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! 

Summer Beauty- Face Care Protection

I could not be more stringent when it comes to skin protection in the summer, and facial protection is one of those things I just don't compromise on anymore. When I last discussed my skincare regime I had recently discovered I had rosacea and had totally changed up my products to more naturally and organically based. I also mentioned that I was on the hunt for an facial SPF for the summer. Since that post I have added three products to my routine and haven't looked back since. I am hooked on them all for different reasons. Two of them I wear together on laid back days and they go hand in hand-- one to protect and one to smoothen/blur any blemishes without colour. It's for the kind of days when I don't have major plans, or plan to go straight home after work and crawl into my PJS. The other product is a multi-tasking machine and is a solo application. It's for days when I want to glow and have more coverage but want to feel light, too. I wear it when I know I'm going to an event after work and want to ensure my make up will still be in tact come 6:00 PM. Here's a breakdown of exactly what they are and how I use them. 

Option 1: Low key days, lazy days, days spent on the beach/pool lounging.

Products: Kiehl's Super Fluid Mineral Defence UV Broad Spectrum SPF 50 paired with Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer 

What: SPF and Primer Duo. This Kiehl's SPF is perfect for sensitive skin/rosacea. It's 100% mineral based, and is fragrance free, chemical free and paraben free. It offers brilliant sun protection and doesn't feel heavy, like it's clogging the skin. I then use the Hydrablur Primer to smoothen the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Some days I just can't be bothered for face make up and this primer still allows me to have flawless skin. The primer is so fluffy and light, it actually feels whipped! It goes on smooth and completely non-greasy. I love that it challenges any oil on my face and leaves it feeling silky smooth and mattified. I actually started using the Hydrablur in November of last year! If you think this primer looks great without make-up, wait till you see it under make-up! It's great either way. 

Why: For days I don't want to wear any colour on my face but still want SPF protection and skin to look unblemished.

**Check out the photo below I took of my hand before and after applying the Hydrablur Primer. No photoshop was done to the photo. Focus in on the V area of my hand… V for victory!! 

Option 2: Everyday/evening wear for glowing coverage and SPF protection.

Product: It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ 

What: Literally "It" does it all; anti aging serum, full colour correcting formula, non chemical sun protection, and reverses look of wrinkles and fine lines over time. It's also paraben free and made with vitamins A,C,B and E. This little tube is the ultimate all in one beauty cream, leaves you glowing and leaves the skin looking extremely hydrated. There's only one problem… you can't get it in Canada! Next time you're in the States, stock up on this stuff! It provides such great coverage and actually reverses signs of aging. And it' hides the look of under eye discolouration like a boss. 

Why: I like things to be convenient and easy. This one cream does it all and more!

Do you have any summer face care secrets? What are you using to protect your skin but still look fab?

Left: Before applying Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer. Right: After one application of Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer. No photoshop/editing was done to this photo. Totally smoothens the look of fine line and wrinkles!

Striped Maxi and Floral Fate

Saturday morning I woke up early and made my way to the Toronto Flower Market to score what was left of the season's peonies. The Toronto Flower Market only runs once a month and for both May and June I had been trying to take my mom along with me. Each time did not work out as planned and she never got there. Finally this past weekend we made it happen! It's safe to say I get my love for fresh flowers and their intoxicating aroma from her. We walked up and down visiting each vendor scoping out the prettiest blooms, and yes, scooping up those most coveted peonies.

On our way back an elderly (ish?) lady tripped on the curb right in front of us. She gashed her head, probably broke an arm and was lying there on the pavement helplessly. We quickly rushed to her side, attempted to comfort her, called her daughter and waited for the paramedic to arrive. So many individuals from the neighboring shops rushed out to offer first aid kits, water bottles, towels and more for this lady. It was truly amazing to see. The whole time she kept asking if we were okay kneeling down for so long! How crazy is that!? I kept thinking... this women is so calm, her head is gashed open, and she is concerned with our well being. I was so amazed by the way my mom handled the situation-- wiping up her cuts, hugging her and allowing her to rest on her lap. This women was so grateful and it was a moment that I'll never forget. I can truly only hope that I have inherited some of my mother's traits, and part of me can't help but think that maybe we would have never been there to help her if we had made it to the May or June Flower Market. I guess it truly was fate. I know it's a random story, but I just thought I'd share. The compassion and kindness some people exude is truly inspirational.

Well, here we are once again in lights for summer. The weather had me dressing easy, breezy and weekend casual. I love how the blue stripes in the skirt complement this chambray off the shoulder top. Nothing like a high slit and showing some shoulder skin to get you feeling sassy! And the fact that I can play around with this slit location is even sassier! In the front? Sure. Off to the side? No problem! You can create the perfect amount of playfulness!  Tobi is seriously the perfect shop great, quality pieces that won't burn a hole in your wallet. Did you know that new customers can score 50% off their first order. Take advantage of their free shipping to Canada, too! Check out their selection of skirts, or their fab rompers. 

What I'm Wearing

Tobi Crushing Hearts Striped Skirt c/o
Forever 21 Chambray Off the Shoulder Top (similar, similar)

Ivanka Trump sandals (similar)

Forever 21 clutch (similar)

What I wore to June's Flower Market here