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?

Weekend Wears

Sweater - Joe Fresh; Blouse & Trousers - Jacob; Flats - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I was looking for an outfit that was put together, but casual, and something that I could wear with flats (NB: mom, I did not wear the flats outside, I merely changed into them once indoors) for my Dress for Success shift over the weekend. So, naturally, I reached for my new favourite pants and an amazingly cozy cashmere sweater from Joe Fresh. It was perfect for browsing the racks and picking out pieces for DFS clients.

The only thing that would have made this outfit better would have been a lack of snow and +15C temperatures.

Crisp Fall

Shirt - Talula; Jeans - H&M; Booties - Aldo

The crisp fall weather we've been having of late has made me yearning to wear plaid; and apparently I'm not the only one feeling that way - two girls at school were sporting this cute and comfy style.

This past weekend was my first of two spent at school taking Graphic Design classes; I don't know how, but I survived. Although the classes were fantastic, I'm now convinced more than ever that alarm clocks on a Sunday should be illegal. It was tough getting up, especially since the mornings were extra chilly, but the classes were worth it, and the cozy plaid definitely helped.



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It's Been a While

Well hello there. It's been a while. I can't tell you how happy I am to be back, up and running!

This past month has been a whirlwind of new adventures, new friends, and was in a word: amazing! When we last spoke I was on my way across the pond to cross off resolution #16 of my Petite Resolutions. Over the next 21 days I crossed exploring Stockholm, Helsinki, St Petersburg and Moscow off my bucket list; was introduced to the surprising beauty of Minsk, Belarus; and, was immersed in history in Warsaw and Berlin. It was the trip of a lifetime, one that I won't soon forget. Sadly, my vacation abroad was punctuated with a vicious case of the travel plague which has kept me out of commission this past week. But now, thankfully, after a week of soup, sneezing, sleep and tea, I'm back!

For my reintegration into society I chose a simple, yet functional look, perfect for running errands and catching up with friends.

Sweater - H&M; Capris - Smart Set;
Flats & Necklace - Aldo; Watch - Fossil; Sunglasses - Joe Fresh

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Repetition

Shirt - Jacob; Tank - Smart Set; Pants - Forever 21; Heels - Aldo

This outfit is a combination of two that were posted last week (seen here and here) and this repetition was no accident. I was testing out possible outfits for Europe and decided to combine a few of my favourite pieces. After running errands and grabbing coffee with a friend I decided that this look would was packable.

This weekend was a great mix of productivity and relaxation. On Saturday, I ran around crossing errands and items off my to do list, and doing multiple loads of laundry. Once everything was clean (and I do mean everything), I laid out all of the clothes I wanted to take with me, and I evaluated and edited to figure out what I had and what I needed - I was very surprised to learn that I only owned one plain black t-shirt! Clearly, shopping had to happen.

The next morning I was up bright and early to pick up a journal at Chapters and then it was off to Old Navy to stock up on plain t-shirts (which only ended up being $5 each - obviously it was meant to be!). After re-evaluating my choices (all black and white with a few splashes of blue and the purple jeans, to make dressing easy) I packed everything into my suitcase and began the final countdown - only a few hours to go!

Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

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Future to Present

Sweater - Old Navy; Jeans - Forever 21; Wedges - Aldo

Lately, I've been in the habit of leaving a lot of projects for future-Kate. This is my way of procrastinating and allowing myself to enjoy the summertime without feeling guilty. Unfortunately, this past weekend saw future-Kate becoming present-day-Kate.

With just days before leaving for Europe I forced myself to tackle all of the projects I've been putting off these last few weeks, including (but not limited to): booking accommodations for Stockholm, actually researching the climate of the cities I'm visiting so I'll know what to pack, and a myriad of other things I've let pile up.

Needless to say, present-Kate was busy.

The weekend didn't get off to the most productive start (coffee and lounging followed by getting my hair cut at Saab Salon), but by mid-afternoon on Saturday I was the picture of productivity. I was crossing things off my to-do list like it was my job.

And, because present-day-Kate was so productive, the only task left for future-Kate is getting on the airplane and jetting off to Scandinavia (one week!)

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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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