CAR SHOPPING.

Mossimo turtle-neck & skirt (via Target); Old Navy tights; James & Jules heels (via Zellers)

I'm thinking of taking the next big step of adult life and buying a car.
It's a big step, ladies. But it's becoming a necessary one. Mostly because I can't stand hanging out outside in -40 waiting for the bus. That shit ain't cool.

So here I am, totally lost and confused, trying to figure out if I should buy a car. There are so many things to consider. Do I want new or used? What model? What brand? What year? What colour? Mostly I've decided I want something cute and small, but from there I'm just about useless.

I'm going to Google it. Isn't that what you do when you make big decisions?

CASUAL DRESS.

Old Navy dress; Call it Spring scarf; Payless boots

I wore this to work the other day, and my boss goes "Oh... Why are you wearing a dress?".
I guess I don't wear dresses often. Somehow this outfit was a shock to him.

Should I wear dresses more often?

I just really like pants...

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. 

More black & white.

Forever 21 skirt; Call it Spring sandals; Old Navy tank

I hope everyone had a nice summer weekend. Mines was filled with a couple great coffee dates, endless episodes of Modern Family, and a couple hours of enjoying the sunshine. It was low-key, but it was just what I needed.

What did you do this weekend?

Clearance finds.

Old Navy maxi dress; Forever 21 belt; Payless flats; Fossil watch

No idea why that first photo, and the 70 other photos turned out blurry. Whatever, just go with it.

I bought this maxi the other day after a long hunt for a plain black one. Found it at Old Navy. Originally $32, on sale for $17 and then an additional 20% off. Sweet, I like deals. I felt a little like this:

via someecards

Yup, that about sums it up.

p.s. sorry I haven't been able to visit everyone's blogs over the past few days. Things have been hectic and it doesn't look like it's slowing down yet... I haven't decided that I hate you or something... :)

Pink pants.

Top: Tommy Hilfiger

Vest: Old Navy

Pants: Costco

Belt, necklace: Forever 21

Know what's exciting? 

Finding out you can fit a pair of girls pants.

And then buying them in two colours, for $9.99 each.

Before the snow.

Sweater: Forever 21

Pants: Kenneth Cole

Boots: Call it Spring

Scarf: Old Navy

Watch: Fossil

These were taken before I took my blog break. 

There was no snow. Then there was snow. Now there's no snow again.
Make up your mind, weather.

A weekend to celebrate.

 Blue Harbour men's plaid top; Old Navy vest; Garage leggings; Sirens boots

Tomorrow is my birthday! There's nothing better than having a birthday on a Saturday. I can do whatever I want all day. It's pretty great that work won't be getting in the way of my happiness!

Tonight my parents are taking me out for dinner and then tomorrow I'm headed for dinner with some friends + a little partying. Duh. I finally found my birthday dress so I'll make sure to take pictures and show you all. It was one of those moments where I put on the dress and it was perfect. That doesn't happen often, so I'm excited to wear it!

Reflecting back on 22, I went through more changes in my life than I had for years. Some of them wonderful, others not-so-wonderful, and some blessings in disguise. Either way, I think 23 is going to be a good year filled with more "ups" :) I can just feel it. Feeling, you better not be wrong...

No words.

Forever 21 plaid top; American Eagle pants; Mom's old sweater; Old Navy scarf; Giant Tiger moccasins

Sometimes I sit here to write a post and no words come.
Like today.
I guess that's okay, we all go through it.

The downside of fall.

Old Navy vest; Dynamite top and pants; Forever 21 belt; Payless boots

The beginning of fall is all wonderful. Leaves change colours and litter the ground, the cooling temps allow us to finally break out our pants without sweating, and the golden sun casts its glow on everything.

Then November hits, and with it comes all the downsides of fall: the frost on your windshield in the mornings, getting into work while it's still dark out, freezing without a jacket, and constant overcast and/or rain.

While I love fall, this is about when I start wishing for summer to come back. Winter, I don't mind if we skip you this year. Let's just go straight to summer puh-leaaaaase. I miss my sunshine and warmth. I admit I am a sad excuse for a Canadian when it comes to weather. I should have been born in the tropics.

Happy Monday!

Mondays.

Forever 21 cardigan; Dynamite top; American Eagle pants; Old Navy scarf; Giant Tiger moccasins

It's Monday. That sucks.

You know what doesn't suck? Polka-dots, mustard yellow and green together.

This outfit is bringing a little happiness to my sucky Monday. Anything helping you get through yours?

Running errands in comfort.

Devoted (via Zellers) top; Calvin Klein cords; Converse shoes; Old Navy scarf

I call this one "I really don't want to take outfit photos but must drag myself outside to do so". It's tiring doing all your pictures on the weekend. After about three rounds I'm just too lazy to change again. I push it off to Sunday and by then I just don't care enough to add much interest to the outfit. Hence the black and white theme. I went for comfort and simplicity while running errands in town.

I found an axe for my halloween costume though! I was on a hunt for that and suspenders. I found some great suspenders at Giant Tiger for $9 (I expected cheaper, to be honest). Then my last stop, a new party store that opened up, had a "bloody axe" on sale for $9. Sweet - an $18 costume, since I own everything else. Can't guess what I am yet? Well, you'll have to wait and see. But be forewarned, it's really not that exciting...

Are you doing anything for halloween?

Professional.

Old Navy turtleneck; Forever 21 pencil skirt and belt; Dynamite scarf; H&M tights; ALDO oxfords

This outfit was a winner at the office. It's so funny how a skirt can transform your look. So many people commented on how "professional" I looked. Funny how that wasn't exactly the look I was going for, but I guess it worked its way in.  I'll take "professional" any day at the office!

Also I'm wearing a turtleneck! I can't believe it's getting cold enough to wear these kinds of things... And tights with skirts? They're a must now. Probably for the next 7 months. Awesome, now I'm depressed. Us bloggers wish and hope for fall during the warm months, but once it comes and the prettiness goes away (yeah, pretty leaves are mostly on the ground now), I wish for summer. And I'll be wishing for summer until it comes again. In another 8 months. Great, I have depressed myself once more.

Happy Monday!

What to wear: Work-out.

With so many pretty colours and cuts, workout clothes are one of my favourite things to shop for these days. Even better, it IS possible to get some awesome gear for very affordable prices. 

Old Navy Tank // Old Navy capris // Old Navy sports bra // Nike shoes

Five of my personal tips for buying work-out gear: 

1. You don't need to shop at Lululemon to get good workout gear. I don't own once piece from that store and I hope I never do. Not that I don't like their stuff, just that I don't ever want to have to pay that kind of money for something I'm going to sweat in. I buy my workout gear from Old Navy (pictured) and Costco. Costco (Canada) seriously has the best "yoga" pants for $19. You can't go wrong for that price. Walmart also carries some pretty affordable stuff, but I can't attest to the quality because I haven't tried it before.

2. When buying an athletic shoe, consider what you're using it for. For me, it was best to go somewhere like Sports Experts, where the "expert" could find the right shoe for me. Turns out I have high arches, something I didn't know, so he recommended shoes that would provide adequate support.  In my opinion, this is something you don't want to cheap out on.

3. Another thing you don't want to go cheap on is a bra. If you need the support, make sure you get it. Your girls will thank you later. Fact: They will throw you a nice dinner and everything.

4. I prefer tanks over t-shirts for working out. Getting sweaty is all part of it, and t-shirts have more surface area = more sticking to you. And making you feel sweatier. Plus, some tanks have built-in bras and can give you more support. Double win!

5. Get yourself multiple styles of bottoms. Capris are nice because they let your legs breathe a bit, especially if you're doing a more intense workout. Pants are great if you get cold easily (me). Shorts are great for runs in the summer, or if you really want breathability.

Do you have any tips for work-out clothing? I'd love to hear 'em!

My favourite place.

Joe Fresh sweater; The Bay button-down (men's); American Eagle jegging; Walmart boots; H&M socks; Old Navy scarf

Everyone's got a favourite place. A place that speaks to them. 

A place where they can go to get away from it all; where they can clear their head.

This is my place. 

I can walk around back here for hours just listening to my music. 

It is a little discomforting going deep into the woods since there have been bear sightings in the neighbourhood over the summer. You never really know if you're going to come across something, so I stick to the main path.

Aside from that, there's nothing that I love more than the sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet. 

And the feeling of fresh air on my face.

Or the rays of sun peeking through the trees, warming my skin.

A part of me can't wait until the snow falls, because then this place becomes a winter wonderland. 

Do you have a favourite place?

The joys of shopping.

American Eagle sweater; Old Navy gingham; Winners pants; Giant Tiger moccasins

I have officially finished my 1-month shopping ban. I went to the mall with a friend yesterday to celebrate, with the intention of bulking up some of my fall wardrobe. I've had the whole month to think about pieces I really wanted, and not just kinda wanted. I had a few ideas in mind.

Then I got to the mall.

And only returned with a pair of boots.

At least the boots were on my list, but there were a few other things I was looking for that I just couldn't find. Fur vest? Didn't have my size. Cream coloured blouse? Too expensive. Big cable-knit cream coloured sweater? Didn't exist.

Why is it that when I can spend the money, I can't find what I'm looking for? Oh, at least I was able to pick up some insoles... I had needed those for a long time now. whoop-dee-doo......

The little things.

Forever 21 blazer & top; Old Navy scarf; Kenneth Cole skinny cargos (via Costco); Call it Spring boots

Enjoying a biscotti that your co-worker was so kind to share with you. 

Waking up 20 minutes later than usual because mom decided to drive in separately today (we carpool usually). 

A clean room.

Getting home early and finishing the workout by 6, allowing sufficient time for making dinner, blogging and socializing. 

Falling asleep wrapped up in four different blankets.

Finishing a good book.


What little things have you been enjoying recently?