A Look Back at September

 

September was the worst month of the year, as we lost Marco's father.  I talk a bit more about it here, but wanted to share that right away before getting into a few happier moments that were had before that.

 

We celebrated our anniversary in Montebello at the beginning of the month, which was really special.  We stayed overnight, had massages and a great dinner.

 

We watched our close friends get married and danced the night away (remember the engagement party, bridal shower & bachelorette?), I tried out Pure Kitchen with a friend (#yum) and met up with my out-of-town cousins for dinner one evening.  I shared a video on what shoes to wear with flares, worked out and cheered on the Jays.

 

I wore my new, distressed flares, tried out plaid, transitioned into Fall with a wooly vest, wore a wine-coloured duster cardigan & shared my trick for wearing a floppy hat in warmer weather.

 

 

Related posts:

* September 2014 Recap

* September 2013 Recap

* August Recap

 

The One Pattern You Need for Fall

O U T F I T  D E E T S :  PLAID TOP  |  URBAN PLANET BLACK SKINNIES (LOVE THESE)  |  HEELS  |  BAG  |  SUNNIES

Plaid is everywhere for Fall and it's the one pattern you need to jump on board with.  I'll admit, this isn't my usual go-to, and it feels a little more cowgirl than I tend towards but I love how the fabric is soft and flowy and the variety of colours this year!  I was drawn to a red one below but once I tried on the blue, it was a done deal.  It reminds me of this much pricier version.

To rock the plaid, try pairing it with some skinnies or boyfriend jeans, but pair with heels to keep the look chic.  I could also see this tucked into a pencil skirt with the tails out at the back for a playful, office look.  To dress it down, my girl friend ties hers around her waist with leggings & a muscle tee, throw on some sneakers & you're out the door.  

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Hi ladies--happy Monday.

We are finally back in town after being away for a week for Marco's Dad's passing.  The weekend was very busy, but not very photo worthy and obviously lots of sad moments.  We did, however, have a beautiful celebration of his life and so many friends and family came to support us and share their love and stories.

Thank you all for your messages, tweets, comments and more during this time.  Your support is so appreciated.

We had several of our friends come down for the service, which was so wonderful.  Seeing those faces was really special.  We actually had an hour afterwards, for the first time in a week, to go and grab a drink with them before they headed back home too.  We sat on a patio, on the water in Kingston, and it was a really nice, brief, distraction.

Hope you all had a great weekend, thank you again for the kind words and virtual hugs and I'll see you tomorrow with a new outfit post!

Cheers xo

Travel Style

O U T F I T  D E E T S :  DYNAMITE SWEATER (SIMILAR)  |  SCARF  |  ZARA DENIM (UNDER $50, UNDER $100, SPLURGE)  |  SNEAKERS  |  MAT & NAT BAG (SIMILAR)  |  JOE FRESH LUGGAGE TAG (SIMILAR, SPLURGE)  |  SUNGLASSES

When I'm traveling, comfort is key and while I want to look somewhat put together, sneakers are always a given.  

These are my second pair of Pumas (the first pair I ruined during the trip to Italy back in April) and they are by far the comfiest tennis shoe I own.  I seem to be turning to them--and sneakers in general--not just for travel, but on the weekends for running errands and casual get togethers with friends.  As long as they are fresh (ie. clean), you can pretty much style them with anything and get away with it right now.

To up the chic-factor, I like to add an oversized scarf which pulls double duty as a blanket if it gets too cold, and works as a stylish third-piece to outfits during your trip.  If you're going to go denim, tons of stretch is key, minimal jewelry and lose the socks to earn cool-girl points.

Friday Finds

Hi ladies, I know I've been MIA this week, and didn't get the Friday Finds up last week, but it's due to some terribly sad news.  Marco's Dad passed away suddenly and we've been out of town all week.  It was a total shock and we are completely devastated.  He was taken from us far too young and our hearts are broken.  While I did bring my computer with me, I couldn't bring myself to write anything, until now.

I wasn't sure how to bring it up here, but didn't want to not share it as I consider you my friends.  I've been doing my best to stay in touch via social media, but blogging was something my heart just couldn't get into this week.  That said, I thought today would be the best way to share the sad news, but also spread a tiny bit of happiness with some fun links around the web.

Thanks for your understanding & hope you have a great weekend.

How to eat healthy on a budget.

Our friends got married & we came back for the night to celebrate.

I'm a sucker for tea towels & love these ones.

Poutine Fest.  Yes.

Loving peep-toe booties for Fall & just picked up these.

What do you do for alone time?

We are thinking of hosting Thanksgiving, I'd love to get these napkins or these ones.

My newest Instagram crush.

Great price for a fun statement heel (plus it's 25% off right now).



Posts you may have missed:
* Build a Booty Workout (things I like to do / no gym needed)
* A fun idea to do with girlfriends in the Fall.
* Boots I was loving for Fall last year--#5 is still on my wish list and still available!

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7 Shoes to Wear with Flares

Today I'm sharing a requested video I made for the kind of shoes to wear with flared pants.  I'm beating a dead horse in telling you I'm loving this trend, but it's true!  That said, finding the right thing to pair with them--especially after living in a skinny jeans world for so many years--can be a challenge.

I wanted to share a variety of shoes that can be worn with flares--making them extremely versatile and easy to style.  Don't be intimidated, you can totally pull this trend off.  

My number one tip...

My Favourite Fall Trends

Today I'm sharing my favourite Fall fashion trends!  I'm so excited because this is easily my favourite season and since it goes so quickly, I will be trying to cash in on any opportunity to rock these trends.

I'm loving the side-slit top trend and already have a couple--they pair really nicely over skinny pants or shorts while it's still warm.  Large, wool, floppy hats are becoming a staple in my closet (seen here with a more Summer outfit) and I'm loving the tan suede we are seeing pop up everywhere!  

Plaid is something I'm warming up to and I had initially pulled mostly red plaid but after trying on the one in the video, it was a no brainer!  It's a little different and reminds me of this Rails one, but at a much more affordable price point.

As always, thanks for watching!

Sherpa Wooly Vest & Black Flared Denim

  

O U T F I T  D E E T S :  WINNERS REVERSIBLE SHERPA VEST (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)  |   TOP  |  H&M FLARES (SIMILAR)  |  HEELS  |  H&M BAG (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  NECKLACE  | AVIATOR SUNGLASSES

 

Fall is in the air and there is something about wearing layers and still being able to wear open-toed shoes (I love that).  I scooped up this reversible vest a couple weeks ago in keeping with my new-found love for all things 70's.  I love it with this look, but think it's going to pair great over a long-sleeved dress or even with a leather jacket.  Adding that third piece adds interest and bonus, warmth!

 

I've rounded up a few wooly vests below and am loving the washed out black version--how chic would that be with a black turtle neck, black coated denim and some edgy ankle boots?  Yas girl.

 

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Happy Monday!  I have to be honest, ladies, this weekend wasn't very eventful.  It was pouring rain on both days and we basically spend the entire weekend in the condo.  Sometimes weekends are just good for getting things done and relaxing...

ARDENE TEE (SIMILAR)  |  ZARA WAXED PANTS (LOVE THESE)  |  ASH BOOTIES (SIMILAR)  |  H&M BAG (SIMILAR)

On Friday night I met up with my cousins for dinner at Blue Cactus.  They were visiting from out of town and it was great to see them.  Afterwards, they went to check out the light show on Parliament Hill (which I was at the week before with a different out-of-town Aunt).  I would highly recommend it to anyone in Ottawa or visiting--it plays every night at 9pm for the month of September and is free.

I had the ahi tuna caprese salad for dinner and it was really great.  

Friday Finds

How has your week been?  I'm looking forward to some social time this weekend.  Tonight I'm having dinner with my out-of-town cousins and tomorrow we are celebrating a friend's birthday at El Furniture Warehouse, a new spot in town that is apparently awesome--and doesn't have a website.  

Hope you have a good one!

Tips on bringing Fall into your home..

This would look so pretty under a backless top.

16 ways to cook quinoa (whoa).

Great date conversation topics.

Loving vests for Fall.

A standing wheel chair.  Wow, love this.

Putting this on my Christmas wish list.

Tarzan Boat?  I'm in.


Posts you may have missed:
*  This weekend, last year.
*  VIDEO: How we celebrated our anniversary last year.
*  My favourite place for tacos in Ottawa.


(Photo from dinner at Milestones with my bestie a few weeks back).

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Duster Cardigan & Black Flared Denim

O U T F I T  D E E T S :  DUSTER CARDIGAN  |  H&M BLACK DENIM FLARES (PETITE, SPLURGE) |  SIRENS CAMI (SIMILAR)  |  IRO HEELS  |  H&M FRINGE BAG (SIMILAR)  |  SUNGLASSES  |  SECOND-HAND NECKLACE (SIMILAR)

I have the hardest time finding pants that are long enough for me so I squealed when these H&M flares fit my 5'11 frame.  If you're tall, run to your nearest H&M and scoop them up immediately because they are (1) on trend and (2) only $30!  I couldn't find them online but they are new in store.  I also love the undone hem (which is helpful in the length department).

I'm feeling duster cardigans, and this one is perfect for Fall.  I think they look so pretty and feminine with anything you pair it with.  I would rock them with skinny jeans or even over shorts for an effortless look.  When shopping, look for one that meets just below the knee to mid-calf for a flattering fit.

Distressed Flares & a Fringe Bag

O U T F I T  D E E T S :  BLAZER  |  BCBG CAMI (LOVE THIS)  |  DISTRESSED FLARES  |  IRO HEELS  |  H&M FRINGE BAG (SIMILAR)  |  SUNGLASSES

When I first spotted these flares, it was love at first sight.  The distressed wash, the button fly and the undone hem?  I'm all in and my 16 year-old self is also thrilled.  Additionally, I'm taking full advantage of the trend now before the snow flies and I'm back in my skinny jeans tucking them into boots.  

When looking for the perfect flares, look for something with a high waist to nip you in and make your legs look super long--mine are a medium rise.  For pairings, try a flowy top to go full on boho (this blouse is so pretty), a simple tee with a half tuck keeps it casual, or try pairing it with a faux leather blazer to toughen them up.

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps | Our Anniversary in Montebello

SUNGLASSES

On Sunday morning, we were up super early to hit the road to head to Chateau Montebello, a Fairmont resort about an hour from Ottawa.  We went to celebrate our anniversary and I'd love to share a ton of photos, if you'd like to see...

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Hi ladies!  Happy long weekend--hope you're having a great one.  It's pouring rain here now but it's been absolutely sunny and hot all weekend long--a really nice way to round out the Summer.

If you follow me in other places, you know that Marco and I went away for our anniversary this weekend.  I was putting together the recap and it was quite lengthy so I've decided to break it up into two parts, essentially Friday and Saturday, and then our time away in Montebello from Sunday to Monday (which will be up tomorrow).  So with that, onto the snaps...

TEE (SIMILAR, GOT THIS ONE FOR MARCO)  |  H&M BAG (SIMILAR)

Friday night, supporting the Jays and grabbing a few groceries.

Fall Outfit Inspo

FLARES  |  CAMI - ON SALE  |  FRINGE BAG  |  DUSTER CARDIGAN  |  WEDGES  |  NAIL POLISH  |  SUNGLASSES (UNDER $25!)

September is here, Fall fashion is flooding the stores and I'm pretty excited.  While I'm always sad to see Summer go, Fall is my fave for dressing.  The layers, various fabrics and more muted tones--totally my jam.  I also love that you can still incorporate your Summer wardrobe (the wedges, for example) in when the weather is still on the warmer side.  It's like pulling double duty for your closet.

It's no secret I'm loving flared denim and am falling hard for the boho-70's feel we are seeing happening.  This trend has softened my edgier style, and while I'll always love a good leather jacket and motorcycle boots, sometimes it's nice to switch things up.

SHOP THE LOOK

Friday Finds

Happy Friday!  How has your week been?  I'm so excited for the weekend, a long one at that!  Marco and I will be celebrating our anniversary and we are going away.  I'll share more on that when I return on Tuesday.  

Hope you have a great weekend!

Pretty stud earrings.

How well do you see the colour purple?  Tougher than I expected!

Love the back of this bralette.

Clearly having a moment with these jeans.

These two are so cute.

27 cool bucket bags under $150.

Love all the furniture here.


A few posts you may have missed:
* VIDEO: Building My Walk-In Closet
* VIDEO:  Wake-Boarding with Friends
* My Gym Style


(Photo of a small corner in my small office)

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Back to School Trends

Hi ladies!  I know a lot of you are heading back, or are already back, in school.  When I think of BTS, I think style & comfort, which was what I kept in mind while shopping for this video.  I love the idea of looking good but being relaxed in your clothes, especially when you're sitting in class for hours on end.

Today I'm sharing some of my favourite pieces that I would wear if I was going back to school and how I'd style them together.  Lastly, I'm so excited flares are popping up in stores--I have several pairs in my closet, because I have always loved them, but having more options is awesome.

Thanks for watching!  xo

 

How to Wear a Floppy Hat in Warmer Weather

O U T F I T  D E E T S:  LE CHATEAU SWEATER (SIMILAR)  |  CAMI  |  SIRENS SKORT (SIMILAR)  |  HAT  |  LACE UP FLATS  |  BAG

I'm loving the look of wool, floppy hats for Fall, they make such a great statement but also look effortlessly cool and stylish.  They come in a plethora of colours--I recently picked up a burnt orange one--and look great with a leather jacket, faux fur and scarves.

That said, since the weather is still warm, I wanted to show you how to wear this look before the temperatures drop.  I'm a big fan of showing skin on either the top, or bottom, not both usually so this look is exactly that.  The lightweight sweater is perfect for this time of year but the shorts keep you cool when the sun is out.  The look is easy yet pulled together and would look equally as great with pants and a sleeveless top.  

A Look Back at August

 

Happy September 1st!  August was kind of quiet around these parts but still busy in real life.

 

At the beginning of the month I modeled for the Place d'Orleans Fall, Winter & Holiday campaigns, got a new pair of kicks and attended the Media Preview for the new Simons store in Gatineau.

 

I made a floral kimono, went to a cottage for the weekend and threw a bridal shower for my friend.  I filmed a make-up tutorial on strobing, saw progress on my condo and got my nails taken off.

 

I shared a casual, Summer outfit, went to Montreal for the bachelorette, went to a modeling audition and took in the Light Show on Parliament Hill in the Nation's Capital.