Friday, July 29, 2016

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE: WHAT I BOUGHT, SIZING INFO & HOW TO STYLE NOW AND LATER



Are you ladies sick of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale yet?  I'm still perusing the sale pages on the daily because while I've heard they aren't re-stocking, I keep seeing various items being restocked!  What I like to do, is add items to my Wish List and check that first--it will tell you if it's back in stock and then you're not searching endlessly for it.

With that, I already shared a haul video of my purchases, but I wanted to share with you what I bought, wearing the items, with some options on how to style the pieces now, for Summer, and later when the temperatures get a bit cooler.  I'll be honest, I love me some Summer, but I'm seriously excited for Fall!  Call me crazy, but layers, moto jackets, boots and more got me like #inserthearteyedemojihere

Photo overload after the jump...


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Wednesday, July 27, 2016

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE: THE SHOE DEPARTMENT (+ TRY ONS)

As I mentioned on the weekend, I went back to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale to scope out the shoe section.  If you've never been before, the shoes and the clothing are on different floors, and by the time I was done in the fitting room, I was not about to venture down there and battle the crowds. 

That said, I couldn't stay away for long, so I'm sharing my top picks for the shoes in the sale, how they fit, colour preferences and more.


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Tuesday, July 26, 2016

FOREVER 21 FINDS

Hi ladies!  As much as I'm trying to incorporate more quality pieces into my wardrobe, I cannot deny my love for a good Forever 21 find.  Right now they have so many on trend pieces, and I'm loving the boho feels, which have me super excited for Fall to transition some of these pieces with cool weather accessories--over the knee boots & leather jackets anyone?


With that, I'm sharing a few of my faves today including this strappy sports bra I just scooped up (like a sexy bralette with support!), I'm obsessed with this dress & if I was shorter, I would totally scoop this up.


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OFF SHOULDER & HIGH WAISTED SHORTS


O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  H&M LACE OFF SHOULDER TOP (SIMILAR, WANT THIS)  |  GOLD CHOKER (SIMILAR)  |  HIGH WAIST SHORTS (SIMILAR)  |  LACE UP HEELS  |  BAG (BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION)  |  FUR POM (SIMILAR)

Summer is in full swing and we have been having some crazy hot temperatures.  This top if clearly quite revealing so if you're not feeling the bandeau bralette style underneath, a nude or same-colour strapless cami would be a great option.  I opted for high-waisted shorts for a bit more coverage--bonus, these shorts are under $15!




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Monday, July 25, 2016

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps


PRINTED DRESS  |  SAM EDELMAN 'KENT' BOOTS (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)

Happy Monday ladies!  How was your weekend?  I spent Friday morning at the #Nsale scoping out all the amazing pieces.  In case you missed it, you can see everything I tried on & everything I purchased.  It was definitely a successful shopping trip.

Sidenote: how beautiful are the washrooms there (below)!?  


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Sunday, July 24, 2016

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE HAUL


I hit up the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale on opening day and was there first thing in the morning.  I had an appointment with a Stylist who took my Wish List in advance, had everything in a fitting room for me and more--literally the best shopping experience I've ever had.  

Overall, super successful day of shopping, I showed you everything I tried on, and today I'm sharing everything that came home with me.

I'm linking everything after the jump so if anything jumps out at you, head over and scoop them up before they are gone.  Everything is from the brand new, Fall 2016 Collection and prices go back up on August 7th.  


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Friday, July 22, 2016

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE: TRY ON & FITTING ROOM PICS #NSALE



I hit up the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this morning and it was quite possibly the best shopping experience of my life.  I made an appointment with the Style Sales Manager and she was a dream to work with.  I got there bright and early, she pulled all the items I had on my wish list, plus more, and set me up in a fitting room.

I did a couple laps around the store, collecting a few more pieces, and then it was time to try it all on. I would love to share with you a bit of a photo overload from the fitting room, but also how these pieces fit so you can shop them yourself!

I will share a full post about everything I purchased and if you're here early want to add me to Snapchat, you can see me trying all of these things on (I'm acoest1984).  Onto the fitting room recap!

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NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE SHOPPING DAY




It's here!  It's here!  Today is the day the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens up to the public.  I will be heading to there to scoop up all the goodies I've been eyeing since the early access sneak peek became available.   Here's everything you need to know to shop the sale:


THE BREAKDOWN

The #Nsale is an annual sale where tons of new, Fall merchandise is super marked down.  It's the chance to grab new trends and pieces for the upcoming season, at discounted pricing.  Prices go back up on August 8th.  


INCLUDED

Hundreds of items for women, men, kids, beauty and home.  While some items get restocked, once they sell out, most are gone until prices go back up.


MY PICKS

I shared my clothing picks earlier this week (here are last year's picks), but for the home I'm loving this rose gold cocktail shaker, this marble/wood cutting board & I'm really drawn to this duvet set.



I will be sharing my shopping experience on Snapchat, so follow along if you'd like, I'm acoest1984.  I'll be back with a recap of everything I tried on, how it fit and more to help you shop.  I'm so excited, I hope you are too!


Happy Friday!





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Thursday, July 21, 2016

MINI DESIGNER HAUL



Today I'm sharing a mini designer haul.  As I mention in the video, I don't buy a ton of designer pieces, but as I've gotten older, I've started to invest in things I really love.  A lot of thought goes into these purchases, and they are never made on a whim--although that would be fun, wouldn't it?--and they are always pieces I have debated for some time.

I find that the majority of any big purchases I make are pieces I can foresee myself wearing for several years to come, often in neutral colours, and I would be lying if I didn't say finding these things on sale doesn't get me excited.

So with that, a mini designer haul of a few pieces I've splurged on this Spring/Summer.  As always, thanks for watching! xo



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Wednesday, July 20, 2016

BLACK FRINGE KIMONO & LACE UP HEELS


O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  F21 BLACK KIMONO (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)  |  RUFFLE CAMI (LOVE THIS)  |  BLACK SKINNIES (LOVE THESE)  |  FAUX SUEDE CHOKER NECKLACE  |  LACE UP HEELS  |  BAG (BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION)

If you girls didn't notice, I'm loving kimonos this year.  I started adding them to my closet last year, but this is seriously the year of the kimono for me!  They are so versatile, great for a business casual work environment, and obviously on weekends.  Blazers never quite fit me right, so a kimono is the perfect piece to offer coverage and add style.

Let's talk about the shoes--I scooped these up back in June after lusting after them for months and they are now super on sale!  They also come in black and red--but I find they run a little big, so I would suggest sizing down.



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Monday, July 18, 2016

My Picks | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale



The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here and early access started on Friday.  If you girls live in the US, you can sign up for the debit or credit card and shop the sale immediately.  If you're in Canada, like myself, or other parts of the world, the sale opens to the public this Friday, July 22.

Essentially, this sale is the biggest of the year where Nordstrom marks down all their new Fall gear for three weeks.  After that, they go back up to regular price until the snow flies, ie. the time to shop is now!  While I know you have sunshine, swimming and patio-season on your mind, the cool weather will be here before we know it and you'll be glad you scored some awesome stuff at such great prices.

That said, I'm sharing my favourite picks from the sale and will be sharing even more as the sale goes on.  I've actually asked my Sales Manager at my local Nordstrom to set a few things aside for my appointment on Friday so I don't miss out, like this suede moto jacket (which has already sold out twice online and been restocked), this bralette, and this drape front vest (love this splurge option).

Happy shopping!
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Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps


BODYSUIT (SIMILAR LOOK) + STRAPPY BRA  |  HI-WAIST DENIM CUT OFFS  |  JACKET -- OLD (SIMILAR)  |  RUBBER BOOTS -- OLD (SIMILAR, SPLURGE)  |  BAG  |  CHOKERS

On Friday night we headed out to Bluesfest, which is Ottawa's biggest outdoor music festival.  It runs for two weeks and this weekend was the second and last weekend.  We went and saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers and it was a wet night!  

What you didn't see?  My massive navy poncho, tucked away in my bag--unless you follow me on Snap (I'm acoest1984), then you definitely saw the poncho, and hence the rubber boots (seriously, a life saver!).


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Friday, July 15, 2016

Tall Nude Gladiator Sandals & One Teaspoon Bonita Shorts


O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  H&M TOP (SIMILAR)  |  WHITE DENIM SHORTS  |  ZARA GLADIATOR SANDALS (SIMILAR, DESIGNER STEAL)  |  BAG  |  OLD FEATHER NECKLACE (LOVE THIS)

I posted a picture of these sandals on Insta earlier this week after scoring them at the Zara semi-annual sale.  My girlfriend and I went after dinner one evening, totally unplanned, and on the way there, I was telling her how all I want to wear lately are nude and black shoes.  Enter one pair of these lace up gladiators left, in. my. size.  #score #happydance

The sale is still going on, but pickings are slim online so head to your local store if you can to score some sweet deals -- ahem, my sandals were half off!  I'm totally loving this playsuit, this thin-knit sweater, this backless bodysuit and these boots are a steal.


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Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Shopbop Designer Sale | My Picks





The Shopbop Designer Sale is on right now so I had to share my picks--this sale doesn't come around very often and a it's a great time to pick up anything designer you have your eye on.  All designer pieces that are currently on sale are an additional 25% off with code DESIGNER25. 

I'm sharing some pieces I'm loving (including that jacket above I wore in a tv segment last month--it's on sale in a pretty mustard colour) and scooping up below, but hurry, the sale ends tonight at midnight.



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Giving Back Through My Closet



You ladies know, I'm a huge clothing and shoes lover, but I often get asked what I do with the stuff I'm not wearing anymore.  I've talked about consigning before, but something else I always do is donate my clothing to charitable organizations.  It's a small way to give back to the community, in hopes that it finds its way to help out other women.

My thoughts are this: if it's something you once loved, that someone else could put to good use and help them get ahead in life, I'm in.   Giving back doesn't always have to take a lot of effort, and one of my favourite quotes is, 'If we all do a little, no one has to do a lot'...




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Tuesday, July 12, 2016

How to Balayage Hair Extensions



A few months ago, I balayaged a pair of hair extensions.  Essentially, I had an old pair lying around, and grown out hair that no longer matched any extensions I owned, and I wasn't feeling dropping $300 on these beautiful extensions.  I have zero hair colouring experience, but figured it was worth a shot.

The end result ended up coming out really well--you can see me wearing them in the photos above and below--and I loved my renewed extensions.  They were a great match, and for an older pair I hadn't worn in years, it was $25 well spent.

I recently had my hair coloured, and the blonde did not exactly turn out how I had hoped, and my former extensions no longer matched--my new blonde was much darker.  I had another pair of extensions that matched a bit better on the ends, so decided to grab some colour and try my hand at balayaging again.  I filmed the process so hope you enjoy and it can help out if you're considering this approach.

As always, thanks for watching! xo

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Monday, July 11, 2016

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps




Happy Monday -- how was your weekend?

On Friday I did some closet cleaning, which rolled into Saturday evening as well, but the good news is, are the Summer heels are out front and all the boots are tucked away--not like it's mid-July or anything  #ohjeeze

Then Marco and I grabbed take-out from the Pizzeria near our place--they make an awesome BBQ chicken with salad and fries.



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Friday, July 8, 2016

Olive Distressed Skinnies & A Lace Top


O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  DYNAMITE TOP -- OLD (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)  |  CAMI  |  H&M DISTRESSED SKINNIES (SIMILARSIMILAR)  |  FRINGE HEELS (IN BLACK + ON SALE)  |  BAG (BUDGET FRIENDLY)  |  H&M CHOKER (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)

Even though it's Summer, I love wearing pants for an evening out, and these distressed skinnies are a great alternative to wearing denim.  I like to offset the edginess of the rips with something more feminine like the lace, and then added the fringe shoes for fun.  While there are a lot of textures going on in this look, keeping the palette neutral is a great way to incorporate it all.


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Thursday, July 7, 2016

How to Style a Cover Up for Day


O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  F21 SWIM COVER-UP (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  DENIM SHORTS  ON SALE!  |  ALDO TALL GLADIATOR SANDALS -- OLD (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)  |  MY OWN BODYCHAIN  |  BRALETTE  |  WRAP CHOKER

When I saw this cover-up in store, I wasn't going crazy for in, it fact, I passed it up on two separate shopping trips until I finally tried it on and fell in love.  I totally purchased it for beach days and resort vacations but after throwing it on over leggings one day at home, I wanted to style it for more of a day look.  It's comfortable, roomy but still shows their is a figure underneath. 

I paired mine with high-waist denim cut offs and tall gladiators to keep it easy breezy, but it would look super pretty half-tucked into some white skinnies & nude heels.

We also just added this new wrap choker to the shop.  I've been wearing mine a ton and love the simple look of a choker when you don't want a long looking necklace.


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Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Happy Tuesday!  How was your long weekend?  I took an extra long weekend and today am back to the grind--it was a well needed break so let's jump into the snaps...



Canada Day was miserable in the later afternoon, and we just hunkered down indoors and relaxed.  We toyed with the idea of having our friends over for a BBQ, but ultimately decided to stay in, get pizza and watch a movie.


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Friday, July 1, 2016

Off The Shoulder & White Wide Leg Trousers


O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  OFF THE SHOULDER TOP  |  WIDE LEG TROUSERS (ANOTHER SPLURGE, SIMILAR, BUDGET FRIENDLY)  |  ASOS FEATHER CLUTCH -- OLD (SIMILAR, SPLURGE)

Happy Canada Day!  What are your plans for the long weekend?  We are planning to celebrate the day with a rooftop BBQ and maybe make our way downtown with some friends later on.  I'm most excited to see Cirque du Soleil this weekend!  It's come to Ottawa and I love seeing Cirque shows, they are just mesmerizing, so entertaining and the talent is incredible.

Onto the outfit, I'm loving anything off the shoulder and this pretty blouse ups the ante with it's soft ruffles.  Tuck it or wear it loose, it's the silhouette of the Summer.  The pants are a huge score that I found at Saks Off Fifth recently, deeply discounted, and had to scoop up.  I have the hardest time finding wide leg/flare pants that are long enough for me since I'm quite tall, and these ones actually had to be hemmed--and I'm wearing them with a pair of my tallest heels!  #bestdayever

Hope you have a great weekend, whether you're celebrating Canada Day or the Fourth of July on Monday, or just a regular ol' time off, hope it's great and see you next week!


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