Mom sweater.

Like my grandma sweater of last winter, this is my mom sweater. Know why? It was my mom's. You could say my wardrobe is complete in the older-person-sweater-department. Not that my mom is old or anything...

Mom's old sweater; Zara shirt; H&M Tights; F21 socks; Payless boots; ALDO scarf & purse

Either way, I think this sweater is a pretty great find for the up-and-coming cold winter days. And yes, it's missing a button, I have to sew it back on and haven't gotten around to it yet... This outfit was sooo comfortable to walk around in all day. Probably one of the most comfortable outfits I have worn in a long while!

So the end of my semester is coming up very quickly.  I only have one more report+presentation and then it's exams. I finally have a few days of relaxation before I start working on these things, so tonight I'm heading out to spend an evening with my best gal pals! It's going to be tonnes of fun, and yes, you should be jealous that you can't come with. We have awesome dinner parties that include frozen pizza and home-made Pinterest-inspired desserts that look something like this. Like I said, be jealous.

Blog Swap: The red skirt.

Hello to all of my lovely readers! As I mentioned before, I'm participating in a blog swap with some wonderful ladies across Canada and the US. With an odd number of participants, I made it into a group with two other wonderful bloggers! I sent a dress to Emma, Emma sent something to Emily, and Emily sent a skirt to me!

Swapped skirt; H&M shirt; Costco blazer; Walmart boots & tights

Though the skirt is super cute, I'm not a huge fan of my styling of it, to be honest. A different pair of boots would have looked much better but I had only brought these ones home with me over the weekend :(. I kept the red thing going with the scarf, which made me feel like Christmas, but maybe it wasn't the best idea. I could have gone with a completely different colour and it might have looked less matchy-matchy. Oh well, you win some and you lose some! This skirt was definitely an interesting piece though, and I have nothing like it in my current wardrobe, which made it all the more fun and difficult to style :) Fashion challenges are awesome!

Anyways, like I said, I gotta go study. If you want to check out the rest of the swap crew, head over to each of their blogs!

Emma of Verbal Melange

Joanne of Fabulously Average

Emily of Tinfoil Tiaras

Alisha of Alisha & Brandon

Joelle of Something Charming

Sorren of Classic Noise

Shiny Pants

Hello there...

Dynamite pants, jacket & cowl; H&M shirt; Spring booties; F21 socks

These are my shiny pants! They actually have a very faint snake-skin print on them, but the best part is their sheen.  I don't wear them often because the waist isn't tight enough and they keep falling down... but today I safety pinned them! You're not going to fall down today, pants. Not today.  And I don't wear this shirt often enough. Every time I put it on I wonder why I haven't worn it more than a handful of times. Heck, its leopard print! I guess that means this outfit is print on print, but no one would know unless they took a magnifying glass to my pants. I'll go with it.

I also put on make-up for the first time in weeks. I just don't wear it ever. Foundation feels cakey and sometimes results in acne flare-ups... I have enough of those as it is, so I prefer to minimize them. Plus it just takes so long to remove mascara and eye shadow every night. I think this means I'm lazy... (Good thing I already knew that...).

P.S Stay tuned for a swap post on Monday! The lovely Emily from Tinfoil Tiaras and I will be featuring some swapped goods and you won't want to miss it!

Our first snow fall!

I have a bunch of other posts in the queue, but I wanted to show you guys our first snow fall!

(^ awkward face! YES.)

 

(this is me protesting the cold... I lost. The coat went back on.)

Joe Fresh Jacket & striped top; AE plaid top; F21 jeans; Payless boots

The first snow fall is always the best. You look outside and suddenly "Let it Snow" gets stuck in your head. Then it stays there for the whole day... which can be slightly annoying. But it's an exciting time of the year! Things start to look my Christmas-y and it gives cold days a purpose (anyone else agree?).  

But this weekend temperatures are supposed to rise again. Then all of the snow will melt and I'll get to do this all over again next week. That's okay, I'm not ready for Christmas yet. The snow can come back December 1st and then I'll be happy :)

A little out of focus

Guess what everyone? Only one more month of poopy, out of focus pictures... do you know why?

H&M dress & tights; Payless boots; Costa Blanca belt

Because I'm getting a new camera, of course! I'm jumping off the point-and-shoot boat and moving to a DSLR. I'm not going to lie, blogging is a small part of why. You see, these tights actually have a pattern and it was clearly not picked up by the point-and-shoot. But I've always wanted a nice camera. One that I can take on tours to new places. One with so many more features and functions than a point-and-shoot...

I know it'll be a bit of a learning curve, and a few more issues might come about with a DLSR (I won't be able to hide it in my purse and take outfit photos whenever I want AND I will need to actually plan times to go out and take pictures. That reminds me, I'll need a tripod for once and for all...) But I'm still super excited, and with all the changes coming in my life for the new year, it'll be great to document my journey with an awesome camera :) Holy moly I cannot wait!

All the trends

Can you spot 'em?

From the top down
1. Leather jacket: A hit last fall, and still popular, the leather jacket is a great fall staple.
2. Cowl: the knit cowl is a great way to keep your neck warm during these cold, fall months.
3. Breton stripes: Not exclusive to fall, stripes have been popular all year 'round.
4. Burgundy chords: Blame the lighting, but these chords are burgundy. A great fall colour!
5. Boots: Riding style and cognac. Another fall staple!

Now, time to return to my homework. Bye loves!

Fall colours

I've worn an outfit similar to this one, I admit it. But not exactly the same!

The Bay shirt (Men's); Old Navy vest; Gap jeans; Spring boots; H&M, F21 & gifted accessories

I also did my hair a little differently.  I haven't curled it like this in a while so it was a bit of an experiment.  Not to toot my own horn or anything, but it did look nice... That is, until the wind killed it. I swear, half of the volume in my curls was lost on this trip out to take photos. How unfortunate - maybe I should have worn a bubble over my head or something.  <-- that was weird.


This weekend I'm working on a case study and writing a presentation. Also my printer died, so lucky me I get to print everything at my parent's place and hope that I don't need anything last-minute because I don't have one at school... The joys of technology!

.... And Happy Saturday! Hope you're all having a much more wonderful weekend than I am :)

Layering is key

Layering is key to stay warm this fall, though I'm sure you already knew that. I was able to pull this off the other day without a jacket! Yes. It was fabulous.

(Check out those ZIPPERS!)

Payless boots; Old Navy sweater and belt; F21 button-up; Dynamite pants; H&M socks

Today my schedule is filled with class, readings and a case report write-up. However, tonight I'm going out with a few friends for drinks! Finally - a few seconds to get away from school and celebrate the end of one of our classes :)  I'm excited!

The other day I was complaining about how I hadn't gone shopping for myself in FOREVER (birthday doesn't count...). It was late, and I couldn't go to the mall, so I went online. To American Eagle.... Can you see where this is going? Needless to say, my credit card isn't very happy. Although, I did get 30% off and free shipping!  So, what is in this fine package of mine? A pair of bright red skinnies to complement these blue ones, a plaid button-up for the colder weather, a gorgeous gold watch, and a couple of pairs of fun and colourful socks!  It will be like Christmas when that package arrives...

I also want to thank you guys for your input about where to find the items in my post below.  Seriously, you guys rock, and I'll have to check out some of those places you mentioned. Unfortunately, being in Canada limits me a little but I do have a Gap and F21 to check out! Yay!

Where can I find...

I need to find out where I can get these items.

This sweater & gold bracelet: 


Via Pinterest from Polyvore

This sweater, this scarf & these pants:

Via Pinterest from Polyvore

This entire outfit:

Via Pinterest from Polyvore

Seriously, where can I find this stuff?! Obviously for an affordable price...

My new best friends!

...my lovely new boots. Aren't they pretty?! I wasn't too smart and forgot to take a picture of the sides of them - they zip up and have a great buckle! I swear there's something with me and zippers.... 

Sweater shirt from Zellers; Button-up from Old Navy; jeans from F21; Boots from Payless; Socks from H&M; Purse from ALDO

I got them from Payless. I never shop at Payless (I usually find it's "pay-more") but I bought these and my new leopard print shoes in the same trip. Amazing! And this sweater? So comfortable and cozy for fall. Also, knee high socks?! I'm ready for the cold weather now.

Oh, and I survived my weekend of hell!!! I need to learn how to handle 24hour stress better - I lost four pounds because I didn't eat enough. And I never lose/gain weight so it must have been a shock to my body... Ahh well, grocery shopping this morning should mean gaining those pounds back in no time! But in the simulation I'm pretty sure our team did pretty well. We think we placed about 8th overall (of 33 teams), so hopefully that scores us a pretty good mark?

Happy Monday!!

Birthday Girl.

Happy Birthday to me! Today I turn 22 :) I recently wore this when my parents took me out for my birthday dinner. We had ribs and steak... and it was fabulous. 

Dynamite shirt; ALDO scarf; Spring boots; F21 jeans

So no more celebrations for me until a week from today. My life is so demanding right now with school. I actually have 6 hours of class and a presentation today, along with a weekend-long simulation assignment Friday at 10am until Sunday at 6. But by next Thursday, things will lighten up a little and I'll have the chance to enjoy some free time and finally think about being another year older.

In conclusion, my boyfriend told me today I couldn't go to Forever 21 anymore. Thanks babe, but being 22 won't stop me :)

From Summer to Fall

Last time I wore this dress it was almost too hot. Now? It's almost too cold. Except for this fabulous jacket that has the ability to make anything warm... love!!

Dynamite jacket; F21 dress; Walmart tights and boots; ?? scarf

 I love my ponytail today. I teased it a little bit to give it a little volume and I really like how it turned out. I know, you're probably thinking where is it teased? but I promise you, it is. :)

Sorry about these boots - they're pretty much all I've been wearing. Honestly? They're comfortable, have no heel and are warm = versatile.

I booked my grad photos today. It's crazy how fast time flies. I'm officially done exams in 41 days. Where did it all go?!

Black, White & Grey

I'm usually pretty good with integrating colour into my wardrobe, but today I didn't want to wear any. Just black, grey and white. And it was kind of nice!

Cardigan (and jacket) from Costa Blanca; Button-up from F21; Pants and cowl from Dynamite; Boots from Spring

I threw on my fall/winter jacket because the temperatures have been pretty cold lately! Random, but does anyone know how to get rid of the scuffs on the front of these boots? I don't think its just dirt/dust, I'm pretty sure the colour of the material has actually faded a little. They're kind of a canvas-type material... It bugs me, and no water will make it go away. I guess I'd probably have to dye them?  Boo. :(

Welcome to my new followers, I hope you enjoy my blog!

Happy Monday morning to you all!

The scarf that eats my face

When I first put this scarf on, I feel like I'm suffocating. That is, until I pat it down and re-arrange it properly. It gets all up in my face, ruins my hair, and takes a few long minutes to style properly - but when it's done right, it's nice and toasty.

Dynamite shirt and pants; American Eagle sweater; Walmart boots; Aldo scarf

It's too bad all the leaves are on the ground now. The trees are bare, and it's definitely the first sign that winter is around the corner. Boo, not ready for that!

Tonight my parents are taking me out for an early birthday dinner. On my actual birthday I'm incredibly busy with school, and this turns out to be the best time for them to come... almost a week early. Oh well! I get ice cream cake tonight. Be jealous!

Poncho Love

I'm not going to lie, I was actually frozen in this outfit. The last little while has been so much colder than expected. Where did fall go? The winter jacket is being taken out of the closet.

But ladies, I must ask the question: what is the difference between a poncho and a cape? 

F21 Poncho, shirt, purse and bracelet; Dynamite pants and cowl; Payless shoes

...Because I don't know. I think this is a poncho? But maybe to you it's a cape! Help!

On another note, if you guys follow me on Twitter or remember previous posts, I was complaining about how I had worn down my leopard print flats.  While I was in Montreal a couple weekends ago, I picked up this pair from Payless.  They had a huge crazy red bows, but they were only stitched on by a few threads. I could cut them off!  And they were only $12!!! I'm so excited to get to wear them next spring, because apparently it's too cold to wear them now...

Other than that, I've got a lovely school-filled day today, including a workshop, group meeting, 6 hours of class and 2 hours of readings. Lucky for me, I just finished my readings and it's only 10:30 am. I have enough time to eat something before heading out! I love when I'm productive in the early mornings :)

Hope you're all having a better day than I will be!

Rocker Chic

I think the lack of colour and the kinds of accessories in this outfit channelled "rocker chic" for me today.  The cold weather is zapping all the colour from my wardrobe. That's what I'll blame it on, the cold weather. 

Dynamite jacket; Joe shirt; American Eagle jeans; Walmart boots; F21 socks, necklace, ring

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes :) They were very much appreciated because I definitely had a stressful and busy birthday. I haven't even been able to sit back and celebrate yet! Yesterday I was at the school for 14 hours, today another 9, and then tomorrow will be another 10.  I'm working on this big final project, which is a business simulation game. There are 35 teams playing different roles in the market of producing/selling two different products. There are 8 decision periods and every single second between decisions there are deals being made, contracts being signed and lots of rushing around.

I don't blame you if none of that makes sense. All you need to know is it's been crazy and I haven't even had the time to read blogs the last two days, nor will I have time tomorrow. I promise that I will catch up Monday! You guys are the best :)

Some Cozy Inspiration

This fall has been like every other fall in Ottawa...  We go from nice weather, to freezing weather. There's very little 'in between' sweater weather. And it's unfortunate. Is it just me that feels this way?

But that means that winter is on the way, which also means bundling up in layers, cozy sweaters and knit scarves. Here are some inspiration pictures that I've pinned on Pinterest over the past few weeks. I only hope that I can look this good (and feel this cozy) over the next few months...

Pinned from  theglitterguide.tumblr.com

Pinned from mariannan.indiedays.com

Pinned from  fallingstitches.blogspot.com

Pinned from hush-uk.com

Have a lovely day everyone! :)