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.



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.



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!



O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  TANK  |  SPORTS BRA  |  LEGGINGS  |  HIGH-TOP SNEAKERS

You ladies know I'm a huge sucker for leggings, but the athleisure trend that is happening currently is right up my alley.  I know a lot of you work in offices, so is there really anything better than being comfortable and stylish come the weekend?

I find myself, more and more, opting for comfy basics when the weekend hits but I still want to look pulled together.  To pull of the look, grab your neutral workout pieces, and then I like to up the cool-girl factor with high-tops.  I'm loving these fresh white kicks for Summer--nothing better than a new pair of sneaks #amiright ?!




O U T F I T  D E T A I L S   :  REVERSIBLE/OPEN-BACK TOP (SIMILAR)  |  DIY DENIM SHORTS (SIMILAR)  |  ALEXANDER WANG WEDGES (MORE SIZES) -- OLD (SIMILAR, STILL WANT THESE)  |  BAG  |  SUNGLASSES (SIMILAR)  |  A.CO DESIGNS BODY CHAIN

I have been loving body chains lately--see my Pinterest board as full proof--and think they are such a sexy way to add a little interest to whatever you've got going on.  I think a lot of us think of body chains as jewellery for the beach, and I did wear mine while we were on vacation, but I always want to get the most mileage out of my items by mixing in matching.  

That said, I paired this body chain I made, over a plain top to add some interest.  The back has a lot going on, and I love how the delicate chain kind of gets lost in the drapey fabric but still makes a big impact.  It would look equally as great paired over a muscle tee, or tucked under a crop top.



O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  ERRANT OPEN BACK TOP  (SIMILAR) |  BLACK DENIM -- OLD (SIMILAR, WANT THESE)  |  HEELS -- ON SALE! (MORE SIZES HERE, NUDE COLOUR)  |  CHOKER NECKLACE  |  BAG

I just finished a two hour cleaning sesh and am so ready to hit the hay but wanted to get this post up for you ladies.  If you follow along on Snap (I'm acoest1984), you know what I'm talking about--and PS, that pile of laundry is still there  #fail.

This look is all about that effortless, edgy style and transitioning it into Summer with open toes and a muscle tank.  As you can see, I can't get enough of chokers, whether it's a gold collar style, these faux suede ones or the tattoo version, it's becoming my go-to on the daily.  Throw in some fringe and call it day.





It's been a while since I've done an Instagram / Facebook outfit round up, so let's jump in.

The outfit above is super recent and I'm obsessed with my new heels!  Though they are pretty high, they are stunning and on sale now.  Full outfit post coming soon.





O U T F I T  D E E T S  :  SHEER SWEATER -- OLD (SIMILAR, SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  TANK -- OWN IN BLACK ASWELL   |  MEXX SKIRT -- OLD (SIMILAR)  |  FRINGE HEELS  |  BAG (LESS EXPENSIVE, LOVE THE TASSEL DETAIL)  |  CHOKER (SIMILAR)

Work wear isn't my favourite style, but let's face it, a lot of us work in offices where some form of business look is necessary.  I try to stay true to my style, which has evolved over the years, by pairing my look with fun shoes or statement accessories.  

I know this wouldn't work for a business or strict dress codes, but if you have a bit of leeway, there's always room for personal style.  If this feels too daring, swap out the shoes for a more conservative pump and keep the fun shoes in your bag or trunk for happy hour.




O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  DIY KIMONO (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  CHIFFON CAMI  |  URBAN PLANET DENIM SHORTS (SIMILAR)  |  LACE UP FLATS  |  BAG (BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION)  |  NECKLACE

Tulips have been my favourite flower for as long as I can remember, and every year Ottawa hosts the most beautiful festival.  It attracts tons of tourists but it's also fun to go down and check out all the beautiful blooms if you're from the area.  While I'm a little late with this post, there are so many great, Summer activities coming up where you want to look pulled together, be comfortable and keep cool, and I think something like this is perfect for those occasions.

I'm a huge fan of light-weight kimonos and you're going to be seeing a lot more of them on the blog this Summer--they such an easy, Summer staple that you can throw on and go.  It's less structured than a blazer, cooler than a cardigan, but still offers a bit of coverage when you need it.  I made mine last year after having the fabric sit in my fabric box for over a year, essentially by tracing a kimono I already have, and surging the edges.  If you'd be interested in a video tutorial, leave me a comment down below.



O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  F21 OFF THE SHOULDER TOP (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)  |  WHITE SKINNIES  |  HEELS  |  BAG  |  CHOKER  |  SUNGLASSES  |  EAR CLIMBER

Summer is a great time to experiment with your look and this is definitely something I'd wear for a date night or a night out with the girls.  It's comfortable, elevated and stylish with the off-the-shoulder.  These shoulder-baring tops are everywhere right now and I've already scooped up a few to add to my closet.  

Whether fitted or flow--my preference--pair these tops with skinny jeans, flared denim, skirts and a personal fave, distressed denim shorts to an easy, stylish look.  Dressed down with flat gladiator sandals looks great or pair with heels like I did and you're ready for a night on the town.




O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  CROCHET KIMONO  |  DYNAMITE DRESS -- OLD (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  LACE UP HEELS  |  ALDO STUDDED CLUTCH -- OLD (SIMILAR, HOT PINK)

When I picked up this kimono the other day, I kept envisioning it with this snug, white dress from my closet... that I never wear.  Seriously, you ladies know, tight is not really my thing when it comes to tops and dresses (okay, sometimes it's my thing), but I knew it would be the perfect date night look and so almost, ethereal and pretty.

I picked up this dress for a Vegas trip a couple years ago and love it with the soft, flowy kimono.  Since then, I've paired this kimono with skinnies and a chiffon cami and know it's going to get tons of play this Summer in similar looks or with shorts.  Such a beautiful and affordable statement piece.



O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  DISTRESSED CROP TANK  |  SPORTS BRA  |  HIGH-WAISTED LEGGINGS  |  HIGH TOP SNEAKERS

I have been obsessed with high-waisted leggings for about six months now, specifically for the gym.  They keep you held in, are uber flattering and if the seaming is right, give the booty some shape.

I wanted to share my new leggings, which I'm slightly obsessed with--I love that they have a bit of a sheen to them, but not so much that it's shiny.  They are thick but not warm, very high waisted (perfect especially if you're tall) and super long--I have been rolling mine up to create a cropped look for Summer.  The perfect pair to add to my collection (and to motivate me to get to the gym!).



O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  F21 BLACK DRESS (SIMILAR)  |  SKIRT (WORN BACKWARDS)  |  PEEP-TOE BOOTIES (BUDGET FRIENDLY)  |  H&M CHOKER (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)

I'm a sucker for neutrals, and black is one colour I'm not willing to give up despite the temperatures rising.  I love Summer-izing my black pieces and it's the perfect time to show a little skin and also keep things edgy.

I've had this flowy shift dress for a year and while the tail is long, the front is a little on the short side for me, so I always pair it with a body-con style skirt underneath for a bit more coverage.  Depending on where I'm going, I can pull the skirt down to offer more coverage, or up like here for a night out. 

The key to making your black pieces work for Summer is to keep the fabrics lighter--think crochet, linen, chiffon & lace--and looser and show a little leg or bare the shoulders, etc.  Work with the warm weather, not against it.



O U T F I T  D E E T S  :  H&M PALM PRINT ROMPER -- LAST YEAR (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS BLACK ONE)  |  THRIFTED WHITE DENIM JACKET -- OLD (LOVE THIS ONE)  |  FRINGE HEELS  |  BAG (LESS EXPENSIVE OPTION)  |  H&M CHOKER (SIMILAR)  |  SUNGLASSES

I am totally late to the party with this romper, but there is a mini success story behind it...

I was coveting this little one-piece all Summer last year (remember that weekend?) but never pulled the trigger... until happening upon it, super discounted in the Fall!  It was a total fluke, there was one left, in my size... with a broken zipper.  I finally took it to my Tailor the week before we went to Mexico (hello, perfect vacation piece, right?) and completely forgot to pick it up before we left  #ugh

Needless to say, it's going to get a ton of play this Summer and just goes to show that sometimes holding out for a good deal is worth it... when it pans out!




O U T F I T  D E E T S  :  TEE  |  WHITE FLARED DENIM  |  SUEDE CHOKER  |   FRINGE BAG    |  SUNNIES

White has been my favourite colour for years, but it's rare that I'll wear it head-to-toe.  I usually like to throw other neutrals into the mix but I'm totally feeling this fresh look for Spring.

I recently picked up these slightly distressed white flares and am obsessed.  They are stretchy and comfortable and for my tall ladies, long enough!  I scored these while shopping in Toronto last month and am so glad I pulled the trigger.  I definitely could have went a size smaller because they stretch out after some wear but the length tends to be a smidge longer as you go up in sizes so...

This tee is definitely on the pricier side but the fit doesn't compare to the many white tees I own and have purchased in the past.  I love the deep neckline, the fit, length and overall feel--I've never been one to splurge on a t-shirt, but this one definitely got me all heart-eyed-emoji.




O U T F I T  D E E T S  :  TANK (WANT THIS)  |  SPORTS BRA  |  PANTS  |  HIGH-TOPS -- ON SALE! (ALSO IN WHITE, HAVE THIS STYLE AS WELL)

I've shared bits and pieces of my fitness routine here on the blog, and while I love being healthy, sometimes even the best of us can fall into a rut.  Recently, during and after our trip to LA, I ended up  taking a non-planned two week hiatus from the gym, and I ain't mad about it.  Sometimes you just need a break.  However, when I did return, it was that much harder to lift the weight and I kind of wanted to walk out halfway through my workout!

Instead, I pushed through, and although it wasn't my best workout, I broke the streak and got back into my routine.  The first time back is always the hardest, so today I wanted to share my top 9 tips to get motivated...




DOLLARAMA PANAMA HAT (SIMILAR)  |  URBAN PLANET ROMPER -- OLD (SIMILAR)  |  BIKINI TOP  |  GLADIATOR SANDALS (SIMILAR)  |  SUNGLASSES (SIMILAR)

Today I'm sharing all the outfits I wore in Cancun while on vacation a couple weeks ago.  I definitely love to pack colourfully for vacation, which is a change to my usual neutrals at home.  While I'm a fairly strategic packer, this time around, there wasn't much time so it was a lot of throwing things into the suitcase without much planning.  Needless to say, while I did pack a little much, I never ran out of clothes #optimisticspin

Hope you enjoy the recap of what I wore--I'm sharing links to everything that's still available plus options to similar items so you can scoop them if you'd like.  As always, thanks for reading!

All the outfits after the jump...


O U T F I T  D E E T S :  SWEATER  |  KNIT FLARES - ON SALE!  |  IRO HEELS (SIMILAR)  |  FAUX SUEDE CHOKER NECKLACE  |  BAG - COLOUR SOLD OUT (LESS EXPENSIVE)

Now that the warmer weather is here, including dry streets, it's time to break out the flared pants!  I have been wearing these indoors since getting them while I was in Tampa, back in January (haul video here), but I'm so excited to finally bring them outside.  Knit flared pants are really like the ultimate chic-girl pant: stylish and comfy all in one.

I love the idea of pairing them with a soft sweater, but they would also work with your favourite tee and denim jacket or a contrasting, stiffer fabric, like this blouse.  If you remember the grey pair I picked up last Fall, I have paired those with a duster cardigan and also a grey top for a more streamlined look.  Since the fabric is soft and casual, you want to keep it elevated with accessories and heels--less pyjama, more street style. 




O U T F I T  D E E T S :  PANAMA HAT (SIMILAR)  |  MAXI DRESS  |  BIKINI TOP  |  CHOKER (TIED IN THE BACK)  |  FLIP FLOPS  |  VINTAGE BEACH TOTE (SIMILAR, SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)

Before heading to Mexico, I spent a full evening shopping for a few new items.  I wanted to bring some new pieces with me to wear on our trip and I left almost empty handed--almost as if when you're ready to treat yo' self, you find nothing!  However, I did find this maxi dress and did a little dance when it was long enough.  

I paired the dress over my suit one day but it would be really pretty for evening with a wide bandeau underneath in white, yellow or mint.  I also love how this choker looks wrapped around multiple times and tied in the back--another great way to wear one of Spring's trends I'm loving.



O U T F I T  D E E T S  :  F21 OFF THE SHOULDER TOP (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  DENIM -- DISTRESSED MYSELF (SIMILAR)  |  PERFORATED HEELS  |  BAG  |  CHOKER (SIMILAR)

When I picked up these heels a month ago, they were a bit of a 'on a whim' purchase.  Since then, I've been wearing them slightly non-stop, everywhere from the office, out on weekends when the weather permits and even brought them down to Mexico with me.  If that doesn't say true love, I don't know what does.

I've talked about the huge trend we are seeing with this style of shoe this year, and I'm all about the strap-back peep-toe heel.  The chunky heel makes them sturdy and easy to walk in, they come in tan and black and they are uber comfy despite being somewhat high.  I've paired mine with leather pants, flared denim and of course, these dark distressed skinnies.


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