HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Halloween everyone!

I went to a costume party last weekend. 
I was looking for a cheap and easy costume, but couldn't decide on anything for weeks.
The day before, I finally settled on being a stick-man.
Most people at the party called me Tron. 

Hey, at least I wore a costume.
I call that a win.

Do you have Halloween plans?

LEOPARD + LEATHER.

Dynamite jacket; Talula leggings & shirt (via Aritzia); Sirens boots; Call it Spring scarf

Leopard and leather?

A match made in heaven. 

FALL: KNITS.

Forever 21 sweater; Gap jeans; Walmart moccasins

I love that my hair changes colour in almost every photo I post. Here it looks red. In a recent post it looked blonde. But really it's brown. It's like a chameleon on my head. I just hope it doesn't turn green or something one day.

In other fun facts, I've been enjoying knits. Especially since this weekend its barely above zero and anytime I go outside I want to shrivel up..

JUST TWO GIRLS IN TORONTO.

Last weekend I met with one of my closest friends in the loud and busy city of Toronto. Her birthday passed a few weeks ago, and mine is coming up, so we decided to have a joint-birthday-celebration. Together. With champagne.

Sorry in advance for iPhone quality. You know how it goes...
We celebrated turning older.

Realized people don't come to Pickle Barrel for their great lighting...
Told ET to phone home...
Found a spicy pony head (if you click this it will be the weirdest thing you've ever heard. And if you share our sense of humor, possibly the funniest)...
Encountered some steaming man holes...
Stood in Georgian Bay...
Posed with a Hawaiian thing...
Had cupcakes to continue the celebrations...

 And there you have it. This is what happens when we get together. This is why I love her - I just wish I had more photos of her! I think most are on her phone :(

BEHIND THE SCENES.

A few weekends ago, some awesome ladies got together and pumped out some video footage for Castellammare Jewellery.

Besides selling their fabulous pieces, Castellammare's website is slowly turning into an educational and advice-filled destination to learn more about the jewellery you buy. Don't know how to layer necklaces? Watch this video. Not sure what length of necklace to buy? Check out this post.

Some behind the scenes shots:
the setup // preparation // sample busts // noms

I loved working with Marianna of Castellammare and Emily of Tinfoil Tiaras to create these videos. Working behind the camera was a fun change, and Emily did such a great job in front of it! Stay tuned for more!

COZY FALL SWEATER.

American Apparel sweater and leggings; Walmart moccasins

So I spent four months lusting over this sweater from American Apparel. I just didn't want to spend the money. I mean, it's not exactly cheap. And most of you know how I feel about spending lots of $$$ on a single piece.

But I've visited the sweater countless times, tried it on a couple, and decided it was time to welcome it to the rest of my wardrobe. Nevermind that I practically drown in it, it's probably the closest I'll get to wearing a blanket (I refuse to wear a snuggie). Which means it's the most comfortable thing ever.

EVER.

Hope you all had a great weekend! I was in Toronto and will write up a quick re-cap this week! 

ART IS IN & A SHOPPING TRIP.

This past weekend was fantastic. Thanksgiving is always an amazing time of the year, but lucky us, we had three days of sunshine and warm weather. With turkey eating and relaxation time filling up Sunday & Monday, my cousin Renee and I met up for some lunch and shopping on Saturday.

We first stopped at Art Is In Bakery. If you are from Ottawa and haven't been here, you're missing out. It would take you weeks to try everything. From pastries to meals, they offer a wide range of food for your breakfast, lunch or snacking needs. I had the chocolate chip & peanut butter cookie and there were real peanuts inside it. For serious. It was the best cookie I've ever had.
Then we walked from my place to the Rideau Centre, passing through some of Ottawa's beautiful downtown greenery. It reminded me of a minuscule version of central park, just because of all the people on benches reading, chatting or just enjoying a coffee. Okay- so there's no one on these benches, but I swear we passed tonnes!

To end the day we did a bit of shopping. And by a bit I mean she did a lot, and I did some. I finally splurged on a sweater from American Apparel that I have been eyeing for a few months now. Can't wait to show that off to you all soon.

Until next time!

FASHION BLOGGER'S FORMULA.

TNA top, Talula leggings (via Aritzia); American Eagle scarf; Walmart moccasins; Old Navy bag

Brick wall + Outfit + Photographer = Ideal opportunity for outfit photos
Thanks to my cousin Renee for the photos. 

GRATEFUL.

Thanksgiving.

A time to be grateful.
Grateful for friends, family, food and shelter.
But also grateful for life, for nature and for love.
Those are what make living possible.
They make life enjoyable.

This time of year I wander the forest.
Littered with leaves, it feels almost magical.
The perfect way to bring me to the here and now.
To calm my worries and open my eyes.
To the beauty that is life.

I am grateful for this life.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Pink + gingham + moccasins.

Costco cardi & button-up; Gap jeans; Walmart moccasins; American Eagle scarf

In today's instalment of "what's in Kelly's apartment", I show you my "shoe rack".
It's more of a shoe pile and less of a shoe rack but who's counting?
Plus I haven't quite flipped my fall shoes for summer. I have all seasons on there right now. So it's a bit of everything.
And it's a disaster.
So instead, I ask that you look at my outfit.
At least it's a little cleaner and makes a bit more sense.

p.s. I didn't go blonde. Just the terrible lighting in the apartment. 

Music obsession.

I haven't met many people that don't love music. Like many, it's a constant part of my life. I play it on the commute to work, at work with 1 headphone in, on the commute home, and all evening while I'm at home. Literally, constantly.  The best part of music is how we can identify with it in so many ways. Sometimes a certain artist's voice will evoke a particular feeling or mood. Sometimes the lyrics are just perfect. Sometimes it's how the notes flow from one to the next.

I'm always looking for new artists and albums. I love the radio for introducing me to someone new, but I never stop at just one song. I need the whole album. And if it's great, I need all the albums. Must have ALL THE ALBUMS.. Ahem, anyways.. an artist's album tells a story. And I love paying attention to the details, like how the songs are ordered, the strategic flow between them and the variety of emotions in each of the songs. If an artist doesn't put out a good album, I won't fall in love with them...

But some that I have fallen in love with include:

1) Lorde.
I'm sure most of us have heard her song "Royals", but the entire album is pretty great. She reminds me of a mix between Lana Del Rey and Tegan and Sara. And she's only 16. Now, what have I accomplished in my 7 extra years of life? Nothing close. This is one of my favourite songs - it's live, but still awesome.


2) Grouplove.
They just came out with the Spreading Rumours album, but I haven't been able to get into it as well as their previous disc, Never Trust a Happy Song, which is one of my absolute favourites. Either way, their new single is pretty stellar.

3) 30 Seconds to Mars
Okay, so this one sort of goes back to my emo days in high school. Yup, I was that girl. 30 Seconds to Mars totally rocked their new album Love Lust Faith + Dreams. Again, this whole disc tells such an awesome story. Each song flows into the next and before you know it, it's over and leaving you wanting more:

How do you like your music?

An outfit and a clothing sale.

H&M sweater dress; Walmart tights; Call it Spring boots and scarf; Aldo bag

Hey look! I have decent photos on the blog! Know why? I had a photographer. Thank you to Marianna for these awesome shots, and for asking me to work it against the stairs, on the stairs, and on top of the stairs. ;)

These were taken Saturday when we both hit up the Dress for Success "Hidden Treasures" clothing sale together. I had never been so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I would definitely call it a "success"! (see what I did there???)

I came away with this dress for $10. Perfect for work. I may get the sides taken in a little because nothing structured ever fits my hip-to-waist ratio, but it's a great, professional little black dress!

If you haven't heard of Dress for Success, it's a non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged women by providing professional clothing, support and career development services. The Ottawa chapter held their "Hidden Treasures" clothing sale last Saturday to fundraise and clear out old stock for fall donations. Love supporting an awesome cause!

No boots.

Talula leggings (Aritzia); H&M tank; American Eagle scarf; Payless shoes;
Castellammare earrings & bangles

Although it's been unseasonably warm, I'm still trying to take advantage of the fact it's fall. See: scarf and sweater. But not boots. It's not cold enough for boots yet.

Don't get me wrong, I love boots. I just know the next 5 months will be boots-only and soon I'm going to be sofreakingtired of boots. I dunno about you, but I don't particularly want to extend their stay.

So for now, my feet get to breath in flats and my Toms. Until it gets too cold. Then I'll have to surrender to boots. I guess...

Little moments.


I once read an article about the little moments in life that make you feel alive. How important it is to recognize them, hold them in your head, and save them for a rainy day. To remember how you felt in that moment; so alive, so free, and so happy. Next time you are down, or life gets in the way of your zen, reach into your mind- your catalogue of moments- and pick one. Now remember how you felt. Remember how the sun shone on your face, or how the breeze ruffled your sweater. Remember how peaceful you were, how at home. Remember the little moments in life that make you feel alive. The moments that make life worth living. Hold onto them and remember.