Monday, September 12, 2011

Fall Wish List

It's been a while since I've been a student, but there's something about Fall that I just love. It screams new beginnings, which can often mean wardrobe updates! With all the fashion bibles putting out their fattest issues at this time, it's hard not to start putting together a must haves list for fall.

Here's what I'm coveting right now:

Button down shirts
A classic item, the perfect piece that can be dressed up or down.

Banana Republic
Banana Republic
Jacob
Banana Republic

Hunter Boots
I'm from the West Coast, it's basically in my DNA to wear Hunters. Throw on a thick pair of socks and I'll be good to trudge my way through the city all winter long.


Hunter

Fair Isle Sweater
I've been in love with fair isle for years - since Katie Holmes was in those Gap commercials - but I've never been able to find the perfect sweater. Maybe this year's my year!

Smart Set

Black skinny jeans

Vince - Ponte jersey skinny pants courtesy of Net-A-Porter.com

An oversized Watch

Timex, courtesy of Sears.ca

These are the items I'll be keeping my eye out for in the next few days and weeks.

What's on your fall must haves list?

Friday, September 9, 2011

Ottawa Style: BHBB Ottawa

Be Healthy Be Beautiful (BHBB) is Ottawa's one stop shop for everything health, beauty and fashion - what more could a girl want!? This week, Petite Adventures chats with BHBB's founder and editor Sarah Hoy about the e-publication and all that Ottawa has to offer.

Sarah Hoy enjoying some time in Ottawa in one of her favourite styles - the maxi dress.

Name: Sarah Hoy
Age: 26
Occupation: Founder and Editor of BHBB Ottawa

When and why did you first start your site?
Be Healthy Be Beautiful (BHBB) started as a biweekly e-publication sent out to those that subscribe. Originally from England, my career started in glossy women's magazines and lifestyles is where my passion lays. After moving to Ottawa I decided that I would follow my dream and set up my own publication. Ottawa has so much to offer and I want to tell people that there's no need to travel afar for great finds! BHBB is all about what you can find here in your city.


How would you describe the BHBB site?
The e-publication is now monthly and the new website is in development, with a new logo (set to launch very soon). This new site is going to be packed full of health, beauty, fashion, fitness and food. We have some amazing contributors from the city! It's a fun informal website that is easy to read when you are looking for a fix and it's all interactive so you can discuss each feature and share with your friends.

Where do you get your inspiration?
Ottawa is my inspiration. This city is full of amazing people, stores and fun fitness ideas. I became a runner when I moved here, how could I not when this city has the beautiful Rideau canal? Ottawa is a fun, active city where young professionals work and play, and as I look around, they become my inspiration.

Who are your style icons?
In all honesty, I don't have a famous style icon. I love walking around and seeing what people are wearing and trying out. I don't think you need an icon to find your style, it's all about having fun.

Festival style with a fedora and summer scarf.

Describe your personal style.
My style varies depending on my mood. Sometimes I like to thrown on a pair of jeans and a cute tank top with a pair of sunglasses, and other times I like to dress up. I must admit, I have a thing for heels. As soon as I could walk I was tottering around the house in my mom's shoes.

What are some of your favourite trends?
Right now, I am loving maxi dresses of all kinds! I have everything from strapless to t-shirt and vest tops styles - I've lost count. They are so comfortable and can be worn from day to night. Match a t-shirt one with a fedora and some sandals for a fun festival look or dress up a maxi dress with heels and a statement belt for a night out.

Sarah Hoy and Ms. Kate (MsCommuniKate), a regular contributor to BHBB.

What are you style/beauty pet peeves?
I think style is all about the individual and who are we to judge on what someone wants to wear. I love seeing creative outfits and beauty; it's a great way to express yourself.

What items do you never leave home without?
Lip chap! I feel lost without it; even exercising, it comes with me. Mascara is also a must for me, even if I have no other makeup on, it will make me feel human. And, my Blackberry... yes, I hate to admit it, but I'm a little addicted.

Where will you be in five years?
I'll be here in Ottawa, reporting everything new and chic in the city!

To learn more about BHBB Ottawa and to subscribe to this fantastic e-publication (seriously, read it with your morning coffee and you'll never be happier!) visit the website and follow the chic conversation on twitter.


All images courtesy of BHBB Ottawa.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Presqu'ile: A Petite Camping Adventure

I am not a fan of camping. I am a big fan of indoor plumbing. These two things seems to be mutually exclusive; therefore, so are camping and me.

But when your best friend and her boyfriend ask you to tag along as comic relief how can you say no. You just don't.

My weekend adventure started the same way as any other adventure - packing in a furious rush with only an hour to spare, because I had been too lazy to do so earlier. Thankfully I'd made myself a list, so it was fairly smooth sailing. 




After making sure everything was securely packed in my suitcase - just because I'm going camping doesn't mean I have to pack in garbage bags - I was out the door and on my way to the train station.  

Finally out the door - it looks like I've packed a lot, but in reality, half of that suitcase is my sleeping bag.
The helpful packing tricks you learn when working for a traveling events company.
Waiting for the lights to change at Laurier.
I hadn't traveled by train until I moved out East; I'm a total convert. Why anyone would take the bus is beyond me.

Mon billet
The VIA Rail Station in Ottawa, as viewed from the train
I arrived in Kingston mid-afternoon and spent a couple of hours basking in the sunshine, reading Hunger Games and hanging out with the Rotopotamus in the backyard.


The Rotopotamos aka: my dog niece
After my travel companions got home from work we pilled into the car and we were on our way. The drive to Presqu'ile Provincial Park was great. Unfortunately, we didn't get there until 8:30, so setting up a tent in the dark wasn't the most fun, but we made the best of it.

Saturday was absolutely beautiful; gorgeous sunshine, not a cloud in the sky - my kind of camping. We spent the morning walking on a marsh boardwalk 

Down on the boardwalk, we'll be having some fun!


and then the afternoon on the beach. I couldn't have asked for anything more. 




Sunday wasn't as great as Saturday. We were startled awake when a branch crashed down right beside the tent - the effects of Irene were in full force. We packed up quick, fearing that the rain would soon hit, and before I knew it our weekend was over.

My only souvenirs of the weekend are the mosquito bites that cover my ankles. Apparently there's something about my ankles that drive them crazy.


The results of my vicious, and unnoticed until it was too late, mosquito attack.


I've never been a big fan of camping, but after a weekend like that I might be a convert.

Okay, maybe not. If only they could figure out that plumbing thing.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

This is the Remix

I am not a club-goer. There was a time in my life when I was all about hitting up the clubs. 
Now I'm old.

So, when I was asked to cover a fashion show at a downtown nightclub a couple weeks back, I was a little thrown off that it didn't start until 10PM. But, being the consumate profession that I am, I got out of my pjs, got all dolled up and trudged out. The things I do for fashion.

Because I'm no longer a club dweller I wasn't sure what to wear, so I decided to remix one of my favourite outfits (seen here) taking it from office appropriate to club appropriate.




Even with heels, a mini-skirt and the peek-a-boo bra action I had going on, I was still, somehow, overdressed. So is the life of an old 25-year-old I guess.


Shirt - SmartSet, Skirt - H&M, Shoes - Aldo

Friday, September 2, 2011

Style Profile: Rebecca Jane

Meet Rebecca Jane. Formerly known as Along the Shore, she's in the process of undergoing a big change and about to relaunch as Lot 65. A mix of everything from style and trends to books and music, Rebecca uses her spaces as a platform to share and inspire others.


Name: Rebecca Jane
Age: 27
Occupation: Librarian
Locale: Ottawa, ON

When and why did you first start your blog?
I started my blog back in 2008, after being inspired by my discovery of fashion and personal style blogs. I wanted a creative outlet and place to share my thoughts on life and style, and so my humble site was born!

How would you describe your site?
Although it is currently undergoing renovations and updates (keep your eyes peeled!), I guess you could say that Lot 65 as a whole is a mix of style and lifestyle. I share thoughts on style and trends, but also music, art, books, and anything that inspires me. Since I am a librarian, you may notice a recurring theme of books and libraries in the art and style that I feature.


Where do you get your inspiration?
I find inspiration in all sorts of places. Lately, it has been from other bloggers (Late Afternoon, O My Heart, Atlantic-Pacific, The Cherry Blossom Girl), from fashion communities like Chictopia, as well as on some of the numerous street style sites out there, right now, particularly I am constantly inspired by Advanced Style - those older ladies are seriously chic! I also find style ideas in editorials, films, art, or even in vintage or handmade items I stumble upon while scouring ebay and Etsy. You never know where you might find a fabulous colour, print, or feeling that might inspire an outfit, DIY, or creative idea.

Who are your style icons?
It may sound terribly cliche, but I have to say Audrey Hepburn is an icon whose style I have admired since forever (I even had my high school prom dress made to look like one of her dresses in Sabrina). I turn to classic, timeless pieces again and again, and Audrey was just the pinnacle of that aesthetic.

Describe your personal style.
Oh gosh, it is always changing. I think a lot of the time my style is pretty classic and feminine. I gravitate towards pieces that mix well with what I already have and that will look current and fresh even after the passing of a could of seasons. That being said, I definitely do also love bright colours and statement pieces to change things up a bit and mix up the more understated pieces in my wardrobe. I might be a bit of a mish-mash as far as style goes with designers, high street, and vintage pieces scattered through my closet, but I feel like it works!


Where are your favourite places to shop?
Oh wow, where to begin?! One of my mainstays is Joe Fresh! I always find fabulous things there. Also Smart Set, the Gap, Aritzia, Aldo, Zara, and H&M if I can get there (there STILL isn't one in Ottawa which is so sad!) are a few of my top mall shops. When I lived in Winnipeg I was in love with Paramix and Vintage Glory. Here in Ottawa I love Victoire - they have an amazing selection of Canadian designers which I absolutely love. Online, I love Ruche, Modcloth, the OUtnet and ASOS to name a few, but I always enjoy the fun of treasure hunting through ebay and Etsy.

What are your favourite trends this season?
My favourite trend for fall would have to be colour! On all of the fall runways there were bright, intense colours, when usually fall runways tend towards dark earth tones. I can't wait to shake things up with pops of colour, especially cobalt blue which seems to be popping up everywhere, luckily for me. (And me! I am obsessed with that colour!)

Style and Beauty Pet Peeves?
I can't understand shredded anything. I remember seeing shredded jeans, tights, leggings, t-shirts, etc. cropping up all over the blogosphere and on the street, and it just never looks good - that is definitely one pet peeve! Also stirrup pants, mom jeans, and UGGS - not a fan! Oh, also: Leggings as pants. This is NOT a good look.

What do you never leave home without?
This is pretty easy - (other than essentials like keys and $$) I always have my phone, lipgloss (usually labello but right now it's Benefit's Ultra Shine in Foxy Lady), a stash of extra bobby pins and elastics and solid perfume from Lush (Vallinary - smells divine!).

Where will you be in five years?
I would love to hopefully have a permanent librarian position here in Ottawa or perhaps somewhere in the Maritimes (I am truly a PEI girl at heart and miss the ocean so much!). Maybe on the way to getting a condo or a small house somewhere, depending on where I live. On the style side of things, I would love to do more freelance writing - hopefully some of my favourite Canadian magazines like Fashion or Flare. We'll see!

Stay tuned for the launch of Rebecca's new site Lot65, but in the meantime, check out the conversation on Twitter.

All images courtesy of Rebecca Jane/Lot 65.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Petite Fashion Challenge #10

Tonight I'm taking part in Petite Fashion Challenge #10 - although it's my first. The challenge is to take traditionally summer pieces (like tank tops, shorts, mini skirts, sundresses etc.) and make them appropriate for fall.


So here we go...

I was given this dress as a birthday present from my grandma (she sent me money and I bought it for myself, but same deal) and it quickly became a staple of my wardrobe. Paired with sandals, its perfect for any summer day.





Transitioning this dress from summer to fall is as easy as:
One
Two
Three


or

By throwing on a cardigan and pairing this dress with tights and boots, it's perfect for all the days from fall right through winter.

Flat boots for a more casual day.

Please excuse the bathroom pic, the lighting was just really good in there.



Suede heels for when I want to be a little more dressed up.






LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...