Monday, June 30, 2014

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Outfit deets:  90 Degree by Reflex tank and pants & Lululemon sports bra.
On Friday night I hit the gym and went home to relax on the new couch with my fave beer.  Hello weekend!


I picked up a few things to make this snack-y plate since we were both not looking for a huge meal.  The dips are hummus and tzatziki, I had roasted turkey, genoa salami, cucumbers, walnuts, olives, grapes and white pita for Marco.  We spent the night just hanging out, and ended up watching Lone Solider later on (such a good movie, and based on a true story so a real tear jerker).

The next morning I...

More photos after the jump...
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Friday, June 27, 2014

#acolookdowns


While I would love to photograph all my outfits, it's slightly unrealistic so I often take a daily pic and share them on my Instagram under the hashtag album #acolookdowns.

I thought I would share a few of this week an last week's outfits here, as seen on Instagram (I'm acoest1984).

Outfit deets:  Max Studio sweater (new!), Vero Moda skirt & Liliana wedges.

More photos after the jump...
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Thursday, June 26, 2014

What I Wear to Workout: Leg Day


I love looking at flat layouts so thought I would start a new series of sharing what I wear to workout, depending on the activity.

For today's post, I'm sharing what I would wear for a typical leg day.  I tend to wear leggings (over shorts) since I'm doing a lot of squats, lunges and general bending over-ness (ha).  I love wearing bright colours to the gym so these purple pants and neon orange sports bra fit the bill.  I tend to alternate snug fitting tops to bubble tops depending on how I'm feeling.

More recently, I've started wearing skate shoes for leg day as typical gym shoes--like my Nike Free 3.0's--are made to lift your heels and push your weight towards your toes.  When squatting, it's important to keep your weight in your heels and it's recommended to wear a shoe that is flat; Converse would work well, and I often see heavy lifters going bare-foot.

Lastly, pumping music is key for me and I like to switch it up between the music on my iPod and the music I stream on my phone via Soundcloud playlists I create.

Item deets after the jump...
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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

James Perse Little Black Dress & White Wedges

Outfit deets:
* James Perse dress that I bought in Vegas (see my haul video here) and shared in the fitting room on Instagram.
* Accessories: Auslini bangle, Pier 1 ring & Gucci shades.

With the weather heating up, it's nice to bring out some warmer weather clothes, like this James Perse t-shirt style dress I picked up in Vegas.  I love the fact that the fabric is doubled up and ruched to camouflage any areas that need some help, despite being a snug dress.

Lately I've been really paring down on my accessories, case in point: no necklace with this outfit.  I've left the house several times in the past few weeks without a necklace which was a strict no-no for me in the past (necklaces are my jam) but for warmer weather, it just seems less fussy with less jewellery.  That said, I always need something on my wrists and knowing me, since I've now put it out there, next week I'll be piling on statement necklaces like nobody's business.


Photos by Serena Rivard.

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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Printed Slouchy Pants

Outfit deets: 
* Coupe top.
* Smart Set pants (new!).
* Iro Saika heels which you've seen with overalls.
* Accessories: Auslini bangle & Gucci shades.

I was seriously uncertain about the slouchy / soft pant trend and couldn't see myself wearing them after a couple failed attempts with the shorts version.  Well, never say never because apparently you just have to find the right pair!  Even as I slipped these on this morning, I was unsure but within minutes of walking into work I was sold; pajama-like pants that are business-ready?  Yes, yes and yes.

I did find these stretched out a bit during the day so if I can offer a bit of advice, pair these with a hi-low hemline so you can hike up the back of the pants to keep them looking fitted, and tuck the front of your shirt in.  On top of that, if these don't flatter your behind, the longer top will hide that.  I could also see myself pairing these with a more fitted top and a blazer.


Photos by Serena Rivard via my iPhone.

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Monday, June 23, 2014

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

On Friday I got a little surprise in the mail:  new glasses from Clearly Contacts.  I'm a Style Ambassador for the brand and I guess surprise glasses are a perk of the gig!  Cute.


Outfit deets:  F21 tank, Kyoden sports bra, 90 degree leggings & Nike Free 3.0 v5
Friday night I hit the gym with Marco but was terribly grumpy #keepinitreal.

See all my 'in action' workout photos in my Instagram album called #acowerkout


More photos after the jump...
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Saturday, June 21, 2014

A.Co est. 1984 | Closet Sale (part II)

Now that I'm settled in from moving, I've been going through my closet.  I have listed several items I'm selling on my Facebook page so click over if you'd like to see.  Almost everything is under $30.

If you see anything that strikes your fancy, shoot me an email at acoest1984@gmail.com

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Friday, June 20, 2014

NEW SHOES | Iro Saika Heels


The newest member of the shoe collection, Iro Saika, makes a quick leap into first place.  I know I already showed you these in an outfit post earlier this week, but wanted to give you the low down on how I scored these babies.

More after the jump (+ photos)...
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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Zara Floral Pants & Bright Strappy Sandals

Outfit deets:
* Premise blazer which you've seen in the fitting room when I purchased it
* Zara top which you've seen with white pants.
* Zara pants (new!).
* Accessories: Foster Grant sunnies, Suzy Shier necklace, Swarovski bangle & gifted chain bracelet.

I walked out of the store without these floral trousers from Zara and turned around and went back in to purchase them.  Clearly something changed on the walk out.  Although I'm mainly loving neutrals lately, when I do add colour I tend to like to add it on the bottom (shoes fall into this category for sure).  I could also see myself pairing this with a pink-red top or white top with nude heels.



Photos by Serena Rivard.

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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Dark Denim Overalls + Iro Saika Heels

Outfit deets:
* Urban Planet overalls (new!).
* H&M dress (worn as a shirt) which you've seen, as a dress, when I went to Tremblant last winter.
* Iro Saika heels (new!).

I love the overall trend but as similar to maxi dresses, have had the hardest time finding ones that fit my 5'11 frame.  The bib is never long enough and the fit is always off.  I came close to purchasing a pair in Vegas but wanted a darker wash.  I'm glad I held out as I found these ones last weekend and was shocked when not only did they fit, but I had to size down (they are made big).

I was kind of torn as to whether it was in the cards for me to pull off this trend after shrinking my shorts overalls in the dryer (I actually haven't tried them on since doing this because I'm pretty sure I'm going to be super bummed they don't fit anymore). I also tried on an acid wash but wanted something a bit more chic (if calling overalls chic is your sort of thing; it certainly is mine).  These ones have some distressing on the legs and a slightly wider opening at the bottom--versus being a full on skinny.

Lastly, let's talk about the shoes you guys.  Yes!  I bit the bullet and bought the long-covetted Iro Saika shoes.  I'll share more in a post dedicated strictly to them because while they aren't everyone's cup of tea, they are mine and I'm stoked (like, walk around the house in them stoked).


Photos by Serena Rivard.

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Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Monday, June 16, 2014

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Friday was great, I went for a pedicure, did some shopping after work and then met up with Marco at the gym.

Afterwards we...

More photos after the jump...
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Friday, June 13, 2014

Have a great weekend!

Outfit deets: Urban Planet sweater & Chiqle denim.

What are you up to this weekend?

I am going to spend some time cleaning out my closet as I have a consignment appointment later in the weekend and a garbage bag already full.  I'd love to indulge in some wine and carry on watching season 2 of Orange is the New Black (are you guys watching? I'm on episode three).  And on Sunday, we are celebrating Fathers' Day with a BBQ at my parent's place.

Have a great weekend & happy Friday the 13th!

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Thursday, June 12, 2014

Vegas via Instagram


Hello!  Sorry for the radio silence the past couple days, I've been adjusting to the time change (which is hardly anything, at three hours, but still), getting back into the swing of work and trying to just get organized since returning from Vegas. 

I know some of you follow me on Instagram (thanks!) but not everyone has it and I like when others do Instagram recaps on their blogs, and since I did it for Punta Cana, thought I would share my Instagram snaps from my trip to Las Vegas last week.

Warning, this post is super photo heavy, hence why I'm putting it all after the jump.  If you'd like to see a condense version of this, they are in the hashtag album #acoinvegas on Instagram.

So here we go!

Upon arrival, despite it only being 11am, I was able to check in right away.  I stayed at the Aria Hotel which is across the strip from Planet Hollywood and really quite fantastic. 

I was given a tip by a friend to ask if they would offer a complimentary upgrade to a higher floor level / better view of the strip and it worked!  They initially were going to give me the 7th floor (of 54) and bumped me up to the 52nd (hello amazing!) free of charge.

I grabbed some food after dropping my bags, explored the hotel a bit then crashed for a solid six hours (not going to the bed the night before due to a 6am flight will do that to you).  When I got up, just after the dinner hour, I went downstairs and hit the buffet for an amazing dinner.  Then back to bed to sleep off the remainder of the jet lag.

I ended up getting up bright and early on Monday morning and hit the gym at the hotel.  It was surprisingly busy but quite nice.  There was an abundance of cardio machines--which I never touched--and a sizeable weight area. 

 A lot of people ask me why I work out on vacation but I kind of enjoy it.  My rationale is this: on vacation you technically have all day every day to do whatever you want.  I like to start my day with a workout because I find it sets a great tone for the day; you feel better as you get dressed, there is no rush to be anywhere and I feel a little less guilty about all the indulgence that come with holidays (margaritas & buffets anyone?). 

I could never be the person who gets up during the week and works out before work.  It's either after work or bust, but on vacation, time is infinite (sort of) and especially if you're sitting around in a bikini all day, that helps keep myself in check.
  

Outfit deets:  Urban Planet romper (new!) tucked into Bench shorts, Diba sandals & Target lace bralette.
After my workout and breakfast, I showered and got dressed.  I headed out to explore the strip, but mainly to shop.  I hit up Ross & Marshalls and scored huge at latter.

 More photos after the jump...
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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

My Skincare Routine


There must be something in the air because after taking these photos, pre-Vegas trip, I've spotted beauty posts on three of my favourite blogs--all with much prettier photos that these incorporating flowers, clutches and chic looking rugs.  Enter my very basic photos and very basic products--but hey, they get the job done!

I've never been huge into make-up and only recently started using a night cream.  I have, however, worn an SPF daily on my face and neck for the past seven years.  It's not fancy, just the simple Equate brand from Walmart but I love it because it's dissolves quickly and doesn't leave a thick nor greasy residue. 

Read on for more...
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Monday, June 9, 2014

Punta Cana Video Diary


I know I teased you with a teaser video the week before last and I have finally edited all the footage together from our trip to Punta Cana in April.  So sorry for the delay, there was a ton of footage but at the same time, I wasn't super consistent with it.  That said, I made a short & sweet musical montage, if you will, of our week at Breathless Resort.  Hope you enjoy this vlog.

You can find me on YouTube to see videos as they are uploaded.

See all posts related to this trip (scroll to the bottom).
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Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

On Friday night I took the redeye home from Vegas.  Ugh, what a crappy time to travel.  It was the first time I have done this and I knew it would suck, but it kind of just screws up your entire system.  I left Vegas after 11pm, with a stop over in New Jersey at 7am, and then home from there.  I walked in the door just before noon.  

That said, Vegas was a really nice getaway and I enjoyed the time off.  I am usually really sad when trips come to an end but this was a first where I was happy I went, and kind of excited to come home.

I spent all of Saturday afternoon napping and doing laundry.  Marco and I grabbed Pho around 10pm but I forgot to snap a photo.  

Sunday morning we slept in till 11am but it was technically only 8am Vegas time (haha).

 More photos after the jump...
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Friday, June 6, 2014

Black & White Printed Dress with Yellow Heels

Outfit deets:
* Chaps dress which you saw in my Summer Event Wear video last year.
* Joe Fresh cardigan which you've seen with a similarly printed dress (which I no longer own) a few years ago.
* Liliana wedges (a personal fave) which you saw in my Punta Cana vacation outfit post, and when I first purchased them.
* Accessories: Limite necklace, MK watch & Gucci shades.

Today is my last day in Vegas; I'm taking the red-eye home tonight.  It's been a really fun week with far too much walking!  I'm ready to put heels on, driving and eating a little healthier.  That said, I will definitely miss the great view, not making the bed (haha) and having no set routine each day.

Hope you have all had a great week--who's happy the weekend is here?!  My plans don't include much since I will be home around noon on Saturday and since I've never flown a red-eye before, I can imagine I will need to sleep the majority of the day away.  Sunday will include the norm after any trip: unpacking, laundry & of course giving Eve some loving.  Have a great weekend!


Photos by Serena Rivard.

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