Friday night date night with my boo. I was so exhausted all day Friday that I got home and basically collapsed on my bed for a good three hours. I knew I had to meet Marco at 8pm so naturally I decided to shower and actually get ready at 7pm--duh. I made it to the restaurant on time and this is what I wore for a casual dinner.
Outfit deets: Old Navy tee (old), William Rast denim (from Winners) & leopard Gap wedges (old).
I haven't done any online shopping in months--I think the Romy's were the last thing, which was end of August--but I bit the bullet on this bag after seeing it in Evelina Berry's haul video. Instead of purchasing through Romwe for $60, I found a link for the same purse on eBay for $18. It finally arrived and is okay. I'm not crazy about it, but it's okay for now and for the price, no big loss (shipping was free & there was no duty).
For dinner we went to Open Rice for Asian cuisine and I wanted something light and not deep fried or tons of white rice. I chose an Asian pear salad with walnuts and two shrimp rice wraps. It was such a fresh, light yet filling dinner and so delicious! I left feeling satisfied and happy I made healthier choices for that meal out (I love eating out but don't always make the healthier choices when I do; I love burgers and will sub in a salad instead of fries, but let's be honest, it's still a burger!)
Oh! And Open Rice has a Groupon right now if you're in Ottawa and want to check it out.
Saturday morning we hit the gym and then ran some errands, but first, lunch! We ate at Chuck's, which is literally a little deli inside a connivence store. I really wanted breakfast but had totally slept in so it was after 2pm by the time we were eating--and of course no one good serves breakfast after that time. The chicken-bacon-veg panini and lentil salad with caramelized onions I got was a-maz-ing. I actually can't wait to get this again.
Saturday afternoon outfit for getting groceries, running errands and whatnot.
Outfit deets: F21 jacket, Zara sweater, Jules & James tank, Bongo jeans & Qupid boots (old but just starting to wear them this year).
On Sunday evening I had a girl friend over and I made dinner, she brought the wine and the conversation flowed through 1am. I made spaghetti squash with a turkey sausage-veggie marinara sauce. I've never made spaghetti squash before and it turned out so good! It's so easy and obviously healthy--woot!
On Sunday morning I met Marco at the gym. Afterwards we went out to breakfast at our fave spot and demolished the goodness we'd done at the gym--clearly. I thought I'd share my plate before and after; the bacon tasted yucky so I left it but hello gluten! Yes, I devoured it.
Later on, I met Sarah at the mall and we shopped around for a couple of hours.
Outfit deets: Mexx cardigan (old), A.Co Designs trapeze tank (old), American Apparel leggings & Aldo boots and cross-body/clutch.
We finally got an H&M in Ottawa which is just about the most exciting thing that's happened in shopping since Forever 21 came a couple years ago--I know, crazy, right? Anyways, it opened on Thursday and here it is on Sunday with a velvet rope & line up. Ugh. Fortunately the line moved fairly quick but the people inside was just stressful and annoying. The line up for the fitting rooms and cash was insane and after 20 minutes I booked it out of there with zero purchases. You win this round H&M, but I'll see you another day.
Sunday night nail painting.
3 comments
Hello!! Thanksgiving in Canada was last weekend and I actually did not terrible job of vlogging the almost entire thing. As always, thanks for watching! xo
Annnnnd, I can't not mention this, but, all the comments you guys left on my, 'Am I Relatable?' post yesterday? Ho-ly-crap. You guys! My heart is warmed and I'm damn giddy over your sweet and caring words. Wow! Internet friends, thank you, you mean so much to me and I appreciate that you took the time to write such lengthy and kind words to me. BIG HUG all around & have a GREAT weekend!
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This video is not sponsored...clearly.
Thanks for watching! xo
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CONNECT WITH ME
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VLOG CAMERA | iPhone 5 & iPad mini
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EDITING SOFTWARE | Adobe Premiere Elements 11
CAR WINDSHIELD MOUNT
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This video is not sponsored...clearly.
Thanks for watching! xo
When I started this blog it was a fashion blog and over the years--almost four, to be exact--it has turned into more of a lifestyle blog. I like sharing things on here like my weekend recaps and the like, and have recently gotten really into YouTube--not that it wasn't obvious--which is a great extension of my blog. All that said, despite the changes in direction, the one that has always remained the same is my goal to be relatable.
Am I?
When I write and post pictures, it's in an effort to share with you the daily, or weekly happenings in my life. Some weekends are more exciting than others, but most weekends seem more exciting than they actually are. Don't get me wrong, I have great things in my life, like everyone, if you... what is it they say, count your blessings? I just think reading through the pages of someone else's life/blog can sometimes come off as so exciting when really, it's just bacon & eggs at a bar & grill.
I can absolutely say that yes, there are some things that have happened to me in the past year or so that have been extra awesome; Vegas, becoming the Place d'Orleans Fashion Vlogger, modelling for PDO's Christmas campaign--which, btw, was my first time modelling for realz--and again in the Spring for a Pinterest contest, going to Mexico for my birthday and so on. That said though, these are things that still kind of blow my mind and make me blink twice thinking, 'Uh, did this just happen?'
Then of course, there are the things that are so normal, the every day stuff that most of you don't see, or know about. I go to work, Monday through Friday and yeah, it's okay. I live in a very small apartment and use a shop vac as my vacuum--I'm serious. If you've been reading for a while, you know I've been through a difficult hardship--and if you don't, you can check my About Me section, it's easy to figure it out. I drive a nice car now, but drove a crappy car for 10 years--and am also paying out the ass for this very nice car. Don't get me started on filling up my gas tank #alwaysonempty.
I have insecurities, bad hair days and still don't fully know how to match my foundation and set my concealer. I never really want to go to the gym, don't like cooking that much and never make my bed. All very, very ordinary things. Shall I go on?
I just really want, for when anyone comes here, to my space, my blog, to feel comfortable, happy and enjoy the 'experience'. I love reading blogs, but I hate getting those envious feelings about others. Ugh. Makes me angry with myself because we don't know what goes on behind the scenes, we only see the highlight reel. So let me know, in the comments section below, what would make my site more relatable? What would make me more relatable? Is there anything you'd like to see--how about me without make-up? #yikes--that I haven't already shared? Post it down below and let's chat about it.
PS - That couch I'm sitting on up there is eight years old and the MacBook put a dent in my savings.
Outfit deets:
* Billabong top which I scored super on sale a couple years ago for $2 at Winners. This is the first time I've worn it.
* Mexx faux leather skirt from my Boxing Day post a few years back.
* Ash booties which are definitely in my Top 5 Favourite Shoes despite never wearing them a ton. You've seen them with black skinnies, at Toronto Fashion week this year & on the weekend.
* Accessories: G21 sunnies, H&M cuff (old) & 'hope' necklace by Emily Elizabeth.
Happy Wednesday! I'm so pumped this is a short week--who isn't?--and we are quickly approaching the weekend. I live for the weekend and while this one is quite open as it stands, it doesn't matter.
There are always things to do or something always comes up. I will, however, be working this weekend on my next PDO video which will be different than anything I've done before and editing some other videos I have in the queue, if time permits. In the mean time, you can check out my latest vlog from this past weekend HERE.
Oh my goodness, what a weekend! I love me some long weekends and this was no exception. Although my Thanksgiving plans were minimal, the rest of the weekend did not disappoint. This post is definitely photo heavy, so I'm posting the majority of the pictures after the jump. Read on for a mini photo diary of what went down...
Friday night I went to my boyfriend's place and he whipped up a killer meal: lobster, king crab, asparagus and scalloped potatoes. What?! Yes. Unreal and this actually happened... and we also got into a big fight over something silly #keepinitreal so yeah, that actually happened too (ha). Real talk (all good now!).
Saturday morning we hit the gym together and these are my shower flip flops (intriguing, I know).
Saturday.
Outfit deets: Dynamite jacket, Cynthia Rowley tee, Joe Fresh shorts (first time wearing them, finally!) & Ardene flats.
This video was supposed to be longer... but what the frick happened to the dubbing at the end there?! BAH! Sorry guys, better luck (for me) next time.
Cheers & thanks for watching! xo
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Adventure Club feat. Kai - Need Your Heart
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MONTHLY FASHION VIDEOS
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EMAIL | acoest1984@gmail.com
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VLOG CAMERA | iPhone 5 & iPad mini
BEAUTY / FASHION CAMERA
EDITING SOFTWARE | Adobe Premiere Elements 11
CAR WINDSHIELD MOUNT
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This video is not sponsored...clearly.
Thanks for watching! xo
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CONNECT WITH ME
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EMAIL | acoest1984@gmail.com
KEEK | acoest1984
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CAMERA / EDITING INFO
VLOG CAMERA | iPhone 5 & iPad mini
BEAUTY / FASHION CAMERA
EDITING SOFTWARE | Adobe Premiere Elements 11
CAR WINDSHIELD MOUNT
____________________________
This video is not sponsored...clearly.
Thanks for watching! xo
Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian readers & friends! While I did my family dinner last night to celebrate, today has been a nice day to relax with a friend, go out for brunch, do some shopping and just generally enjoy a holiday off from work (thankful for that, itself!).
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving if you're in Canada, and I'll be back tomorrow to share my weekend snaps. Cheers.
(old & no longer available)
Oh happy day! The second pair of boots I had lowered / shortened are finally home with me. If you're new to this story, you can see the before & after shots of the first pair here.
I had a couple complications with these boots, but I'm really pleased with the end result. These are boots I've had in my closet for 3+ years and had kind of forgotten about because the wedge on them was so massive; and I mean that in a height and unsturdy kind of way (but mainly height). I had worn them a couple times and then stored them under the, 'These-make-me-6'6-so-I'm-not-wearing-them-anymore' category. Now, after shaving off almost two inches, I can wear this more comfortably!
Unfortunately, I didn't take any quality before pictures but I have a few that I snapped while at the shoe repair as he was sawing off one of the wedges. Better than nothing, thought, right? Right! Proceed!
BEFORE
AFTER
Related posts:
* Before & After: Shortening My Wedge Boots (part 1 / the other pair)
* Video Update: The Shortening of My Wedge Boots (part 1 / the other pair)
Last Saturday was a very exciting day and first for me: I hosted the Place d'Orleans #MYVIPNIGHT at the mall. As most of you know, I'm the mall's fashion vlogger but this goes beyond my duties as just that. Hosting a live show versus sitting in front of my camera are two completely different things and while I love public speaking, that's not to say there aren't nerves that kick in.
There was a lot of preparation leading up to the show, on everybody's part. For me it was a couple trips to the mall beforehand to pull together six looks to style the six mannequins that would be on display. I had full creative control to pull what I wanted from the participating stores, focusing on fall trends. Additionally, we were having six local bloggers come and model three pairs of shoes each so I was pulling all the shoes from various stores in everyone's proper sizes.
The day of the event came and everything went wonderfully. I am slowly putting together a video of the day and evening, but in the mean time, I'd love to share some photos with you of the event...
I arrived at the mall shortly at 1pm to this; the stage was being pulled together and there were several men working to make this happen. Everyone was kind of running around, doing their tasks and counting down until show time.
I grabbed a rolling rack and went on my merry way to collect all 6 outfits, and 18 pairs of shoes needed for the show. It took a lot longer than anticipated--or maybe I was just optimistic--to gather the outfits. The stores would either scan in the items or write down the UPC codes. I went from store to store which took over an hour. I brought my rolling rack back to the stage area, grabbed a trolley and ran off to collect all the boxes of shoes which took another hour. Here are pictures of the six mannequins I styled:
By 3:30pm, the stage was fully set up, we put the mannequins in their positions and things were really coming together. I knew my shoe models were coming for 4pm and I still needed to organize all the shoes. There were really no time for pictures at this point, I was running all over the place and Marco hadn't shown up to film just yet. A couple minutes before 4pm, I ran outside to my car and literally changed in the parking garage into my dress & boots.
The stage is set and we are ready to go! Four mannequins were set on-stage flanking the shoe raffle table (the other two by the photo booth); in behind you can see where the silent auction was set up with over 20 items to bid on. There was a spot for mini-makeovers, a lounge area with leather couches, Dress for Success was there as all proceeds were being donated to them & a really cool photo booth with plenty of props to keep everyone happy. Additionally, the entire event was catered so servers were walking around with beautiful looking appetizers and there was a table full of cosmos!
Starting the show! It was such a rush being on stage and welcoming everyone to the event. I went over some general information, what they could do within the event, special promos at the mall that night, when the fashion show & prizes were being drawn, etc.
Halfway through the two-hour event, I hosted the shoe fashion show. The girls killed it with each pair of shoes and we all had a blast.
Me & the shoe models--in their own shoes at this point--had some fun in the photo booth post show.
My number one fan and supporter came out and played camera-man all night so I could have footage of the evening, which I can't wait to share with you!
And that's a wrap!
Outfit deets: Alfred Sung dress (old) & Aldo boots (new!)
See more:
* More photos of the event on Place d'Orleans FB Page.
* Grace from 613 Style's recap of the evening.
* Everyone's Twitter pictures from the event.
I'm still working on putting the video from Saturday night's #MYVIPNIGHT together, as well as sorting through my pictures but I did come across this funny mess up on stage. I hadn't even realized I messed up until hours after the event when Sarah, Marco & I went out for a late dinner and they brought it up--and I still didn't believe them!
Well, the footage speaks for itself. I called the Material Girl shoes Sarah was modelling, 'Maternity Girl' shoes, and while she is pregnant, that is not what I meant to say!
All that to say, I had to throw together a quick 19 second video playing up my mistake so we could all laugh together. Enjoy my freudian slip!
Fall seems to come in as quickly as it goes out so I was thinking I'd put together a little check list of things I'd like to do before that first snowflake falls.
* Eat pumpkin pie.
* Wear over-the-knee socks. complete
* Take some photos of the changing seasons, putting my new skills to the test.
* Wear heeled boots once per weekend (I find once winter comes, I'm stuck in flat boots in fear of slipping on the ice and falling in heels; now is the perfect time with dry roads).
* Make a cauliflower soup (I've done broccoli before).
* Put together as many weekend outfits as possible from my 2013 Fall Inspiration Pinterest board (tons of layered black & effortless-chic looks).
Friday night date.
Outfit deets: F21 jacket, DKNY tee, Urban Planet pants & necklace, Aldo wedge boots (my newly modified ones) & vintage clutch
On Saturday, as some of you know, I hosted the Place d'Orleans #MYVIPNIGHT at the mall. You guys know that I am the mall's fashion vlogger--and create monthly videos for them--and so it was really exciting when they asked me to host this cool event. Tickets were $20 and all the proceeds went to Dress for Success. There was a fabulous chocolate table, cocktails, music, a photo booth, it was catered and mini-make-up applications were being done too. I'm going to do a full recap of it this week, so stay tuned for more photos.
Part of the evening was a shoe fashion show with these lovely local bloggers. I pulled three pairs of shoes for each girl from various retailers at the mall that agreed to participate. The shoes ranged from boots to pumps to flats & it went really well. This is a shot of us all afterwards, at the photo booth, in our own shoes.
Post #MYVIPNIGHT at Montana's with my man & my bestie; burgers for everyone!
On Sunday morning we hit the gym then travelled to Kingston to visit family for the day and have an early Thanksgiving meal.
This is my not my favourite picture but I wanted to show you the apple tree in my boyfriend's parents' back yard! Here's a fun fact: this tree grows five different types of apples--what?!--and I have no idea how, but I saw it with my own eyes.
Outfit deets: unknown faux leather jacket (from Winners), Joe Fresh sweater dress (last year), Sirens leggings & necklace, Rampage boots, Ardene over-the-knee socks
Finally relaxing at 10pm on Sunday night with a veggie stir fry & YouTube. What a busy--but enjoyable--weekend!
Happy Monday!
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THINGS I MENTIONED
The best grilled cheese sandwich ever, from Kelly Senyei of Just A Taste
Keep up with Sarah
Shortening my wedge boots. Will have a full recap and update up this week!
Restaurant | El Camino
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MONTHLY FASHION VIDEOS
____________________________
CONNECT WITH ME
https://www.facebook.com/pages/ACo-es...
EMAIL | acoest1984@gmail.com
KEEK | acoest1984
____________________________
CAMERA / EDITING INFO
VLOG CAMERA | iPhone 5 & iPad mini
BEAUTY / FASHION CAMERA
EDITING SOFTWARE | Adobe Premiere Elements 11
CAR WINDSHIELD MOUNT
____________________________
This video is not sponsored...clearly.
Thanks for watching! xo
I'm over at Fashion Translated today talking about how I got started with this little blog, my favourite trends for Fall, a secret you might not know about me and more.
Come on over & join me.
Fall is in full swing here in Ottawa and September was a great month. Marco & I celebrated our one year anniversary, I pulled some boots from my shoe collection that have only seen the outdoors once (a while back) and I took Peanut for a weekend at the beginning of the month.
I shared my workout routine of late, got my hands--finally--on a pair of Romy's from Shoemint and celebrated a girlfriend's birthday. I ordered and received my new business cards (more on that soon) and took a photography course to learn how to use a DSLR camera.
I rocked my new camo pants, had some wedge boots shortened and visited with my almost two-month old nephew--who's weighing now at 14 pounds! I purchased some new boots--Givenchy knock-offs--which I'm obsessed with, went to a party with friends and received flowers from Mel Mac.
Sarah and I filmed the BFF Tag video, I filmed a Fall Fashion video for my PDO gig and spent the last Saturday of the month jacket-less while running errands with my man.
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