What's in my bag?

Every since I my winter vacation ended and I was thrown back into the real world, I've been suffering from a lack of sartorial inspiration. I'd love to blame jet-lag, but it's been 13 days, so I'm pretty sure the statute of limitations has passed. But, since I haven't taken any good photos of late, let's take a peek inside my bag.

My bag - the lovely Johnson from Aldo. Bought on a whim in September, I quickly fell in love with it - not only does the cross-body strap keep my hands free to hold my coffee in the morning, but the thing holds anything and everything that I could possibly need throughout the day.

The contents:

RayBans, Joe Fresh sunnies, business card holder, bandage holder (promotional item from work)
Wallet, keys, backup glasses, gum
Aldo sunglasses, Columbia glasses, Burts Bees lip balm in fig, more gum, moleskine agenda
iPhone, pens

These are the items that keep me organized: business cards, my moleskin agenda (I'm honestly lost without it), and pens (normally there are more than 3 pens in my purse, but I think I've lost a few lately).

No, your eyes are not deceiving you, I carry around FIVE pairs of glasses on a daily basis - two to make computer and TV screens less blurry, and three pairs of sunglasses

That's my bag!

What's in your bag?

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From Point A to Point B

One of the joys of living in Ottawa is that during the winter you leave the house looking like this...



..when you really want to look like this.



This is the story of last Friday, when Mother Nature decided to dishonour our agreement (of not snowing when I'm in town; she did great and held off on winter until after I left for the holidays, but I guess asking for a winter without snow was too much) and dump snow/ice rain on the city.

Although the conditions were frightful, I took it as the perfect opportunity to debut my new winter boots. They're amazing - I walked through every puddle/slush pile I could find and my feet were bone-dry upon arriving at work (disclaimer: my walk is only eight minutes, but there was a lot of slush between point A and point B).

Coat - Aritzia; Boots - Super Fit Abaka Winter Boots

As soon as I got to work, I changed into my daytime look, debuting my Joe Fresh coloured jeans. I've wanted to jump on the coloured denim train for a while now, but was having a hard time finding a shade that I liked. That is until I came across these bad boys. It was love at first sight, but I didn't buy them right away. It took a full-day of thinking about them before I finally went back and made them mine.

Scarf & Sweater - H&M; Jeans - Joe Fresh; Heels - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I'm very pleased with the results - the jeans were the perfect pop of colour on such an abhorrent day. I'm looking forward to styling them throughout the Winter and well into Spring!

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Style Profile: Dear Fashion Addicts

Meet Kyla.

Name: Kyla

Age: 19

Occupation: Business Student/ Event Coordinator at Lilac Lingerie

Site: Dear Fashion Addicts

Location: Ottawa, ON

When and why did you start your site?

Starting a blog had been something that I wanted to do for a while, but, coming from a small town I thought it was way more complex then it really was. It wasn't until I started working at Lilac Lingerie and met Emily from Tinfoil Tiaras (Style Profile's here) that made me realize that it was something that could actually be done. So, in July 2011, Dear Fashion Addicts, became a reality! I see my blog more like a beginning to a portfolio than anything. I want to have a career in the business of fashion; everyone has to start somewhere. It's demonstrating to myself that Fashion isn't just a Career, it's a Lifestyle.

How would you describe your site?

My blog is a great way for me to share my love for fashion and ideas with the world.  It keeps me on the leading edge of fashion ideas and gives me feedback on the different directions I take with my blog. I also use it to show everyone what and who’s important to me and I’m not afraid to share that.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get a lot of my inspiration from other bloggers, art, people on the street and even when I'm shopping online. I try to bring in inspiration from anywhere and everywhere. I l Love “heritage” and “traditional”...you know old is new again.  Fashion is all about recycling but with different materials and colours; looking for eclectic pieces that you wouldn’t think to put together everyday.  

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Coco Chanel and Lauren Conrad! I love how simple and classic they both are.

Describe your personal style.

I went to a Catholic High School from grade 7-12, which meant wearing a uniform every day for 6 years. Even though I've been out of High School for a while, I'm still trying to build up my wardrobe (you don't buy much when you have uniforms) and create more of a personal style. Ever since I started my blog, I've found myself really loving vintage! From raiding my Mother's closet to going to thrift shops looking for any key pieces I might be able to bring home. My uncle once told me I dress 'old', which considering the majority of my wardrobe was my Grandmother's, I am perfectly content with his comments.

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

Hair is an important accessory take care of it and make sure it makes your eyes “pop” AND take care of your body. Take care of what you have!

Where are your favourite places to shop?

When I go shopping, I'll go into any store thinking to myself 'I should try something new', but I always end up leaving with things from Winner, Forever21, H&M and Aldo. I've recently also started thrifting, trying to find more vintage items! (saving a penny or two helps too!)

What are your favourite trends for this season?

I am really loving the woman tuxedo! I wear suits all the time for work, I love being able to get creative with them. Lace, Leopard print and wool-y sweaters are also some of my favourite season looks!

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

My biggest beauty pet peeve is definitely woman having the wrong coloured foundation, which results in that unattractive line across their jawline. Being as fair as I am, even I am able to find a foundation that matches my skin tone. I just wish woman would be more aware of it! My style pet peeve has to be floods, I hate whenever woman or even men are wearing pants that are awkwardly too short for them.

What do you never leave home without?

Lately with this weather, it's been a scarf to pull together my whole outfit!

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

A fitted black blazer and a pencil skirt, a basic white t-shirt, a great pair of bold heels and big pair of diamond studs! 

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

I've always have many plans for my blog, so my first plan is it to still around by then but, bigger and better. I see myself working in the fashion industry, graduated from College with two feet on the ground. I'm not much of a life planner anymore. 

What's on your nightstand?

My water bottle, a picture of my Dad and I, a few bottles of nail polish and a nail file.

Tell Petite Adventures readers something random about yourself. 

My first job was in a shop making fudge!

All images courtesy of Dear Fashion Addicts.

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In the red

Cardigan - Zara; Dress - Jacob; Boots - Aldo; Watch - Fossil; Glasses - J-14

These photos are from a few weeks back (pre-hair cut, as I like to think of it). At the time, I kept thinking this outfit was a modern day Mrs. Clause, but now looking back on it I'm thinking it's quite the opposite.

I never would have taken this dress home had I not had a coupon for 50% off. I figured it was the perfect opportunity to buy something that I normally wouldn't - and boy and I glad I did. I love the detailing on the stomach, and the red is the perfect pop of colour on what was an otherwise gloomy pre-holiday day.

This was the first time that I'd worn the dress out and it certainly won't be the last! 

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Everybody Everywear: Black & White

This month's theme for Everybody Everywear was Black & White, which should have been incredibly easy; however, it snuck up on me and I hadn't started unpacking, which left me with limited resources. But, I did my best...

Blazer - Talula from Aritzia; Shirt - Joe Fresh; Skirt - Esprit; Boots & Clutch - Aldo

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Petite Adventures takes the West Coast

Although I was home for 19 days, I really have nothing to show for it. Most of my time was spent hanging out with family, eating, drinking, hiking with the dogs while singing David Bowie (my dad pretended to be annoyed, but I know he loooooved my high pitched rendition of "Young Americans" complete with dancing - ahh nature, so serene), and watching hockey - lots of hockey; I wouldn't have it any other way.

Here are a few snapshots from my adventures on the West Coast.


Pre-vacation - I decided the office holiday party was the perfect place to debut my new 'do.

My reading material for the five-hour flight to Vancouver. I wasn't prepared to cry (and to have to ask my hungover seat mates to grab me a kleenex) or finish the book before landing, but these things happen.

 In the car on the way to the ferry. There had been an accident earlier in the afternoon so we sat in line waiting to go through the tunnel for quite a long time - perfect for me to take snaps of my new Joe Fresh sunglasses.

 

Ben and Jake, the loves of my life, and the two laziest dogs in the world.

When not sleeping, Jake spends his time staring you down, in hopes that you'll say he's allowed to: a) eat, or b) go on the couch.

 New socks, very Aspen-esque.

 The monkey tree all decorated for the season.

When the torrential downpours force you to stay inside - and it's between periods - the only thing to do is wear your sunglasses and snap some pics.

 My stocking - the only one that survived the great crawlspace mouse attack on the early-2000s.

 

My uniform for the trip: t-shirt, cardigan, skinnies, scarf, sunglasses, and a top knot. Some might saying this is lazy, but I like to look at it as ultra-relaxed dressing.

About to leave for the spa with mama Petite Adventures on New Year's eve.
No make-up = large sunnies - we know how it's done.

New winter boots - because you know, Sidney, BC, is totally the hotbed for boots that will withstand
-33C temperatures. They were 40% off and small enough to fit my tiny size 5 feet, so I couldn't pass them up; packing them however was not such a good deal.

So there you have it, my snapshots from B.C. As I said, not too many pictures from my 19 days away, but I could totally give you an in-depth recap of "24/7: Road to the Winter Classic," any of the hockey game that took place during my vacay, or dissect Canada's various sports broadcasters, their strengths and weaknesses (James Duthie's my favourite, you?).

That's right, I had my priorities in order.

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Style Profile: Miss Melissa

Meet Melissa. A Vancouver fashion blogger with a passion for life, style and vintage fashion. Her site, Miss Melissa, is a personal style blog of photos showcasing her awesome style. When she's not showcasing her fabulous use of colour, pattern and texture, she shares other events in her life with a few odd recipes thrown in for good fun.

Name: Melissa Knight

Age: 29

Occupation: Restaurant Manager and Shift Management Facilitator for McDonalds Restaurants

Site: http://miss-melissa.com

Location: Vancouver

When and why did you start your site? 

I started my blog in 2006 as an online diary that a few friends could read. When Facebook came along that seemed like an easy way to share way too much information with friends so my blog seemed unnecessary.  My blog started up again a few years ago after some encouragement from friends and last year it became a style blog. My blog has always just been a place where I can express myself and be creative. 

Where do you get your inspiration?  

Other blogs as well as magazines. I have gotten to know so many of Vancouver's style bloggers that they have become a huge source of inspiration for me.

Who are your style/beauty icons? 

Olivia Palermo, The Olsen's, Rachel Bilson, Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere and Blair of Atlantic Pacific are just a few.

Describe your personal style. 

It's not really something I can define, but I do appreciate simple elegance.

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

To be confident no matter what I wear. And to keep my skin clean and moisturized!

Where are your favourite places to shop? 

Zara, Piperlime.com, H&M and Club Monaco have been my go-to stores lately. I also love Deluxe Junk, a vintage shop in Vancouver.

What are your favourite trends for this season? 

I've never been huge on trends. This fall my closet is full of rich colors, luxurious fabrics, midi/maxi skirts, blazers and a few faux fur pieces. 

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve? 

Tights worn as pants

What do you never leave home without? 

My cell phone - I hate to say that I feel lost without it.

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

The perfect pair of jeans, a LBD that makes her feel amazing, a pair of stunning heels that can be worn all night without pain, red lipstick and  a classic black blazer.

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

I'm sure I should have some sort of aggressive plan with targets and graphs but as long as I can write and connect with readers I'll be happy.

What's on your nightstand? 

An alarm clock and a lamp. 

Tell Petite Adventures readers something random about yourself. 

I can stand on my head for an oddly long time. 

All images courtesy of Miss Melissa.

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Words with Friends

Today, I'm off to Vancouver to reunite with my ladies who lunch. Living on the other side of the country makes these once monthly get-togethers rather difficult, so we started planning this day well in advance - coordinating five fabulous ladies can be very difficult. But somehow we've made it work.

For such a special occasion I've decided to go yeti-chic.

Vest - Forever 21; Shirt - Jacob; Jeans - Mavi; Clutch & Pendant - Aldo

Shirt - Jacob; Vest - Forever 21; Jeans - Mavi; Bag & Necklace - Aldo

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Petite Resolutions

Happy New Year!

How did you ring in 2012? After spending the day at the spa with Mama Petite Adventures, I was at home with family drinking wine and watching hockey - and celebrating my best friend's engagement via satellite (she's in Kingston and I wasn't given enough notice to fly back).

Once the hockey had ended we got to talking about New Year's resolutions. I try to keep my attainable (to avoid epic failure) and practical.

So, without further ado, here are my Petite resolutions for 2012.
Some of them are repeats from 2011, but they're good ideas so why limit them to just one year?!

1) Read More

 goal: read at least one book each month

Read before bed instead of TV

2) Volunteer

IABC

Dress for Success

3) Write more

4) Spend less

use the library

make lunches

5) save 10% of each pay cheque
*continuing from 2011

6) Pay off Visa Card
this was accomplished over the Xmas holidays, but I feel it might need to happen again... and again... and again

7) Pay off student debt

8) Drink more water

9) Eat more fruits, vegetables & berries

10) Eat less pasta, dairy

11) Go to the gym 3 times a week

12) be patient, breathe

13) Stop being so lazy

14) Stop being scared - of failure, of standing out

15) don't think, DO!

16) go to Europe, see Paris, Stockholm
Now that there's an impending wedding, this might have to be pushed back to 2013 - but finger's crossed I win the lottery and can afford to do both!

Check out my visual list on Pinterest.

What about you dear readers? Do you make New Year's Resolutions?

If so, what's on your list?

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