Sorry for the delay on today's post, I was out for volleyball last night and then drinks and food afterwards and the night got away and next thing I knew it was 2am and I was still awake with an 8am workday ahead of me! On top of that, work was insane today and I continued the busyness into the evening and well, here we are, almost midnight!
So I thought I would share with you a mini recap of this week because... well, why not? Plus, I love sharing with you all and some interesting things happened, so, here we go...
On Monday, during our lunch hour, my bestie and I decided to forgo our usual lunch hour workout in favour of shopping--who doesn't love that?!--and I ended up picking up these cute diamante skull earrings from Payless Shoes in a six pack (we split the pack, sort of, as I only wanted these ones so she kept the others).
On Tuesday, I took Kiki to the dealership for a planned appointment and they sent me on my way with a loaner for the day (yes, I call her Kiki). When I picked her up, she was driving smooth, but just a couple hours later all panic ensued while on my way home when she started to break down on the highway just before midnight on my way home. I managed to get off the highway safely and since I could not drive her (over-heated), I got a tow back to the dealership I was at only hours earlier.
So. Frustrating.
This is a picture of her being dropped off at 1am. Oh what a night.
So. Frustrating.
This is a picture of her being dropped off at 1am. Oh what a night.
The next day I was so happy to have her back, I took a celebratory pic on my way to work. Haha, I'm still so excited about my car, but then again, it's only been two months since I got her.
On Thursday, Sarah and I finally got our acts together and hit the gym (not sure why, but we've been totally slacking this week!) and had a really good (ie. difficult & sweaty) workout. Later that evening we played volleyball (as we normally do on Thursday nights with our men).
And tonight I hit up Place d'Orleans to do some shopping and hunt down a few items for my next vlog. I ended up returning the denim vest I got from Garage in my last vlog and exchanged it for this washed out denim jacket; I love it!
Oh, and the reason I returned the denim vest? Because I found one I love even more (despite being $25 more) at Boathouse that we used for the PDO photoshoot. I love, love, love the wash on it and the pink inner lined cuffs and the distressing; perfection.
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Outfit deets:
* American Eagle men's button down (on sale!) which I showed in my PDO Hottest Spring Trends vlog (I'm wearing a size small).
* Stitches neon skirt which I wore a ton last summer and will again this summer.
* Aldo wedges (new!) which you've seen with distressed denim and also in a different PDO Spring Trends vlog.
* Accessories: Gucci shades, F21 bangle, Aldo leather cuff, BCBG 'Picses' beaded bracelet, Suzy Shier leather strap & F21 bangle.
Happy Thursday!
I'm so excited to share with you guys that I finally welcomed myself to 2013 by getting an Inernet connection for home.
I know.
Since moving to my apartment in October 2011, I've pirated a connection and when that ran out, I started tethering my iPhone to my laptop for about a year. Unfortunately, this stopped working many months ago (not sure why). I've found ways around it, but it's certainly not ideal and I had researched getting Internet at home a while back, but the set up and modem and whatever else you need was pricey and I didn't want to bite the bullet (what?! Weirdo.). Anyways, it's done and I'm hooked up and I'm just so, so excited. Seems weird for someone who is as in love with social media as I, but there you have it.
On top of that, this was one of the rare days I did not have a commute shoe (or boot, for winter). I normally wear flats into work and then change into my heels, but on this day, I wore my heels everywhere (to and from work and for a stop in at the grocery store. Booyah). Granted, these are a wedge and wedges that are comfortable to walk in and my foot stays put. I used to wear heels everywhere, even for shopping, but now I cannot be bothered (which makes me feel a little sad and like I'm 'letting myself go', but then I remember that I can't be bothered). It is a rare day if I'm out running errands in heels; I just love being comfortable, especially in my footwear.
This is as close as I'm getting to the chambray trend because I. Don't. Like. It. Okay fine, it's growing on me. Truth is, I purchased a chambray button down almost four years ago when the trend trickled into stores, wore it once, tried dying it darker, it didn't work out and I donated it. Since then, I've been off the bandwagon and the trend has only been growing. I know, I know, 'You can pair it with everything!' but it's not for me.
Watch me bite my tongue in a month.
When I was little, my mom taught me the art that is squatting when using a public washroom. As I got older, I basically said F-this-noise and began covering the seat with toilet paper and sitting instead. I couldn't be bothered to get a leg workout--relalistically, people--while trying to pee.
That said, I would never not at least wipe the seat so it always surprises me when people just run in and sit down. A friend of mine once did that without looking and sat in someone else's pee (ick!), so I always check.
Do you squat or sit? Are you diligent like me about wiping the seat?
I think these might be it, you guys! You know I'm having a strappy sandal moment right now, ones with a prominent ankle strap and have still been debating those Express ones. I think these might be it though; four colours to choose from, the two above are my faves.
Which colour would you pick?
UPDATE: Use Ebates & get 6% cash back on these babies! Plus get an additional 15% off with coupon code SMAPR1.
In March 2013 my BFF and I travelled to Toronto, courtesy of Maybelline, to attend World Mastercard Fashion Week. It was so fun to go backstage, get our hair and make-up done and attend the shows. In between fashion and runways we ate a ton, explored the city and did some shopping. Check out the vlog to see the full experience.
Related:
* Hello from Toronto! (An explanation of how we won this fab trip)
As you guys know, I did a photoshoot for Place d'Orleans (the mall I'm the Fashion Vlogger for) the past two weekends for a Spring contest they are currently running. I'm excited to share the details with you and if you're from Ottawa, encourage you to enter because you could win a $500 gift card for the mall!
Entering is easy, simply visit the Place d'Orleans Facebook page and Pin your favourite look (of three) I'm wearing. From there, they will pick one winner per week. We will be showcasing three looks each week for four weeks! That's $2000 worth of shopping up for grabs, so get Pinning! #PDOPinUpGirls
See all the details from my photoshoot HERE.
So much happened this weekend and I wanted to blog on the weekend but I don't have an Internet connection at home anymore (tethering isn't working; so frustrating) and blogging from my phone is not ideal. I have so much more to share (specifically pictures from my photoshoot on Saturday, the actual contest that the photoshoot is for and more pictures of our hike yesterday). Here is a glimpse of what my weekend was like...
A casual outfit for getting a (spray) tan. The quote on the mirror say, 'Let your faith be bigger than your fear'. They always write sweet & inspiring quotes on the mirrors at the tanning salon I go to, which sometimes brightens my day.
Outfit deets: Dynamite jacket, Max Studio light-knit sweater, Garage tank underneath, Mossimo pants & Aldo wedge boots.
Stuffed chicken--feta, cheddar, basil & pesto--with a basil-cream sauce, asparagus and roasted potatos.
My dinner guests brought a sweet surprise: peanut butter cookies with chocolate stamped centres.
I added a banana to my oatmeal for the first time as per recommendation of a friend, but I didn't like it. Back to berries!
Showing off the poster I'm on at the mall! So exciting to see the results of last week's photoshoot come to life.
Saturday I did part two of the photoshoot for Place d'Orleans, which was fun. I really loved this Coachella-inspired look (especially the denim vest; which makes me even more excited to wear mine!).
Coming home to a clean apartment is so nice (that's what happens when you're having company, you clean like a mad women. This does not include the looming six loads of laundry waiting for me tonight. #ugh).
I wore my new maxi dress to a Jesus-themed birthday party on Saturday night. I made a leaf crown (see below), wore gold jewelery, cage heels & decided I was Eve.
Sidenote: I sewed the hemline a little too long so even with my highest heels, it's not quite right. I will be shortening it a bit, but since I didn't have time before the party, I simply knotted it off to the side at the front.
I threw in my extensions and did a bubble braid off to the side. I loved how this turned out and plan to wear this a ton this summer.
Even though I'm kind of off gluten right now (more on that later this week), I can not resist a good burger. You guys know I love burgers!
After the birthday dinner, as we were leaving, I met Melissa, a reader of my blog! It was so exciting as it was the first time anyone 'recognized' me; so cool. Thanks for making my night, M!
On Sunday, I went for my first hike ever at Luskville Falls. It was a very difficult hike and a great workout, although scary at times since it was so steep.
The view from almost the top; so beautiful and picturesque!
Taking a break on the way down (which might have been scarier than going up, I'm still undecided.
Another burger (I know! Eep!) but definitely earned after two hours of hiking. #thatisnotmypoutine
How cute are these initial bangles by C Wonder? A little on the pricier side but so fun. Wouldn't it be sweet to wear your boyfriend's initial? Subtle but really cute.
Black & white shorts, $29 | Printed pants, $29 (did not purchase)
Since purchasing my car, I've been on a much (much!) tighter budget, which I knew would be the case and is ultimately worth it because I'm driving my dream car, but sometimes sucks too because man do I love to shop.
I've hit up Joe Fresh a couple times in the past few weeks and actually took pictures of the stuff I tried on to share with you all. I definitely could have bought more, but I had to pick my very favourites as I could not afford everything.
From left to right:
* Floral dress, $39: I loved this one but it was the only one in the store and a size too big. It looks okay in the pictures but I'm holding it up on my hip with my hand and while I love a flowy look, this was just too paper-bag princess.
* Racerback neon tank, $8: I purchased this in a size small and love it for working out. I love wearing colour when I hit the gym.
* Flowy neon tank, $8: I bought this one in a size large because I wanted it to be flowy. I love the hot pink colour and it's kind of a heathered fabric. I brought it with me to Mexico and dressed it up with a striped skirt.
* Men's neon sweater, sale $6.94: My plan was to cut out the neckline (to make it into a boatneck) and bunch up the sleeves, but once I had it on, I didn't love it so I left it.
* Paisley printed shorts, $19: these were cute, and came in navy as well. However, once I put them on (after trying to shorts above), I was not loving them. They started to grow on me but I was kind of in between sizes, to be honest and my bestie wasn't a huge fan either. I'm on the fence and may go back for them.
* Black pocket tee, $14: I like this, a lot--it also comes in ivory and grey--but I have so much black and need to be choosy with where I spend my money (but secretly I want to go back and get it!).
Left to right:
* My own outfit with an old Joe Fresh jacket.
* Striped boatneck top, $14: I really liked this pink stripe top (that also comes in grey/white and navy/white) that has a low scoop in the back. This is a size medium and I like the fit (which was surprising, I thought I'd want a large) but I wasn't totally sold. I always look at it when I visit Joe Fresh though, it's cute.
I'm so so so proud to share with you guys my newest creation: this mint colour maxi dress.
I purchased the fabric last night and poured my entire night into it, hours upon hours of work with many set-backs but managed to complete the project around 1am. Worth it though, as I'm not sure if I'd finish it if I put it down. Once I start something, I like to finish it the same day, if I can.
I was initially inspired by the dress Veronika wore to her baby shower, which is the Gabriella Rocha 'Hally' dress. Since maxi dresses are normally too short for me, and I didn't want to pay $65+ for the dress, I wondered if I could somehow make it. I ended up finding this fabric on sale for $7/metre and bought 2.5 metres. I also bought some thread to match and went home to get started.
The entire project took me about 6 hours, but I suffered many set-backs including running to the store for sewing elastics--that I didn't end up using in the end; talk about frustrating!--having to rip out over six feet of stitches, sewing elastics to the fabric that were on the wrong side, and more.
It was my most intricate project to date, but probably the one of my most proud of. I really wanted a grecian feel to this dress where it flows away from the body and is not form fitted on the lower half like the original Hally dress and really feel I accomplished that.
See some of my other creations:
* Maxi skirt.
* Maxi dress to Maxi skirt (video).
* My favourite top (which I'd replicate if I could but can't remember how I made this several years ago!).
It should be noted that I'm an amature sewer, completely self-taught and have never used a pattern. I make all my pieces from scratch and mostly with deeply discounted fabric or ends of rolls because I'm worried I'll screw up and have wasted a bunch of money. I use a Singer 7256 Fashion Mate which I received for Christmas a few years ago and love it.
I love a good joke, as much as the next person, but someone recently pointed out to me that I don't like racist jokes. This kind of caught me off guard, I'd never thought about it, but do have strong feelings against racism.
That said, it's not that I've never laughed at a racist (or stereotypical) joke before, I have, but ultimately, I don't find the majority of them funny. I just feel bad because I don't feel it's right, or something...
I hadn't given it much though until it was pointed out to me.
Do you find racist jokes funny?
And now a racist joke...
Ever since receiving my new Lululemon bag in the mail (from an anonymous sender!), I've been debating whether I want to keep the bag or exchange it for a couple new workout items.
I already have a Lululemon gym bag, but it is many years old.; it still looks good, but the new one is way nicer, hence why I'm torn. I also feel like because it was a gift, I should keep it and not exchange it... but alas, I'm still undecided.
Here are a few items in my 'exchange' cart currently:
For my 29th birthday, my boyfriend took me to the Mayan Riviera, Mexico and we made a little video while we were down there!
We stayed at the Aventura Spa Palace (which will soon be torn down and turned into a Hard Rock resort) on the adults side. This 5-star resort was beautiful with many great amenities (and the food was AMAZING).
We visited the Coba Ruins, played tennis, attended a chef's dinner, got pedicures, ate a ton (of coconut ice cream!) and relaxed.
We stayed at the Aventura Spa Palace (which will soon be torn down and turned into a Hard Rock resort) on the adults side. This 5-star resort was beautiful with many great amenities (and the food was AMAZING).
We visited the Coba Ruins, played tennis, attended a chef's dinner, got pedicures, ate a ton (of coconut ice cream!) and relaxed.
As you guys know, I have a part-time job as a Fashion Vlogger with Place d'Orleans, a mall in my city. I shop (within a budget with them) and create vidoes that are posted on YouTube twice a month. You can see all my videos HERE.
Back in November, they asked me to be the face of their 2012 Holiday Campaign and I could not have been more excited. It was my first photoshoot and while nerve-wracking, also so much fun (see the end results HERE). So when they asked me if I would be interested in working on another photoshoot for an upcoming promo they will be doing, I jumped at the chance.
I wanted to share some behind-the scenes photos from the day. We will be shooting again this coming weekend and I'll keep you posted on all the details of what this was for once it's released.
UPDATE: See photos from the second day HERE.
Stylist: Renée Morra
Stylist's Assistant: Danyelle James
Mall: Place d'Orleans
And a photo of my outfit from that day...
Outfit deets: Old Navy jacket (old), Zara sweater & pants, Spring boots, Ardène pashmina & F21 clutch purse.
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