Staycation, didn't get away

Day two of my staycation, and it was finally hitting me that it wasn't just a long weekend, but I was off work for ten days.

Needless to say, I was excited.

And, jumping for joy.

Coco Rocha makes it look so easy, Tyra would be so disappointed with my hands in these photos. She and Andre Leon Talley would be calling this drectitude to the extreme.

But, all of that critique wouldn't stop this Petite Adventurer. I was on vacation - nothing could take that away from me.

Day two of the staycation was much like day one. Lots of work, plus a trip to IKEA to pick-up all the essentials - you know, ironing board, shoe boxes, wine glasses, etc. the things you *really* can't live without. IKEA around labour day is hell. It's a zoo of aggressive families and there is no cart etiquette whatsoever. 

Like I said, hell.

To conquer hell, and dodge all the people and carts moving haphazardly through the aisles, one needs to be grounded; so, I threw on my TOMS, a pair of bermudas and a top that makes me feel cute - something to balance out the bermudas.

This outfit was the ideal choice for such a day. 

I managed to get in and out of Ikea in less than an hour getting almost everything on my list - although, they didn't have the step stool I was looking for - yes I need a step stool, it's one of the many joys of being 5'2".

Even though I went to hell and back that day, I was still smiling at the end of it all. 

Shirt, Tank, Bermudas - SmartSet; Shoes - TOMS

Who doesn't love organizing their closet, especially while being on vacation?!

Staycation, all I ever wanted

In all my years as a working girl, I have never taken a vacation longer than 2 days that didn't revolve around a holiday. This year, all of that changed. I decided to take this past week off to relax and recharge: I took a staycation, if you will.

The first two days of my staycation were less than relaxing. My parents had driven across the country from Victoria, bringing with them the remainder of my belonging that had been left behind from my move 6+ months ago (aka: all my books and items that were too heavy to ship). 

The first morning of my staycation was spent carrying boxes and boxes and boxes up to my third floor walk-up. All this heavy-lifting required a cute, but utilitarian outfit. I went with this...

Casual but functional, this outfit let me do all the heavy lifting (okay, so that was minimal, I opted for the lighter pieces while my dad did the lifting) and trudging up stairs that the re-move-in required.

Plus, it felt summery enough for the summery day (and sadly, one of the last, as a cold-spell over took Ottawa shortly thereafter).

Shirt - ines from Aritzia; Tank - SmartSet; Jeans - Mavi; Flip Flops - Old Navy

Work-wise, it wasn't the start to my staycation that I was expecting, but outfit-wise, it was perfect. I felt comfortable but cute - what more could you ask for.

Life of Style

On Thursday, September 15 the who's who of Ottawa gathered at the ARC Hotel to experience the LIFE OF STYLE.

Ironic that the event of the season took place the exact same day that Vivian Song of MSN.com named Ottawa as one of the Worst-Dressed cities (see the opinion piece here) - because glancing around the lounge of the ARC Hotel and that thought would never have crossed your mind.

Life of Style was the definition of glamourous!

Put together by Twenty York Street, and Beyond Events, Life of Style was the hottest party to hit Ottawa all Summer. After walking the red carpet, guests were treated to oysters from Whalesbone, delicious appetizers courtesy of the Arc Hotel, and delectable treats from Little Cakes and Reggina.

The paparazzi were out in full force that night, snapping pics of all the fierce fashions and people walking the red carpet.

When not noshing on the treats or being pampered by the Thann Skincare hand masseuses, guests were sipping on signature LIfe of Style drinks, enjoying champagne, and dancing to the beats of DeeJay Eric. Everything from modern hits to way back playbacks, including the Spice Girls and the Backstreet Boys, Eric kept the guests dancing all night long.





Highlights from the night included dance performances by Start Up Dance.



A fashion show from the luxurious line of Miikali.







And, the launch of You Got Squared, Ottawa's newest boutique photography, videography and creative agency.

The beautiful Marilou of Twenty York Street
posing alongside her portrait from You Got Squared.

Stylish volunteers could be seen everywhere, from the red carpet checking guests in to the live tweeting station, wearing fabulous jewels provided by Frash. I loved mine so much I almost didn't want to give them back (but I did; a kleptomaniac I am not). Now, I'm on the hunt for my own.

Yours truly, in the fabulous Frash jewels, at the Life of Style live tweeting station

All photos courtesy of Moose Photography.

And now, on to the outfit...

As an event volunteer, I was asked to wear a black ensemble. I couldn't have been more excited to pull this dress out of the closet.

Originally bought for my Carleton grad a few years back, I was super stoked that it still fit. Plus, you know you can't go wrong with a LBD. Paired with some fab peep-toe pumps and my new favourite accessorie - my Fossil watch - I was ready to live my Life of Style that night.

The final outfit, in all it's glory

I apologize for the iphone mirror pics

Dress - Jacob; Shoes & earrings - Aldo; Watch - Fossil;  Necklace - Frash

Life of Style was definitely the event of the season - thank again to Twenty York Street, Beyond Events, the ARC Hotel, Frash, Thann, and all of the fabulous sponsors for such an amazing night.

I've already started my countdown to LIFE OF STYLE 2012!

Did you experience the Life of Style? What did you think?

Sunday Sparkle

A couple of weeks back, I was invited to meet with Ottawa's most stylish in advance of the Life of Style party which took place this past Thursday at ARC The Hotel (post to come, I promise!).

So, what does one wear when they're meeting with the cities most glamourous? 

Sparkles, of course!

A simple Joe Fresh tank (also seen here) paired with jeans, a fitted blazer and heels, this outfit wasn't just fun, but it was professional and I felt awesome in it, as I strutted my way down Metcalfe.

I might even rock this outfit on an upcoming casual Friday.

It was a gorgeous day, so I decided to take style cues from Michael Kors and threw on the aviators.

Tank - Joe Fresh; Blazer - Talula from Aritzia; Jeans - Mavi; Shoes - Aldo

There's nothing quite like sequins to bring sparkle to any Sunday.

Blogger Profile: Dernier Cri

Meet Yvonne. The brains and talent behind Ottawa style blog Dernier Cri. A Master's student at the University of Ottawa, when she's not studying or traveling the world, Yvonne manages to find the time to chronicle the fashion world and all that is dernier cri (translation: trendy). In addition to exposing reader to the fashion world in general, she routinely features local and Canadian designers, labels and stores that most people would not necessarily hear about. In this week's blogger profile, Petite Adventures turns the tables to learn more about Yvonne and what she believes is dernier cri.

Name: Yvonne Ivanescu

Age: 24

Occupation: Master's Student / Freelance Writer / World Traveler

Blog: http://derniercriottawa.blogspot.com

When and why did you first start your blog?

I started my blog back in February 2010. That January I had started to intern for an online site call theWig.ca. The website was about arts and culture within Ottawa but it lacked information about the fashion scene. I lived in the city for five years during my undergrad and I was skeptical that Ottawa even had a fashion scene. So, I pitched the idea to my editor who seemed intrigued; so I started my research by googling local designers and stores in Ottawa that could be featured on the site. In a mere half-an-hour I had at least ten sites open, all filled with information about fashion designers, stores and bloggers throughout our great city! Unfortunately, my editor didn't end up printing my story, but I used all of this new information to start my own blog.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I love to people watch. Instead of buying magazines or staring at online fashion magazines, I often just go for walks and look at what other people are wearing. Every time someone walks by in an outfit I love, I make a mental note of what they were wearing. If the piece is breathtaking, I might even stop the person and ask where they got it.

Describe your personal style.

Original and chameleon-like. I have different clothes for different moods ranging from rocker chic to bohemian. 

In the past, I used to change my hair colour quite often from blond to black to fire engine red. Then, my friend introduced me to clip-in extensions. With my extensions, I experiment with different hairstyles that often compliment my look of the evening. I pair crazy curls with my rocker chic outfit, while I opt for relaxed wavy hair when I wear a floor length boho maxi dress from Lucky Brand Jeans. 

In the end, it all depends on the setting. At work I dress conservatively; I love blazers and I hope to own my own Smythe jacket one day. However, when I attend fashion events, I try to add some drama to my outfit, whether its feather eyelashes, statement jewellery, large headpieces or my Jeffrey Campbell Clinic boots.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

Milk, Zara, Club Monaco and consignment stores (I am a student after all!). For makeup, I always choose Estee Lauder. I LOVE Solestruck.com for their selection of Jeffrey Campbell shoes.

What are your favourite trends this season?

I love all the trends this season. I'm a fa of bright colours, rompers and harem pants. I am a huge fan of wearing white - outfits always look crisp and classy. White linen has to be my favourite for these hot days. 

As for shoes? Wedges are great, but I'm still a huge fan of white (or tan) stiletto heels.

What are your style/beauty pet peeves?

Details, details, details! It's all in the details. It does not matter if you are wearing a beautiful dress if you have dirty fingernails or if your polish is chipped. Remember that one little detail can ruin an entire outfit. 

What do you never leave home without?

My emergency makeup bag. I am a huge fan of Estee Lauder so I have a bunch of little makeup bags from the company (gift with purchase). Inside the bag I always carry the essentials, in case of an emergency: Advil, Tide stick, mini deodorant stick, powder foundation, brush (with mirror), antibacterial hand sanitizer and gum. I recommend making your own emergency bag with essential items. It's easy to transfer from one bag o another and it can really help anyone out of a sticky situation.

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

Breckin Meyer has an amazing quote in the movie Rat Race: "my grandfather used to say that good things take time, but great things happen all at once." I am a firm believe that people need to take life one-step at a tme. My life has been a constant roller coaster, in the past four years I've lived in both Panama and France, travelled all over Europe, started my Master's, interned for some amazing magazines (I even interviewed Audrina Patridge from the Hills) and started my own blog! I have met so many fantastic people on my journey and I look forward to all my future adventures. Bring it on :)

To learn more about Yvonne and Dernier Cri, visit her blog and be sure to follow this world traveler on twitter.

All images courtesy of Dernier Cri.