June Gloom

As I was getting ready for work a few days ago, I couldn’t help but think how there was no truer statement to describe the weather than June gloom. The sky was grey, the rain was falling, it looked as though it would never be sunny again.

I followed suit with my ensemble, choosing monochromatic grey, black and white - all the way down to my choice of nail polish - but accented it with a pop of blue, just to lift the spirits a little.

It was also the perfect opportunity to break out my new-to-me Nine West pumps, a fabulous find at Value Village this past weekend. I don't normally like to buy used shoes (or used anything for that matter) but they are in near perfect condition - too good to pass up!

Tanks - Smart Set; Cardigan - Zara; Pants - Talula Babaton, Aritzia; 
Shoes - Nine West (thrifted); Necklace - gifted; Nail Polish - Chinchilly by Essie

Because it was freezing that morning I threw on a cardigan to avoid hypothermia, not that I minded, they are some of my favourite pieces of clothing, just not in June.

Hopefully this gloom passes soon; I'm ready for sunshine and sundresses!

Spotty Weather

For the past few days, they have been predicting spotty weather in Ottawa. One minute gorgeous sunshine; the next black skies and roaring thunder and lightning - there was even hail at one point. This makes dressing particularly hard.

So, I decided that if Mother Nature was going to be spotty, than so was I.

To combat the ever-changing weather, I chose a black polka dot dress and a pair of flats to get me through the day.

Because the dress has a high neckline and collar I chose to keep my accessories simple, opting for just earring and a necklace.

The spotty weather had nothing on me that day!

Dress - H&M; Shoes - Aldo; Earrings - Magpie; Necklace - Gifted

Conference Dressing: Day Four

Getting up and going to work was the last thing that I wanted to do at 6:15AM the day after the president's banquet.

I'd spent the night singing and dancing until 1AM and five hours of sleep was not nearly enough. But, duty called, so I pulled on my trusty Toms and got ready for my last (half) day at the conference.

Because the weather in Saskatoon refused to co-operate, I pulled on a cardigan to complete the look and keep me from freezing.

Shirt & Tank - Smart Set; Cardigan - Zara; Pants - Talula Babaton from Aritzia; Shoes - Toms; Necklace - Gifted 

Just like my Toms, coffee was an integral part of my morning that day - I wouldn't have made it through without 'em!

Conference Dressing: Day Three, Part Two

After a day spent running around in my Toms (check out the full story here), I ran back to the hotel to make a quick change and got ready for the President's Banquet.

An event known for it's hours long dance party, I knew I couldn't pull out the stilettos - frankly, I don't think my feet could have handled it - but I couldn't go without heels, so I strapped on my wedges and boogied the night away.

Again, I opted for a dress with pockets - perfect for holding my drink tickets and banquet ceremonies script (to make sure everyone stays on track; which they didn't - but what can you expect once the wine starts flowing?!)

Dress - Banana Republic Petites; Espadrilles - Aritzia; Trench - H&M

By the end of the night, not even not even Toms could make my feet feel better - but that's the sign of a great night, isn't it!

Conference Dressing: Day Three, Part One

By day three of the conference I had all but given up on wearing heels. I'd even given up on the flats that had little support. I traded these in for my new red Toms.

They added the perfect pop of colour that this otherwise all-black ensemble needed.

Although I wouldn't wouldn't wear my Toms into the office on a regular basis, I felt that it was not only necessary at the conference, but the rest of my outfit made up for their casual-ness.

Shirt and tank - Smart Set; Pants - Talula Babaton from Aritzia; Shoes - Toms

Plus, they're just so comfy, I couldn't resist.

Black, White and Red all over

Taking a quick break for the Conference Dressing series of blog posts, this week I was back from Saskatoon and in the office once again - and back in what I would consider normal summer weather - above 12C.

To celebrate my return home, I decided to bust out my confidence outfit and strut my stuff (in my 8x8 cubicle).

Shirt, skirt, belt - Jacob; Shoes - Aldo

It's so nice to be home!

What's your confidence outfit?

Conference Dressing: Day Two

For the first day of the conference I was all gung-ho about wearing heels and keeping up with the business casual look. After that first 14 hour day in wedges, I quickly abandoned that plan. Thankfully I'd packed flats.

For day two, which was also the morning I woke up and it was 1C - quite the shock when I'd been promised 30+C weather - I chose a mono-chromatic look - who doesn't love a good grey and black outfit!

Dress - Le Chateau; Cardigan - Zara; Trench - H&M; Shoes - Aldo; 
Watch - Fossil; Necklace - Gifted

And as always, I finished off the look by accessorizing with my staff bib - nothing makes an outfit pop better than some paper and plastic on a bungee cord!

How do you overcome fashion road blocks (i.e., unexpected temperature, hours in heels)? Share your tips!

The Dog Days of Summer

After spending a week in Saskatoon where the temperatures were near freezing, I was not prepared for the humidity that Ottawa was presenting me upon my return. Even though we are far from the dog days of summer, I decided to celebrate the heat by wearing dogs - well, poodles that is (which FYI was just named as one of the newest trends by Who What Wear)

Although it's one of my favourite shirts, it has a tulip back, so I normally only pull it out on the weekends. With the extreme heat and humidity I wanted something flowy while at work, so I paired it with my favourite pencil skirt and tucked it in to conceal it's lack of back-coverage.

It was perfect!

The best part of this outfit was that it easily transitioned from day to night. All I needed was a swipe of lipstick and I was ready for a night on the town with the boy.

When it feels like the dog days of summer, why fight it! It's always better to join 'em!

Blouse - Final Touch from Barefoot Contessa; Skirt - Jacob; Espadrilles - Aritzia;
Earrings - SmartSet; Lipstick - Covergirl Ever Red-dy 

Conference Dressing: Day One

I was lucky enough to be asked by my company to attend our annual general conference held this year in Saskatoon. I've been working there for less than two months so I knew this meant I was doing something right.

For the days leading up to the conference I checked the weather network hourly - in order to help myself pack smart and efficiently. When I left Ottawa I thought I had it all figured out.

Mother Nature clearly didn't like this; so, she decided to change the 30C weather that was promised to 12C windy, rainy weather. Needless to say I was not prepared for my petite prairie adventure.

However, I made the most of it.


Day One


The most important day. This would be the first time I would be meeting the President and Board of Directors, so I had to look my business casual best.

Because I was expecting mid-summer type weather, I had a lot of sundresses, so for the first day I settled on my newly acquired silk dress from Banana Republic.

To accomodate for the near arctic weather that Saskatoon was presenting me, I decided to accessorize with a cardigan (you will soon note they are some of my favourite pieces).

Feeling great and with coffee in hand and I was ready to go.

Dress - Banana Republic petites; Cardigan - Zara; Espadrilles - Aritzia; Bag - Aldo;
Watch - Fossil; Earrings - Magpie; Necklace - Gifted

Little did I know I'd have to wear a bib all weekend. Staff badges make the worst accessories.

Sparkle and Shine

A couple weeks back, my best friend and her boyfriend drove up from Kingston for a visit. The four of us (my boy included) crammed into my one-bedroom apartment and had a great weekend visit enjoying Ottawa's warm spell of weather. For our double date that Saturday night we wanted to spend it out on the town, grabbing drinks, but doing something different; so, we hit up Yuk Yuk's on Elgin St.

Just because we weren't on stage didn't mean we couldn't sparkle.

The show was hilarious. We all laughed hysterically through the three very different sets. Tears of laughter really do add the perfect amount of sparkle to any table!

Green tank - Joe Fresh; White tank - Old Navy; Leggings - Aritzia; Boots - Aldo; Earrings - Aldo; Necklace - gifted

How do you sparkle?

25 Goes Pro

For the last few weeks my fashion life has been devoted to figuring out this elusive style known as business casual. I know what it is. I understand the basic concept. I’ve seen the photos in magazines and the way that it’s depicted in movies and on TV, but I’ve never actually worked anywhere that required me to dress the part.

In anticipation of the new job I started a few weeks ago, I’d been scouring the internet and flipping through fashion magazines in search of the perfect inspiration for my work style.

That was easier said than done. There were none. 

Okay, that might be a stretch, but there were very few that I felt reflected: 1) where I am in my career, 2) the industry that I work in, and 3) my budget – I am not a 25 year old with a limitless budget, so lusting after Louboutins seemed a bit pointless at this stage, and depressing to be honest, I want to want things I can actually have in the near future without having to sacrifice my love for food.

So, this blog will be reflective of what I’ve been trying to figure out: how to be office appropriate without looking age inappropriate (NB: there will be very little mention of nylons – they instantly make me feel old, I’m wearing them right now as I type and all I can think is old). 


Think 25 goes pro.

By no means have I figured this fashion beast out, but I’m already being presented with my next challenge. Over the next few weeks I’ll be trying to figure out how to transition between seasons without accidentally entering the slutty-zone.

Hopefully this boat will float, but stay tuned to find out!

First day

That Monday was my one and only chance to make a first impression. Outfit choice was imperative.

Dressing for the first day of work is on par with dressing for a first date: Make a good impression, offer a glimpse into your personality, but don’t give away the farm. Hours can be spent standing in front of the closet trying to achieve the right look, and this is exactly what I did on Sunday night.

I thought I had the perfect outfit selected, but Mother Nature threw a wrench into the whole thing with a thunderstorm Sunday night that not only kept me awake during my critical RIM hours, but threw the humidity factor out there. After weeks of near zero temperatures Ottawa was disgustingly humid with a high of 20C – so my challenge became dressing office and age appropriate without sweating to death – and dealing with my crazy puffy hair.

So here’s what I came up with:

In hopes of looking professional I wore my favourite black pencil skirt with a short sleeved grape sweater and paired them with tights and black suede boots (bought at Aldo four years ago and still a staple in my closet).

The ensemble did exactly what I hoped it would: make me look capable and professional without making me overheat! All in all, huge success! Finger's crossed my luck continues.

The clothes:
Tank - Smart Set
Sweater - Smart Set
Skirt - Jacob
Tights - "borrowed" from mom
Boots - Aldo