Candy Colourized

For this month's Petite Fashion Challenge I turned to one of my favourite snacks: pretzel M&Ms.

For Petite Fashion Challenge #17 we were instructed to "take a bowl full of colorful candies (M&Ms, Jolly Ranchers, jelly beans, etc.), close your eyes, and draw 2-3 pieces.  Now use those colors (+ a neutral of your choosing) to form the basis for your ensemble." 

Top (which is actually a dress) - American Apparel; Skirt - Jacob;
Pumps - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I don't normally wear this much colour, but for pretzel M&Ms I'd do just about anything.

Check out the rest of the Petite Fashion Challenge entries on SewPetiteGal.

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Willpower

Blouse - ASOS; Skirt - Jacob; Pumps - Nine West; Watch - Fossil

I have no willpower, which, according to my interpretation of this LearnVest article, is because I don't drink enough juice. Okay, I know that's not exactly what they're saying, I just want an excuse to drink juice (MinuteMaid fruit punch is one of my vices).

Regardless of how much, or how little, glucose is in my system, I have absolutely no willpower when it comes to shoes.

One day after uttering the words, "I really don't need anymore shoes..." I went and bought these Nine West platform Mary Janes. It wasn't my fault. I'd seen them days before while wandering through Rideau and displayed excellent willpower at the time. 

Fast forward two days and I couldn't stop thinking about them. That's when I realized that I had nothing like them in my closet; plus, they were 50% off, so it would have been stupid not to buy them - don't you love my attempts at rationalization?!

Really, all it comes down to is that I have no willpower, and after wearing these to work earlier in the week, I have no regrets.

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Go Biking, or Die Trying

When I first subscribed to Capital BIXI (a bike sharing program) I figured one of two things would happen: I wouldn’t use it, or I would die trying.

I’m happy to report that neither of those two things has happened. Not only have I gone out bike riding the past two weekends, but I have avoided death on both trips. Bring on the yellow jersey, I’m ready for the Tour!

This past Sunday I only narrowly avoided death. Twice while riding I let my mind wander and ended up trying to ride into the canal; apparently the old adage is true – you do go where you’re looking.

My other near-death experience came at the hands of a child. I was trying to pass them (because nothing makes you feel like you’re riding in the Tour de France more than passing a kindergartner on training wheels) when suddenly they swerved out into the left lane. Thankfully my reflexes were good and I was able to wobble my way around them. It was intense, let me tell you.

 To treat myself for escaping death, I came home, read my book and took a nice long nap. There’s nothing quite like a lazy Sunday for this senior citizen.

This story really has nothing to do with today’s outfit; I just wanted to share my weekend adventures. 

Dress - BCBG; Belt - Jacob; Wedges - Aldo

 This outfit was completely inspired by Pinterest. Have I mentioned how much I love that website?! Because I do; a lot.

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Heavy Rotation

 

Sweater - H&M, Tank - Old Navy; Skirt - Zara; Espadrilles - Aritzia

A short but sweet outfit post for you on this wonderful Monday; the Monday before the long weekend!

Yahoo! 

I'm not normally one to get overly excited for Canada Day but this year is an exception. On Thursday night one of my favourite people (my mom!) is coming for a visit. I haven't seen her since early-January, so I'm very much looking forward to her arrival - even though I know she's going to complain about the heat to no end.

She's here for a week, but on Saturday morning we're taking off to Quebec City for a weekend of exploring and relaxing by the pool. It's my first trip to QC so I'm looking for any and all recommendations on what to see and do while there.

While I don't know what exactly we'll be doing in Quebec City I do know that this skirt will be coming with me. Never have I felt so good, or had so much fun in an ensemble. As cliche'd as it sounds, there was totally a spring in my step all day long. It's definitely a new favourite that will be in heavy rotation throughout the summer.

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White Hot

Shirt - Zara; Tank - Smart Set; Pants - Jacob; Pumps - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

It was the hottest day of the year (so far), so I decided the best way to beat the heat was to wear white. If black clothing attracts heat than by the laws of science white clothing should repel it, right?! Well, that's what I was hoping for when I put this ensemble together. While it didn't exactly repel the heat, it did get me through the scorcher of a day.

Even though it got me though the day, I'm not in love with this look; it's the pants. Ever since I bought them last summer I've tried to make them happen, but they never just seem to work out the way that I hope they will. I'm not sure what it is, but I'm just not feeling them. So, I'm thinking of dyeing them; my first instinct was tie-dye, but then I realized I would probably get more wear out of a solid colour. Now I'm torn.

So I ask you, what do you think I should do with them?

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Humidity Heatwave

 

Sweater - H&M; Dress - Banana Republic; Shoes, Necklace & Bag - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

Now, I don't know about you, but I am NOT a fan of humidity. It does weird things to my hair. Like super weird, which is why my head is cropped out of all of these photos. Rest assured, you're not missing anything other than a semi-curly pyramid of hair.

For the first day of of Ottawa's humidity heatwave I went mad; Mad Men that is. At least this was my post-modern take on the fashions worn by the ladies of Sterling Cooper. Fitted waist, full(ish) skirt, this Banana Republic dress has it all - plus, it was perfect in the sweltering, oppressive heat.

Have I mentioned that I'm not a fan of humidity?
I'm not sure how many more bad hair days I can handle.

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Urban Safari Biking Adventure

I find trying new things to be slightly awkward. Okay, extremely awkward, but that doesn't stop me. I'm just strategic about it. I always have a plan.

Take Sunday, for example, when I embarked on my first ever BIXI bikes adventure in Ottawa. I wasn't sure how it all worked, so I researched a location that had a lot of bikes (I didn't want to walk all the way out there to find there was nothing to ride), and was somewhere that wasn't too out in the open, so I could struggle, walk around the station eyeing my "enemy" (I do this when I get frustrated, glaring solves everything) and figure things out, without too much of an audience.



Well, sometimes things don't go according to plan.

The closest location with a lot of bikes just happened to be on Elgin Street right in front of city hall, so I had quite the audience while I desperately tried to pull and wiggle the bike out of it's parking space (it's not as easy as it sounds, either that or I have severe issues; most likely the latter). And of course, because I like to look cute when I'm out and about I wasn't exactly wearing the most appropriate outfit for this sort of endeavour. But I made it work.



Finally, after multiple attempts, and a lot of strange glances, the bike was free!

Top - Song from Off the Wall; Shorts - Old Navy; Sandals - Jules & James; Bag - Aldo; Sunglasses - Ray-Ban

But this was only the beginning. You see, I haven't actually ridden a bike in years - I can't remember the last time I was on a bike. I knew I'd be wobbly, so I walked the bike away from the street and once I knew no one could see me I was off, wobbling down Nepean Street.

My view - don't worry, I wasn't biking and shooting.
I was standing awkwardly half resting on a bend and shooting

It took about ten minutes of riding for me to feel comfortable (and to figure out how to change gears) but it's like they always say, it was just like riding a bike! By no means was I going fast, distance wasn't the goal of this adventure; it was all about being out in the sunshine, cursing along the canal and feeling the wind in my hair. 


It was glorious! I can't wait to take the bike out again next week!

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Pampering and Relaxing

As I mentioned in my last post, Saturday I took a Kate-day: a day completely devoted to me. No chores, no errands, just pampering and relaxing.

It was fantastic!

After spending the week and weekend working in Toronto I returned to Ottawa late-Sunday night. I was given  Monday off to rest and recoup (and in my case grocery shop) and then it was right back to work on Tuesday.



By the end of the week (which felt like it was a million days long) I was still exhausted. My Kate-day couldn't have come at a better time.

I started the day by walking in the sunshine to Elgin St. to meet a friend for brunch - not only had I not seen her in weeks, I hadn't had brunch in months. I can't tell you how excited I was for eggs benedict, mimosas, coffee and girl talk! Delightful.

Following brunch, I did a bit of shopping where I purchased my new Aldo purse and then it was off to York Street Spa for a massage. Despite the fact that I can never fully relax during a massage (apparently I like to be in control, who knew...) it was exactly what I needed. Throughout the sixty minutes all of the tension I'd been carrying in my back and shoulders over the past few months slowly melted away. I left feeling like a noodle; in a good way.

Dress - Banana Republic; Bag - Aldo; Sandals - Jules & James; Sunglasses - Joe Fresh

After my massage I had an hour or so before my next pampering appointment at Spa Junkie, so I decided to take a long walk along the canal. It was the most beautiful day and I thoroughly enjoyed soaking it all in as I crossed the bridge at Ottawa U.

Once my day of appointments and pampering were finished I came home and collapsed on the couch; who knew a day of indulgence could be so exhausting!

I don't know if it was the sunshine, or the knowledge that the conference was completely over and done with for another year, but at the end of the day, as I curled up with my book, I felt so completely happy, a feeling that stuck with me throughout the rest of the weekend and all the way into this week.

I couldn't have asked for a better Kate-day.

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Smiling, Laughing, Tired, Toronto.

I'm a bad blogger.

The Toronto skyline from Billy Bishop Airport

I spent a week in Toronto for work and not only did I manage to take zero (good) photos (and I completely neglected to take outfit photos on three occasions), I did absolutely no shopping. NONE. I had even scheduled my flight home for later on Sunday so that I would be guaranteed some quality time with H&M; however, my need for sleep won out (sleeping in the Porter Lounge at Billy Bishop Airport is tres classy and not embarrassing at all).

I have no one to blame for this travesty but myself.

You see, after working 16 hour days I decided to go against my usual hermit tendencies and was a social butterfly. Not only did I have friends who lived in Toronto that I had to see, but friends/former colleagues just happened to be in town from Vancouver - so really, it would have been rude of me not to go out.

Day 0 - drinks with a friend
Shirt - Wilfred from Aritzia; Jeans - Mavi; Wedges - Aldo

Even though I was exhausted, it was fantastic. There's nothing quite like catching up with friends who you haven't seen in over a year, and in some cases two years. I swear, part of the reason I was so tired at the end of my trip was that I'd spent the entire time smiling and laughing. So really, it's pretty good excuse for neglecting my dear old friend H&M.

But I wasn't just in Toronto to socialize, I did some work as well.

My Conference "uniform". I made t-shirts to promote our national week of celebration (which takes place in November) and they were a hit! I've never had so many people compliment an outfit - the power of an iron-on transfer!
Sweater  - Zara; shirt - homemade/Fuit of the Loom; Pants - Jacob; Shoes - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I was in Toronto as my work was hosting it's annual general conference (AGC). But this wasn't just any AGC, this was an AGC for the record books because we had partnered with the International Society to host the biennial World Congress - only the second time this event has ever taken place in Canada. Over 1,200 people from 60 countries traveled to Toronto for these four days, and it was incredible. Talking with people from all over the world was amazing and quite eye-opening. It really puts it in perspective how lucky we are to live and work in Canada.

Day 2 - Sweater - Zara; Shirt - homemade/Fruit of the Loom; Skirt - Jacob; Shoes - Aldo

Some of the highlights (aka: Kate's most embarrassing moments) from the Congress include:

• A poster I designed for World Radiography Day was revealed at the Opening Ceremonies (I was not expecting this at all; thank goodness no one asked me to come on stage).
• Being asked last minute to walk the catwalk in a radiation safety fashion show in a zebra-printed led vest and skirt combo - tres chic! (I was on my way back from the bathroom, about to make my way to the fashion show to take pictures when I was scooped up and asked to walk. I was awkward.)

All-in-all, it was a long, but amazing week in Toronto. I was sad to leave, but have also never been happier to be home.

It's taken me a full week to recover. I'm still not completely caught up on sleep, nor have I put away any of the seven pairs of shoes I brought with me, but I'm getting there. The Kate-day I took on Saturday definitely helped - there's nothing quite like a day of brunching, shopping, spa-ing and sunshine to help you feel back to normal.

Until next time Toronto!

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One Year

Happy Birthday to the little blog that could!

And thank you to everyone who's checked out Petite Adventures over the past year!


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Toronto-bound

I'm up bright and early and off to Toronto this morning for work, and all of these clothes are coming with me.

Shirt & Pants - Jacob; Tank - Smart Set; Shoes - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I have to admit, my first attempt at packing was an absolute mess. I went into it with such good intentions, to pack separates in neutral colours with a few pops of colour - making early morning dressing super easy.

I quickly failed.

As I was pulling pieces from my closet I started to panic and the next thing I knew everything I owned - in every colour - was neatly folded on my bed.

Thankfully I had enough good sense to stop and laugh at myself. After that I was back on track. At least, that's how I'm feeling right now, who knows what sartorial disasters I've set myself up for.

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Neutral Love

Lately, I've been all about neutrals.

Blouse - Jacob; Dress - Le Chateau; Belt - Joe Fresh; Sandals - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I'm also all about these sandals at the moment; the more I wear them, the more I fall in love with them. They're ridiculously stylish, they go with everything, and they're wildly comfortable. I really can't ask for more from my footwear.

It's love. One that will last all summer long.

Despite my love for these sandals, they didn't see much action over the weekend. I was a petite on a mission; a mission to get as much done as possible before heading to Toronto on Wednesday. If you follow me on instagram (code name: @petiteadventure) you'll already be familiar with the the detailed To Do list I had for the weekend.

It was a long list full of vital pre-travel-for-work-tasks.

By the end of the Saturday I had managed to cross all but three things off my list and it felt great; great, but exhausting. After eight loads of laundry (aka: 32 trips up and down three flights of stairs) I was one tired petite. But it was worth it because Sunday I was able to lounge about, read and drink coffee, and meet up with friends. 

Because I was so disciplined all weekend long, now the only thing I have left to do pre-Toronto is pack, but that might be my biggest challenge yet. I'm so bad at predicting what I'm going to want to wear over the course of a week. What if I get a sudden urge to wear something that I haven't brought?! Do I bring certain items just in case?! These are the dilemmas I face when it comes to packing.

I think to make things easy on myself each morning (where the wake up times are disgustingly early) my strategy will be sticking with neutral colours, and packing lots of separates, making it easy to mix and match throughout the week. I guess it's time to make another list.

How was your weekend?

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