Happy September, my friends! Well, we’re now almost halfway through the month but what the heck, time keeps slipping away from me.
I freaking love this time of year so much, it always feels like a new beginning. Which is exactly why I am making it my mission to bring this ol’ blog back to life! Thanks to some mental blocks (I’ll explain more about that in a post soon) and just feeling a bit lost in terms of career, I haven’t been sharing my writing for a long time. I have SO much content and some amazing blog posts that are all just sitting in my drafts folder unpublished and it’s time to get them out there!
Anyway, this is supposed to be about the outfit. I’m already on a major blazer kick and it’s not even officially fall yet. I’ve especially been loving this oversized navy number I found on sale at Lulu’s at the beginning of the season. Wearing it with all white felt a little close to Josie Geller undercover in Never Been Kissed, though I am missing the feathers which are a key component to her look LOL.
You might have seen this outfit on my IG stories back in June. I put this look together for our Chicago trip and have been meaning to photograph it ever since. Though the blazer has since sold out and the rest of my items cannot be linked, I have shared some very similar styles below!
SHOP THE POST:
Oversized Navy Blazer from Lulus | Similar style from Nordstrom
White Denim Culottes gifted from Joe Fresh | Similar from PAIGE and H&M
Ribbed White Tank Top from 8th and Main | Similar from & Other Stories
Chunky White Heels gifted from | Similar pair from Nordstrom
Sunglasses from Bailey Nelson | Similar pair by Karen Walker
Did I buy this t-shirt in three different colours? The answer is most definitely yes. The little sleeve roll and the height that the hem of the crop hits is perfect with all my high waist denim. It’s also slightly thicker cotton and not seethrough at all. What I’m saying, is that I pretty much wear this tee exclusively. I sized down to a S/M so that the boxy fit isn’t TOO loose, and usually do a little Tan France inspired french tuck (has to be said with an Engligh accent) so that the shirt stays in place.
Pairing it with my white wide leg jeans and leopard print booties, I realize now that I was taking this magnolia tree theme quite literally. Can you really blame me? The blooms are so gorgeous and only around for a few short weeks!
I freaking love this time of year for all the pretty flowers and glorious sunshine. I’ve been doing interval running on the seawall for 5 out of the last 8 days. Voluntarily and just because…I’ve felt like it? Does this mean I am becoming someone who actually can/enjoys running? Will I continue working out for once in my life? Stay tuned for riveting updates LOL. Hope you are all having an amazing day xo
A bunch of random things that I’ve been loving lately!
This is not a sponsored post, but by all means, if any of these people want to sponsor me, I’m avail 😉 I was also sick with an attractive cough/cold for pretty much all of February and most of March, so I cannot promise that these favourites will be the most exciting of all time. God, I’m such a gifted salesperson.
My Brüush Toothbrush
I was in the market for an electric toothbrush and my friend mentioned that a friend of hers had started an electric toothbrush company (seriously, what are the odds?) and that she was loving her Brüush! I reached out and they were kind enough to send one and you guys, it’s SO good! The packaging is gorgeous, but it’s also incredibly functional. Has a 4-week battery and simple charging station, 2-year warranty, and comes with a convenient travel case. There are different settings, so I find myself brushing for a bit longer to utilize the ‘gums’ setting, as well as the ‘tongue’ option. I also use the ‘gentle’ setting in the mornings, as my teeth are sensitive after I’ve clenched my jaw all night. I love that the brush head isn’t round, so it doesn’t just spray toothpaste onto every surface in the bathroom. I didn’t realize how quiet it is too. When I was brushing my teeth at my friend’s place a few weeks ago, she looked at me with shock and asked how my electric toothbrush was so quiet. I just adore my Brüush and wanted to give this new company some love!
Ole Henriksen Balance Collection
Well, I have finally done it. I’ve adopted some sort of a skincare regime. I’ve started off small and just do cleansing and toning every now and again, but that’s a vast improvement from my humble beginnings of doing nothing. I keep a Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser and Pore Balance Facial Sauna Scrub in the shower and use one or the other each time I wash my hair. Then I apply the Toner and Hydrator after my shower which leaves my skin feeling tingly and hydrated. I’ve really liked the collection, but I want to remind you that skincare is really different to everyone, so what works for me might not work for you. But, if you also forget to cleanse/tone yo face, I highly recommend the shower trick. It’s like a mini at-home spa treatment once a week!
The Vionic Joey Sneaker
When I was finally feeling better from my initial February cold, I was out walking Reg and somehow threw my back out. I’d never done that before and it was absolutely terrifying. I painfully crawled over to Adam, who was having a nap, and when he woke up and asked what was wrong, I burst into tears. That feeling of your spine not being able to support your body is one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me. I learned what to do though and was feeling better again by the end of that day. What this long-winded story is about, is that ever since I threw my back out, I have been wearing only my arch supportive Vionic Joey Sneakers. I liked them for travel last year but was such a white Vans loyalist that I didn’t really sport them beyond trips. Now I’ve worn them every day for the last month and they’ve been great. Ahh, the joys of ageing. If you have any other orthopedic shoe recommendations, I’m all ears!
Wilderado
Adam and I went to see Mt. Joy at The Imperial last month and it was a great show. If you don’t already know Mt. Joy, their debut album is dope as hell and you should definitely go listen if you’re into Indie Rock/Americana/Folky Blues. What surprised us, though, was how much we fell in love with the opening band, Wilderado. They don’t even have an album yet, just EPs of greatness and plenty of Spotify plays. I. Can’t. Stop. Listening. Over and over again, all day long. It’s like I’m possessed. I swear the lead singer made eye contact with me during their set (though Adam claims he did with him as well LOL) and it was so intense, maybe he cast a spell on me?! If you’re yearning for, dare I say, Americana early 2000’s Coldplay vibes with some Folky Fleet Foxes-worthy harmonies (?), go listen and become obsessed like I am so that we can bond over their sound, okay?
These Perfect High Waist Denim Shorts
You may have seen these bad boys on my IG stories yesterday, but I have more to say, so here we are. I happened to see them on the TOPSHOP website at the beginning of March and I have stalked their Vancouver location just waiting and waiting for these beauties to arrive. From first glance, I just knew they were the high waisted denim shorts of my dreams and I was bang on. They’d already sold out of the lighter denim at my local store, but luckily I was able to try on the black denim. I love them so much, I ordered them in the lighter denim as well. I love how they’re loose in the leg and hips, but the paperbag waist keeps a sexier silhouette. You’ll be seeing these for the next few months, so prepare yourself.
What have you been loving lately? Let me know in the comments below!
Want to look put together on your flight but still be comfortable? I’ve got you covered!
I don’t want to brag or completely oversell this post, but I have *almost* mastered the art of packing carry-on only and an essential component of this includes what I wear while in transit. I always want to be extremely comfortable, especially because it makes me feel more relaxed about flying, but also look put together. So, how do I achieve this?
I’ve outlined 4 looks that are all outfits I have legitimately worn on flights, most of them multiple times. They are all fairly basic, which is part of my minimal packing policy. I try to throw in a hat or standout piece, but for the most part, the pieces are classics that will be re-worn throughout the trip. It should be noted that I often do my hair and makeup for flights, which contributes to looking pulled together. I think it’s because of my flying anxiety, making the effort to getting ready gives me a sense of control to look and feel prepared.
Also, I am currently working on my carry-on only packing blog post so if you have any questions about how I manage it, let me know. Otherwise, here are some airplane outfit ideas for your next trip:
My Travel Uniform
My go-to getup is as follows: comfortable loose denim like boyfriend jeans or black cotton leggings. A loose, long t-shirt, usually in white or black. A roomier fit is imperative because in-flight bloat is a thing you guys, and it happens every damn time! Topped with a black leather jacket or denim jacket, as well as an oversized scarf, season dependent. Shoes are either white sneakers or black booties and I also wear a hat if I am bringing one on the trip so that it doesn’t get squished in my suitcase. Just don’t forget it in the overhead bin, as I have accidentally done more times than I’d like to admit. This combination is always cozy and works for a variety of destinations!
I originally took these photos for a campaign I did with Samsonite Canada, but I want you to know that I’ve continued to use this little pink suitcase for 2 years now and it is amazing. Holds a ton, super lightweight, and barely even has a scratch on it! I’m shocked that the reviews say it cracked, though I have only checked it a few times. I’ve linked to the same style, but in silver below.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Winter Travel
I’ve done far more winter travel than ever before and this has really tested my ability to do carry-on only. I love going to Europe in November/December because it’s much quieter and the Christmas spirit is strong. The only thing is that the weather is completely unpredictable, so you must prepare for it all! I have a comprehensive guide to what I packed for 2 weeks in Europe with carry-on only coming up on the blog very soon, but for now, I will let you know that my travel outfit in colder months is a slight variation of the above-mentioned Travel Uniform.
The trick is to wear only a thin layer underneath a good winter coat because running around airports and train stations will inevitably overheat you. The coat can easily be stuffed into the overhead bin on flights. The most uncomfortable component for me is if I have to replace my usual footwear with winter boots. I find them so heavy and claustrophobic for my feet, but sometimes they are a necessity.
My recent partnership with TOPSHOP Canada was an absolute dream and you guys has such a great response to the looks on Instagram. I loved and appreciated the opportunity to try on and style up current pieces, and was especially fun experiencing TOPSHOP Canada’s free personal shopping service. I worked with Juliana at the Vancouver location and it was such a blast! She is the sweetest and really helped push me past my usual comforts, while still showing me pieces that would fit into and compliment my current wardrobe.
Check out all the looks below and let me know which outfit or piece is your favourite! I tried my best to link to what was still available or something similar and for reference, everything was pretty true to size, but leave a comment if you have any specific questions about fits/sizing.
Slowly bringing colour mixing back into my wardrobe!
Thanks to a really fun partnership I have with TOPSHOP Canada on Instagram, I’ve been taking a few more fashion risks lately. Five years ago, things like colour and print mixing used to be an everyday occurrence for me, but then trends shifted to minimal neutrals and basics. Which, when you have a very limited clothing budget, is a movement that I easily jumped on board with. Lately, it’s felt like there has to be some sort of common ground between the two extremes and I’ve been missing things like printed boots or the odd bold piece to match with my timeless classics.
As part of the collab, the TOPSHOP team encouraged me to book a Personal Shopping Appointment at their Vancouver location. I had no idea they offered this styling service, free of charge. I will never be able to shop any other way! I sent in photos (well, my IG account) so that the stylist could see a general sense of my style and body shape. I also passed along my sizing and specifically what I was hoping to purchase. When I arrived, my stylist, Juliana, had a private fitting room filled with gorgeous options. She was very sweet and encouraging, keeping the outfits comfortable enough for me, but pushing me just a tad away from what I would normally gravitate towards. This look is a perfect example.
I never thought I’d wear corduroy trousers, but I actually love them? They are surprisingly flattering and were easily paired with a beige cropped sweater. Juliana had a vision of the look with these blue snakeskin boots and I was initially very hesitant, but she was right. It somehow just works! She has such a gifted eye for styling and putting outfits together, spending an hour with her completely re-inspired me. Working alone for so long, it was really lovely getting someone else’s sartorial perspective!
To book a TOPSHOP Personal Shopping Appointment here in Canada:
Downtown Vancouver: 604-689-2335
Toronto Yorkdale Mall: 416-789-8666
Toronto Queen St: 416-861-6612
As I’ve been editing down my wardrobe and trying to figure out my current style, it’s been super helpful keeping a list of pieces that are “missing” within my wardrobe. I was lucky enough to partner with H&M last month on Instagram (here and here) and went shopping with some specific pieces in mind. On the list? A versatile day-to-night blouse, a great pair of high waist jeans, and a slightly oversized but somehow still flattering blazer.
There’s so much to love in H&M stores right now, it’s no surprise that I left with everything on the wishlist and had to leave behind a few standouts. The things I did purchase, I’ve had for over a month and can confidently recommend them.
Okay, I didn’t actually leave with these first two pieces, but that’s only because I already own a leather jacket similar to this biker one and the jeans were just slightly too tight in the waistband. That being said, the jacket is true to size and a great deal. Seriously, if I didn’t already own something so similar, it would be mine. These denim culottes are very small fitting, which is what ultimately deterred me. I sized up and I could still struggled to do them up. If you are smaller in the waist, then the denim culottes would work well, though I see they only have the white colour left in stock. Still a great find if you think they’d fit your frame well!
Here are 2 Ways To Style The Geneva T-Shirt Dress from Universal Standard
On its own, Geneva is the perfect t-shirt dress. That angled asymmetrical hem. The soft and stretchy fabric that bounces back. Sure, it’s just a cotton t-shirt dress, but even on its own, I’ve had strangers come up to me and ask where it’s from. She’s a real stunner, that Geneva.
Have you heard of Universal Standard before? This badass clothing company makes a gorgeous collection of basics in sizes 6 up to 40! To make these wardrobe essentials available to women in such an array of sizes is absolutely refreshing. Some of the items on their site even show the piece on-body in each and every available size, how awesome is that?!
As mentioned, I’ve worn this t-shirt dress plenty of times on its own, but as we’re a few weeks into fall now, I wanted to continue getting some mileage out of this little black dress. I styled it up two different ways, let me know which one is your favourite!
Ad Maiora means ‘toward greater things’ in Latin.
What’s new, what’s new? Well, summer is over and so is my writing slump. I’ve actually been to a few workout classes after an indulgent and rather lazy few months. I’ve been feeling cozy with the seasonal shift and did the big closet switchover from S/S to F/W last weekend and am so happy with the results. Purging and simplifying my wardrobe over the last year has finally paid off, the process was efficient and relatively seamless. I’ll have to take some pictures of it tomorrow and do a post on my streamlined wardrobe.
I’d also like to properly introduce you to the bracelet that I cannot stop wearing. It’s the Monica Vinader Signature Thin Bangle in rose gold. I was gifted this beauty at Nordstrom and was even able to get it engraved! I went for the Latin phrase ad maiora, which means towards greater things (or so Pinterest tells me). Feels like an appropriate sentiment to carry around with me on the daily. Also, I know this look is a tad summery, but things have warmed up here in Vancouver and if I don’t post it now, it’ll just end up in the photo abyss of things I never got around to sharing. Which would just be sad, don’t you think?
Anyway, glad to be back and hope you are all well. Can’t wait for all the fall content!
