Outfit deets:
* Ashley B jacket (old) which you've seen with raw-hem denim and with a skirt and booties.
* Jacob thin-knit sweater from my Back-to-School Lookbook.
* Nitrogen pants (old) which are actually olive green and you've seen with a cognac leather jacket and a cozy sweater cape.
* Maxgreat boots (new!) from Marshalls.
* Accessories: Dynamite scarf (new!), Aldo bag, F21 necklace & Michael Kors sunnies (similar).

I'm the kind of shopper that when I see something I like, I will usually debate it by walking around the store for a while, ensuring I don't find anything I like more before rushing to the cash.  Also, while I love to shop and do shop often, I frequently leave empty handed.  That said, sometimes there are items that you see and it's like an instant click; you know it's coming home with you.

That can be said for these boots I recently picked up at Marshalls.  I was sub-conciously looking for a pair of tall, black, leather boots with a chunky heel that would be work-appropriate, but also comfortable enough to wear on weekends.  When I spotted these, I tried them on immediately and did a little happy dance when they fit knowing there was no question, they were coming home with me.  

I have since worn them multiple times, including to work, out shopping and running errands and have to say, despite being a pretty simple looking boot, they get tons of compliments.  I couldn't find a link online, but if you're in Ottawa, run to Marshalls at Trainyards and scoop yourself a pair.


Photos by Serena Rivard.


Outfit deets:
* Amanda & Chelsea sleevless blazer.
* Sam & Veda tank.
* Zara pants (new!).
* Accessories: F21 necklaces & earrings, Deux Lux bag, Le Chateau cuff, Gorjana bangle & H&M rings.

If you follow me on Instagram (I'm acoest1984), you've seen these shoes I purchased a few weeks back.  I searched four Winners to find them and was so excited to finally get my hands on a pair!

They have really nice padding for the bottom of your foot but they do run a little snug.  I got my normal size (10) but they definitely need to be worked in and stretched out a bit; however, since they're real leather, it shouldn't be a problem over time.

As far as the outfit, I'm loving these pants--I'm a huge black pant lover, especially for work, and these take my regular skinnies up a notch.  I especially love the side zipper and  a cool seam that runs up the back of the legs to back pockets--so much so that I tried to get them in navy after buying these but they were sold out.  

Photos by Serena Rivard.

Outfit deets:
* Winners top.
* Jacob skirt.
* Zara basic heels.
* Accessories: Ardene sunnies, Emily Elizabeth necklace, Michael Kors stud bangle, Vince Camuto leather bracelet & Aldo bangle.

We found this amazing sunflower patch and knew we'd have to use it shoot an outfit post.  Only days early they were holding their faces high to the sky, soaking up the afternoon sun but by the time we arrived, they were heavy and starting to fall.  Still beautiful nonetheless.

Hope you're all having a great week!


Photos by Serena Rivard.

Outfit deets:
* Garage kimono cardigan which you saw in the my last outfit post (with a leather skirt) because clearly I have no other clothes to wear.
* H&M tank with a low back which I wore to Taco Fest.
* Paige white denim which have quickly become my favourite pair of pants and I'm convinced this is the brand I should buy from now on... except the price point.
* Accessories: Le Chateau cuff & 'Hope' necklace by Emily Elizabeth jewellery.

When I first bought this kimono-like cardigan in beige, I was a little uncertain about it being so... house-coat-ish?  Despite loving the look on other girls, it felt weird at first wearing this out of the house, despite the sweater-like material.  However, like most trends when you try them there is often an awkward, 'Can I really pull this off?' phase that will usually pass once you arrive at your destination.

This was no different, and even when I purchased the black, got it home and realized it was about 6 inches longer than the beige colour, despite it being the same size, I again felt a little odd rocking it for the first time.  And then again, after the first wear it almost becomes old hat and voila! you've made a trend your friend and can rock it with confidence.

Ever feel slightly out of place in your new duds at first?


Photos by Serena Rivard.

Outfit deets: 
* Vero Moda top (new!).
* Zara pants (old) which you saw a year ago at my birthday dinner.
* Aldo heels--my favourite pumps right now that I wear at least twice a week.  They are still available too in many sizes.
* Accessories: Le Chateau cuff, F21 necklace and Aldo & Spring midi rings.

I'm so excited to share these photos because I'm standing in my future kitchen.  I've been dreaming of all the things I want to cook and how clean I will keep the refrigerator.  Don't worry though, I'm sure that novelty will wear off real quick and we will be ordering take-out faster than you can say butter chicken.

As March quickly approaches, I'm starting to feel overwhelmed with all the stuff I have to do.  I'm becoming super ruthless with items in my closet and the sell/consign/donate pile has grown (check out my closet sale here).  That said, my apartment is suffering big time as it feels like I'm drowning in clothes--not a terrible problem, but still.  I keep telling myself it's temporary because as of March 1st, I'm going to take any items that don't sell to my favourite consignment store.

We have decided to officially move in the weekend of March 8th and are in the process of doing some furniture shopping.  We've decided on a beautiful platform bed and are on the cusp of sealing the deal on a sectional.  I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself but mister man wants me to hold off on sharing photos until we are in and settled--but not to worry, I've got befores and afters coming your way soon!

As always, thanks for stopping by and sharing this piece of my life, the comments on my move post were so sweet and supportive.  I feel I have real friends in you all, and I read every comment--now, who's coming to the housewarming!?


Photos by Serena Rivard.

Outfit deets:
* Forever 21 faux leather jacket which you've seen with coloured pants in the summer time (and some seriously unflattering photos, ha).
* Winners trapeze tank that I've worn so much it's getting worn out--as in, there might be a small hole somewhere.
* Urban Behaviour Brazil pants--I own three pairs of these because they fit like a glove, I wear black skinnies often, and they were $20.
* Aldo wedge boots which you've seen back in the Fall when I had the wedge shortened.
* Accessories: F21 cross-body clutch, MK watch, gift leather bracelet, Gorjana-Griffin bangle & Call it Spring ring.

So, if you haven't noticed, I have had a few exciting changes happening on my blog in the past couple weeks.  One, of course, was the re-design which I'm really pleased with and plan to keep it this way for a bit, and secondly I've brought on a photographer for my outfit posts, which I'm really excited about.  

When I started A.Co est. 1984 four years ago, it was a style blog and over the years has evolved into more of a lifestyle blog.  I love sharing bits and pieces of my life with you, and don't plan to change that, but have been wanting to incorporate more style back into it.  As that's truly where my passion lies, and some of my work as a Style Consultant, I really want to bring that element back to this space.


I have been loving using a cross-body clutch for several months now and have been alternating between this rose-gold coloured one I picked up from Forever 21 over a year ago, and my olive coloured Aldo one.  I've been using them both so much they have started to tear a bit where the strap meets the bag. 

I find that I'm using my Phillip Lim 3.0 for Target bag everyday which holds my heels, lunch, cosmetics bag, and my clutch, which is perfect.  I need a big carry-all to tote everything back and forth, but when it comes to running errands or going out shopping, I simply can't be bothered with a big purse right now--I love having my hands free!  I can see myself continuing this into the warmer months as it makes it so much easier for everyday life.


I have a few more changes up my sleeve and in preparation for that, I'm cleaning out my closet.  I mentioned it on Facebook and Twitter that I'd share some clothes for sale, if anyone is interested and have started with some dresses I'm selling.  Come on over, if you'd like to take a look.  More to come!


Photos by Serena Rivard.

Outfit deets:
* Dynamite faux leather jacket (old) which I packed for Toronto Fashion Week (almost a year ago!) and with a red pencil skirt in an old outfit post that I still really love.
* La Senza tee (new!).
* Sirens camo pants which you've seen at Halloween.
* Aldo wedge boots; modified as they originally had a huge platform that I had removed in the Fall.

Happy Thursday--we are getting super close to the weekend which is always a plus in my books.

This week has super cold, like -35C cold… like can't-go-outside-without-mitts cold…. like your-nose-doesn't-run-because-it's-already-frozen-cold… TMI?  I digress.

Basically it's terrible to go outside, but life goes on, right?  On the plus side, if you have beautiful boots you love, that keep you warm, you can wear them because the pavement is dry and the snow is hard.  If you live in a warm climate right now, and have no idea what I'm talking about, you can bite me.  Just kidding, but seriously, do you have a guest room?

Have a great day friends & see ya tomorrow.



Photos by Lindsay Cameron.

Outfit deets:
* Urban Planet top (old).
* Sirens pants (the same ones I have in camo).
* Shoemint 'Romy' heels which I recently got (and love, and am making the most out of any sunny and beautiful day to wear them because Winter is around the corner).
* Accessories:  Limite necklace, MK watch, Aldo bangle & Urban Planet 'love' bangle.

I'm stoked to share these pictures with you because (1) I took them myself, and (2) do you know how hard it is to get a blurry background when photographing yourself?!  I kind of can't believe these photos turned out so well and am patting myself on the back a little.  The photography course that I took a few weekends ago is paying off (not that it was expensive to begin with, but worth it for sure).

To de-glamourize these photos, I spent about 35 minutes focusing, adjusting, running back and forth between each, single, self-timed shot.  Lots of frustration but also some victories as proven by these photos (hoorah!).  I kind of wanted to include more but it would have been photo-overload, and I already feel it somewhat is.

Hope everyone is having a great week thus far.  The past two nights I have spent at Place d'Orleans pulling outfits and shoes for the upcoming #MYVIPNIGHT on Saturday!  I'm styling six outfits and all the shoes for the fashion show, which is very exciting.  It's going to be a great event and I'm excited (and a little nervous) to host.  I hope you can make it out, I would love to meet each and every one of you (and get pictures?).  You can find all the details HERE.


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