Hi ladies!  Hope you're having a great week, we are almost to the weekend!  Marco has been away for work, and I've been taking advantage of the evenings solo to start the new series This is Us.  Have you seen it!?  I binge watched four episodes the first night and am totally hooked.  The twists are insane, but it's also pretty emotional too.  

Tonight, I have a girlfriend coming over to hang and then tomorrow we are practically at the weekend, so yipee!  Today feels like one of those days that is just going right, you know?  Lately, I've been kind of having some down days, and it feels good to have a shift.

Onto the round up, it's been a while since I've done one of these, and I've been trying to incorporate more off-the-cuff posts on IG along with the usual outfits so let's jump in!


SHOP THE POST







 It's been a while since I've done an Instagram round up and since then, I have joined Like to Know It, which is the little link you'll see in my Instagram posts when you can shop the look.  It's super easy and free for you to use, simply sign up with your email and any photo you like that has it, will be sent to you via email with all the shapable links immediately.

Alternatively, if you head under the SHOP section of my blog at the top, you'll see all the items I'm loving right now, click on the photo and you don't need to sign up to click over and shop the items you're loving.  A really simple way to score some of your favourite pieces.

All that said, I wanted to share some of the most popular photos and share the details here.



SCARF  |  SWEATER (SIMILAR BUT LONGER)  |  RAG & BONE DENIM -- SOLD OUT (SIMILAR, SIMILAR & SAME STYLE, DIFFERENT WASH)



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.





F21 TANK - OLD (SIMILAR)  |  LEGGINGS  |  SHOES

Happy Sunday ladies!  If you have signed up for the A.Co Newsletter, you know I've started a new Instagram fitness account.  I share various exercises and tons of outfits I like to wear to the gym.  It's kind of a 'more real' Instagram where you can get to know me a little better but also we can motivate each other with our workouts.

That said, I know some of you ladies have asked where I've picked up various things I'm wearing so I thought I'd put it all together in a post with shopping links so you can scoop up some of these great pieces for yourself.  Looking good to feel good is half the battle!  #amiright



TANK  |  LULULEMON LEGGINGS (SIMILAR, LESS EXPENSIVE)

LEATHER JACKET  |  BRA  |  TEE

So many of you have asked about this bra each time I wear it and it's just an inexpensive bralette I picked up at Urban Planet about a year ago.  That said, I've linked a ton of inexpensive options here.

The leather jacket was my Christmas gift from Marco that I'm completely smitten with and something I've wanted for two years.  I will add that I knew what I was getting and he purchased it on Cyber Monday and saved 30% #score




H&M DRESS - NEW ISH (ALSO LOVE THIS ONE)

I can't find this dress online but I picked it up at the end of November so I'm sure it's still kicking around in store.  I paired it with some gold accessories but think rose gold would look even better.  I love that this dress is longer in length, great for my 5'11 frame but also would be so chic on shorter girls, hitting above or around mid-calf.

Happy New Year ladies!  I know, I'm a few days late but hopefully you don't mind me taking a few days to recover and relax.  I'll be sharing a full recap of the weekend tomorrow but wanted to hope on and say hello.

First, wanted to send a big hug to all of you that come and hang out with me, whether daily or every now and again--thanks for keeping up, sending love and all the support.  I love connecting with you on here, so thank you.

Finally, the little collage above is a fun option where you can find your most liked photos on Instagram from the year; you can make yours here.  Also, if you'd like to follow along on Instagram, I post a ton on that there never makes it to the blog (I'm acoest1984).

Hope you had a great weekend and see you tomorrow!


FOREVER 21 JACKET - LAST YEAR (THIS YEAR/ALMOST IDENTICAL)  |  LONG SLEEVED TEE (ALSO HAVE IT IN GREY)  |  DIY RIPPED SKINNIES (SIMILAR)  |  ALDO BOOTS (SIMILAR)  |  DYNAMITE SCARF - LAST YEAR (SIMILAR)

Hi ladies!  I'm back with another round up of camera roll outfits to share.  Sometimes I look back through these and forget what I wore so this is a good reminder for an outfit in a pinch when you're trying to get out the door.

The look above I wore last night out shopping.  The temperatures have dropped--we have snow as of yesterday morning!--so a warm but not-too-heavy jacket was imperative.  I loved ripped skinnies and these ones stay up on my hips.  This is definitely a evening/weekend go-to look for me, in all neutrals of course.


SMART SET SWEATER - OLD (SIMILAR)  |  CAMI  |  SIRENS DENIM - OLD (LOVE THESE)  |  PEEP-TOE BOOTIES - ON SALE! (LOVE THESE)  |  NECKLACE



JOE FRESH SILK TOP (SIMILAR)  |  ZARA COATED PANTS (SIMILAR)  |  LACE UP FLATS  |  H&M FRINGE BAG (SIMILAR)  |  CONSIGNED NECKLACE (SIMILAR)

I wore this outfit a few weeks ago when it was still warm, and although it looks pretty washed out, the pants are actually grey.  I love how the black flats anchor the look but threw on a black pendant to balance it out a little.



TANK (TIED IN A KNOT AT BACK)  |  SKIRT

 I'm definitely more of a pants girl, but this skirt was really pretty on (and office-appropriate in length and style).  I ended up leaving it (and taking home these flares instead) but I did scoop up the tank, which is a cropped style.



F21 DRESS (SIMILARSIMILAR SLEEVELESS)  |  SKIRT  |  NECKLACE  |  HEELS  | BAG

I picked up this dress from Forever 21 a few weeks ago and absolutely love it.  It was a really inexpensive item that makes a major impact--and one that looks expensive when it really isn't.  I wore this to work and then to a business meeting and out for drinks.  It pulled triple duty easily so I'd highly suggest snagging something like this if you're into the billowy look.



DIY KIMONO (SIMILAR)  |  CAMI  |  PARASUCO DENIM - OLD  |  ALDO WEDGES - OLD (SIMILAR)  |  BAG (ON SALE!) |  SUNGLASSES

DRAPE-FRONT BLAZER  |  TANK (LOVE THIS ONE)  |  DIY DENIM SHORTS - FROM THRIFTED MEN'S PANTS  - OLD (SIMILAR)  |  IRO HEELS

I'm back for another post about various Instagram, Facebook & Snapchat (I'm acoest1984) outfits.  I love sharing these because it's a great look at what I wear on a daily basis as I can't always do the full-on photoshoot.  This time it's a mixture of work-wear and evenings out.  We've had some up and down weather this Summer so I've still been wearing a ton of pants or will cover up on top and bare my legs for evening (my fave).



TOP  |  ZARA PANTS - OLD (SIMILAR, LOVE THESE)  |  LACE UP POINTY-TOE FLATS (OBSESSED!)



KNIT TOP - SUPER ON SALE  |  WAXED PANTS  |  THE BAY NECKLACE - OLD (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS BUDGET-FRIENDLY VERSION)  |  MICHAEL KORS BANGLE (SIMILAR)  |  SWAROVSKI BANGLE  |  GORJANA BANGLE (SIMILAR)

Today I'm sharing a bunch of random snaps from my camera roll, a bunch you've already seen on Instagram but with all the details.  As I've mentioned before, I'm such a pants/shorts girl and Summertime is no different.  I like to pair pants with something sleeveless or more Summery on top and sandals to balance out the look.

The look above is from the H&M fitting room and I purchased both pieces that day.  I'm such a sucker for neutrals and olive green is a current fave.  Both pieces were super on sale and although it feels weird buying cooler weather pieces, Fall will be here before we know it (plus, I've already worn the knit top anyway!).



KIMONO  |  SIRENS CAMI (SIMILAR, LOVE THIS LOOK)  |  GUESS DENIM (LOVE THESE)  |  EXPRESSIONS NECKLACE - OLD (SIMILAR)

SCARF  |  H&M DRESS - OLD (SIMILAR, SIMILARLOVE THIS ONE)  |  TANK WORN AS A SKIRT  |  WEDGES  |  SUNGLASSES

I have had this dress for years and since there are various panels in different fabrics on it, it's sheer in some areas so I used a longer tank to act as a skirt underneath and tied the straps together below the bust (that 'bump' was hidden by the scarf).



Outfit deets:
* Old Navy jacket (old; similar)
* Accessories: Laundry by Shelli Segal fingerless gloves (similar texture, similar colour & splurge)  & Call It Spring circle scarf (old; similar, pretty grey option)

Just a quick post today on a couple outfits I shared on Instagram recently.  Not every outfit can be a 'photoshoot outfit' but I still like to share what I'm wearing (even for myself to look back for outfit inspiration!).

I've included links to similar items since a lot of my clothes are things I've had for a few years and I'm constantly re-styling them in different ways.  The boots up top I picked up in the Spring at BCBG super on sale and this was my first time wearing them--finally!  The sneakers below are the ones I picked up in Vegas back in June and something I've been rocking a ton on the weekends to run errands and shop (can't beat that comfort).

Hope you're having a great week! 

Outfit deets:
* Max Studio gauzy sweater (similar, similar, similar in black, more affordable option)
* Walmart cotton leggings
* Accessories: Forever 21 cross-body bag, seen here (similar, similar) & branch necklace (pricier option)

I wanted to share the photos I posted on Instagram of our trip to Barbados because I know not everyone has Instagram.  If you already follow me (I'm acoest1984), you can skip this post and come back on Monday, but if not, here's a few things you may have missed.

Also, if you wanted to see all the photos--shared by friends and myself--in a condensed format, we created an IG album under the hashtag #brilliantbarbadosbreakaway

Thanks for reading! xo


More photos after the jump...

While I would love to photograph all my outfits, it's slightly unrealistic so I often take a daily pic and share them on my Instagram under the hashtag album #acolookdowns.

I thought I would share a few of this week an last week's outfits here, as seen on Instagram (I'm acoest1984).

Outfit deets:  Max Studio sweater (new!), Vero Moda skirt & Liliana wedges.

More photos after the jump...

Hello!  Sorry for the radio silence the past couple days, I've been adjusting to the time change (which is hardly anything, at three hours, but still), getting back into the swing of work and trying to just get organized since returning from Vegas. 

I know some of you follow me on Instagram (thanks!) but not everyone has it and I like when others do Instagram recaps on their blogs, and since I did it for Punta Cana, thought I would share my Instagram snaps from my trip to Las Vegas last week.

Warning, this post is super photo heavy, hence why I'm putting it all after the jump.  If you'd like to see a condense version of this, they are in the hashtag album #acoinvegas on Instagram.

So here we go!

Upon arrival, despite it only being 11am, I was able to check in right away.  I stayed at the Aria Hotel which is across the strip from Planet Hollywood and really quite fantastic. 

I was given a tip by a friend to ask if they would offer a complimentary upgrade to a higher floor level / better view of the strip and it worked!  They initially were going to give me the 7th floor (of 54) and bumped me up to the 52nd (hello amazing!) free of charge.

I grabbed some food after dropping my bags, explored the hotel a bit then crashed for a solid six hours (not going to the bed the night before due to a 6am flight will do that to you).  When I got up, just after the dinner hour, I went downstairs and hit the buffet for an amazing dinner.  Then back to bed to sleep off the remainder of the jet lag.

I ended up getting up bright and early on Monday morning and hit the gym at the hotel.  It was surprisingly busy but quite nice.  There was an abundance of cardio machines--which I never touched--and a sizeable weight area. 

 A lot of people ask me why I work out on vacation but I kind of enjoy it.  My rationale is this: on vacation you technically have all day every day to do whatever you want.  I like to start my day with a workout because I find it sets a great tone for the day; you feel better as you get dressed, there is no rush to be anywhere and I feel a little less guilty about all the indulgence that come with holidays (margaritas & buffets anyone?). 

I could never be the person who gets up during the week and works out before work.  It's either after work or bust, but on vacation, time is infinite (sort of) and especially if you're sitting around in a bikini all day, that helps keep myself in check.
  

Outfit deets:  Urban Planet romper (new!) tucked into Bench shorts, Diba sandals & Target lace bralette.
After my workout and breakfast, I showered and got dressed.  I headed out to explore the strip, but mainly to shop.  I hit up Ross & Marshalls and scored huge at latter.

 More photos after the jump...

I'm rolling out all my vacation posts this week and next up, Instagram shots!

I know not everyone has Instagram so I wanted to share shots of my vacation I posted on there.  If you already follow me (I'm @acoest1984), you can skip this post and come back tomorrow, but if not, here's a few things you may have missed.

Also, if you do have Instagram, you can find all these photos under our vacation hashtag #acomsppuntacana.

Cheers!


More photos after the jump...
 My good friend's new baby boy (he is a mini version of his Dad; what a cutie).


 Frost on the windshield (so pretty; I'm actually quite surprised I was able to capture such a great pic).


Chai tea latté.


Hello!


My fanciest watch and most inexpensive bracelet.


Happy Wednesday everyone!

I'm playing catch up and thought I would share some photos I posted to Instagram recently as I figured not everyone who follows me here, follows me there (or even have the 'gram for that matter).

Life if finally settling back down to a somewhat normal pace after the holidays, which is kind of good.  I have yet to take down my decorations (which I never even shared with you all, grrr, sorry) but that's the plan for this weekend.

I am now intensively car shopping, thought I found 'the one' and then there was a minor hiccup... and so my car hunt has potentially restarted again.  I feel like I've been talking about buying a new car forever, and I just need to pull the trigger.  To be honest, it's a scary purchase for me and so that doesn't help the dragging-the-heels bit.  I want a new car, it is just so much work to get there (it seems) and I want to be really happy and excited about my decision.  Anyways, that's all on that front for now.

In other news, it's 2013!  I haven't come up with many new years resolutions other than do my hair more often (ha) and blog often.  I don't like setting massive resolutions; (did you know) only 10% of people actually accomplish or stick to their resolutions?  Apparently it's true, and I believe it. 

First off, I don't like setting myself up to fail, as in, setting a resolution that is so absolutely crazy, I will not obtain it even if I try my hardest.  Secondly, resolutions, to me, seem so daunting (if you make them that way).  So why not make resolutions more enjoyable and about enjoy the little things, the mini moments, the down times in between the fun times, etc.  (example, see my resolutions from 2011).

A couple of years ago I started doing resolutions by the month, which worked out well, for about six months and then I fell off the band wagon.  Still, it was a great way to focus on accomplishing a few small feats per month, and neat to look back on what I had and hadn't gotten done.  I may start this up for this year, it's not too late (it's never too late!).


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