We spent last week in Cancun for a full on vacation.  It's the first vacation we've taken as a couple since Italy, this time last year.  It was well needed, and we had a really nice time.  

We stayed at the Grand Moon Palace, and had beautiful weather all week.  The beaches and pools were beautiful, the drinks were great and we spent an entire afternoon playing beach volleyball one day.  We weren't overly thrilled with the food at the resort, hence the lack of food shots, but still fortunate to get away and enjoy some sunshine.

I'll be sharing all my vacation outfits in a separate post with all the details, but for this, I'll let the photos speak for themselves...





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.




Hi ladies!  I'm back from a sunny week in Mexico and if you follow along on Snapchat (I'm acoest1984), you've already seen a ton of my week, and I'll be back tomorrow with some photos of our trip and a follow up post with the outfits and details.

Today, I'm sharing a new video on how to use Snapchat.  I know a ton of my friends are using it, but there are still so many people who don't know what it does or how it works.  Snapchat is great for real life stuff--it's beyond the pretty filters of Instagram, it's not curated and it's regular ol' life.  I share outfits, what I'm eating, outings with Marco and of course my fave, the cat-selfie (see it after the jump).

Hope you find this quick video helpful if you're new to Snap and please leave your user name in the comments so I can follow you!

Watch the video after the jump...

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.



O U T F I T  D E E T S :  DENIM JACKET -- OLD & DIY BLEACHED (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS ONE)  | WILLOW & THREAD LONGLINE VEST (SIMILAR)  |  MADE 4 EACH OTHER TANK (SIMILAR)  |  BRALETTE (LOVE THIS)  |  DISTRESSED WHITE SKINNIES (SIMILAR)  |  HEELS (MORE SIZES)  |  BAG (SIMILAR)

Longline vests--aka a sleeveless trench/coat--are a super hot trend right now.  I paired mine underneath a denim jacket to dress it down, but it would look equally as great paired with a billowy blouse or tank with some wide legged dress pants.

These distressed white skinnies are my absolute fave.  I know I've said it before, but you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune on denim to find a great fit.  These are under $30 and I grab them way more than my Paige white skinnies.  I cut the knees out & hem myself last Spring and they are getting that perfect fray to them.  I always encourage my friends to buy what feels and looks best, not necessarily what brand you feel you 'should' buy.  That being said, I do have some pricier denim that I love, but I love these just as much.




Happy Monday ladies!  It was a super busy weekend so let's jump into the snaps!

On Friday night, I met up with my Blogger friend, Katrina for drinks at Supply & Demand.  We had a couple drinks and some great conversation.  No photos because I totally dropped the ball like that.

On Saturday, I was off to host an event...



Sometimes I struggle with finding enough photos for the Monthly Recap, but March certainly was not one of them...

Kicking off the month, all the hard work of styling and hosting a teen fashion show came to fruition and was a great success.   I took over the social media accounts for Place d'Orleans (have you seen my current Insta take-over?) during our Spring Campaign photoshoot at Blumen Studios and saw myself on the mall posters at the mall.


Then of course, my birthday!  Marco took me to LA and while he worked, I met up with two Blogger friends separately:  Ashley from Pursuit of Shoes and Jamie from Glam Latte.  You can see a full recap of the trip here, and vlogs of day 1 & 2, day 3 and day 4.

Upon return from sunny California, my bestie took me out for my birthday, I did a greenhouse photoshoot for this event I'm hosting this weekend and re-opened my Etsy shop with some fun choker necklaces.

I scored my long-coveted PS11 bag #happybirthdaytome and we hosted Easter dinner with my grandparents.



A few related posts:


O U T F I T  D E E T S :  FOREVER 21 TOP (SIMILAR, SLEEVELESS, OFF THE SHOULDER)  |  BRALETTE  |  DENIM (SIMILAR IN BLACK)  |  NECKLACE  | BAG (SIMILAR)  |  ZARA LACE UP FLATS (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)

I'm no stranger to a lace-up flat, after picking up a couple pairs last year, and this year they are still going strong.  I picked mine up while in LA last month and couldn't find them online anymore, but did see a few left in stores if you're on the hunt--but go now because they're half price.  I've linked a few similar options below, all under $100.

As far as denim goes, this pair is getting a ton of play.  I cut the rips myself and they get a bit better with each wash.  The best part?  The high-waist.  I love wearing with a cropped sweater or top to show off the button details, plus they suck you in so it's a win-win.  

Lastly, while I love denim, I'm not one to splurge frequently on it, and find I can often get away with inexpensive pairs like these.  Go #teamnohips !




Hi ladies, and happy Monday.  If you follow me on Snap (I'm acoest1984) or Insta, you saw that I was in Toronto for a long weekend with Marco.  We had such a great time, it was such a nice mini getaway. 

We walked a ton (like 10kms a day!  I started using the Pacer app to track my steps, it was fun to check in at the end of the day--definitely don't walk anywhere near that much at home), saw a lot, met up with friends and more.  I'd love to share a huge photo overload, if you'd like to see...

More photos after the jump...





O U T F I T  D E E T S :  LEATHER JACKET (SIMILARLESS EXPENSIVE OPTION)  |  LONG SLEEVED TEE  |  FLARES - HALF PRICE! (SIMILARSPLURGE)  |  CHUNKY HEEL SHOES  |  BAG

One of the major trends for Spring is 70's style and I'm excited to bust out the flares and boho feels.  While my style has tended towards more edgy pieces, I'm ready to soften up a little for Spring--but I won't be giving up my leather pants anytime soon!

I've had my eye on these flares and they are now 25% off with the Shopbop sale until tonight (use code INTHEFAM).  Also obsessed with these wedges, this top (still), this swim top, and I'm oddly really drawn to this romper.



O U T F I T  D E E T S :  DIY OFF THE SHOULDER TOP  |  DENIM - OLD (SIMILAR, SPLURGE)  |  ALEXANDER WANG WEDGES - OLD (SIMILAR, SWOON)  |  BAG (SAME COLOUR)  | SUNGLASSES (LESS EXPENSIVE OPTION)

I'm having a serious off-the-shoulder moment and if there is one trend you add to your closet this Spring, let it be this kind of top.  Super flirty and pretty, but also quite easy to pull off--you can find them at all price points.

Mine is actually a DIY--I took one of Marco's old button-downs that no longer fit and used this tutorial to make it into my own version.  I love how it turned out and have a few more set aside to do the same thing.  Although some of my other pieces are pricier, I'm a firm believer that style doesn't have to cost a fortune--if you can be creative, you can often save and be on trend.  

If you're not the crafty type, I've linked up a bunch of off-the-shoulder tops here under $25 to have you looking chic an stylish for Spring.



DENIM  |  HEELS - ON SALE!

Hi ladies--it's a new week and sorry for the delay on the Snaps.  It's been a bit of a whirlwind weekend (good and bad) and I finally had a minute to sit down and pull this post together.

Friday night was one of those nights where nothing was truly planned so naturally we went out for Vietnamese food.  Afterwards, my worst nightmare came true...


Happy weekend ladies!  You know I love my activewear and truly believe that if you look good, you feel good--and when you're staring at yourself in a mirror for 30+ minutes, it's important to feel good.  New workout clothes push me to get the gym when I'm lacking a little motivation and while I do love Lululemon, it's definitely on the pricier side.  

I have several items from the F21 activewear line and love it.  If you're looking to up your style game at the gym, here are a few pieces I'm currently loving...


I have those sheer-panel leggings and love them.  I'll be honest, they aren't as amazing as my favourite Lulus, but they are comfy and a fraction of the price!  I have that orange/strappy grey sports bra and it's so comfy.

I love high-neck tanks and anything that's looser--I like to knot my tanks in the back currently (paired with high-waisted leggings) and when they are looser it works better.  Additionally, if you're not feeling yourself so much on that day, just let it hang loose or do a side tuck into your leggings.

Long sleeved tops are great for when you want to cover up more, and look cute paired with shorts during the warmer weather months.  The super strappy sports bras are a personal fave--I have them in white, black & grey--because they look awesome, offer medium support, the quality is good and are at a great price point.

You ladies always ask me where I get my open-back tops and they are definitely my fave.  This one is perfect and I wish it was in more colours because I would totally scoop it if I didn't already have a similar black one.

Lastly I'm loving crop tops and high-neck halter sports-bras; if you're daring enough to bare a little mid-section, these look so good and on point.

Happy shopping!

Happy Friday friends, and first day of April--yahoo!! Did anyone pull any tricks?  Or have someone pull one on you?  Nothing over here, but I've never been much for it, still I do love hearing others stories...

What's up this weekend?  We are travelling to Kingston tomorrow to celebrate Marco's brother's birthday and am planning to film a couple videos later on.  Hope you have a great one!




#swoon // Get in my closet.

Childish... and made me LOL.

My parka is on sale here.



And lastly, I'm going to be on CTV Morning Live on Monday at 8:45am talking about Spring Trends (eek!).  So if you're in Ottawa, tune in if you'd like.


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O U T F I T  D E E T S :  CLUB MONACO SWEATSHIRT -- OLD (SIMILAR, LESS EXPENSIVE)  |  HIGH-WAISTED SKINNIES  |  STAN SMITH SNEAKERS (LOVE WITH GREY)  |  CHOKER  |  ALDO SUNGLASSES (SIMILAR)

Do you guys remember these sweatshirts?!  Mine is super old, like middle school-old, but I've held onto it for all these years.  A few years ago I sewed up the sleeves to make them skinnier and cut off the bottom--it's given new life to the sweatshirt and I still wear it.

This look is all about ease with a few trendy updates and accessories to keep it looking fresh.  You ladies know I'm loving high-waisted everything right now and chokers.  If you're still unsure about the high-waist denim trend, try an inexpensive pair to ease into it.  Mine are under $40 and are one of my favourite pairs in my closet.  Finally, the shoes pull it together, perfect for a running-errands kind of day.



Sharing the last day of my trip to LA.  If you follow my YouTube channel, you've already seen this (sneaky sneaky!) but if not, here we go.  On the last day we went to Malibu and drove the PCH, grabbed Açai bowls and had a huge crab feast.




Happy Easter Monday!  We celebrated last night with dinner at our place, but more on that in a bit.

My weekend kicked off on Thursday because Friday is a holiday in Canada (Good Friday).  We had a huge snowstorm out of nowhere so I was bundled to get home.

First stop?  Sally's to pick up...



O U T F I T  D E E T S :  DRAPEY TRENCH  |  CAMI  |  FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS  |  PEEP-TOE BOOTIES -- NEW FAVE! (MORE OPTIONS)  |  NECKLACE  |  BAG (LESS EXPENSIVE OPTION)  |  NAIL COLOUR

I wouldn't say I'm someone who necessarily buys myself a birthday gift, but when I spotted this drapey jacket when I was in LA two weeks ago, I knew I had to scoop it up once I got home (the exchange made more sense to buy it in Canada). 

Let me tell you ladies, I am already obsessing over it and know it's going to get a ton of play this Spring-Summer over shorts, dresses and as seen here, pants.  I sized down because it is quite oversized and it's still super roomy--the look we are going for.

Finally, the shoes: peep-toe-strap-back booties are popping up everywhere and starting gaining speed last year.  While I've got a few staple shoes on my list for this Spring--more on that soon--if you're looking for a heel to style up your wardrobe for the warmer months, this is it.  Bonus, the back strap keeps your foot locked and loaded and the chunky heel makes them easy to walk in.


Today I'm sharing day three of my trip to LA; we switch hotels, do something touristy, and more.


O U T F I T  D E E T S :  MACKAGE PARKA (IN NAVY HERE)  |  FAUX LEATHER SKINNIES (ALSO HAVE THESE IN GREY)  |  DOC MARTENS  |  CHOKER  |  ALDO SUNGLASSES (SIMILAR, TORTOISE)  |  GARAGE BEANIE - OLD (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS ONE FOR SUMMER)

Spring is almost here but now is the time to splurge on a parka if you've had your eye on one.  So many styles are currently on sale and I scooped mine up for half price--well, 35% off, then it was marked further down--and I've been coveting this thing since October!  Mine is no longer available, but I've listed a ton of amazing options here, including the same as mine but in navy.

Now let's talk about these boots--I scored these while in Tampa in January super marked down at Burlington Coat Factory, another item I had been coveting since the Fall.  They aren't super grippy in the snow and ice, but they are super cool looking and comfortable for transitionary weather and travel.  I never thought I'd wear Docs again, but my 6th grade self is very happy about this purchase.



Happy Monday ladies!  How was your weekend?

On Friday night, my best girlfriend took me out for my birthday.  We hit up Fratelli for a drink at the bar and apps before heading to our final destination, Pure Kitchen...




I visited Los Angeles for the first time a week ago and it did not disappoint.  Although the trip was a quick three-and-a-half days, I jam-packed a bunch in and saw quite a bit.   

I'd love to share a major photo overload with you, if you'd like to see...



JACKET - OLD (SIMILAR)  |   WHITE TEE  |  BRALETTE  |  LEGGINGS  |  SCARF (SIMILAR)  |  CARRY-ON BAG (SIMILAR)


Happy Friday!  Spring is in the air... sort of!  What are you up to this weekend?

My bestie is taking me out to dinner tonight to celebrate my birthday and tomorrow there is a going-away party for friends who are moving to another city.  Otherwise, unpacking my suitcase--eek, I know--is high on the to-do list and an attempt to get back to the gym.

Hope you have a great weekend!


I took over the Place d'Orleans social media accounts on Monday.  Did you see the pretty setting for our Spring photoshoot?

Cute idea for girls night.

Would you spend $500k for this?  #wow

A few of you asked so I've re-opened my Etsy shop & am selling the leather chokers I've been wearing non-stop.


Thinking of trying this meal delivery girl.  #yum




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Hi ladies!  I spent most of the plane ride editing the blogs from my trip to LA--which I had totally planned to upload while there, but hey, life.  

So, here we are--day one and day two featuring some fun sights, how I eat healthy when travelling and meeting up with a couple of my favourite blogger friends.



Hello!  Hello!  I'm back from my trip to LA... which if you follow me on Snapchat, you've already seen a great deal of it--I'm acoest1984--and if not, I did post everyday on Insta too so you can check that out in the meantime, if you'd like.

That said, I've missed you!  I took a little break from the blog while there, not because I had planned to, I brought my laptop with me, but mainly because it ended up being a fun, busy five days away.  Now I'm back, celebrating my birthday today and will have a full recap of the trip up this week.

I wanted to hop on here and just say hello and see how your week is going?  We are having a crazy, rainy day here today, pretty dreary--unlike the photo above, but I guess Spring is on the way so I can't complain.  I can't wait to share more about my trip & if you have any suggestions for posts or videos you'd like to see, let me know in the comments.  

Hope you're having a great week!


 
Hi ladies, I'm sharing a secret:  I've been cutting my own hair for about a year, and today I'm showing you how to do it.
 
Grab some shears (I use these ones), a comb, a brush & press play.
 
Thanks for watching! xo

My weekend started early, on Thursday evening, I was out at Place d'Orleans pulling all the outfits for a fashion show I had styled and was hosting on Friday.  It has been a ton of work since really diving in back in January so it was exciting the time had finally come for it to all come together...


 
SPRING SALE PICKS:  1. LIGHT WASH FLARES  |  2. BLUSH SUNNIES  |  3. OFF THE SHOULDER TOP  | 4. POM-POM ACCESSORY  |  5. WHITE SWIMSUIT  |  6. PINK BAG  |  7. WHITE TANK  |  8. DISTRESSED DENIM  |  9. WHITE LACE-UP WEDGES  |  10. CHOKER NECKLACE  |  11. BLACK CUT OUT SWIMSUIT  |  12. EYELET TOP  |  13. PANAMA HAT  |  14. WHITE CROP TOP
 
It's that time again, the Shopbop Spring Sale is on and depending on how much you spend, you can save up to 25% off (use code: BIGEVENT16).  This is such a great time to grab those designer (whether lower or higher end) pieces you might have had your eye on, or even items that run a little pricier than you'd normally buy.
 
I'm still loving neutrals for Spring but love the pretty pop of pink on that saddle bag.  I also recently paired a baby blue sweater I have with some light grey skinnies and loved the look, so I can see a lot of that combination in my future--and that pretty off-the-shoulder top is perfect for Summer with denim.
 
Last year was the first year I bought a couple of one-piece swimsuits and this year I plan to rock something a little more risqué because, #whynot
 
Lastly, the faux fur poms are so cute and I've been seeing them everywhere lately!  Definitely an accessory I want to add to my bag to instantly update it.  Happy shopping!
 
 
SIMILAR PIECES UNDER $100


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