How To Pull Off the Athleisure Trend

O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  TANK  |  SPORTS BRA  |  LEGGINGS  |  HIGH-TOP SNEAKERS

You ladies know I'm a huge sucker for leggings, but the athleisure trend that is happening currently is right up my alley.  I know a lot of you work in offices, so is there really anything better than being comfortable and stylish come the weekend?

I find myself, more and more, opting for comfy basics when the weekend hits but I still want to look pulled together.  To pull of the look, grab your neutral workout pieces, and then I like to up the cool-girl factor with high-tops.  I'm loving these fresh white kicks for Summer--nothing better than a new pair of sneaks #amiright ?!

A Video of Our Weekend in Toronto

Last month, we went to Toronto to take in a Raptors game and take a mini getaway.  I captured some footage and thought I'd share in a little vlog.  

We stayed at One King West, which was right downtown and quite nice--definitely a great spot if you're looking to walk to sporting events, the Eaton Centre, great restaurants, etc.  You can see a photo recap of the weekend here.

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Hi ladies & happy Monday!  How was your weekend?

On Friday night, I went to get my hair done for the first time in almost two years (!!!).  If you follow on Snap (I'm acoest1984), you saw the outcome and after living with it over the weekend, I'm not totally happy.  That said, she mentioned it would lighten more as I wash it, so I'm going to give it a few washes to see where we stand.

Essentially, I asked to bring up the blonde in my balayage, lighten around my face and in my bang, keep my natural base colour, and used this as my inspiration photo.  She did a great job blending, and the blonde came out quite beige, however, I am really bummed there isn't a huge contrast between the brown and blonde.  It definitely looks natural, I was just hoping for brighter blonde.

All that to say, I'll keep you posted on how it plays out after a few washes.  You can see an after pic in the photo below, which was taken Saturday afternoon.

Spring Fashion Haul

Happy Saturday ladies!  Today I'm sharing a huge Spring Haul with a ton of new items I've recently picked up.  I've linked most of the items below, after the jump if you're in a shopping mood.

Also, I will be sharing a huge Summer haul soon, with more warm-weather pieces, including swimwear, so stay tuned.

As always, thanks for watching! xo

An Easy Way to Wear a Body Chain

O U T F I T  D E T A I L S   :  REVERSIBLE/OPEN-BACK TOP (SIMILAR)  |  DIY DENIM SHORTS (SIMILAR)  |  ALEXANDER WANG WEDGES (MORE SIZES) -- OLD (SIMILAR, STILL WANT THESE)  |  BAG  |  SUNGLASSES (SIMILAR)  |  A.CO DESIGNS BODY CHAIN

I have been loving body chains lately--see my Pinterest board as full proof--and think they are such a sexy way to add a little interest to whatever you've got going on.  I think a lot of us think of body chains as jewellery for the beach, and I did wear mine while we were on vacation, but I always want to get the most mileage out of my items by mixing in matching.  

That said, I paired this body chain I made, over a plain top to add some interest.  The back has a lot going on, and I love how the delicate chain kind of gets lost in the drapey fabric but still makes a big impact.  It would look equally as great paired over a muscle tee, or tucked under a crop top.

An Open Back Top & Black Denim

O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  ERRANT OPEN BACK TOP  (SIMILAR) |  BLACK DENIM -- OLD (SIMILAR, WANT THESE)  |  HEELS -- ON SALE! (MORE SIZES HERE, NUDE COLOUR)  |  CHOKER NECKLACE  |  BAG

I just finished a two hour cleaning sesh and am so ready to hit the hay but wanted to get this post up for you ladies.  If you follow along on Snap (I'm acoest1984), you know what I'm talking about--and PS, that pile of laundry is still there  #fail.

This look is all about that effortless, edgy style and transitioning it into Summer with open toes and a muscle tank.  As you can see, I can't get enough of chokers, whether it's a gold collar style, these faux suede ones or the tattoo version, it's becoming my go-to on the daily.  Throw in some fringe and call it day.

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Happy Monday & welcome back from the weekend.  Did you have a good one?  Mine was busy, productive and fun so let's jump in...

First, the juice above--obsessing over these.  Cold pressed juices are something I'm just discovering and falling in love with.  They will run you a pretty penny, but they are nice as a treat once in a while.   I've picked these ones up at Farmboy (if you're local) and they are made in London, Ontario--love that.  Additionally, if you wanted to stretch them a bit, try halving them and adding soda water, apple cider vinegar, fruit and spices.

More after the jump...

Why I Haven't Been Posting YouTube Videos Lately

A little update on why I've been so MIA in the YouTube space and how that is changing...

As always, thanks for watching.  xo

Instagram Round Up

F21 KIMONO (SIMILAR, LOVE FOR THE BEACH)  |  FRILL CAMI  |  BLACK SKINNIES (LOVE THESE)  |  LACE UP HEELS  |  BAG (BUDGET FRIENDLY)

It's been a while since I've done an Instagram / Facebook outfit round up, so let's jump in.

The outfit above is super recent and I'm obsessed with my new heels!  Though they are pretty high, they are stunning and on sale now.  Full outfit post coming soon.

Casual Work Wear

O U T F I T  D E E T S  :  SHEER SWEATER -- OLD (SIMILAR, SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  TANK -- OWN IN BLACK ASWELL   |  MEXX SKIRT -- OLD (SIMILAR)  |  FRINGE HEELS  |  BAG (LESS EXPENSIVE, LOVE THE TASSEL DETAIL)  |  CHOKER (SIMILAR)

Work wear isn't my favourite style, but let's face it, a lot of us work in offices where some form of business look is necessary.  I try to stay true to my style, which has evolved over the years, by pairing my look with fun shoes or statement accessories.  

I know this wouldn't work for a business or strict dress codes, but if you have a bit of leeway, there's always room for personal style.  If this feels too daring, swap out the shoes for a more conservative pump and keep the fun shoes in your bag or trunk for happy hour.

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

LULULEMON TANK -- SOLD OUT (SIMILAR)  |  LEGGINGS  |  SHOES

Happy Monday ladies--hard to believe it's Monday already!  My weekend flew by, faster than norm it seems, but good times were had.

On Saturday, I hit the gym and then grabbed a protein shake a total splurge: a croissant sandwich from the shake bar.  I don't get this one often, but have had it a few times and they are so good (the seedy croissant really makes it!).

Cancun Vlog

I know we have been back from our trip to Cancun for a while now, but I've finally pulled together all the footage I took while we were down there and put together a little recap of our trip.  Hope you enjoy.

What to Wear to the Ottawa Tulip Festival

O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  DIY KIMONO (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  CHIFFON CAMI  |  URBAN PLANET DENIM SHORTS (SIMILAR)  |  LACE UP FLATS  |  BAG (BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION)  |  NECKLACE

Tulips have been my favourite flower for as long as I can remember, and every year Ottawa hosts the most beautiful festival.  It attracts tons of tourists but it's also fun to go down and check out all the beautiful blooms if you're from the area.  While I'm a little late with this post, there are so many great, Summer activities coming up where you want to look pulled together, be comfortable and keep cool, and I think something like this is perfect for those occasions.

I'm a huge fan of light-weight kimonos and you're going to be seeing a lot more of them on the blog this Summer--they such an easy, Summer staple that you can throw on and go.  It's less structured than a blazer, cooler than a cardigan, but still offers a bit of coverage when you need it.  I made mine last year after having the fabric sit in my fabric box for over a year, essentially by tracing a kimono I already have, and surging the edges.  If you'd be interested in a video tutorial, leave me a comment down below.

 

An Easy Way to Wear Off the Shoulder Tops

O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  F21 OFF THE SHOULDER TOP (SIMILAR, SIMILAR)  |  WHITE SKINNIES  |  HEELS  |  BAG  |  CHOKER  |  SUNGLASSES  |  EAR CLIMBER

Summer is a great time to experiment with your look and this is definitely something I'd wear for a date night or a night out with the girls.  It's comfortable, elevated and stylish with the off-the-shoulder.  These shoulder-baring tops are everywhere right now and I've already scooped up a few to add to my closet.  

Whether fitted or flow--my preference--pair these tops with skinny jeans, flared denim, skirts and a personal fave, distressed denim shorts to an easy, stylish look.  Dressed down with flat gladiator sandals looks great or pair with heels like I did and you're ready for a night on the town.

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

Hi ladies!  Hope you had a great weekend--I meant to get these snaps up sooner but it's just been 'one of those weeks' thus far but here we are so onto the recap...

On Saturday morning, I was up and off to New York state to pick up several items at the post office I had shipped there.  Normally Marco and I make the trip together--it's about an hour drive--but he was in a golf tournament and I couldn't wait any longer for my items.

It was a beautiful day and the drive was great. 

Blush Kimono & Bodycon Dress

O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  CROCHET KIMONO  |  DYNAMITE DRESS -- OLD (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS)  |  LACE UP HEELS  |  ALDO STUDDED CLUTCH -- OLD (SIMILAR, HOT PINK)

When I picked up this kimono the other day, I kept envisioning it with this snug, white dress from my closet... that I never wear.  Seriously, you ladies know, tight is not really my thing when it comes to tops and dresses (okay, sometimes it's my thing), but I knew it would be the perfect date night look and so almost, ethereal and pretty.

I picked up this dress for a Vegas trip a couple years ago and love it with the soft, flowy kimono.  Since then, I've paired this kimono with skinnies and a chiffon cami and know it's going to get tons of play this Summer in similar looks or with shorts.  Such a beautiful and affordable statement piece.

All Black Workout Style

O U T F I T  D E T A I L S  :  DISTRESSED CROP TANK  |  SPORTS BRA  |  HIGH-WAISTED LEGGINGS  |  HIGH TOP SNEAKERS

I have been obsessed with high-waisted leggings for about six months now, specifically for the gym.  They keep you held in, are uber flattering and if the seaming is right, give the booty some shape.

I wanted to share my new leggings, which I'm slightly obsessed with--I love that they have a bit of a sheen to them, but not so much that it's shiny.  They are thick but not warm, very high waisted (perfect especially if you're tall) and super long--I have been rolling mine up to create a cropped look for Summer.  The perfect pair to add to my collection (and to motivate me to get to the gym!).