Weekend Ways

Now that I'm an old lady my weekend routine has changed. No longer do I get up and watch cartoons, but I lounge in bed with coffee while catching up on the week's news (fashion news that is).

Once I'm all caught up, I like to clean my apartment - there's something so satisfying about having a clean home for the weekend. Plus, I'm like a mini-tornado throughout the week, so it has to be done. This weekend, after vacuuming and doing the dishes I decided to set myself up a new work station.

It used to be located in a small, dark corner of my living room right near the bedroom.

Before

But that locale didn't seems to inspire creativity. So, I shifted it across the room.

After

 Much better. 

Now, I'm able to gaze out the window when I'm stuck on a thought. Plus, being right next to the radiator, it's nice and cozy. I hope my new work locale will be inspiring.

The tools every fashion blogger needs - pens, pencils, to do list, thank you cards,
stiletto desk ornament (that doubles as a bottle opener)

It's working already!

I wish I looked this good while working

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Style Profile: Brilliant Sugar

Name: Candice MacLean

Age: 27

Occupation: Newspaper editor

Site: www.brilliantsugar.com

Location: Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

When and why did you start your site?

Like many others, I started my site because I was inspired by other bloggers. I have always loved photography, baking, cooking, outfits & documenting life in general. This seemed like a perfect way to keep it all in one place and I had thought of the name Brilliant Sugar. That year for my birthday, my (graphic designer) boyfriend bought me the domain www.brilliantsugar.com as a gift. I was set!

How would you describe your site?

It's a life and style blog where I share outfits, recipes and snapshots of simple moments of my life. It has elements that are similar to so many blogs out there, but I strive to make it unique in its own way. 

Where do you get your inspiration?

First and foremost - from the people in my life. In my group of friends I'm lucky enough to have other fashion bloggers, photographers, musicians, designers, crafters, painters ... I could go on. I'm inspired by people who are truly themselves and are genuine. When style comes from within I think it shows and stands out. I'm also hugely inspired by other fashion bloggers (who isn't?!) 

Who are your style/beauty icons?

I love the style of Olivia Palermo. I've always enjoyed Krystal of This Time Tomorrow but since she chopped her hair I can't get enough of her style. Her overall look is so killer, and I love her quirky details. A more recent favourite is Julia of Gal Meets Glam. 

Describe your personal style.

I believe in being classy and polished. I love embellishments and statement pieces and I adore playing outfits up with makeup - red lips & cat eyes being two of my favourites. 

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

I'm not sure if anyone specifically said this to me, but I think being a healthy person overall is key to style & beauty that makes an impact. Being happy, having fun, being positive and kind, taking care of your skin, nails, hair, and teeth adds something so much deeper and lasting to a stylish outfit.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

Local: Je Suis Prest, Envy, Silver Daisy Designs. Non-local: ASOS, Shopbop.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

People that aren't genuine about what they do/wear. 

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

Black skinny trousers (I'm still searching for the perfect pair !), a perfect button-up shirt, preferably in chambray, a statement necklace, perfect black pumps, and a colourful clutch (I love yellow!)

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

I see myself with J. and our cat Ambulance (they are my other halves!) and I see Brilliant Sugar growing & expanding as I continue to test recipes, learn more about my personal style & get to know other bloggers! There are so many creative bloggers in this little part of the world - I hope in five years I've met them all!

All images courtesy of Brilliant Sugar.

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Perfect for Walking Under Low Hanging Branches

The lovely ladies of Shoppalu featured yours truely on their site today. I highly encourage you to head on over and check it out (and maybe do a bit of vintage shopping while you're at it!).

"perfect for walking under low hanging branches" 


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From Frizzy to Fabulous

I am not someone who wakes up with perfect hair; hell, I'm not even someone who wakes up with semi-decent hair. Earlier this week I woke up with hair so bad it looked like a Joe Dirt inspired mullet. It was so hideous that I burst out laughing at the sight of myself, snapped a pic and emailed it to a friend, who in turn laughed hysterically - not the worst way to start a day mind you, but not the best.

That's why when Misikko offered to send me a new Hana 1.5" Titanium flat iron for review I jumped at the opportunity.





Here's my journey from frizzy to fabulous.


I decided to start with air dried hair because it's the most unmanageable - it can only be described as frizzy-puffy-wavy when it dries on its own - plus, it was a Saturday and I just didn't feel like using the blow dryer.

After parting and pinning I set to work on trying to flatten my unruly locks.

A quarter of the way through

Half done. Left side - unruly; right side - touchably smooth

The results

My hair felt amazing; so smooth - which doesn't normally happen when I don't blow dry it beforehand.  I couldn't stop touching it, and neither could my friends when I met up with them later that evening. Plus, it took no time at all - definitely less than when I normally iron my hair.

All-in-all, it's a keeper.

Made me want to whip my hair back and forth. So I did.

Full disclosure - Misikko provided me with the Hana 1.5 titanium flat iron for review however all opinions expressed are mine.  I have not been financially compensated by Misikko for this product review

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Spring and Sunglasses

The weather last week was schizophrenic to say the least. One day was absolutely gorgeous and had me dreaming of spring. The next, snow. And finally, the week ended with intense winds that swirled my hair into a divine nest.

This outfit was from earlier in the week, when I was dreaming of Spring trends and sunglasses.

Sweater - Zara; Halter & Skirt - Jacob; Boots - Aldo; Watch - Fossil; Sunglasses - Ray-Ban

After a long day of work, I rewarded myself by shopping with a friend; I was very thankful to see that this outfit daily transitioned from day to night with just the addition of skinnies.

Shopping only made my dreams of Spring trends and sunglasses more intense. I can't wait for warm weather and all that comes with it.

What are you dreaming of?

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Not Stupid, Just Lazy

At the ripe old age of 26, I would say I'm fairly healthy - I workout a couple of times a week, and pay attention to what I eat. But this wasn't always the case. Up until few months ago, I believed that my eight minute walk to work (in heels no less) was sufficient daily exercise, and pasta, cheese, or preferably both, was a staple of every meal. It's not that I was stupid, just lazy.

Then, spurred by an unexpected life event, I decided to make a change - if not then, when? I started working out and eating better, and even signed up for my first race (I'm the slowest runner in the history of the world, it might take me all day but I will finish that 5K!)


I even started to do research. Websites, magazine articles, books - you name it, I browsed it.

This weekend, I spent my time bundled up on my couch devouring the vegan-tome Skinny Bitch. While I knew a lot of the information they were sharing, there were a lot of horror stories that opened my eyes to what I was really putting in my body. And, it lead me to my challenge for the month of March. No, I won't be going vegan like the book suggests, but I will be giving up meat and most dairy (au revoir cheese, milk and eggs) for the next 27 days - and who knows, maybe longer.

Read all about my journey From Sloth to Sporty.

So, to all you fabulous vegans and vegetarians, do you have any recommendations for recipes for this newbie petite vegetarian?

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Style Profile: Coco and Vera

Name: Cee 

Age: A lady never tells ;)

Occupation: Call Centre Manager - Group Insurance Industry

   Site: http://cocoandvera.blogspot.com

   Location: Vancouver 

When and why did you start your site? 

I stumbled upon Chictopia a few years ago and quickly became addicted to taking photos of my outfits. I had always loved documenting my life in pictures - when I discovered there was a whole world full of people doing exactly that on their blogs, I knew I had to start my own.

How would you describe your site? 

Coco and Vera is my creative outlet; it's a place for me to share all of the things I'm passionate about, from fashion to food to books and travel... But mostly fashion!

Where do you get your inspiration? 

I used be obsessed with fashion magazines, buying the new issues as soon as they hit the shelves. But since I've started blogging, I get most of my inspiration from other bloggers - seeing clothes styled and worn by real women is so much more inspiring!

Who are your style/beauty icons? 

There are almost too many to name! My first fashion inspiration was Audrey Hepburn. Currently, I love Olivia Palermo, Clemence Poesy, Marion Cotillard and Leigh Lezark.

Describe your personal style.  

My style is classic, feminine and always Parisian-inspired. I listened to a lot of punk music as a teenager, so every once in a while that edgy, rock influece pops up in my outfits, too.

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

Billy Baldwin said, "Be faithful to your own style because nothing you really like ever truly goes out of style." Those are words for every fashionista to live by.

Where are your favourite places to shop? 

I absolutely love Club Monaco - if I could only shop at one store, that would be it. I always find a lot of gems at Zara, Asos, Aritzia, J. Crew and Madewell.

What are your favourite trends for this season? 

This spring I'm covetting coloured skinny jeans  in every shade. Aqua, coral, mauve, yellow... My only problem is deciding what colour to buy first!

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve? 

Leggings as pants. There's just no excuse!

What do you never leave home without? 

My notebook. I'm always jotting down notes, making lists and, of course, working on my novel. You never know when inspiration will strike.

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

I think that the essentials differ slightly for everyone, but my wardrobe wouldn't be complete without a pair of black skinny trousers, pearl stud earrings, a classic turtleneck sweater, nude pumps and a good red lipstick.

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

My five-year plan always involves living and working in Paris. In the next five years, I hope to make that a reality - blogging from my own apartment in the fashion capital of the world would be a dream come true.

All images courtesy of Coco and Vera

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Librarian chic

I don't know why I've never thought of putting this outfit together before, but for some reason, it never occurred to me. That is until I started to shop my closet for Petite Fashion Challenge #13!

This month's challenge was "Stylish for under $100: Put together a professional outfit (excluding shoes and accessories) for under $100." Here's my take on the challenge:

Skirt - $30, Shirt - $15; Tank - $19; Cardigan - $35
Cardigan - Zara; Blouse & Tank - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob; Boots - Aldo; Earrings ToodleBunny from Shop Cocoon

I really loved this outfit - it made me feel very librarian chic, especially once I put on my glasses. I spent the whole day wishing someone would ask me about the dewey decimal system; but sadly, it doesn't come up to much when you work for a medical association. But a wannabe librarian can dream, can't she?!

To see the rest of the Petite Fashion Challenge entries, visit Really Petite.


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Mad About Drew

I love Drew Barrymore. I think she's fantastic, funny and incredibly unique; so you can imagine my glee when she was chosen as this week's Inspiration Monday.

I really wanted to stay true to the inspiration and wear my Dark Side of the Moon concert tee, but while rummaging through my drawers I quickly realized it was being held hostage by my hamper. So, settled on a plain black tank. 

Sweater - Joe Fresh; Tank - Smart Set; Jeans - Mavi; Boots - Aldo; Pendant - Forever 21

And now for a close-up on the accessories.

Check out the rest of the fabulous Inspiration Monday posts by visiting Two Birds.

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Style Profile: You Look Fiiine

Name: Danna Storey

Age: 26

Occupation: Website Content Co-ordinator

Site: www.youlookfiiine.com

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

When and why did you start your site? 

I started my website back in November 2010. I was feeling bored of my little city and wanted to remind myself and others about how cool it really is. I really wanted to involve myself with and get to know the people, the streets and the goings on in Halifax. For a small city, Halifax is jam packed with culture, fashion and really cool, awesome people.

  How would you describe your site? 

Youlookfiiine is a place where people come to get quirky fashion advice, positive outlooks on personal style and outfit inspiration. 

Where do you get your inspiration? 

I get my inspiration from my friends, other blogs and the city I live in!

Who are your style/beauty icons? 

I love Olivia Palermo, I love any woman who dresses in a casual but put together kind of way. I actually really admire the way Ellen Degeneres dresses - she couldn't look anymore stylish. I love wearing masculine pieces in a feminine way and I think she pulls that off effortlessly. 

Describe your personal style. 

I like classic. And unfortunately for my bank account, I like quality. An oversized button up with a pair of dark skinnies is my go-to. Since my style is so casual I really like to dress things up with costume jewelry and hair accessories. My mom really helps in this department. I often visit home to find a little pile of costume jewels and hair pins! Oh, one last thing, cocktail rings.

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

To dress for your shape and to not over do it. Red lips? Tone down the eyes. Huge earrings? Maybe opt out of that big necklace. I think it's important to keep a balance and for your outfit to have a nice flow to it. My mom is also big on an honest opinion when shopping, so she really helped shape my wardrobe. No matter how much you like it, if it doesn't fit properly, leave it. Thanks, Mom.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I love boutiques, I love second hand shopping however I don't feel I have as much luck as some of my friends do! I am a girl on a budget and I can usually find pieces I love at Old Navy (shocking...I know), H&M (not so shocking) and The Gap. Gotta love the classic pieces, right?

What are your favourite trends for this season? 

I'm loving the bowed blouses and oversized button ups. For hair I like to do a side fishtail or regular braid that seems to be all over the place right now. 

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

I'm really not into cropped tights. I think it cuts off the leg and creates shortness where we want to see a nice, long line! Let's ditch this trend, ladies! 

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

A great pair of sunglasses, a pair of perfectly fitted jeans, a neutral colored cardigan that goes with everything, a Marc Jacobs bag (I have the Natasha Q and it just doesn't get ANY better) and tinted moisturizer. Oh, and a nice all-occasions dress. That's six....

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

I hope to still be inspiring fashion in a small city with a positive attitude and outlook. I'd like youlookfiiine to help me with a career in online writing and web design.

All images courtesy of You Look Fiiine.

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Ottawa Fashion Week: An Outfit Post

Unless you live under a rock, you'll know that this past weekend was Ottawa Fashion Week - a glorious three days where the city's most fashionable come together to celebrate the upcoming trends... and some how I'm allowed to attend to.

I never know what to wear to these kinds of events, but I knew I wanted to wear brights, so this is what I settled on.

Blazer - Talula from Aritzia; Tunic - American Apparel; Belt - Jacob; Boots & Ring - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

Did you make it to Fashion Week? What was your favourite show?

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Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to the original Petite Adventurer, my mom (who I know secretly reads this blog). Hope you're having a most fabulous day!!

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Snapshots from the Second Row

This past weekend Ottawa's fashion elite were out in full force attending Ottawa Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012. I had the pleasure of attending for a night, and thankfully that night was Saturday. The lineup was stacked; I had the opportunity to see all of my favourite designers, and was introduced to a couple of new ones.

I absolutely love Ottawa Fashion Week if not just for the runway shows but for the people watching - it's so inspiring to see how some people put together such eclectic yet amazing ensembles. I always end up feeling inspired to try something new and unexpected.

Please, bear with me, I have yet to master the art of taking good pictures with my iPhone, so here I give you a sampling of some of my least blurry shots from the second row.

Tribal Sportswear

DeMOYO 


This is the second time I've had the pleasure of seeing DeMOYO and just like last season I was not disappointed with what she sent down the runway. Her designs were a great combination of chic and ladylike, but with edge; you know the DeMOYO woman is a powerful woman.

Jana Hanzel and Emilia Torabi

Their latest collection, Coup de Foudre, was a drastic departure from Spring 2012's Tubalange, but was just as stunning and superbly crafted - exactly what you expect from Hanzel and Torabi Designs. The line was incredibly rich, from the fabric choices and patterns to colours - lots of brocade, leopard print and velvets all in rich jewel tones - and each look was topped off with a chic hat.

Eliz Bourk 

This was by far my favourite collection of the night, I want every single piece that walked the runway. The colours were so vivid and the designs so youthful and fun. From the first look to the last I was enthralled.

Rachel Sin

I also loved Rachel Sin's collection, but apparently my phone did not. Sadly, these are the only two non-blurry pictures I was able to get - but trust me her designs, as always, were stunning!

For more Ottawa Fashion Week coverage - and better quality photos -  visit the Ottawa Fashion Blog.

With just six months to go until the Spring/Summer 2013 collections, I'd better get started on my iPhone photo skills - not a fashionable moment to spare.

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