Garage denim jacket (similar; love this silhouette) // Joe Fresh striped top // Urban Planet pants (DIY'ed; similar) // Adidas Stan Smith kicks // American Eagle scarf (similar; splurge) // Christian Siriano cross-body bag (similar; similar) // Ardene sunnies (similar; classic splurge)

Lately I have been living in sneakers during the evenings and on weekends.  There is something so effortlessly cool looking about a dressed up (or down, in this case) outfit with a pair of fresh whites--not to mention comfy!  I pulled out this new scarf to add a pop of neon colour to an otherwise fairly neutral palette.

 
I spent Friday evening at the Genuis Bar at the Apple store, attempting to get my MacBook fixed.  It's been really slow lately and editing videos has become so difficult and much lengthier due to this.  Unfortunately I have to go back tonight and try another route.

Urban Planet cardigan (similar) // Harlow tank (similar; similar) // Urban Planet denim (similar & love these in white) // Adidas Stan Smith sneakers // American Eagle necklace // Gucci sunnies

I have never been a huge fan of boyfriend jeans, for myself at least, but these ones, which have a slimmer fit, are more like girlfriend jeans and right up my alley.  I love distressed denim and these have just enough relax to them (and a high-waist #instaspanx).  As you know, I love neutrals, but when I saw this tanergine-peach cardigan, I gave it a go and loved it!  I think the warmer weather is making me want to inject some colour into my wardrobe.

Lastly, I replaced my Pumas with these chic Stan Smiths, which I have loved from afar for years.  They definitely aren't as comfortable, but I love the look and pop of green.  I can't wait to style them in a more dressed up manner with black skinnies and a long wool coat.

More photos after the jump...

Almost half of April was spent in Italy, which is why it's dominating this recap but it was seriously a trip of a lifetime, so let's jump in.

In April I shared my Top 5 Spring Trends video and we left for Italy.  We flew to Florence and traveled south (Rome, Amalfi, Positano, Capri) before returning back to Florence to fly out almost two weeks later.  It was my first time overseas, in Europe, everything, so it was quite an experience!


When we came back, we spent the third weekend in April skiing at Mont. Tremblant, which was so awesome!  It was warm and there were dirt patches and it was just so fun to get one last ski day in before Summer without freezing our butts off, for once.  We took a mini-road trip to the US, filmed a Spring lookbook (which will be out in a few days!) and I shared a pair of my fave heels in an outfit post.

Bring on May (flowers) & even warmer weather!


This past trip to Italy was my first time overseas and we did quite a bit of traveling around.  From Florence, to Rome, to Amalfi, Positano, Capri and back to Florence and into the Tuscany countryside, I saw and learned a lot.  I'm sure there is plenty more to learn and easily plenty more to see but I wanted to share 10 things I learned while there:

1. Toilets & Restrooms | Often times restrooms are singles and not gender specific.  Additional, toilet seats are next to non-existent, so you're either squatting or sitting on the bowl.  I had also heard that sometimes you would need your own paper so always kept tissue travel packs on me, but never had that problem.  Also, it feels frowned upon to use a restaurant or store's washroom unless you're buying something there.


I love the scuba / foam material trend that has been around for about a year or so but I'm just hoping on board now with this amazing, boxy top.  Definitely the kind of top that adds volume but the structure and quality of it is really beautiful.  It makes a statement despite it being super simplistic.

These new skinnies are super high-waisted and while I'm not showing it off in this outfit, I wore them with a hi-low sweater the other day and felt half like my mom back in the day, and half chic--a great combination, if you ask me.  I never thought I'd be feeling the high-waisted trend but I'm loving it.  Next on my wish list?  Some high-waisted dark denim flares like these.



As I mentioned yesterday, on Saturday, Marco and I took a mini road trip to the US to get his new tires and do some minor shopping while we waited.  I am bringing you guys along for the full day plus randomness when we got home and a mini haul.

Thanks for watching! xo
New kicks; I've been wanting a pair of black hi-tops and Supras are my favourite.  Love the pony hair and gold detail on these babies (they are also men's)--perfect for the gym or an edgier look with leather pants.


On Friday night I hit the gym, took my time and then popped into Winners on my way home where I found this adorable soap dish.  It was the only thing I purchased and it felt a little frivolous but I really love it (and currently have my soap in a small dipping pot that is for eating!).

On our second last day in Florence, we did a wine tour in Tuscany, which, for a last minute booking, was one of the best experiences of Italy...

 
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6
 
I just found out the sad news that Piperlime is closing at the end of the month, but the good news is they are having 40% off the sale price and it ends today; use code SALEONSALE.  So, if you were looking to stock up on designer jeans, shoes or a bag, they still have a pretty good selection left.
 
Above are my picks; I have a pair of Paige denim and love them (they fit true to size) and I'd totally scoop up the red sandals if they had my size.  The dress would be so pretty for a Summer bridal or baby shower and I love the laid-back look of those Joie boots (which also come in black!). 
 
Happy shopping!
 

FAUX LEATHER JACKET (SIMILAR & GREAT OPTION) | ZARA SWEATER (SIMILAR)  |  CAMI -- OLD (love this one)  |  SISLEY PANTS -- PURCHASED IN ITALY (LOVE THESE)  |   WHITE SNEAKERS  | CROSS BODY BAG  |  MAYBELLINE PINK POP LIPSTICK

Style and comfort were the two elements necessary for traveling throughout Italy, and these pants I picked up in Rome fit the bill perfectly.  I love the slightly dropped-crotch and faux leather details that bring an element of chic to what is technically a glorified pair of sweats.  Throw on with some daily jewelry, a bold lip and a pretty top to dress up the look.  

This would work equally well with heels, but that was no option in Italy with the cool temps and cobblestone, so kicks it was!




 
Today I'm sharing the top five trends for Spring, and more, plus my recent finds at Place d'Orleans.  I am so excited that the warmer weather is finally upon us and we can shed a few layers.  Spring is the perfect time to re-vamp your style so if you're looking to step a little outside your comfort zone, look no further.

I'm having some issues with embedding the video so if it's now showing up, you can watch it here.
 
Thanks for watching xo
 
 
Related videos:
 
Maison Scotch jacket (similar; real leather) // Dynamite top // Guess denim (similar) // American Eagle necklace // Givenchy bag

I have always loved flares, and have several pairs in my closet, but skinnies are definitely my go-to--especially for winter and tucking into boots.  That said, they are making a major come-back this Spring and I couldn't be more excited!  I took the opportunity to rock a pair for Casual Friday.


On our second, and only full day, in Positano, we booked a boat trip for the day to take us to the island of Capri.  We made the descent down to the beach where the sun was starting to peek through the clouds...


There are really no words for the beauty of Positano on the Amalfi Coast, so instead, I'll overload you with some photos and tell you about our experience...

Read more...

On our way to Rome, from Florence, we sat across from a guy on the train who had been staying in Rome.  Of course I asked him if he had any recommendations for food and he did: Dar Poeta.

He raved that it was possibly the best pizza in Italy, and since we'd already tried Gusta's, it was only natural to compare the best to the best...

Read more...

FAUX LEATHER JACKET (SIMILAR)  |  CHIQLE DENIM (SIMILAR)  |  SNEAKERS  |  CROSS BODY BAG -- OLD (SIMILAR)

On our last full day in Rome, we visited the Colosseum.  Marco purchased tickets in advance which saved us from standing in two lines--ahem, we learned our lesson, clearly--and waiting in the freezing winds.  Don't let the sunshine fool you, it was quite chilly.

We took the hop-on/hop-off tour bus, which was about 5km away and were so surprised to see...

Read more...

SUNGLASSES (SIMILAR)  |  SCARF  |  FAUX LEATHER JACKET (SIMILAR)

What a difference a day makes!

Our first day in Rome was freezing and raining but by day two, the sun came out and despite it still being frigid, it was much more pleasant with a bit of heat beaming down on us.


More pics after the jump...

I won't lie, Rome didn't exactly start out great...



On our last night in Florence, we tried Sabatini, at the recommendation of Marco's Italian co-worker. We made a reservation online, and I checked out the Trip Advisor reviews which were all quite positive.  One reviewer had said it wasn't a super modern place or the 'it' place anymore, but that the food was amazing, so off we went...


More after the jump...

FREE PEOPLE SWEATER (SIMILAR)  |  CAMI (SIMILAR)  |  RIPPED WHITE SKINNIES (SIMILAR)  |  SNEAKERS  |  NYC STREET VENDOR SUNNIES (SIMILAR, BUDGET FRIENDLY)


For this 12-day trip, packing was definitely an obstacle, more specifically it being my first trip of such length.  I have been doing my best to mix and match everything I brought, and kept that in mind while packing a mixture of neutrals and a few same-colour pieces to keep it effortless yet somewhat stylish.

Rome was really cold and rainy the day before we shot these photos, but fortunately the sun came out the next day.  Don't let those rays fool you, it was still quite chilly, under 10 degrees Celsius and I bundled up in my jacket and scarf after!

I'm still looking for the perfect Italian leather boot while we are here, which I was hoping to find sooner than later so I could wear them here (and throw these Pumas out because they are done-zo after this trip and multiple days in the rain--yuck!).  If not, at least before we come home on Sunday.


More photos after the jump...


On our third, and final day, in Florence, we stood in line to get tickets and climb the Duomo--a huge cathedral (above) that you can climb over 500 stairs to the top, outside, look out and see the entire city.

After spending about half an hour in line to buy tickets, and hardly moving, we decided to split up; I went to stand in the get-in line, while Marco continued to wait to buy the tickets. Everything was going well until the rain started...


Read more...

JACKET -- OLD (SIMILAR)  |  WHITE SKINNIES  |  SNEAKERS  |  STUDDED BAG -- OLD (SIMILAR)  |  HAIR TUTORIAL

On our second night in Florence, we were able to get a reservation at Il Magazzino Osteria Tripperla, which was recommended to us by our Italian friend.  We had tried the night before but were unsuccessful to get in without a reso so made one for the following evening...

Read more...

FAUX LEATHER JACKET  (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)  |  LULU'S OPEN BACK TOP  |  CAMO PANTS (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)  |  SNEAKERS  |  NINE WEST BAG  (SIMILAR)

We are having an amazing time in Italy, with tons and tons of walking and even more eating--eek!  It's true what they say, in Florence at least, about the cobblestone streets and heels not mixing, although the Italians do it.  


I've been rocking my trusty Pumas  for the majority of our trip because I totally packed wrong...

Click to read more...


On our second day in Florence, we slowly got ready, had a nice continental breakfast and made our way out to the city square.  Since we stayed right downtown, it was easy to walk everywhere we wanted to be, including all the major sites...


Read more...

DENIM JACKET  |  BLACK TANK (SIMILAR)  |  SHINY LEGGINGS  |  SNEAKERS  |  NINE WEST BAG -- OLD

Our first food stop in Italy was at Gusta Pizza.  We walked for about a kilometre, with our heavy carry-on bags to find this place and it did not disappoint.

The pizzas are exactly what you'd think authentic Italian pizza would be; saucy, thin-crusted with simple toppings like basil, spicy salami and roma tomatoes.

Click for more...

Marco and I arrived in Florence early Thursday morning and since we couldn’t check into our hotel, we wandered around with our carry-on bags in a haven’t-slept-for-24-hours daze.  We were able to finally check in around 2pm and caught a few zzz’s in hopes that 6-hour time difference doesn’t affect our entire vacation.

We are staying in the city centre, which is so close to everything.  It’s our first time in Europe too, so this is exciting!  Today we saw the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and walked around the cobblestone streets.  We even tried some amazing, authentic Italian pizza, but more to come on that later.

The internet here is a little sketch, but I’m going to do my best to blog and share our days here.  Better run, time to get ready for dinner (which I’m told is always after 8pm)!  See you tomorrow.

Click for more...

 
March is always a fave month for me, despite the cooler temps, because yay, birthday month!  That is always a plus and this birthday was awesome and kind of spanned over a couple of weeks, so, let's jump into March.
 
I kicked off the month working on a styling and hosting job for a fashion show (which I promise the video is coming, I just need to edit the footage and the plane ride to Italy will be the perfect time).  I celebrated my bestie's little guy's first birthday, and went snowboarding.
 
My good friend took me to Town for my birthday, I tried a new foundation (verdict: long lasting, matte & oxidizes to darker than shown in the tube; really like it) and shared my current workout playlist.
 
I bought some new items to transition into Spring (like that bikini top, hell-o!), my bestie took me to Soca for my birthday and I traveled to Las Vegas on my acutal birthday!  I spent the day sitting on a patio and then doing some shopping before Marco flew in to meet me and took me to dinner.
 
I completed a month-long plank challenge, picked the finishes for my new condo and spent a final weekend at Tremblant, snowboarding.  I picked up a new wallet, celebrated a special friend's baby shower and was treated for one final birthday dinner by another.
On Friday I decided to book a massage (the first in over a year) as I had a gift card from my birthday to use.  It was awesome.  From there I went to the mall to poke around and treated myself to a new Marc by Marc Jacobs wristlet-wallet (full size here)!

Okay, first let me start off by saying I have my eyes seriously set on this Alexander Wang stunner, but, I would really like a designer handbag so am saving towards that instead.  Now, that's not to say Marc Jacobs isn't amazing, because it is, and the only reason I 'splurged' on it was because it was super on sale (regular $165, on sale for $67!) and I had a gift card that covered the entire cost (and I loved it).

Additionally, I haven't been using my Coach wallet (which was a gift) for a year--I've been carrying my cards loose, in my purse.  Actually, until last night, my old wallet was still jammed with all the cards I've been missing whenever I'm out somewhere and they ask me for my loyalty card or whatever... so, I'm finally back to being organized... sort of.

More pics after the jump...
At the beginning of the month I posted about a plank challenge that I was going to be doing and I wanted to provide a little update if you'd like to read...
Click for more... 

Tuesday was the day--finally--to choose the finishes for my condo.  If you're new, you can read all about my condo here + and update here, however, the short of it is, I purchased a condo about two and a half years ago but still don't live there.  Since it's a brand new build, it will only be ready at the end of this year (although, it was supposed to be ready last November if we were to stick to the initial plan--but apparently this is the norm for new builds).

All that to say, I had my appointment to choose all the fun, interior stuff.  Now, although I don't do too terribly in the decor department, it's definitely not my forte.  I knew some of the basics that I wanted (ie. a white kitchen), and I have been keeping a Pinterest Decor board for inspiration, however, getting into the Design Centre to choose everything is a whole different ball game.

Click to read more and see a couple of my choices...

Today I'm finally sharing our condo tour--which I thought I had already shared on here when I uploaded it to my YouTube channel last Summer, but apparently not #badblogger.  

I wanted to share it here since (1) I had promised I would after sharing the pre-move in tour, (2) because I have a few posts coming up that will relate, and (3) who doesn't love being nosy (I do!).

Finally, a few things have changed since then, like the location of the dining room table, the cat's bed, and we've added a new living room chair into the mix, along with a new tv, a mirror in my closet, and I have 'finished' the bedroom (with art work, Euro pillows, etc.).

As always, thank you for watching! xo

Links for additional photos after the jump...
We woke up on Saturday morning to a massive snowstorm... at the end of March.  Le sigh.  I guess we shouldn't expect Spring any time soon!  That said, it was mild and we were headed up to Mont. Tremblant for the weekend for what might be our last chance to ski this year.

More photos after the jump...

Today I'm sharing with you the purchases I made in Las Vegas.  I didn't do a ton of shopping, but couldn't not pick anything up!  When in Rome, right?

My favourites are definitely the Marshalls finds and I can't wait to rock that kimono once the weather gets a tad warmer (we are still sitting at -20C, wth!).

Click for links to buy...
Hello!  Hello!  I'm back from four days in Vegas feeling rejuvenated, happy and a little tired of course with the time change (three hours) and long travel day.  I had a great time away, ate far too much and managed to pack everything into a carry-on using this guide.

I'd love to share some photos with you, if you'd like to see...

Denim jacket // Dynamite tank (similar) // Billabong skirt (similar) // Hair Tutorial

As I mentioned previously, Marco was in Vegas for work and I tagged along.  Since we couldn't get the same flight down, I arrived around 11am, settled in and changed into some warm weather clothes (what a treat!).
We spent our first night at the Luxor (tower) which is a bit of an older hotel, also known as the pyramid you might have seen in photos.  There is a tram that runs between Mandalay Bay, the Luxor and Excaliber which I took to get a bit closer to get to the hub of the strip.

I spent the afternoon shopping at Marshalls (haul video coming!) after grabbing lunch at an outdoor bar patio.
Joe Fresh dress worn backwards (similar) // The Bay jewelry

Marco got in early evening and he had made a reservation previously for my birthday for dinner, which was so thoughtful.  We went to Tender in the Luxor which was a really nice, French cuisine, restaurant.  You can see a few more photos here.

Photo heavy after the jump...
As some of you know, from my Instagram and Facebook page, I'm currently in Las Vegas!  Marco is here for work, so I tagged along, which is so nice.  It's a great, quick break from the cold, and we go home on Wednesday.

This past weekend was my birthday and there were a few celebrations that were carried out which was just awesome.  Last year was a special, bigger birthday, and Marco threw a party for me which was awesome.  This year, though, I didn't want to do anything big because I have been so lucky with all I've been able to do over the past year and of course, coming to Vegas, but a couple of my girlfriends took me out to dinner separately, which was really generous.

So, with that, onto the weekend snaps...

Lulu's top // Sirens cami // H&M faux leather pants (similar) // Aldo boots (similar) & clutch

On Friday night, my best friend, took me out to dinner to celebrate.  We went to Soca, which is a new place in Hintonburg (my old 'hood!) that I'd heard about and been wanting to try! 

More after the jump...

Today I'm sharing with you some new pieces I picked up at Place d'Orleans that have me excited for Spring--but then again, who isn't!?--and warmer months.  

I will be continuing to work with PDO this year, which I'm really excited about and we have some cool videos planned and a few other exciting surprises up our sleeves.

As always, thanks so much for watching! xo


Related posts:


If there is one thing that gets me to the gym it's a cute clothes... and a killer workout playlist.  I don't keep a ton of music on my phone but always keep my Soundcloud updated with my favourite tracks.

Since I prefer to lift heavy weights, I like music that's upbeat and pumps me up--often of the hip/hop and EDM variety.  So today I'm sharing what's on my current loop of songs that I play non-stop in the gym to keep me going.


Music after the jump...
 
I'm not one to typically feel affected by the winter months, although I'm not a fan of cold weather (and we've been having -30C for three months straight, almost), I do my best to make due, knowing Spring will eventually come. 
 
That said, this year I've noticed...
 
I know I'm a little behind on this recap of February, but better late than never.  Oh February.  You've been....cold.
 
We kicked off the month hosting a SuperBowl party at our place which was inclusive of tons of people and man food.  It snowed a lot, I shared my Dutch fish tail braid video tutorial and we spent a weekend away in Tremblant with friends.
 
I shared my picks for Valentines Day gifts for her, worked out every weekend and moved my desk in my closet / office space.
 
I picked up a couple items from Target since they are closing in Canada, bundled up in layers to keep warm and celebrated Valentines Day with Marco.
 
I spent many hours at the mall prepping for a Fashion Show I was styling and hosting, shared my recent eats (those pancakes tho), and got pedicures with my bestie #overdue.  I finally scooped up some NYX Butter Glosses (Apple Strudel & Crème Brule) and shared my hair tutorial for this pulled-apart Dutch braid.

Friday night got off to a great start when my bestie and I decided to check out a consignment pop-up shop and then head for impromptu drinks and apps at Anthony's in Hintoburg...

Click to read more...

If you follow me on Facebook, you already know about my exciting day on Thursday, but if not, let me recap...
Fish taco prep on Friday night with lettuce wraps instead.


tank (love this one) // sports bra // leggings // bag // sunglasses (similar)

Saturday morning gym outfit.

 More after the jump...

The other night, my bestie and I were at the gym, like old times, and we decided to do something a little bit crazy for March...
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