Honourary Casual Friday

As tomorrow is a holiday, today is an honorary casual Friday! 

I definitely have a uniform when it comes to Fridays - cardigan, t-shirt, skinny jeans, and over the knee boots. On this particular Friday I decided to spring-it-up by wearing the season's hottest tone - orange!

Sweater - Zara; Shirt - ines from Aritzia; Tank - Smart Set; Jeans - Mavi; Boots - Aldo

Although it's technically spring, Mother Nature hasn't caught on and adjusted the temperatures just yet. So, I'm still forced to wear a coat when leaving the house - but at least it's a stylish one!

Coat - T. Babaton from Aritzia; Sunglasses - Joe Fresh

Whether you're celebrating Easter, Passover, or attending a Easter Potluck Fun Times Drinking Dinner Party like yours truly, have a fantastic long weekend Adventurers!

How will you be enjoying your days off?

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Dress for the Job You Want

One of the greatest pieces of career-related advice I was ever given was: Dress for the job you want. It helps you present your best self to current (and future) employers. Plus, the majority of your time at work, so why not look your best. 

I love my current job; I have the freedom to try new things, and suggest new concepts, but I have the structure and support that any 20-something needs in those first few year. But, when it comes to fashion that's something that the majority of my office lacks (thankfully my director is quite the fashionista). So, when I walk in having dressed for my dream job at VOGUE/FLARE/FASHION, I tend to stand out. And this look was no exception.

It's a simple silhouette and basic colours, but there's something about this outfit that I love - maybe it was the fact that a colleague told me I had vamp appeal, in a good way. That's not a word that anyone has ever used to describe me, so I was loving it!

I also love the unexpectedness of the lace tights. They definitely took this look from basic to fantastic.

Shirt - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob; Tights - Zellers; Boots - Aldo

Even though my current job isn't with VOGUE/FLARE/FASHION, at least this look let me play the part, if only for a day.

What do you wear to play the part?

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Snow Leopard

A winterized version of my one-and-only wrap dress (first seen here). 

Dress - Jacob; Tights - unknown (stolen from mom); Boots - Aldo

This dress has become my go-to on those chilly late-winter/early-spring mornings when I'm running late for work, or can't decide what to wear. Not only do I look pulled together, but the animal print it fun! I love how easily this dress transitions from hot to cold. It just reminds me that I need to invest in many, many more wrap dresses.

What's your go-to ensemble?

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Spring is Upon Us!

I don't know about you but when the seasons change I like to follow suit; which is why this weekend I chopped off my hair!

Me and my new 'do heading out on the town! 

It feels so amazing - I couldn't be happier with the cut. Emily at Saab Salon & Spa is a shear genius (see what I did there) she's great at taking my ideas and making them fit for my face shape. I always leave feeling so happy! (side note, Saab just happened to be the official salon for the 2012 Juno Awards, so walking in and out on the red carpet wasn't too bad either)

Now, let's move on to some fashion...

This week I'm taking part in Two Birds' Inspiration Monday. I really like Louise Roe. I liked her on The City; I didn't mind her on this year's Oscar telecast; I absolutely love her here. This outfit is to die for. I love the colour combination of the purple and yellow paisley, and wish I had all of these pieces in my closet.

Louise Roe

But this is the closest I could get. My mom thrifted this skirt back in the fall, but I kind of forgot about it after hanging it in my closet. That is until I saw this week's inspiration.

I love the colours in this skirt. I can match it with pretty much any piece in my wardrobe, but I chose the purple sweater because 1) I like purple, and 2) it wouldn't distract from the skirt.

I even like the length. Petites aren't advised to wear a tea length skirt or dress, but sometimes I just like to break the rules. Plus, the Michael Kors platforms help.

Sweater - Forever 21; Skirt - Thrifted; Heels -Michael Kors

I only wish the skirt didn't show off so much of my ghostly white ankles.

This outfit and my new haircut have made me even more excited for warm weather, exposed ankles, and patios. I just hope my pasty skin gets some colour before swimsuit season hits.

What are you looking forward this Spring?

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Petite Resolutions After the First Quarter

Alright sports fan, we're at the end of the first quarter - let's see how this Adventurer is doing on her 2012 Petite Resolutions:

1) Read More - goal: read at least one book each month; read before bed instead of TV

1st Quarter Results - I've managed to stick to this goal, although in February I just came in under the wire; however, I quickly made up for it by reading two books in one weekend. It's not always easy to make the choice to read instead of watching TV before bed, but for the most part I've done pretty well with this goal.

Want to see more of the title's I've read so far this year? Let's be friends on goodreads

2) Volunteer

Q1 - So far, no good. I tried, but am still waiting for the right opportunity. Or, to be more accurate, for the right opportunity to open their Spring intake of volunteers. But, I'm not giving up! There's always time to turn this around.
PA's note: Since writing this post both of the organizations I wanted to volunteer with contacted me, so looks like I'll have lots to report for the second quarter!

3) Write more

Q1 - Oh yea! Between my day job, where we produce a quarterly magazine (and I had a very brief stint as Editor this past month, read about it here), blogging, and contributing to Ef Magazine, I've been able to satisfy my creative need to put pen to paper... well, more accurately, fingers to keyboard.

4) Spend less - use the library; make lunches, etc.

Q1 - This was surprisingly easy once I put my mind to it. However, last week I learned how surprisingly easy it is to fall out of the habit of making lunches each day. But, I plan to hop back on the homemade lunch wagon again seeing as I have food in my fridge once again, and really have no excuse not to.

In addition to relying on the library and making lunches, my other money saving tactics have included: avoiding shopping malls for the past while, and emptying the change from my wallet into my piggy bank each night (yes, it's an actual piggy bank, with a peg-leg - he's been with me as long as I can remember and I'm never replacing him!) By doing this I've been spending less and the change really adds up - after just one week I'd already saved over $30! Amazing! I have to admit, I do feel a bit like an old lady doing this, but at least it's a rich old lady... maybe one who wears Chanel.

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

Q1 - This happens automatically, so there's really no effort on my part, which is awesome!

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

Q1 - Still chipping away... This is a never-ending battle, but at least I'm earning travel points!

7) Pay off student debt

Q1 - Still chipping away... At the pace I'm going I will have completely paid it off by May 2016, which is still a ways out, but thankfully within the 10 year time limit.

8) Drink more water

9) Eat more fruits, vegetables & berries

10) Eat less pasta, dairy

Q1 - Not only have I managed to stick to these goals, but I added to them by eliminating meat and most dairy (milk, eggs, other dairy products that aren't cheese) - the effects of this dietary change have been amazing! Not only have I felt better, my head's been clearer, my energy levels were through the roof, and my tolerance of obnoxious co-workers was much higher. What started as a goal of Meatless March might turn into a permanent one - although I do have to admit, I miss bacon. You can read more about it at From Sloth to Sporty.

photo courtesy of wikipedia

11) Go to the gym 3 times a week

Q1 - Oh yea! I am killing this goal! You can read more about my journey of getting off the couch and getting in shape at From Sloth to Sporty.

12) be patient, breathe

13) Stop being so lazy

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

15) don't think, DO!

Q1 - These are kind of an on-going thing, everyday trying a little bit harder.

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

Q1 - Five Months! Shortly after the winter holidays I booked my trip to Stockholm and Russia. It's not until mid-August, but I can't wait! Three weeks, six countries, and one Petite Adventurer! 

No impending best friend nuptials can keep me from exploring the world... at least not in 2012!

Overall, I'd say I'm doing pretty well after the first quarter. No outright fails which is amazing (and much better than anticipated, might I add).

Now, bring on quarter number two!

How are you doing with your resolutions?

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Style Profile: Her Waise Choice

Name: Jen

Age: 23

Site: www.herwaisechoice.com

Location: Vancouver

When and why did you start your site?

Early 2010. I didn't have much ambition for it at the time, it was just something fun that my boyfriend had convinced me to do!

How would you describe your site?

It's a personal style blog, through and through!

Where do you get your inspiration?

From the women out there who look so well put together and elegant but not stuffy. They're definitely a rare breed, which makes coming across one all the more special!

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Olivia Palermo, Chriselle Lim. They're definitely two individuals that possess the aforementioned qualities to me

Describe your personal style.

Hmmm.. hard to put in a box but I guess it's pretty classic/feminine most days and I love to add little whimsical touches for personality in a look

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

This wasn't personally given to me but "Be faithful to your own taste because nothing you really like is ever out of style." - Billy Baldwin. For beauty, drink lots of water, get plenty of sleep and take off your make up before bed!

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I shop everywhere and can probably find something I like anywhere clothes are sold. Looking at my blog, though, I'm sure it's pretty evident that I'm a sucker for Zara. I also like Asian websites like YesStyle because their pieces tend to fit petites much better than most of North America's offerings.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

Definitely a good print and I can't wait to play with the peplum silhouette!

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

Wearing too many trends at once

What do you never leave home without?

Wallet & phone

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

Slim fit trousers, a fitted cashmere sweater, versatile and good quality leather flats, a wool/cashmere coat and a classic button up silk blouse. All about the classics!

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

I'm not sure I'll still be blogging, to be honest! Hopefully I will have started my own family by then.

Tell Petite Adventures readers something random about yourself.

I used to read in the shower when I was a child, literally holding a book in one hand while shampooing, conditioning, etc with the other. When the book got too soggy from the steam I would throw it over the shower door. Haha!

All images courtesy of Her Waise Choice.

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Simply the Best

It was a Friday and the weather was gorgeous; all the pieces were in place for me to debut my wedge desert boots.

Purchased in the middle of a wet winter (they were on sale, I knew it was impractical, but I couldn't resist) they've been sitting in my closet ever since; just begging to be worn. And Friday was the day.

I chose to stick with a simple style, pairing them with a plain white tee and dark jeans. I wanted to let the boots have their moment.

And they definitely did! 

T-shirt - Smart Set; Jeans - Mavi; Booties - Aldo; Necklace - Aldo

Despite being a few millimetres too small these bad boys took me all over town - from shopping with a friend and rooftop beers, to a sushi dinner and drinks. 

It was a Friday I can't wait to repeat all summer long! Simply the best.

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Coral, Florals and Plaid

I've hit that point again.  

I'm at war with laundry, so I've started to go through my closet and put together outfits I wouldn't normally consider. Which is how this combination came about.

I bought this shirt last year, but never wear it. The colour and pattern are gorgeous, but the fit is... off. I just don't know how to properly pair it.

And although I'm not in love with this combo, I'm getting closer to figuring out how to make it work.

Sweater - Zara; Blouse - Mexx; Trousers - unknown

Any suggestions on how to make this shirt work?

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Argyle for Smarch

Last week's weather was amazing! So amazing, I dubbed it Smarch (summer/March). When not at work I spent my time frolicking around the city enjoying delicious caesars on market patios.

But, it wasn't all fun and games. With such unexpected hot weather came many challenges, such as remembering how to properly dress in warm weather, and the sophie's choice of exposing ankles that are in desperate need of a tan, or not.

This outfit post is a display of both.

Sweater - H&M, Tank - Smart Set; Pants - Jacob; Heels - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

The cropped pants allowed me the opportunity to not overheat throughout the day, while staying warm in the evenings, but they also exposed by ghostly white ankles to the world! But, more than anything this outfit made me crave summer, and delicious caesars on patios.

Only a couple more weeks, right?!

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Black, Grey and Stripes All Over

An outfit from a couple of weeks back. I was getting bored of the regular business casual options, so I mixed it up and threw in some stripes.

I knew I had a hit outfit on my hands when my fashionable boss complimented me as I walked in.

Sweater - H&M; Tank - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob; Tights - H&M; Booties - Aldo

Is there anything better than starting the day with a compliment!? I think not!

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