Saturday, May 31, 2014

A Look Back at May


May has come and gone and it was the first month we finally felt settled in our new place.  After two months of living in boxes and trying to figure out how to amalgamate two places into one, it's finally feeling organized.

Marco's parent's came down at the beginning of the month and we spent the day in Chinatown.  I filmed a video for Clearly Contacts about why I became a #StyleAmbassador and how to pick the perfect frames.  We finished my closet - office room (I'm sharing photos this week of how it looks now!) and I grew my  nails out again (which have since all been bitten off--wah wah).  

I shared a sneak peek of our bedroom (which has a ways to go before it's done) but we did get some new pillows that fit the new bed, so that's pretty nice.  I wore a new palm printed coat, got flowers from a friend and created a new way to store and display my shoes.  

I played a tennis a bunch of times--and have improved a little but might need actual lessons--was sent some really nice flowers and shared my Spring Trends video.  We went to Taco Fest in Ottawa, I shared my new favourite jeans, I purchased some really cool new wedges & kicked my workouts into high gear by going almost daily for the last two weeks of the month.

As always, thanks for being here and reading along.  I love connecting with you, so with that, tell me your favourite May memory in the comments below.

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Thursday, May 29, 2014

Skinny Jeans & Wedges

Outfit deets:
* Dynamite jacket which you've seen with a sweater dress & booties, with waxed denim (an older favourite outfit post), and with leggings and a tight top years ago.
* American Eagle top (remember this in my, 'What to Wear on a Date' post?) with Urban Planet cami underneath which I wore on my birthday (here in black).
* Parasuco denim which you've seen with a purple flawy top.
* Accessories: Swarovski & Old Navy bangles, H&M rings with gifted chain bracelet.

I'm not sure what has been going on with me lately, but I have been facing a serious creative block.  I've been unmotivated to blog, film or edit videos and just be in this space.  This is something I genuinely enjoy--if I didn't, why bother continuing--but lately I feel so... blah.

A fellow creative-type friend and I were chatting about the slump and offered some wise words:

"You will find slumps in creativity extremely dreadful.  You want to create and when you don't, it makes you feel terrible.  It's a cycle, but the slump will pass.  In the meantime, do what you are currently doing and that is to push through.  It sucks for now, and you might feel antsy, but then all of a sudden, BOOM!  The damn breaks and your back in the swing of things."

Here's hoping my upcoming vacation is just what I need to break the damn, so to speak.  Happy Thursday.



Photos by Serena Rivard.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

TEASER | Punta Cana Vlog


I finally pulled together all the footage from my trip to Punta Cana last month off both our phones, my iPad and the GoPro and there is a lot of footage.  I started sorting through it all, but put together a 15 second trailer for the interim.

I hope to get the full video up by next week, which is always posted on my YouTube channel first, so subscribe there if you'd like, and see you tomorrow!

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Monday, May 26, 2014

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Saturday morning at the gym (I went on Friday night too with a friend, but no photos of that).


The fog was so thick on Saturday morning we could barely see the street below.  And in other news, we are still waiting on our new couch to arrive (three months down...).


Outfit deets:  Ardene tee, Garage skirt, Converse shoes, MK watch & Le Chateau cuff.
Went out and ran some errands during the afternoon--since the weather is finally beautiful, I grabbed a skirt, my Partier tee and Chucks for a casual but still chic look (that was comfortable for running around in).

More pics after the jump...
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Friday, May 23, 2014

Fedora & Cut Offs

Outfit deets:
* Forever 21 tank.
* Almost Famous denim shorts.
* Call It Spring sandals (super old, my total favourites & worn to death).
* Ardene fedora & heart-shaped sunnies.

One last outfit from our vacation to Punta Cana last month--I almost forgot I had these photos.  I would have shared more however my bathing suit made an awkward wet mark mid-chest and kind of ruined the photoshoot #vacationproblems.

What are your plans for the weekend?  I have a busy one lined up: tonight I'm hitting the gym with a friend, then some shopping.  Saturday will be spent likely practicing some tennis--I managed to get a 3-hit rally going last night for the first time ever!--and then celebrating my Mom's birthday.  On Sunday I will be spending the day celebrating my good friend's upcoming nuptials at her bridal shower.  Hope you have a great one and happy Memorial Day long weekend to my US readers and friends.

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Thursday, May 22, 2014

I'm going to Vegas!


Exciting news: I'm going to Vegas next month!  Yipee!

I have been to Las Vegas once, so am somewhat familiar with the strip and a few cool things to do, but wanted to ask if any of you have any recommendations for this trip.  I will have plenty of free time to do touristy things and want to make the most of my time there. 

Things on the bucket list thus far include the NYNY roller coaster, Fremont Street, the pool at the hotel and possibly a Cirque show.  Anything else I should see or tips?




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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Crop Tops + Other Trends That Aren't for Me


I have a confession:  I have been feeling mighty discouraged lately while shopping.  I'm hoping a few of you are with me on this one, hence why I'm sharing.

While I love the crop top trend, it is simply not for me.  My mid section is not something I'm going to be baring, although I wish I could.  Additionally, the trends for this Spring are very body-concious, with lots of skin showing.  Crop tops, maxis with cut-outs and oblique-baring muscle tees.  It's frustrating when you want to be on trend and participate in the trends and your body doesn't quite match up.  However, I'm a firm believer in dressing to flatter your body type and these aren't my most flattering items.

The crop top I'm wearing above is something I really do love, and paired with a high-waist skirt, you're still getting the full effect of the trend.  That said, the skirt is body-concious so definitely not the most comfortable (ie. suck it in!).

Are there any trends you're wishing would work on you but just don't?  Sound off in the comments below, I'd love to hear!

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Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

A few weeks ago I won a giveaway from Ardene on Lena's blog and my goodies arrived on Friday!  A new outfit for the gym that I got to pick out!


I chose this black windbreaker, cool geo-printed leggings and a hot pink racer-back tank.  They also sent over a black sports bra which is sadly too big so I'm hoping I can exchange it at the store.  I couldn't wear to try out my new clothes and hit the gym on Friday after work.  See without the coat here.


After the gym I grabbed some groceries and went home and made spaghetti with sausage, garlic bread for us.  Such a good meal and my first pasta dish in months (random).


On Saturday morning we hit the gym and then headed home and Marco made breakfast.  
Outfit deets:  Bench jacket, La Senza workout tank (from when they had a workout line years ago), Walmart leggings, Converse sneakers & Lululemon bag.

More photos after the jump...
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Monday, May 19, 2014

Taco Fest Outfit

Outfit deets:
* H&M low-back tank.
* Zara denim.
* Accessories: Le Chateau cuff & Aldo clutch / cross-body.

We went to Taco Fest in Ottawa on Saturday night which was a great time.  It was held at the huge--newly reno'ed--convention centre downtown.  We arrived shortly after 6:30pm, grabbed some Coronas and headed into the ballroom where the vendors were set up.  There was a live DJ and tons of booths, all serving up various forms of tacos, sliders, and amazing tilt-your-head-and-bite kind of food.  

Since I wanted to be comfortable, but take advantage of being out on the weekend, I wore something that felt very me.  The ripped jeans are new from Zara and although you can't see the low-back detail on this tank, it's kind of a reverse sexy top, exposing whatever pretty thing you choose to wear underneath (and sometimes I wear this to the gym to show off the back of my sports bra).  We snapped these photos as we were leaving--sorry for the lack of detail shots but we were running late.

Since today is a holiday in Canada, I'll be back tomorrow with a full weekend recap.  Hope you had a great weekend!

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Saturday, May 17, 2014

NEW SHOES | Iro Manela


I'm so excited to share my newest pair of heels, these Iro Manela wedges.  Unfortunately these are sold out now, but there is a very similar style called the Sattley which are still available.

I was so happy to find that these run true to size and are like little pillows on my feet--very comfortable and easy to walk in.  I'm still lusting after the Iro Saresha but passed them up during the Friends & Family sale on Shopbop a few weeks ago.  Now, onto more shoe photos!

 


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Friday, May 16, 2014

Burgundy Skinny Pants with Nude Sandals

Outfit deets:
* H&M top (old).
* Sirens pants which you've seen in my profile photo and the outfit post it came from and in the winter with a beanie.
* Accessories: Aldo necklace & Michael Kors watch.

Sometimes, despite being someone who lives fashion, I can have mornings where everything ends up on the floor and nothing fits right.  I'd like to say I have a plethora of back-up outfits on hand, ready for when a fashion-block moment strikes, but I don't.  I usually resort to all black, with various textures, but it feels a little weird doing that in the Spring time.  

That said, I like to keep a 'Fashion Inspiration' folder on Pinterest for when I need a quick direction, although I usually just end up scrolling on and on and on, gazing at the beautiful photos instead of actually getting dressed.

This was definitely one of those mornings, and while I felt slightly defeated leaving the house in this outfit, I ended up getting several compliments and feeling pretty good all day long.

Any strategies you ladies use when having a case of I-have-nothing-to-wear!?



Photo by Serena Rivard (via my iPhone).
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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Pre-Move In Condo Tour



If you follow me on YouTube, you have already seen this when it was uploaded a couple days ago.  That said, I couldn't not share it here, since I've been bringing you along for the entire process of moving.

I filmed this video back in February, prior to us moving in because I wanted to share the space empty before we moved and filled it up with all of our stuff.  This also makes for great before and after photos and videos.  I will eventually film an updated condo tour to show you how everything looks now, but without further adieu, here is a quick tour!


Related posts:
* Video | Moving Day


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Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Raw Hem Jeans and a T-Shirt

Outfit deets:
* Ashley B faux leather jacket which you've seen multiple times with an all-grey ensemble, when I went to Montreal with my guy, and with my other favourite jeans of the moment (in a more casual look).
* Dynamite t-shirt.
* Chiqle denim which you've seen before I cut the bottoms off.
* Forever 21 heels from last summer which you've seen with a dress last fall.
* Accessories: Deux Lux bag (similar), Suzy Shier necklace, Call it Spring + H&M rings, Gucci shades, Swarovski & Forever 21 bangles.

Raw hem denim is having a serious affair with my heart.  These are the second pair of jeans I've chopped at the ankles and I'm loving the look.  It's a little edgy, a little chic and you can do it yourself within a minute.  It's a quick way to push your personal fashion box and be slightly ahead of the curve (since this trend hasn't fully caught on yet).


Photos by Serena Rivard.
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Monday, May 12, 2014

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

On Friday I got a special delivery to work--12 long stemmed roses!  This isn't the first time my guy has sent flowers for no reason, but it sure never loses it's touch.


I got home from work, cracked a beer and relaxed.  We ended up just unpacking and working on the condo before crashing.  We had our entertainment stand delivered on wednesday so we could finally unpack the massive pile of boxes in our living room and stow away all electronics.


On Saturday morning we hit the gym and went to breakfast.


Then came home and spent all afternoon cleaning, unpacking, organizing and shoving crap into every nook and cranny we could find.  My family was coming for Mothers' Day brunch on Sunday so that seriously lit a fire under our butts to get it all done (especially with the entertainment unit here too).

I snapped this shot of our bedroom in the afternoon; we are lucky with the cool view of the water.

More photos after the jump...
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Sunday, May 11, 2014

Our Condo | Master Bedroom + Bathroom BEFORE Photos


The master bedroom is off the living room and hosts a three-piece ensuite and walk-in closet.  Although I was skeptical we would fit a king bed in here, there is more than enough room.  Clearly I can't visualize space without furniture in it.  In the photo above, I'm standing at the window wall, looking back.  You can also see a peek of the kitchen out the door to the left.

I took these photos before we moved in back in February, hence the empty space and the snow on the ground outside.  I won't say much more since I will be sharing photos of the fully furnished space soon so here is a look at it before we took over.

More photos after the jump...
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Friday, May 9, 2014

Clearly Contacts x A.Co est. 1984 | #StyleAmbassador Video


A few months ago I shared that I had become a Style Ambassador for Clearly Contacts, so when they contacted me about making a video, sharing my experience and a bit about myself, I happily got to filming.  As you guys know, I have a YouTube channel where I post weekly videos and this one just went live.

Hope you enjoy this short video where I answer some random questions and share my tips for picking out the perfect frames--oh, and a sneak peek at my new bedroom!

Have a great weekend!
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Thursday, May 8, 2014

Vacation Outfit | Denim Shorts + Sweater

Outfit deets: 
* Victoria's Secret bikini top which you saw in Mexico last year.
* Reitmans sweater (new!).
* Colbretti denim cut offs, thrifted & DIY'ed into shorts which you've seen on date night last summer.
* Accessories: G21 shades (yes, from Walmart).

I'm rounding out the last few photos from our vacation to Punta Cana last month.  If I could wear something all the time, it would be something along these lines: shorts & a flowy sweater (or skinny pants and edgy boots).

This week has been a miss mash of stuff, we've had friends over almost every night (one at a time, because that's how we roll, apparently) to catch up and eat.  I've listed--and sold--my shoe and rolling racks.  I've cooked, baked, and vacuumed the condo.  And, the most exciting news of all--and this is serious, 'You need to be grown to get excited for this'--our entertainment unit was delivered and we got a Roomba.  

I know.  The things dreams are made of.

Big dreams, guys.  Serious.  Adult.  Dreams.

Happy Thursday!

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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Palm Print Coat

Outfit deets:
* Lord & Taylor coat (from The Bay) which you've seen in my recent Spring Trends haul.
* Dynamite top.
* H&M denim.
* Accessories: Kate Spade necklace (birthday gift), Expressions ring, Swarovski bangle, Gorjana bangle, Gucci shades & vintage clutch.

The minute I saw this jacket I had to have it.  It was a bit of a splurge, but I'm loving the palm print and it's such a pretty and well made piece.  I know I'll wear this a ton to and from work and when I get dressed up on weekends.  It's such a chic twist on a classic silhouette.


Photos by Serena Rivard.

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