am i allergic to colour?

white pants (GAP); black wrap top (GAP); brown tank (Fairweather); purple heels (Le Chateau); bracelet (H&M)

Why is it that the colour white seems to have so many rules associated to it?

Don't wear white after Labour Day.

Don't wear white shoes - ever.

Big girls shouldn't wear white pants.

Well, lady loves, I love white and every colour associated to it (creams, off-whites, etc) and believe they can be worn at all times.

Winter white is gorgeous!

White shoes look smart with the right outfit.

White pants rock my world.

Do you follow any "fashion rules"?

*hugs*

weekending.

Sunday: jeans (Reitmans); grey top (Winners); black jacket (Reitmans)

Friday: brown capris (Suzy Shier); white top (Ricki's); denim jacket (GAP); statement necklace (Banana Republic)

Was it gorgeous weather where you were this past weekend?

It was amazing here!

Friday my boss let me go home early so I could run some errands and make dinner for some friends. I started off making quesadillas and they turned into fajitas! Super yummy nonetheless. My outfit was inspired by Kimberly at Fab Finds Under 50 (the first blog I ever started reading!) I've mentioned before how I love jewellery from Banana Republic and that's where this is from.

Sunday was so beautiful that the b/f and I went downtown to what we call our Market area. We ate lunch on a patio and strolled the outdoor vendors. I felt very chic walking about with my sparkly top. Sequins for day? Yes, please!

*hugs*

end of week.

top (Walmart); jeans (GAP); slippers

This was last Friday's outfit.

I bought this top at Walmart a few weeks ago thinking it will look amazing with white pants for the summer. On Friday it was just begging to be worn so I paired it with my dark denim for work. I like the waist definition and pearl buttons on it.

Walmart has been getting some super cute flowy tops lately and at fabulous prices. This one was only $12. Not bad for a top I know will get lots of wear.

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

*hugs*

clean.

jeans (GAP); white top (Ricki's); grey tank (Fairweather); burgundy jacket (Ricki's); cream heels (Payless) jewellery (gifted)

I love a clean look.

Simplicity - with the occasional twist.

I am in the midst of purging through my closet and am taking an honest look at what to give away and discard. All in the hopes of making sure I look like me each and every day.

The same can be said about my house. Last night, for instance, I cleared out, cleaned and organized kitchen cupboards. I do a few at a time - sparing about an hour - and then feel fabulous that it got done. I find this works for me instead of attempting to do it all at once, being exhausted and then not being able to enjoy my evenings with my loved ones.

I may have found the perfect solution for me and my time management skills.

Yay me!

*hugs*

skirting the issue.

grey skirt (Ricki's); white ruffle shirt (GAP); black cardigan (Old Navy); black and white shoes (Winners)

I'm infamous for skirting the issue.

It took me forever to tell my parents more intimate details about my b/f. Skirting the issue.

I have trouble taking a good look at myself and where I want my life to be. Skirting the issue.

I haven't told my BFF what I think about some of her life choices. Skirting the issue.

Is it just another word for procrastination?

It's a very blah day today and from reading other blogs, others seem to be feeling the same way. I am going home after work to start the major clean-up that is my living space.

And, make better use of all the lovely skirts I have hanging in my closet. So, perhaps I don't have to make an issue over skirts anymore.

*hugs*

jump.

jeans (GAP); black long-sleeve shirt (Tristan); grey sweater (Simons); black boots (Winners)

'Twas a fabulous weekend, indeed.

A bit of a chill, but the sun was shining and as long as the sun is out - I am a giddy gal!

The b/f and I went to an antique show on Saturday and this is what I wore. I've never really been antiquing but have always been fascinated by the thrill of the find. I was quite surprised at the price of most items - very expensive. The best deal we got was 4 Vogue covers from 1925 - for $5. We're going to mount them to hang in the powder room.

Then my patient b/f accompanied me to a shopping mall where I was looking to purchase a skirt for church. I treated him to ice cream for his good deed :) And it was the first ice cream cone of the season! Even better.

*hugs*

smiley.

brown capris (Suzy Shier); black turtleneck (GAP); bead necklace (Banana Republic); boots (Winners)

Whoa.

Guy smiley in this pic. Well, girl smiley.

I didn't actually smile with my teeth for years. We're talkin' eons, folks. Then one Christmas when I was like 20 years old, I saw a picture of myself with a flash of pearly white and I was smitten. I've never liked the gap between my teeth (though everyone else thinks it's virtually non-existant) I can see it. In any case, I'm over it and definitely tooth-smile now.

Am also smiling because it's the weekend! Oh, and a coworker sent me a link to a site that has awkward family photos on it. Have you seen this beauty?? Ha! I am snickering just writing this thinking about the portraits. So mean. But, oh, so, good.

Have a smiling and feel good weekend!

*hugs*

noir.

denim jacket (GAP); purple scarf (gifted); black pants (Reitmans); white sleeveless top (Ricki's); black boyfriend cardigan (Old Navy); grey tank (Fairweathers); diamond studs (Banana Republic); short gold necklace (gifted); long gold necklace (Costa Blanca); black fishnets (Shoppers Drug Mart); shoes (Payless); eyeglasses (Gucci)

This has been a black and white week. That's usually my go-to colour scheme when I haven't planned any outfits.

I love pairing a denim jacket with work clothes. Pretty much pairing it with anything other than other denim. Maybe it's an out-dated rule but I'm not at all a fan of jean on jean (except if it's coloured...like grey or black).

I am totally jinxing the weather by saying this but the sun and 16 degrees all week has put everyone in the best of moods...I never want it to end. Though I would love it to get hotter. I'm definitely not a girl of the cold.

*hugs*

scarf it down.

black pants (Reitmans); white blouse (Ricki's); denim jacket (GAP); green animal print scarf (trade show); trouser socks (Walmart)

Last year, I dragged my friends to a clothing trade show at a local university. I'm always up for trying new things in the city and had never been to it before. They were quite apprehensive to go and when we got there and the first few booths had not-so-nice clothing, they almost left me there to fend for myself.

We turned a corner and fell into a world of pashminas, Blair Waldorf-y headbands, vintage jewellery, etc and they were finally content.

At one booth, my sister wanted to buy a scarf and the deal was 2 for $5 or 1 for $10. Something like that. I couldn't find anything I liked and didn't want to purchase anything just to purchase something. I ended up buying this green animal print scarf through a lot of humming and hawing from the gals. I was annoyed with myself for spending money on something I was never going to even wear.

Well...I freaking LOVE this scarf! Its shape is like a large hankerchief and I love the way it polishes off my denim jacket and adds a little something when I wear it to work or over the weekend.

I've never told the girlfriends how much I really heart it! That can be our lil' secret.

*hugs*

outdoors.

coat (GAP); long mittens (Jacob); eyeglasses (Gucci)

My b/f is off to Vancouver so I will have to improvise with my photos for the next little while. I do have a camera on my Blackberry and have figured out how to get the pictures from it to the computer - major step!

I'm also thinking of showcasing some photos of me cleaning, re-organizing and re-decorating his condo...love that he is letting me decorate!

This is the coat I wear to work most days - it's roomy enough to wear over my suits and dressy enough to wear to meetings. I love the dark purple colour and the slight elegance the long mittens add to the look....or, so I like to think.

*hugs*

nordic.

sweater (Roots); tshirt (Ricki's); nude cami (Fairweather); jeans (GAP); black socks (dad's drawer); earrings (Banana Republic)

I bought this sweater at the Roots store in Tremblant Village. Love how cozy it is.

The store had a small banner on the sales rack that mentioned an extra 20% off red-tagged sale items. So, I found my sweater and got the b/f a shirt as well. When I got to the cash, the cashier told me that the promotion had been last week and wasn't going to give me the deal. The manager happened to walk by at that moment and as the cashier told her the situation, she gave me the deal with a heavy sigh. As we were leaving the store, I thanked them and the manager snickers about how I have an eagle eye.

The dilemma here for me is I wonder if I would have made a big deal about not getting the extra 20% off. All my friends are like well they had to give it to you...but a part of me was just going to purchase the sale items regardless.

Am I cowardly for not wanting to make a big deal about it??

Am I too soft??

*hugs*

the colour purple.

purple coat (GAP); earrings (gifted)

This was me (and my boyfriend) on our way to dinner the other night.

When he's the driver, I'm often in the passenger seat taking candid shots of myself...Ha! So, this time he took some shots of me and mimicked me taking shots of myself. He thought this would deter me from ever doing it again.

He was wrong.

*hugs*

surprise....

black skirt (GAP); coral wraptop (Banana Republic); thin black belt (Banana Republic); cream wedge heels (Winners); gold bib necklace (The Bay); diamond studs (gifted)

I have been away awhile...I blame a part of it on work (yes, even in the summer) and some of it on a new relationship (which while I'm not complaining really does make me tired) :)

Life has been treating me very well lately and I'm off to Greece for 3 weeks on Monday and truly, it couldn't get any better right now...well, winning a small lottery would be nice...

I hate jinxing it though, you know? Like as soon as I say 'life is great' BAM! Life is not so great anymore. I used to believe I had a relationship jinx and the jinx was as soon as I framed a photo of me and my beau - the relationship would end. Seriously. They did. Each time. It was weird. And I've heard from other friends that they have similar jinx stories. Needless to say, there are no pictures of me and the manfriend anywhere except on my blackberry. And I'm going to keep it that way for awhile.

So...the surprise that's in the today's title?

(backgrounder) Well, this Thursday, Auguts 13, across North America, is Miracle Treat Day from Dairy Queen where proceeds from the sale of every blizzard go to your local children's hospital. DQ is one of my accounts.

This morning I went to our local morning TV show with a couple of our hospital patients where they were going to ham it up and tell people about why they should go and buy a blizzard this Thursday. After their segment, I walked over to the fridge to get one of the siblings a blizzard when I turn around and see that I am actually on-air with the host. Everyone later tells me the best part was my face. I literally mouthed on breakfast television "Oh, my F%&$ing God, I'm on TV" and then turned and walked off. And it's not like I blended in with the grey of the background...I'm wearing the brightest coral top one has ever seen and it was even brighter on TV!! It's all in good fun and the entire studio high-fived me when I walked out of the building.

Geez Louise!

Have a super Monday!

*hugs*

and all that jazz!

denim capris (Zellers); white tunic (Costa Blanca); green belt (GAP); hoop earrings (Le Chateau); gladiator sandals (Spring)

I am going to see CHICAGO!!!!! The Play. The one that I star in in my dreams at night.

I am beyond excited. I nearly teared up when I got the tickets. You see...I had just told myself I wouldn't go and see it as I am trying really hard to save money. Then, a dear friend surprised me with 2 tickets to the show. I seriously sat teary-eyed at the gesture and at the excitement!

If you've read any of my blog, you'd know I am obsessed with rock...but just as crazy about Broadway!

Granted my posts have been a little sparse lately but I have been travelling for work (Quebec City where you all NEED to visit) and it's been event after event after event after event. This Saturday is the culmination of all events and then it's a little quiet for about a month.

Just in time for the manfriend to go on his European jaunt leaving me to actually rest. Poolside is my preference.

Hope you all can put a little jazz in your step today!

*hugs*

to golf or not to golf....is that the question?

denim capris (Zellers); black tshirt (from the office); gold flats (GAP); pearl studs (gifted)

The question isn't really whether I should golf or not, because I like golfing, the question is what to wear when I'm golfing. There is an entirely new world to golf attire. I made due today with my nice dark denim capris and an office logo'd tshirt, plus my cute yellow Nikes. I've decided to keep my outfits simple: khaki capris; solid coloured tshirts; a cute hat and cute shoes! I don't do plaid at all, let alone well, so that's out and forget about sporting a skirt. It gets wet and mucky out there.

I love dressing for the occasion!

Tonight I am having a kind of dress swap with one of my best friends. We're pretty close to the same body type though she's taller. We're both well-endowed; she's got fantastic legs so while I wear my dresses below my knee, they fall perfect on her. We have a mutual friend's wedding next weekend and instead of shopping for new stuff...we're going to try each other's on and see what we come up with. We did this last time we went to NY together too. We pretty much liked what the other person had brought with them so we wore each other's clothes. I love when that can be done. My sister is a size 2 while I am safely 6 times larger than that so needless to say - we don't swap often. Ha!

It's Thirsty Thursday and the sun's out! Enjoy all it has to offer!

*hugs*

it's my birthday, and i'll cry if i want to...

white pants (Reitmans); silver top (Winners); black and grey cardigan (Forever 21); silver flats (GAP); silver hoops (Laura); silver necklace (birthday present from manfriend!)

Why am I crying on my birthday?? Because everyone is showing me so much love! I truly truly truly feel blessed today. I awoke with a smile on my face and came into work only to receive loving and happy voicemail messages, email messages and even a balloon-o-gram!! I never really celebrate my birthday - ususally because I'm always working it, and they've never been a big deal in our house growing up. Let me tell ya - I was missing out! I just love the love. Love.

I also love my outfit today...I feel very New York chic. You know when you look at someone and they just ooze style out of their pores....well the ideal in my head is a woman walking the streets of New York in a wide-leg trouser and a very monotone colour palette with flats. It just screams chicness and style to me. Plus, being a larger gal, everyone always says to go for the black. Steer clear of light pants. I bought these last year for $15 and have definitely gotten my money's worth out of them! Style knows no bounds, right?

I had a lovely lunch with my beau and we'll be going for ice cream tonight after dinner. He gets to meet my brother and sister...should be fun!

*hugs*

oh, happy day!

denim trousers (GAP); black turtleneck (GAP); black tank (Fairweather); bracelet (?); pearl studs (gifted); cream and navy stacked heels (Winners)

This is a happy day! We just completed another successful Telethon and raised $6.175 million dollars! I am a happy camper. My boss is a happy camper. And many kids will be happy campers too.

Since it's a bit of a lazy hazy hokey pokey kinda day...jeans and a turtleneck it was for me. My go-to outfit, plus, it's chilly here!! It's June 1 and chilly!

It was a fantastic working weekend! Who knew those words would ever be seen together in a sentence, eh??

June is going to be a busy one too...we have a 5K walk to organize, our Teddy Bears' Picnic at the end of the month and I'm gone to Quebec City on a business trip for a week! I've already started thinking about what to pack and bring. There will be 3 business meetings and then 3 nights out. Not including the flight there and flight back outfits. I am looking forward to it though! I've never been there and we're staying in a castle! Love.

Happy Monday!

*hugs*

purple - the colour of royalty and Prince

black pants (Reitmans); purple top (Laura); black wrap (GAP); black tank (Dynamite); purple shoes (Le Chateau); silver hoops (gifted); silver ring (?)

I'm in mid-arm-toning season so wearing sleeveless tops doesn't always sit that well with me. Funny thing - I bought 2 sleeveless wrap tops this past weekend. How do I get around this dilemma? In the past I wouldn't have bought them or would have let them sit in my closet. Now, thanks to the fashion blog world, I layer like a pro and have gotten so much more use out of my closet. With the top ensemble I've got sporting today - I found 2 skirts that would look awesome with it - making summer dressing a much easier task than I anticipated.

My favourite season is fall. I love fall clothes - the excitement of back-to-school shopping (even though I'm done school!) Summer has always been the exact opposite. I feel like my pasty white flabby parts are overexposed. I have since learned to love linen and dresses and skirts and pedicures and deal with short sleeves and -gasp- even go sleeveless sometimes! I've especially had to embrace the summer since I'll be in Greece for some of it and it won't be sweater weather.

Tomorrow is one of our Radiothons. It's the local country station that runs it and country music by its very nature is sadder than normal. Even for an upbeat song! So it lends itself well to children's stories. They are long days for me. Up at 3:00 a.m. and in bed around 10:00 p.m....only to do it over again for 3 days. Needless to say, I will be setting up my outfits for the next 3 days tonight. Talk about good preparation!

*hugs*

hounding the stooth

black pants (Reitmans); black vneck (GAP); brown houndstooth capelet (Le Chateau); booties (Winners); earrings (ALDO)

My cape is actually a brown houndstooth print...reason #432 I need a camera...to show my true daily outfit :)

My weekend was fabulous! Friday night found me being served by our local firefighters...it was a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Let's just say it was yummy. And the food wasn't bad either...hehe

Saturday I vegged. All day. All night. I loved it. And it was definitely needed. Sunday I had a work breakfast and then my goddaughter's bridal shower. She was totally surprised which I love because no one gets surprised anymore!! She was crying and the entire afternoon was a delight! I love a good surprise and was happy this one turned out to be.

I'm considering a birthday trip for myself to New York. I have some friends down there and one of my closest girlfriends lives in Long Island - plus, did you hear?? TopShop opened in Soho. I definitely need to check that out!

*hugs*

greece lightning!

jeans (Reitmans); white top (GAP); boyfriend cardigan (Joe Fresh); grey pashmina (Fairweather); vintage Pumas (Winners); pearl studs (gifted)

It's official...I put a deposit down on my trip to Greece! I'm super stoked!

My plan of action is to save money (to shop there of course), get fit (ie lose some weight) and figure out what and how to pack for 3 weeks. In Greece. Did I mention I'm going to Greece? :)

This past week I have beyond snoozed on my alarm clock. Pretty much I've gotten my wash the face, get dressed and grab everything for work down to the minute that I just get lazier each day. Not good. I will be recharging this weekend and preparing outfits and lunches and be invigorated for the busiest 3 months in our office.

My coworker is still on me to be set-up with not one, but two men she knows and thinks I'd be a good match with. I've discovered that the magic question to ask when one tells you they have someone for you to meet is 'why do you think we'd be a good pair?' It weeds out the superficial answers (though having a great body does not go overlooked) but also it gives me the opportunity to view how others see me and what I may be looking for. My sister always points out these 'gino' guys she thinks I'd be attracted to when it couldn't be farther from the truth. I'm into shaved head, Vin Diesel kinda guys. Rockers with a little meat on them.

In Grease, my favourite character is Kinicky. This may also be because I like to think that I'm Rizzo.

*hugs*