Outfit deets:
* Gap cardigan (old) which has a hold in the side seam and I've safety pinned it closed (ghet-to).
* Sirens tank/cami that has a ruffle on the front and the racer-back zipper; you've seen this with white skinnies.
* Forever 21 skirt (old) which is probably the prettiest and girliest skirt I own.  It's stunning, well-made and romantic and although I don't wear it a ton, I'm so glad I purchased it for less than $30 a couple years ago in Montreal.  You've seen with with a black lace top and during the Fall surrounded by beautiful scenery (and I'm wearing booties).  See a similar skirts I own in outfit posts in peach, pink & grey (love this one).
* Zara shoes, probably my favourite shoes of the moment, I want to wear them everyday but don't let myself.  You've seen them with a faux leather peplum top and with faded neon denim.
* Accessories:  American Eagle belt (old), Gucci sunnies & gifted circle bracelet, American Eagle & F21 bangles.

Happy Monday!

Since I live in Canada, I have a long weekend and am off today, hence why there is no weekend recap yet; my weekend is still going!  I will be back tomorrow with a full recap, hope you have a great day.

 Outfit deets:
* Dynamite skirt (old).
* Aldo wedges which I've had for years and these are my second pair.  I DIY studded the first pair I owned.
* Accessories: A.Co Designs necklace & bracelet, Old Navy bangle & Gucci shades.

Outfit deets:
* Brody Myles top via Winners, seen here with red pants and boots.
* InSight skirt (new!) via Winners.
* Vince Camuto 'Kastern' sandals (new-ish!) which you've seen with here with my crochet shorts.
* Payless nude pumps (new-ish!) which I've worn a lot including with dark denim skinnies and a purple top as well as with a thrifted purple dress.
* Accessories:  Aldo necklace, F21 square bangle & Gucci shades.

Let's talk about dating.

Dating can be fun.  Dating can be exciting.  Dating can be complicated, exhilarating and nerve-wracking.  Dating can be down-right disastrous.

I think we have all had our fair share of good, bad and ugly dating experiences.  My question is though, when you see red flags, when do you throw in the towel?  How bad does it have to get before you say goodbye?

I think it's important to set standards for yourself, of what you will and will not accept when it comes to choosing a romantic partner.  I think those standards can get a little foggy when you are wow'ed by other things that seem so great, and at the same time compromise is also important.  They always say hindsight is 20/20 so often looking back upon an experience you can say, 'Yes, there were many red flags that I chose to ignore'.

Be brave if you comment, what is the longest relationship you've had with someone that you knew was not a good fit for you?

Outfit deets:
* Costa Blanca top (new & thrifted) which I have in white and seen with a black, lace (thrifted) pencil skirt.  I bought the white one many years ago in a size small.  This black one is an extra large.  The white one is far too tight for my liking (it looks pretty tight in these pictures, but I liked it like that, back then) now so I'm happy I found it in black as it's such a pretty top.  Smart Set cami underneath.
* Tribal skirt (thrifted) which I've worn twice already (love it) but this is the first time on here.
* Guess pumps (which you've seen a million times).
* Accessories: Emily Elizabeth Jewelery necklace, Joe Fresh bangle (gifted from my sister for my birthday), F21 bangles & Gucci shades.

Wednesday!  Hoorah!  Middle of the weekend closer than ever to the weekend.

This week has been kind of a slow week, and yet I feel so exhausted.  On Monday evening, my girl friend and I helped another friend start packing up her place (she's moving in a month) and she made us an amazing dinner.  Afterwards we indulged in The Bachelorette and strawberry shortcake.  While I've been hoping to get some sewing done, it just hasn't happened, but I have stayed on top of my dishes, which is pretty incredible (my nemesis).

This weekend is my sister's bridal shower and I couldn't be more excited.  It was a surprise, but unfortunately someone ruined it (doesn't that just make you so mad when that happens!?), however, it's still going to be an amazing day.  So between doing last minute prep for that, getting organized and enjoying the beautiful weather, well, I guess it's understandable that I could use some extra shut eye.  But, it's summer, and I always say, 'Who cares, it's summer!  We can sleep come winter!'  And it's true.  I want to make the  most of my summer, even if that means being a little more tired than normal as these are the best days of our lives and we should enjoy them!  

Have a wonderful day.  xo

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

Old Navy top, F21 skirt (last seen here), Guess heels (last seen here), Givenchy tights, H&M necklace, MK bracelet & F21 bangle

I finally wore this top after raving about it in my Boxing Day shopping video (okay fine, I wore it for an evening in one time, but that doesn't really count) and sure enough, I wasn't the only one that loved it.  Tons-o-compliments and I think it's just because it's so pretty, almost unexpected and I paired it with the girly skirt.  This is major girly-ness happening over here, and I kind of love it.  It's fun to dress feminine and really girly, for me anyways.

So, as I type this, I'm sitting at the airport (how cool is that?!) waiting for my flight.  I have some snacks packed to deter me from eating plane food (but I have to admit, I secretly kind of like it) and I'm pretty pumped I will be in Florida by this afternoon.  However, another reason as to why I'm even more excited for today?  I'm meeting Jamie from GlamLatte in Florida!  It was by total fluke that this is supposed to work out and we are both looking forward to it.  Basically, she is flying out and I am flying in, we're making our paths cross at the airport in order to have lunch and officially meet.  After two years of emailing, skyping and being BBFF's, it's about time!  Exciting!  I'll be sure to share photos.

 Dynamite blazer, H&M dress (worn as a top & last seen here), Stitches skirt, unknown tights, Aldo booties (last seen here), Suzy necklace, Pandora, Dynamite & F21 bracelets

First off, thank you all so much for the amazing comments, yet again, on yesterday's post.  You all brought a big smile to my face; your compassion and empathy, your kindness and sweet words all mean so much.  Thank you.

So in other news, I am so excited: I just booked my flight to Florida!  Ya!  I wasn't planning on going down this year (financially it just wasn't feasible) but things have changed and I am going!  Yipee!  I'm so excited to spend a week and a day on the beach, wearing sandals, eating at my favourite US restaurant (Chili's) and spending some QT with my parents (they go every year and rent the same condo).

I packed a couple weeks ago and sent a suitcase down with my parents (they drive) so I wouldn't have to (a) lug a big suitcase through the airports (simply a carry-on now), and (b) have to pay additional fees to check my baggage.  Not having to think about packing in itself is a stress reliever (more on what I packed later). 

However, the one thing I am 'stressed' (if you can even call it that) about is reading material.  I love to read (especially on the beach) and am currently reading a book, but not obsessed with it (obsessed in the I-will-finish-this-in-a-few-days obsessed).  I'm looking to you dear readers for some good book recommendations.  Are you reading anything right now that I simply must check out?

I wanted to share this photo to give you guys a sneak peak into my new apartment (finding space for my shoes is a work in progress!), plus I kinda liked the photo.


Related posts:  


 F21 top, Mexx skirt (last seen here), Lilliana pumps (last seen here) / Aldo booties (last seen here), unknown belt, Givenchy fishnets, Suzy necklace & various bangles

I used to plan outfits around my shoes, but in the past year that has changed.  Now I tend to pick the shoes last (unless I have a new pair that I want to rock purposely) and sometimes I an indecisive; case in point, the outfit above.  

I couldn't decide on the girly ruffle pumps or the edgier wedge booties.  I ended up going with my plain black pumps (the ol' tried 'n' true) as I wanted something feminine and while I love those Lilliana pumps above, they don't stay on my feet very well when I'm walking around (which I do a fair amount of at work).

Which look do you prefer?
F21 jacket (last seen here), Smart Set turtleneck, F21 skirt, unknown tights, 
Aldo flats &booties (last seen here), Suzy necklace & ring

The weekend is finally here (and passing ever so quickly, of course).  This week has been a tough one for getting out of bed in the mornings.  I love sticking to the sheets; the earlier, the stickier.  However, the weekend is finally here which means sleeping in and doing fun (non-work-related) things.  I'm currently out of town brought my laptop with me and was able to get an Internet connection.  The weather is crisp and cool and you can see your breath, perfect for a night in with fresh home-made Indian cuisine, Queen Elizabeth cake for dessert and some of my favourite people. 


 H&M dress (worn as a top, last seen here), Joe Fresh pants & necklace,
Gap wedges (last seen here) & Charlotte Russe ring

Red reminds me of French.  Why, you ask?  I'm not sure why, actually, it just does.  I speak French, technically.  For my job it was a requirement, and I worked oh-so-hard to pass my exams (reading, writing & oral) a few years ago, only to practice less and less and see signs that I'm losing my French.  If you don't use it, you lose it (popular saying... that sadly seems to be holding true in my case).

I started learning French in grade 1 and took it every year from then on until I graduated high school.  Typically, after grade 9 you can drop the French course, but I continued (one class per year) in order to (hopefully) maintain.  It provided somewhat of a base for me, but when the pressure to get a permanent job was put on me, pressure that relied on my language skills, it felt as if I'd never spoken a day of French in my life.  The stress was enormous; I was doing ten hours per week of language training (via night school, a private tutor, and a semi-private tutor) and there were definitely bouts of tears.  However, in the end (aka four months later), I passed my exams and got to stay in my job (and move up eventually).

Do you speak any other languages?  When did you learn?  Did you struggle like me?

  
Old Navy top, Mossimo skirt, BCBG heels, Suzy necklace, Auslini bangle & F21 ring

I stopped by my parent's place the other evening and convinced my mom to take my outfit shots for me (she did a good job, 'eh? Yes, I just said 'eh' because that's what we do in Canada).  Despite it looking beautiful out, it was chilly and I had to bribe her with dinner and one free voucher to vacuum her house.  Okay, that's not true.  I didn't have to bribe her but I did have to vacuum. ... Okay, that's not true either, she did it out of the goodness of her own heart.  Aw.  Aren't moms great?

Spence cropped jacket (thrifted), H&M dress (last seen here), Sirens leggings, Bamboo boots, Suzy belt, Emily Elizabeth necklace,  g21 sunglasses, Swarovski bangle, Michael Kors bracelet & Bijoux Terner beaded bangle

You guys!  Something totally exciting happened to me on Monday night.  As some of you know, I do Zumba and have for two years.  I absolutely love this cardio work out and as a former dancer, it's awesome to be doing choreographed dance again (unlike when I just randomly dance around the house).

Back to the story exciting-ness.

So I'm in class on Monday, waiting for our teacher to arrive.  The class is set to start at 4:30pm, and there are about 30 women waiting.  Well, 4:30pm came and went and still no teacher.  A few minutes later, an employee of the gym told us our teacher was no where to be found and we could wait, but class would likely be canceled.  As we all stood around feeling defeated, one woman pointed at me and said, 'You should teach the class!'.  Another chimed in, 'Yeah, you're really good,' and then another, 'Yeah, do it!'.  Next thing I know, I'm fetching my iPhone from my locker and hooking it up to the stereo system in the class, jumping on stage and teaching an hour long zumba class.  What!?  I know. 

It was so exhilarating and while I've had several people, including instructors, suggest I become certified to teach over the years, I've never actually taught a class.  I was so nervous but didn't want to go home either.  I came to sweat, and sweat we did.  I had some of the songs on my phone, the others I YouTube'd.  Sometimes I messed up the choreography and sometimes I killed it.  I even free-styled for one song which wasn't terrible and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.  At the end of the class, everyone was clapping and cheering like crazy for me and numerous women were coming up to me thanking me, telling me how awesome it was and how I should 'really look into teaching from now on', etc.  It was amazing.  Such a feel good moment and accomplishment.
Urban Behaviour trench
 Dynamite blazer (last seen here), Love Culture dress, Sirens leggings, Delicious booties (last seen here), 
Suzy necklace, various bangles & Guess bracelet

Isn't the top picture so cool?  There was a bus zooming by and the camera caught it. 

Do you guys have casual Friday at work?  We do, and every Friday is like the candy day of the week because I get to put together an outfit with jeans.  All week long it's pencil skirts, dresses and other more business-y stuff, but Friday, Friday is the day to let loose (well, not that loose) and be creative with denim.  And this is what happens.  The pressure gets to me, I try on six pairs of different jeans before deciding I cannot choose what to do with them and I put on something that would work just as equally from Monday to Thursday.  What is wrong with me!?

 Showing off my new Guess bracelet (a birthday gift from my SIL)

Annnd this is what happens when you put the camera on your car's spoiler with the 
vehicle still running (so I could jump back in at a moment's notice because it was cold).  Awesome.
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