Pretty in Polkadot

On Repeat

2013-10-30T20:37:00.002-04:00

{Banana Republic Faux-Fur Vest (love this one also!), AE Chambray Shirt (similar here), Banana Republic Skirt, Urban Outfitters Shoes, Michael Kors Purse, Gosh "Lambada" Nail Polish}

This faux-fur vest was my fall/winter staple last year and go-to layering piece (evident here, here and here), and it's proving to hold its prominence this year as well! I'm also thinking it's about that time of year when I need to stock up on tights (my favourite are Joe Fresh), so not to fall into the jeans routine. Winter styling tends to be a balancing act - looking good and staying warm are not always on par. Sorels - I'm looking at you.

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Mustard and Oxblood

2013-09-24T21:41:00.001-04:00

{Urban Outfitters Dress, Joe Fresh Sweater, Forever 21 Hat (similar here), Michael Kors Watch, DSW Boots (similar here)}

This colour combination (one of my favourites!) felt appropriately fitting for the first week of fall.

Currently Craving: Pastel Fall Coat

2013-09-09T11:15:00.003-04:00

I'm loving this coat for fall, particularly for it's soft pastel hue, a fresh and welcomed alternative to traditional seasonal colours.

A New Venture

2013-09-06T10:50:00.001-04:00

Steve and I are starting a new adventure! We decided to pool our creative ideas, skills, and interests to start a film company, predominately for wedding cinematography! He loves filming and I love weddings, so it just seems to work. We've been lucky enough to have great friends and family support us through referrals so far, and we're excited to see where this takes us.

Please check out our new website, and if you could take a minute to Like our Facebook Page, we'd really really really appreciate it! We'll be updating both soon with some new videos!

Photo by Alabaster Jar Photography

DIY Flower Crown

2013-09-04T12:45:00.000-04:00

I often catch myself browsing flower crowns on Etsy and wondering how difficult the task of making one would actually be. Turns out it's not all that complicated!

To start you'll need: a bunch of fake flowers with wire stems, a glue gun, and a side cutter (clearly this photo is not exactly accurate - Steve laughed at me when he saw me trying to cut through wire stems with Ikea scissors. Yarn is also not necessary.).

Start by molding one flower stem into a circle to fit your head. Make it a little bigger, as once you start adding flowers the size of it will shrink. Because the stem is made of wire it's really easy to shape.

Next, simply start attaching other flowers to the crown by wrapping the stems around the circle. You can also use your glue gun to add on single flowers and reinforce everything.

Ta da! You're all done.

Skort

2013-08-28T20:49:00.003-04:00

{Forever 21 top, Zara Mini Skort, Michael Kors Purse, Ray-Ban Sunglasses}

This skort has been a sartorial staple in the blogging community - so much so, that there's an entire Pinterest board of it! I styled mine with this lace top before I saw the board, but I'm happy to know there's a plethora of inspiration for other outfit pairings!

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Red Maxi

2013-08-27T20:34:00.000-04:00

{Urban Outfitters Dress, Gap Vest, Ray-Ban Sunglasses, Banana Republic Sandals}

I was immediately drawn to this printed maxi dress, as it seemed like a great transitional look with it's jewel-toned pattern. I'm generally not a fan of strapless styles (hence the layered vest), but it's been a welcomed addition to my closet. I'm thinking a cropped denim vest would also be a fun layering piece.

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Snapshots

2013-08-26T10:23:00.000-04:00

1. My parents' dogs are actually models.

2. Savoring the last few weeks of summer with easy seasonal meals.

3. Tasting our wedding menu was undoubtedly the best part of the planning process so far!

4. We shot a wedding over the weekend with the cutest DIY touches, including his and her decorated longboards.

5. This beautiful mirror from Pier 1 was given to me as a gift and I've been spending the last couple of days deciding on the perfect spot for it (also looking back to this post for inspiration).

6. Steve catching the same Bride and Groom in action on a trampoline. So adorable.

7. My go-to breakfast as of late - lots of fresh berries and Greek yogurt.

8. Co-workers and I at Early Bird- an awesome new coffee shop on Queen West! Syphon drip anyone?

9. We finally bought a desktop, which makes editing photos and videos so luxurious compared to the laptop.

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Elevated Basics

2013-08-13T23:30:00.000-04:00

Banana Republic Tank, Forever 21 Skirt (love this style!), Gap Hat, Michael Kors Watch, Zara Heels (love these!)

As much as I love vibrant hues and contrasting textures in an outfit, sometimes a simple colour palette feels effortlessly classic. In the summer months I also tend to gravitate towards minimal accessories - a watch, a thin pendant necklace, stud earrings, etc., and usually no more than two pieces at a time. While I'm looking forward to layering on the statement jewelry this fall, there are still a few more weeks left of summer!

Hawaiian

2013-08-12T21:44:00.000-04:00

Urban Outfitters Dress, Banana Republic Wedges (similar here), Tiffany & Co. Sunglasses, Banana Republic Earrings (similar style here)

I call this my "Hawaii Dress" - a purchase justified merely by the thought of potential honeymoon wear. The flower pattern reminds me of the island's signature print, without being over-the-top obvious, and I especially love all of the details - the tie at the front, the fluttery sleeves, the cut-out back, the slits at the bottom - all thoughtful touches that make it feel unique. Maui, here I come.

Blue Polkadot

2013-07-31T22:22:00.000-04:00

{Gap Dress (love this style), Forever 21 Belt, Stella & Dot Necklace, Michael Kors Purse, Banana Republic Sandals, Ray-Ban Sunglasses, Michael Kors Watch}

I can't ever resist my favourite pattern.

Stop to Smell the Roses

2013-07-30T09:50:00.003-04:00

{JCrew Tee, American Apparel Skirt, Zara Heels (similar here), Kate Spade Earrings, Target Sunglasses, Kate Spade iPhone case}

I used to hate Sundays. The pressure of making plans on the last day before another work-week always seemed daunting. However, Steve and I have recently made it a new tradition to spend Sundays in the city, mixing errands with laid-back, random outings and I now have a whole new appreciation for them. I wore this outfit this past Sunday for our first outing of the day - breakfast at Music Garden Cafe, where we indulged in these delicious pastries. That day I also managed to get in a work-out at Barreworks, enjoy a BBQ lunch, do a full grocery shop, browse Kensington Market, and see Monsters University. All in all, it was productive, entertaining, and far-from-disappointing end to the week.

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Backyard BBQ

2013-07-28T23:07:00.003-04:00

{Top Shop Crop Tank, Zara Shorts, Gap Espadrilles (similar here), Gap Hat (love this one), Forever 21 Belt, Madewell Sunglasses, Forever 21 Necklace}

I have to say, I am whole-heartedly embracing the skort come-back. I never thought I'd say it, but the fresh interpretations of the style are making me swoon. This style is a just a subtle skort, but I was instantly drawn to the whimsical bird print and high-waisted shape. It screamed "casual weekend barbeque" and since I'm a fan of occasion-specific outfits, it was a sure buy.

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Current Inspiration

2013-07-24T22:45:00.003-04:00

{a crisp blazer well-placed over casual cutoffs and a jersey tee}

{flowing floral fabric and just the right shoes}

{matchy-matchy pieces that are far from ordinary}

{full, tea-length silhouettes that feel so retro, feminine}

Images via Pinterest. Follow me for more pins.

Snapshots

2013-07-23T09:40:00.000-04:00

The last couple weeks has been busy and productive, yet fulfilling and exciting at the same time. Despite a sticky heat wave and a couple power outages, this summer is shaping up to be a good one! We just booked our wedding caterers and are getting geared up for our first tasting (undoubtedly one of the perks of planning a wedding!). I also celebrated my 25th birthday on Sunday and couldn't have asked for a nicer weekend with friends and family. Here are some happy snapshots as of late.

1. An early birthday present that was left sneakily on our bed. It took me a while to even notice it was there!
2. Another birthday gift, a long-time wish-list item, which now sits beautifully on my bookcase.
3. I've been swapping out hot coffee for iced coffee or lattes lately to combat the heat wave. So delicious!
4. Another preferred summer drink option: raspberry lemonade.
5. The cutest bow earrings, which I can't stop wearing.
6. I went to see Anything Goes with a friend last week and was pleasantly entertained.
7. Finally broke into our Pillitteri ice wine from Niagara. Such a great dessert alternative!
8. My guilty pleasure and tv snack of choice.
9. Steve's discreet wrapping and warning make me laugh.

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Home Sweet Home

2013-07-16T10:16:00.002-04:00

As of yesterday morning our condo has been in the midst of being repainted (see some of our prep work here). I haven't even sneaked a peek at the progress so far, so I'm looking forward to being pleasantly surprised tonight! The anticipation of freshly painted walls is also inspiring me to re-visit our home decor, particularly wall art design. We have high ceilings, so I find that placement of things like frames, mirrors and bookcases is important to consider. I've been browsing Pinterest lately for ideas and these are some images that have caught my attention. You can view my entire "Living" board here.

{Images via Pinterest}

Island Adventure

2013-07-08T00:01:00.002-04:00

{Joe Fresh Top (love this style), Forever 21 Shorts, Banana Republic Sandals, Madewell Headscarf, Ray-Ban Sunglasses, Forever 21 Necklace}

We had so much fun venturing over to Toronto Island this past weekend. Seeing as my only previous memory of it consisted of the pony rides at Centerville, it was fun to explore the island as an adult, and take pleasure in things like a cool drink on the beach and lazing around under a tree over a game of crazy 8 countdown. It was also one of those hot, humid days where light-weight shorts and a headscarf to keep hair off my face, were absolutely key to comfort.

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Snapshots

2013-07-03T12:23:00.002-04:00

1. In true Canadian spirit, this gymnast flipped around in a snowboard on a trampoline to celebrate Canada Day.

2. An unexpected, yet pretty view from within Trinity Bellwoods Park.
3. My first time renting a Bixi Bike was this past weekend, and I loved it. Aside from my fear of road-riding, the stop and go concept of Bixi made for an adventurous day in the city.
4. One of my all time favourite summer desserts: Angel-food cake, with vanilla icing and strawberries. Mmmm.
5. Loved watching the Canada Day fireworks on the harbourfront. The way they reflected in the lake was stunning.
6. I never tire of oatmeal for breakfast, especially when sweetened with maple syrup and fruit.
7. A view of the Prince's Gate, outside Exhibition Place, towards the end of our bike ride.
8. The CN tower lights up for Pride.
9. Finally found a pretty quilt for our bedroom and I am now an advocate for seasonal bedding! Our room feels pleasently fresh and bright for summer.

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Day-to-Night

2013-06-27T09:48:00.003-04:00

{Forever 21 Dress and Belt, Stella & Dot Necklace, Zara Heels, Stella & Dot Ring, Madewell Bracelet}

This dress is such an easy one to throw on with flat sandals on the weekend, or heels and a statement necklace for a night out. I'm predicting it's going to be a summer staple this year, and I'm looking forward to experimenting and finding new ways to wear it.

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If you can't beat it, look good embracing it.

2013-06-25T22:00:00.002-04:00

The forecast this week is rain, rain and more rain (with streaks of intense humidity), so I can't help but feel like my waterproof gear needs an update. I'm leaning towards #7. Which one's your fave?

1. Missoni - $76.79

2. Bloomingdale's - $42.24

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs - $58.00

4. Burberry - $356.54

5. San Francisco Umbrella Company - $42.00

6. Jack Wills - $39.50

7. Hunter - $52.66

Summer Heat

2013-06-24T22:18:00.000-04:00

{Zara Tank, Joe Fresh Skirt, French Connection Clutch (similar style here), Zara Heels (similar here and here), H&M Necklace, Ray-Ban Sunglasses, Banana Republic Earrings (similar here}

I've been choosing light, breezy fabrics to combat the hot, humid weather gracing Toronto lately. There's nothing worse that putting on tight, sticky clothes when the temperatures are in the 30's. I was immediately drawn to this skirt, not only for the light fabric, but also the versatility of it - conservative enough for the office when paired with more structured pieces, yet relaxed enough for the weekend with a tee and flat sandals.

I'd love to know - what are your go-to pieces for beating the summer heat?

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Polka Dot Shorts

2013-06-18T23:22:00.001-04:00

{Gap Sweater, Gap Shorts, Banana Republic Sandals (similar here), Gap Fedora, Stella & Dot Necklace, Kate Spade Wallet, China Glaze "Pool Party" Nail Polish}

I consistently love an easy-to-throw-on sweater that feels fresh and current. I paired this one with a cute pair of printed cut-off shorts to balance out the slouchiness, and added a straw fedora for texture - all recent Gap finds might I add, and sure to be on regular rotation this summer!

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Contrast Combination

2013-06-12T22:49:00.000-04:00

{Zara Top (similar here), Forever 21 Skirt (similar here) and Earrings, Banana Republic Wedges (similar here), Tiffany & Co. Sunglasses, Michael Kors Purse}

I love how a black and white print can effortlessly pair with almost any other coloured print for a slightly edgy feel.

If you're wondering who the cute furball is, that's Parker, who we had the pleasure of dog-sitting yesterday. I feel like he instantly enhances these pictures, don't you think?

Currently Craving: Sheer Top Layer

2013-06-11T22:25:00.003-04:00

I'm officially on a hunt for some version of this unique layering piece. Suggestions please!

Snapshots

2013-06-11T22:02:00.004-04:00

1. My preferred breakfast as of late: Greek Yogurt, Fruit, and Granola.
2. Celebrating a special lady's 25th birthday! You're never too old for a homemade party hat.
3. Our Cash Cab adventure from last summer finally aired on TV! I'll post the link when it's available online.
4. Wearing this dress and fitting right in with other colorfully-outfitted friends at a wedding reception.
5. The best way to make coffee requires a Ceramic Dripper, freshly ground beans, and a Buono kettle.
6. My phone recently notified me that our wedding is now only a year away!

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