January Favourites

Happy Wednesday and happy last day of January!! This past month- with the exception of the cold I have been battling for two weeks- has been a great month. I could have done without the ice and snow, but I love all the time I spent with family and friends. Girls Night- dinner and Pitch Perfect 3 during a snow storm- was the highlight of January. 

I thought it would be fun to share some of my favourite things from January!

 

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 I am a hot chocolate fan, and I am a Coffee Crisp fan. I tend not to like flavoured hot chocolates because it just doesn't taste like the intended flavour or the flavour is too powerful. But this is the perfect combination! It tastes just like a Coffee Crisp!

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I have purchased jeans from Old Navy before, and I'm not sure what prompted me to buy them. I wish I had discovered these jeans before!! I bought a pair of Boyfriend style jeans and they are so incredibly comfortable! What I really LOVE about these jeans is that while they are cropped, they are actually the perfect length for me and my 5'2"...no hemming necessary. 

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 I received the Caramel Cream lip conditioner by Scentuals in a subscription box months ago and I am addicted to this product! All natural, no real scent or taste to it, applies nicely, isn't sticky...so many things to love about this product! What makes it a favourite for me is that it actually smooths and hydrates my lips- which get super chapped in our cold, dry, Canadian winter. I usually apply when I get up in the morning, when I come home from work, and before bed- no need to constantly reapply for it to work.

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During the Boxing Week sales, I bought a pair of these PJ's from LaSenza. These are so comfortable! The pants are lightweight and the top is a great material- I basically want to live in these! I'm tempted to buy a pair in every colour!

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I had been meaning to buy a 4-port USB charger forever and finally got one. It has been life-changing. The model I have (pictured) has a USB that can plug into your computer or into a wall-adapter (which is what I do), and then there are four ports to plug your electronics in so they can charge. I went from having cables, plugs, and adapters everywhere- and not having enough plugs to plug everything into- to a streamlined, one outlet, charging station. My electronics now have a designated spot in my home and are always charged when I need them.

Fashion Friday- Kentucky Derby

Happy Derby Weekend!! I LOVE Kentucky Derby...it's one of my favourite days of the year! My family is a horse racing family, so watching the Derby is something I have done my whole life. Going to Kentucky for the Derby is on my bucket list- I would love to experience Churchill Downs in person!

 

This year, I will be cheering on Always Dreaming from the comfort of my home, but if I was at Churchill Downs, I would be wearing something like this:

Earrings // Hat // Necklace // Watch // Clutch // Shoes // Dress // Sunglasses

The great debate over when you are creating your Kentucky Derby outfit is do you start with the dress or the hat? Personally, I start with the hat! While technically a facinator, I built my outfit around this Christina A. Moore hat. I loved the shade of blue, the blue/black combination, the netting, the feathers...basically everything! 

 

I really wanted the hat to be the focal point of this outfit, and thought I would pair it with a white dress or a simple yellow dress. Then I came across this Isabeau Dress by Lilly Pulitzer and thought this shade would go well with the blue in the hat. What makes this dress work with the hat, even thought it has a bright colour, is that the cut, style, and lace detail of the dress is simple. I love how feminine this dress is- definitely something you would spot at the Derby!

Again, I wanted the hat to be the main part of this outfit, so I kept the accessories simple. Kentucky Derby is an all day affair- even though the actual race is only two minutes- and you are outside on gravel, dirt and grass, I opted to go with the Palm Beach Sandal by Jack Rogers. Classic, comfy, and perfect for Derby! This Rose Dial Metro watch by Kate Spade is an homage to the Kentucky Derby's nickname- Run for the Roses. The Straw Derby Clutch by Vineyard Vines was designed specifically for this year's Kentucky Derby, so of course I had to include it in this outfit!

This is an outdoor event, so you do need to dress for the weather. The perfect Derby day is of course sunny and warm, so I didn't incorporate rain or outerwear in this outfit, but I did include these Bayleigh Sunglasses also by Kate Spade.

I don't think a ton of jewellery is needed for any Kentucky Derby outfit, but if you insist on wearing some, keep it classic with a pearl necklace and pearl studs.

Fashion Friday- Sunday Brunch

I must admit, one of my favourite things in the world is Sunday brunch with my grilfriends followed by an afternoon of shopping. There are so many things I like about this- breakfast food, sunny afternoons walking around, spending time with my best girls. 

Another thing I love is that there are so many outfit choices when it comes to brunch- anything goes! 

Cardigan // Dress // Purse // Watch // Necklace // Shoes

With the warm, Spring weather I am living in dresses! I love the colour of this dress from Old Navy! I know that people tend to lean towards pastel colours in the Spring, but I am all about this bold blue! 

 

I love the colour combination of blue and yellow, and this yellow cropped sweater from The Bay is not only perfect for those Spring days that have a bit of a chill, but it looks amazing with this shade of blue!

Because the dress and cardigan are such bold colours, I opted to keep the accessories more subtle. Wedges are the perfect Spring shoe...they give you the height of heels with the flat sole of flats so you're not sinking into the fresh Spring ground. I love these wedges from Payless- they keep this look casual. 

The straw from this Kate Spade purse goes well with the wedges, and how adorable is that bow detail?! This watch, also Kate Spade, is great for Spring because nothing is more Spring than flowers. Finally, I added this gorgeous flower necklace from AU Rate. I love how beautiful and classic this necklace is. It could almost be a Sunday Brunch outfit staple, as it would go with everything!

Fashion Friday- Denim

I have been seeing tons of pins on Pinterest recently about curated closets, and must have pieces. I thought it might be fun to share some of my wardrobe staples. Over the next few months I will be sharing pieces that I think everyone should have in their wardrobe. This week, we are talking about one of my favourite wardrobe staples- denim!

Straight // Skinny // Boyfriend // Skirt // Jacket // Shorts

I think we can all agree that denim is a wardrobe must! I love that denim comes in so many different styles and washes! General rule, the darker the denim, the more 'formal' it is; I am seeing dark denim being worn in all kinds of office settings. Add a blazer, pair of heels, statement necklace and you will look at home in the boardroom- at least in a boardroom where the dress code is business casual. 

Straight jeans, skinny jeans, and denim skirts are so versatile and can be worn in a variety of settings. I would live in boyfriend jeans if I could...so comfortable! Denim shorts are perfect for summer and jean jackets just scream cool girl. 

 

When it comes to denim, I think it's a good idea to have a pair of black denim jeans and it's fun to own coloured denim. Mint denim is perfect for Spring! While you can buy worn denim, I prefer to buy darker wash denim and wear the heck out of the pieces until it gets faded and/or frayed naturally. I have a denim skirt that my mom is constantly telling me to throw out because it's so worn; it took me about two years to get it faded and worn- I won't part with it until there are holes!

Like most items in my wardrobe, denim can easily be transitioned from day to night, can be worn to the office, for date night, or on weekends with friends. Denim can be found at multiple price points, but I think denim is worth investing in; you'll wear it for years and it won't go out of style. 

Tops // Knits // Bottoms

Fashion Friday- Bottoms

I have been seeing tons of pins on Pinterest recently about curated closets, and must have pieces. I thought it might be fun to share some of my wardrobe staples. Over the next few months I will be sharing pieces that I think everyone should have in their wardrobe. This week, we are talking about bottoms!

Suit Pants // Capri // Shorts // Suit Skirt // Pencil Skirt // A-Line

What I like about bottoms, is that there are so many varieties; cut, style, colour, patterns, texture- so many options! 

While believe that all wardrobes should have a suit pant, suit skirt, pencil skirt, a-line, skirt, shorts, and capris...there is the opportunity to select what speaks to you. For example some people would prefer a midi pencil skirt, while others would prefer a mini pencil skirt. Some would like black suede, which others would like hot pink cotton. There is so much opportunity to really personalize and make a statement. 

I will admit that I am a skirt/dress girl; wearing one almost every day. I just think they are more comfortable than pants. Pick what you like and what makes you comfortable. 

 

 

Tops  //  Knits  //  

Put A Bow On It February Deluxe Box Review

Put A Bow On It is a Canadian, monthly, lifestyle subscription box. I had subscribed to this box in the past and decided to give them another try. They offer two boxes, Premium (which I reviewed last week) and Deluxe, which I am reviewing today.

The Deluxe box is $36/month plus shipping. You will get 4-5 items a month that are lifestyle related and that fit the theme for that month. The Deluxe and Premium boxes have different themes and items. The theme for the February Deluxe box is Love and is said to have a retail value of $61.00

• Votive Candle Holder & Candle This holder came in 4 different colours, and I'm glad that I got red- It's my favourite colour! In general, I'm not a fan of candle holders...to knick-knack-y/dust collector for me. With that said, it is pretty and I'm trying to think of another use for it. 
• "If You Can Read This, Bring Me Some Wine" Socks How adorable are these socks?! I am not a fan of socks...I prefer bare feet and being able to wiggle my toes. Every once and awhile I do wear socks. Looking forward to wearing these!
• Cherry Pick Double Pearl Earrings- Matte Black While...this exact same product, but in white, was in the Premium box. This is the first time, I believe, that Put A Bow On It has had the same product in the Deluxe and Premium boxes. I was disappointed to see a repeat product, but I do like the black earrings better than the white earrings. These are labelled as "pearl" earrings, but they are actually black ball earrings. 
• Gold Feather Stemless Champagne Glasses- Set of 2 I. Love. These! I had never heard of stemless champagne glasses, but these are great! I'm excited to add them to my bar!

I don't necessarily think that subscriptions boxes need to have a crazy value, but I do think that the value of the box should at least equal the price of the box. I know the product cards (which does not list individual prices) says the box has an $61 value...I have a hard time believing that. I think, at best, this box has a $40-$45 value. I'm ok with this, because that's about what I paid. 

A lot of people prefer the Premium Box because of the 'higher value'. I actually prefer the Deluxe box- at least for February, I thought the Deluxe box was a better value and contained better items. I'm not really sure how the items fit the "Love" theme, but I still think there were some great items this month!

As a Canadian, I really want to support this Canadian Subscription and I really want to love it. for March, I canceled my Premium subscription and am just subscribe to the Deluxe. I'm going to try it out for a couple more months and see  what happens.  

Fashion Friday- Knits

I have been seeing tons of pins on Pinterest recently about curated closets, and must have pieces. I thought it might be fun to share some of my wardrobe staples. Over the next few months I will be sharing pieces that I think everyone should have in their wardrobe. This week, we are talking about knits!

Classic Cardigan //  Crew Neck // V-Neck // Cashmere // Open Front Cardigan // Comfy

 

When I am buying clothes, I like to pick pieces that are versatile and can be worn at different times; at the office, girls night out, dates, weekends, days, nights, etc. With the exception of the comfy, cozy sweater, all of the knits are pieces that can be worn in a variety of settings. Even though it's not as versatile as other knits, I think it's a good idea to have that comfy, go-to knit for lazy days, super cold days, or days where you just want to wrap yourself in something warm.

 

Knits can be done in neutral or bright colours. Personally, I own several cardigans in different colours, and I wear them to add a pop of colour to my outfits. I also have neutral cardigans to go with and offset my colourful outfits. 

I have listed two kinds of cardigans- classic with buttons, and an open-front/draped cardigan. Open front cardigans are so flattering on different figure types. Both cardigans give outfits a different feel, which is why I think wardrobes should contain both. 

Tops //

Fashion Friday- Tops

I have been seeing tons of pins on Pinterest recently about curated closets, and must have pieces. I thought it might be fun to share some of my wardrobe staples. Over the next few months I will be sharing pieces that I think everyone should have in their wardrobe. I'm going to start off at the top with tops!

Button Down // Silk Blouse // Chambray // Polo // Shell // Tee

 

All of these tops can be transitioned from day to night, professional to fun settings. I personally like colour- which is why I selected a pink button down instead of the classic white- but I also think it's important for me to have neutral colours as well. With the exception of the shell top, it's also a good idea to have the tops in both short and long sleeves- especially if you live somewhere that experiences multiple seasons. Not pictured, but equally important, are tank tops; great for layering and a must for summer weather.

Fashion Friday: PJs

With the cold weather and the short days, there's nothing I want to do more than lounge around the house all day- reading, watching Netflix, drinking a warm beverage, and wearing pj's. 

Hudson's Bay Flannel Pajamas // Kate Spade New York Printed Chemise // Old Navy Cozy Pullover Fleece Hoodie & Old Navy Plaid Flannel Boxer // Lord & Taylor Boxed Jersey & Flannel V-Neck Pyjama Set // LaSenza Satin Pajama Set

Fashion Friday: Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Happy Friday everyone!! It has been awhile since I have done a fashion post...or posting in general...so I thought I would celebrate this first Friday of December by sharing some ugly Christmas sweaters! These are def not the ugliest Christmas sweaters I have ever seen, but they are kind of fun and readily available this holiday season!

Images Via Christmas Motif (H&M) // Merry Chrismukkah (Ardene) // Leg Lamp (Retro Festive) // All Wrapped By (Walmart) // Reindeer Christmas Sweater (Hudson's Bay)

Currently- November Edition

I have decided, after years of blogging, that I would jump on the 'currently' blog posts. I always enjoy reading other blogger's 'currently' posts, so I thought I would do my own, so here we go:

Watching

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 I am binge watching Don't Trust The B In Apartment 23 on Netflix. Halfway through the second-and final-- season. Love this show!

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The Circle by Dave Eggers is the book selection for my book club this month. I think this will be a good book! Look for a review later this month.

Listening

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I have been listening to a variety of Christmas music, including Pentatonix That's Christmas To Me.

Planning

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 I am moving! Between conference planning, I am planning a move. Moving is a hassle, but...

Feeling

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...it's exciting too! I'm dreading packing and actually moving, but I'm excited to have a new place, especially one that is all mine!

Wanting

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 I got my dad a Soda Stream last year for Christmas and he loves it and uses it all the time! I've been known to make a bottle or two for myself and bring it home with me...so I would love to have one of my own.

Loving

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I received the Loch and Key Scarf in two different subscriptions boxes and I LOVE it! It's so comfortable, lightweight but warm. I like that it can be used as a scarf or a blanket- which is what I use it for.

July // August // September // 

Currently- September Edition

I have decided, after years of blogging, that I would jump on the 'currently' blog posts. I always enjoy reading other blogger's 'currently' posts, so I thought I would do my own, so here we go:

Watching

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I am re-watching Season 2 in preparation of Season 3, which starts September 22.
  Reading

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This book is a bestseller and has everywhere this summer! I bought it earlier this summer and am just now getting around to reading it.  Listening

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Like most Canadians, I am listening to The Tragically Hip non-stop.

Planning

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My social calendar for September! There is a lot going on this month and I want to make sure I can do all of it- or at least the majority of it!   Feeling

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Sad that summer is over! I feel that summer went to quickly and I didn't have the chance to really enjoy it.
Wanting

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A black Kate Spade Clutch. I'm on the hunt!

Loving

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September! As much as I LOVE summer, September is my favourite month. The weather is still warm enough for the beach and other favourite summer activities, but the humidity is down and the tourists are gone. Plus fun fall activities like fairs and homecoming.  

July // August

Fashion Friday: Country Concert

Happy Friday everyone!! This has been such a long, busy, productive week and I am so excited that the weekend is here!! I will be heading up to the summer home to spend time at the beach and with family- it should be a good weekend!! 

In my opinion, summer weekends and concerts go hand in hand, especially country concerts! I am a HUGE country music fan, and while I don't have any plans to attend any concerts this weekend, I wouldn't mind heading to one! 

 

The next best thing? Styling an outfit for a country concert! Well, maybe not "the next best thing", but this is a pretty fun country concert outfit!

 

Hat // Belt // Boots // Dress //  Watch // Necklace

 

Something that sets country concert goers apart from other concert goers are the cowboy boots and hat! These gorgeous Turquoise Lace Boots from King Ranch Saddle Shop will stand out in a crowd and are a great statement piece for this outfit. The other statement piece is this Tourism Calgary Canvas Hat by Smithbilt Hats Inc. Smithbilt is basically the official hat supplier for the Calgary Stampede...they are iconic!

I am a fan of colour and I think that turquoise and pink are a beautiful and fun colour combination. This Cami Dress from Old Navy is not only perfect for a country concert, but it is super comfortable. I maybe own one or two or ten of these dresses in various prints and colours. 

For accessories, I decided to keep it simple. The colours in the Layered Cabochon Disc Pendant Necklace by Lucky Brand go beautifully with this dress and are a nice compliment to the boots. This bourbon coloured Textured Faux Leather Belt by Ralph Lauren and the Luggage Metro Watch by Kate Spade are the perfect finishing touches to this outfit. 

Now, if only I had somewhere to wear this outfit...

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!

Fashion Friday- Team Canada Hockey Game

Happy Friday!! I am so excited that it's Friday! This week seemed to drag on forever- it was a good week, don't get me wrong...just never ending! I have a busy weekend ahead of me, but some really fun things planned- like seeing one of my best friends (and hopefully convincing her we should go back to Cuba in the next few months) and visiting my great-grandmother, who I haven't seen in forever. 

What else am I doing this weekend? I will be attending 2016 IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) U18 Women's World Championships!! I'm excited to be cheering on Team Canada in their tournament opener. I will be experiencing the game from a VIP Suite, so be sure to follow me on Instagram to get an inside look. 

For this week's Fashion Friday- and the first one of 2016- I thought it would be fun to put together a look for the hockey game!!

 

Jeans // Hoodie // Shirt // Boots // Mitts

 

 

For this look, I wanted to put something together that would work well in a suite, yet be appropriate for the arena, and show support for Team Canada.

Hudson's Bay is home to the Canadian Olympic Collection and I wanted to incorporate pieces from the collection into this look- the women on the World Championship Team Canada are future members of the Canadian Olympic Team. 

 

The mitts (proceeds go towards supporting our Olympic athletes) are so iconic in Canada and everyone knows what they represent. The hoodie is also part of the Olympic collection. Both items are comfy, will keep you warm in a cold arena, and are a great way to show some team spirit! 

 

Classic Boot Cut Jeans by Tommy Hilfiger are not only appropriate for the arena, but when paired with this fantastic Crepe Shirt by Ralph Lauren- in one of Team Canada's colours- they are appropriate for the suite. I think a classic set of pearl earrings and a delicate gold chain would be perfect for this jean and shirt combo.

Finally, I would finish the outfit with these great Saida Heel Booties by Ralph Lauren. Not only will they keep your feet warm and be appropriate for the arena, but they also help keep this outfit classic- and suite appropriate. 

 

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend- I know I will!

Fashion Friday: Christmas

Happy Friday everyone!! It's hard to believe that Christmas is one week today!!! I am so excited to be in the places I consider home and celebrating with family and friends!! 

It's been ages since I've done a Fashion Friday post...but here is one for Christmas!!

Shirt // Watch // Earrings // Skirt // Ring // Shoes

We all know that, traditionally, red and green are colours associated with Christmas. I also associated plaid/tartan with the holidays. This Ralph Lauren Plaid Shirt combines all three. I love the cut of this Asymmetrical Pencil Skirt, also by Ralph Lauren. Plus, I like the higher end look of the skirt with the lower end feel of the shirt...what a great combination!

Besides being a Christmas colour, red is one of my favourite colours, so I decided to go with this red Sam Edelman Orella Sweetheart Suede Pump for this look. Since I went with a red shoe, I decide to pull in the other Christmas colour, green, for earrings and I thought with the collard shirt, a simple stud earring would be ideal. Emeralds would be ideal, but these Kate Spade Cueva Rosa Studs work too!!

 

Something else associated with Christmas? Gifts and pretty bows!! This Kate SpaKate Spade Fame and Flowers Pave Ring is a great addition to this look. Finally, to finish the look, another Kate Spade piece, Metro Champagne Pop Black Leather Strap Watch. I love the champagne bottle and bubbles...so festive!!

I really wanted the shirt to be the focus of this outfit, so I kept all other elements simple and elegant. I am so in love with this look and think it would be perfect for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day!

Fashion Friday: Baseball Game

Earlier this week, the Toronto Blue Jays won the ALDS against the Texas Rangers. It was a nail biter of a series and fantastic game five! As we get ready to #ComeTogether for the next round of playoff baseball, I thought it would be fun to style an outfit for a game- a Jays game, of course!!

Ribbon // Tshirt // Earrings // Hat // Cardigan // Bracelet // Boots // Jeans

When I think baseball game, I think jeans, a tshirt, and a ball cap. Of course you need to rep your team and how comfy do these Tommy Hilfiger jeans look?

Footwear for sporting events need to be practical, which these boots from Payless are. 

Being mid-October, it can get cold in the dome, so dressing in layers is key. I thought this Style & Co cardigan would be the perfect addition to this outfit. I love the ruffle and the fact that it compliments the jeans and tee. 

To finish off the look, I added some Blue Jays accessories; the hair ribbon (which will be covered by the ball cap, but was too cute not to include), Alex and Ani logo bracelet, and the logo hoop earrings.

Let's go Jays!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Fashion Friday- Sleepwear

Happy Friday!! I am so happy that this week is FINALLY over! It was a pretty good week, but I am definitely ready for the weekend!! Things have been so crazy, busy and a tad dramatic...I am ready to pull on my pj's and spend the weekend with Netflix. Unfortunately, I won't have that opportunity as I have a busy weekend ahead of me...but a girl can dream!!

And what girl wouldn't want to be dreaming (or watching Netflix) in this outfit?!

Robe // Tank // Slipper // Shorts

While do sleep in our sleepwear, we also lounge in our sleepwear; comfort is key, but so is style- and something you can wear around others!

Since the weather is still warm, I am all about the sleep short. They are so,so, so comfortable, and there are some super cute styles and prints available. But sometimes it's good to keep it pretty classic,  with these black shorts with white lace trim.

The perfect compliment to sleep shorts? A sleep tank!! Again a super comfy piece and still appropriate for the warm weather. I love this bright pink colour!!

Personally, I don't like slippers. Or socks. I spend as much time as possible barefoot. But these slippers were too cute not to share, and they just go so well with the shorts and tank.

While this outfit doesn't necessarily need a robe...you never know when you might need to throw one on and I believe that every girl should have a lux robe in her wardrobe. This CK robe is perfect! 

I hope everyone has a great weekend- and that you get to spend sometime in comfy sleepwear!!