Mark Your Calendars

After much anticipation, H&M is finally set to open it's doors in Ottawa on October 17th at Bayshore Shopping Centre. 

“We are thrilled to finally open H&M in Ottawa and to continue our expansion in the Canadian market. We have been waiting for a great location in Ottawa and are very happy to finally be opening at Bayshore Shopping Centre.” says Toni Galli, Country Manager of H&M Canada.

The store will feature H&M’s collections for ladies, men, teens and kids as well as accessories and H&M sport, and will be 22,120 square feet of fashion and quality at the best price with new items arriving in store daily.

Chiffon Dress, one of my favourite pieces from the Fall 2013 collection.
photo courtesy of hm.com

I have spent the last two+ years advocating (complaining?) that we get an H&M in Ottawa, so I can't even begin to explain to you how excited I am for it's doors to open. 

October 17th - I'll see you there!

For more information about H&M, visit www.hm.com.

Hiatus

I honestly didn't mean to be gone for so long.

What was intended to be a week long break to refresh and recharge has somehow turned into not only weeks away, but months.

But, sometimes these things happen for a reason.

By nature, I'm an introvert who doesn't really like to be the centre of attention. Writing a personal style blog was fun and something that pushed my personal boundaries (I guess you would say it's my Lean In activity - putting myself out there is the thing that scares me), but a few months ago it became a chore. It seemed as though all of my free time was spent working on growing my blog and its following, putting together outfits and thinking of creative ways to re-wear what I already owned (growing discontent with my closet and a modest clothing budget really didn't help), and trying to stay ahead of (or at least with) the curve.

Honestly, it became exhausting.

I pushed along for as long as I could, but I started to notice that I just didn't have the words. The content was suffering, and for someone who started a blog because they love to write, it just didn't seem right.

So I took a step back.

At first I felt guilty that I was neglecting my baby, but then I felt relieved - not having yet another schedule to follow felt like a weight had been lifted. So, for the past few weeks I've had the opportunity to focus on me - my day job, my volunteer activities, my personal life, and more recently, my chaotic move (how is it that moving five blocks is more difficult and takes longer than moving across five provinces?!)

However, as nice as the break was, I've found myself missing the blogging community and my creative outlet in the past few weeks. So, I guess what I'm saying is that I'd like to come back, if you (the blogging/fashion community) will have me.

Petite Adventures won't be a dedicated personal style blog - although, those might pop up occasionally - but will be more well rounded to reflect my loves (and sometimes loathes) in life.

So, stay tuned...

Stepping Out

Don't miss one of Ottawa's most fashionable events, Dress for Success's Stepping Out. Tickets are on sale today! http://steppingout2013.eventbrite.com

Dress for Success Saturday

Sweater - H&M; T-shirt - Old Navy; Skirt - Jacob; Boots & Necklace- Aldo

Sorry for the radio silence yesterday. After what turned out to be a busy, action-packed, but wildly fun weekend, I just didn't have it in me to tap on the keys and instead chose to get a few extra hours of Zs. But, after a brief blogging siesta I'm back, and feeling better than ever. 

Make-A-Wish®

Because I’m a glutton for punishment, on April 28^th I will be running 10K in the Innovapost Share the Power of a Wish Walk - Run 2013 which supports the Make-A-Wish® foundation of Eastern Ontario.

After my first race in 2012

In addition to crawling and gasping my way through the course, I’ll be fundraising for the wonderful Make-A-Wish® foundation, which grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses, because, well, doing for others is good for the soul.

If you feel so inclined as to help me along in my karmic journey (NO PRESSURE), secure online donations can be made at the Running Room Giving web site with your credit card. An electronic tax receipt will be sent to you by email, along with a bunch of really good karma.



Thank you for supporting Make-A-Wish® Eastern Ontario, and me and my tired, old muscles.

Looking Smart

Sweater - H&M; Skirt - Forever 21; Heels - Michael Kors;
Bracelet - Gift; Necklace - Smart Set

There's nothing quite like having an always elegantly dressed colleague tell you that your wearing such smart look. Honestly, it made my afternoon!

Colourful Wednesday

Sweater - Forever 21; Skirt - Jacob (c/o); Wedges - Aldo

Just trying to inject a little something into what feels like a never-ending winter. And, what better way to do that than wear as much colour as possible!?

Am I the only one who feels like spring is never going to get here?

Spotted Pencil

Sweater - Zara; Blouse - H&M; Skirt - Forever 21; Boots - Aldo

I didn't mean to go shopping; I just needed to kill a little time while waiting for a friend. Somehow I ended up on the Forever 21 website, and as soon as I saw this navy blue polka dot pencil skirt, I knew it had to be mine. I mean it's polka dots, it's a pencil skirt; I couldn't figure out how I didn't already own such a piece. 

From the moment it arrived, I've been so excited to wear it with everything I own. It's only been in my closet for a couple of days, but I can already tell it's going to be a long and lasting love. 

Calling All Joe Fresh Addicts!

Well Ottawa, it's finally happening: Joe Fresh is opening a standalone store at St. Laurent Centre!! But wait, it get's better; they're giving YOU the chance to win a $250 gift card and four tickets to the fabulous VIP launch party. Visit the St. Laurent Facebook page to enter.

New Boots

Sweater - Thrifty's; Blouse & Belt - Jacob; Jeans - Mavi;
Boots - Hunter; Watch - Fossil

I never thought I'd see the day where I wore gumboots with everything (at least now that I'm over the age of 4), but these Hunters Boots have taken hold. They're just so bright and cheerful, I can't help but pair them with every ensemble. And, until the snow/slush is completely gone, I think I'll continue wearing them - so, get used to them!

Black, White and Elephants

Sweater & Trousers - Talula; Blouse - ASOS; Wedges - Aldo

Cozy and Cute

Growing up on an island on the West Coast, real winters (with, like, snow and blizzards, and the likes) were like unicorns: you heard about them, saw photos, but other than that there was no actual proof that they existed. So, when I moved out to Ottawa for university I was in for a real shock. I had no clue how to dress to avoid losing a digit. 

Now, eight hears later, I have it down to a science, which is why I was able to withstand the -14C (-21C with the windchill) for over five hours at WinterBrewed this past weekend. So, here are my tips for staying cozy and cute this winter.

1. Start with a base.

2. Add a layer of thick, wooly socks.

3. Top these deliciously unattractive socks with a wind resistant boot.

4. Accessorize!

5. Top with a coat.

6. And, add sunglasses for the finishing touch of cool.

Now, you're ready to head out and enjoy the sunshine!

Sweater - H&M; Jeans - Mavi; Boots - Hunter via the Bay; Coat - Talula Babaton
Toque & Scarf - Le Chateau; Mitts - Aritzia; Sunglasses - Joe Fresh

What are you tips for staying cozy and cute this winter?

Family Day

Today is a holiday in parts of Canada, including Ontario - hurray! - and, it also happens to be my birthday. Because my family lives out west, I've decided to spend this day (Sunday: the sequel, as I like to think of it) doing everything that I love. So, while I'm basking in the gloriousness of my couch (and not getting dressed, unless you count sweatpants), I thought we'd check out the week that was, via my instagram feed (follow me @petiteadventure).

We had a bit of a snowstorm.

After repeated droppings (and in a couple of cases, an accidental flinging)
my iPhone case decided it no long wanted to stay together. Break-up of the century.

One of my favourite looks from last week

My favourite look from last week, worn to Dress for Success

Nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like a surprised robot.

Waiting for my Birthday boots. They stayed in this spot 'in transit' for two days.

To forget the fact that Canada Post lied to me about my boots' delivery date, I did a bit of Bikram's yoga.

Finally, my boots arrived - hurray!

And, so did my ice cream maker!

Took my boots for their trial run

In the foyer, work bound.

In the foyer, en route to the gym.

I did a little impulse shopping at Forever 21. The pencil skirt collection grows!

Spent some time with Steve, bonding over our favourite topic.

Completely owned my weekend to-do list (this was taking Saturday afternoon)

Made the most delicious (unhealthiest) dessert: warm cinnamon apples.

Braved the -14C (felt like -21C) temperatures to check out WinterBrewed

Hope you had a fabulous weekend!