Hello, it's me again.

Kelly's favourite jeans.



Button-up from F21; Scarf from Costa Blanca; Jeans from Gap; Purse was gifted; Shoes from Spring

These pants are getting over-done, right? Sorry. It's just so hard to wake up every day and NOT wear them. They are heavenly, comfortable, beautiful, and go with anything.  I'm trying to restrain myself from wearing them too much, but I'm sort of failing. So I apologize that they've made it into more posts than most of my other pants I own. Darn. I think this will be it for these jeans for a little bit, just until I find a good balance between obsession and moderation... =P

In other news, look! The grass is starting to get green! Lovely!!! However, the trees still have no leaves...

Featuring my DIY Distressed Jeans

As promised, today I'm showing you all my DIY distressed jeans. They turned out exactly how I wanted, which was surprising since it was my very first time doing this. Except the hole in the right knee keeps getting bigger...hmm, not sure how to stop that from happening. Any ideas?




Shirt from Old Navy; Jeans from American Eagle (DIY); Belt from Joe; Purse was gifted; Flats from Smart Set; Sunglasses from F21

Today boyfriend wanted to take a break from studying, so we decided to take a walk around our city.  I'm posing on the steps of some random arts building that I can't remember the name of... It was a nice day earlier, but as soon as the clouds moved in, the temperature dropped 5 degrees and this shirt was no longer enough.  Right after these photos I stole boyfriend's sweater. The weather was much more bearable after putting that on :)

And.... I'm done finals for the semester!! Woohoo! Bring on the summer job :)

DIY: My First Attempt at Distressed Jeans

Hey everyone!

Distressed jeans can be so expensive in stores, but I love the look of them.  I had an old pair of basic jeans that I haven't worn for a long time because of how they've faded over the years.  So instead of throwing them out, I decided I'd try to give them a new life and distress them myself!

I definitely didn't come up with these techniques alone... Google and Youtube are pretty awesome. What I used was a steak knife (yep...) and an electric sander (you could use sandpaper, but the electric sander is faster).  I didn't want to completely "destroy" my jeans, so I didn't pick up the scissors once.

I wanted to use this picture as a bit of a guide as to "where" to distress the jeans:
Source: American Eagle website

My jeans I will be working with:
Just a plain pair of jeans from American Eagle.

I started working on the fly and the pockets first. I used the knife only for these parts.  These pants were pretty worn in the spots that I "distressed" so it was easy to 'break' the threads.  Basically you scratch the knife back and forth, opposite to a sawing motion. (If you use the sawing motion, you can cut right through the jeans... Unless this is the look you're going for.)

 

Then I moved down towards the thigh area and did this with the knife as well...


Then my fingers started hurting. Lots! Handling the knife over and over was hard and painful...  I was at my parent's so I asked my dad if he had any sandpaper. He got me an electric sander, which was even BETTER than I had hoped for!  The sander wasn't too strong, so I had to hold it/rotate it over the knee areas for a few minutes.  It wears out the denim and eventually gets down to the white threads.

This is what I did with the sander/knife. I focused on four main spots: high on the thighs, and the knees.  I did some small spots on the pockets at the back, but nothing too major.


I then put the pants in the washer and dryer.  I read somewhere this helps add a bit more distressing to the holes.  When they came out, they didn't look too different. I slipped them on, and got my foot caught in the knee hole on the right leg, which ripped it pretty good.  But I'm actually really happy with how it turned out!


I have a few things to note:
  • Obviously there isn't a lot of distressing. Partly because it took me a bit over an hour to do what you see (and figure out the right technique).  But also, I didn't want to go too overboard.  If I decide I want more in the future, I can easily add some later.
  • Also, this is a very time consuming process. It sounds simple, but if the denim is tough, the knife and sander can have a hard time going through it.  
  • It's best to start off somewhere where if you make a mistake, it isn't very noticeable. This is why I started on the pockets.
Stay tuned for an outfit post with my "new" distressed jeans!

I found some graffiti

So we took some pictures by it.



Shirt from F21; Tank from H&M; Shorts from Bluenotes; Tights from Walmart; Jacket from Dynamite; Oxfords from Aldo; Necklace was gifted

Boyfriend said I'd look "super hardcore" in my faux-leather jacket against the graffiti. We had some fun taking these pictures.  We had some good laughs during this shoot, resulting in a lot of ridiculously awkward pictures.

This is my first time wearing shorts with tights. Why? Because I'm a big baby and didn't think I could pull it off.  But now this pairing has a special place in my heart. I just want to wear this combination with everything! Maybe soon I'll even be able to just wear the shorts! Wait - I take that back. I don't want to jinx the weather JUST yet because today the sun finally came out...

My fight with the wind.

At first I was losing...


And then I was winning!


Annnd then the wind decided to throw a swift final punch, ending the game.

Jacket from F21; Shirt from Zara; Jeggings from Dynamite; Booties from Sirens; Purse (no brand) from eBay

Along with losing this battle, my necklace is kind of awkwardly placed. Sorry 'bout that!

I've also got a bit of a rant for you guys today!  It's not that interesting, but here it goes:
This month I have spent so much on electronics that I have no budget left for clothing.  I feel like such a boy. First my cell started crapping out, so I had to put down a bunch of cash on a new phone.  Then, our 4-yr old desktop computer decided it didn't want to work anymore (it's been sooo slow for months now...).  So we ran out to Best Buy today to get a new one (super cheap though! It was a great find!).  What's next? My laptop? Probably, it's been on the outs too for a while... ugh.  Why does it all happen at the same time? I'm not rich enough for this!


I just want to go out and buy pretty clothing :(

Life is Beautiful

The other day was my roommate's birthday. She's also sort of my cousin. Our grandparents were siblings and our parents were cousins, so we're not exactly cousins, but still related. If anyone knows what that makes us, please let me know. We still haven't figured it out.

We went to my real cousin's house to celebrate her birthday and had a nice home-cooked meal. I was pretty excited to put on these jeans again.  I've got lots of outfits planned with these babies...



Jacket from Costco; t-shirt form F21; Jeans from Gap; Purse from eBay (no brand); Boots from Spring

Hope everyone's having better weather than us. It's still barely above zero here. Why did spring have to tempt us?

Summer's Work-Wear Wish List

After my last post, and all of your lovely comments, I got thinking about building my summer wardrobe!  My last office job was during the winter months, so most of my 'work' clothing is really out of season...  I'll need to update my work-wear soon, and these are some things I would love to pick up for the summer.


All of these picks are from Smart Set (for no particular reason, they're just pretty), and are reasonably priced.  I especially love the dress, but the only thing I can see being an issue is the length. What do you think?

I'm loving the neutral and light colours as well. I think they're perfect to welcome the summer months. I want to run out to Smart Set now and pick some of these up...I do have time before they close.

I'm super excited.

And for a good reason. I'm done 3/4 exams, and the last one is just French. I'm getting such a high mark in that class anyway, so I'm not worried.

Shirt from Old Navy; Cardigan(thing) from Winners; Jeans from Dynamite; Belt from Joe Fresh

I'm excited for summer to start. Well, I guess first I should hope for spring to come back.  Finally it's sunny today, but it's still freezing!

Today I wrote my third exam and I think it went pretty well.  I met some of my classmates after the exam and we went to a pub on campus for lunch and drinks.  Is it sad that in my 4 years at this school I hadn't ever gone to that pub? I guess it shows I don't drink much...  But we had a really great time! Each of us only have one exam left, so we were all taking the lunch hour to relax.

I'm free until the 27th of April now (that's when my French exam is), so I'll have lots more time to consider this blog, and what I want my posts to become in the summer.  I'll be working full-time in an office, and my wardrobe is going to take a big shift to wearing office-appropriate/no-jeans clothing.  Honestly, I think that's the one thing I don't like about office jobs. When I was younger,  I used to get so excited about the idea of wearing suits and collared shirts. But now? I just want to be comfortable, and I feel so restricted in that kind of clothing. Maybe I just haven't found the right stuff?

Sorry about this post turning into a big long rant...I'm done now.

Food Love: Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you like peanut butter, and you like chocolate, and you like cookies, then you'll PROBABLY like this recipe for Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Cookies. :)

The boyfriend told me they are his favourite cookies I've made so far, but don't be fooled. I've only made 2 other kinds of cookies: regular chocolate chip, and plain peanut butter. Clearly I'm not very fancy, since this is a combination of the two... But it IS a different recipe.

You will need: 
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky depending on consistency you desire)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips


Instructions: 
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a mixing bowl, mix together butter, peanut butter and brown sugar until smooth.  Add egg and vanilla and mix.

3. In a second bowl, mix flour and baking soda.  Add to the mixture in the first bowl and mix. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. Place spoon-fuls of cookie batter onto baking sheets 2 inches apart.  Bake approximately 18 minutes (I always like to keep an eye on them just in case).  Once they're done, transfer to a wire-rack to cool.


FYI: I doubled this recipe and it made about 3-dozen average sized cookies. But I guess that depends on your definition of 'average sized cookie'... :)

April snow doesn't bring May flowers

... Duh. So why, then, was it snowing yesterday? Gah! Thankfully there's no snow left on the ground this morning, but the cold, crisp wind and temperatures still linger.

I was going to take outfit photos outside today, but then a string of events happened that took away my photographer (boyfriend) and I don't have a tripod. I figured I would take photos inside instead. Now you get to see what my kitchen looks like. Sort of.


Sweater from American Eagle; Tank from F21; Jeans from F21; Boots from Spring; Scarf from ???

Oh, and if you are interested in knowing, I finished all of the Harry Potter movies in just two days. It was pretty exciting, and the perfect way to procrastinate from studying. :) Time for me to really hit the books...

Today I'm taking it easy...

... And having a Harry Potter marathon. I can't help it, Harry Potter is my favourite.  And to do this, I need my comfy clothes.  I love this shirt - I saw it at my boyfriend's work, in the men's section, and bought it on sale. It's incredibly comfortable, and is perfect when I don't feel like dressing up. And you know we all have those days.  


I apologize in advance for the poor picture quality. I forgot my digital camera at home and all we had was my phone. I still wanted to do a post today to show you what my go-to outfit is when I want to be lazy and relax.   




Plaid button-up from The Bay (mens); shirt from American Eagle; Jeans from F21; Boots from Spring; Jacket from Joe Fresh

Also, it's SO cold out. It's -1. What the heck, if it was raining today it'd be snow.  Not fair. Though I love my jacket, I was hoping I  wouldn't have to break it out of the closet for another 6 months...




I just can't help but love...

...these jeans.

Why might you ask? Well other than the obvious that they are so.totally.cool, they are incredibly comfortable and make me feel super awesome. Which is probably why I've decided to wear them again today.



Jacket from dynamite; Blouse from Costa Blanca; Jeans from Gap; Wedge sandals from F21; Thrifted purse; Necklace from F21

I know, this outfit is sort of a repeat from my previous post wearing these jeans. I just can't help but completely love the jacket and jeans together. At least everything else is different...

On a completely different note, I'm done half of my finals! I just wrote two the past two days, and I have another coming up on Tuesday and then the Wednesday after that. Yup, I have a final on April 27. Why does school feel it's necessary to have 3 full weeks of exams scheduled?

EBEW: Sporting my maxi

Hello lovely readers!

This is the first EBEW I'm participating in! After seeing everyone's polkadots during my confined 30x30, I wanted to make sure I was able to participate in April's.  When it ended up being voted maxi dress/skirt, I was kind of bummed out. I didn't HAVE a maxi dress or skirt, and didn't really want to make one (no sewing machine, and too much work. Yeah, I'm lazy).

BUT then Forever 21 saved me (as always).  They had a great racer-back maxi dress for only $14.50. So I decided I would give it a whirl, and I really like it!



Sweater, Maxi, Bracelets and Necklace from F21; Belt (old) from my mom's closet; Flats from Smart Set; Bag (no brand) from eBay

Though I do look a little short, which is weird. Because I'm not. Oh well, I still think I'll be wearing this dress a lot this summer!

Maxi Skirt/Dress | Everybody, Everywear

In between the storms.

We woke up in the middle of the night to the loudest thunder-storm known to man. The lightening was so bright that we decided to watch it instead of sleep.  It was pretty incredible.  Eventually sleep took over and we woke up to sun.

Within hours, the sky went grey again. We decided to take some outfit pictures before this afternoon's storm arrives.


Sweater and shirt from Costa Blanca; Shiny leggings from Dynamite; Shoes from Spring; Necklace from Smart Set; Belt from Mom's old clothes; Bracelets from various places...

I'm spending a comfy day inside studying. If anything, I'm glad it's gloomy out. I don't feel like I'm wasting my day indoors!

Anyways, I should stop procrastinating and actually go study now. I'll be back soon.

Food Love: Homemade Pesto & Peppers with Pasta

Hello lovelies,

Do you ever feel like you've fallen into a rut with the dinners you make? This often happens to me, so to get myself out of the rut, I try and make something new once a week or so.

This week, I made a recipe from the book Eat, Shrink and Be Merry. In the book, the recipe is called "Touched by an Angel Hair Pasta", but I don't have angel hair pasta... Sooo I just call it homemade pesto & peppers with pasta.

What you will need: 
2 red bell peppers
1 orange bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt
pasta of choice (they use angel hair, I used whole wheat spaghettini)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Black pepper (optional)

Step 1: Preheat broiler.  Halve each pepper and remove the stem & seeds. Place peppers cut-side down on baking sheet. Broil until the peppers are blistered and charred (I think mine were in about 10 minutes?).  Remove from oven and transfer to a large bowl.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let them sit for 15 minutes.

I smell spring

...and it's wonderful!  It's sunny, and warm enough for a light jacket. This is perfect spring weather.





Jacket from Zellers; Shirt from Joe Fresh; Jeggings from Dynamite; Oxfords from Aldo; Necklace from Ricki's; Bracelets from various places...

We took these pictures right near our apartment complex.  In this same area, there were some people working on the outside of the building, about 10 floors up. As soon as we started taking pictures, all of the power tools stopped.  I looked up, and they were watching our little photo shoot.

I guess if I'm going to be taking pictures outside I should get used to other people, but it still makes me self-conscious. Ugh! Mind your own business and keep using your power tools.

You look a little retro.

Or at least that's what my boyfriend said to me when I asked if he liked this outfit.
I really love the flared trouser jeans and plaid button-up. It's a fun combination.



Shirt from F21; Jacket from Dynamite; Jeans from GAP; Purse from ebay (no brand); Belt from Costa Blanca

And to top it off, I added my not-real leather jacket.

I ended up really liking this look too. Wow, two days in a row! I was a bit self-conscious in the flared jeans, because I haven't seen anyone in my city gravitate towards this style yet.  That's okay, I'll just call myself a trend-setter (hah!).

Oh, and ALL my group work is done! It's time for me to party...aka relax for a day before finals. This will be wonderful. I think some shopping may be in order...

Sundown, ya better take care.

I almost ran out of time to take outfit photos yesterday. I was running off to another group meeting after hitting up the gym. I've worked out twice in 1 week! This is a HUGE step for me... I swear...



Shirt from Strawberry; Jacket from Dynamite; Leggings from Garage; Converse shoes; Purse from F21

I really liked this outfit actually. I felt pretty good in it. You know those outfits where you feel like you stand out, but in a good way? Or you're on top of the world and no one can knock you down? Yeah, that's powerful stuff. I know. But I hope at least someone here understands what I'm talking about...

I want this top.

My next few days are filled with the nightmare of the school semester coming to an end.  I don't have much to talk to you about, except for maybe the Marketing Communcations Report or the Marketing Research Report me/my groups are in the process of frantically writing and finishing... And believe me, I'm sure you don't want to hear about correlations and comparisons of means with regards to cell phone plans...

So instead, I will leave you with a picture of this shirt that Selena Gomez was caught wearing. And I absolutely love the asymmetrical cut.  It seems like the perfect spring piece with a bit of edge.


I can imagine this shirt is expensive, so I would love to use this as inspiration for a DIY... Except I can't sew.  So maybe not. We'll see, I guess.

Oh look, ducks!

The boyfriend and I went to a new spot to take pictures, and there were ducks swimming in the water! If you look close enough, you'll see them in the first two pictures.


I'm wearing my new oxfords from Aldo for the first time. I LOVE them. They look dark in this picture but they are definitely a nice nude-ish colour. And they're giving me blisters on my heels, but I usually have to go through that after each winter of wearing boots, so it's normal for me.







Shirt, Pants, Trench, Belt & Bracelets from F21; Vest(?) from Jacob; Shoes from Aldo

Apparently I was camera shy today and you can't really see my face too much.  At least my hair looked nice!

Oh, and please ignore the garbage. It's the kind of stuff that just magically *appears* after the snow melts, and no one has cleaned up yet. Maybe next time I'm out there I'll bring a garbage bag and make the place pretty again... Anyway...