Playing Hookie

Happy Thursday Everyone! Only one more day til the weekend!! WOO HOO!

So yesterday, I took a day off work and went downtown to see my bestie, Heather who was in town visiting her sister.  She just got back from a three-year Australia stint and now, just when I get her back - she's moving to the beautiful Vancouver in BC!  My friends have been scattered across the globe for awhile now, but I always thought Heather and I would end up in the same city.  And who knows, we still might.  Only time will tell.

So since this would most likely be the last time seeing Heather before her big move, I asked my awesome boss for the day off to go and see her, and she said yes, because she's awesome of course :)

So when I got downtown, we decided to do some exploring in the blistering cold.  Why?  Because we're cray cray.  While we were walking, we noticed this awesome graffiti on the side of a building and thought it was a great time for a photo op. 

As you can see by the ruby red cheeks, it was f-f-freezing outside!

Once we were done freezing our asses off taking photos, we made our way over to Fran's for some delicious breakfast.  We both had a croissant topped with an omellete with tomatoes, mushrooms & peppers.  Then it was all smothered in hollandaise sauce with goat cheese on top.  Sooooo good.  Oh, and don't forget the "side" of potatoes.  Holy - so much food.  If you ever have the opportunity to make it to Toronto and are in need of a good place to eat breakfast, Fran's is where it's at.

So after breakfast, we met up with Heather's sweet, youngest sister, Lauren and scooted on over to St. Lawrence Market.  None of us had been before so it was a fun experience.  There are cheese shops, meat shops and fresh produce spread throughout the whole place.  We were also inclined to partake in some wine tasting while we were there.  Have you ever heard of an aerator?  It's this thing that you stick in the wine and pour out of, and it allows the wine to breathe while pouring.  It made the wine a lot lighter.  I thought it was a pretty cool idea and the wine was delish.

We decided the rest of the day should be spent indoors, so we went to the Eaton's Centre.  It was a bit of a trek so we stopped in to Second Cup for some hot chocolate to warm up our almost frozen selves.  From there we went to the Eaton's Centre and did some window shopping.

All in all, it was a great day and it was awesome to see the bestie one more time before she leaves.  Have fun in Vancouver love bug!!! I will be coming to visit soon :)

I have always loved the CN Tower....until next time, my friend

Tata for now.

xoxo.

Staple Wardrobe: Dresses

Happy Friday Everyone!!

I am so excited that the weekend is here!  How about you?  Got any fun plans for the weekend?

I am back today with some dresses to add to your staple wardrobe.  If you've been following along, you know I already covered bottoms, tops and outerwear.  You can find a link to those posts at the bottom of this one.

1.  The Little Black Dress.  Yes, this may be redundant because everyone knows how versatile a little black dress can be, but the key to making it part of your staple wardrobe is to find one that can become your fall-back dress.  You look and feel great in it and have something swanky to wear in a pinch, no matter the occasion.

2. The sweater dress.  I don't know how I could live without sweater dresses in the fall/ winter months.  It's like wearing a warm, cozy blanket - but it doesn't look like it ;)

3.  This is more of a summer staple, but I think it deserves a spot in the overall dress category.  This is perfect for those summer days when you're out with friends, or on a date and just want to look cute.

4.  A cocktail dress.  I have a dressy black one, and a beige dress that could fall somewhere between dressy and casual.  They're good to keep around for those impromptu girl's night out.

5.  The tank dress.  Perfect for layering, definitely a staple in any woman's closet.

6.  Last but not least is the shift dress.  The one above is a beautiful charcoal grey and is a staple for any one who works in an office, which I do.  I think the shift dress looks good on absolutely everyone and is great for a multitude of occasions, which is why it has deserved a spot in the closet staples.

And that's it.  Anything else you'd add?  Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Tata for now.

xoxo.

Psstt....check out the other pieces for a complete staple wardrobe.

Staple Wardrobe: Bottoms

Staple Wardrobe: Outerwear

Staple Wardrobe: Tops

A Little Update

Happy Thursday Lovelies! Only one more day til the weekend - woot woot!

How has your week been so far?  Mine just seems to be flying by, which is awesome, but that just means I've been super busy!!  I thought I'd update you a little with what's been going on around here.  First off, two of my closest friends got engaged on New Years!  Chris and Caitlin are two of the sweetest, most genuine people I've ever met and they are just perfect for eachother.  And guess what?  I got this cute little surprise last weekend....lots of work to be done :)  I wanted to say again, CONGRATULATIONS CHRIS AND CAITLIN!! I am over the moon for you both :)

This weekend the boy is taking me to my favourite antiquing spot and also to IKEA (we've got a project involving some shelves).  I am excited and thrilled - he hardly ever wants to do things like this, so I know he's just doing it for me *cue the collective awww*  I'll be bringing my phone along so may be back next week with some treasures I found while perusing the barn and the gloriousness that is IKEA :)

Also this weekend, we get to smash our friend's old kitchen.  They are renovating and left the demo for themselves.  Can't wait to get my sledgehammer on.

I've also got some surprises that I've been cooking up, but I can't share those just yet - you'll just have to wait.  Oh, what a tease, eh?  How will you stand it? :)

I will be back tomorrow with more for your staple wardrobe.  On the agenda; dresses - my favourite part.

Tata for now.
xoxo.

Staple Wardrobe: Bottoms

Hello lovelies,

How was the weekend?  I'm finally feeling like I'm getting back into the swing of things...so hard to do after the holidays.  Here's post three of my staple wardrobe series, which is focusing on anything and everything to cover the tush.  If you didn't catch it, I covered shirts and outerwear already, you can get to them at the bottom of this post. 

I broke down bottoms into three sections - pants, skirts and shorts - which are all very important in creating a staple wardrobe.  Ready? Let's go.

First up are the essential pants.  From left to right we've got black dress pants, jeans and black cigarette pants (or "matchstick pants" if you want something a bit fancier).  You should find your black dress pants in an all-season fabric to make sure they can translate well from season to season.  As for the jeans, I say go for a dark-wash, skinny or bootcut jean that makes you feel awesome.  Everyone needs a good pair of jeans that makes you feel great and sexy - find them.  And last but not least are the cigarette pants.  These can translate well from casual to dressy and can be worn with shirts or tunics.  The perfect staple pant for your closet.

For the skirts: a maxi, a black pencil skirt, an a-line skirt and I also added a leather pencil skirt.  The last one may not be everyones cup of tea but I think my leather skirt is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in my closet.  Just be sure to stick with a neutral colour for all of the above.

And last but not least - the shorts.  These are kind of crucial for me in the summer months, but if you're not a short girl, you can opt out.  A pair of black, dress shorts and some comfy jean shorts.

And that's it for the bottoms.  Now get out there and find your perfect pair of jeans - they are essential.

Tata for now.
xoxo.

Psst... click to see the other posts on outerwear and tops

Staple Wardrobe: Tops

Hello again,

Back with more for your staple wardrobe.  Today I'll focus on goodies to cover the top part of your bod.  A few of these are kind of no brainers, but they had to be included because without them, it wouldn't be a staple wardrobe.



First up are the layering pieces.  A white and black camisole is a good place to start.  Something thin that can go under sweaters or blouses - just to make sure you're not giving too much away.  T-shirts and tank tops in neutrals like black, white, gray and navy are very versatile and go with pretty much everything.  Long sleeve neutral shirts (or quarter length sleeve if you've got short arms) are great for cold weather layering under a sweater or cardigan.

Next up are the essentials for work day wear.  A fitted white collared button-up looks great tucked into a skirt but still looks put together untucked wearing pants.  It can translate from casual to dressy quite easily.  I have also included a blousy button-up because it too is versatile enough to go from casual to classy in a jiff.  A chambray shirt is vital for any girl's closet - it can be layered under, over, over and under.  It is one of the most versatile pieces I own in my wardrobe which is why it made the cut.  Last but not least is a silky sleeveless black shirt.  This could also be done in white (or cream if you're looking for something a bit softer), but it can be paired with virtually anything to create a stunning ensemble.

Last but not least are the sweaters.  In Canada, these are a must for the winter months but if you live in a warm climate, you can omit these.  First up are the cardigans - great for layering, and in a neutral colour can be worn with anything.  A knitted cardigan works in the same way but is warmer for those really cold days at the office.  I also suggest getting a couple pull-over sweaters in neutral colours.  Having that one perfect black sweater for when you're feeling blah can really brighten your day :)

And that's it for the tops.  Next up, something to cover your bum ;)

Anything else you'd add here?  Anything you would never wear?  Do tell.

Tata for now.

xoxo.

Psstt...to read the first post about outerwear, click here.

Staple Wardrobe: Outerwear

Hello lovelies,

How are you all doing?  Getting back into the swing of things after the holidays?  Truthfully, I am having a hard time.  It's much more fun to stay home with the boy, work on crafts and home projects, watch Walking Dead marathons until 5 AM (haha, yeah, that actually happened), or curl up near the fire with a steaming cup of hot cocoa.  Unfortunately, it's time to get back to work and make some money :)

I have been trying to tighten up my morning routine to be able to get ready in 30 minutes.  It really helps to set out outfits ahead of time that you'd like to wear for the week ahead.  But that takes some time and planning and sometimes I just like to fly by the seat of my pants when finding something to wear.  One thing that I've found that makes dressing for the day easier, is having a staple wardrobe, which I talked about here.

Since it's cold and wintery outside right now, I thought that outerwear would be the best place to start.  Below I've got 6 jackets that are essential to any girl's wardrobe.  This is just my opinion and what I've found works, if you've got any suggestions, please leave them in the comments below.  I'd love to hear what you think.

1. First up, is a jean jacket.  This is awesome paired with a sundress or tunic.  Try to pick one that fits well with not too much detailing so it can translate from year to year without going out of style.

2. Next up is a well-fitting leather jacket.  Black or brown, keep it neutral is my suggestion.  That way, it can work with anything you currently have in your closet.

3. The boyfriend blazer is one of my must haves.  Again, keep it neutral so you can pair it with a slew of different things, such as a dress, jeans and a tank, or anything else your little mind conjures up. 

4. This is vital for living in Canada, but if you live in a warm climate, you can nix the parka.  Keeping things a neutral colour with the jacket will allow you to mix in fun cold weather accessories, like below.

5. Every girl needs a classic trench in their closet.  Some of you may disagree but I think this is a great way to look professional when you can't take off your jacket.  Going on a work trip with colleagues and not sure of the weather where you're going?  Throw on your trench and you're set.

6. Another way to look professional and presentable while wearing a jacket.  Let me introduce the wool peacoat.  I have a blue peacoat pictured here, which can translate into a neutral if you choose the right blue.  Make sure to pick a colour that you'll be able to live with for years to come.

7. I say that a fitted blazer is one of the most versatile pieces in any girl's closet.  One black one will do, but if you want to switch it up, I'd say go for a gray or navy.

8. The casual cotton jacket is an easy throw-on and go piece.  Good for those days when you're running around doing errands.

And that's my closet staple suggestions for outerwear.  What do you think about my selections?  Anything you'd add or take away?  Do tell.

I'll be back later in the week for what's essential to own for covering your top half. 

Tata for now.

xoxo.

Bring on 2013

Hello lovelies,

I trust that you all had a fantastic holiday season filled with friends, family, presents, lots of love and lots of delicious food.  I was hoping to blog over the Christmas break, but just could not find time.  But it sure was nice to unplug and enjoy the company of my friends and family, while sitting in sweatpants and stuffing my face ;)


Our Charlie Brown Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, before the stockings were hung with care

I cannot believe that the first week of 2013 is almost over!!  Time just seems to slip by so fast, and it's hard to keep up sometimes!  I still have yet to buy my 2013 day planner, so I'm feeling a bit behind.  I usually like to write down my goals for the year at the beginning of the planner so I can reflect every so often to make sure I'm on the right track.


Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

When I was younger, I tried to do the whole resolution thing - write down what I'd like to change in the New Year - but that just got so exhausting and anytime I'd slip up, I'd feel like a failure and the year would be a write-off.  I have, over the years, moved away from the "resolutions" and into "things I would like to do this year".  It just seems easier more attainable, and puts way less pressure on me, myself and I.


The sweetest reunion between old friends

Some of my goals for this year involve the following: Drink more water.  Get to the gym more often (our condo fees do pay for a lovely gym about a min from the house - I should probably start using it more).  Expand my culinary repertoire by trying new recipes and taking a cooking class or two.  Less texting - more talking.  Have people over more (no matter what the house looks like).  Read and write more (this includes writing more often on the blog).  Take time to get away with the boy. 

And that's the starting off point.


Welcoming the new year, 2013!!

What is your stance on resolutions?  Do you write out hardcore resolutions like attain a certain weight, or cut out sugar?  Or keep it simple like me?  Do tell.

Tata for now.
xoxo.