Friday, March 31, 2017

WHAT TO PACK FOR AN ALL INCLUSIVE TRIP | STYLISH & EFFICIENT


Hi ladies!  Today I'm sharing my tips for packing for an all-inclusive vacation.  I've taken several trips down south, and I like to think it gets easier each time, but alas there is always some last minute packing going on over here.  

I also wanted to note that I pulled almost all of these items from my closet, versus going out and buying a whole new vacation wardrobe.  While the the pull to go on a shopping spree was real, we are saving hardcore for a house, so, I had to get creative with mostly what I had.  This isn't so much about the exact items in my luggage, but ideas on how to pack efficiently and stylishly.  Apologies I don't have all the same items to link but I am linking to super similar items and pieces I have on my wishlist!

So all that to say, I'm hoping to help you become more strategic in how you prepare for a week away, and I've rounded up all the items you need to bring to your next resort vacation + I've created an easy, printable, packing checklist to remove the guesswork.  So with that, hopefully this takes some stress out of the packing, let's jump in!

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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

SUEDE MOTO JACKET WITH BLACK DISTRESSED DENIM


Gooooood morning!  How is your week going?  

Last night I hit the gym and wandered around the mall in search of a couple new pieces for our trip this weekend, but didn't have much luck.  We are escaping the snow and heading off to Mexico--something that's been planned much longer than the last trip (which was a little more unexpected).  I'm trying to get creative with items in my closet that I already own, but so want to buy all the new things (must. be. strong. for. house. fund).

We are so excited to get away for a week, and this time my two best girlfriends are coming with us!  We keep joking about, 'Marco and his harem of women' -- ha!  I'll be sharing the trip on Instastories so follow along there if you'd like.

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Tuesday, March 28, 2017

LEATHER JACKET + CAMO PANTS


I'm just going to address the elephant in the room that is the massive amount of snow we still have--but like I promised last week, after this week, we are fully moving into the spring outfits!  I've already shot a few looks with Lisa when we had an uber mild day not long ago and if the crazy fog we had tonight is any indication, warm weather is around the corner!

Onto the look--I'm back with the camo pants again...

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Monday, March 27, 2017

WEEKEND RECAP: IPHONE SNAPS


Happy Monday ladies!  I'm so excited about the new blog layout, it's got me all amped for the week to begin--which is rare, I'm definitely a lover of the weekends!

In case you missed, but are seeing it now, there's a full post about the new blog re-design, how to navigate it and the cool features.  I hope you love it as much as I do and find it easier to read and find things, but also beautiful to look at.  I'm still tweaking a few things, and open to suggestions.

With that, how was your weekend?  On Friday night, I hit the gym after work and then went home to relax for the evening.  We ordered food and watched a movie, I can't even remember which one, and passed out early.


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Sunday, March 26, 2017

THE NEW A.CO EST. 1984 | BLOG RE-DESIGN



Welcome to the new A.Co est. 1984!  I'm super excited to give this space a facelift and had been thinking about it for a while.  I decided to go with a template, and then played around a bit on the back end to customize it a little more myself.  I'm still tinkering with it, but am so pleased with the overall look and new feel of the site.

So, what's changed?

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Saturday, March 25, 2017

WEEKEND SHOPPING DEALS


VINCE HEELS -- ON SALE!

Happy Saturday!  I've been seeing some awesome deals online lately, and of course since I'm on a semi-shopping ban with our house hunt, it's making it extra hard!

That said, my Vince heels from last year were my #1 go-to pair of shoes and they are so comfy.  I'm usually a 10 but when I ordered mine, they only had a 9.5, so I took a chance.  It worked out, so I wouldn't say they run large by any means, but half size might be okay if they don't have your full size.

Also, I will have a full post of the look above coming soon, but wanted to share about the shoes ASAP.  Hope you girls have a great day and weekend!


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Thursday, March 23, 2017

LIGHT LAYERS WITH OVER THE KNEE BOOTS


O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  SWEATER (SIMILAR)  |  CHOKER  |  ZARA SCARF (SIMILAR)  |  LEGGINGS  |  BOOTS  |  BAG (BUDGET FRIENDLY)

Today's look is an easy throw-on-and-go when you really don't know what to wear.  These leggings have been a great piece for day-to-day wear, versus in the gym (I gave my full review here) and I love how thick they.  Throw on a sweater that covers your booty, over the knee boots, a scarf and you're done.  

Hope you girls have a great Thursday, I'm heading out to dinner tonight with my girlfriends.  We try to meet once a month, the four of us, and since this time it falls in my birthday month, I got to pick the spot (margaritas anyone?).  We're almost at the weekend, hold tight!


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Wednesday, March 22, 2017

TRANSITIONING YOUR WARDROBE WHEN THE WEATHER IS STILL COOL


O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  KNIT HAT -- OLD (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  SCARF -- UNDER $10! |  OLD NAVY COAT -- OLD (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)  |  WHITE TEE  |  DISTRESSED DENIM (BUY THIS STYLE INSTEAD, BUDGET FRIENDLY)  |  ALDO BOOTS -- OLD (SIMILAR)

Happy mid-week, how's it going?!  This week has been stressful and I've been pulling late nights (by choice) and suffering a little the following day #nightowlsbenightowls

Today's look is for my girls who are still in a cooler climate--real talk, all the bloggers sporting light weight jackets and bare legs have me super jealous.  We still have major snow on the ground and I'm so over this winter!  So, I have a few more cool weather looks to share, because I know I can't be alone, but will be going full Spring style on you come April.  

Speaking of, can you believe we are at the end of March?!  How the heck did that happen?  Is it just me or did March fly by?  I'll be doing my usual round up of favourites next week but would love any suggestions on items to try in April if you have any--specifically I'd love to find a daily self-tanner lotion that doesn't contain parabens.  I was planning to grab this one (to use in between my weekly-ish self-tanner) but alas it has parabens, and I'm trying to clean up my beauty routine with those suckers, so let me know!


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Tuesday, March 21, 2017

SHOPBOP SALE TRY ON HAUL



A few weeks back, Shopbop held a huge sale & I am normally pretty good at resisting, but this time I went a little ham on the add to cart button!  However, since they offer free shipping & free returns, I figured I had nothing to lose and snagged a bunch of awesome pieces.

Bonus: if you're Canadian, like me, they'll include the duty up front, if you'd like, and reimburse upon return, versus getting a surprise at the door and then having to submit that invoice if you do make return.

So with that said, as promised, I've tried everything on, styled it and am sharing with you today all the details on sizing and more.  Some pieces are from my own closet, but I'm linking them as well, so let's jump in.


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Monday, March 20, 2017

WEEKEND RECAP: IPHONE SNAPS


MEXX TOP -- OLD (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  DENIM  |  OVER THE KNEE BOOTS  |  BAG

Good morning ladies, how was your weekend?  It was a busy one over here, but a really good busy, you know?  

On Friday night, my best friend picked me up and took me out to dinner for my birthday (which was on March 15) and we had an amazing meal and evening.  I hadn't been to Allium before and was dying to try it, and it didn't disappoint.  I can't wait to go back!


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Sunday, March 19, 2017

WEEKEND SHOPPING DEALS


Happy Sunday ladies!  I've spent all late afternoon and evening cleaning and doing laundry and now Marco is rushing me to get to the couch for some Walking Dead but I wanted to get this post up for you, as promised.

Also, I tried on all the Shopbop items from my order and that post will be up on Tuesday, and I'll be sharing how everything fits, the sizes I purchased and my favourites.

My fringe boots above have just been restocked in the grey (finally!) but also come in a pretty conga colour too.  I debated between the colours and think both are equally beautiful.


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Thursday, March 16, 2017

THE BEST INVESTMENT LEATHER JACKET


O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  ALL SAINTS LEATHER JACKET (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS, BUDGET FRIENDLY)  |  DYNAMITE SCARF -- OLD (SIMILAR)  |  MEXX SWEATER DRESS -- OLD (JUST BOUGHT THIS)  |  LEGGINGS  |  ALDO BOOTS -- OLD (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)  |  BAG (BUDGET FRIENDLY)

We are back from the beach and into the snow, and that is definitely not an understatement when we arrived in a massive blizzard on Tuesday night!  The flight boards at the Cancun airport were full of cancelled and delayed flights heading north, and we were lucky to have no delays and make it in because I think had our flight been any later, we would have been staying an extra night at the airport!

I had full plans to shoot some spring looks for the blog upon return and we had to cancel the shoot due to weather.  All the pieces in stores have me so excited for warmer months but this weather just isn't cooperating!

Onto the look--when in doubt, all black, or at least that's my motto on mornings when I'm rushing around with 'nothing to wear'.  My sweater dress is super old, but I just scooped up this one as a replacement and I love the it's more boxy, which will be great for pairing with over the knee boots, without looking too sexy.  Plus, it's a great time to scoop winter pieces up for next year since the sale prices are so great.


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Wednesday, March 15, 2017

CANCUN PHOTO DIARY | LE BLANC SPA RESORT


SUNGLASSES  |  F21 OFF SHOULDER TOP -- OLD (SIMILAR)  |  SHORTS -- OLD (SIMILAR)  |  NUDE FLIP FLOPS  |  H&M FRINGE BAG -- OLD (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)

Hi ladies!  Today I’m sharing a huge photo overload of our four days in Cancun Mexico.  We were lucky to fly down for a quick trip for Marco’s work, and we stayed at the amazing Le Blanc Spa resort.  

It was a bit of a whirlwind, with only two full days there and plenty of activities in between.  I’d love to share a few photos with you if you’d like to see…


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Friday, March 10, 2017

FRIDAY FINDS



TGIF!  How has your week been and what are you up to this weekend?  We are heading to Cancun for four days to soak up some sun and take a breather.  I am so excited.  

This winter, well, like all winters I suppose, is running long and I'm getting freakin' tired of the snow and cold.  I can't wait to wear open toe shoes, not cook and clean, and just get away to some sunshine.

Hope you girls have a great weekend & here are some fun links to kick things off.


Gave myself a pedi for our trip with this nail polish colour.


Just snagged these designer look-alike shades for under $15.

The Lululemon sale section I check weekly.

Always late?  There's a reason.

An interesting perspective & quote on time.


New shoes (as seen on Snapchat last night).



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Thursday, March 9, 2017

MY DAILY MAKE-UP PRODUCTS & ROUTINE | BUDGET FRIENDLY



Hey girls!  Today I'm sharing something a little different--my current make-up products I'm loving and using on a daily basis.  I'm not one to spend a ton of make-up, but I am definitely one to put on a full face on the daily, so wanted to share how I achieve my go-to look, on a budget.

I've shared a little on skincare and beauty in the past, and have been religiously using this SPF everyday on my face and neck for the last nine years.  The formula and liquidy, not thick, not greasy, and it absorbs quickly.  After that, it's onto the make-up, so let's jump in...


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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

WHAT TO WEAR WITH CAMO PANTS


O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  CAMO PANTS -- OLD (SIMILAR, BUDGET FRIENDLY)  |  F21 SWEATER (SIMILAR, DESIGNER ON SALE)  |  SUEDE JACKET (LIGHT TAN COLOUR)  |  ALDO BOOTS -- OLD (SIMILAR)  |  BAG

  I've had these camo pants in my closet for years.  Case in point, right before Marco & I moved in together, an outfit I still love from 2014, and I brought them when we went to Italy for the first time.   I keep coming back to them, confirming they are a great closet staple.  I wish I had the exact pair to link, but they are so old, I'm sharing some fun ones in stores below.

I've been seeing camo pants popping up again for spring and brought mine out while it's still cold.  I usually pair camo with neutrals, but also love it with blush pink or a pop of orange.  They would look really great paired with over the knee boots and when the temperatures warm up, I'll be rocking these new heels I just scooped up with a grey tank or flirty off the shoulder number.


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Tuesday, March 7, 2017

FEBRUARY FAVOURITES


It's a new month, so I'm sharing some of my favourite things from February.  The goal behind this series is to share pieces I truly loved and used a ton, not necessarily what is currently the hottest trend or product.

Last month I shared tech, fashion and beauty, and today I'm incorporating something I've been using to get organized, so let's jump in!

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Monday, March 6, 2017

WEEKEND RECAP: IPHONE SNAPS


PARKA FROM ITALY (SIMILAR UNDER $150)  |  BAG (BUDGET FRIENDLY)  |  LEGGINGS  |  SNEAKERS

Happy Monday!  How are you ladies doing?  It was a busy weekend so I'm going to jump right into this bit of photo overload.

On Friday night, I hit the gym and snapped this post-workout selfie, before heading home to see Marco.  After a little convincing through text and voice messaging, he agreed to go for Indian, so I picked him up and off we went...

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Saturday, March 4, 2017

SHOPBOP SALE PICKS | WHAT'S IN MY CART



Today is the last day of the Shopbop sale and I placed a huge order the other evening.  I'm excited to share with you what I scooped up, but will be doing a full try on post when the items arrive.  I'll be honest, there were a few more items than what I've shown above, so you will see it all when it arrives!

Since this sale has lasted five days (which is rare for Shopbop), items are starting to sell out and really deplete in sizes--but, I've noticed some things have been restocked as well, so if you saw something you liked before, check again because it might be back.  Bonus, they are doing free shipping and free returns so it's risk free--might as well buy now while it's on sale.

I shared a full round up of the best items + my favourite picks, so if you're looking for suggestions, check out that post and hope you girls have a great weekend! xo


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Friday, March 3, 2017

FRIDAY FINDS


CAMERA  |  MARC JACOBS WALLET -- OLD (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  IPAD CASE / CLUTCH -- HANDMADE

Happy Friday!  I am so happy the weekend is here, but that's pretty typical on my end.  We are heading to Tremblant this weekend to ski for the first time since our trip to Whistler.  I'm about ready for summer at this point, but we still have a few more ski trips left to round out the year (and make the best of the additional snow we got yesterday--gah).

Come back tomorrow, I'm sharing the exact pieces I'm buying from the Shopbop sale as it will be the last day.  Hope you have a great weekend!



Just bought this swimsuit for our vacation.


RedBull Crashed Ice is happening in Ottawa tonight!


One of my fave workout tops -- on sale.

What people actually eat for lunch.




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Thursday, March 2, 2017

SHOPBOP BUY MORE, SAVE MORE SALE GUIDE & MY PICKS



It's that time again, the Shopbop Buy More, Save More sale, and eek!  I'm going a little crazy with the purchases because this sale is so good.  Now is the time to snag the pieces that tend to always be around, but don't go one sale (ahem, I finally ordered these distressed skinnies & my camo jacket is on sale in all sizes), or scoop up something that's on the pricier end at a discount.  I've spent hours perusing the pages and gathering all the best pieces you need to stock your closet with, at various price points.

Plus!  I've got Spring on my mind like crazy!  Even though it's still cold here, it'll be warm and breezy before we know it (or at least I hope so), so I've got a ton of vacation and Spring ready pieces and am sharing everything below, broken up into categories to help you get your shop on.


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