Wish List: Leather tote.

So I was able to knock the trench off my wishlist with this one I bought from The Gap.
Finally, one down, a million things left to go.

But - I want to start investing in key wardrobe pieces. Next up? A leather tote.

All of my purses are cheap. I love them to death, but they don't give that polished look that I'm looking for sometimes. Here are some real-leather styles that I'm totally obsessed with right now.

1. Michael Kors Jet Set striped.  

2.  Coach color-block tote. 

3. Zara leather shopper. 

4. Michael Kors Jet Set top-zip. 

5. Kate Spade Waverly Street Blaine. 

Do you save or splurge on your purses?

Polka dots and maxi skirts.

Can't wait for the days when my sweaters go back into big tupperware bins with the big scarves. 

And days where I can walk farther than my patio in moccasins. 

How was everyone's weekend? Did you celebrate St. Paddy's day?
I did - a friend and I ate cheesecake and watched girlie movies. No hangover for work today ;)

What I did this week.

Lots of productive things, and some unproductive things.

1. Watched The Lucky One.
I've been on a Nicholas Sparks kick lately. Last weekend I was in a mood to cry (anyone else know what I mean?) so I watched Dear John. And cried. It was good. The Lucky One didn't make me cry, but the song at the end has become an obsession. I can't stop listening to it. Someone help me.


2. Aside from listening to that song on repeat, I got tickets for Ottawa's Bluesfest. I'm going to be seeing Fun. and Tegan and Sara and it's going to be wicked. It's next to impossible to find any friends with the same music taste as me, so I'm glad I found a few willing to see these shows!

3. In more music news, I am using Montreal's Osheaga festival to find new awesome artists. I love shows like this - if you like a couple performers, you'll likely enjoy some of the others. So I'm trying out a few of 'em!

4. I did not read much this week and it's made me sad. I haven't finished a book in over a month and that needs to change. Maybe after I post this.

5. I bought this from Aerie. And am probably returning it. But it's cute. But it was still $30. But $30 isn't much. But I don't know if it's worth $30. Help me make up my mind.

Shirt from Aerie

Also I bought this from the Gap with their 30% off friends & family event (it's still going on!):

Trench from the Gap

So that was my week.

What did you do?

Trending retro.

Based on my stellar Pinterest trend-spotting techniques, I think that the warm weather will be bringing much more vintage inspired clothing. Retro sunglasses? High waisted bottoms? Corset tops? It all comes out with the sunshine.

High waisted bottoms:

Source: iamsony.blogspot.com via Kelly on Pinterest

These retro pants have a modern flare - colour. In this super-bright shade of red, they are so many trends in one. I love the button detailing too, so flattering.

Retro Accessories:

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

The bandana? These cat-eye sunglasses? They're the perfect way to accessorize your summer outfit. I love it all.

Corset tops with high waisted shorts:

Source: tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Back to the high-waist, vintage Levi's are back in a big way. But not as pants. I'm thinking the high-waisted denim cutoff is going to be big again this year. Especially when paired with a midriff skimming corset top. Perfect way to get yourself ready for the summer. Festival outfit, anyone?

Retro Bikinis:

Source: lolobu.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Prints like polkadots, floral, and stripes. Bikini tops with a corset structure or halter style. High waisted bottoms that nearly reach your belly-button. I'm not a huge fan of the high bikini bottom, tbh, but I did score myself this bikini top for this summer already!

What do you think? Are you a fan of the retro trends?

The boundaries of coloured jeans.

Style bloggers are known for pushing themselves past their style-comfort-zones and trying new things. To me, reading style blogs is a constant source of inspiration and new ideas.
I love it.

The other day, I was talking to someone about coloured jeans. They were telling me how hard they are to style.  I found myself telling them, "They're practically a neutral! You can pair them with anything." And then I felt a bit like Stacy London...

It's likely that blogging is the only reason I said that. Without blogging, I'd probably be terrified of so much colour, all over my body, at the same time. Now? I'm just used to it.

Winter knits in Spring.

Sweater: Forever 21; Pants: American Eagle; Shoes: Aldo; Sunnies: Dynamite

I was on Twitter and someone asked if it was possible to transition winter knits into spring. My thought? Of course! I've stocked up on knits this winter, and although I don't want more snow, I'm not ready to give them up yet. They're perfect for those warm days with a cool breeze.

So how do I work this transition item? I pair it with spring-y pieces of course! Boyfriend or distressed jeans are great to keep the outfit casual. I wore oxfords here, but you could throw in a pair of heels of you want to spice things up a bit. Lastly, put on your fav sunnies and you're good to go. I also rolled up the sleeves on the knit, mostly because I like to cuff everything I wear (see jeans also).

Will you be transitioning your knits into spring?

Quote of the day.

Source: beeofdesign.wordpress.com via Kelly on Pinterest

I think this is one of the biggest lessons to learn in your 20s, and probably even into your 30s. Heck, maybe for life. Once you reach adult-hood, everyone's path changes. Life goes by at different speeds, and there are new opportunities popping up everywhere for everyone. You may feel that your life is changing differently than everyone else's around you, and you start to feel alone.

But it's not a bad thing. Not at all. In fact, it's perfectly normal.

So smile for the opportunities you get, and be happy that you're living a life that is your own. You are your own person now - you make your own choices, you make your own life.