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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Conference Dressing: Post-Conference

At noon on Sunday, as delegates were watching the closing remarks for the conference, I was beginning to countdown the minutes until I could be reunited with my comfy hotel bed.

After three-and-a-half days of long hours and hard work, the conference was finally finished. As soon as possible I scooted back to my room and dove into bed for a refreshing Sunday afternoon nap.

It was glorious.

When I re-emerged to the world, in time for dinner, I didn't much feel like dressing up - so I played it casual.

No more dresses.

No more heels - not that my feet could have handled them anyways - three-and-a-half days of running around in any type of shoe doesn't do wonders for your feet.

Top - designer unknown from Aritzia; Tank - SmartSet; Jeans - Mavi; Shoes - Toms

It was a casual outfit, perfect for a casual post-conference dinner - my last dinner in Saskatoon. Bright and early we were on the plane and back to Ottawa - where weather could be describe as more than a little humid - it was glorious!

It was my first visit to the Prairies (not including Calgary or Edmonton) and hopefully not my last - I'll just be much better at packing and anticipating weather next time!

Conference Dressing: Day Four

Getting up and going to work was the last thing that I wanted to do at 6:15AM the day after the president's banquet.

I'd spent the night singing and dancing until 1AM and five hours of sleep was not nearly enough. But, duty called, so I pulled on my trusty Toms and got ready for my last (half) day at the conference.

Because the weather in Saskatoon refused to co-operate, I pulled on a cardigan to complete the look and keep me from freezing.

Shirt & Tank - Smart Set; Cardigan - Zara; Pants - Talula Babaton from Aritzia; Shoes - Toms; Necklace - Gifted 

Just like my Toms, coffee was an integral part of my morning that day - I wouldn't have made it through without 'em!

Conference Dressing: Day Three, Part Two

After a day spent running around in my Toms (check out the full story here), I ran back to the hotel to make a quick change and got ready for the President's Banquet.

An event known for it's hours long dance party, I knew I couldn't pull out the stilettos - frankly, I don't think my feet could have handled it - but I couldn't go without heels, so I strapped on my wedges and boogied the night away.

Again, I opted for a dress with pockets - perfect for holding my drink tickets and banquet ceremonies script (to make sure everyone stays on track; which they didn't - but what can you expect once the wine starts flowing?!)

Dress - Banana Republic Petites; Espadrilles - Aritzia; Trench - H&M

By the end of the night, not even not even Toms could make my feet feel better - but that's the sign of a great night, isn't it!

Conference Dressing: Day Three, Part One

By day three of the conference I had all but given up on wearing heels. I'd even given up on the flats that had little support. I traded these in for my new red Toms.

They added the perfect pop of colour that this otherwise all-black ensemble needed.

Although I wouldn't wouldn't wear my Toms into the office on a regular basis, I felt that it was not only necessary at the conference, but the rest of my outfit made up for their casual-ness.

Shirt and tank - Smart Set; Pants - Talula Babaton from Aritzia; Shoes - Toms

Plus, they're just so comfy, I couldn't resist.

Conference Dressing: Day Two

For the first day of the conference I was all gung-ho about wearing heels and keeping up with the business casual look. After that first 14 hour day in wedges, I quickly abandoned that plan. Thankfully I'd packed flats.

For day two, which was also the morning I woke up and it was 1C - quite the shock when I'd been promised 30+C weather - I chose a mono-chromatic look - who doesn't love a good grey and black outfit!

Dress - Le Chateau; Cardigan - Zara; Trench - H&M; Shoes - Aldo; 
Watch - Fossil; Necklace - Gifted

And as always, I finished off the look by accessorizing with my staff bib - nothing makes an outfit pop better than some paper and plastic on a bungee cord!

How do you overcome fashion road blocks (i.e., unexpected temperature, hours in heels)? Share your tips!

Conference Dressing: Day One

I was lucky enough to be asked by my company to attend our annual general conference held this year in Saskatoon. I've been working there for less than two months so I knew this meant I was doing something right.

For the days leading up to the conference I checked the weather network hourly - in order to help myself pack smart and efficiently. When I left Ottawa I thought I had it all figured out.

Mother Nature clearly didn't like this; so, she decided to change the 30C weather that was promised to 12C windy, rainy weather. Needless to say I was not prepared for my petite prairie adventure.

However, I made the most of it.


Day One


The most important day. This would be the first time I would be meeting the President and Board of Directors, so I had to look my business casual best.

Because I was expecting mid-summer type weather, I had a lot of sundresses, so for the first day I settled on my newly acquired silk dress from Banana Republic.

To accomodate for the near arctic weather that Saskatoon was presenting me, I decided to accessorize with a cardigan (you will soon note they are some of my favourite pieces).

Feeling great and with coffee in hand and I was ready to go.

Dress - Banana Republic petites; Cardigan - Zara; Espadrilles - Aritzia; Bag - Aldo;
Watch - Fossil; Earrings - Magpie; Necklace - Gifted

Little did I know I'd have to wear a bib all weekend. Staff badges make the worst accessories.