Style

What’s Up, Where Ya Been?

Shoot guys, I have been suffering from the craziest case of writer’s block.  Exhibit A, I have deleted and re-written that basic opening sentence a handful of times.  This..is..so..frustrating.  It’s that much more difficult to go through the ebb and flow of creative inspiration when you need to be writing every day!  As these pauses usually go, I have thankfully been planning for the next few months and shooting a ton of content.  Though I can’t seem to produce a final product, I’ve been full of ideas and everything has turned into a rapidly growing list of partially completed draft posts.  Which, hopefully will equal a consistent delivery of content like I’ve always wanted to do.

I’ve done a lot of research about perfection/analysis paralysis lately and it’s honestly something I’ve suffered from it for as long as I can remember.  Fuelled by overthinking and anxiety, I start convincing myself that if it’s not unattainably “perfect” then I can’t even start or publish what I have actually done. Can sure be crippling when you’re a one woman show!  What do you do to spark creativity and/or work past a perfectionist standard?

I keep repeating the mantra, “Done is better than perfect!”

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Life is in cosmic chaos ✨

Anyone else feeling like Mercury Retrograde is out of control right now?  I don’t know if it was the combination with the eclipse or what, but this madness needs to end soon.  From a tragedy, to communication breakdowns, emotional outbursts, scheduling mixups, and my phone suddenly being on the fritz at random, everything is just…off.  I think we still have one more week of this round of mercury retrograde, so let’s just hope it’s not as powerful as the first half.  Don’t know if our household would be able to handle it!

What this means, is that it was only fitting that this is when I’d first rock my Seeing Stars Playsuit from MACCS!  How cute is that star pattern and those shoulder ruffles?  Love how comfy and fun this little number is.  If you’re curious, it’s true to size.  I’m wearing a large, and did add a snap closure to the front in order to comfortable contain everything (just a personal preference).  This playsuit is the perfect piece to wear into September with a hat, denim jacket, and black booties.  Ahh, cannot wait for fall!

Speaking of which, I’ve been doing quite the fall style haul and thinking it needs to be made into a post and video!  Are there any stores in particular you’d love to see items from?  I went a bit mad in Zara the other day, and also have some goodies from Gentle Fawn, but more could be added for sure.  Let me know in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see in terms of fall trends/styling, or a store you’ve got a massive wishlist at.

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I don’t want you to panic, but there’s only a few sizes left…

We were in Chicago, casually browsing some stores and my sister in law, Anya, went into the J.Crew fitting room to try something on.  I stood with the guys at the entrance of the store to wait for her, when a light blue striped linen fabric caught my eye.  Someone was putting a jumpsuit back on the rack, but it was the only one left.  I walked away from their conversation, laser focused on this new mission, and told myself that if it was in my size, I would just try it on.  I flipped the tag around, and there it was…a 10!  I had to give it a shot!  Not only did it fit like a glove, but the sales associates insisted that I HAD to have it.  Twist my arm.

I knew in my heart that this jumpsuit was the trendy, but classic piece that would get me through summer.  The lightweight linen fabric and comfortable, yet flattering cut have a lot to do with that.  Thanks to its versatility, I’ve worn it to a wide range of events like a dressier patio brunch, a kid’s birthday party, a dinner out, and long haul city sight seeing.  If it were the right one, I would even consider wearing this to a wedding!  Cannot recommend this jumpsuit enough.  If your size is left, I think you should seriously consider going for it.

As I mentioned last week, we took these outfit photos at the New York Public Library and it was THE most gorgeous setting.  The grand marble details were the perfect backdrop for my favourite summer outfit!

Shop The Post:

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This turned into a list of what’s happening this month.  I’m okay with it.

In those moments that the heat is heavy, lingering in the air, and the light hangs on as long as possible, it feels like summer is inching by.  I’ve been doing my best to savour it with each cannon ball into the water, overheated stroll around the neighbourhood, and every completely justifiable ice cream cone.  But, just like that, it’s August.  And thanks to all those years in school, it feels like we’re halfway through this glorious season of recharge.

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ebates.ca for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

The only thing better than online shopping, is earning Cash Back from online shopping.

Have you heard of Ebates.ca?  It’s honestly my new obsession!  It’s such a smarter way of online shopping, and you know how much I love to get a deal on things. Basically, you earn Cash Back  from purchases you make online from some of your favourite retailers.  That’s right!  You get a percentage back from a purchase you’d already be making and sometimes you even Shop With Double Cash Back – it’s genius!  I signed up about a year ago and it’s so awesome to see those rewards adding up.  Every dollar counts, amiright?!

The list of brands that are a part of Ebates is quite impressive.  There’s a ton of fashion/lifestyle stores that I already frequently order from (and I’m sure you do too)  like Sephora, ASOS, J Crew, Old Navy, Amazon, Nordstrom Rack, Chapters Indigo, etc.  That’s really only the beginning though.  There’s a vast selection of home related companies like 1-800-Got-Junk, Bed Bath and Beyond, CB2, and I definitely JUST made the exciting purchase of a new kitchen faucet through Ebates.  They have a travel category as well, which I’m definitely going to keep in mind next time I book something through Expedia.  They’re also always adding New Stores to the roster, which is a real treat.  One of their latest additions is Moo, where I always get my business cards from.  Can’t wait to order some updated cards!  Ahh, I’m sorry.  I could probably just keep listing brands, but I get so excited!

Which, brings us to today’s outfit!  This mint green dress was a part of my last ASOS purchase.  It was only $30, and yes, it earned me some Cash Back (read below to learn how).  This frock has been a bright and comfortable go-to piece this summer.  Such a great piece to throw on for everyday, I love the ruffle and off the shoulder detail.

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You know I love a good flamingo pun!

It’s taking all of my self control not to begin this post with the riveting fact that my legs are covered in mosquito bites.  But, despite my best efforts, this is still the opening sentence and I can’t stop scratching my legs, like a crazed itchy lunatic.  I know that bitten legs are a sign of a great summer weekend, but man, is it also incredibly annoying and unattractive.

We crossed the border to a friend’s family cabin in Point Roberts on Saturday, which was such a great way to spend the weekend.  I managed to read an entire book, get some sun, and most importantly, watch the doggos run around off leash on the beach.  I love how extra special our mini getaways feel with Reggie in our lives.  Seeing him have a good time makes everything 10 times more fun!  Point Roberts was an interesting place.  I’d never been before, and I had no idea that it was SO close by and basically should just be a part of Canada.  Wish we’d had time to explore a bit more, but we had to get back to run some errands and go to the Counting Crows and Matchbox Twenty concert.  I have to say, the Counting Crows were a massive disappointment.  They played a rather obscure setlist and when they did play the hits, Adam Duritz would play some artsy version that you couldn’t even sing along to.  My cousin’s wife fell asleep during their set!  I mean, it was truly not great.  His voice still sounds amazing, I just think that if you’re playing a nostalgia tour, you should stick to the way the song originally sounds as much as possible.  We’re there for a sing a long!  Anyway, Matchbox Twenty rocked it and their sound was also incredible.  Still glad we went, my cousins are such a blast to hang out with.

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I find it so fascinating how much styles and trend interpretation changes based on location.  Here in Vancouver, I’m always pulled towards a relaxed, casual style and, at the moment, a very neutral palette.  Which, has the benefit of comfort and simplicity, but I have to admit, gets repetitive.  While we were in Chicago, I mentioned to my sister in law that I was almost shocked by all the bright colour that everyone was wearing!  It was so fun and refreshing, and I left the midwest determined to ease some other hues back into my wardrobe.

So, the day we were leaving for the cottage, I raced to the mall looking for pieces that are easy to wear, but that have some colour and pattern.  I ended up finding a couple great frocks on sale at LOFT, including this dress.  I especially love how this piece will easily translate into the fall as well, it’s always a bonus when something can be worn cross-seasons!

What about you?  What is the fashion scene like where you live?

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You’ve for sure seen lots of Chicwish items on liketoknowit and other click to purchase apps.  They have the sweetest feminine blouses and dresses with thoughtful details and trendy prints/colours.  Through RewardStyle, this was my second ever order from Chicwish, after my first one was an average experience at best.  Last summer, I received the dress I’d ordered, but it didn’t come with the fabric belt as advertised and shipping took longer than expected.

This time around, I was back on Chicwich specifically for the one shoulder ruffle top that is so popular.  It is incredibly sweet and just had to be mine!  This was all during my spring online ordering frenzy, so I ended up also throwing in this peplum stripe blouse with wide eyelet trim detail and I am really glad I did!  How freaking adorable is this blouse?  I wore it for days in a row after receiving it.

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