Outfit deets:
* Vero Moda blazer (new!) that I picked up on Boxing Day.
* Serrani Italy dress from The Bay which you've seen in my What to Wear to a Wedding video last Spring.

We are having a serious warm snap--is that even a term?--right now so taking these photos outdoors wasn't completely unbearable, hooray for that.  The wind on the other hand?  It had a mind of its own.

I don't have too much planned for this week, I'm trying to leave it open in case there are last minute things to tend to for the baby shower I've planned for this weekend.  I want to share with you all so badly what I have up my sleeve but it will have to wait until afterwards as my bestie reads my blog and we're not in the business of spoilin' surprises up in here.

Happy Tuesday!



Photos by Lindsay Cameron.

Outfit deets:
* Dynamite faux leather blazer which you have seen many times, like with this black and white striped dress and of course was a gift from my parents last Christmas.
* Ardene dress (new!); I picked this dress up for $15 (!) the week before Christmas and they also had it in gunmetal sequins with a black chiffon bottom.  Run to your closest Ardene (if you're in Canada) to scoop this baby up as they are 50% off.
* Accessories:  Ardene (rose gold) belt, unknown tights & Aldo bangle (and again, not wearing shoes this year because I was at my parent's house and we stayed in for dinner).


Merry (belated) Christmas!

As I sit here and type this, I'm recovering from one of the nastiest bouts of flu I've ever had.  Sadly, I have been bed-ridden for the past two days, barely able to keep anything down or even climb out of bed (so fun!).  I'm finally starting to feel on the mend, but still stuck in bed and that's where I will be ringing in the new year.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and/or holiday, I absolutely did, and will share more with you 'next year' (hehe).  If you are planning a night out tonight, please be safe and have a ton of fun.

...Annnnnd, if you still don't know what to wear tonight, here is some inspiration!
 

Upcoming posts:
* Christmas Gifts.
* Christmas Recap.
* 2012 Recap.
* Cirque du Soleil Recap in Montreal (we made it there and back in a horrible snowstorm!).
* Annual Girls' Christmas Exchange Gifts.
* My new glasses (sneak peak!).

 Outfit deets:
* Sirens sweater which I purchased in the fall and didn't end up wearing it nearly as much as I thought I would over the winter.
* Stitches skirt - this is stretchy, double-thick cotton and I have it in several colours.  It's also the base I used to make my feather skirt.
* Aldo wedge booties which are one of my favourite pairs of boots I have, so much so I asked for them in black for Christmas (and got 'em!) and wore 'em with a leopard dress.  These ones have been worn with pink pants and with a skirt in the fall without tights.
* Accessories: F21 tights (which got a hole in them on my first wear, here, in the toes -cheap-), Guess bangle, PharmaPlus beaded bracelet, Pandora bracelet, Swarovski bangle & gifted square bangle.

I totally forgot about this pictures and they have come in real handy as I was kind of grasping at straws as to what to blog about today.  Always nice to have outfit shots that haven't been used... mind you, I'm long not wearing tights anymore and this outfit is from February. 

Here's a fun fact though, this is the outfit I was wearing when we sold our house/the night we signed the papers.  

It's hard to believe that house has been someone else's home now for over two months.  I thought I was going to have a super hard time letting it go, walking away from the first house I've ever owned, the first house I really made my own.  I went back and forth in my mind as to whether I should keep it (buy Mike out) or start fresh.  Every thought ran through my head: would I regret selling it?  Would I lose money if I sold it and then bought something else?  And if I kept it, could I handle the memories that house held?

Ultimately I decided I did not want to stay there (and neither did he) and we sold it.  The day before we closed officially I was there alone packing up the last few items that remained and it was certainly emotional.  As I filled up my car and locked the door for the last time I turned around to the house that used to be mine.  Ours.  With tears in my eyes I said my silent good bye and drove off forever.

And you know what?  To this day, I haven't experienced much sadness over it at all.  It's as if owning that house ran it's course and I think because we had it on the market for so long (eight months) it was just a relief to no longer pay a mortgage and rent.  The first month after we sold and I only had to pay rent was like, 'Wow! I have some spending money!' (and not like I'm rich or rolling in it or anything like that, but it sure is nice to not be tight every month anymore).  I think it also helps that we sold the house to this beautiful, sweet couple who were so happy and grateful.  That's just the icing on the cake.

Have you ever sold your house?  Did you find it hard to move?  Did you miss the house?

Outfit deets:
* Costa Blanca tweed-ish jacket that I've had for years.  Is a snug fit so I have to suck it in to close it, but I love the weight and colour.  I've worn it before with blue as well and a turtleneck under a dress.
* Joe Fresh dress (new!) that has a cool 'drapes/curtains' look and feel to it (also came in black and white).  The fabric is super heavyweight and the fit is kind of strange (roomy in the mid-section) but I liked the mod-ness of it, plus it has pockets.
* Bamboo otk boots that I have worn as my commute-boot all winter long and previously seen with jeans and a grey, thrifted jacket and also in a shopping post.
* Aldo wedges that can be worn with or without the ankle straps and that I have worn to death since getting them.  You've seen them with black skinnies (without the ankle strap), with denim and a leather jacket and with a pretty salsa dresss.  I also have them in brown seen here with layered tights and an olive ruffled skirt I love and with white skinnies.
* Accessories: H&M bangle, gifted square bangle, Pandora bracelet & Bay ring.

Welcome back Monday!

That is all.

Have  a great day!

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:  


Jessica Simpson blazer (last seen here). H&M dress, Sirens leggings, Aldo booties (last seen here), Pandora, Dynamite & F21 bracelets, Dollarama ring & Walmart multi-'A' necklace

I'm anxious.

Okay.

Well. 

Here's why:

I have a hair appointment on Thursday with my old colorist...the same girl that did Mike's hair for many, many years.  Years before she ever did my hair.  Basically, I ruined my hair with a box colour once, prompting it to turn goldfish orange, and she saved my life... er... hair.  And ever since then, we've been living in perfect-hair-colour harmony.  Until Mike and I split.  And then I figured, 'I can't go back there...it's his hair stylist...what will I say?!' (she came to our wedding!).  Even after Mike told me he doesn't go to her anymore, and I went somewhere else that was ridiculously over-priced and the girl turned my hair grey, I still didn't want to go.

However, I bit the bullet.

I called and made an appointment last week.

My appointment is this Thursday.

I'm very anxious.

The reason I'm going back to her though, is because she's amazing.  AH. MAY. ZING.  She gives me the perfect colour blonde, the price is great and I know what to expect (and she knows what I like).

I haven't coloured my hair since September and my roots are killing me.  With a potential seaside vaycay in my near future, I'm determined not to go down south with these roots because while I love the ombré look, I feel like I've missed that bandwagon and I hate jumping on after it's been a trend for over a year (with my luck, I'd likely 'jump on' only for it to be really dated in a month from now).  Plus, I simply love love love being blonde. 

Would a situation like this make you feel anxious?  Am I crazy?  Any tips? 
 
 Smart Set sweater (worn backwards), vintage lace skirt (thrifted &last seen here), unknown back-seam thigh-highs, Aldo pumps (last seen here) / Anne Michelle pumps (last seen here)

Another episode of 'This or That'!  You guys killed it in the comments section of my first post like this so I'm making this a reoccuring post.  I love hearing your opinions (some were good, some were like, 'I don't like that skirt - sorry,' and that's totally cool!  We can't all like everything everyone wears, the thing that matters is that the wearer loves it and feels good).  

Oh, and someone asked me if I wore the last TOT outfit to work, and the answer is yes.  Almost all my outfits on my blog are worn to work and I love getting creative with them.

This week, I decided to go with the all-black look, monochromatic (something I've been know to do before...) to keep things seamless.  However, the punch of a colour is sometimes nice in an otherwise colour-less outfit.  Which shoes do you prefer?


Joe Fresh dress, Qupid boots, American Eagle belt, uknonwn tights, Auslini bangle & Suzy necklace

So I finally put together an outfit so I can wear my new boots and what happens?  Fire alarm at work.  Ya.  I didn't even get to strap these puppies on since I wear a commute boot into work and change shoes when I get there (Canadian winters are harsh on shoes).  I got to work, fire alarm in full effect, so we are moved to another building... where we wait... for over an hour... to finally be told we can go home for the day.  Woohoo!! A real 'snow day' (it was snowing like crazy) which never happens but bummer because these shoes never saw the light of day.  Oh well, next time.

What are your plans for the weekend?  I plan to relax tonight, catch a movie tomorrow night and spend a whole lot of time relaxing.  Oh, and pancakes are on the menu for a Saturday morning breakfast (mmm, it's been a while).

Here are some fun links from around the web:


These closets are nuts.

I would love a pair of these flats in yellow.

Some great relationship tips anyone and everyone can apply.

People.  In love.

I know the holidays are over, but this ornament chandelier is simply awesome.


Have a great weekend! xo

 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?
 Reitman's blazer (thrifted), Joe Fresh dress, unknown tights, Aldo boots (last seen here), Ardene watch, Mexx & F21 bracelets, Hot Diamonds, Suzy & Sirens rings
 Alfred Sung dress, unknown tights, Aldo boots, Ardene necklace, Swarovski, F21 & Costa Blanca 
bangles & Charlotte Russe ring

I'm on a diet.  Ha.  Haha.  Hahaha.  That is laughable because I don't do diets (you think I have that kind of will power?).  So, I guess I'm not really on a diet, but as I sit here and type this, my stomach is growling despite just eating (cottage cheese with berries).  I am certainly watching my intake since completely over indulging throughout the holidays, and am trying to get back to eating clean.  However, I'm starving.  How starving?  I just ate two Vitamin C pills to drown out of cries of my angry stomach.

Okay, so I'm not that hungry, I have eaten today, and eaten well.  An egg white omelet for breakfast (with cheese and broccoli), an apple for a snack, turkey soup, (10) almonds and the cottage cheese.  Tonight I have plans for grilled chicken (going to use my panini press instead of my oven) and a large side salad with cherry tomatos and low-fat feta.  Are you bored yet?

I wouldn't say this is a New Years Resolution (that's far too cliché), just a kick start to get back into my regular routine.  You see, over the past few months I have been indulging maybe slightly too much.  Not to the point that's it necessarily noticeable to others (is it!?) but it is to me.  And I don't like it.  One bit.  Something must be done.  Also, I'm not really digging the way it's making me feel, and when that happens, it's time to kick your own butt, hence, precisely what I'm doing.

While perusing YouTube the other day, I came across a BodyRock.tv workout they had posted, which prompted me to their site (I had a friend who used to do their workouts and she raved about them).  Sure enough, tight lean bodies, friendly (and likeable) attitudes, and simple (but killer) workouts you can do in your own living room (or at the gym, if you have a membership like I do).  Awesome.  I'm taking one of the workouts (it's seven minutes; pu-leeze, you can do anything for seven minutes) to the gym tonight and going to give it a try after I hit the cardio.  Also, I was able to download the Gymboss interval timer app on my iPhone versus forking out the cash to purchase one, which means no waiting to try these workouts 'properly' and no excuses.

I find I often need some sort of variation, kick-start or newness for my workouts.  Zumba seems to be the only thing I've stuck with consistently (almost three years) but everything else gets pretty boring.  I recently tried Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.  Phew!  What a doozy.  Seriously killer.  There are three workouts (level 1, 2, and 3) and you do each for ten days before moving onto the next.  I certainly couldn't discipline myself to workout for 30 days in a row, but when I was lacking motivation to hit the gym, it was nice to go home and have an alternative in my living room.  That said, it didn't last long before I was unmotivated to workout from home, so back to the gym I went.

And now?  Well now I just found out that my favourite Zumba instructor might not be teaching anymore (the only time I can actually guarantee I will get my ass to the gym) and I want to cry (dra-ma-tic).  She was there when I started doing Zumba as a participant.  She started out by helping another instructor, she would teach one song a few times, and slowly she would teach half the class until she took over and it became her class.  She's amazing, and I don't want her to leave.  Wah wah.

That's all.  Happy eating.


 Max Studio top, Sirens shorts, unknown tights, Suzy necklace & ring & Bay ring

I hope you all had an excellent Christmas, I sure did!   My sister and I compromised and decided on a 9am start time for Christmas morning.  I got up, showered, and proceeded to put on my comfy clothes (why did I shower?  I packed an outfit to wear for unwrapping presents and ultimately decided I wanted to wear sweatpants and a hoodie.  Still works).  

I headed downstairs where my parents and sister were waiting to me.  We went into the living room to see what Santa brought us and he was good to me, that's for sure!  We then took a break, at cinnamon buns and croissants and drank coffee (which later turned into mimosas).  Then we got busy unwrapping our gifts and I have to say I have been spoiled and am very, very blessed (I'm going to do a post on the gifts I was fortunate to receive).

We lazed around that afternoon, reading our magazines, trying on new clothes, playing with new gadgets, etc.

After hours in sweatpants I changed into the above outfit (and did my hair) for Christmas dinner.  My grandparents came over and we stuffed ourselves.  More conversation and good times after dinner (which included more baked treats, thanks to my mom) late into the night.  I then proceeded to do some pre-Boxing Day online shopping late into the night and finished watching, 'What's Your Number' online (cute movie, the book is better, obviously).

I have to say it seems kind of funny posting an outfit without shoes, however, I wasn't leaving the house and we aren't wear-your-shoes-in-the-house kind of people (yuck.  I'm a bit of a germaphobe so the idea of wearing shoes in the house grosses me out.  Think of where you and your shoes have been... gym locker room, in your car, restaurants... public restrooms... 'nuff said), hence the no shoes.  If I was going out, I'd likely wear black pumps or ankle booties.


 
Urban Behaviour sweater, Material Girl skirt, unknown tights, Le Chateau boots (last seen here), Mexx necklace & Auslini bangle

Gap cardigan, Smart Set top (last seen here), Joe Fresh skirt, Aldo wedges (last seen here), H&M bangle & Suzy necklace

 Gap jacket (last seen here), Grace Elements top, Urban Behaviour sweater (cut in half to be a cardigan, last seen here), Forever 21 skirt, Guess heels (last seen here), Givenchy tights, Suzy belt & necklace, Club Monaco scarf, Dollarama sunnies & Auslini bangle

Monday is back again.  The weekend was good though, so let's hold onto those memories.  My weekend involved take-out times two, moving relatives, an attempted movie, an open house & time spent with my favourite people.  Oh, and and I washed my bedding.  Mmmm clean bed sheets, don't you just love that?

A high light of my weekend goes something like this:  I thought, for a few weeks now, that I had lost my (only) pair of designer sunglasses I've ever owned.  I've had them for less than a year, and wear them every. single. day.  Love them.  I'm not really one who owns much designer stuff either, so this is kind of a huge deal, you guys (after I discovered them missing, I bought the Dollarama sunglasses on my face you see above.  See?  Not owning a lot of designer stuff over here).  

An-y-wayz.

I have been pretty upset since that fateful day I opened their beautiful case to find them not there.  I was so diligent too, always using the case, always keeping track of them, how could I let this happen?!  I searched high and low, but kept it on the DL because I'm ashamed.  How could I lose something so small yet so expensive?  

So Friday night I'm at my parent's place in their garage, and only by fluke was I on the phone and didn't go inside just yet, when I looked up to see my Gucci shades sitting on the a shelf!  What!?  All this time!?  It was like the angels came down from the heavens and sang to me.  Okay.  Not quite, but I was pretty damn excited.  And relieved.  And I can tell you all this now because they have been found.  When I went inside my parent's were all nonchalant like, 'Oh ya, we forgot to tell you they were left here a while back...' but then again, my mom has no idea what Gucci is.

 Joe Fresh top & skirt, Aldo wedges (last seen here), unknown tights, Club Monaco belt, 
Ardene necklace & Costa Blanca bangles

These photos were taken at 5:10pm.  Welcome to November.  It gets dark so early now, it's almost depressing.  The only thing that is saving me is the still-visible grass.  If you could advise the weather man to prepare the snow for Christmas Eve, that'd be great.  Just great.

When I put on this skirt with the chocolate brown fishnets, it just felt too scandalous for work.  The skirt is somewhat on the short side for me but I didn't want to give up the look of texture on my legs.  In a quick decision (as I was running late) I decided to try layering my tights and it worked.  Chocolate brown opaque tights underneath the chocolate brown fishnets I had initially chosen. 
 
 Smart Set trench coat (thrifted) & Stitches fur stole
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. 


 Joe Fresh jacket (last seen here), H&M dress, unknown tights, Aldo heels (last seen here) & Suzy necklace

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