Outfit deets:
* Old Navy jacket (old) which you've seen with black skinnies (love this post), during the fall with beautiful leaves and cool tights, with a leopard skirt in the rain and with a pretty olive green dress.
* Zara sweater which you've seen in this post about confidence, and on the weekend (also have the black on and wore it that same weekend as well), and in my original haul video.
* Smart Set cami (which I own in almost every colour of the rainbow and wear constantly).
* Joe Fresh skirt which was originally a t-shirt that I turned into a skirt using THIS method. Also seen with olive green & a belt I love (and haven't worn in forever).
* Accessories: Ardène pashmina, Alfred Sung sunglasses, H&M large bangle, Swarovski bangle & Joe Fresh necklace.
Thanks for all the sweet comments you guys leave on a semi-daily basis. It's so nice to share parts of my life with you all, and hearing from you makes it even better. I also love how interactive we're getting in the Let's Chat posts every Wednesday, it's so interesting hearing what you guys think and how you react to various things.
Additionally, I know we don't all share the same opinions, but that's what can also be great, so long as we respect others opinions and can share and learn. What I write is how I feel, not how you have to feel or like, but if we can learn something from each other, at the very least, that's a great bonus!
Tonight I'm getting together with three girlfriends for a semi-impromptu girls' dinner. We are all bringing something, and I was in charge of the side so I put together a quinoa salad, based loosely on this recipe I randomly found online. I tried some for dinner last night and it turned out great.
I'm on somewhat of a quinoa quick, but have been for a while. It's such a great substitute for rice and is a great source of protein as well as carbohydrate. It's filling and healthy and all the right things. It's pretty bland, but you can spice it up with spices or sauces (which can take it from being healthy, to less than healthy, but...) or just eat it on it's own. I personally don't mind the taste, and like it on it's own. My favourite is as a plain side with chicken and veggies for dinner. You can also mix it into salads, breakfast and I've even heard of it being used in desserts! Google it & jump on the band wagon.
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Outfit deets:
* Old Navy jacket (old) last seen with black skinnies (in a favourite outfit post) & again with a dress (and the same colour scheme as the skinnies post).
* Mexx top (new!).
* Target pants from my trip to Florida (haul video).
* Spring boots which you've seen in my Bundling Up video.
* Aldo purse which you've seen in my Fall Fashion video.
* Accessories: H&M scarf & Aldo fingerless gloves.
Ready for winter? Well not quite, but is anyone ever really ready?
Holy crap you guys, Christmas is a week away and I'm on a major time crunch to finish my shopping. I am definitely getting there but still need a few more things. Also the wrapping.
Ugh, the wrapping.
Does anyone out there actually enjoy wrapping 46 gifts in a row? I mean, one or two, or seven even... but multiples of tens? No thanks. It's a miniature nightmare to me. But alas, it must be done and so while I could start my wrapping now, I'll likely leave it to the last minute and then kick myself for doing so.
Does anyone else feel like Christmas is coming too quick? I certainly do. I almost wish December was two-months long (ha, that doesn't really make sense, but you get me... right? I hope?... Crickets? Anyone?) so I could really prepare and get in the holiday spirit for longer, pre-Christmas. I love this time of year, the hustle and bustle, the music, the parties, the shopping and more. I always get so sad when Christmas is over... the big build up and boom, it's done. Wah wah.
I'm blabbering and I should be wrapping, so with that, have a wonderful December day! xo
Outfit deets:
* Thrifted denim jacket (old) that you've seen with cropped light denim (wow that's an old outfit post!).
* Part Two top (c/o Renee Levesque) that I picked up during my 'modelling' gig almost two months ago (I was eyeballing it the entire time I was there working).
* Garage tank underneath.
* Sirens leggings.
* Aldo wedge (canvas) hidden wedge boots that you've seen with red pants & with a LBD and moto-style jacket.
* H&M zipper snood that I picked up during my trip to MTL this time last year, which you've seen with skinny pants (a favourite outfit post, actually).
* Accessories: MK watch & Aldo bangles.
What's up friends!?
I took last night to really focus on me and kick it solo. Things have been busy lately (as I've mentioned) and while I love it, sometimes you need to get shiz done, or simply do things you've put on the back-burner or things no one else has interest in (ha).
I went to the gym, put in a good run on the treadmill and then made my way home after picking up a baby shower gift. I made myself a salad, worked on my blog, and just did me.
This week is going to be nutty busy so I think taking a night to re-group and re-energize will only put me in a better place to fully absorb and take on the week (which I'm very much looking forward to). Happy Tuesday!
* Gap denim jacket (thrifted & DIY'ed), Mexx dress & Suzy necklace
(this outfit is from the day I went to get my hair coloured)
* Old Navy top, Sirens jeans, Aldo wedges & H&M belt (full outfit post)
* Sirens cardigan, Old Navy top, Vigoss jeans & Aldo wedges
* Joe Fresh sweater & tank underneath, H&M jeans & Aldo wedges
* Gap denim jacket (thrifted & DIY'ed), Mexx dress, Givenchy fishnets & Urban Original boots (same as above)
* Garage denim jacket, Sirens tee, Garage skirt, unknown tights, Bamboo boots & Le Chateau necklace
* Smart Set denim jacket, F21 tank, Bongo pants, Aldo wedges & Mexx necklace (full outfit post)
* F21 top, Sirens jeans & Joe Fresh necklaces
* Dynamite blazer (one of my favourite outfit posts ever), Winners top, Sirens jeans, Bumper booties & Mark necklace
* Joe Fresh dress & unknown tights (full outfit post)
* American Eagle cardigan, Winners top, Joe Fresh skirt, Bumper booties & H&M necklace
* Dynamite blazer, F21 top, Sirens dress pants, Joe Fresh belt & Suzy necklace
* Old Navy button-down, Sirens jeans & H&M belt (same as above/full outfit post)
* Joe Fresh jacket, Urban Behaviour top, Foxy jeans, Aldo wedges, Auslini bangle & Bijoux Terner necklace
* A.Co Designs top, H&M pants & Suzy necklace
* F21 top, Stitches lace top, Urban Behaviour skirt, Aldo wedges & Suzy necklace
* Dynamite faux-leather blazer, H&M dress (worn as a top), Stitches skirt & Suzy necklace (full outfit post)
* Alainn Bella sweater (won), H&M pants & Mexx necklace
* Alainn Bella sweater (won), H&M pants & Mexx necklace
* F21 sequined top, H&M tank underneath, F21 pants, Aldo flats & H&M necklace
* Dynamite jacket, Le Chateau pashmina, H&M pants, Gucci shades & Urban Expressions bag
* H&M jacket (thrifted), Dollarama ring & Urban Expressions bag
Outfit deets:
* Gap dress (thrifted) which I've had for a couple years and you've seen belted with a turtle neck and tights and also with my favourite gladiator sandals.
* Gap denim jacket (thrifted recently) that I'm absolutely in love with. It seems to trump all other denim jackets I own (which are numerous).
* Joe Fresh suede boots that I've had since Joe Fresh first opened (four years ago?) and I wore with a sweater/skirt/tights combo in autumn.
* Accessories: Le Chateau pashmina & necklace, Michael Kors watch & random bangles.
Adding interest to an outfit can be as easy as 1, 2, 3. Accessories are key and the possibilities are endless.
Above, I've shown the perfect (and easiest) way to add interest to an outfit with simple accessories: a necklace, jacket and pashmina.
I started with a basic a-line/tent style dress and casual flat boots (it was a sunny, semi-chilly spring day). I added a wooden beaded necklace. Then layered a denim jacket. And lastly added a pashmina (which came in handy while sitting on patio later on when the wind picked up).
I personally tend to keep a jacket and pashmina with me at all times (throughout the spring/summer/fall) as the temperatures can be unpredictable and/or your day may run into the evening when the mercury tends to drop. It is a simple and basic way to chic-ify your outfit and stay cozy too.
Alfred Sung dress, unknown tights, Aldo boots, Ardene necklace, Swarovski, F21 & Costa Blanca
bangles & Charlotte Russe ring
I'm on a diet. Ha. Haha. Hahaha. That is laughable because I don't do diets (you think I have that kind of will power?). So, I guess I'm not really on a diet, but as I sit here and type this, my stomach is growling despite just eating (cottage cheese with berries). I am certainly watching my intake since completely over indulging throughout the holidays, and am trying to get back to eating clean. However, I'm starving. How starving? I just ate two Vitamin C pills to drown out of cries of my angry stomach.
Okay, so I'm not that hungry, I have eaten today, and eaten well. An egg white omelet for breakfast (with cheese and broccoli), an apple for a snack, turkey soup, (10) almonds and the cottage cheese. Tonight I have plans for grilled chicken (going to use my panini press instead of my oven) and a large side salad with cherry tomatos and low-fat feta. Are you bored yet?
I wouldn't say this is a New Years Resolution (that's far too cliché), just a kick start to get back into my regular routine. You see, over the past few months I have been indulging maybe slightly too much. Not to the point that's it necessarily noticeable to others (is it!?) but it is to me. And I don't like it. One bit. Something must be done. Also, I'm not really digging the way it's making me feel, and when that happens, it's time to kick your own butt, hence, precisely what I'm doing.
While perusing YouTube the other day, I came across a BodyRock.tv workout they had posted, which prompted me to their site (I had a friend who used to do their workouts and she raved about them). Sure enough, tight lean bodies, friendly (and likeable) attitudes, and simple (but killer) workouts you can do in your own living room (or at the gym, if you have a membership like I do). Awesome. I'm taking one of the workouts (it's seven minutes; pu-leeze, you can do anything for seven minutes) to the gym tonight and going to give it a try after I hit the cardio. Also, I was able to download the Gymboss interval timer app on my iPhone versus forking out the cash to purchase one, which means no waiting to try these workouts 'properly' and no excuses.
I find I often need some sort of variation, kick-start or newness for my workouts. Zumba seems to be the only thing I've stuck with consistently (almost three years) but everything else gets pretty boring. I recently tried Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. Phew! What a doozy. Seriously killer. There are three workouts (level 1, 2, and 3) and you do each for ten days before moving onto the next. I certainly couldn't discipline myself to workout for 30 days in a row, but when I was lacking motivation to hit the gym, it was nice to go home and have an alternative in my living room. That said, it didn't last long before I was unmotivated to workout from home, so back to the gym I went.
And now? Well now I just found out that my favourite Zumba instructor might not be teaching anymore (the only time I can actually guarantee I will get my ass to the gym) and I want to cry (dra-ma-tic). She was there when I started doing Zumba as a participant. She started out by helping another instructor, she would teach one song a few times, and slowly she would teach half the class until she took over and it became her class. She's amazing, and I don't want her to leave. Wah wah.
Okay, so I'm not that hungry, I have eaten today, and eaten well. An egg white omelet for breakfast (with cheese and broccoli), an apple for a snack, turkey soup, (10) almonds and the cottage cheese. Tonight I have plans for grilled chicken (going to use my panini press instead of my oven) and a large side salad with cherry tomatos and low-fat feta. Are you bored yet?
I wouldn't say this is a New Years Resolution (that's far too cliché), just a kick start to get back into my regular routine. You see, over the past few months I have been indulging maybe slightly too much. Not to the point that's it necessarily noticeable to others (is it!?) but it is to me. And I don't like it. One bit. Something must be done. Also, I'm not really digging the way it's making me feel, and when that happens, it's time to kick your own butt, hence, precisely what I'm doing.
While perusing YouTube the other day, I came across a BodyRock.tv workout they had posted, which prompted me to their site (I had a friend who used to do their workouts and she raved about them). Sure enough, tight lean bodies, friendly (and likeable) attitudes, and simple (but killer) workouts you can do in your own living room (or at the gym, if you have a membership like I do). Awesome. I'm taking one of the workouts (it's seven minutes; pu-leeze, you can do anything for seven minutes) to the gym tonight and going to give it a try after I hit the cardio. Also, I was able to download the Gymboss interval timer app on my iPhone versus forking out the cash to purchase one, which means no waiting to try these workouts 'properly' and no excuses.
I find I often need some sort of variation, kick-start or newness for my workouts. Zumba seems to be the only thing I've stuck with consistently (almost three years) but everything else gets pretty boring. I recently tried Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. Phew! What a doozy. Seriously killer. There are three workouts (level 1, 2, and 3) and you do each for ten days before moving onto the next. I certainly couldn't discipline myself to workout for 30 days in a row, but when I was lacking motivation to hit the gym, it was nice to go home and have an alternative in my living room. That said, it didn't last long before I was unmotivated to workout from home, so back to the gym I went.
And now? Well now I just found out that my favourite Zumba instructor might not be teaching anymore (the only time I can actually guarantee I will get my ass to the gym) and I want to cry (dra-ma-tic). She was there when I started doing Zumba as a participant. She started out by helping another instructor, she would teach one song a few times, and slowly she would teach half the class until she took over and it became her class. She's amazing, and I don't want her to leave. Wah wah.
That's all. Happy eating.
Garage denim jacket, Joe Fresh sweater, Brody Myles top, H&M pants, Aldo boots (last seen here),
Club Monaco scarf, H&M bangle & Bay ring
I rushed to take these photos. Can you tell by the stunned look on my face? Ha. I was on my way to zumba, it was starting to rain, it was the end of the day, I was rushing, and the lighting was way off. I ended up with these two work-able photos, not my favourites... but I did like this outfit (and my MTL girlfriend asked me to share with her how I would style my new red pants).
Thursday, Thursday, the day before the wonderful Friday. Tonight I'm going to dinner with my grandparents and mom and then we are going to a musical (live play). I'm not really a huge theatre go-er, but it was sweet of them to invite me and I get to spend some time with some of my favourite people, so, I'm in.
In other news, I bought three new rolling racks from Canadian Tire (50% off till today!). I already purchased two from Home Outfitters which collapsed under the weight of my clothes (grrrr) so I returned those. These ones are more 'heavy duty' so hopefully they will work. If not, I will be lugging them back to the store... kind of how I was seen lugging them around the store. This girl, of course, did not take a cart and was trying to carry three massive (and heavy, might I add) boxes of rolling racks.
In a mini skirt no less.
Fortunately, a nice man in his fifties offered to help me carry them to the cash. And he had a limp. Like WTF, I should be helping him. How nice is that? He said it was his good deed for the day and to 'pass it on'.
I will pass it on.
Have you done a good deed lately?
La Classe Couture jacket (last seen here), Old Navy dress, Aldo boots, Suzy belt, Le Chateau pashmina,
Sirens necklace & Auslini bangle
The other day while at work, a same-floor coworker exclaimed to me,
'You look just like my friend Laura!' turning to her friend the,
'Doesn't she look just like Laura?' We'd never spoken before, and so I
laughed and made a joke, 'Well I hope that's a.. good thing?' Of course
it was, she exclaimed. She now calls me Laura every time she sees me.
About a year ago another same-floor coworker, a man this time, noticed a
sparkly red (decorative) shoe I keep in my office atop a filing cabinet
(you know I love shoes). He started calling me Dorothy (as in the
Wizard of Oz) and it kinda just stuck. Over the months he'd call out to
me in passing, 'Hey Dorothy!' until one day I was in the (very large)
cafeteria at work in line at Tim Hortons. I spotted him a couple people
ahead of me, and when he was leaving, he saw me and shouted out, 'See
you later Dorothy!' When my turn came to order, I approach the cashier,
ordered and then he said, 'Do you prefer Dora or Dorothy?' I laughed
and finally said, 'Amanda'. He looked confused, with purpose, and I
explained it was a long story.
Last summer while leaving work one day, one of the security guards
asked me if my mother still works here? I must have looked puzzeled
because the other security guard chimmed in that it wasn't me, but this
girl Laura that works here (hey, waitaminute...). I guess
people were getting her mixed up with me too because we sort of know
each other and got to discussing it one day. Now we laugh and tend to
amicably call each other, 'Twin' when we see one another (as in, 'Hey
Twin, how are you?').
Regardless of how laughable the experiences are above, I'm never
phased or insulted when someone says I look like someone they know, or
makes up a cute nickname for me. Actually, in all honesty, I'm often
intriguied by the unknown person they are talking about. Could I really
have a 'twin' in the city? Have you ever been told you look like
someone? What about a celebrity? Apparently she is mine.
Just call me Laura Dorothy Laura.
George cape (last seen here), American Apparel top (last seen here), Garage tank, Sirens leggings,
Bamboo boots (last see here), Ardene & H&M bangles
Have you ever had someone you find your blog? Someone that wasn't supposed to find it? Okay, I say that very lightly because obviously as bloggers we all know that your blog could be 'found' at anytime by anyone, especially if your friends and family know about it. I accept that, and really there isn't anyone I feel shouldn't see it, but when you think of certain people that won't see it... and then they do... yeah. It's not awkward, it's not embarrassing, it's a different type of emotion - am I alone here? All that to say, someone came across my blog, someone I didn't necessarily expect to come across it and it was surprising. Yes. Good word. Surprising. I also think that if you're not a blogger or a blog reader, it's hard to understand this thing we do called blogging. For me, it's a creative outlet. I love being able to share my creativity, style, DIY's, inspiration, etc. with you all. Just as I love to read other blogs for the same reasons. The blogging community was something completely foreign to me over a year ago, and now it's this fantastic thing that I'm a part of, and it feels so great. It's like a great place to go to daydream, express yourself, vent, gather inspiration and make friends. With that said, thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every one of you who reads (and comments) and to those who come back regularly. You make this so much better and I love being here.
Stitches cardigan (last seen here), C'est Moi top (last seen here), American Apparel leggings,
Aldo boots (last seen here), Club Monaco scarf, H&M bangle & Stitches ring
Wanna hear a story? It's about my scarf. So, many years ago (at least five) I was shopping at Club Monaco and that location was closing (read: lots of sales). I tried on several things but didn't find much (I'm sure Amanda circa 2011 would have found much more than Amanda circa 2006) except a pair of navy wool crop skinny pants (which still have yet to be worn - unreal, I know). As I was getting ready to check out, I decided to check out the accessories. On a table were these scarves in grey and black. 100% cashmere. What is cashmere? (Yes, those were my thoughts back then). I almost didn't buy it but finally decided to drop the $9 and pick one up. Yes. Nine dollars. Down from one hundred dollars. I should have bought five. But then again, what the hell do I need five cashmere scarves for (except to be the most amazing gift giver ever).
Lapis jacket (last seen here), top, Joe Fresh tank CoolWear leggings, Aldo boots,
Le Chateau pashmina & H&M bangle
Le Chateau pashmina & H&M bangle
Look! My new boots! I finally wore them. Yes, you read correctly, I haven't worn them despite receiving them for Christmas because I was a little wary about the height of the heel on these. I'd begged husband to get them for me for Christmas but had only coveted them from afar (aka online). When I opened the box, I was ecstatic... until I saw the height of the heel. Definitely five inches, maybe a tad more... Being 5'11 I try to draw the line at 4.75 inches. No, it doesn't make a huge difference for most, but I'm tall enough as it is and I can certainly feel insecure when I'm towering over everyone and have people commenting left, right, and centre about how tall I am. That said, I love heels and won't give them up, I've learned to love my height (I can't change it so I embrace it) but I have to draw the line somewhere and that line is at 4.75 inches.
However, I love and loved these boots so much I couldn't return them. I decided the perfect opportunity would be to wear them out while with my tallest friend and it worked out well because she wore heels as well and we were the same height. Love it. Not only that, they were pretty comfy despite the narrow sole pad and I shopped till I dropped in them (with back-up flats in my bag, of course, which I didn't end up needing - score).
photo cred PK
Update: my outfit ended up being feature on MTV! Check it out HERE.
Bamboo boots, Urban Original belt, Aldo necklace, Bay bangle & Mexcian bangle
Lovely readers, I did it again: I cut a shirt into a skirt. I had this Joe Fresh 3/4 sleeve scoop neck top sitting in my closet for a year or two. I really liked it, I did, it just didn't like me. So, during my closet clean out (a couple weekends ago) I was debating what to do with it. I mean, I wasn't ready to part ways with it, not by any means, but at the same time, it was getting worn. It needed a reinvention. So, with my trusty scissors, I cut a straight line from under the armpit and made it into a skirt. Oh, and I'm loooving this skirt. Loving! Others were loving it too. The skirt was getting tons of love. I feel like before I give away any more clothes I must ensure they cannot be cut into skirts, because if they can, well look out. I mean, looks like I'll be adding a few more skirts to my wardrobe for free. And on that note, I have a tutorial/DIY coming on this so you too can make your very own skirt from a shirt - so check back this weekend for that.
So I'm wearing this jacket for probably the fourth or fifth time. It's J.Crew, I picked it up at the thrift score, I mean store, and paid like, peanuts (which technically translates to $7). It was a little big so I put it in the dryer, that helped a bit, not enough, but I just belt it and that makes up for it. Anyways. While working away, I don't know what prompted me to look at my armpit, but I did and what did I find?! A large hole. A hole in my sweet J.Crew blazer. I felt embarrassed. How many times had I worn this jacket and not realized?! Had anyone seen?! No wonder it was at the thrift store! This must be fixed, I thought to myself, or I'll have to spend the remainder of the day keeping my arms down (not an easy feat for someone as enthusiastic as me). I swiftly check the other armpit and sure enough it had a hole too - the exact same size! So I took the jacket off, pulled out my box of safety pins and totally safety-pinned those suckers shut. Now if I would just figure out how to thread my new sewing machine I could fix it in a less ghetto way.
* Reminder: today is the last day to enter my give-away
* Today is the second-last day to vote for me to win the shoe contest on FB.
Vote here. (Check out my shoe room).
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