Yesterday was definitely a day for the books:  I was on set all day shooting with my mall, Place d'Orleans, for their 2015 Fall, Winter and Holiday campaigns...as the model!

As most of you know, I'm the Fashion Vlogger for the mall and create monthly videos for their Facebook page and YouTube channel.  I always share my videos here and they are always about current trends, how to style and generally upbeat and easy-going videos.  This year, they asked me if I would be interested in modelling for their major, annual shoot and of course the answer was yes!

I'd love to share more plus a bunch of photos if you'd like to see...

Hi ladies!  I'm so sorry I've been MIA for several days--the weekend got away from me since I was somewhat out of my usual routine as I was staying at my parent's place.  They went away for the weekend so I stayed there to watch our family dog, Peanut.  

Unfortunately, she is getting very old and we don't know how much longer she will be around--her quality of life has really take a turn for the worse over the past year, so it was great to spend some quality time with her over the weekend.

So with that, onto the snaps!



My new shoes came in (you saw the red pair) and I love the black even more.  

These definitely run true to size but are in half sizes.  I'm a size 10 and ordered the 8UK and it's a perfect fit.  The one qualm about these, and experienced with the other pair, is that they rub on the heel of my smaller foot as I walk and create a blister.  That said, sometimes certain shoes just need to be broken in, and I consider these like that.  I'm sure after several wears they will be good to go.  Ultimately, I'm super pleased with my purchased.



I stopped at the condo before heading to my parent's place for the long weekend, to pack and get changed into my gym clothes.




A sweet feature one of my blogger friend's did on her fave Canadian blogs.

The easiest (and chicest) sangria recipe.

These memes made me LOL.

This post encouraged me to finally bite the bullet and purchase the open-storage basket I was coveting (how cute are #9 & 11 though?).

Reminds me of high school.

I'm doing a photoshoot with Place d'Orleans next week!  Here's what happened last time...

Twitter for beginners.

Chic nail art.

No-bake vegan banana cream pie--yum.

A pretty piece for Fall (not ready!).


Things you may have missed:
* HOW-TO: Pack for Vegas in a Carry-On
* Are you a Type A or B?
* One of my favourite outfit posts of late...


(Photo from this outfit post).

DRAPE-FRONT BLAZER  |  TANK (LOVE THIS ONE)  |  DIY DENIM SHORTS - FROM THRIFTED MEN'S PANTS  - OLD (SIMILAR)  |  IRO HEELS

I'm back for another post about various Instagram, Facebook & Snapchat (I'm acoest1984) outfits.  I love sharing these because it's a great look at what I wear on a daily basis as I can't always do the full-on photoshoot.  This time it's a mixture of work-wear and evenings out.  We've had some up and down weather this Summer so I've still been wearing a ton of pants or will cover up on top and bare my legs for evening (my fave).



TOP  |  ZARA PANTS - OLD (SIMILAR, LOVE THESE)  |  LACE UP POINTY-TOE FLATS (OBSESSED!)



JOSHUA PERETS ZIP-UP - OLD (LOVE THIS & THIS)  |  TANK  |  ARDENE SHORTS - OLD (SIMILAR, SIMILAR, SPLURGE)  | PUMA SNEAKERS

On Friday night I was so happy we had no plans and the only thing on the agenda was to get food and catch up on our favourite shows (we are watching Suits & Ballers right now).

We ordered Indian for dinner and I decided to walk there and pick it up to get a little exercise in.



I'm so pumped for this video slash this day because I went wake-boarding for the first time and did it!  I had tried once before, maybe 10 years ago but couldn't get up, and today, on my first try, I got up.  Success!  I think all those weekends spent snowboarding during the winter and incorporating heavy weights into my workout routine has paid off.

So the jist of the day is that friends invited a bunch of us out on their boat for a day of wake-boarding and wake-surfing.  It was super hot, sunny and a perfect day to be on the water--what a treat!  We all took turns and alternated between the two sports.  

I didn't try wake-surfing (ultimately surfing behind the boat, without a rope and no bindings holding you to the board!) but might give it a shot next time.  For now, I'm pretty stoked I managed the board and even took a couple mini jumps, by accident of course, but still landed them.

Thanks for watching! xo

Happy Friday ladies!  The weekend is finally here and we are planning on having wine & cheese with friends tomorrow night, and I'm going to film a video on make-up strobing--I'm obsessed with this new trend, especially for Summer!

} catch(err) {}I wanted to start a new tradition for Fridays where I share some fun links from around the web that I'm enjoying.  I know plenty of people do this, but sometimes it's fun to discover things through someone else, right?  I'm down, hope you are too, so let's jump in...


Officially obsessed with this home-décor blog a friend turned me onto this week (have you seen the entry way revamp?!).

Just purchased these in two colours.

Been using this eye cream nightly for over a month and love it.

Loving the look of jute rugs and have my eye on this one for our living room.

An interesting article on making a living via blogging.

Loving everything about this.

Hellooo tasty Summer dessert.

You ladies know I love my hi-tops & these are my newest gym shoe.

Flared overalls?  Yes.

Covetting this dress hard for a wedding this September (but not sure it's long enough for me; I'm 5'11).

A pretty mobile.

My newest YouTube channel obsession.


Posts you may have missed around here:
* Recent Instagram outfits
* My Recent Workout Clothing Haul
* Throwback: The Story of Purchasing My Condo (which still isn't ready)
* 7 Stylish Sunglasses Under $25


(Photo of these shoes, a great dupe for the splurge).
I'm sure you've seen tons of posts about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and of course I have to share my picks.  This is the perfect time to stock up for Fall--it will be here before we know it and you'll be glad you did--with tons of new season items on sale.

I really need a new winter jacket this year and am loving the drapey front of that grey one.  Although I'm sharing some open-toe shoe options, the prices are too good to not snatch up right now.  Basic tees, sweaters and skinnies can be worn now with sandals and later with boots to winterize your look.

I love the look of those super cool Adidas sneakers, and have a couple drapey-front leather blazers already that I wear constantly.  Chunky moto and over-the-knee boots are my go to when the snow flies and the Gucci sunglasses are almost identical to the ones I've had for over five years.

Workout clothes after the jump...

This past weekend was definitely one for the books and one that has been in the works for a couple months.  Just like last year, we planned a cottage long weekend with 18 friends in Fiddler Lake, which was a grand time.

I'd love to share a bunch of pictures if you'd like to see...


ALDO SUNGLASSES (SIMILAR)  |  NECKLACE  |  SWEATER

KNIT TOP - SUPER ON SALE  |  WAXED PANTS  |  THE BAY NECKLACE - OLD (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS BUDGET-FRIENDLY VERSION)  |  MICHAEL KORS BANGLE (SIMILAR)  |  SWAROVSKI BANGLE  |  GORJANA BANGLE (SIMILAR)

Today I'm sharing a bunch of random snaps from my camera roll, a bunch you've already seen on Instagram but with all the details.  As I've mentioned before, I'm such a pants/shorts girl and Summertime is no different.  I like to pair pants with something sleeveless or more Summery on top and sandals to balance out the look.

The look above is from the H&M fitting room and I purchased both pieces that day.  I'm such a sucker for neutrals and olive green is a current fave.  Both pieces were super on sale and although it feels weird buying cooler weather pieces, Fall will be here before we know it (plus, I've already worn the knit top anyway!).



KIMONO  |  SIRENS CAMI (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS LOOK)  |  GUESS DENIM (LOVE THESE)  |  EXPRESSIONS NECKLACE - OLD (SIMILAR)

I'm back with another huge fashion haul for Summertime!  I have to admit, I did buy quite a bit of black but they are all Summery pieces--and most of them came in various colours, I just have an affinity to edgier looking pieces, as you know.  

I also think it's perfectly acceptable to rock dark colours during the warmer months, especially when we are seeing such great fabrics right now like crochet, fringe and pom-poms.

Thanks for watching! xo

Good morning & happy Monday! 

This past weekend wasn't supposed to be busy but turned out to be such, and the weather was beautiful--we are in full Summer mode, and I couldn't be happier.

On Friday I headed out to my parent's place to stay for the weekend to look after our family dog, Peanut.


We hung out on the back deck, soaked up the late afternoon sun and relaxed.  I made that easy tomato-avocado-arugula salad I'm loving and later grabbed some sushi and headed home to get ready for a concert...

O U T F I T  D E E T S :  AEROPOSTALE TANK - OLD (SIMILAR)  |  SHORTS - ON SALE!  |  F21 SPORTS BRA (SIMILAR)  |  SHOES  |  LULULEMON BAG - OLD (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS ONE)  |  ALDO SUNGLASSES (SIMILAR)

This is a typical gym outfit outfit for me (I swap out my kicks for these upon arrival).  I love the edge of the graphic tee paired with the bright coloured shorts.  The open back and strappy sports bra adds some style which is a fun way to make getting to the gym a little easier.  #whatevergetsyouthere 

I've talked quite a bit about working out and my routines over the past couple years and one thing I've always gravitated towards are shorts.  Shorts are a great way to play up your legs and keep cool at the same time.  I rotate between pairing them with a looser fitting graphic tee, or my favourite snugger fitting tanks.  I also love the look paired with a long sleeved tee for when the temperature drops at night or you want to show a little less skin.



O U T F I T  D E E T S :  FREE PEOPLE SWEATER (SIMILAR)  |  CHARLOTTE RUSSE SHORTS - OLD (SIMILARSIMILAR, LOVE THESE)  |  ALEXANDER WANG WEDGES - SOLD OUT (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS SIMILAR MULE VERSION)  |  VINTAGE CLUTCH  |  SUNGLASSES  |  NECKACE

A bit of a twist on the neutrals, all nude, which is a great way to keep things fresh for Summer, if you're a monochromatic lover like myself.  

 I love wearing a a solid colour from head to toe, it looks chic without trying too hard.  It's also pretty easy to pull off.  The interest comes from the details: the knit sweater, the crochet shorts, the patent wedges--all very different, but complimentary and interesting when paired together.  I love the look of this nude or all grey together, but of course black is my go-to in a pinch.

 
On Friday night, after running around and piling groceries and crap into my car, I stopped at Petit Bills to grab the pecan burger to take home for dinner.  I haven't had this in over a year but it's so freaking good.  I'm a huge burger lover to begin with, and never go for the veggie variety, but this one is top notch.
 

 
BLACK  |  STRIPE - SOLD OUT (LOVE THIS ONE, ALSO HERE)
 
My new bikini tops came in from F21 and they are super cute.  I'm loving the on-trend halter/high-neck look; it's athletic and chic.  The fit is definitely small, so size up (I got large).
 

O U T F I T  D E E T S :  ROMPER  |  HEELS - OLD (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)  |  CLUTCH / IPAD CASE  |  NECKLACE  |  SUNGLASSES

Although I'm not much of a dress person--I much prefer pants and shorts, or even a skirt--rompers are one thing I absolutely love.  It's a one-stop-shop for dressing but like the dress' cooler, big sister.  When I find one that fits me, I have to scoop it up.  This one from H&M is extra great because of the sleeves--which is perfect for evening (and great for ladies who like to keep their arms covered).

I dressed this up with some single-sole sandals I've had for several years that are still going strong.  If you're looking to up your shoe game, a strappy pair like this will get a ton of mileage from dressier looks like today or a more casual, edgy vibe like this.  They are one of my go-to style of shoes; they work from day to night, and with wedding season upon us will take you from ceremony to the dance floor.  Definitely a great, simplistic shoe you can add to your wardrobe at various price points.


O U T F I T  D E E T S :  HOODED DENIM JACKET (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS) |  OLD NAVY TANK - OLD (SIMILAR)  |  SHORTS (SIMILAR, DISTRESSED)  |  URBAN PLANET GLADIATOR SANDALS (SIMILAR, SIMILAR, LOVE THESE)  |  FRINGE BAG  |  BIZOU FLAT TOP SUNGLASSES (BUDGET FRIENDLY, WANT THESE SO BAD)

As most of you know, I'm Canadian so yesterday I was celebrating Canada Day with my friends (did you see the SnapChats?  I'm acoest1984 & they should still be live if you're here early enough) and also the long-awaited birth of my new nephew (eek!).

That said, I didn't get a post up in time for Canada Day style #redandwhiterepresent but since I know a lot of my ladies are American, I had to share this look as I love a good red-white-blue combo.

This look is super easy and perfect for a BBQ or picnic--just throw on some white shorts, a red top with some detail and a denim jacket--or swap the white shorts for denim shorts and throw on a white jacket instead.  Pair it with some gladiator sandals and a fringe bag to add some style and it's the perfect festive yet comfortable and chic look to take you from day to fireworks.  Also, I threw some white pants in my bag to take with me to keep warm just in case.


Shopping for workout clothing has been one of my favourite things over the past six months, not necessarily because I'm working out more, per say, but simply because they're comfortable!

I love checking out Marshalls and Winners as they always have new stock every week and offer some of my favourite brands at great prices.  Since they turnover so quickly, I have to continuously be checking so I don't miss out (haha, what a theory!).

Today I'm sharing a huge, collective workout clothing haul from bottoms, tops, sports bras, etc.  A lot of the items I've purchased are available on line so check out the links below.



June has come and gone and the only thing that is calming me is that Summer technically just began...otherwise, here comes the cliché: how is it the end of June already!?

In June I shared a ton of outfit posts, but that first pic and that last pic are my favourites.  I picked up a pair of wedges that I had been coveting for over a year and shared some of my Instagram / selfie outfits in a post (with links to purchase almost everything).

The highlight of June was a big birthday bash for a friend mid-month.  The host thought of everything from amazing food, lighting, a wicked outdoor scene and even a DJ who spun the best music all night long.  

I shared my new lace-up heels and bucket bag in an outfit post (from my Bag & Shoe Haul video), got more wear out of that floral romper, shared my purchases from our trip to Italy, and checked out a new rooftop patio with my guy one night.

It rained a ton, I wore my new fave muscle tee and shared how to update your wardrobe on a budget for Summer.  I picked out some new shades (which were included in my 7 Great Styles Under $25 post), got the coolest sports bra (under $20!) and got the new Triangl Bambi bikini.

Finally, something new to add to this month's recap, my June playlist--all my fave songs that I've been killing in the gym, in the car and at parties when I sneak take-over the music.


Related posts:



On Friday night I went for a manicure and got this sleek grey colour, which is super similar to a favourite I shared last month.  I had my girl re-shape my nails into a coffin shape and although they are a little short, she pulled it off (she's so good!).




If you are subscribed to my YouTube channel (I put out new videos every week), you have already seen this video.  If not, today I'm sharing my Italy haul! 

These are the items I purchased during our two-week long trip to Italy back in April.  It's a mixture of clothing, shoes and the biggest purchase: my first designer bag.  I did, however, forget to include these slides (you can see me wearing them here) when I was rounding up all my items--oops!
As usual, thanks for watching! xo
Related posts:
* Positano (in my top 2 of our trip)
* Outfits in Florence, Rome & Tuscany
  

SCARF  |  H&M DRESS - OLD (SIMILAR, SIMILARLOVE THIS ONE)  |  TANK WORN AS A SKIRT  |  WEDGES  |  SUNGLASSES

I have had this dress for years and since there are various panels in different fabrics on it, it's sheer in some areas so I used a longer tank to act as a skirt underneath and tied the straps together below the bust (that 'bump' was hidden by the scarf).



O U T F I T   D E E T S :  SUZY SHIER PRINTED TOP - OLD (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  WAXED PANTS (LOVE THESE, COLOURED)  |  LACE-UP HEELS ON SALE  |  BAG  |  SUNGLASSES (BUDGET FRIENDLY)  |  NECKLACE

Waxed pants have become a closet staple of mine over the past few years.  They add a bit of edge to a basic black pant and dress them up a little more.  Despite it being Summertime, I still rock mine--in various colours--but lighten the look up with more weather-appropriate tops and shoes.

Silk, cotton and linen are all great ways to Summer-ize your coated denim and adding a lace-up shoe like these or a similar wedge version is the perfect finishing touch.


I grew up in a fairly Type A environment.  My mom, being someone who was super organized, tidy and on top of everything, instilled some pretty awesome skills in me.  That said, I feel the switch over to the Type B side was made somewhere around my teenage years.  Somehow my room went from meticulously neat with knick-knacks adorning every surface, to a huge mess with knick-knacks exploding from every surface and piles of clothing covering every square inch of the floor.

Although my mom never liked it...


O U T F I T  D E E T S :  T-SHIRT  |  TRASHD DENIM (LOVE THESE WITH THE ANKLE ZIPS, SIMILAR)  |  ZARA HEELS (SIMILAR, SIMILARBUDGET-FRIENDY)  |  BAG (ALSO IN BLACK, BLUSH & TAN)  |  SUNGLASSES  |  NECKLACE  |  MANICURE  |  PEDICURE

The amount of distressed denim in my closet now outnumbers the regular denim but I can't help it, it's a trend I'm really loving.  I also love the juxtapose with something fancier, like these strappy heels, which ups the ante of the outfit, making it fresher and ready for a night out.

This look is great for drinks  with the girls when you want to be comfortable but edgy or if you wanted to go more casual, pair them with Chucks and an open-knit sweater, for running errands on the weekend.


On Friday night I went for impromptu pedicures with my bestie--I got opaque white which looks so fresh for Summer.  

Afterwards I poked around a couple stores and the mall before meeting up with Marco for a late night dinner at Milestones.  I'm kept it somewhat healthy with the salad but totally indulged in a couple cocktails!


O U T F I T   D E E T S :  TOP  |  BLACK SKINNIES (SIMILAR)  |  BRALETTE  |  NECKLACE (SIMILAR)  |  BAG  |  SHOES (LOVE THESE TOO)   |  SUNGLASSES

I'm a huge fan of black skinny pants and when I tried on these high-waisted ones (which are the same as the denim pair I have), I was immediately sold.  Not only do they fit extremely well, they are inexpensive and have low pockets on the back so you don't get the dreaded 'mom-jeans butt'.

For the tee, I love the open arm-holes--wear a bralette underneath and have it peak out to up the cool factor and pair it with a statement necklace to add some interest.

Good morning ladies!  I try to keep things pretty budget friendly around here, and only recently have started to incorporate a few bigger ticket items into my wardrobe.  That said, I always love a good deal and while it's nice to have some pricier, quality items, trendier pieces are best when they are inexpensive. 

All that to say, today I'm sharing budget-friendly styles from some of my favourite stores.  These are pieces you can incorporate into your current wardrobe to freshen things up for Summer that won't break the bank!


H & M
(click arrows for more)
Crochet or lace shorts have been a staple of  mine for a few years (how amazing are these and these?), but if you're just jumping on that train, a neutral colour like black or white will work wonders all season long--dress them up with heels or down with gladiator sandals and a tee.  Fringe and denim jackets are my go-to this year already and I love the edge of the belt detail on that one. 

I purchased the bright blue peplum cut-out top in Vegas and absolutely love it--it's definitely an inexpensive statement piece.  Bucket bags (see mine here), crochet, off-the-shoulder tops and distressed denim are all having a major moment right now so these will instantly refresh your closet.

Two more stores after the jump...

O U T F I T  D E E T S :  URBAN PLANET TOP (SIMILAR, WHITE, LOVE THIS ONE)  |  URBAN PLANET CAMI (SIMILAR) |  URBAN PLANET SHORTS (SIMILAR)  |  WEDGES, SOLD OUT (PREVIOUSLY OWNEDSIMILAR)  |  BAG  |  SUNGLASSES

Confession: this is not my bag but it is now.  My girlfriend came over on the weekend carrying this awesome fringe bag that I'd been eyeing but didn't pick up and it made me fall harder for it.  You know when you see someone else wearing something you weren't sure of, and it kind of seals the deal?  This bag (and also this one too) was it for me.  She kindly let me borrow it to shoot this outfit and I went out and purchased it the next day!  I love how the fringe lightens the mood of the look.

Secondly, this isn't an actual twin set, but I loved the look of crochet on crochet so I went for it.  Funnily enough, all of these pieces came from the same store, but over the last four years (remember when I first got these shorts?  Fun fact: I wore them on my first date with Marco).


On Friday night, we had six of our friends over for a home-made pizza night.  Everyone brought something--salad, desserts, appetizers--and Marco whipped up his signature Italian style pizzas which were a huge hit.



Last weekend, we decided to go on a fancy date night (ie. not Vietnamese food, which you guys know I'm obsessed with) and hit up Rare in Kanata.  Marco had been once but it was my first time and it did not disappoint...

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