Outfit deets:
* Dynamite jacket which you've seen with a sweater dress & booties, with waxed denim (an older favourite outfit post), and with leggings and a tight top years ago.
* American Eagle top (remember this in my, 'What to Wear on a Date' post?) with Urban Planet cami underneath which I wore on my birthday (here in black).
* Parasuco denim which you've seen with a purple flawy top.
* Accessories: Swarovski & Old Navy bangles, H&M rings with gifted chain bracelet.

I'm not sure what has been going on with me lately, but I have been facing a serious creative block.  I've been unmotivated to blog, film or edit videos and just be in this space.  This is something I genuinely enjoy--if I didn't, why bother continuing--but lately I feel so... blah.

A fellow creative-type friend and I were chatting about the slump and offered some wise words:

"You will find slumps in creativity extremely dreadful.  You want to create and when you don't, it makes you feel terrible.  It's a cycle, but the slump will pass.  In the meantime, do what you are currently doing and that is to push through.  It sucks for now, and you might feel antsy, but then all of a sudden, BOOM!  The damn breaks and your back in the swing of things."

Here's hoping my upcoming vacation is just what I need to break the damn, so to speak.  Happy Thursday.



Photos by Serena Rivard.

Outfit deets: 
* Forever 21 jacket (last year) which you've seen with pastel skinnies & also with a different pastel and neon all at once (which I ended up really liking as a combo).
* Dynamite top (last year).

How is everyone's week going?  We're halfway to the weekend so that's always pleasant and today, after a car appointment, I will be heading to the mall to start my shopping for my next video.  I'll be showcasing some holiday looks, so I'm hoping to have some luck tonight.  

I love shopping for holiday parties and am hoping to get the chance to wear the special dress I purchased last year--the same one I wore for the PDO Christmas Campaign photoshoot--and never got to rock.  Sequins, black & gold scream festive if anything but.  At this point, I have no Christmas party to attend, but I suppose that could change.  What about yourself?  And, have you chosen what to wear yet?

See you tomorrow!

Outfit deets:
* Alexander Bartlett top (from Winners & old) which you've see with a cognac leather jacket & flared jeans.
* Smart Set chinos (new!) and come in a slew of different colours I might need to snatch up a few more (but be forewarned they do stretch out).
* Christian Louboutin Passmule wedge (old) which I don't wear a ton--they aren't very comfortable, to be honest--but break 'em out every now and again to get my money's worth (haha).  Last seen with the same top (wtf?) and a lime yellow-green cardigan (okay, so clearly there is a pattern here).
* Accessories:  Cleo pony hair belt, Gucci shades, Claire's necklace, Sirens ring & F21, gifted chain bracelet & my DIY Ropes Maine bracelet (I couldn't afford the real deal, so I made my own).

So good news and bad news.  

The bad news is my computer is ladden with viruses, on the verge of completely dying and I could lose everything.  

The good news is I'm getting a new one.

Not ideal circumstances, but when it takes you 26 minutes to boot your less-than-two-year-old laptop up, every click takes minutes and you can't edit your videos in under three hours, there's a problem.  I've been putting up with the problem for a long time now and it's just getting to the point of anger, frustration and tears sometimes when I use it.  So, the time is now.  

Even better news?  I'm going with a MacBook Pro and am so excited (c'mon you guys, it's a big purchase)!  I'm a PC user so the switch to Mac is a little scary and daunting when I think about learning a new system, but everyone who's had one or has one loves it and I've toyed around on one before and got the hang of it in a matter of hours.  Additionally, I'm an iPhone junkie so it only makes sense.  I have to wait a few weeks for it to arrive, which sucks, but let the countdown begin.

Anyone out there with a Mac book and want to share some quick tips and tricks for a first time user?



Outfit deets:
* Forever 21 jacket (which is more of a burgundy colour than the reddish tone it's showing up in these photos) that I picked up the day before my trip to Dominican and it's finally warm enough to wear it now.
* American Eagle sweater cardigan which you've seen with white skinnies (kind of love this post) & a black/white combo outfit.
* Joe Fresh chiffon top which you've seen with different denim last summer.
* Foxy jeans (see when I purchased them years back) that you've seen with a cognac leather jacket and with my fave snood.  These are cool jeans because they are super long and slightly boot cut at the bottom so they always cover half my foot.
* Aldo wedges.
* Accessories:  Ardène clutch, Gucci sunglasses, H&M bar necklace, The Bay turquoise necklace, F21 horn necklace & various bangles/bracelets.

Happy Tuesday!

Last night I spent hours upon hours re-filming my next Place d'Orleans vlog.  I set aside the entire day Sunday to prep, film and edit and used all my hours only to start editing the footage--which took over an hour to import--and realize the lighting was terrible and I was out of focus the entire time.  Ugh.  So frustrating when you think you're being productive for, oh, seven hours or so, and you're not. 

Anyhuways.

I rushed home yesterday after work to re-film while there was still some daylight left, spent hours working into the night editing and sent it off this morning.  I'm really pleased with how it turned out, and even though I had to re-film, the final results were worth it because I was really unhappy with my first cut.  I'll share the video here (as always), once it goes live.

Here's a funny/awkward story: while taking these pictures--alone--this young guy and his girlfriend pulled up, rolled down the window and asked if I was okay.  I told them I was fine, and they proceeded to stay parked exactly where they were about four parking spots away from me and watch me.  I'm serious.  They didn't leave, so finally after a good 10 minutes, I hoped in my car and drove away.  Gawd!  Can't a girl take a freakin' photo (or 20) of herself without being creeped on?
Outfit deets:
* American Eagle men's button down (on sale!) which I showed in my PDO Hottest Spring Trends vlog (I'm wearing a size small).
* Stitches neon skirt which I wore a ton last summer and will again this summer.
* Aldo wedges (new!) which you've seen with distressed denim and also in a different PDO Spring Trends vlog.
* Accessories:  Gucci shades, F21 bangle, Aldo leather cuff, BCBG 'Picses' beaded bracelet, Suzy Shier leather strap & F21 bangle.

Happy Thursday!

I'm so excited to share with you guys that I finally welcomed myself to 2013 by getting an Inernet connection for home. 

I know.

Since moving to my apartment in October 2011, I've pirated a connection and when that ran out, I started tethering my iPhone to my laptop for about a year.  Unfortunately, this stopped working many months ago (not sure why).  I've found ways around it, but it's certainly not ideal and I had researched getting Internet at home a while back, but the set up and modem and whatever else you need was pricey and I didn't want to bite the bullet (what?! Weirdo.).  Anyways, it's done and I'm hooked up and I'm just so, so excited.  Seems weird for someone who is as in love with social media as I, but there you have it.

On top of that, this was one of the rare days I did not have a commute shoe (or boot, for winter).  I normally wear flats into work and then change into my heels, but on this day, I wore my heels everywhere (to and from work and for a stop in at the grocery store.  Booyah).  Granted, these are a wedge and wedges that are comfortable to walk in and my foot stays put.  I used to wear heels everywhere, even for shopping, but now I cannot be bothered (which makes me feel a little sad and like I'm 'letting myself go', but then I remember that I can't be bothered).  It is a rare day if I'm out running errands in heels; I just love being comfortable, especially in my footwear. 

This is as close as I'm getting to the chambray trend because I. Don't. Like. It.  Okay fine, it's growing on me.  Truth is, I purchased a chambray button down almost four years ago when the trend trickled into stores, wore it once, tried dying it darker, it didn't work out and I donated it.  Since then, I've been off the bandwagon and the trend has only been growing.  I know, I know, 'You can pair it with everything!' but it's not for me.

Watch me bite my tongue in a month.


Outfit deets:
* Wild Rose top (gift from a friend for my birthday, via Winners) which is shorter on the sides so I have to wear a tank/tube top underneath, but with the wide v-neck, it's great for off the shoulder.
* Sirens shorts in neon pink which I'm obsessed with (seen here with a lot of colour).  I picked up an orange pair in Florida from TJ Maxx, then found these pink ones when I got back home, and most recently picked up a lemon-lime pair.  These neon shorts have officially become my go-to for dates with my girlfriends, nights out and afternoon family get togethers.
* American Eagle wedges (I wore these in the winter with tights and added fur like with this add fur DIY).
* Accessories: MK watch, Mexican bangle & Dollarama hoop earrings.

Oh Friday, thank God you're here.  This has been one of those week's where it's not planned to be busy, but then turns out to be busy.

On Monday morning to work, my car broke down, so I sat in the 8:30am heat for about an hour for the tow truck to come.  On the bright side, I got to enjoy some beautiful morning sunshine and weather. 

My car was towed to my parent's house as my Dad is a (retired) mechanic and can often help.  After two days of trying to diagnose the problem, ordering parts and trial and error, he found the problem and saved me over $500 (aren't Dad's wonderful!?).  In the mean time, my girl friend was driving me to and from work (so sweet) and another picked me up one night to hang out and dropped me off later.  Two nights ago I went and test drove a car I'm in love with and now have a lot to think about.

What's up this weekend?  I'm planning to do a lot of sleeping in (too many late nights this week and I'm spreading myself thin) and spending the rest of the time outside and with my girl friends.  I can't wait for the clock to strike 4pm today, that's when the party truly begins.

Have a great weekend!

 Outfit deets:
* American Eagle cardigan, fairly new but was on super sale & you've seen once before with a skirt and my neon orange Louboutins.
* Sirens top (new!), I picked this up about a month ago and have already worn it twice (including the day my J.Crew bubble necklaces arrived in the mail).  I love the colour, the ruffle and there is a zipper detail (and another ruffle) on the back.  
* H&M white denim pants that I've worn with lots of colour on Easter.
* Sam Edelman 'Sophie Low' wedges (new!) that I've already worn at least four times since getting less than two weeks ago.
* Accessories:  Suzy necklace, Gucci shades, Old Navy (green) bangle, garage sale charm bracelet & F21 faux diamond bangle.


Outfit deets:
* Alexandre Bartlett top from Winners (old)
* Mexx bubble skirt (old) that's been worn with a navy and baby blue colour blocked top
* Accessories: J.Crew necklace & Joe Fresh bangle

Colour explosion!

When I wore this outfit I felt like I was wearing a lot of colour.  Looking at the photos now?  Not so much.

I think in person though. rocking three brights at once is not something that comes easy for most.  It certainly doesn't for me.  Wearing one bright is enough, two is slightly intimidating and three is something I never thought I'd go for... until now.

I've been pushing my 'fashion box' limits lately, and wearing lots of colour is part of that.  I used to be a big neutral person, but I'm trying to take advantage of the big colour-blocking (and neon) trend that is happening for this spring and summer.  It's actually gotten to the point where I'm now no longer even wanting to wear neutrals!  I am constantly going for the colours in my closet, versus the black and greys.  Success!

How do you feel about wearing a lot of colour ?


Later that day, some girlfriends and I went out for a movie and drinks, so I slipped on my neon pink shorts and kept the rest of the outfit the same.  Now how's that for adding even more colour!
 


Other ways I've multiple colours:
* Bright accessories: shades, pashmina & necklace
* Purple dress, orange necklace (a suggestion from a friend)
* Watermelon colours (I love this)
* The 'Easter threw up on me' outfit

After lusting after the Ann Taylor Elizabeth flats, I swore up and down that if I was able to find a pair of nude flats, I would recreate them myself (at a fraction of the cost).  

Enter Ardene flats.

I was so ecstatic when I saw these puppies and when they had one pair in my size left, I almost squealed.  Now it was just a matter of choosing between neon pink or yellow for the cap toes (both of which I had already).

Let's get started!

Supplies:
* Ardene flats $15
* Masking tape $1
* Paint brush $1

Tape off a cap-toe section.  I eye-balled it but used the bottom of the stitch line around the toes to line up my masking tape so it would match both shoes.

Paint.  Paint, paint, paint.  Seriously.  Neon nail polish isn't very opaque so it took me about 10 coats over the course of three evenings (that up there is about four coats).  The good news is it dries very quickly so you can bang out several coats quickly.  Another idea might be to use white nail polish first, as a base coat, and then the neon polish.

I ended up just pouring the nail polish onto the shoe, then spread it around with the brush.

I started using the nail polish brush, but it wasn't big enough.  Unfortunately the big paint brush was leaving brush strokes, but that's okay for the first eight coats or so.  When it started to be more opaque and was looking like I was getting close, I used the nail polish brush for the last two coats so there wouldn't be big brush strokes or patches.

Once finished, seal with a clear nail polish top coat.  Before I did this, I put my shoes on, walked around and the cap-toe started to crack.  In a panic I painted the clear nail polish on to seal it and it seems to have worked.


 Outfit deets:
* American Eagle cardigan (new!), I saw this sweater about a month ago while shopping with the BFF but passed on it.  After giving it some though, I should have purchased it and made an impromptu decision to call them and see if, by chance, they still had it (it was already on sale a month ago) and they still had one in medium!  I rushed to the store and picked it up in purple as well for $14 each.  Score (plus another neon item to add to my collection).
* Winners top that I bought over a year ago and wear quite frequently.
* Jacob skirt (old) and seen in one of my first outfit photos with a big orange necklace from India and nude fishnets.
* Christian Louboutin wedges.
* Accessories: vintage necklace, Auslini bangle & Suzy ring.
 
I'm getting my hair done this Saturday.

Conversation with someone went something like this:

Someone: (looking at a picture of me) "Wow, you're not really blonde anymore!"

Me: (looking at my roots, cinging) "What?  Yes I am, I just need to get my hair done... and having my car impounded and ticketed recently has left me with lack of funds."

Fast forward one day later & I have book an appointment for this weekend.

Okay then.

But in reality, it really is time to get these roots touched up.  I always wait till I'm at the I-can't-stand-this-any-longer point, where even my fresh, clean hair looks greasy due to mousey roots and/or I look as if I'm coppin' a half-way-to-ombre look, when in reality, I'm not.

And I mean... it was February when I got it last done.  If that's not getting your money's worth, I don't know what is.

 


Sorry for the lack of quality photos lately, my camera battery is dead and the charger is no where to be found.  I figure, better something than nothing, right?  Right?  Say right...
 Outfit deets:
* Trixxi dress from Ross.  So I picked up this little number in Florida last year and it was a deep, bright sunny yellow.  I, at the time, was on a wash-my-new-clothes-before-wearing-them kick and tossed this in the wash when I got back home before I ever wore it.  Pulled it out 40 minutes later and I had a neon lime-ish coloured dress.  Wah wah.  I ended up letting it sit in my closet for the past year until (hoorah!) this year where neon is super in and I feel really excited (and 'ready') to wear it.  I tried to wear it last week only to discover the hemline felt too short for work so on Wednesday night I finally let the hem down (it was about two inches) and then finished the edge et voila!
* Aldo wedges which are somewhat of a go-to for me (hello, nude suede, they match all) and have been seen before with pink pants, twice, a leather mini skirt at night and also with nude fishnets.
* Accessories: Joe Fresh & Swarovski bangles (both birthday gifts from my sister from different years), Costa Blanca bangle & Emily Elizabeth 'Faith' necklace.

Happy Friday!  I'm so excited for the weekend and to sleep in!  Well, sort of.  Tomorrow there is a huge garage sale happening (it's an annual thing, which btw I missed last year, ugh) and it starts early; as in, I will be aiming to get there for 7:30am.  I know.  This is very unlike me, getting up early on the weekend, that is, but it's worth it for some of the bargains you can find.  I went two years ago and found some amazing crap, including a pair of real True Religion jeans for $5 (are you kidding me!?).

On top of that, last night my girlfriend and I started a new tradition (I hope!), it's called, 'Winners Hopping' and it's all about visiting various Winners locations in one night.  We grabbed some quick dinner from the grocery store in between the two stores we managed to tackle and had a very successful night.  We both came home with a couple bags of goodies which I will share with you soon.

Lastly, I will be celebrating a friend's birthday on Saturday night, which I'm really looking forward to (girls night!) and in case my 7am rise-and-shine time is too brutal, I've alloted myself a few free hours during the day on Saturday to nap so I'm in top shape that evening.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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