Cranky Pants

Yesterday was one of those days. I woke up and for no good reason, I was in a horrible mood. Nothing could change my demeanour; not lunchtime Zumba on Parliament Hill, not a trip to Freshii for lunch, and not even salty and sweet popcorn - I figured a one-two punch like that would have to knock me out of my funk, but I was wrong. I just sat in my cubicle all day, quietly counting down the minutes and avoiding human contact. It was just one of those days, and I blame it all on hormones (I'm a girl, so I can do that.)

Do you ever have those kinds of days?

Shirt - Aritzia; Tank - Smart Set; Pants - c/o Jacob; Shoes & Earrings - Aldo

Thankfully I was wearing my new(ish) floral print pants from Jacob (can't thank Jacob enough for sending them to me). They somehow manage to make even the most annoying days a little bit better.

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Defying Gravity

Top - Aritzia; Tank - Smart Set; Jeans - Joe Fresh;
Shoes & Necklace - Aldo 

I can't lie, this casual Friday look was based completely around the shoes (and inspired in part by Kate Middleton). I just can't get enough of them.

It really is becoming an issue as I'm neglecting all of my other shoes. On Saturday, my best friend was in town and we decided to be classy ladies. After an afternoon of cocktails on the Mambo rooftop patio and a bit of shopping, we got all dressed up and saw Wicked. The production was nothing short of amazing; but what was even more amazing was that it gave me the perfect opportunity to break out my tribal wedges. I really do love how I can wear them anywhere  - work, dinner, the theatre - there's nowhere they can't go!

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Time to Shine

After composing my ode to my new shoes the only thing left to do was take them for a spin around town. And to do so I decided to wear an outfit that would let the shoes shine.

And shine they did!

Dress - Old Navy; Shoes & Necklace - Aldo; Cuff - Smart Set 

I made sure the shoes took centre stage on Wednesday by wearing a dress with a high low hemline (I refuse to call it a mullet dress). It's not an ensemble I'd normally wear, but it was incredibly fun and I felt great all day long; the compliments from the most fashionable ladies in the office didn't hurt.

I'm already so excited to wear them out this weekend when my best friend comes into town for a girls weekend; our last before the end of summer.

Happy Friday!

A close-up

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New Addition

I should never put myself on shopping bans; it never goes well.

Shoe - Aldo;
Desk, Monitor & Keyboard - courtesy of my place of employment

Meet the newest addition to my shoe family.

On Friday night I stayed in all in the hopes of saving money for Europe (27 days!) and for the first few hours I was good; and then, I went to the Aldo website. I told myself I was just looking. But as soon as I saw that these shoes were over 50% off I had to buy them.

My rational: I have nothing else like them in my closet; they'll perk up any all black ensemble; and, they'll look oh so cute with tights once the cold weather hits.

With justifications like that how could I not buy them!?

I punched in my credit card digits as fast as I could, just to avoid any momentary buyers remorse - which, clearly, there is none because I'm still more than thrilled with the purchase.

When they arrived at my office yesterday I not only bound into my director's office to tell her that my shoes had arrived, but I skipped all the way down to reception to get them. As soon as I could I ripped open the package and tested them out to make sure they were as perfect as I was hoping. They were better.

It was while I was taking the above photo that my director came in demanding to see my purchase and she quickly echoed my sentiments and reinforced my justifications for buying them - this is just one of the many reasons we get along so well!

So, as you read this, I'm wearing my new additions, and it's love; pure, unadulterated shoe love.

And for a love like that, I think I can drink a few less beers in Europe; it's more than worth is.

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Organic

Sweater - Zara; Dress - Banana Republic; Belt - Joe Fresh; Espadrilles - Aldo

I can't believe it's only Tuesday. This week has already felt too long. Do you ever get that feeling? Where you're already falling behind before you even start? Well, that was me yesterday, but not today.

Today, I'm dressed to kill (my to do list). And that's precisely what I'm going to do. There's something about being dressed in colours that are found in nature (green, blue, brown... go with me on this one) that make me feel like I can take on the world.

Well, at least the world of not-for-profit PR.

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Génial!

"What do you mean your apartment's a disaster? What happened to it?" 
"I happened!" I told my parents on Saturday morning while we had our weekly phone chat. They couldn't understand why I would be spending a gorgeous, sunny Saturday at home and inside.

You see, last week's was one of those weeks where somehow time passed and I accomplished absolutely nothing, other than making an enormous mess at home. So, Saturday I pulled out my pink rubber gloves, grabbed my green cleaner, and got to work cleaning and de-cluttering my apartment from top to bottom, north to south (it may be a one-bedroom abode, but I like to refer to my kitchen as the south wing - it's *technically* the truth). It was exhausting but rewarding. So rewarding that I decided to take a nap afterwards.

Sunday, I continued my mission to get my life and house in order. After a couple loads of laundry, and grocery shopping I became a true domesti-Kate and made the biggest batch of vegan gazpacho in the history of cold soups.

Now, I'm set for life... or at least the week ahead.

For my weekend of domesticity I decided to channel the French, and sported polka dots and espadrilles.

Blouse & Tank - Smart Set; Jeans - Mavi; Espadrilles - Aritzia;
Ring - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

Perfect for running around, and perfectly chic!

Génial!


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Bringing the Sunshine

When I woke up yesterday morning it was raining, so I thought I would bring the sunshine by wearing my new favourite skirt I received courtesy of Jacob.

Sweater & Shirt - H&M; Skirt - c/o Jacob; Espadrilles - Aritzia
Earrings - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

Fast forward five minutes and the rain had stopped and the sweating had started. But, I still decided to bring the sunshine.
Can't say I'm not loving this heatwave we're having!

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Tangerine Dream

Shirt - Talula; Tank - Smart Set; Pants - c/o Jacob;
Shoes & Earrings- Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I can't tell you how absolutely fantastic it was to just sit back last night, watch Gilmore Girls (I'm on season five and am more than obsessed - I'm not even embarrassed to tell you that), and know that there was absolutely nothing that I should have been doing. Chalk Monday night up to being amazing!

My reunion with downtime also gave me the chance to finally post these photos. I first wore these pants out in Quebec City (as seen here) and they made their Ottawa debut the following week with this ensemble. Not something I would normally buy, these floral cropped pants haunted my dreams from the moment I saw them at Jacob; as usual, it took three trips back to the store before I finally made them mine.

Totally worth the wait.

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What a week!

Tank - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob; Shoes - Nine West;
Necklace - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

From surprise Snoop Dogg tickets to last minute Bridal Shower/Engagement Party details to trips to the Russian Embassy, last week had it all. And, although it was all fun and games (literally at one point) I'm exhausted. Who knew so much fun could leave a lady so tired?!

For the last few months I've been co-organizing a Bridal Shower/Engagement party with my friend's sister and this weekend, after countless emails and phone calls, it finally all came together.

And, it was fabulous! 

Family and friends traveled from near and far and we all got together in Kingston for one amazing day of sunshine, BBQing, backyard games, and celebrating the bride- and groom-to-be.

I can proudly say the party was a huge success - an astonishing feat when you consider there were four generations of two families at this fete - but now I'm more than ready to put my feet up and relax.

Bring on the weekend!


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Colour Blocking

Shirt - Jacob, Blouse - Wilfred; Espadrilles - Aritzia; Watch - Fossil

July's Everybody Everywear challenge was colour blocking. I figured it was the perfect opportunity to pair two of my favourite pieces.



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Mellow Yellow

Shirt & Skirt - Jacob (c/o); Sandals - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

From the moment I bought my green pencil skirt at Jacob (seen here and here) I couldn't stop thinking about it's yellow cousin. I don't wear a lot of yellow (okay, I don't wear any yellow); it's not one of my complimentary colours (aka: I look incredibly sick). So when I saw this yellow pencil skirt I knew it was the perfect way to incorporate the colour into my wardrobe.

It took just over a month for it to make it's way into my closet (thanks Jacob for sending me this entire outfit), and now that it's happily settled in, I'm having a hard time not wearing it every day.

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Petite Resolutions Recap: The Half-way Mark

We've hit the half-way mark of 2012 (are you as shocked as I am that this year is half-way finished?!) Seems like the perfect time to check in on my petite resolutions for 2012 (original post here, first quarter recap here).

1) Read More - goal: read at least one book each month; read before bed instead of TV

Quarter 2 Results - I went on a bit of a reading bender in the last three months. As the stress of my work conference increased (and then slowly decreased post-conference), I took refuge in books and managed to knock out at least one book a weekend. They weren't all great literature - but hey, I was entertained (and not thinking about work), and isn't that the mark of a good book?!

2) Volunteer

Q2 - Although I haven't actually started volunteering (both organizations I've applied with take a break in the summer) things are in place for fall!

3) Write more

Q2 - Between work and blogging I've been doing a far amount of writing, but there's always room for more. And, I've definitely been getting the itch to look into new opportunities.

4) Spend less - use the library; make lunches, etc.

Q2 - I am happy to report that I've done fairly well with my goal of cutting down on shopping for clothes and have made my lunches for as long as I can remember. The small things really do add up.

5) save 10% of each pay cheque

Q2 - This happens automatically, so there's really no effort on my part, which is awesome!

6) Pay off Visa Card

7) Pay off student debt

Q2 - Still chipping away, but I'm slowly getting there...

8) Drink more water

9) Eat more fruits, vegetables & berries

10) Eat less pasta, dairy

Q2 - The heatwave we've been having here in Ontario has really helped me with these goals - salads seem to be the only thing you can make that doesn't require an oven or boiling water. If it means I'm eating better than I'm okay with this scorching heat.

11) Go to the gym 3 times a week

Q2 - Up until my work conference I was a gym rockstar. I was going 4-5 times a week, I even ran a 5K (in a personal best time!) and signed up for a 10K. However, since the conference, it's been a bit of a struggle. My couch is just so comfortable, and the gym is lacking in A/C. One day I'll get back there, and hopefully that day will be tomorrow!

12) be patient, breathe

13) Stop being so lazy

14) Stop being scared - of failure, of standing out

15) don't think, DO!

Q2 - These are on-going, everyday trying a little bit harder.

16) go to Europe, see Paris, Stockholm

Q2 - In just over six weeks (six weeks and two days to be exact) I'll be on the plane to Stockholm! I. Can't. Wait. I'm nervous - but in the good way.

How are you doing with your resolutions?

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Petite Adventures Does Québec City

A few snapshots from my long weekend trek to Quebec City - if you haven't been, I strongly recommend it! Regular outfit posts to return Monday.

Happy Weekending!

How I spent the rest of my staycation

Delicious staycation caesars

Blogging and Wimbledon: A great start to the day

A post-bike ride mojito in the market

I spared you the photos of my awkward sunburn; you're welcome.

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