it's black, it's white.

harem pants (GT Boutique); top (Ricki's); black flats (ALDO); bracelet (Banana Republic); ring (Winners)

Hello lovelies!!

The pics are me trying to be "different". Ha!

It is hot here. Like hawt. Like I wish I was in Greece because it's not as hot there as it is here.

So, I am wearing sleeveless things. Yesterday this super cute white top (which I usually reserve for under suit jackets or cardis).

It is infinitely more important to me that I don't sweat a small puddle while walking around so sleeveless it is!

*hugs*

when it's a favourite

green top (Banana Republic); polka-dot sweater (Ricki's); jeans (Reitmans); shoes (Winners); necklace (Banana Republic)

This is one of my favourite shirts.

The sleeves are little caps; the colour is gorgeous; it's flowy but not too loose. Just lovely.

I ruined it over the weekend at a work event. I wore a chain necklace and it caught on the silky material. I was so bummed! For my birthday, my coworkers gave me a gift certificate to Banana Republic (my favourite place in the world, next to Winners) so I am hoping I find it there again.

This sweater surprises me. I have dressed it up; I have dressed it down. Who knew polka-dots would be so versatile. I honestly thought it would sit in my dresser and I wouldn't wear it often because it's so memorable. Love when things surprise me like that!

I am throwing a surprise baby shower for my goddaughter this weekend - I'll post lots of photos next week!

Have a wonderful weekend lovies!

*hugs*

grey day

pants (Laura); wrap top (Banana Republic); grey tank (Fairweather); shoes (Spring); ring (Banana Republic)

I am in love with the colour grey right now!

And one of my favourite combinations is grey and yellow. Swoon.

As you can see, wrapping is one of my favourite things to do. I recommend it to everybody! Ha!

Have a fantastic weekend!

*hugs*

flats

capris (Suzy Shier); top (Walmart); flats (Payless); ring (Banana Republic)

I am a shoe gal.

Love every kind of shoe - running shoes, sandals, peep-toes, flats, heels. I LOVE heels.

I do have a new appreciation for flats though. I wear them to work, from work and on weekends. Is it a sign of getting older that I can't handle high heels for long periods of time anymore?? Eek!

Going into Payless last week, I saw tons of super cute flats at great prices - so, in true shoe-nista fashion - I had to pick up a few pairs. It is a new season :)

*hugs*

wrap it up!

cardigan (Forever 21); pants (Reitmans); grey tank (Fairweather); necklace (Banana Republic)

Since I wore a wrap top earlier in the week and liked how it looked on me, I decided to re-create a similar silhouette with an open front cardi. I love the material of this one - so soft!

I really like how it turned out. Some people thought it was a top and with the belt to the side, it looked like a one-piece.

So part of dressing my best means highlighting my small-ish waist. Ok :)

*hugs*

colouring.

jeans (Reitmans); coral wrap-top (Banana Republic); black tank (Fairweather); earrings (ALDO); necklace (Pish Posh); ring (Banana Republic); shoes (Le Chateau)

I have discoverd that wrap-tops are super flattering on me.

I do have to be careful though because of the hefty heavies I carry up top. Ha! It can throw off my body proportions.

It's a long-standing joke between my b/f and I about dinner. He usually cooks and he has yet to see me really make him a meal. I'm a good Greek girl and let me tell ya, I can cook. Problem is, I can cook large quantities. I have to figure out how to tone it down for 2!

Last night I tried my hand at chicken cacciatore. I was actually really nervous to make it for him. In the past, I've made fajitas, egg mcmuffins, etc you know...little things. This was a meal. So...it turned out AMAZING! Seriously. Am definitely gonna float my own boat here because it was delicious.

I can cook! Or atleast I have proven to my love that I can provide meals for him.

*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*

oversize.

top (H&M); pants (Reitmans); shoes (Winners); necklace (Banana Republic)

I love this top.

I first ever saw it on a blog I read (I have forgotten which one) and then on a shopping trip to Montreal, found it in H&M!

I love it but while it fits in the sleeves, it is a large shirt. I'm thinking of taking it to my tailor to see if she can do anything with it. Pull it in somewhere...not sure...

My eyes are red because I spent the afternoon meeting some hospital families that we are featuring at our annual Telethon. We watched a preview of their pre-taped stories and wowzers...kids are amazing. I can't really say more than that. It definitely makes you feel good about being alive and healthy.

Hug a loved one today!

*hugs*

suiting up.

black suit (Reitmans); green top (Banana Republic); necklace (Top Shop); bracelets (Club Monaco); shoes (Spring)

I love wearing a suit.

Even more, I love wearing a mix and match suit - instead of matchy-matchy. Now in this case, I do realize it's all black but it's a different textured black jacket than the pants. And I have a few other skirt and pant suits that I mix up texture and colour.

The touches of colour in the green and yellow make me feel very chic and dare I say, powerful when I have them together like this.

I have an extra bounce in my step and a twinkle in my eye and a sparkle in my confidence with this outfit.

Gotta love the power of a suit.

*hugs*

five.

black pants (Reitmans); black dress (Banana Republic); black cardigan (Old Navy); shoes (Payless); gold chains (grandma); whistle chain (stole it from the b/f)

I was super duper feeling this outfit yesterday! I felt chic and comfortable. It could also be because I cleaned out my closet this past weekend. Oh yes. And actually got rid (well, donated) several items of clothing I have been holding onto for several reasons but never really wearing. I am very proud of myself :)

I am very much into layering right now - as you may have read in previous posts. I feel that it provides me with a bit of maturity and professionalism and will help me transition into bigger and better things at work. What's that old saying - dress for the job you want, not the job you have?

In other news, I have 5 followers. Woohoo! Not quite sure what that really means but it's kinda fun to see. So, thanks and welcome! Glad you seem to like what you see/read.

*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*

overlap.

black pants (Reitmans); purple top (Winners); black vest (Walmart); bead necklace (street vendor); stud earrings (Banana Republic); grey heels (Winners)

I am in dire need of re-organizing and cleaning out my closet. I seem to gravitate to the same items of clothing...and only because they are on the top of the clothes pile in my room. These 2 top pieces I must say are 2 of my best purchases ever...the purple top was $16 and the vest was $14. I have definitely worn each one more than 20 times since I bought them - worth every penny.

I do like how layering looks more polished and professional though. It adds a few elements to an outfit and makes it just that much more. I will need to figure out summer layering to give the same effect.

I had to bus to work this morning - in the cold and rain. I almost let it get me down but there is always a choice as to how one chooses to behave and I have chosen to make this a happy and productive day :)

Have a great Tuesday!

*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*

slovenly.

earrings and ring (Banana Republic)

Have you ever heard of the word 'slovenly'? I heard it for the first time yesterday.

In general, it refers to being untidy in appearance. I thought it was a made up word. Ha!

It's been a crazy couple of weeks. I've been helping one of my best friends deal with the loss of her father and the b/f came back from the Olympics!

Today I am showcasing the accessories I was wearing yesterday. I'm on a gold kick, as well, love big rings and Banana Republic (who, in my opinion, does jewellery very well).

The sun has been shining for 5 days now with a temperature of 10 degrees Celsius (sorry US peeps, not good with the conversion) but it's definitely above normal temps and it's amazing!

*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*

jean-y.

denim dress (Zellers); black pants (Reitmans); cowlneck sweater (Tristan); diamond studs (Banana Republic): necklace (Le Chateau); grey socks (Dynamite); black boots (Winners - not shown)

This look is derived from 2 different blogs I read last week...one blogger put a cowlneck sweater under a dress and another blogger talked about wearing a denim dress in a different way - et voilà!

My weekend was super relaxing! I found out some good friends are expecting a baby; another good friend got engaged; and I now await the 3rd piece of good news (bad news can't be the only thing that comes in 3's).

*hugs*

booty.

dress (Banana Republic); tights (Shoppers Drug Mart); boots (Winners)

As per a previous post, my least favourite part of my body is/are my legs. I have been working on appreciating them for their strength and tone and general usefulness in everyday life.

My calves are the worst for me and forever I have been looking for knee-high boots that everyone wears and looks so chic in. I'm all for being an individual...but sometimes you just want to fit in too.

Enter my favourite store Winners and their bountiful boot selection. I walked by the display and actually sat down to try on a few different pairs, heights, lengths, widths - you name it. Then I found these babies! They have stretch (and aren't as shiny as the picture depicts them to be). There is a slight platform to them with a wicked heel. I adore them. I heart them. I am now like all those other knee-high boot-wearing beauties.

*hugs*

jazz hands.

black dress (Banana Republic); grey sweater (Jacob); grey boots (Aldo); tights (Addition Elle & Shoppers Drug Mart); earrings (Laura); necklace (H&M)

This was definitely out of my comfort zone...though I do realize upon looking at the photos that I should have added a belt to the black dress for definition...

Firstly, I have large calf muscles. Yeah, that's how I'll put it...Ha! So, finding a pair of boots that would fit over them was amazing...truthfully, I wasn't looking that hard because I just figured they didn't exist.

Secondly, I also am not very partial to my legs. Yeah, that's mean of me to say about myself...I'm trying to fix that. So, wearing this dress on its own (I usually wear it over a pair of skinny jeans) is quite the feat for me.

Overall, I felt really cute in this outfit! And, that is what matters most...right?

*hugs*

p.s. I totally borrowed the idea of doubling up my tights to get a darker look like leggings...I attribute this idea to many other blogs I've read in the past...sorry that I can't remember who I got the original idea from. Genius!

support.

dress (Banana Republic); grey tank (Fairweather); belt (Le Chateau); boots (Winners); silver bracelet (gifted); drop earrings (Tristan)

I woke up exhausted yesterday. So, I decided to put on a dress. I find it's almost easier to do that - not having to worry about coordinating tops, shoes, etc

If anything, this picture depicts the importance of undergarment support. It is extremely important. I am clearly wearing the wrong brassiere and the gals seem to have succumbed to gravity by day's end.

*hugs*

training.

black pants (Reitmans); white top (Ricki's); burgundy coat (Ricki's); ring (Banana Republic); pearl earrings (gifted); black boots (Winners - not shown)

I was out of town for work this week. And travelled by train. I heart travelling by train. I like to pretend I'm going on some 1940's voyage...though I'm not entirely sure what that relates to...but I like to feel like I'm in a movie and people are wondering where that girl is off to.

I'm alone in this feeling I'm pretty sure...right?

*hugs*