Grey For Days

The days have been ridiculously grey as of late and I'm craving sunshine. Does seasonal affective disorder get to you? I sure get it! Every year around this time. What can I say, I'm a sun loving, summer girl! The weather this weekend was blah once again, but instead of putting on my parka and hiding from the outdoors, I embraced it and dressed to match. I found that finally getting back into more exciting pieces was exactly what I needed to get out of that S.A.D. slump!

This black mini is still a favourite piece of mine for any season. Since I was just running a few errands and headed to brunch I whipped out the nude tights (call me grandma!) for added warmth and threw on this turtleneck which has been indispensable this season. I love the mock neck and it's so warm. My marble bag and silver plated heeled booties played on those same grey notes, and not only did I feel like I was "back in action", I barely felt the cold! I find that having a positive attitude is so powerful. It really does have the ability to alter your whole day.

After errands, I stopped into nutbar, Toronto's newest superfood cafe, and I am hooked! Actually obsessed! Since I am literally addicted to turmeric and put it on everything I was beyond excited to find they have a turmeric latte on the menu. Made with their own nut milk blend, cinnamon, and a dash of black pepper (it helps the anti-inflammatory properties of the turmeric absorb into the bloodstream), it was one of the best golden milks I've had. Can't wait to get back to literally try the whole menu.

So there we have it. An outfit refresh and a great latte were all I needed to put that bounce back in my step. What helps you when the season is getting to you real bad??

What I'm Wearing:
Simons sweater (similar), Forever 21 skirt (similar), Rebecca Minkoff bag (similar), Zara boots (similar), Charlotte Tilbury lipstick

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Blogger's Favourite Mascara

Mascara is one of those beauty products that I think we all have developed a favourite, and kind of hold back from trying a new one unless it's recommended to us by a good friend, or the ad is really, really good. I know that once I find one that works for me I am reluctant to try out another one until I am no longer totally happy with it. There are so many options it can be downright scary trying to choose! Do I want cat-eye drama, more volume, or more length-- who even knows?! I decided to poll some of my favourite beauty gals to see which mascara is their go-to in hopes to help make your mascara selection a little easier! Let's see what they had to say... (keep scrolling for my own faves!)

As for me? I have two faves right now. One to save on and one to splurge on. L'Oreal Voluminous Superstar Mascara is an amazing drugstore find. I know the primer creates an extra step, but it works wonders to fan out those lashes! Seriously. Try it out! And, I have to agree with Jackie and Joëlle, Benefit's Roller Lash is my go-to for more fancier affairs. I have a tendency to save it for special occasions and nighttime outings! It really does create the ultimate curl! I also just got Charlotte Tilbury's Full Fat Lashes Mascara and I am so excited to try it out! It's supposed to curl, separate, add volume, length and drama. I'll keep you posted.

2019 UPDATES:
Guys-- If you havn't tried Benefit's Badgal Bang mascara, get on it! It is my daily go-to right now. There is nothing I love more than a winged out eye and this one has been doing it best.

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And a HUGE thank you to Jackie, Joëlle, Rebeca, Tara, Annika, Romy, Eleni, and Kayla for taking part in this post! Love you girlies! I loved hearing their opinions and sharing them on the blog is an added bonus! Let me know if you'd like more kinds of these posts.

3 Wellness Tips from The Fix + Co

I'm back with my favourite health gurus, Adrianna and Tamara of The Fix + Co., my go-to juice/health food/all things nutritious spot, to give you some insight on how to focus on your wellness this winter. I love working with these ladies because they not only appreciate a positive, healthy lifestyle, but they also know the importance of balance and giving your body exactly what it needs. Last time we whipped up a serious Superfood Smoothie Bowl, and then they gave me a taste of their newest menu addition-- the platters, but now we are focusing on what you can do to be the best version of yourself. Three simple tips to start incorporating into your daily life and it doesn't take much! These ladies know how busy we all are, even after the holidays, so the tips are easy and manageable. Here's what the ladies had to say on re-gain yourself and your wellness this new year.

1. Get ample rest and relaxation. After a busy holiday season, getting in some quality rest and relaxation is important to keep our immunity levels up during this time of year. Even though there may be moments you may feel like you're MIA, forcing yourself to stay in on the weekend could do you some good. You can use that time to catch up on some great Netflix series, organize your closet, or just be a blob. Whatever your body is calling for, do it. Just do you.

2. Eat better, eat less, eat slower. Getting into the habit of being more conscious of your eating habits can only benefit you. Eating better quality foods will make you feel better and will keep you healthy, while eating less will help with reducing indigestion, bloating, and weight gain. We aren't saying that you should under eat, but the majority of the time we over eat. Being conscious of portion sizes is just a way of us figuring out how much food we really need in a day. Also, eating slower and taking the time to eat with the family, friends and co-workers help with your digestion, helps to bond with others and decrease stress levels, and allows you the time to really enjoy your meals. No more eating while standing, while finishing a deadline, or while driving.

3. Focus on yourself. At least once a day, try to do something only for yourself that will better yourself. Often times, we lose focus on our own well-being because we are so busy with looking after other things. Make 2017 the year to be the best version of yourself. You deserve to be happy and healthy, so make room for you. Read self-improvement books, take a new fitness class, learn more about meditation or deep breathing. A healthier and happier you means better relationships and better experiences because you have set yourself up for success and have provided yourself with the tools to cope when things get tough.

If you're looking for more The Fix + Co. is now offering a warm cleanse for winter! Great if you can't think of drinking cold juices right now, or if you're like me and need to have actual food! It's full of hot soups, elixirs, and even a warm bowl for only $56/ day! Such a great way to jump back on track after the holidays. They also started a new run club! Check out their Instagram or website for details.

A huge thanks to Adrianna and Tamara for providing these wellness tips! Let us know if you will try any out and incorporate any into your daily routine!

Juice Cleanse Experience with The Fix + Co
Superfood Smoothie Bowl

Statement Sleeves & Morning Light

I don't see the notion of statement sleeves stopping anytime soon, especially for 2017! Did you see the red carpet looks from The Golden Globes? Everyone from Nicole Kidman to Sarah Jessica Parker to Hailee Steinfeld was rocking some sort of elaborate shoulder, arm, or cut-out and I am just smitten with the whole embellished look! The ruffles on this knit are what sold me completely! They are pronounced, dramatic, super-flared, and can really add interest to any outfit. The more playful, the more larger-than-life, the better if you ask me! There are so many affordable statement sleeve options available right now; you really can't go wrong. You can start off with the smallest of flares, or go grandiose like this one. Now I bet you're wondering how to add some spicy sleeves to your wardrobe? Well, I have three ways for you to do so for just about any occasion and season. 

1. Pair with skinny jeans, or an ankle trouser and a basic pump or black flat. Such a Parisian street style inspired look if you ask me. I love how simple but romantic this is. A variation of this has become my go-to weekend outfit for the past few weeks. I mean, you can totally wear the same outfit three days in a row if you're seeing different people... right? 

2. Do the front tuck. Keep it more casual and tuck in the front of the blouse or knit into a mini skirt, shorts, wide leg pant or culottes. Simple but classic. I'm so happy I went with this knit in white, it's perfect to pair with cut-offs for summer nights, too!

3. Over or tucked into a pencil skirt for the office. Too good to not pair with a pencil skirt for the office! I feel so sophisticated in a pencil skirt and bold knit, which automatically motivates me to work harder. All you're missing is a pair of sexy eyeglasses. In all seriousness, this look has been on heavy rotation for my office attire (minus the eyewear!).

The beautiful morning light and crisp white snow had me pairing the white knit with a Zara sale steal (the silver heeled bootie), and my fresh marble bag for a brunch outing last weekend. I added some silver stackable rings from Pandora to complete the look and voila-- good to go! 

How do you feel about the statement sleeves? To much? Or do you see them sticking around for a while? 

What I'm Wearing

Chichwish knit top (identical), (similar), (similar), RW&CO pants, Zara boots (similar), Le Chateau faux fur stole, Rebecca Minkoff bag (similar), Celine sunglasses

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Being Bold & My Mantra

With the coming of the new year, I am looking forward to many exciting opportunities and taking the blog to new places! There are also many intents I have for myself that relate to my day to day life, whether that be at home, in my career or in health. This post by fellow Toronto blogger Cassie Drake, An Architect Abroad, is a definite read! It really shows that we should be focusing on the whole process of achieving our newfound intents and how goal setting is sort of... well, short-sighted and leads to short-term results.  If you're in the process of goal mapping this year, you need to get over there to check it out. Totally gave me a new perspective on the whole new year's resolution idea!

I know that with all the exciting opportunities there will definitely be challenges and struggles along the way, as per every year! This year I am focusing on a new mantra. The bracelet I am wearing in this post was given to me by my mother for Christmas and I have barely taken it off since! It states "she believed she could, so she did". I absolutely love this quote! Every time I look down and see it I am constantly reminded that I am strong, powerful and capable of anything! Talk about inspirational, right?? Even though it's just a bracelet, having the words out there, on my wrist, is a powerful thing. I can look down and really reflect on the words, opposed to just hearing them in my head. After I received the bracelet I discovered MantraBand and their whole collection of inspirational pieces. There is really a special quote for everyone! 

The rest of the outfit may be simple, but it sure is bold. I am loving statement pieces lately and these Le Spec sunnies are my newest addition. First of all, can we talk about affordability?! I got them at Nordstrom and compared to similar styles they are such a steal. Gold, leopard and mirrored-- I love that they are fun, classic and totally retro. I also had been wanting to find some statement earrings and these pink bead tassels were the perfect pieces to pair with my (old, but classic) pink coat! The colours are a perfect match! The marble bag, which seems to make an appearance every winter, was truly a statement investment that I made a few years ago, but it's one that I get the most compliments on and offers to buy! It's become a timeless piece that I can't part with. I know it's sold out but I've linked some similar marble bags for you below. What do you think of pairing all the bold accessories together?

It's safe to say I am ready for a bold and bright year! How about you?

What I'm Wearing:

Le Specs sunglasses, MantraBand cuff, Wilfred Free leggings, RW & CO Mock Neck Sweater, Zara coat (similar), Cougar Boots, Rebecca Minkoff bag (similar), Francesa's earrings 

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14 Fun Finds Under $30

Have you ever found yourself totally consumed by online shopping? When you are stuck on a website for longer than you'd like to admit...filling your cart with all the beautiful things... only to hit the exit button and realized you just wasted 30 minutes of your time? Yeah. Happens ALL the time! Except for these goodies I came across on ASOS were too fun to pass on by. Did I mention they are all under $30?! Yes-- even those sneakers! Once again consumed by all things blush and pink, here is a little round-up of some random, yet incredibly fun accessories and items to stock your closet with.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14

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Pink Floral Booties

We all knew I was obsessed with these booties from my 8 Floral Booties You Need post. So when they appeared on sale for black Friday, I knew I had to just do it. They are so out there and over the top and I love it. I mean, they're jacquard, have a flared pink lucite heel and are floral printed. And when paired with a vintage Chanel and black shearling coat... I mean, I feel like I'm ready for anything! I really can't tell if the looks I'm getting are mere admiration or confusion. But it's totally worth it. I think we all need those items that are 100% fun and make you feel fabulous. The boots definitely do it for me. But then again so does this shearling coat. It makes me feel ultimate glam! And scoring it on sale for $20 was probably a highlight of this month. But I have a confession to make... it's actually a girl's coat (as in children)! Someone left it in the sale section of H&M and I just tried it on without looking at the size and it worked! So I went with it. Who would know the difference?!

Are there any pieces you own that are totally over the top in the best way? And make you feel the best, too?

What I'm Wearing:
AEO Denim, Chanel bag (vintage), H&M shearling coat (similar), Topshop knit, ASOS booties

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