CANCUN PHOTO DIARY | GRAND MOON PALACE

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...

MAXI COVER UP & PANAMA HAT

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.

How to Use Snapchat | A Quick Video Tutorial

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...

My Summer Shoe Must-Have

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.

Layering a Denim Jacket Over a Longline Vest

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.

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

DRAPY JACKET  |  TEE  |  BLACK SKINNIES  |  PEEP-TOE BOOTIES  |  BAG

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...

A Look Back at March

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.

I shared an outfit with a throwback Club Monaco sweatshirt, this amazing drapey jacket, and shared a bunch of amazing parks on sale (and my own). 

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:

* March 2015 Recap

* March 2014 Recap

* All Monthly Recaps



High-Waisted Denim & Lace Up Flats Under $100

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 !

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps | Toronto Edition

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...

70's Style for Spring

O U T F I T  D E E T S :  LEATHER JACKET (SIMILAR, LESS EXPENSIVE OPTION)  |  LONG SLEEVED TEE  |  FLARES - HALF PRICE! (SIMILAR, SPLURGE)  |  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.

Off the Shoulder Top & PS11 Mini Classic

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.

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

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...

Cute Activewear from Forever 21

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!

Friday Finds

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!

Beautiful engagement photos.

How to throw an epic birthday party (via my girlfriend, Ashley).

#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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