Turtlenecks and Trench Coats

I have been living in neutral coloured turtlenecks this fall, which is quite strange since I have never really been drawn to turtlenecks before. I can't get over how comfy, versatile and practical they truly are. Perfect for snuggling into, can easily be paired with leather leggings for a weekend outing, or a skirt for work, and they are sure to keep you toasty warm from the wind. 

Black and camel is one of my favourite colour combinations for fall. Joe Fresh has been my go-to spot for fall gear for quite some time and they are seriously not helping this colour combo addiction. My sweater, leggings and booties are all from there, and I didn't realize how much of Joe Fresh I was sporting until I uploaded these pics! Since they were all such good deals, I was kind of okay with splurging on this jacket for fall. The Kooples does minimalism so good and I love the sleek leather detailing on the arms, pockets, and collar. It's definitely an investment piece, and one that will stand the test of time (at least in my books)!

Do you have a go-to colour combo for fall? Have you splurged on any investment pieces this season?

{Celine sunglasses, Joe Fresh sweater, leggings, boots, The Kooples trench, Indigo bag (similar)}

Lemon Ginger Detox Tea

World MasterCard Fashion Week came and left in lightening speed. Although I didn't get to all the shows I had hoped to, I still felt exhausted when I woke up on Saturday morning (I even slept in until 9:00 am!). It's possible that the open bar at the Fashion Magazine Award Party has something to do with it, but more likely it was just the exhaustion of the week; running around from work to shows, not eating properly and late nights. By Saturday afternoon I needed a re-boot. I whipped up a batch of my favourite detox tea, put on a pair of wool socks and hid indoors from the rain. I always get the detox tea from Rawlicious and since it's easy enough to make at home, I often make a large pot and let it brew throughout the day, adding hot water as needed. It's the perfect blend of lemon, ginger and spice. Rawlicious adds maple syrup to their tea which is definitely tasty, but if you don't feel like the sweetness feel free to omit it.  After one sip you'll instantly feel the cleansing affects. It's a great start to getting back on track after a crazy week!

Ingredients:
Makes 1 cup

• 1 cup of water (aka your biggest mug)
• juice of half a lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (I usually add more because I like the spice)
• 2 inch chunk of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• optional: 1 tablespoon of maple syrup

Boil water. Add all ingredients to mug. Pour water into mug when boiled. Let steep for 5-10 minutes.

What to do with Leftover Pumpkin Puree

Just because Thanksgiving has come and gone (here in Canada), does not mean that I am done with all things pumpkin. You will find me embracing this veg well into the next Holiday season just in less traditional ways. You've seen my pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin cookies and pumpkin pie latte, but you haven't seen how I whip up pumpkin puree in some less sweet ways.  Here are a few of my favourite ways to incorporate pumpkin into my average meals sans pie. 

Velvety Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl

This smoothie is straight from the Oh She Glows cookbook and it's my absolute favourite! If you're unsure about a pumpkin smoothie, I get it. I totally was too! The banana blends with the spices and pumpkin for a rich, velvety smooth, yet refreshing taste. You can find the recipe for two servings here. Just cut all ingredients in half if you're making it for one, and skip out on the coconut whipped cream if this is your breakfast! Have you seen these Natural Delights Pecan Pumpkin Pie Spiced Date Rolls? I know I could make them just as easily, but they are so good. I add one roll into the blender and then cut one up for a topping. Since I like my smoothies thick and crunchy, I poured this one into a bowl and topped with chia seeds, almonds, raisins, pumpkin seeds and granola. Divine.


Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Pumpkin Cookies

Flourless and healthy? Yes please! I lather these babies with almond butter for a sweet treat after dinner or for breakfast on the go. They are made with oat flour and filled to the brim with aromatic fall spices so it's perfectly acceptable to eat these any time of day! The honey and brown sugar will satisfy your pumpkin craving and allow you to indulge without the guilt. So moist, and incredibly chocolatey. Don't forget the almond butter. Seriously. Find the recipe here.

What do you think? Will you try out any of these recipes?

Toronto Fashion Week- What's in my Bag

{Kate Spade bag}

This past March I attended my first set of Fashion Week shows. To say I was intimidated would be an understatement. The high profiles in first row, the street style photographers in David Pecaut square, and the unknown of what was behind the registration tables was enough to twist my stomach into knots. Seconds after arriving the nerves evolved into excitement and I was left in awe watching some sweet Canadian made talent. Today is the official kick off to World MasterCard Fashion Week here in Toronto, and to gear up for the shows I am prepping my bag with all the essentials. Last time around I had no idea what I would need and ended up lugging too much miscellaneous items one day, and not enough the next!  Here's what I'll be sure not to leave the house without.

Phone Charger- Your phone is literally indespensible during Fashion week. Necessary to find people, snap pics, and post to social media. Last time around I had to sneak out of the tent to charge up in the PATH for a few minutes and was so thankful I had my charger with me!

Snacks- If you're like me and are perpetually hungry, snacks are another essential for when you are running around and loosing track of time. We may have the luxury of all shows taking place in the same vicinity but there isn't much available in terms of nutrition! Kind bars are my go-to.

Lipstick- Obvious necessity. I'll be packing along a bold colour to instantly intensify any outfit. The deep berry shade of MAC's Hang Up is a fall staple for me. Don't forget to bring along a good chap stick. I can't leave the house without one… or two.

Water- I don't like to go anywhere without water. On the days that my bag choice will accommodate the size of a bottle, I'll be sure to grab one for the road.

Nail polish- I can't stand chipping nail polish. This fall I am loving shades of deep shades of green and blue.

Sunglasses- It may get dark super early nowadays, but sometimes you just want to run into the tent incognito and avoid any eye contact. Just me? I swear I'm friendly…

What are your fashion week must haves? Are you heading to any shows? Let me know. I'd love to connect!


More from WMCFW here and here.

Mustard And Wine

This past weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada, and I can truly say it was so wonderful to just unplug and relax for the long weekend. Work has been just manic and I really needed the weekend to recharge and relax. I unintentionally put away my phone and was so surprised at how amazing it felt to disconnect from Instagram and various other social platforms.  Sometimes you just need to spend the weekend completely submerged in family time, whether that be eating your body weight in pumpkin pie together, squeezing together on the couch to watch the Jay's games, or getting up early for a brisk morning run with the leaves crunching beneath your shoes. This weekend was truly one of the best, (not to mention the weather was insanely gorgeous) but it made me realize how lucky I feel and how thankful I am. My family, friends, job, and this sense of community I have found in the blogging world; they are all amazing and so special to me. Thanks for following along. I hope you had a special weekend with those who matter most.

Here's a little peak into my Thanksgiving Sunday attire. I paired my this shirt dress from Forever 21 with a comfy sweater and my overused favourite booties.  I have always found some great sweaters at Old Navy; their pieces are classic and neutral, great for layering. Not going to lie I was totally unsure of mustard before this sweater, but it seems to be boding well.  Mustard and burgundy…so fall, right? I swear I don't have wine eyes…  

{Forever 21 dress, Old Navy sweater (similar), Sam Edelman boots}

Lace Ups & Red Lips

Something about a pair of black lace ups and a swipe of red lipstick that makes you automatically feel bad-ass. This NARS lip pencil must be named "Cruella" for a reason! Am I right? Instant mood changer! Lace up flats have been making their move on the fashion scene, and for good reason! After resisting them for all too long, I saw these lace up heels in New York and I was sold. I paired them with a simple sweater dress for a warm (ish) fall night, and my favourite marble bag. Dramatic and playful. What do you think?

Have you laced up yet? 

{H&M sweater dress, Lien.Do heels via Anthropologie, Rebecca Minkoff bag}

Midnight Floral

A few weeks back I attended a friends wedding and after countless attempts to style my hair differently I ended up going with my everyday do. Boring.  I knew I didn't want to be stuck in the same dilemma for my cousin's wedding last weekend so I caved, and booked an appointment with my bestie/hairdresser and went with a simple low-do. A few twists here, a few curls there... she made it look so easy! I really didn't want the hairstyle to look too done up, and I think she nailed the "messy, I just whipped this together" kinda look.

I was able to snag this dress at Winners just a few days before the event (procrastinating, much?), but as soon as I saw the blue floral pattern I was sold. Partially because I knew it would give me another excuse to wear my favourite heels (and we all know I've been jumping at any chance to wear those special pieces), and partially because it was dark, moody and perfect for a brisk fall evening. Unfortunately I had to scour 3 different Winners and Marshall's to finally find my size, but I eventually had success!

I brought along my gold sparkly clutch because it just screams party time, and it also brought out the gold studs on the shoes. All in all it was a fabulous evening! Want to know what wasn't so fab? Washing my hair out the next morning! Oh my, hairspray!

What do you think of the moody floral?

{Hair done by @hairdina, Winners dress, Kate Spade clutch, Valentino heels}

NOMO SOHO

Our stay at the NOMO SOHO was pretty much divine. From the moment we walked up to the vine covered pathway I knew we were in for a real treat. All hotel rooms in NYC (that I've stayed in at least) are on the smaller side (for obvious reasons), and our room at the NOMO was no different. But I must say the beautiful decor made you forget  just how tiny of a space you were in! White marble, floor to ceiling mirrors and windows (best hotel view I've had in the city), and blue accents made you feel as though you were literally one with the clouds. Want to know what also made you feel as though you were in the clouds? The bed. And pillows. If I wasn't waking up in one of the most exciting cities in the world, I would stay in this bed forever! The amenities in the room were pretty basic, but I didn't matter as there was too much to do and see outside the room. If you're making your way to the city, at least get yourself to the NOMO for those baked lemon ricotta pancakes! No words.

Orchard Chic

I don't think we could have had better weather to go apple picking last weekend. The crispness in the air definitely gave you those perfect falliday vibes, but the sun was shinning, allowing me to sport my newest obsession (this sleeveless turtleneck) comfortably.  I think I was the only one at the apple orchard who wasn't decked out in plaid, but when your man friend takes you on an impromptu day date apple picking, you don't say "wait-- my outfit is too "city chic" for this activity". We spent the afternoon picking and sampling far too many apples, then headed back home to make apple chips and unfortunately a slightly watery apple crumble (the Spies weren't quite ready yet).  Next up has to be a trip to the pumpkin patch… am I right? 

Have you started crossing things off your Fall To-Do list yet? Do you even have one? What else is on it? I'd love to know!

{Topshop hat, Banana Republic vest(on sale!), J Brand jeans, Sam Edelman booties, Kate Spade bag (similar)}

Power of Poudre

Something has me smizing! Can you tell I'm excited? Why you ask? Because I'm wearing my favourite shoes of course! I came to one realization this weekend, and that is that I need to stop "saving" items in my closet. Why do we have such pretty things if we are only letting them sit in the closet and wait for that "special night"? These shoes are actually my favourite; they are the most comfortable shoes I own, and they never fail to lift my spirits and put a smile on my face. For me they really represent hard work and give me a sense of accomplishment, as I spent a long while saving for them (key word- looooong). So why have I had them for over a year and can literally count how many times I have worn them on one hand? No more my friends! This weekend I embraced the "now or never" expression and vowed to myself that I will break out my "special" pieces more often. To keep the outfit casual I opted for boyfriend jeans and a flowy tank (obsessed with these camis) for an evening out with the ladies.  

Do you have items in your closet that you're "saving" for that special occasion? Why not take them out today, or tomorrow and fill your heart with the joy you felt when you first purchased them!

{RW&CO cami, Zara jeans (similar), Danier Leather clutch (old), Valentino heels}