Snakeskin Selfie

Dress - c/o Jacob; Sweater - Joe Fresh; Pumps - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

Sorry for the mirror selfies, but we're in the middle of what has become the neverending move, and I just had to show off this beautiful shift dress that Jacob sent me.

Since it arrived last week, it has quickly become one of my favourite pieces (I've already planned out to which events I'll be wearing it in the next few weeks). Not only is the snakeskin print great for fall, but the dress goes from day to night with the simple addition of a cardigan. The belt helps to accentuate the waist, and the length is completely office appropriate. All wins in my book!

I can't wait to wear this dress all through fall with my favourite tights and boots.

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

Style Profile: The-Unprecedented

Name: Randa Salloum

Age: 25

Occupation: Artist, Writer, Personal Stylist

Site: The-Unprecedented

Location: Vancouver, BC

When and why did you start your site?

I started The-Unprecedented at the end of 2008. However, it wasn't until 2010 that I started writing and adding content full time. I started the blog to release my inspiration and thoughts on the Fashion industry. At the time I was a student in Fashion Marketing & Management and needed more of an outlet.

How would you describe your site?

My site is a dose of Fashion that you can't get anywhere else. I focus on just a few segments such as; Outfit Posts, Closet Confessions, My Life, and other things that go along with what I do in fashion. I use my own images and make sure that when you stop at my blog you will be able to get a deep look into my fashion life. Closet Confessions is my favorite segment, it is the only site that takes you into the closets of Vancouver's most fashionable. Soon I will branch into other cities.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I gain my inspiration from my friends and family. They are so creative and push me to keep going with my art and blog. I live in the downtown core of Vancouver so it's never a dull moment! There is inspiration everywhere.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Olivia Palermo, Carine Roitfeldt, Alexander Wang, Kelly Cutrone, Joe Zee, Nina Garcia, Anna Della Russo, Ashley Olsen and Phoebe Philo .... I could go on and on!

Describe your personal style.

My style can be very traditional at times and very eclectic the next. Sometimes I'll end up mixing the two ideas to have a classic look with an edge. I stick to neutrals and don't wear many prints. The Editor of Poppy Magazine once said: "Randa has the best understanding of neutrals I have ever seen, she literrally makes them not neutral." That is something I always think about when getting dressed, how can I turn this look into something more?

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given?

The best advice I was given was to edit, edit, edit and never over think an outfit.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

Oak + Fort, All Saints, Jacqueline Conoir, Zara, Muse Social FashionHouse, Lynn Steven, Wear Else and The Hudson Bay Co.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

Military Inspired looks, over sized shillouettes, velvet, stilettoes (yay! no more platform heels!), bold lips.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

Lululemon pants are NOT pants for everyday. In fact, any type of gym clothing should never see outside of a gym. Tights worn denim shorts and when an outfit is not accessorized.

What do you never leave home without?

Some type of jewelery (I'll feel naked!), my iPhone... and let's be honest... I take everything! Makeup, planner, toiletries, umbrella (I live in Vancouver), perfume, external hard drive and notebook.

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own?

A structured but sheer black button up blouse, dark denim skinny jeans, black stilettos, gold statement jewelry and the perfect carry-all bag.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years?

For my site I see Closet Confessions in multiple cities, showcasing closets from around North America. For myself, hopefully living on the East Coast still making my I See Noise prints and simply enjoying my life.

Find Randa online at http://the-unprecedented.ca.

Have a fantastic weekend!

All images courtesy of The-Unprecedented

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Style Profile: Smitten

Name: Jenna Stevie

Age: 23

Occupation: Student 

Site: www.smittenideology.blogspot.com

Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

When and why did you start your site? 

I started it almost 3 years ago, I was a student and needed a creative outlet. I loved fashion and getting dressed but the University environment doesn't really allow a lot of outlets for that. 

How would you describe your site? 

My site is mostly outfit posts, but I try to do some remix posts showing how I've styled one piece several ways, as well as what's going on in my life. It's like a style diary!

Where do you get your inspiration? 

I get my inspiration from other bloggers, I love seeing how other people style things, as well as pinterest of course.

Who are your style/beauty icons? 

I really do admire other bloggers, Keiko Lynn is someone who's blog I've followed for years, not only is she incredibly stylish and beautiful it comes across that she is a genuinely nice and awesome human being. 

Describe your personal style. 

This is always so hard to describe, it really depends on the day I suppose. But in general I really love pairing girly pieces with masculine or edgy pieces, like a pretty lace dress with a leather jacket and studded boots. I also cannot resist a fun or quirky print, it's my weakness!

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given? 

Be comfortable and confident in yourself and you'll always look great. It's so true, if i'm comfortable I feel like a million bucks.

Where are your favourite places to shop? 

UrbanOutfitters (mostly the sale section), H&M, Thrifting, and the shoe store where i work

What are your favourite trends for this season? Well for F/W it was definitely Oxblood, faux fur, and for S/S I'm really looking forward to getting some pieces in that emerald colour, it's always been a favorite shade of mine. 

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve? Lululemon pants tucked into Uggs, which was basically the uniform on campus.

What do you never leave home without? 

My phone/iPod.

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own? 

A flattering black blazer, a simple denim button up, great pair of dark jeans, a little red dress, and a striped skirt.

What is one of your goals for 2013? 

To move out of my parents house with my pup.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years? 

That is a really hard question, I will hopefully be done my master's program in 5 years and be a registered psychologist, I am not too sure where that leave's the blog! I've been doing this for almost 3 years so it's hard to imagine not having it. 

Find Jenna online at:

www.smittenideology.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Smitten/287226084633361

 Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jennastevie/

Have a great weekend!

All images courtesy of Smitten

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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. 

Style Profile: Sounds of Sweet Lullabies

Name: Pari Coleini

Age:  24

Occupation: Fashion Blogger / Interior Designer

Site: www.soundofsweetlullabies.com

Location: Vancouver, BC

When and why did you start your site?

I started my blog in early 2011. I'd been reading other fashion blogs for a long time and always thought it was such an exciting concept; so when I graduated from university, and was searching for work, I decided to start a blog in order to experience with different styles, move out of my comfort zone and find what's right for me. It was a push for me to make an effort and put some thought into what I wore.

How would you describe your site?

I would say it's a diary, but instead of what happens, it focuses on what I wear. A lot of outfit posts. I stay true to my own style, but I also experiment with trends. Other than my outfit post, I share my inspirations, both in the world of fashion and architecture or design. I also post all about my travels, usually tagged under "travel diaries."

Where do you get your inspiration?

I've studied art and design so my inspiration draws from anything or anywhere. Nature is such a big inspiration, because sometimes it brings together colours and textures that we wouldn't even think of putting together. I also keep updated with trends, I love street style blogs or simply watching what people wear on the streets inspire me too.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Audrey Hepburn is my all time favourite icon. Both her beauty and elegance.

Other than her, I have two style icons: Kate Bosworth and Alexa Chung. I love their effortless but always stylish and chic style.

Describe your personal style.

I like to wear basics, but with a piece that stands out. Currently I'm drawn to dressing in a monochromatic colour scheme, preferably in blacks and greys in my daily outfits. I try to include trends into my outfits when I can.

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given?

Marc Jacobs said: "Always find beauty in things that are odd and imperfect - they are much more interesting," and it's always in my mind.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I'm an online shopper, and it has never failed me. My favourite online store, with affordable prices and great products is asos.com … Although I always want to go and check out/shop from local stores in Vancouver, I always find myself in Zara. I also love vintage shopping, my favourite vintage shop, was a little one in Florence, Italy.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

Oxblood everything (specially leather) and all black outfits.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

Crocs.    

What do you never leave home without?

Lip Balm, Eyeliner and my phone.

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own?

A comfortable, spacious everyday bag. A perfume with a scent thats just right for her. The perfect jeans. The little black dress. Lipstick/lip balm/lip gloss.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years?

I hope to up the level of the quality in my posts and bring some fun videos in for my readers. I hope to work together with other bloggers and other creative people in the world of fashion.

Find Pari online at: 

http://www.soundofsweetlullabies.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SoundOfSweetLullabies

Tumblr: http://soundofsweetlullabies.tumblr.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/paricoleini

Instagram: http://followgram.me/paricoleini   

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/paricoleini/

Bloglovin: http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2362187/sound-of-sweet-lullabies

Have a great weekend!

All images courtesy of Sounds of Sweet Lullabies

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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. 

My Loves and Loathes from the Oscar Red Carpet

The Oscar red carpet is one of my most anticipated fashion events of the year (second only to the Costume Institutes Gala). I can't wait to see what the stars are wearing when they step out of their limos. This year, I was a bit disappointed. While I thought many of the actresses looked stunning, none of their dresses were absolute show stoppers. 

Having said that, here are my top loves and loathes from the 2013 Oscar red carpet. 

Loves

I'm not the biggest fan of Jennifer Aniston, but this look blew me away! The colour is stunning and the shape is so classic.

I wasn't the biggest fan of this dress when I first saw it, but it grew on me. I love the simplicity of it, and Charlize Theron looks absolutely flawless. I can't think of another actress who could rock the Beiber haircut like her.

Jessica Chastain looks stunning - very Jessica Rabbit!

Jennifer Lawrence looks amazing!

I'm not sure what's going on with the ruffles, but this colour is fabulous!

Again, great colour.

I really like the detailing on this dress, although I wish it was a little bit longer in the front. It may not be the most stunning dress (and at first, I was not a fan), but I think a little interest goes a long way on what turned out to be a fairly plain red carpet. 

Loathes

I don't necessarily loath this look, I'm just disappointed by it. I thought Anne could have picked better. 

Not a huge fan of the fish scales, and it needs to be hiked up a couple of inches. 

Naomi looks amazing. This dress, however, is not great; it feels like two dresses sewn together. I would love it so much more if it was strapless sweetheart, or cap sleeved, but not both. Pick a side!

There are no words to describe how much I hate this look. I don't understand why she was on the red carpet in the first place, but then to pick this dress?! Let's just say I'm not a fan.

Who were your favourites from last night's Academy Awards?

 All photos courtesy of People.com