Back to Basics

A couple of weeks back, when I was housebound with the flu, the only thing I could think about was comfort. So when it was time to emerge from my quarantine and return to work, this was the perfect outfit. 

It was everything I could have hoped for. The perfect mix of comfort and office appropriateness.

To spice up this otherwise subdue ensemble I added a bit of bling.

Including my brand new two finger ring. This is the first two finger ring I've owned, and I'm not going to lie, it's taken some getting used to - but I love it!

And, because fall is in full force now in Ottawa, I topped the ensemble off with my H&M trench. It has the most amazing plaid liner, which in truth, is the reason I bought it, but it's become more than useful!

Sweater - Old Navy; Tank - SmartSet; Pants - Talula;
Shoes, Ring, Bag - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

This was the perfect ensemble for my re-emergence into the civilized world; one that doesn't involve neocitran and hourly naps.

The only thing that would have made the day better was if we HADN’T had a fire drill while I was waiting for CBC Manitoba to return my call. But, at least I was more than cozy while we waited for the all-clear to re-enter the building.

Everybody, Everywear

Today, I'm linking up (for the first time) with the Everybody, Everywear challenge, which this month is coloured tights.

My first instinct was to wear all black, to make the tights pop; but then I figured I'd mix it up with a touch of grey and a little bit of purple.

Sweater, Dress, TIghts - H&M; Shoes - Nine West (Thrifted)
Nail Polish - Sally Hansen Slick Slate

Check out the rest of the other entries at Everybody Everywear. Looking forward to the November challenge!

Inspiration Monday

Today, I'm linking up once again with Two Birds' Inspiration Monday. When I first saw this week's inspiration:

My initial reaction was to pull out one of my old faves:

But, it's been featured before (seen here and here), so I thought I'd try something new. This is what I came up with:

I went for a monochromatic looks of black, greys and white; perfect for a blustery fall day. And, the perfect opportunity to show off my new Aldo wedges.

They're not my usual style, but I love them - the perfect first purchase for the Season of Kate.

Sweater - Zara; Dress & Tights - H&M; Belt - Jacob;
Boots - Aldo

The last few weeks have been crazy. You know, the kind where it feels like there aren't enough hours in the day, and taking off your shoes feels like too much work; that has been my life of late. And, it ain't over yet.

Just four more day, just four more days.

Style Profile: Moose Photography

A fixture on the Ottawa fashion scene, photographing for Twenty York Street and more, Lee Mousseau, can be found photographing the cities most fashionable and fabulous on any given weekend. In this week's style profile, we're switching gears a little bit and taking a look at the man behind the lens. 

Name: Lee Mousseau aka: Moose

Age: 25 (old haha)

Occupation: Photographer

Site: http://www.moosephotography.ca/

First time you picked up a camera?

Christmas even when I was five. It was an old school Yamashica film camera, manual focus only camera. I still have it too, though it doesn't work anymore.

When did you realize you wanted to be a photographer?

I've always had a 'thing' for wildlife photography. I always wanted to get one of those cool National Geographic shots. Now, I've got the gear to do it. But, it was only the last couple of years where I really started to get the urge that I wanted to pursue it as a career. It's a tough industry to break into; you have to break your way in to the 'experienced/seasoned' group of photographers, while fighting off the younger crowd that bought a cheap DSLR and will do everything for free.

How did you get your start in fashion photography?

I saw a tweet about Ottawa Fashion Week (OFW) last year, thought it would be something interesting and different from Nature & Wildlife, so I called up my cousin who is connected to practically EVERYONE and he hooked me up with Miss SLY who continues to give me the great opportunity to cover OFW.

Favourite things to photograph?

Up close insects (you get to see things that you've never noticed before), really cool skylines and, of course, models.

Dream subjects?

Coco Rocha or Milla Jovovich for people. A polar bear or lynx for animals.

Favourite photo shoot you've done?

I'm not sure I can name a favourite yet. Maybe in a few years... when one of them makes me famous? LOL

Where do you get your inspiration?

There are a lot of amazing photographers that constantly provide inspiration, Ottawa has many. And, of course, there's the luckiest photographer alive, good ol' Nigel Barker, now he's got the life. Most of the inspiration however, comes from things I see everyday. If I see it and I like it, or want to see what I can do with it, then I shoot it.

Learn more about Lee and check out his work by visiting his site: http://www.moosephotography.ca/, and follow along on Twitter.

All images courtesy of Moose Photography.

Black, White and Lace

Lace is one of the biggest trends this season, and it's something that I don't own. So, you can imagine my joy when I came across these lace-esque tights at Zellers for a mere $5. As soon as I saw them, I knew I would be stupid not to pick up a pair.

To keep the lace tights as a focal point of the outfit, I kept the rest of the outfit very monochromatic.

As the weather has turned in the last few weeks, and it's definitely fall now here in Ottawa, I decided to throw on this Joe Fresh cashmere sweater to keep warm throughout the day.

Sweater - Joe Fresh; Top & Skirt - H&M (also seen here); Tights - Jules and James; Boots - le Chateau

Courage

Courage is not a word I use to describe myself. But in the last few weeks I've come to learn that it's something other's use to describe me. It's taken me a while, and a lot of convincing to be accepting of this descriptor and even now, I'm not always convinced I deserve such praise.

But to hear it so many times in such short time span has inspired me to try to apply it to my wardrobe. So, I'm jumping out of my sartorial box and am going to take a lot more risks with my clothes. It is after all, the Season of Kate!

So, stay tuned...

Frugalista: October

Month two of budgeting was, again, not successful. But, it was far more successful than September - it's all relative, isn't it!?

At first, I was doing great - amazing if you will. I managed to buy this red dress from Jacob at 50% off - thanks to a couple of gift cards I'd received after my last shopping spree. The skirt I'd been coveting on ASOS was on sale, AND I was able to find these Aldo booties on ASOS for $12 cheaper than had I bought them in store. I also picked up an oatmeal v-neck sweater - a basic, closet staple.

Like I said, at first I was doing fabulous. Then, one night, in a moment of weakness, I decided that laundry wasn't on the agenda, so I ventured up to Zellers and bought socks and tights instead of walking to the basement.

Until that point, I was $0.53 under budget; damn my small feet and need to be cozy.

Even though I was technically over budget in October, I don't consider it an all out failure. I was able to get pieces that I was in love with, had been thinking about for some time, and they all followed my goal of buying colours, patterns and items that I don't already own something similar. 

So bring on the November budget, it's time I start evening the score!

Goal for November: Shop my closet! Don't buy clothes, only accessories to enhance what I already own.

editor's note: Any items purchased for my Hallowe'en costumes were not considered part of the clothing budget for October; however, they will most likely be worn again at some point in time - I can't help it if I like to be cute even on Hallowe'en.

Halloween

This year I had two very different Halloweens to prepare for: one work related; one wild and crazy.

Halloween #1

For my first Halloween celebration of 2011 I chose Liz Lemon, Tina Fey's character from 30 Rock as my inspiration.

I already own all of the clothes, so this was an easy decision. 

To complete my outfit, I printed out a screen shot that I'd taken of Liz Lemon's actual ID badge from the show and had a speech bubble taped to a chop-stick that read BLERG - one of the character's signature phrases.

The costume was hit and miss; half of the office knew who I, the other half did not. But, those who were fans of the show got a huge kick out of it - which is what I was going for.

Tank - SmartSet; Shirt - Aritzia; Sweater - Zara
Jeans - Mavi; Shoes - TOMS

 Halloween #2

For Halloween weekend I traveled to Kingston to visit my best friend. For this festive weekend my inspiration was Lady Gaga and her meat dress. I take absolutely no credit for this costume idea - a friend of mine came up with it; I just stole the flyers from Hartmann's and made it happen.

The Tuesday before Halloween weekend I took a trip to my local grocer and took handfuls of their flyer, from which I cut all the meat ads. My bag full of papers got me a lot of strange looks and questions at the register, but I pushed through the embarrassment and soldiered on.

I carted it all down to Kingston and got to work on putting it all together. I glued the meat to a dress I got for $8 from Old Navy - and I can't even begin to tell you how shocked I was that this costume was coming together so easily and quickly. At least that's what I thought at first...

The problem started when I tried to get into the dress. I managed - with much help, what are best friend's for! - to wiggle my way in and only did minor damage, but with so much time left before the party, I was able to do a few quick repairs and patch jobs. But then came the task of bending and sitting - these were not easily accomplished. I spent much of the night standing, until I decided that I'd preserved the meat long enough - it was time to give my feet a break! Even then, the costume more or less survived - it's amazing what a little glue stick can do!

The wig though, that was another story. I bought a wig from Zellers that was described as a flirty, pop star wig and the photo shows a lovely, blond, wavy bob. That is not what I had when I opened the package. I had a matted mess that over the course of the night turned into an afro.

But I rocked it as best I could!

Dress - Old Navy; Wig - Zellers; Earrings, Ring, Sunglasses - Aldo
Watch - Fossil; Bangles - unknown tiny store in Kingston

 I have to say, this costume was a huge success. Most people weren't sure what I was, but as soon as I explained that I was Gaga in her meat dress, everyone burst out laughing - exactly what I was going for for Halloween!

I'm not normally one who celebrates Halloween, but after the amazing time I had this year, i might be a convert.

How was everyone's weekend? Did you dress up?