold and have it engraved with A.Co or A.Co est. 1984.


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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Do you like it when strangers call you pet names?


About a year ago, I was shopping at Old Navy and upon arriving at the fitting room, this cheerful middle-aged woman greeted me with an uber friendly, 'Would you like to try those on, love?'  I smiled big, felt warm inside and said yes.  She showed me to a room and that was that.  When I left, despite not finding anything to purchase, she said, 'Have a good day, love!' and I just felt so special.  So much so, that I had to tell her that her cheerful demeanor and pet names made me feel happy and that it was really nice to come across someone so sweet and friendly in retail.

I personally love it when people use pet names; love, sweetie, hon, beautiful, etc., even if I don't know them.  It just makes me feel nice inside and who doesn't love a friendly person?

That said, I know some people that hate when others use pet names (a friend said, 'I don't know them, why are they calling me pet names reserved for special people in life?').

So sound off:  love or hate?


(Photo of Peanut & I, December 2012).


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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

I sold my car!

 Me & the Silver Bullet, February 12, 2013

Last night was a bit of a milestone: after nine and a half years together, I finally sold my car!

I got my car when I was 19 (you do the math) and it was my first car.  I loved it and did my best to look after it.  My Dad, a mechanic, always helped me look after it too, and taught me how to detail my car every Spring, wash it properly by hand and keep it in good shape.  For years I parked far away, never took it through a car wash and babied it.  It was not a top of the line car, as you can see, but I looked after it like it was.

However, over time, like any car, you start to grow out of one and want another and for the past four years, every Spring I'd say, 'I'm selling my car!' and then decide I didn't want to get into a car payment and keep it.

That said, the time has come and as she gets older, again like any car, you start having to do repairs and put more and more money into it.  I replaced half of the exhaust system last spring and wheel barrings twice in a year (blah blah blah, car jargon) and didn't want to be sinking more money into it so I listed it online about a month ago.

I had several inquiries, consistently, a few people come see it and a couple offers.  A couple came to see it on Sunday night, and I just thought it would be another pair of tire-kickers who weren't really serious and I would continue to be stuck with the car, but they were serious.  Within 24 hours they made an offer and within 48 hours I dropped it off at their house and said goodbye to my 'Silver Bullet' forever!  The feeling as we drove off was a little surreal, but I'm looking forward to the future and am getting closer to buying something else, which could potentially be crazy exciting (I have found something but there are some details to be worked out, so we'll see!). 

Me & the Silver Bullet, Fall 2004

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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Covet



I saw someone post these on Instagram and immediatley my little fingers were doing the walking to the Target website.  These will clearly be selling out quick and I'm seriously contemplating purchasing a pair.  After missing out on last year's H&M neon heels, these would be a great 'substitute' (kidding, obvi).




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Neutral

Outfit deets:
* Urban Planet sweater (new!) which you can see in my most recent PDO video, What to Wear on a Date.
* Garage tank top (old).
* Zara pants (new!) from the semi-annual sale (seen in the fitting room and later just acting silly).
* Accessories:  The bay bangle (seen in my Accessories + Hair Tutorial vlog).

This was the outfit I wore on Sunday when I went out to do some shopping and also showed my car.  I would classify this as full hair & make-up because it was a filming day, so I took advantage and took some pictures.  I love this outfit and felt very me in it.  Snug pants an an over-sized sweater or top is my favourite thing to wear and these Zara pants are no exception.

So guess what you guys!?  I sold my car!  Eep!  Okay, not totally sold, but the plan is to get the money and sign it away tonight.  I'm so excited, but anticipate some mixed emotions.  I have had my car for nine and a half years, so, a third of my life!  Whoa, when you put it that way (thanks Dad).  

Anyways, provided all goes well, I will have money in hand tonight.  I am slowly working out the details of purchasing something new (I have found something but it's in negotiations so I can't count my chickens before they hatch, so to speak) which means that yes, I will be somewhat car-less for the time being, but I have a plan thanks to someone special.

So, wish me luck that all goes well tonight and I'll let you know what happens with the car purchase over the next week or so.





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Monday, February 11, 2013

Fashion Vlogger Video #8: What to Wear on a Date


For my eighth vlog as the Place d'Orleans Fashion Vlogger, I'm showing you how I get dressed for a date,  and how to style three very different tops.

Stay tuned for more videos (specifically on the Place d'Orleans FB page).


Other videos:
* Fall Fashion (video #1)
* Wardrobe Classics (video #2)
* Bundling Up for Winter (video #3)
* How-to Style a Sequin Skirt (video #4)
* What to Wear for New Years Eve (video #5)
* New Year, New You! (video #6)
* Accessories & a Hair Tutorial (video #7)


More videos on my YouTube Channel.
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Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

 I made a 'healthy' banana bread on Friday night using this recipe (however, I used whole wheat flour) and sadly it turned out very bland (and I like healthy tasting foods, so...).


Comfy pants for Friday night from my New Year, New You! video.
(I love that these are a skinny leg so they tuck into my Uggs nicely).


Friday night dinner (#spoiled).


Saturday afternoon shopping at Marshalls, Ardène & Garage (no purchases were made).
Outfit deets: H&M top (old), Sirens leggings (old) & consignment store bought necklace.


 Chinese take-out for Saturday night + many episodes of House of Lies.


Pretty flowers, just because.


 Home-made Saturday morning breakfast:  egg/cheese wrap.


On Sunday I showed my car twice (it's for sale) and did some shopping.
Outfit deets:  Thrifted jacket, Urban Planet sweater, Garage tank, Zara pants, Spring boots, Club Monaco scarf & Zellers fingerless gloves.


Picked up a Beauty Blender after watching countless YouTubers use it and rave.  Used it this morning for the first time and loved it so far.  Pricey, at $30 (with tax) but might be worth it.  I'll let you know after more use.


 Sunday night dinner: chicken pesto pasta with yellow peppers and zuchini.


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