Pinspiration Wednesday

The Inspiration:

photo courtesy of Adventures in Fashion

The Reality:

Shirt - Aritzia; Skirt - Forever 21; Boots - Aldo

 

So, today's Pinspiration Wednesday look doesn't come from Pinterest per se, but I bet if I searched the right boards I could find it. This week's inspiration comes from the lovely Vicki of Adventures in Fashion. While browsing her blog over the weekend I was floored to see the way she paired plaid and sequins - a combination I had never even considered. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to give this look a try, and what better place to wear my ensemble than to the Bloggers Brunch on Sunday - because who doesn't love mixing patterns and sequins like a group of fashion bloggers?!

Clearly, I wasn't the only one thinking this combo was amazing because the always sweet Emily of Tinfoil Tiaras was rocking the same combo - great minds!

Here are a few shots from the first (hopefully of many) Ottawa Bloggers Brunch.

from left to right: myself, Tinfoil Tiaras, The Eternal Optimist & Hippie Lace
Photo courtesy of The Eternal Optimist

L to R: Hippie Lace, Fashion Kidd, Hold My Umbrella Bitch and Marcia B. Creative
discussing Madonna, trends and so much more.

photo courtesy of The Fashion Kidd

Thanks again to Darcy for taking the reigns and organizing such a fantastic get together - can't wait for the next one!

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Back in Action

Sweater - Talula; Shirt - Barefott Contessa; Trousers - Off the Wall
Wedges - Aldo; Watch - Fossil.

After what felt like the longest 48 hours of my life, I'm happy to say that I'm back up and running. And, to celebrate I'm going to keep this post short so that I can catch up on everything that I've missed since 2:45 p.m. on Sunday.

Happy Tuesday!

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Technical Difficulties

Photo courtesy of Archives Vintage via Google

I had every intention of posting a new outfit on the blog today; however, technology had other plans. My computer decided to stop working yesterday and is currently holding all of my photos hostage. A trip to the apple store is planned for this afternoon.

Hope to be back up and running soon - thanks for your patience!

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Petite Adventures on Marcia B. Creative

Dress & Jacket - Old Navy; Tights - Zellers; Boots - Steve Madden;
Scarf - H&M; Bag - Aldo; Sunglasses - Ray-Ban

I didn't intend to take a break this week, life just got away from me and I didn't have time to snap any photos (or put together creative looks). So, to tide you over until next week's outfit posts why not check out Marcia B. Creative where you can learn a little bit more about this petite.

A couple of weeks ago Marcia, an incredibly talented and sweet Ottawa photographer, and I met in Westboro Village where she snapped some photos of this awkward duckling in a few of my favourite looks. I can't thank Marcia enough for not only reaching out to me for the profile, but for making me feel so comfortable in front of the camera. It was a fantastic way to spend a Saturday afternoon! Thanks again Marcia!

Have a great weekend!

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Wanderlust

Ever since I returned from Europe I've had the worst case of wanderlust. And, because I've been lacking in sartorial inspiration lately, I thought I'd share some of my dream destinations.

Dubrovnik. Croatia via Pinterest 

Budapest, Hungary via Pinterest

Paris, France via Pinterest 

Santorini, Greece via Pinterest 

Machupichu, Peru via Pinterest

Iceland via Pinterest

Reykjavik, Iceland via Pinterest

If you could pick-up and go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

To see more of my dream destinations, check out my I Want To Go To There board on Pinterest.

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Happy Tuesday!

Yesterday was a holiday for many parts of Canada, and I spent the day doing laundry and wearing Lululemon; something no one wants to see.

So, instead of featuring a sad outfit post, I decided to share some of my most coveted looks from Pinterest.

Happy Tuesday!

See Jane via Pinterest

Jennifer Aniston via Pinterest

A Fashion Love Affair via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

Karoline Kurkova via Pinterest

To see more of the looks I'm coveting, check out Petite Adventures on Pinterest.

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Laughter is the Best Medicine

Sweater - Zara; Shirt - ines; Jeans - Mavi;
Boots - Steve Madden; Scarf - H&M

Last week I was not on top of my game. Why? I have no clue, but it was one of those week's where everything I touched, I messed up. It felt horrible. And embarrassing. Which is why I wasn't exactly runway ready on Friday when I sported this casual look to work.

Thankfully the weekend made up for my embarrassing week. My best friend was in town and we spent Saturday night drinking berry Sangria and taking in a show at Yuk Yuk's. What they say is true - laughter really is the best medicine. By the end of the show, all most of my woes were gone.

At least today's the start of a brand new week!

Do you ever have those weeks, where everything you touch turns to mold, not gold?

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Style Profile: The Skinny Blonde Girl

Name: Katelyn Zborowski

Age: 22

Occupation: Social Media Strategist

Site: http://www.theskinnyblondegirl.com

Location: Ottawa, ON

When and why did you start your site? 

I started my site in January 2012 with goals no greater than feeding my craving for my own writing space. I had always been obsessed with reading blogs (llymlrs.com in particular), so my site started slowly growing into a style and beauty blog.

How would you describe your site? 

I would describe my site as a place to find out about products and labels you might not have heard of, and a place to go to learn more about things you have heard of but want to learn about before buying for your own. I write about things I have, try, and want from all different price points. The brands I feature range from Canadian and American to English and Australian. I love a good mix. 

Where do you get your inspiration?

I try not to look to other blogs when deciding what I want to share next or where my site should be. Seeking inspiration in that way can really be a negative process. I look to style icons I admire, magazines, and out on the street. Even people watching during my drive home from work can leave me with five new post ideas. 

Who are your style/beauty icons?

I've been in love with the Olsen twins since I was a little girl. Mary-Kate and Ashley have such different styles, but I'm really drawn to both. I'm also a fan of Nicole Richie and Cara Delevingne. I want Cara's eyebrows and hair!

Describe your personal style.

 It changes day-to-day. I think my style is much more London, UK than Canadian. I love jumping on hot new things like exaggerated hems, asymmetrical styles, and strange prints. I suppose I "cover up" a lot more than other girls I know. I don't think looking good means flashing all you've got. I prefer to wear as many clothes, and as many layers, as possible!

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

The best beauty advice I've been given is to stop tanning and colour in my eyebrows. I used to tan way too much (disgusting, I know!) and am learning to love my pale, pale skin. I'm also naturally blonde with extremely light eyebrows, so I love colouring them in a little bit to add a bit more to my face. As far as style advice goes? Never wear kitten heels. I think that one's self explanatory! 

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I'm really into inlovewithfashion.com (LOVE is a Topshop brand), Topshop, ASOS, and Zara. You'll also find me browsing The Bay quite often. They've done a fantastic job re-inventing their fashion and shoe departments. Oh, and Banjo & Matilda for comfy, casual cashmere pieces.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

 Oxblood, sparkle, and dark nails. 

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

There are way too many to list! I hate when girls use foundation too dark for their skin, when anyone wears UGGs, and fake Coach bags. You can get gorgeous bags at Aldo for less than $50... the (fake) brand name shouldn't matter. 

What do you never leave home without?

My iPhone, Burt's Bees chapstick, dental floss, and my wedding rings.

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

1. Good shampoo and conditioner 

2. Styling wand/curl stick

3. Perfectly fitting black pumps (I love my black suede Drought pumps from Nine West)

4. Clothing Steamer (trust me, never having to use an iron again will change your life)

5. Red lipstick

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

I don't know if I'll still be writing on my site in five years, to be completely honest. I hope I still am, and know I'll be present in the online world in some capacity, but have ambitious career goals at the same time. I'm hoping to be living in LA or Toronto, working in strategic communications, and to be happy.

Find Katelyn online at:

Blog: http://www.theskinnyblondegirl.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/theskinnyblonde
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/theskinnyblonde/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theskinnyblondegirlblog

Happy Friday!

All images courtesy of The Skinny Blonde Girl.

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I Was Committed

Sweater - Zara; T-Shirt - Smart Set; Skirt - H&M;
Tights - Secret; Wedges - Aldo

Yesterday, when the alarm went off I wasn't ready. I'd stayed up late the night before glued to the US Presidential election. I couldn't go to bed; I just had to know! Anyways... I wasn't exactly prepared to start my day at 7 a.m. so when it came time to get dressed I was looking for comfort over chic.

When I finally settled on this look I was happy; I was comfortable, yet I felt put together (enough, put together enough). I spent a good part of my morning strutting around my apartment just loving it.

And then I walked outside.

Overnight it had somehow become winter. Within two seconds I realized that my skirt was much shorter than I thought, and rode up while I walked exposing so much leg to the elements. No thickness of tights could have spared me the horrific chill. I hadn't walked more than a block away from my apartment, but I knew I couldn't turn back - I was committed and I soldiered on.

Thankfully my walk is only four block, so I wasn't exposed for long.

What would you have done - gone back and changed? Or, forged on?

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Pinspiration Wednesday

The Inspiration:

Kate Beckinsale via Pinterest

The Reality:

Sweater - Joe Fresh; Tank - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob;
Boots - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I've been a huge fan of Kate Beckinsale for years; not a fan of her movies per se, but of her fashion choices (plus, she has a pretty rocking name). So, when I came across this outfit on Pinterest I knew I immediately had to give it a try!

I didn't have all of the pieces, so to get the right look I took a Joe Fresh cardigan and spun it around. As soon as I put it on, the outfit clicked. I spent the rest of the day strutting around like I was looking for werewolves in the Underworld, which isn't a bad way to spend a Tuesday.

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Squandered Hour

Sweater - Old Navy; Skirt - Jacob; Tights - H&M; Shoes - Aldo

Two weeks before the clocks actually rolled back, I started to get excited. I was already anticipating how glorious that extra hour of sleep would be.

And, it completely lived up to expectations.

When I woke up on Sunday I was in a great mood. Not only had I slept-in by normal standards, I'd gained an hour; this day was mine for the taking. Although I had grand plans to clean and get my life back on track (aka: do laundry, or as I'm referring to it, tackle Mt. Laund-verest), I instead spent the day brunching, grocery shopping, reading and lounging (my favourite of all -ing words).

I even went to bed early, in hopes of kicking off the upcoming week with the same upbeat temperament I'd had earlier in the day. Monday was going to have nothin' on me!

And this is where I lost that glorious hour I'd gained not that long ago. I'd started reading the Bronze Horseman earlier in the day and it's a book I can't seem to put down.

And I didn't...

...until well into the next morning. Which is why I wore a remixed version of an ensemble from a couple of weeks ago (seen here) to work yesterday. I wasn't feeling very creative, and I figured a pop of red and some polka dots would distract away from the undereye baggage I was carrying after getting only six-and-a-half hours of sleep.

So much for gaining an hour!

But, then again, is it really losing an hour when it's spent reading!? This bookworm says, "Never!"

How did you spend your extra hour?


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I'd Waited So Long...

Dress - Old Navy; Tank - Smart Set; Tights - Zellers;
Boots - Steve Madden; Watch - Fossil

... for these Steve Madden boots to be mine.

I first spotted them at Town Shoes in June, when I dragged my friend away from writing her Masters' Thesis to go shopping with me. I walked away with a different pair of shoes that day, but I never stopped thinking of these cognac beauties.

Fast forward four months and I still couldn't get them off my mind. Beautiful colour, low heel, and nothing like any of the other boots I owned. I needed them.

So, to celebrate the end of my October shopping ban, I whipped out the credit card and made them mine!

They made their debut on Saturday for my first volunteer shift at Dress for Success. I've been wanting to get involved with the organization for quite some time, and I'm so glad I did. It was the most amazing way to spend a Saturday morning - I can't wait to do it again!

Afterwards, I braved the chilly Saturday weather and wandered Westboro (my new favourite 'hood) before meeting up with the always lovely and stylish Marcia B. Creative for a photo shoot (my first!) I'm so excited to see the end results, and will share them as soon as they're up.

And, I'm so excited to wear these boots again! I feel like I have a whole new wardrobe thanks to them.

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Style Profile: Northern Style Exposure

Name: Kira

Age: 28

Site: www.northernstyle.blog.com

Location: Canada

When and why did you start your site? 

I started my personal style blog in the summer of 2011. I was craving a creative outlet and had wanted to start a blog for a quite some time. 

How would you describe your site? 

It showcases some of my daily looks. Because I live in Canada, I have the pleasure of featuring styles from all 4 seasons. 

Where do you get your inspiration? 

I normally focus on one major statement piece I want to feature in a look and build my outfit from there. I collect looks and color combos I love on my pinterest, it keeps me really organized. 

Who are your style/beauty icons? 

The stylish ladies I love couldn't be more different from each other: Mary Kate, Olivia Palermo to Sophia Loren. 

Describe your personal style. 

I would say classic with a modern twist. I love pairing feminine and edgy pieces in the same look. 

Where are your favourite places to shop? 

J.Crew, Anthro, Scotch and Soda, Club Monaco and Madewell. 

What do you never leave home without? 

A beautiful handbag on my arm. 

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

Leather jacket

Statement necklace

Tailored blazer

Riding boots

Tailored Top Coat 

All images courtesy of Northern Style Exposure.

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Halloween at Work

Shirt - Joe Fresh; Skirt & Tights - H&M; Boot - Aldo

Dressing for Halloween at work is never easy, but it is especially hard when you work in the corporate setting and you're the youngest person in the office by a good chunk of time. It's even harder when you want to dress like a pop-star who's best known for wearing a cupcake bra. 

There was no way that I could wear my Katy Perry costume to work (mainly because, in a fit of anger over the permanent dent I now have on my forehead, I threw the wig out - who knew child-sized wigs weren't made for a twenty-something?!) so, I did what every semi-adult would do--I went into my closet, grabbed some clothes, dressed for a regular day, and came up with a bunch of things I could have possibly been (if you suspended reality and squinted really hard). 

I tried to pass myself off as a French mime sans makeup; Katy Perry in her more recent appearances; and finally, I tried to convince my colleagues that I was dressed as future-Kate, the one who lives in Paris. 

No one was buying it. 

But, that was okay. I'm more than happy to dress for the job I want those 250 days of the year that I'm in the office. Plus, it seems that I'll always have the faint line on my forehead to remind me of the weekend where I was a pop-star with cupcakes covering my chest.

Hope everyone had a happy Halloween, both at and away from work!



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