On the Go

Sweater - Zara; Blouse - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob; Tights - Sentiments from Zellers
Boots - Aldo

Yesterday's was one of those crazy days where I was on the go from 7 a.m. until I finally crashed 12 hours later. The first of many crazy days to come.

From a seminar to work to holiday shopping, I had to find an outfit that would take me from A to B to C. Plus, it had to be a look that would keep me warm while I was running around in the -11C weather (that's right, winter is here).

To satisfy my criteria I settled on layers - and lots of them! It's that time of year, when I wear everything I own to make it through the day without frostbite.


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Pinspiration Tuesday

The Inspiration:

Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde

The Reality:

Dress - Old Navy; Blouse - Jacob; Boots - Aldo

This pinspired ensemble comes courtesy of Elle Woods.

I'd coveted the above look from the very first time I saw Legally Blonde, but I never had the right pieces to put the look together for myself. Fast forward 11 years (yikes, I'm old) and this petite had everything she needs to become legally blonde brunette.

Totally worth the wait.


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Just in Time

Sweater - Zara; Dress - Banana Republic; Boots - Steve Madden

I gave myself last week off to wallow in the glory that is PMS (if anyone wants to dispute the existence of PMS, I would like to introduce them to last-week-Kate; she could have won any PMS-related argument, no contest.) From sad and irritation (which I took out on loved ones, sorry mom :s) to craving chocolate and salt (at the same time), you name a symptom, I had it. And, none of my usual remedies were working, so I spent most of the week (after work hours, that is) watching episodes of Intervention while shoving fistfuls of caramel popcorn in my mouth. It was sad and glorious all at the same time.

But, like any good storm, it passed and I'm back to feeling like my usual self - and, just in time! Saturday was my second shift with Dress for Success (DFS) and it wouldn't make for a very good experience to work in the boutique with an irritated, ragey Kate. I haven't been volunteering long, but I can honestly say it's one of the best, most rewarding things I've ever done - plus, it's fun! If I hadn't already been feeling better, my DFS shift wouldn't have definitely done the trick.

When I left the house early Saturday morning it was raining, but by the time I left the boutique huge snowflakes were falling from the sky. That's when I finally realized that the holidays are right around the corner! Just nine more days and this petite adventurer will be back on the west coast - if that's not a reason to celebrate, then I don't know what is!

Happy Monday!


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Style Profile: The Eternal Optimist

Name:  Darcy Boucher           

Age: 24

Occupation: PR/Communications student by day, blogger & fashionista by night

Site: www.eternaloptimist88.blogspot.com

Location: Ottawa

When and why did you start your site?

 When you study communications, all of your professors constantly harp on you about how crucial it is to blog. My first attempt at blogging was a few years back, but it was solely for school and I quickly lost interest. I started The Eternal Optimist in May of 2012 based on my best friends suggestion, she told me "Darcy you always have great style and find THE best deals…you should write a blog about it and share your tips with the rest of us." So that is precisely what I did. I wanted to write about something I was truly passionate about (fashion) and that I would actually stick with.

How would you describe your site?

I see my site is an extension of my style and personality. I would describe my personal style as feminine and classic, but that being said, I am still a student and don’t really have the budget that my style requires, therefore it is necessary to come up with creative ways to mix and match less expensive pieces with investment ones and find a way to have my personal style shine through, despite my budget limitations. Creativity is key and The Eternal Optimist is meant to help women who feel my pain find affordable styles.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everywhere. I frequent the mall often. Way too often. Even when I don’t buy, I constantly window-shop and check out what styles are available out there. Also, if you do window-shop a lot you will be up-to-date on pricing and will recognize deals that much easier.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Classic beauties such as Kate Middleton, Audrey Hepburn etc. I love Lana del Rey’s vintage style and I am huge fan of Lea Michele and love her character’s recent makeover on Glee.  

Describe your personal style.

The styles I usually gravitate to are all very sophisticated, classy and feminine. I yearned to be brought up in a different era (think the 50s), the days where women dressed elegantly and embraced their womanly figures. Give me anything that has lace, a bow, is pink or is in the form of a dress and I will be a happy gal.

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

Two of my favorite quotes are "You can never be too overdressed or overeducated" and "Life is too short to wear boring clothes," and I couldn’t agree more with those statements. Life IS too short, try that edgy hairstyle or daring trend now! You will regret it when you are too old to do so. If you know me, you are well aware of how much I agree with the first statement. It is always best to be overdressed rather than underdressed, if for no more than to feel good about yourself and use your favorite pieces that you may not get to break out that often. This could be tied back into the “life is too short” concept; if you wait and wait for that special day to use your beloved item, well hunny, that day may never come!

Where are your favourite places to shop?

Forever 21 is amazing for basics and trendy pieces you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on. H&M and Zara always have the European flair that I adore. Ralph Lauren is definitely a favorite as well, and Jacob is a beautiful showcase of Canadian clothing. In all honesty I can shop almost everywhere, literally from Bluenotes to BCBG. It is all about discovering that one great piece and incorporating it into your wardrobe.

 What are your favourite trends for this season?

I am loving the peplum style and am so happy that is forecasted to stick around for spring. Two-tone riding boots are something I have been coveting for quite some time now, and I think the fur vest/piece trend is perfect for winter and it just screams luxury and lavishness. (Faux fur of course, no critters will be harmed because of my closet!)

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

Just one? Where to even start, I could name a whole list but  a few of the ones that grace my top 10 list would definitely have to be socks with sandals and corduroy pants (or corduroy anything for that matter). Also, one last one, shorts/mini skirts with Ugg boots. Ladies, pick a season and stick with it. Please.

What do you never leave home without?

Phone Charger, Nivea fruity shine lip bam in strawberry, whatever book I am currently reading, and of course, a smile.

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

I think it is absolutely necessary to invest in products/items that you use on a day-to-day basis. Every woman should have a quality face cleanser that works for her skin type, an excellent curling iron, a string of pretty pearls, a classic trench and that perfect little black dress.

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

In 5 years? Oh gosh I’ll be almost 30..do I have to think about that already? Alright, well if I really must, I see myself living a double life between Canada and somewhere tropical, achieving my entrepreneurial aspirations (owning a boutique or two, among other things) and still writing/blogging as much as my heart pleases.

Would you or someone you know like to be featured in a Style Profile? Send an email to petiteadventures@gmail.com.

All images courtesy of The Eternal Optimist.

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Lace and Luxury

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

Sorry for the unexpected hiatus yesterday, but this week did not get off to the greatest of starts, and I blame it all on hormones. Evil, evil hormones.

Because I wasn't feeling like my usual petite, chipper self, I decided that it was the perfect day to wrap in lace and luxury, in the form of my new bamboo tights.

Absolutely fantastic.

I'm now convinced that the cure for any bad day is bamboo tights.

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Casual Thursday

Shirt - Joe Fresh; Sweater Dress - Le Chateau;
Leggings - TNA; Boots - Aldo

Last week our office was empty. With all of the directors attending a conference in the states, and many people out sick, there was no one to enforce the office dress code, so I decided that casual Friday should start on Thursday.

Sweater dress, leggings and over-the-knee boots - perfect for casual Thursday.

(Unfortunately, my camera died after four photos and this was the only usable one.)

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Style Profile: the Fashion Kidd

Name: Laura Kidd

Age: 21

Occupation: Communications Assistant, The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre

Site: www.thefashionkidd.com

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

When and why did you start your site? 

I started my site in early October (last month) because I wanted to share my personal style, insights, and recipes with an audience. It's a creative outlet for me as well. 

How would you describe your site? 

I blog about my personal style, fashion, food, and lifestyle. 

Where do you get your inspiration? 

From friends, other bloggers, movies, music, and thrift stores.

Who are your style/beauty icons? 

My style icons are Madonna, Vivienne Westwood, M.I.A., Advanced Style ladies, and 50s Hollywood celebrities. 

Describe your personal style. 

My style is vintage/retro and loud. 

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

People won't remember what brand you were wearing or how much you spent on your outfit, but they'll remember that you looked stylish and confident. 

Where are your favourite places to shop? 

Thrift stores, vintage stores, Joe Fresh, Zara, and H&M. 

What are your favourite trends for this season? 

Leather, fur, collar necklaces, ear cuffs and the colour burgundy. 

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve? 

Style: too many trends at once, not enough risk, too generic/boring, and plain cardigans. 

Beauty: over-tweezed eyebrows *can't stress that enough, hook-shaped eyebrows, no makeup at all.  

What do you never leave home without? 

iPhone, wallet, kleenex.

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

Confidence, sense of style, leather jacket, black pumps, bright coloured lipstick. 

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

Myself: continuing to work/advocate for a cause (mental health) I care so deeply about and continuing to rock my thrift store finds. 

My site: Still running and inspiring people to live their best, and most fabulous life. 

What's on your nightstand? 

I don't and will never own one.

Tell Petite Adventures readers something random about yourself. 

I have a clone. 

All images courtesy of The Fashion Kidd.

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Business Casual Man Repeller

Sweater - TNA; Blouse - Jacob; Trousers - Talula; Wedges - Aldo

To get through a day in the ice cave that is my cubicle, I decided to throw fashion to the wind and actually think of function when getting dressed in the morning. That's how I ended up taking a perfectly lovely work ensemble and man-repeller-ing-it-up by adding a layer that's sole purpose was to keep me from freezing to death.

It worked like a charm! (Keeping me warm, that is; there were no men in the office so I can't confirm or deny whether it was a true man repeller) By the time 4:30 p.m. came rolling around I could actually feel my limbs. What more could a girl ask for?!

Happy Thursday everyone!

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Frozen Spotted Leaf

 

Sweater - H&M; Blouse & Skirt - Jacob; Boots - Aldo
Watch - Fossil; Jade Bracelet - gift

After spending Monday at home, I was back in the office yesterday. And, for my triumphant return I decided to debut one of my new Jacob blouses. Although I loved the look, it wasn't exactly warm enough for the arctic tundra that is my office, so I spent most of the day wrapped in an unflattering scarf, covering this cute ensemble.

Tres domage.

But it won't stop me. Tomorrow, I'll be debuting blouse #2... and keeping my fingers crossed that I don't end up with frost bite by the end of the week.

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Holiday Dressing Staples

Black Friday purchases by petiteadventures on Polyvore

Lace blouse - Natural Short sleeves, 30 CAD / Lace peplum topper - Black Short sleeves, 41 CAD / Convertible sash blouse - Natural Short sleeves, 18 CAD / Polka-dot shirttail sleeveless top - Natural Sleeveless, 33 CAD / Lace pencil skirt - Grey Lace, 36 CAD

In yesterday's post I mentioned how excited I was to start wearing all of my new Black Friday purchases from Jacob. Well, it turns out I was maybe just too excited, because I didn't sleep a wink.

We're talking, maybe three non-consecutive hours.

The lack of sleep put a huge damper on my getting dressed plans in the morning. So instead of showing off the stunningly chic ensemble I sported throughout the day (Joe Fresh miss-matched pjs and an Aritzia Cowichan sweater), I thought I would debut what I'm sure will be my new Holiday season staples in collage form.

I hope I'm not jnxing myself when I say, now I really can't wait to wear them!


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Black Friday Madness

please excuse the mess in the background, 

but I didn't have enough time to hide my library books from the camera before running out the door

Blouses - Jacob; Skirt - H&M; Wedges - Aldo

I wasn't exactly avoiding the Black Friday sales, I just had no desire to set foot in the mall and battle the crowds. But, that all changed when I decided I wanted something new to wear to my first holiday party of the season. Unenthused by the options in my closet my goal was to find a lace detailed t-shirt and I knew Jacob would have it; so after yoga on Saturday morning I was off to Rideau. 

To my surprise, the mall wasn't as jam packed with people as I was anticipating. Jacob, on the other hand, was a mad house, but there was no way I was letting that stop me. So, in I went. 

Not only did I find exactly what I was looking for - I found so much more. With 40% off the last ticketed price, I was in shopping heaven. After 45 minutes of browsing, testing and debating, I went running from the store with four shirts and a lace skirt (I cannot wait to wear them all!)

With so many new options I found it hard to get dressed pre-party, but I settled on the above blouse - cute and casual, yet chic. You really can't beat a classic look for a holiday get-together.


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Style Profile: Hippie Lace

Name: Emmett Katherine

Age: 31

Occupation: Free Spirit

Site: www.hippielace.blogspot.com

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

When and why did you start your site? 

I love reading blogs and seeing how other people live their lives. Canadian blogs are my favourite and since there weren’t many out there I figured I’d start one of my own to contribute to the Canadian blogosphere. It’s a creative outlet because most of my friends aren’t into fashion or photography and it’s a way to connect with people who share the same interests.

How would you describe your site? 

A little bit of fashion/personal style, craft beer and every day things.

Where do you get your inspiration? 

People I see and meet in the craft beer scene, local artists and photographers and my favourite bloggers

Who are your style/beauty icons? 

I love Abbey Lee Kershaw’s eclectic look, her outfits always make me want to incorporate more colour and prints into my closet, Kate Moss for her undone minimalist yet free spirited style and Mary Kate Olsen who shows through clothing that there are no rules when it comes to style. Each of these woman have their own unique and organic way of dressing that's really striking and clearly not the result of a personal stylist.

Describe your personal style. 

It seems to be a mix of classic, romantic with a touch of boho.

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

Never go to bed with your makeup on.

Where are your favourite places to shop? 

Thrift stores, Vintage shows, Anthropologie, Holt Renfrew and Aritiza. Online I’m a big fan of Planet Blue or any store that carries Winter Kate (Nicole Richie’s line).

What are your favourite trends for this season? 

Oxblood, dark lips and the baroque look. Mainly the baroque look, it’s essentially everything I love all in one style!          

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve? 

People who think style is all about logos. It’s not.

What do you never leave home without? 

My iPhone. I can't function without it.

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

A beautiful coat, a bright coloured lipstick, a quality pair of boots (that can survive Canadian winters), a scarf that goes with everything and an outfit that makes you feel like a million dollars.

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

Hopefully still writing and snapping pictures. I’d love to take Hippie Lace in a more lifestyle direction, talk about my little family and do more articles on the craft beer scene in Ottawa. We’ll see what happens.

What's on your nightstand? 

Just a lamp, but on the shelves below there are lots of books! I’m currently reading Girl Gone by Gillian Flynn for a book club I belong too.

All images courtesy of Hippie Lace.

Blue and Brown for Girl Geek Dinner

Sweater - Zara; Dress - Banana Republic; Boots - Steve Madden

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend the season opener of Girl Geek Dinners Ottawa - a fantastic monthly networking event that makes technology accessible and interesting to all age groups and all people, particularly women. Led by Amanda Shendruk, founder of Aesthetic Intelligence and a leading expert in data visualization (also, she has the most amazing hair), last night's discussion focused on big data and the role of infographics. As someone who can't pass up reading an nfographic, this topic was right up my nerd alley.

For an evening of conversations, creativity, and learning about chartjunk (it's a thing, google it!) I decided it was only fitting to get a little creative and debut a never-before-worn blue and brown look. It was comfortable, casual, and thankfully chartjunk free!

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