Black Babydoll Dress

A definite change up from my usual style has me feeling kind of dramatic in this black babydoll dress and over the knee boot combo. Sometimes it's nice to switch things up and get into a black on black ensemble. A few weekends ago I did run over the border to stock up on some essentials at Target and Trader Joe's. (Side note-- guys... I seriously love Trader Joe's. It's an addiction! Make it a point to visit next time you are in the Niagara Falls, NY area. It really is just a hop, skip, and a jump over the border! Stock up on all the cheap nuts, nut butter, kombucha and pantry items you will ever need!) I came across this babydoll dress at Target and thought it was the cutest thing. The slit sleeves, the lace detailing on the front and the way it billows under the bust are what sold me.

I have to say... I haven't bought a black dress in a LONG time. I am just far more gravitated towards all the blush and floral the world can offer, but something about this one caught my eye.  I'm looking forward to wearing this dress more and more as the weather gets warmer, but for now, I am pairing it with my over the knee boots. I may have done this for protection from the wind but I ended up loving the look of the mini paired with the boots. It's fun and retro, yet still sleek! To keep things fun I went with a bright lip. The Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipsticks are seriously matte perfection. They last all day and don't smudge! So smooth, deep in colour and they don't dry out! I'm hooked on them and you should be too. Next, I need to get my hands on "Stepping Out". What do you think of the look?

What I'm Wearing: Target Lace Babydoll dress, Sam Edelman Elina Boots, Poppy & Peonies crossbody, Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick

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Lace and Sequins for the Holidays

I really can't believe how fast the holidays came on this year. It feels like a hot second ago it was Halloween, and going away in November probably didn't help the cause. I went away and came back to full blown Christmas! How could I mind, though?! With it brings along all things nostalgic-- decorating, carols, the scent of cinnamon and spice, wrapping presents and of course, the holiday parties and get-togethers. They are the perfect events to get all fancied up and put your sparkly foot forward. I love bringing out some glitz and glam for the holiday season, and this lace and sequin, black and gold combo is essentially my go-to holiday look. I love the lace detailing on the top and how the low back creates some drama. The skirt also has such a gorgeous shimmer to it! They add just the right amount of classic drama a holiday look, and I can't wait to mix and match the pieces. Sequins and an oversized knit? Check! Lacey top and a red lip? Done!  

How do you dress for holiday affairs-- neutral? Glitzy? All things plaid? Let me know! 

What I'm Wearing

RW & CO top and skirt c/o

Zara boots (old) similar

Vintage Chanel

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photos were taken by La Petite Noob -- Thank ya girly!

Black Slit Sunday

Black, white, lace, a high slit…this outfit just screams drama (feel free to call me Angelina! After all, my middle name is Angela!) But seriously,  an outfit like this can only be fit for celebrating some big news! READY FOR IT…... 

After how many years, Brandon and I are finally moving in together! The discussion to move in together has been happening for a while now, but the opportunity to actually make the move came quick and everything just fell into place. While the house isn't technically "ours-ours", it's still a place we can call our own and start this next chapter of our lives. I've been so, so busy trying to get everything together, but wanted to finally share the exciting news! You've probably already started seeing some decor related Instagrams and Snapchats and will definitely be seeing more posts centered on interior design, so it was time to share why! 

No exciting news is complete without a celebration, and no celebration is complete without a fancy outfit. I am loving the high slit maxi skirts as of late. They are a nice change from all the mini dresses I've been sporting for summer. You still get that openness with the slit, but they provide a totally different vibe to the outfit, and still one that you can take from day to night. You saw my striped maxi day time look here, but with a few change ups this maxi is ready to take on the town, and a glass of bubbly! 

Once again, I'm acting as queen of the multi dimensional closet, and am sporting a romper underneath my skirt. I can't recommend doing this enough! First off, you totally re-purpose your pieces, you get so much more out of your wardrobe, and in the end you may just save money. You're buying less new pieces as you get more function out of your older ones! Or in my case it will just leave you with more to spend on things like pots and pans (how fun....)

What do you guys think of my second sassy little slit maxi? Enough mood for you? And let me know if you'd like to see more decor related posts. I can't wait for this design process and definitely want to take you along!

What I'm Wearing

c/o Tobi Still Love You Maxi Skirt

The Store on Queen romper (similar via Tobi)

Zara Thick Ankle Strap Heel (identical)

Tory Burch Britten Clutch

Check out Tobi for their great selection maxi skirts, rompers, and accessories! 

Denim Days

I love how versatile destroyed denim can be. This pair of jeans was last seen with a blush trench and flats on the blog, but I've been living in them ever since. Ridiculously comfortable, soft, and the perfect light wash for spring/summer. Last weekend we were sitting outside enjoying the warm weather and sunshine with a glass of rose, when I realized I had minutes to get ready for dinner. My semi-tipsy self put this ensemble together without any second thought and it turned out to be a favourite combo;  classic, chic, and comfortable. What more could you want? 

It's funny how you can make the best decisions, like putting together the perfect outfit, when there is little to no time to contemplate or work at it. At the moment I am reading "The Happiness Equation" by Neil Pasricha and he proposes the idea that in order to have more time you need to eliminate time itself. 

You're probably confused. Let me explain. What he's saying is when there is less time available you put in more effort because you have no choice but to do so. So, you end up focusing more, giving it your all,  and the superior results shine through --aka throwing together this outfit in lightening speed. I may have spent an hour contemplating what to wear, or how I had nothing to wear, but instead I was forced to make a quick decision.  

I love how he relates this to work, especially with deadlines.  He goes on to say how "work expands to fill the space available and the result is lower in quality". So what's the take away here? Move deadlines up and get ready for your best work. Or in my case, enjoy the extra glass of rose and give yourself 2 minutes to get ready. You'll avoid the whole "I have nothing to wear" situation and end up putting together a stunning outfit. Try it out! 

What I'm Wearing

Le Château Pont Open-Front Blazer

American Eagle Denim X Hi-Rise Jegging

RW&CO Flowy V-Neck Cami Top

Zara sandals (similar)

Francesca clutch

Shop for Jayu Bar & Circle Necklace 

Five Closet Staples

Lately I've been focusing on filling my wardrobe with closet staples. Pieces that are timeless, versatile and interchangeable with the seasons. It's hard to do when every store is filled with pretty pastel and floral dresses that never fail to catch my eye, but when you remember that these pieces can accent the more seasonal items it definitely makes it easier. I've been doing pretty well building up my wardrobe and wanted to share what I find to be five staples items that every closet needs. Let me know if you agree with these pieces and where you splurge! Or if I'm missing any.

1. White Blouse- I had been on the hunt for a soft, not too fitting white blouse for so long. I came across this boyfriend style blouse at Old Navy and it was exactly what I was looking for. I love that it has slits in the sides and can take me from work to event with no change needed. Tuck it in a skirt, wear it under a sweater with the collar popping out or simply wear it on it's on. 

2. Leather Jacket- Leather jackets are a closet splurge, but an essential. And the right one can last year you over ten years (just ask my mom). When you find one you love-- that fits like a glove, is made with breathable material, and expresses the right amount of rocker chic vibes without looking like a biker-- you know you are set. This jacket took me a few years to come by but has definitely proven valuable as I pair it with everything from lace skirts, skinny jeans, and floral dresses. 

3. Skinny Jeans- I know we all have a variety of jeans-- the boyfriend, the distressed, the high waisted-- but a dark washed pair of skinny jeans without rips is a closet staple for me. They can be worn to work on casual Fridays, be dressed up, or dressed down for any event. I recently picked these up at American Eagle when they were having a BOGO sale (along with this pair) and am so glad I decided to go with this classic style as I have found myself relying on them more and more. 

4. Black Structured Bag- Another item to splurge on to ensure quality. My Rebecca Minkoff tote takes me from morning to night, work to event, and fits a copious amount of paraphernalia that one may or may not need on the daily (here's looking at you bulk barn coupons and 2 bottles of Essie nail polish). A structured bag is timeless and essential.

5. Black Booties- Again, I had been on the hunt for a pair of black, pointy-toe boots, with just the right amount of heel height and that did not resemble cowboy boots in any way. I know it's April, and basically time to put them away, but how did I do? I loved these Zara booties instantly and am so glad to finally have found an alternate to my fatigued Sam Edelman Pettys. Booties pair with everything from pants, skirts and dresses and when you find the right pair it's like everything clicks. Am I right?

Remember-- timeless over transient and classic over momentary. Do these tips help? What are some of your closet staples? Am I missing any essentials?

Shout-out to the lovely Jackie from Something About That for braving the cold and snapping these shots. 

What I'm Wearing

Old Navy Hi-Lo Boyfriend Oxford (on sale)

J Crew necklace (similar)

Trouvé Leather Jacket

American Eagle jeans

Zara Leather High Heel Ankle Boots

Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote (similar)

Black & Glam

Christmas came and went in a flash, and all buzz seems to be focused on the most sparkly, glittery and glam night of the year-- New Year's Eve. It's time to fancy up and put your sparkly foot forward regardless of what your plans are! This year we are staying in with friends and I'm looking forward to taking silly photos with props, dancing to some of the year's best hits, and popping some bubbly to cheers to the best memories of 2015. Even though we are staying in, it doesn't mean our New Year's Eve attire has to revolve around sweats and a pony tail (unless that is what you're feeling, and there's nothing wrong with that). I'm still taking advantage of the opportunity to dress up in unexpected pieces and rock the night away, even if that means doing so in my bestie's basement! 

Le Château asked me what my fashion resolution is for 2016, and it really is just to dress how I feel without any added pressure. If that means wearing beaded sequins and a faux fur stole one day, then so be it! But if it means sneakers and sweats that's okay too. For 2016 I want to let my outfits reflect me on any given day, regardless of trends, the dreaded FOMO, and other added influences. 

What is your fashion resolution for 2016? Could it be to wear more colour, or buy less trendy pieces? Fill me in! And I'd love to hear your New Year's Eve plans. 

{Le Château c/o faux fur stole, bracelet, ring, top, Simons skirt, Zara heels}

Leather & Lace

When it comes to outfit planning for a fun night out I love playing with different mediums and textures. This ensemble is made up of quite a few, all while keeping the black and white colour scheme. Leather, lace, marble print and silky scallops are all the elements of this simple yet coordinated outfit. I also love how medium mixing can take me from the office to after work events with the simplest additions. I wear this lace skirt to work all the time, maybe paired with a blouse for the day, but swap out the blouse for a tank, add on a leather jacket, and we're good to go! What do you think? Are you one to mix it up?

{Touché jacket (similar), Topshop tank (identical, similar), RW&CO skirt (similar), Rebecca Minkoff bag (sold out), Zara sandals(old- similar)} 

Black and White Basics

First date night of the new year and I've traded in my red lipstick for a raspberry pink shade. For some reason after the holidays I tend to gravitate towards simple outfits with minimal embellishments. Just me? Maybe it has something to do with my most recent room purge and de-cluttering session. Time to refocus and organize for the year! Black and white is just a classic pairing for any season. Add in a touch of pink, and I'm longing for spring. Yup, already. It's going to be a long winter...

{Topshop hat, RW&CO coat, J Brand pants, Indigo bag (back in stock) , Michael Kors boots (on sale!)}