Outfit deets:
* Zara thin-knit sweater (bought recently during the semi-annual sale).
* Zara pants which you've seen with an amazing pair of heels.
* Forever 21 booties (new!).
* Accessories: Forever 21 purse, The Bay necklace, Gorjana bangle & MK thick bangle and sunglasses.

I saw these booties on the Forever 21 website about a month ago and picked them up in store a couple days later.  I love them!  They are definitely one of those purchases that look more expensive than they are, and are nothing like I own--so $40 was well justified.

You guys know I'm a huge neutral lover, so this outfit is totally me, yet professional enough for a business casual environment.  I could also see these booties with a snug dress in black, navy or maroon for a night out.

Hope you're having a good week, it's almost the weekend!


Photos by Serena Rivard.

Outfit deets:
* Ashley B jacket (old) which you've seen with raw-hem denim and with a skirt and booties.
* Jacob thin-knit sweater from my Back-to-School Lookbook.
* Nitrogen pants (old) which are actually olive green and you've seen with a cognac leather jacket and a cozy sweater cape.
* Maxgreat boots (new!) from Marshalls.
* Accessories: Dynamite scarf (new!), Aldo bag, F21 necklace & Michael Kors sunnies (similar).

I'm the kind of shopper that when I see something I like, I will usually debate it by walking around the store for a while, ensuring I don't find anything I like more before rushing to the cash.  Also, while I love to shop and do shop often, I frequently leave empty handed.  That said, sometimes there are items that you see and it's like an instant click; you know it's coming home with you.

That can be said for these boots I recently picked up at Marshalls.  I was sub-conciously looking for a pair of tall, black, leather boots with a chunky heel that would be work-appropriate, but also comfortable enough to wear on weekends.  When I spotted these, I tried them on immediately and did a little happy dance when they fit knowing there was no question, they were coming home with me.  

I have since worn them multiple times, including to work, out shopping and running errands and have to say, despite being a pretty simple looking boot, they get tons of compliments.  I couldn't find a link online, but if you're in Ottawa, run to Marshalls at Trainyards and scoop yourself a pair.


Photos by Serena Rivard.


Outfit deets:
* Amanda & Chelsea sleevless blazer.
* Sam & Veda tank.
* Zara pants (new!).
* Accessories: F21 necklaces & earrings, Deux Lux bag, Le Chateau cuff, Gorjana bangle & H&M rings.

If you follow me on Instagram (I'm acoest1984), you've seen these shoes I purchased a few weeks back.  I searched four Winners to find them and was so excited to finally get my hands on a pair!

They have really nice padding for the bottom of your foot but they do run a little snug.  I got my normal size (10) but they definitely need to be worked in and stretched out a bit; however, since they're real leather, it shouldn't be a problem over time.

As far as the outfit, I'm loving these pants--I'm a huge black pant lover, especially for work, and these take my regular skinnies up a notch.  I especially love the side zipper and  a cool seam that runs up the back of the legs to back pockets--so much so that I tried to get them in navy after buying these but they were sold out.  

Photos by Serena Rivard.

Outfit deets:
* Garage kimono cardigan which you saw in the my last outfit post (with a leather skirt) because clearly I have no other clothes to wear.
* H&M tank with a low back which I wore to Taco Fest.
* Paige white denim which have quickly become my favourite pair of pants and I'm convinced this is the brand I should buy from now on... except the price point.
* Accessories: Le Chateau cuff & 'Hope' necklace by Emily Elizabeth jewellery.

When I first bought this kimono-like cardigan in beige, I was a little uncertain about it being so... house-coat-ish?  Despite loving the look on other girls, it felt weird at first wearing this out of the house, despite the sweater-like material.  However, like most trends when you try them there is often an awkward, 'Can I really pull this off?' phase that will usually pass once you arrive at your destination.

This was no different, and even when I purchased the black, got it home and realized it was about 6 inches longer than the beige colour, despite it being the same size, I again felt a little odd rocking it for the first time.  And then again, after the first wear it almost becomes old hat and voila! you've made a trend your friend and can rock it with confidence.

Ever feel slightly out of place in your new duds at first?


Photos by Serena Rivard.

Outfit deets: 
* Coupe top.
* Smart Set pants (new!).
* Iro Saika heels which you've seen with overalls.
* Accessories: Auslini bangle & Gucci shades.

I was seriously uncertain about the slouchy / soft pant trend and couldn't see myself wearing them after a couple failed attempts with the shorts version.  Well, never say never because apparently you just have to find the right pair!  Even as I slipped these on this morning, I was unsure but within minutes of walking into work I was sold; pajama-like pants that are business-ready?  Yes, yes and yes.

I did find these stretched out a bit during the day so if I can offer a bit of advice, pair these with a hi-low hemline so you can hike up the back of the pants to keep them looking fitted, and tuck the front of your shirt in.  On top of that, if these don't flatter your behind, the longer top will hide that.  I could also see myself pairing these with a more fitted top and a blazer.


Photos by Serena Rivard via my iPhone.

Outfit deets:
* Premise blazer which you've seen in the fitting room when I purchased it
* Zara top which you've seen with white pants.
* Zara pants (new!).
* Accessories: Foster Grant sunnies, Suzy Shier necklace, Swarovski bangle & gifted chain bracelet.

I walked out of the store without these floral trousers from Zara and turned around and went back in to purchase them.  Clearly something changed on the walk out.  Although I'm mainly loving neutrals lately, when I do add colour I tend to like to add it on the bottom (shoes fall into this category for sure).  I could also see myself pairing this with a pink-red top or white top with nude heels.



Photos by Serena Rivard.

Outfit deets:
* H&M top (old).
* Sirens pants which you've seen in my profile photo and the outfit post it came from and in the winter with a beanie.
* Accessories: Aldo necklace & Michael Kors watch.

Sometimes, despite being someone who lives fashion, I can have mornings where everything ends up on the floor and nothing fits right.  I'd like to say I have a plethora of back-up outfits on hand, ready for when a fashion-block moment strikes, but I don't.  I usually resort to all black, with various textures, but it feels a little weird doing that in the Spring time.  

That said, I like to keep a 'Fashion Inspiration' folder on Pinterest for when I need a quick direction, although I usually just end up scrolling on and on and on, gazing at the beautiful photos instead of actually getting dressed.

This was definitely one of those mornings, and while I felt slightly defeated leaving the house in this outfit, I ended up getting several compliments and feeling pretty good all day long.

Any strategies you ladies use when having a case of I-have-nothing-to-wear!?



Photo by Serena Rivard (via my iPhone).
Outfit deets: 
* Vero Moda top (new!).
* Zara pants (old) which you saw a year ago at my birthday dinner.
* Aldo heels--my favourite pumps right now that I wear at least twice a week.  They are still available too in many sizes.
* Accessories: Le Chateau cuff, F21 necklace and Aldo & Spring midi rings.

I'm so excited to share these photos because I'm standing in my future kitchen.  I've been dreaming of all the things I want to cook and how clean I will keep the refrigerator.  Don't worry though, I'm sure that novelty will wear off real quick and we will be ordering take-out faster than you can say butter chicken.

As March quickly approaches, I'm starting to feel overwhelmed with all the stuff I have to do.  I'm becoming super ruthless with items in my closet and the sell/consign/donate pile has grown (check out my closet sale here).  That said, my apartment is suffering big time as it feels like I'm drowning in clothes--not a terrible problem, but still.  I keep telling myself it's temporary because as of March 1st, I'm going to take any items that don't sell to my favourite consignment store.

We have decided to officially move in the weekend of March 8th and are in the process of doing some furniture shopping.  We've decided on a beautiful platform bed and are on the cusp of sealing the deal on a sectional.  I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself but mister man wants me to hold off on sharing photos until we are in and settled--but not to worry, I've got befores and afters coming your way soon!

As always, thanks for stopping by and sharing this piece of my life, the comments on my move post were so sweet and supportive.  I feel I have real friends in you all, and I read every comment--now, who's coming to the housewarming!?


Photos by Serena Rivard.

Outfit deets:
* Forever 21 coat (old) that you saw on my birthday last year (...speaking of birthdays, I've got a special one approaching quickly).
* Urban Behaviour pants.
* Aldo Klarr boots--my favourite and their first snowfall, worn specially for this shoot, and then quickly brought inside and dried off.
Accessories:  Dolce & Gabbana glasses.

Guess what you guys?  I'm the newest Ambassador for Clearly Contacts!  Heyooooo.

We did a fun little interview and they let me pick out a new pair of glasses.  I chose these chic cat-eye frames because I've been wanting to get a pair and this was the perfect opportunity.  They are pretty bold, but I love the plastic frame and the gold plate detail on the arm.

As soon as I placed my order I knew exactly what I wanted to pair with the glasses to make them pop: this oversized leopard coat--which btw, I'm wearing a leather jacket underneath for additional warmth--black skinnies and boots.  It was pure luck that huge snowflakes began to fall from the sky and we experienced some milder weather so we could shoot outside.  

Hope you are all having a great weekend--almost weekend time--and if you're in need of some glasses, pop over to Clearly Contacts and use discount code ACOSTYLE to get 25% off your order.


Photos by Serena Rivard.

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