Petite Fashion Challenge #16

For this month's Petite Fashion Challenge we were tasked with putting together an outfit for a summer wedding. 

Dress - Jacob; Clutch & Shoes - Aldo

I chose this purple silk dress from Jacob. It's the perfect combination of classy and young, but let's me bust a serious move on the dance floor. Because that's where I spend the majority of my time at weddings. I just can't not dance to an 80s tune.

Check out the rest of the Petite Fashion Challenge #16 entires over at Petite on a Penny.

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Case of the Mondays

Top - Smart Set; Pants - Jacob; Shoes - Aldo; Watch - Fossil 

I've had the Tegan and Sara song "Monday Monday Monday" stuck in my head since Jian Ghomeshi played it on Radio Q to kick off the week. (I'm actually listening to it as I type this; it's a very catchy tune!) Does that ever happen to you? Do you ever get a song stuck in your head for hours?

I can't say it was the worst way to kick off the week. I definitely did not have a case of the Mondays after that.

I did however have a case of the Monday's after wearing these shoes for eight hours. They are so beautiful, but so uncomfortable. I keep telling myself to endure the pain because they just need to be broken in... one day they'll be comfortable... one day.


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Rent to Own

There are many benefits of being a renter, for example if things break, I'm not responsible. However, there are also downsides, like you can never really make the space completely your own. I've done my best to get my apartment to be as *me* as possible, but it's not perfect.

This weekend, while trying to burn energy and time pre-race, I became obsessed with figuring out what little things I could do to make it the perfect living space. I DIY dyed some old white curtains and now have a new light green accent in my living room. I added new bathroom accessories, and cute polka dot liners to my kitchen cupboards. Small, but good changes.

All of this required an outfit that would let me run around with ease, while still looking cute.

Sweater - Zara; Tank, Blouse & Shorts - Smart Set; Espadrilles - Aritzia; Watch - Fossil

I'm so pleased with the way those small changes have made my space more *me*, but there are still so many things I would love to change, but don't want to put too much time and effort into a place that I might only be in for another year or two.

In the end I've just resolved just do my best to save money so that one day (hopefully soon) I can be a homeowner, and make a place really my own.

What are some of the ways you've made your space your own?

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From Zero to Runner

Well I did it!

Sunglasses - Ray Ban; Top & Pants - Lululemon

After 14 weeks of training, I've gone from zero to runner, and yesterday I took part in my very first organized race, the Ottawa Race Weekend 5K.

I didn't know what I was getting into, so I set my sights low. My goals were to: 1) finish, and 2) try to finish somewhere between 35-40 minutes (but even that wasn't a firm goal - I didn't want to put too much pressure on myself). Imagine my surprise when I crossed the finish line at 35:09, a full four minutes off my best treadmill time.

I couldn't have been be happier.


Big thanks goes out to GirlTalk, who provided me with seamless music to keep me going, and Goodlife for taking my money, giving me a reason to go to the gym.

Up next: running 10k in the the Innovapost 'Share the Power of a Wish' Walk/Run 2012 this September.


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Any and All Things Watermelon

With the weather we've been having lately, it's hard to believe that summer doesn't officially start for another month. I'm already starting to worry that my two-fan, four-shower-a-day system isn't going to get me through these hot and humid months.

Although these next few weeks are going to wreak havoc on my hair (slowly, throughout the day it becomes puffier until I realize I'm sporting a pyramid shaped afro), I can't really begin to tell you how excited I am for summer: cruising along the canal on my BIXI bike (humming the Wicked Witch of the West's these... it only seemed fitting), sitting on the Starbucks patio pretending to read as I people watch, and soaking up as much sunshine as I can before we're once again faced with winter.

But the thing I'm most excited for is watermelon; any and all things watermelon. From the food to the colour, it's long been a favourite of mine. So, in honour of the season of the melon, I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite ways to have and wear watermelon this summer.

To Have

Sliced. It's quick and messy, the best way to savour this fruit.

via Pinterest

Watermelon, feta cheese and mint amuse bouches - so delicious

via Pinterest

Watermelon popsicles (can also be made adult-style)

via Lauren Conrad by way of Pinterest

Watermelon cucumber cocktail - pretty much the definition of refreshing

To Wear

Jacob

A great dress to go from day-to-night - you'll look sweet enough to eat in this pleated dress from Jacob.

Gap Boyfriend roll-up shorts

It'll be hard to do the aforementioned people-watching in these boyfriend shorts from the Gap; with a look this comfortable and chic it'll hard to go unnoticed.

And because no look is finished without the perfect mani/pedi, there's Watermelon by Essie.

Essie "Watermelon"

There you have it; your guide to watermelon, from head to toe.


What are you looking forward to this summer?






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May Long

I know, I know... I'm two days behind, but I couldn't get over the weather we had this past weekend; could we have asked for a better long weekend? I think not.

It was exactly the break that I needed: three solid days of resting, relaxing and sunshine. I figured I would sum up the weekend for you in a list because:
1. lists are awesome; and
2. I love lists.

So, behold... The May Long Weekend Countdown

• 4 - the number of bruises I have on my shins from deciding to re-arrange my bedroom furniture while wearing shorts (I was "inspired" to reorganize my furniture mid-day on the hottest day of the year - can you say stupid?!);
• 3 - the number of days I spent sitting on the Starbucks patio reading and people watching;
• 2 - the number of books I read start to finish (I learned all about being a classy lady from Derek Blasberg, and developed a pretty big lady crush on Mindy Kaling). While it was great to be out in the sun, I was left with...
• 1 - an awkward sunburn on one forearm; and 
• 0 - the distance in kilometres I ran along the canal, according to the Nike + iPod app (in reality I ran 4km. Apparently I'm either too small or too slow for the app to register my pace; I'm pretty sure it's the latter.)
• 0 - is also the number of bike rides I went on, but all of that will change in the next 3-5 days. I've signed up for a BIXI bikes subscription and can't wait to cruise along the canal in the sunshine all summer (and fall, until November) long!

All-in-all it was a fabulous weekend.

To kick-off the weekend I decided to wear two of my favourite trends: cobalt and peplum. It was the perfect ensemble for joining friends on the patio followed by a delicious dinner at Ahora. 

Shirt - Wilfred; Jeans - Mavi; Espadrilles - Aritzia

 

Like I said, all in all a fabulous weekend start to finish.

How did you spend the May Long Weekend?

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Inspired

After attending the MARCOM Conference last week I was inspired. 

Not only was I inspired to get into work and try out some of the things I had learned (including Scott Stratten's mantra "be awesome") but I was so inspired by the fashions that I decided to try something completely out of my comfort zone.

Shirt & Pants - Jacob; Necklace - Aldo; Belt - Joe Fresh; Shoes - Michael Kors; Watch - Fossil

Throughout the two days as I watched the fabulous ladies walking around the Ottawa Convention Centre (and Rideau Centre when I popped out to do a bit of window shopping) I was inspired to give my work wardrobe a bit of an overhaul. I'm no slouch when it comes to business casual; however, I have been known to sabotage an outfit by throwing on a cardigan or a less fabulous (read: boring and safe) pair of shoes. 

But that ends now.

Not only did this ensemble feature no cardigan, but it garnered compliments from co-workers, and satisfied my desire to be more Anna Wintour and less Liz Lemon when it comes to dressing.

More Wintour, less Lemon. That's my new mantra.

But, just because I'm moving away from becoming Liz Lemon doesn't mean I don't still want to be Tina Fey. I mean, have you read Bossypants?!

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It'll Have To Do

I've spent the last two days getting my nerd on at the MarCom Conference here in Ottawa, and I had every intention of coming home and taking pictures of today's Anna Wintour-esque ensemble. But then a funny thing happened; I sat down on the couch... and that was it. I couldn't move. Next thing I knew I was in PJs, eating pretzel M&Ms, and I was waiting for the clock to strike eight so I could go to bed (I have a severe case of senior citizenitis). Who knew learning about online marketing campaigns on small budgets could be so exhausting!?

So, instead of a brand spankin' new outfit, you'll have to settle for one from last week... but it's a good one (at least I think so)!

Sweater - Zara; Tank - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob; TIghts - Zellers;
Boots - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

One of my goals for 2012 was to become more involved in the community through volunteering, and last week I took the first steps towards making that goal a reality when I attended the volunteer orientation for Dress for Success Ottawa.

Dress for Success is a group of inspiring woman who work to: "promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire and the career development tools to help them thrive in work and life."


I'm so excited to be getting involved in such an awesome organization, and I wanted to put my best foot forward at the orientation, so I opted for some of my favourite pieces. 


There's nothing better than feeling comfortable and confident when you're embarking on a new and awesome journey.

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Turning Over a New Leaf

A couple of weeks ago I noticed that I was developing some not-so-good habits: hitting snooze for over an hour in the mornings; eating out 2-3 times a day; and, I had a pretty much given up on putting together interesting outfits.

It was bad.

I had to stop myself before it got too far. And I figure what better way to pre-empt my rut than by busting out my new kelly green pencil skirt.

Blouse - H&M; Tank - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob; Shoes -  Aldo

The universe must have been rewarding me that day for getting out of bed after only hitting snooze once because the day was gloriously sunny - the rest of the week was not, but that's beside the point.

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Easy, Breezy

The weather this past weekend was amazing. I had errands to run, and I couldn't have been happier because it gave me the chance to soak up some rays and expose the world to my ghostly white limbs. 

Because I was running around town and pounding the pavement, I decided to go with a simple yet chic ensemble and threw on one of my favourite dresses (yes, black can work for summer) and my new Aldo wedges. This could have been a recipe for disaster, but thankfully these new wedges were so comfortable and allowed me to breeze about town.

Sunglasses - Ray-Ban, Dress - unknown shop in Toronto; Tank - Smart Set;
Sandals - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

Easy. Breezy. Beautiful. Ghostly White.
Here's hoping that the gorgeous weather is here to stay!

How did you enjoy the weekend?

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Met Gala Red Carpet Recap

The Costume Institute Gala aka: the Met Gala is one of the most exciting red carpets of the years; it's la creme de la creme of fashion full-on bringing it. 

This annual event celebrates the opening of the Metropolitan Museum's fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute, which this year honours Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada.

Although I found the red carpet to be a little bit underwhelming this year, there were a few gems. Here are some of my favourites (and one of my not-so-favs).

Emily Blunt in Calvin Klein

Simple, elegant and in such a gorgeous colour - what's not to love about Emily Blunt's look?! 

Lea Michele in Diane von Furstenberg

I am not usually a fan of Lea Michele or her red carpet style, but this navy blue sequin Diane von Furstenberg dress looks amazing on her.

Kristen Bell in Tommy Hilfiger

Again, simple, elegant and in this season's hottest hue, Kristen Bell looks so California surfer girl chic.

Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren Collection

I don't like the dark lip, and I think Camilla Belle's hair is a little bit extreme, but for the most part this look is fantastic and perfect for the Met Gala.

January Jones in Versace

Love the colour and the structure of these two strapless peplum dresses; it makes me wish I could pull off yellow.

Solange in Rachel Roy

Jessica Alba in Michael Kors

The golden girls. I just think these two look awesome.

Jessica Pare in L'Wren Scott

And now, for my not-so-favourite:

Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci 

From the front, it's not so bad.

But then she turns around. 

Don't get me wrong, I love Beyonce. I think she's a gorgeous and talented girl (I've done the Single Ladies dance more than a few times at the gym) but this dress is not a favourite. It's just a little too sheer, and a little too short. There's always next year, B.

What did you think? What was your favourite look from the Met Gala red carpet?

All photos courtesy of People.com

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