May Long

I know, I know... I'm two days behind, but I couldn't get over the weather we had this past weekend; could we have asked for a better long weekend? I think not.

It was exactly the break that I needed: three solid days of resting, relaxing and sunshine. I figured I would sum up the weekend for you in a list because:
1. lists are awesome; and
2. I love lists.

So, behold... The May Long Weekend Countdown

• 4 - the number of bruises I have on my shins from deciding to re-arrange my bedroom furniture while wearing shorts (I was "inspired" to reorganize my furniture mid-day on the hottest day of the year - can you say stupid?!);
• 3 - the number of days I spent sitting on the Starbucks patio reading and people watching;
• 2 - the number of books I read start to finish (I learned all about being a classy lady from Derek Blasberg, and developed a pretty big lady crush on Mindy Kaling). While it was great to be out in the sun, I was left with...
• 1 - an awkward sunburn on one forearm; and 
• 0 - the distance in kilometres I ran along the canal, according to the Nike + iPod app (in reality I ran 4km. Apparently I'm either too small or too slow for the app to register my pace; I'm pretty sure it's the latter.)
• 0 - is also the number of bike rides I went on, but all of that will change in the next 3-5 days. I've signed up for a BIXI bikes subscription and can't wait to cruise along the canal in the sunshine all summer (and fall, until November) long!

All-in-all it was a fabulous weekend.

To kick-off the weekend I decided to wear two of my favourite trends: cobalt and peplum. It was the perfect ensemble for joining friends on the patio followed by a delicious dinner at Ahora. 

Shirt - Wilfred; Jeans - Mavi; Espadrilles - Aritzia

 

Like I said, all in all a fabulous weekend start to finish.

How did you spend the May Long Weekend?

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Inspired

After attending the MARCOM Conference last week I was inspired. 

Not only was I inspired to get into work and try out some of the things I had learned (including Scott Stratten's mantra "be awesome") but I was so inspired by the fashions that I decided to try something completely out of my comfort zone.

Shirt & Pants - Jacob; Necklace - Aldo; Belt - Joe Fresh; Shoes - Michael Kors; Watch - Fossil

Throughout the two days as I watched the fabulous ladies walking around the Ottawa Convention Centre (and Rideau Centre when I popped out to do a bit of window shopping) I was inspired to give my work wardrobe a bit of an overhaul. I'm no slouch when it comes to business casual; however, I have been known to sabotage an outfit by throwing on a cardigan or a less fabulous (read: boring and safe) pair of shoes. 

But that ends now.

Not only did this ensemble feature no cardigan, but it garnered compliments from co-workers, and satisfied my desire to be more Anna Wintour and less Liz Lemon when it comes to dressing.

More Wintour, less Lemon. That's my new mantra.

But, just because I'm moving away from becoming Liz Lemon doesn't mean I don't still want to be Tina Fey. I mean, have you read Bossypants?!

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It'll Have To Do

I've spent the last two days getting my nerd on at the MarCom Conference here in Ottawa, and I had every intention of coming home and taking pictures of today's Anna Wintour-esque ensemble. But then a funny thing happened; I sat down on the couch... and that was it. I couldn't move. Next thing I knew I was in PJs, eating pretzel M&Ms, and I was waiting for the clock to strike eight so I could go to bed (I have a severe case of senior citizenitis). Who knew learning about online marketing campaigns on small budgets could be so exhausting!?

So, instead of a brand spankin' new outfit, you'll have to settle for one from last week... but it's a good one (at least I think so)!

Sweater - Zara; Tank - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob; TIghts - Zellers;
Boots - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

One of my goals for 2012 was to become more involved in the community through volunteering, and last week I took the first steps towards making that goal a reality when I attended the volunteer orientation for Dress for Success Ottawa.

Dress for Success is a group of inspiring woman who work to: "promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire and the career development tools to help them thrive in work and life."


I'm so excited to be getting involved in such an awesome organization, and I wanted to put my best foot forward at the orientation, so I opted for some of my favourite pieces. 


There's nothing better than feeling comfortable and confident when you're embarking on a new and awesome journey.

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Turning Over a New Leaf

A couple of weeks ago I noticed that I was developing some not-so-good habits: hitting snooze for over an hour in the mornings; eating out 2-3 times a day; and, I had a pretty much given up on putting together interesting outfits.

It was bad.

I had to stop myself before it got too far. And I figure what better way to pre-empt my rut than by busting out my new kelly green pencil skirt.

Blouse - H&M; Tank - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob; Shoes -  Aldo

The universe must have been rewarding me that day for getting out of bed after only hitting snooze once because the day was gloriously sunny - the rest of the week was not, but that's beside the point.

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Easy, Breezy

The weather this past weekend was amazing. I had errands to run, and I couldn't have been happier because it gave me the chance to soak up some rays and expose the world to my ghostly white limbs. 

Because I was running around town and pounding the pavement, I decided to go with a simple yet chic ensemble and threw on one of my favourite dresses (yes, black can work for summer) and my new Aldo wedges. This could have been a recipe for disaster, but thankfully these new wedges were so comfortable and allowed me to breeze about town.

Sunglasses - Ray-Ban, Dress - unknown shop in Toronto; Tank - Smart Set;
Sandals - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

Easy. Breezy. Beautiful. Ghostly White.
Here's hoping that the gorgeous weather is here to stay!

How did you enjoy the weekend?

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Met Gala Red Carpet Recap

The Costume Institute Gala aka: the Met Gala is one of the most exciting red carpets of the years; it's la creme de la creme of fashion full-on bringing it. 

This annual event celebrates the opening of the Metropolitan Museum's fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute, which this year honours Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada.

Although I found the red carpet to be a little bit underwhelming this year, there were a few gems. Here are some of my favourites (and one of my not-so-favs).

Emily Blunt in Calvin Klein

Simple, elegant and in such a gorgeous colour - what's not to love about Emily Blunt's look?! 

Lea Michele in Diane von Furstenberg

I am not usually a fan of Lea Michele or her red carpet style, but this navy blue sequin Diane von Furstenberg dress looks amazing on her.

Kristen Bell in Tommy Hilfiger

Again, simple, elegant and in this season's hottest hue, Kristen Bell looks so California surfer girl chic.

Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren Collection

I don't like the dark lip, and I think Camilla Belle's hair is a little bit extreme, but for the most part this look is fantastic and perfect for the Met Gala.

January Jones in Versace

Love the colour and the structure of these two strapless peplum dresses; it makes me wish I could pull off yellow.

Solange in Rachel Roy

Jessica Alba in Michael Kors

The golden girls. I just think these two look awesome.

Jessica Pare in L'Wren Scott

And now, for my not-so-favourite:

Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci 

From the front, it's not so bad.

But then she turns around. 

Don't get me wrong, I love Beyonce. I think she's a gorgeous and talented girl (I've done the Single Ladies dance more than a few times at the gym) but this dress is not a favourite. It's just a little too sheer, and a little too short. There's always next year, B.

What did you think? What was your favourite look from the Met Gala red carpet?

All photos courtesy of People.com

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C'est la vie

Dear Readers,

Photo courtesy of Raising Homemakers (and google)

I'm so sorry for neglecting you lately, but I swear, it's not you; it's me.

Just so you don't feel so bad about yourself, here's a list of other things I've been neglecting:

1. My apartment; it's a little more shabby than chic at the moment.
2. My taxes; Dear Revenue Canada, I probably don't owe you money so please bear with me while I rack my brain trying to figure out what pieces of paper you want from me.
3. My laundry basket; you've heard the stories before, my laundry basket and I have a love-hate relationship. Mostly it's just a hate relationship.
4. The bridal shower that I'm co-organizing; I sent out invites, isn't that enough?! Apparently not.
5. Planning my Scandinavian/Russian summertime adventure; I have flights, and that's about it. Accommodations might be a good thing to look into, but that's a job for future-Kate. Also, saving money for this trip has been a full-time job in itself. But a rewarding one.
6. Words with Friends; I swear I'll play a word soon, mom!
7. I bought a Kobo; this has taken my bookworm-ness to the next level!

Allow me to update you:
Work has been insane these past couple of weeks and only promises to get busier. Monday to Friday it's crazy from 8:30 right through until 5 (and sometimes beyond). We're in the final stages of organizing an international conference, among other projects, and while this has been an amazing learning experience, its thrown a number of un-anticipated problems my way - including writer's block which hit mid-day Thursday and lasted all the way through the end of the week. Just perfect. Add to that I'm out of the office for two days next week attending the MarCom Conference at the Ottawa Convention Centre (can you say bad timing!?). While I'm incredibly excited to get my geek on, I'm already anticipating the chaos that will be waiting for me when I'm back on Thursday. Oh, and did I mention we've organized a media event for Thursday on Parliament Hill?! Le sigh.

On top of all of that I've started volunteering with a couple of awesome organizations; one charitable, one professional. So far it's just the beginning of my volunteering career with these wonderful organizations, but I can't wait to get more involved. I'm already so excited for what the future holds.

And then, there are the activities I do to keep myself sane - such as: running - I'm addicted. I'm slow, but I keep pushing myself to go further/longer, and according to PInterest, I'm already lapping everyone on the couch; adventuring with friends (my best friend is looking for a new apartment and sometimes takes me a long so she, and I quote, "won't get murdered." I'm not sure she's realized that I'm 5'2" and have the upper body strength of a fetus); and aiming to get eight hours of sleep (this almost never happens, but a girl can dream, right!?) Needless to say, that didn't leave too much for blogging, or putting together cute outfits at the end of the day.

But I promise you this week will be different. The sun is shining, the pigeon's are coo-ing (I live downtown, my access to chirping birds is limited), and I have no excuse to not to show this blog a little lovin'.

With that being said, off to the gym I go!
Let's get this weekend started!

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Style Profile: Dress Me Dearly

Credit: Harvey Miedreich

Name: Janis Galloway

Age: 26

Occupation: Marketing Coordinator at the Art Gallery of Alberta and freelance Wardrobe Stylist

Site: www.dressmedearly.com

Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

When and why did you start your site?

I launched Dress Me Dearly in 2009 simply because I started reading style blogs and knew it would be a great outlet for my love of fashion. I really had no idea it would lead me to the opportunities I have today. 

How would you describe your site?

   It's a fun, personal style blog with a sense of humour and a focus on the Edmonton fashion scene.

Where do you get your inspiration?

   My city. Edmonton has a thriving arts and fashion community, and I'm inspired every day by the shops, music, our local designers, events and my fellow bloggers.

Credit: Harvey Miedreich

Who are your style/beauty icons?

   I'm a huge fan of blogger Keiko Lynn. Her look is incredibly feminine mixing vintage and new. I admire her mixing and matching skills and her sincere love of fashion.

Describe your personal style.

Very feminine, I love dresses, heels and charming prints. I'm told my look is retro, which isn't a conscious intention, but I think I'm just drawn to the classic ultra-feminine looks of the 50's and 60's. 

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

Always, always, always wash your makeup off before you go to sleep! 

Credit: Harvey Miedreich

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I frequent Edmonton's vintage shops including Divine and Decadence, and I'm also a Joe Fresh junkie.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

I can't get enough of pleats, and I'm obsessed with chunky, gold costume jewellery. I'm also loving the colour palettes this season including mint, coral and orange. 

What do you never leave home without?

My iPhone

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

A great pair of black pumps, a perfect shade of blush, a well-fitted blazer, a show-stopping necklace, a black skirt. 

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

I would like to continue to build my readership and a higher profile in the fashion community throughout Canada, expanding my reach outside of Edmonton. I'm also hoping to lead some new and exciting fashion initiatives that will contribute back to Canada's fashion community while bringing it together. 

All images courtesy of Dress Me Dearly.

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Currently Coveting

After April's end-of-the-month shopping spree, I'm hopping back on the shopping ban bandwagon. My goal is to hold off on making any purchases until early June when I'll find myself face-to-face with H&M in Toronto.

But, just because I can't touch doesn't mean I can't look - and this season I'm loving all the bold colours and wedges that I see. Here are a few of the shoes I'm currently coveting.

ALSIDIA from Aldo
NB: In the time that it took me to type this post I decided to break my shopping ban and purchase these bad boys. My rationalization: I donated three pairs of shoes, therefore making room in my shoe closet; I don't already own any brown sandals; I have so many things to wear them with; and technically the ban hadn't really started... HOWEVER, they are the LAST purchase I will be making until I get to Toronto. Shopping ban starts NOW.

LOVIN from Aldo

LINGER from Nine West

Linya2 from Boutique 9

Gladys from Rachel Zoe

Milk Shake from Chinese Laundry

What trends are you coveting this season?

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Style Profile: Virginie's Cinema

Name: Virginie

Occupation: Independent Movie producer

Site: Virginie’s Cinema

Location: Québec, Canada

When and why did you start your site? 

I started a blog in 2010 to document my career adventures and travels because I was attending a lot of film festivals wanted to keep memories and have something tangible to analyse the growth of my career. It always had a stong root in personal style too since I believe our clothes can help us achieve our dreams.

 How would you describe your site? 

It’s my personal diary of my journey in filmmaking through style, leading a creative life and staying inspired.

Where do you get your inspiration? 

My main inspiration is cinema. I’m a hardcore cinephile and am inspired by it all, from the French New Wave to Contemporary Japanese cinema…

Who are your style/beauty icons? 

My favortie icon is Brigitte Bardot. She is beautiful in a really careless way and very free with her style and body.

Describe your personal style. 

I’d say girly geek. I don’t ahere to only one aesthetic and let my inspiration take me where it wants to!

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

That it’s not about finding but rather creating your style.

Where are your favourite places to shop? 

My favortie type of shopping is online shopping, because there is so much more choice! My favorites are ModCloth and Asos. I also believe in creative consumerism so I thrift and swap a lot!

What are your favourite trends for this season? 

Neon lipstick and nail polish.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

I don’t have any pet peeves in general… I believe in living and letting live :)

What do you never leave home without? 

My Joie de vivre?!

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

A great chambray shirt, a perfectly fitted skinny denim pant, a really colourful and impactful cocktail dress, ankle booties and extravagant sunglasses.

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

In five years I hope that both Ramiro and I can make a living solely making our movies (currently Ramiro still works as a video game screenwriter on Marvel franchises, which is crazy cool noetheless!), I hope to continue to travel all over the world in movie festivals with my projects and document our journey on Virginie’s Cinema! I hope for growth and happiness in both the site, my career and my personal life :)

 What's on your nightstand? 

A picture of my wedding (he he), a bouquet of silk flowers that I used in one of my roof top videos, a vintage crystal vase, my collection of rings and a book on independent movie distribution.

Check out more of Virginie's fantastic style and follow her journey to Cannes over on Virginie's Cinema.

All images courtesy of Virginie's Cinema.

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Professional Development

One of the things I wish I had learned earlier in my career (okay, I'm only three years in, but I wish I had started on day one) is to take advantage of networking and professional development opportunities through local professional societies and associations. It's not only a great place to learn and be inspired, but often times the fashion at these networking events is to die for!



I wore this outfit to an IABC Ottawa Professional Development event last week. I needed an outfit that would be versatile, something that would get me through the work day, be appropriate for the event, but something cute and casual because immediately after the session I was heading out to watch the Sens game.

And, as it turned out, something that would be rain appropriate.

This is what I settled on. It was warm enough for the dreary April day, casual enough that I didn't feel too out of place watching the hockey game, but professional enough that I felt like i fit in amongst my peers. All-in-all the perfect look for a yuppie like me.

Sweater - Zara; Tank & Blouse - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob; Boots - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

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Houndstooth

These houndstooth cropped trousers are one of the three pairs that I bought last week during the Shopping Binge of 2012 (I couldn't help it, they were all on sale and helped me to be one step closer to achieving my work style dream for spring/summer).

Blazer - Talulua from Aritzia; T-shirt - Smart Set; Trousers - Jacob;
Shoes, Earrings, Necklace - Aldo; Sunglasses - Joe Fresh

I had no intention of buying three pairs of cropped trousers when I set out on my retail therapy shopping extravaganza last week, but I just couldn't pass up these houndstooth trousers. There were just so many things that I love about them, that I had to get them.

Let me count the ways that they won me over:

1. They completely fit with my work style dream for spring/summer. And, will be incredibly practical next month when I travel to Toronto for my work's annual general conference (last year's looks can be seen here).
2. They are the softest trousers I have ever come in contact with. They aren't as soft as cashmere, but for trousers, they are somethin' else. I want to compare their softness to Puffs tissues, but that just seems odd; completely accurate, but odd.
3. I love that houndstooth is a pattern without being an offensive pattern. I'm little and don't want to be overwhelmed with pattern (at least not all the time).
4. They go with everything. I've only had them for seven days, but have already come up with countless ways to wear them. Options galore!
5. I don't need to have them hemmed - a miracle for a petite like me, because that never happens. Usually pants that are supposed to be cropped are full-length trousers on me - which makes me wonder if these are actually capris?! Oh well, they fit me the way I want, so let's just let that thought slide.
6.  I can't think of a six, but I have a thing about lists being odd numbers. So, there's that...
7. Most importantly, I *really* wanted them.

So there you have it, an ode to my new trousers.

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