Leopard Love Day

What are your plans for Valentine's Day? I don't have any, but am not giving up any excuse to wear some of my favourite colour combinations. Blush, red, pink, burgundy... give me it all! I love feeling girly and feminine, and why not embrace this on Valentine's Day. I opted for this burgundy and leopard outfit for a weekend outing and since there is no snow to be found I felt the urge to take out these beautiful heels. We all know I'm not letting items rot in my closet from now on!

This coat is an instant outfit enhancer. Throw it over jeans and a t-shirt, any dress (fancy or not) and you are officially ready to party. I am all about dainty chains lately, so I added this one by Foxy Originals, that actually looks like three, and my favourite vintage clutch and bam-- outfit made.

Not a fan of red or pink for Valentine's Day? Check out my blue Valentine inspired look here.

{Leopard coat, Forever 21 dress (similar, similar) , Foxy Originals necklace, Christian Louboutin heels, vintage clutch}

Cheater Chocolate Cake

With Valentine's Day fast approaching you may be on the hunt for something to bake and share with your girls, man, family, or someone special. I have the perfect recipe.  It's SO simple and takes no time to throw together, which is a complete shocker because this my friends looks like a piece of art! The cake itself is so moist, fresh and incredibly chocolately, and no one will be able to tell it's a cheater cake! So what is a cheater cake? You start with a store bought cake mix, but add different ingredients to really take the cake to the next level. I promise! It definitely wows, and since it's basically from scratch, you can totally say it is! Right?

To make the cake extra special for Valentine's Day I used this Nordic Ware Scallop Heart Budnt Cake Pan. How beautifully sculpted does it look? Kinda looks like I spent hours making a three tiered, heart-shaped chocolate mountain. All I had to do was spray the pan enough to ensure it came out perfectly. I then dusted icing sugar on top and adorned the cake with some petite roses! Parfait, non?

Get ready for chocolate heaven. Here's how it's done:

Ingredients:
1 store bought chocolate cake mix (I used Devil's Food Mix; don't follow instructions)
1 cup oil
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup water
4 eggs
1 instant pudding mix
2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, oil, sour cream, water, and eggs
Add the instant pudding mix last (it thickens very quickly!)
Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter in greased bundt pan
Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top of the cake feels springy
Let cake cool in pan entirely before taking it out
Dust cake with icing sugar (if desired)

My Favourite Vintage Find

We all have that one piece that floods your mind with memories each time you wear it. It takes you back to where you were when you purchased it, who you were with and why you felt compelled to it. For me, it's this vintage clutch.

In the summer of 2011 I went to Quebec City on the Explore Program. For those of you that don’t know the program is offered to university students by the government as a way to explore another region of Canada and increase knowledge of the French language.  I didn't know when I signed up that I would have an amazing experience, make lasting friendships and immerse myself in this beautiful, historic city.

After class one day a few of us went shopping and came across a vintage store. I may not remember the street or store name but I can visualize inside the shop perfectly. I was on the hunt for a clutch to pair for a blue dress I had just purchased for an upcoming wedding. When I saw it, I knew and everyone I was with knew it was to me mine.

After a bit of haggling I was able to secure the bag as mine. Now every time I wear this bag, which is quite often because it's really the most versatile piece, I think of this amazing experience.  I love that I can dress it up, or dress it down and how neutral it is in colour. The bag has accompanied me everywhere from vacations, to special occasions and just stuck with me on the daily and although it's definitely showing signs of wear, I don't see myself parting with it.

Keep scrolling to see some of my favourite moments/outfits on the blog with my the clutch. It really does pair with anything!

And I'd love to know-- what's your favourite vintage find?