Outfit deets:
* Dynamite faux leather blazer (new!).
* C'est Moi tank (old) which you've seen a long time ago with my favourite scarf and on the weekend almost a year ago during a photography course.
* Boathouse leggings (new!).
* Accessories:  Dolce & Gabanna glasses.

After Marco and I filmed my next video for Place d'Orleans on the weekend, he started to snap a couple shots of me sitting on the couch... turns out the man has a serious hidden talent!  While he won't be replacing Serena anytime soon, I had to share these shots he got of me on our new couch.  There are even a few that would make great head shots... if I ever needed that sort of thing... with my hair up.

Also, I'll be sharing these items in my video later this week but PDO has the blazer and leggings in store right now, so run, if you're in the area and looking to scoop them up.  This blazer totally reminds me of the olive green/faux leather one I picked up this time last year (see it in an outfit post here)--such a great silhouette and price point.


Outfit deets:
* H&M sweater (new!).
* Spence chiffon top underneath (new!) and last seen for my best friend's baby shower.
* H&M faux leather leggings (new!).
* Aldo boots, my fave, which you've see a lot this year with magenta pants, a colour-blocked dressa cheetah fur coat, and another look that feels very me.
* Accessories:  Expressions necklace (from The Bay), Material Girl cuff & Suzy Shier ring.

I wore this outfit for my family birthday dinner back in February--it was one of those outfits I envisioned pictured myself wearing it to host our housewarming party (which will likely happen next month).  Breezing around the space in a totally me ensemble, flowy yet edgy, topping up people's drinks and passing around food.  That said, I couldn't wait that long and wore it for a different special occasion instead.  Hopefully come April I can wear something a little more Spring-y and bright.

Speaking of condo, these photos were taken in our condo, pre-move in.  The light was perfect and I wanted to capture a few outfits before we moved in and filled it with furniture and things.  I'm still not unpacked, and have barely touched the second bedroom, but plan to chip away at it starting tonight--something I've been saying since Monday. Oh jeeze.


Photos by Serena Rivard.
Outfit deets:
* Zara low back sweater which you've seen in the summertime (a fave outfit post) & with a skirt and boots; I also have it in black.
* Urban Planet double layered chiffon cami (new!).
* Urban Planet half faux leather leggings which you've seen with my favourite boots and in maroon.  These are amazeballs and I get so much wear out of them.  I purchased them back in the Fall and wore them in my Bundling Up video; I love that they are different from black, they fit well and cost me under $10.  Win, win, win.
* Call it Spring boots (new!) and purchased a few weekends ago to get me through the remainder of this winter (RIP to my favourite Rampage boots).
* H&M snood which you've seen when I first got it, years ago, with the same jacket in the Fall.
* Phillip Lim for Target bag; I use this bag everyday to commute back and forth to work.  I put my clutch/cross-body purse in it, my heels for the day, lunch and anything else needed. 
* Accessories: Gucci sunglasses (old) & Swarovski bangle.

Today is my last day in my twenties--can we please just take a moment of silence for that?

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Now that we got that out of the way, happy Friday!  So excited the weekend is finally here and we can get down to the stuff that really matters; friends, family, fun times and maybe a birthday celebration or two.

I love this combination of layered chiffon, knit on knit on faux leather.  I've been on the hunt recently for chiffon-style strappy tanks for layering under my tops and sweaters instead of a snug tank--so much chic.  I totally wanted to show you guys the shoes I wore with this outfit indoors, but it was freaking freezing so I kept my boots on.  

Any fun plans for this weekend on your end?  I'll be back tomorrow to share a few thoughts and you know I'll fill you in now how I spent my weekend come Monday.  See you tomorrow!


Photos by Serena Rivard.


Outfit deets:  
* Reitman's sweater (via Place d'Orleans) which is new and oh-so-cozy!
* Urban Planet leggings (new!) which I shared in my most recent Colour Pairings video.
* Accessories:  midi ring by Spring.

Struggling to figure out what to wear with faux leather leggings?  How about a cozy sweater and some boots; quick and easy and completely pulled together.

These photos were taking in between filming my next PDO video on Sunday.  The weather was quite chilly but ultimately it was a beautiful day with sunshine.  So bummed the weekend is over; who lives for the weekend?  Say I!

Voting is still going on for my nomination in the Made in Blog Awards and to be the face of Dynamite.  Please click the links and vote for me, I would really appreciate it!


Follow along with me on Twitter & Instagram for more frequent updates.  

Thanks for reading! xo



Outfit deets:
* Dynamite jacket (old) which you've seen many times, but a favourite outfit post with waxed denim almost two years ago.
* Joe Fresh sweater dress.
* Sirens leggings.
* Bumper booties (old) which you have seen with skinnies, an all grey outfit, and (my favourite) a skirt + leather jacket combo.
* Accessories:  OASAP clutch (c/o), Ardene pashmina & gifted square bangle.

Christmas is quickly approaching (hello, less than a month away!) and I'm becoming frantic.  I need to take a breath.  I have started my shopping, but it feels like there is still so much to do; I haven't even decorated my place yet.  Now I know it's not December yet, but, I always say November 20th is the 'go-ahead' day for all things Christmas, for me at least. 

Last year at this time, my apartment was pretty ugly.  I was using hand-me-down furniture (from the 90's) as we were waiting for our house to sell (and in turn, keeping the house staged).  And in all honesty, I felt a little depressed that I couldn't decorate for the holidays.

Well, I could have decorated.

I just felt it was kind of pointless, considering the furniture and coldness of the place.  Still though, it didn't feel Christmasy and I was happy to spend several days at my parent's place surrounded by a beautiful tree, tiny ornaments, garland-laced railings, festive lights, a fire place, and more.

This year is different though.  My apartment feels like home as I have my furniture and have created a space for myself that feels like myself.  Additionally, there is no longer an eye sore that is my living room (ha!).  Ish.  I am so excited for Christmas that, although I really shouldn't be bringing more stuff into my apartment (it's already quite full), I went to my parent's house a few weeks back and picked up a big chunk of my Christmas decor.  I love decorating with reindeer and trees, and tend towards larger pieces.  The stuff has been sitting in a corner of my dining room, but this week I am determined to decorate.  Let's get this Christmas party started!

Do you decorate for Christmas?  Do you have a theme?


*** I have been listening to a local radio station that plays Christmas music 24/7 now, it makes me so happy.  #thelittlethings

Outfit deets:
* Thrifted denim jacket (old) that you've seen with cropped light denim (wow that's an old outfit post!).
* Part Two top (c/o Renee Levesque) that I picked up during my 'modelling' gig almost two months ago (I was eyeballing it the entire time I was there working).
* Garage tank underneath.
* Sirens leggings.
* Aldo wedge (canvas) hidden wedge boots that you've seen with red pants & with a LBD and moto-style jacket.
* H&M zipper snood that I picked up during my trip to MTL this time last year, which you've seen with skinny pants (a favourite outfit post, actually).
* Accessories:  MK watch & Aldo bangles.

What's up friends!?

I took last night to really focus on me and kick it solo.  Things have been busy lately (as I've mentioned) and while I love it, sometimes you need to get shiz done, or simply do things you've put on the back-burner or things no one else has interest in (ha).  

I went to the gym, put in a good run on the treadmill and then made my way home after picking up a baby shower gift.  I made myself a salad, worked on my blog, and just did me.  

This week is going to be nutty busy so I think taking a night to re-group and re-energize will only put me in a better place to fully absorb and take on the week (which I'm very much looking forward to). Happy Tuesday!

Jessica Simpson blazer (last seen here). H&M dress, Sirens leggings, Aldo booties (last seen here), Pandora, Dynamite & F21 bracelets, Dollarama ring & Walmart multi-'A' necklace

I'm anxious.

Okay.

Well. 

Here's why:

I have a hair appointment on Thursday with my old colorist...the same girl that did Mike's hair for many, many years.  Years before she ever did my hair.  Basically, I ruined my hair with a box colour once, prompting it to turn goldfish orange, and she saved my life... er... hair.  And ever since then, we've been living in perfect-hair-colour harmony.  Until Mike and I split.  And then I figured, 'I can't go back there...it's his hair stylist...what will I say?!' (she came to our wedding!).  Even after Mike told me he doesn't go to her anymore, and I went somewhere else that was ridiculously over-priced and the girl turned my hair grey, I still didn't want to go.

However, I bit the bullet.

I called and made an appointment last week.

My appointment is this Thursday.

I'm very anxious.

The reason I'm going back to her though, is because she's amazing.  AH. MAY. ZING.  She gives me the perfect colour blonde, the price is great and I know what to expect (and she knows what I like).

I haven't coloured my hair since September and my roots are killing me.  With a potential seaside vaycay in my near future, I'm determined not to go down south with these roots because while I love the ombré look, I feel like I've missed that bandwagon and I hate jumping on after it's been a trend for over a year (with my luck, I'd likely 'jump on' only for it to be really dated in a month from now).  Plus, I simply love love love being blonde. 

Would a situation like this make you feel anxious?  Am I crazy?  Any tips? 
 
Dynamite jacket (last seen here), Joe Fresh top, American Apparel dress (last seen here), Sirens leggings, xxx booties (last seen here), Club Monaco scarf, Suzy necklace, H&M bangle & Gucci shades

Happy Friday my friends!  It's finally here, the weekend - breathe easy.

I finally sat down at my sewing machine last night and ... sewed.  Yes, I actually focused.  And guess what?  I'm about to cross of #5 off my April resolutions list (whoomp there it is).  No. Big. Deal.  And don't fret my friends, I will be sharing the wealth, and by that I mean taking some photos and showing you... I'm keeping them for myself though, sorry (I'm not that wealthy).  

Secondly, I went for that test drive I was telling you guys about.  It was awesome; the car is sick and really fun to drive.  However, the V6 is just more power than I need... okay, that's not true, it's the high gas prices and gas guzzling consumption I'm worried about.  Engine power?  Pshhh.  Gas prices?  Eeek.  So, I've decided the four cynlinder is a better option, but am taking my time to ensure everything is right.  I haven't ruled out other options but won't be making a decision right away.  Car shopping to me is scary and exciting, all at once.  Anyone else out there shopping for a new (or used) car?

 I could be your treble, baby, you could be my bass. 
... 
It's getting bigger.  The bass is getting bigger.
Spence cropped jacket (thrifted), H&M dress (last seen here), Sirens leggings, Bamboo boots, Suzy belt, Emily Elizabeth necklace,  g21 sunglasses, Swarovski bangle, Michael Kors bracelet & Bijoux Terner beaded bangle

You guys!  Something totally exciting happened to me on Monday night.  As some of you know, I do Zumba and have for two years.  I absolutely love this cardio work out and as a former dancer, it's awesome to be doing choreographed dance again (unlike when I just randomly dance around the house).

Back to the story exciting-ness.

So I'm in class on Monday, waiting for our teacher to arrive.  The class is set to start at 4:30pm, and there are about 30 women waiting.  Well, 4:30pm came and went and still no teacher.  A few minutes later, an employee of the gym told us our teacher was no where to be found and we could wait, but class would likely be canceled.  As we all stood around feeling defeated, one woman pointed at me and said, 'You should teach the class!'.  Another chimed in, 'Yeah, you're really good,' and then another, 'Yeah, do it!'.  Next thing I know, I'm fetching my iPhone from my locker and hooking it up to the stereo system in the class, jumping on stage and teaching an hour long zumba class.  What!?  I know. 

It was so exhilarating and while I've had several people, including instructors, suggest I become certified to teach over the years, I've never actually taught a class.  I was so nervous but didn't want to go home either.  I came to sweat, and sweat we did.  I had some of the songs on my phone, the others I YouTube'd.  Sometimes I messed up the choreography and sometimes I killed it.  I even free-styled for one song which wasn't terrible and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.  At the end of the class, everyone was clapping and cheering like crazy for me and numerous women were coming up to me thanking me, telling me how awesome it was and how I should 'really look into teaching from now on', etc.  It was amazing.  Such a feel good moment and accomplishment.
Urban Behaviour trench
 George cape (last seen here), American Apparel top (last seen here), Garage tank, Sirens leggings, 
Bamboo boots (last see here), Ardene & H&M bangles 

Have you ever had someone you find your blog?  Someone that wasn't supposed to find it?  Okay, I say that very lightly because obviously as bloggers we all know that your blog could be 'found' at anytime by anyone, especially if your friends and family know about it.  I accept that, and really there isn't anyone I feel shouldn't see it, but when you think of certain people that won't see it... and then they do... yeah.  It's not awkward, it's not embarrassing, it's a different type of emotion - am I alone here? All that to say, someone came across my blog, someone I didn't necessarily expect to come across it and it was surprising.  Yes.  Good word.  Surprising.  I also think that if you're not a blogger or a blog reader, it's hard to understand this thing we do called blogging.  For me, it's a creative outlet.  I love being able to share my creativity, style, DIY's, inspiration, etc. with you all.  Just as I love to read other blogs for the same reasons.  The blogging community was something completely foreign to me over a year ago, and now it's this fantastic thing that I'm a part of, and it feels so great.  It's like a great place to go to daydream, express yourself, vent, gather inspiration and make friends.  With that said, thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every one of you who reads (and comments) and to those who come back regularly.  You make this so much better and I love being here.

 Dynamite blazer (last seen here), Love Culture dress, Sirens leggings, Delicious booties (last seen here), 
Suzy necklace, various bangles & Guess bracelet

Isn't the top picture so cool?  There was a bus zooming by and the camera caught it. 

Do you guys have casual Friday at work?  We do, and every Friday is like the candy day of the week because I get to put together an outfit with jeans.  All week long it's pencil skirts, dresses and other more business-y stuff, but Friday, Friday is the day to let loose (well, not that loose) and be creative with denim.  And this is what happens.  The pressure gets to me, I try on six pairs of different jeans before deciding I cannot choose what to do with them and I put on something that would work just as equally from Monday to Thursday.  What is wrong with me!?

 Showing off my new Guess bracelet (a birthday gift from my SIL)

Annnd this is what happens when you put the camera on your car's spoiler with the 
vehicle still running (so I could jump back in at a moment's notice because it was cold).  Awesome.
 Stitches cardigan (last seen here), C'est Moi top (last seen here), American Apparel leggings
Aldo boots (last seen here), Club Monaco scarf, H&M bangle & Stitches ring

Wanna hear a story?  It's about my scarf.  So, many years ago (at least five) I was shopping at Club Monaco and that location was closing (read: lots of sales).  I tried on several things but didn't find much (I'm sure Amanda circa 2011 would have found much more than Amanda circa 2006) except a pair of navy wool crop skinny pants (which still have yet to be worn - unreal, I know).  As I was getting ready to check out, I decided to check out the accessories.  On a table were these scarves in grey and black.  100% cashmere.  What is cashmere?  (Yes, those were my thoughts back then).  I almost didn't buy it but finally decided to drop the $9 and pick one up.  Yes.  Nine dollars.  Down from one hundred dollars.  I should have bought five.  But then again, what the hell do I need five cashmere scarves for (except to be the most amazing gift giver ever).

 

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