From Denim to Dessert

Lace Dress

2011-02-24T04:00:00.000-06:00

Dress: Target, boots: Botkier, cardigan: Kersh, bag: Candies, necklace: ? (old), earrings: AG 925.

On Saturday night I headed out to my friend's wedding social. If you've never heard of a social before, don't worry, because apparently it is an event that is unique to Manitoba. I wore this little lace dress with opaque tights and a cardigan because it was -30 degrees celcius this weekend. I added a sparkly necklace, a studded bag and flat riding boots to complete the look.

Dreaming of Spring

2011-02-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

While the temperatures dropped again this week, I decided that I've officially had enough of winter. I was out this weekend browsing for home decor items and I noticed that most stores had a large selection of spring pieces out. I picked up this pretty flowered wreath and decided to hang it up yesterday despite it still being February. Spring won't arrive here for a few more weeks, but I can dream, right?

Lemon, Poppy seed and Almond Muffins

2011-02-22T04:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a holiday in my neck of the woods so I spent the day relaxing, cleaning my house and practicing yoga. I also whipped up a batch of lemon, poppy seed and almond muffins. The recipe I used comes from the Bon Appetit cookbook, as seen below. The store I went to this weekend didn't have almond extract so I substituted lemon extract and the muffins turned out to be amazing! I love how the almonds add a little more 'crunch' to the traditional lemon-poppy seed recipe.

Homemade Pizza

2011-02-18T04:00:00.002-06:00

Here are some photos of the two pizzas I made last night.

Pizza #1
This is my spin on the classic margherita. I use pesto instead of tomato sauce and add sliced dates and caramelized onions to the traditional tomato, basil and bocconcini cheese.

Pizza #2
This pizza was more of a classic- I covered it in tomato sauce, pepperoni, salami, ham, mushrooms, orange and yellow peppers, onions and mozzarella.

What's your favourite kind of pizza? I love to try new recipes so I'd love to hear yours!

Best Pizza Dough Ever (in my opinion)

2011-02-17T04:00:00.002-06:00

One of my favourite things to do is to make pizza from scratch with friends and family. I really enjoy the experience of making the pizza as much as I do eating it. Tonight I'm having a few friends over for pizza, so last night I whipped up a batch of dough in my breadmaker. Over the years I've tried numerous recipes, and I thought I would share with you my own personal recipe that I've perfected through trial and error.

Chas' Pizza Dough
41/2 cups flour
11/3 tsp. salt
1 tsp. instant yeast
1/4 cup olive oil
13/4 water (ice cold)
2 tbsp. honey
rosemary (or any other dried herb you want to add)

Some recipes tell you to add these ingredients in a specific order but truthfully I just throw everything in the breadmaker in the order it's listed, put it on the dough setting, and let it do it's thing. It turns out perfectly every time, and I've even used three different breadmakers.

After the cycle on the breadmaker is finished, I let the dough rise in the machine for a while longer, then take it out and form it into two balls which I place on a large cookie sheet, cover with saran wrap and refrigerate overnight. I take the dough out of the fridge about 2 hours before I want to start working with it so it gets to room temperature. Once I am ready to start cooking I dust cornmeal onto my pizza pans to keep the dough from sticking. I then roll the dough around in my hands with a bit of flour to remove any air bubbles and press it out onto the pizza pans. This recipe makes two large retangular cookie sheet sized pizzas with relatively thin crust.

Tomorrow I'll post pictures of the pizzas and share the recipes for the types I made!

Yet Another Skirt

2011-02-11T04:00:00.001-06:00

Tee: Alternative Apparel, skirt: Forever 21, tights: Urban Outfitters, booties: Madden girl, bag: Coach, pendant: homemade.

It would be an understatement to say that I've been practically living in skirts this winter. The skirts that I'm too shy to wear in the summer for fear of the wind causing an accidental wardrobe malfunction have now become my go to pieces to wear with tights this winter. I dressed this little F21 number down with a basic tee and minimal jewellery on this particular occasion. It was perfect for meeting the girls for a couple of drinks earlier this week.

Florals in the Winter

2011-02-10T04:00:00.000-06:00

Tank: Forever 21, skirt: Forever 21, blazer: Urban Outfitters, tights: Urban Outfitters, booties: Urban outfitters, riding boots: Frye, necklace: ? (old).

I just realized that I'm wearing a lot of pieces from Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters in this post. I guess this makes sense since they are two of my favourite stores. I picked up this cute floral skirt last week to wear out for drinks on my birthday. I couldn't decide which boots to wear, so I've posted photos of both pairs. I always thought the rule was the shorter the skirt, the taller your boots should be, but I decided to break the rules and went with the booties. What do you think?

Hall Bench

2011-02-08T04:00:00.001-06:00

For quite some time now I had been looking for a bench to put under the big window in my kitchen. This area previously only housed my pets' food dishes and was a sight for sore eyes. Yesterday I came across a bench at Costco that was the perfect colour, size and price for the space I wanted to fill. I picked up some coloured pillows to brighten up the room and to make the bench look inviting. Next up: decorating the kitchen walls.

Before: open space and pet feeding area.

Patch tests out the new bench.

After: green and blue pillows bring some colour into the space.

Casual Saturday

2011-02-07T04:00:00.002-06:00

Hoodie: Alternative Apparel, skirt: Heritage 1981, tights: Hue, boots: Arizona, belt: Charlotte Russe, tee: LaMade, necklace: homemade.

This Saturday I decided to wear this suede skirt in a super casual way. I threw on a white t-shirt, my most comfortable hoodie, tights and biker boots to complete the look. I like the contrast between the suede skirt and the casualness of the hoodie.

I spent the weekend practicing yoga, cleaning my house, relaxing and spending time with family. How did you spend your weekend?

One Year Wiser?

2011-02-03T04:00:00.000-06:00

Tee: Alternative Apparel, sequin jacket: Matty M, jeans: J Brand, flats: Kimchi Blue, fedora: Target, necklace: homemade.

Today I'm celebrating my 26th birthday. My birthday last year was rough because I had a hard time realizing that I'm no longer in my early 20's and that I'm supposed to be older and wiser now. When I think back to my teen years and early 20's I used to think that I 'would have it all figured out' by the time I was 25, but now I realize that no one really ever 'figures it all out'. This year I've decided not to worry about getting older, but to try and enjoy life one day at a time.

Do you look forward to your birthday each year or do you dread it? If you dread it, at what age did you start to feel this way?

Little White Tee

2011-02-02T04:00:00.000-06:00

Skirt: Charlotte Russe, tights: DIY, tee: Alternative Apparel, necklace: Forever 21, booties: Madden Girl.

This weekend I had a chance to take my new sequin skirt out for a spin. When I put it on I realized that a black sequin skirt can make quite a statement on its own, so I decided to dress it down with a plain white t-shirt. I threw on some diy tights that I made back in the fall and some black booties to complete the look. I grabbed a boho fringe bag and a cute pink necklace to inject a little fun into the outfit.

Mid-calf-length skirts

2011-02-01T04:00:00.000-06:00

I have to admit I have yet to jump on the longer skirts trend. I have a couple of maxi dresses that I wear in the summer, but I just haven't taken the plunge with the calf-length trend. I love the fact that these skirts are high-waisted and a-line shaped, but I worry that I may look like I'm chanelling Laura Ingalls Wilder if I give it a try. I thought it might be one of those trends that comes and goes within a season, but according to the latest issue of In Style, the calf-length trend will be going strong into spring. Below are a few of the longer skirts I've been eyeing over at Topshop. So I leave you with a question- have you tried the calf-length skirt? If so, how did you style it, and what shoes did you pair it with?

Premium Blue Pleated Midi Skirt, $100.

Standout Pleat Calf Skirt, $92.

Polka Dot Calf Skirt, $60.

Calf-length leather skirt, $250.

Rocky Road Wedges

2011-01-31T04:00:00.001-06:00

I was craving something chocolately this week and decided to make these rocky road wedges. They were simple to make, delicious, and combined three of my favourite things: chocolate, almonds, and marshmallows. I didn't have any white marshmallows on hand and didn't feel like running to the store in -45 degree weather for one ingredient, so I decided just to make due with the coloured marshmallows I had at home. I definitely recommend making these, especially if you are looking for a dessert you can whip up in a jiffy with minimal cleanup. I think these would be delicious served with ice cream- I might have to give it a try tonight!

Sparkly Tights

2011-01-26T04:00:00.001-06:00

Skirt: Target, blouse: Forever 21, tights: Hue, booties: Madden girl, necklace: ? (0ld).

Here are a few pictures of an outfit I wore this weekend to meet a few friends for drinks. I picked up these black and gold sparkly tights a while ago, but this was the first chance I had to wear them. I thought I would give them a try to break up the solid black skirt and booties. I got this skirt at Target for $7 on black Friday and I have already worn it more than a handful of times; it's becoming my new favourite!

Zobha Contest

2011-01-19T20:25:00.010-06:00

While reading the blog for my favourite yoga apparel company Zobha, I discovered this lovely little contest where one lucky blogger will win a yoga starter package which includes the following items:

a yoga tank
a pair of yoga pants
a pullover or hoodie
a mat carrier
an eye pillow

Being the hot yoga junkie that I am, I jumped at the opportunity to enter this contest. I`ve been doing hot yoga for several years now and discovered Zobha`s yoga gear about a year ago. I have been hooked ever since as their clothing stays put during inversions while also staying dry during a sweaty hot yoga session. Here is a photo of me in one of my favourite Zobha outfits.

If I was so lucky to win this contest, below are the pieces I would choose.

The Scarlett Tank: I`m loving this tank- it`s so pretty and elegant. I have it in prism violet and would love to have it in Tangier pink also.

The Evolve Pant: I have the capri version of these and they are fabulous. They are super flattering and the seaming is perfect. I would love to win these pants in a fun colour.

The Alexis Zip-Up: I`m loving the oversized collar, ruching detailing on the sides, and the fun colour.

The Essential Mat Carrier: A chic way to carry your mat to and from the studio.

Silk Eye Pillow: I`ve never had an eye pillow but the aromatherapy of the lavender is bound to relax me.

The contest rules state that entrants answer the question - How would you use free yoga gear in 2011?
I' ve never seen anyone else wearing Zobha in my city so I would love to spread the word about Zobha and introduce it to my friends. I plan to wear my Zobha gear with grace, beauty and brilliance.

If any of my lovely readers are interested in entering the contest, the rules can be found here. Hurry- the contest closes on January 29th!

Banana and Walnut Bread

2011-01-18T04:00:00.000-06:00

I was craving some banana bread this weekend so I decided to turn to my go-to recipe in the Bon Appetit cookbook and whip up a couple of loaves. I pulled out a bunch of ripe bananas that I had in the freezer and went to town. It's funny how disgusting frozen, ripe bananas can look but they sure do make the best banana bread. One of the loaves is almost gone already; needless to say my craving was satisfied!

On the dot

2011-01-13T04:00:00.000-06:00

Blouse: Charlotte Russe, camisole: Gap, skinny cargos: Blank denim, flats: Frye, handbag: Coach.

Earlier this fall I was lucky enough to win my first giveaway on Natasha's blog 'Twenty- Something'. I got a chance over the holidays to go online to Charlotte Russe's website and put my gift card to good use. I fell for this pretty polka dot blouse; it's just so flowy and feminine. I also picked up a sequin skirt for $9! Thanks again Natasha!

Plaid and Leather

2011-01-12T04:00:00.000-06:00

Shirt and skirt: Target, tights: Urban Outfitters, boots: Botkier, necklace: Hilary Druxman, belt: Banana Republic.

When I put this outfit together I decided to mix two completely different styles; the leather skirt and the plaid shirt. I wanted to dress down the skirt so I decided to pair it with a tucked in plaid shirt and flat riding boots. The result was a unique outfit that in my opinion can be worn anywhere because it is both dressy and casual at the same time.

Red Beret

2011-01-11T04:00:00.000-06:00

Beret: Topshop, blouse: H&M, denim leggings: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, boots: Wanted.

I ordered this cute bow beret from Topshop last month and I've worn it numerous times already. On this occasion I decided to pair it with a leopard blouse, denim leggings, and biker boots. The result was a tough and rugged look with a touch of femininity.

Nautical Stripes

2011-01-10T04:00:00.001-06:00

Top: Forever 21, denim leggings: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, boots: Botkier, necklace: ? (old).

I decided to take some time off over the holiday season to relax and spend time with family. After a much needed break, I'm back at blogging. I'm looking forward to catching up on blog reading in the next couple of days. I finally had a chance this weekend to take photos of some of the outfits I've worn recently. I had been looking for a nautical striped top for some time now and finally came across this one at Forever 21. I love how it's loose, slouchy, casual and super comfortable.

Painted Dresser

2010-12-22T04:00:00.000-06:00

I finally received the hardware for my black painted dresser in the mail, so I can finally share before and after pictures. I realized I neglected to take a photo of the old hardware, but trust me it was ugly. I'm pleased with the transformation and glad I decided to give this old, beat-up dresser a second life.

Leopard and Suede

2010-12-16T04:00:00.001-06:00

Skirt: Forever 21, top: Gap, tights: Hue, boots: Botkier, belt: Charlotte Russe, necklace: homemade, scarf: Express.

I picked up this cute little suede skirt on Black Friday and have been wearing it like it's going out of style ever since. On this occasion I decided to keep it casual by pairing it with a plain black t-shirt and flat riding boots. I decided to add a pop of colour with the hunter green tights and threw on the leopard scarf to bring out the browns and tans in my skirt and boots.

Painted Bookshelves

2010-12-14T04:00:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm finally finished with the painting I was doing in my home office, which is great because my garage was getting just a wee bit too cold to paint in. The room is almost complete; I am just waiting for the hardware for the dresser to arrive in the mail and I have a few pieces of artwork to hang. It's finally starting to look like a room as opposed to a random collection of mismatched furniture. Here are the before and after photos of the bookshelves I painted.

Before: mismatched, cluttered, and cheap-looking.

After: sleek, modern, and organized.

Book Displays

2010-12-13T04:00:00.000-06:00

I have wanted to find a way to make my cookbooks more accessible for some time now, as having them on a bookshelf in my office was a less than convenient spot for them. I hadn't displayed them in the kitchen because I'm a person who doesn't like clutter; but I finally decided that I had enough counter space to display them flanked with a set of cute bookends. I came across this set of apples this weekend and was sold. I set up my cookbooks on a diagonal on my countertop and couldn't be happier with how it looks. I also picked up a set of bird bookends to display some of my books on the dresser in my office. I decided to display all of the books I have that have pink covers to pick up the pink in the desk I painted recently. Below is a sneak peek of the dresser I painted black; I'll post before and after photos as soon as the hardware comes in the mail.

Belted Blouse

2010-12-09T04:00:00.000-06:00

Blouse and denim leggings: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, boots: Botkier, necklace: Hilary Druxman, belt: Charlotte Russe, bag: Coach.

I've been playing around with different ways to wear my blouses lately and love how this one can be worn three different ways: loose and flowy, belted, or tucked into a high-waisted skirt. Often, when I've found a new way to wear an item I get that excited feeling that I get when I'm wearing something brand new, which I've found to be a good way to trick myself out of buying anything for a while. Do you ever get that 'excited feeling' when you've remixed an outfit in a unique way?

Bathroom Makeover

2010-12-08T04:00:00.000-06:00

I had been wanting to redo my bathroom decor for quite some time and finally got to it this weekend. Before it was boring brown, white and tan. I had planned to paint my cabinets dark brown so I decided to leave a few chocolate brown pieces and add a nice aqua blue colour to brighten things up. I added a bowl of decorative balls, a new patterned shower curtain, and a dried flower arrangement in a metallic vase, and it seems like a totally different room. I'm still not quite finished though; I'm still looking for the perfect piece of art to put on the one empty wall and I'm waiting for the hardware on the wall cabinet to come in the mail. I might also paint the walls a richer camel colour. Since the room is essentially finished I couldn't resist sharing a few before and after pictures.

Before: boring brown.

After: a splash of colour.

Pretty Plaid

2010-12-07T04:00:00.002-06:00

Plaid shirt: Relativity, denim leggings: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, boots: Botkier, belt: Charlotte Russe, handbag: Coach, necklace: Hilary Druxman.

I've been loving plaid shirts lately. They are just so comfortable and it's easy to create both casual and dressy looks with them. I picked up this cute studded shirt on Black Friday and wore it for the first time today. I decided to cinch it in at the waist with a skinny brown belt. Do you own any plaid shirts? If so, how do you wear yours?

Office Decor

2010-12-06T04:00:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a good weekend. Mine was productive, but seemed to fly by. I spent the majority of the weekend painting both my bathroom cabinets and dresser in my office (I'll post pictures of both once they are completely finished). As mentioned here and here I am in the process of a major painting project in my home office. I'm slowly transforming it into a space that is actually inviting to work in. Here are a few of the pieces I've picked up to accent my black, white and pink furniture.

Modern black lamp (Walmart, $15!)

Paper tray (Forever 21)

Pen Cup (Home Sense)

Decorative storage boxes (Target)

Feeling Blue

2010-12-03T04:00:00.000-06:00

Blouse: Forever 21, denim leggings: J Brand, handbag: Coach, boots: Frye, necklace: ? (0ld).

I picked up this blue blouse this weekend at Forever 21 during my Black Friday shopping spree. I did manage to find most of the items on my wishlist, which I was thrilled with. I didn't have this specific top on my wishlist, but I was looking for feminine blouses and this fit the bill. Stay tuned in the next week for more of my Black Friday finds. Have a great weekend!

Ricotta and Spinach Manicotti

2010-12-02T04:00:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been MIA lately, I've been crazy busy this week and haven't had a chance to take any outfit photos. Tonight I finally had the night at home so I decided to make a batch of manicotti. I made the pasta sauce first and let it simmer while I was boiling the shells and stuffing them with spinach, ricotta, onion and spices. I don't use a recipe but if I did it would be something like this. I just made a basic pasta sauce this time with crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, mushrooms, basil and black pepper.

Black Friday Wishlist

2010-11-26T04:00:00.000-06:00

Today is an exciting day for me because my mom and I are heading down to the US for the weekend to do some Black Friday shopping. We don't have Black Friday here, but we do have a comparable day for shopping, which is December 26th. We aren't going early enough to crash the doors at 6 am (or 3 am as I noticed on some advertisements!), but I still hope to find some deals and shop at some stores that we don't have here. In preparation, I've compiled a wishlist to keep myself on track and avoid any impulse spending "just because it's on sale".

Bench: Bed Bath and Beyond: $129

Mini: Charlotte Russe: $32.50

Cardigan: Old Navy: $39.50

Beanie: Forever 21, $6.80

Wine/eggplant coloured shift dress
Feminine blouses
Black sequin mini
Dark blue denim leggings
wool mini
Lace-up booties
Sweater dress
Fair isle knit sweater
Leopard print scarf
White wool beanie
Black ankle booties
Decor items for my newly painted office
Deacon's bench for my kitchen

I'm not under any illusion that I will find every item on my wishlist, but I find that if I don't make a list I will get off track and buy a bunch of random items that I really don't need. Do you make shopping wishlists? Does anyone have any Black Friday shopping tips to share?

Dressed for the Weather

2010-11-25T04:00:00.001-06:00

Skinny cargos: Blank Denim, boots ? (old), blouse: Maurice's, cardigan: Topshop, necklace and earrings: AG 925.

Well it's been snowing like crazy here since yesterday and the forecast has called for 15 cm of snow by the time it is supposed to stop this evening. Yesterday I was sure to dress for the weather in my waterproof motorcycle boots and a warm and cozy oversize cardigan. I guess Patch was feeling photogenic, as she decided to make an appearance in two of my photos.

On another note, Happy Thanksgiving to all of my lovely blogger friends to the south. Hope you have a great day!

Birds of a Feather

2010-11-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

Lately I've been lacking inspiration in the style department so I haven't had any outfit photos to post the past few days. We got our first major snowfall this weekend and I've been mainly concerned with bundling up when I leave the house and putting together stylish outfits has been on the back burner. Hopefully I will get used to the cold temperatures and my inspiration with soon return. Luckily, I've been on a roll in terms of home improvement and decor so I have something to share. I picked up these 3-D wall stickers a few months ago at Urban Outfitters and finally got around to putting them up this weekend after re-organizing and painting some of the furniture in my office. I apologize for the terrible lighting in these photos; it's dark when I leave for work in the morning and it's dark when I get home in the evening so I have a lack of natural light to work with. It's hard to tell but the wall is grey and the stickers are white. I'm contemplating painting or colouring some of them black after I paint my bookshelves and dresser black, but I'm still undecided.

While I was on the bird theme I realized I hadn't shared any photos of my new jewellery holder, also purchased from Urban Outfitters. I no longer have to shove my baubles into a jewellery box to get tangled and warped, they are now all nicely organized on this hook which conveniently hangs over the back of my bedroom door.

Pretty in Pink

2010-11-22T04:00:00.001-06:00

As I mentioned previously, I am in the process of painting all of the furniture in my home office. I began with a variety of mismatched pieces that I had collected over the years and instead of throwing them out and buying all new furniture, I've decided to give them a second life with a little paint. I wanted to paint my desk a bright pink that would make it an inviting place to work, and settled on 'Valentine Pink' by CIL. Here are some photos from around the web that inspired me.

Before: Mismatched furniture and a cluttered workspace.

The result was a bright and cheery workspace that I will actually work at instead of moving my computer out into the living room. Next up: black painted bookshelves and dresser.

Home Improvement

2010-11-18T04:00:00.000-06:00

I am admittedly a horrible painter. The only things I have ever painted successfully were the doors in my house and that really wasn't too terribly difficult. Despite this, I have decided to embark on a major painting project in my home office. Right now my office is not the most inviting room in the house; it's terribly cluttered and the furniture in it is a collection of random pieces that I have acquired over the years. After much consideration, I've decided to go with a black, white and pink colour scheme in the room. My first order of business was my sewing table. It started as a boring brown colour with old fashioned hardware, and now it is modern and bright looking. I used two coats of spray on primer and two coats of white paint applied with a brush. I changed the hardware to crystal knobs and voila - a brand new sewing table for less than $15!

Black, White and Red All Over

2010-11-17T04:00:00.000-06:00

Top: Tommy Hilfiger (old), blazer: Silence and Noise, denim leggings: J Brand, boots: Botkier, necklace: ? (old), pendant: gift, belt: Danier.

I was looking for a pop of colour to brighten up this dark ensemble and stumbled upon this red and white shirt from a few years ago. I probably haven't worn it for over a year, but when I threw it on with this outfit it seemed like a brand new top to me. Since entering the blogging world I've been inspired to shop my closet more often and mix and match new and old pieces. I love having a photographic catalogue of all of the outfits I've worn which helps me create new and unique outfits in the future. Have you been inspired to shop your closet?

Classic Chocolate Fudge

2010-11-16T04:00:00.000-06:00

One of my favourite holiday treats has always been fudge. I know it's not the healthiest choice, but I love to indulge in fudge over the holiday season. In the past, my own attempts at making fudge have largely been unsuccessful; it just never seems to turn out for some unknown reason. This year I was determined to be successful so I tried a new recipe in my Bon Appetit cookbook. The recipe can be found online here. I made a few modifications including using marshmallows instead of marshmallow creme (I've never seen it in stores here in Canada), using semisweet chocolate, and omitting the walnuts. This time my fudge turned out, and it was deliciously rich and sweet.

Remixed Pink Sequins

2010-11-15T04:00:00.001-06:00

Top: Forever 21, blazer: Silence and Noise, denim leggings: J Brand, boots: Frye, necklace: Forever 21.

I first wore this sequin top here, and have since found many new ways to remix it. Here is the most recent way that I've worn this versatile top. I wore it to work to add a touch of femininity to an otherwise dark coloured outfit.

Fur and Shearling Boots

2010-11-12T04:00:00.000-06:00

When the weather dips down to a frigid -45 degrees celcius, I'm not ashamed to say I practically live in my Ugg boots. I've heard that wearing Ugg boots is a fashion faux pas but I must admit that I can't live without them on cold winter nights here in Canada. Recently I have been looking for some boots that will keep my feet warm and toasty while still looking stylish. Here are some of the fur and shearling boots that I have fallen for.

Albert Fur Lace Up Boots, $135.

8020 Bee Suede Shearling Bootie, $145.25.

Sam Edelman Orlando Suede Boots with Fur Cuff, $200.

Audrey Furlined Wedge Boots, $100.

Sam Edelman Shalin Faux Fur Boots, $200.

Which are your faves?

Just Peachy

2010-11-11T04:00:00.000-06:00

Dress: Topshop, blazer: Silence and Noise, tights: Forever 21, necklace: Guess (old), boots: Frye.

I picked up this dress from Topshop on sale a couple of months ago but hadn't had a chance to wear it until recently. I've never owned a dress that is quite this feminine but I'm liking it. I toughened up the look with leather boots and a boyfriend blazer.

Skor Toffee Bits Cookies

2010-11-10T04:00:00.000-06:00

My absolute favourite chocolate bar is Skor. The mix of crunchy toffee and chocolate is heavenly. I had a craving for Skor this weekend and decided to make Skor cookies with Hershey's chipits. The recipe can be found online here. The result was a delicious and chewy treat!

Leather and Roses

2010-11-09T04:00:00.000-06:00

Dress: Topshop, jacket: People's Liberation, tights: Urban Outfitters, boots: Frye, necklace: ? (old).

I received this dress from Topshop this week and couldn't be happier with it. It is really comfortable, looks great with tights and boots and is long enough to wear to work. I had been admiring this dress for a while and finally took the plunge and ordered it. As a rule, I usually stick to dresses and skirts that are knee length or longer for work. My work doesn't have an official dress code, but as a high school teacher I tend to err on the side of caution with the clothes I wear. I sometimes find it challenging to put together outfits for work that fit my personal style but are still conservative enough for the environment I work in. Do you find it challenging to express your personal style at work?

Meet Willow

2010-11-08T04:00:00.000-06:00

I'm such a sucker for animals. A friend of a friend found a stray cat that was about to have babies and being the bleeding heart that I am, I offered to take one of the kittens. The kitten's name is tentatively Willow, until I figure out for sure that she is in fact a female. My other cats aren't too impressed right now, but they are slowly getting used to the idea of having another feline around.

Biker Chick

2010-11-05T04:00:00.000-05:00

Jeans: DIY, jacket: People's Liberation, t-shirt: Target, boots: ? (old).

Here is another pair of my DIY jeans. These jeans were originally grey and I bleached them in the bathtub, intentionally going for an uneven dye job. Once they were dry, I cut and ripped holes of various sizes. The result was a slouchy destroyed look.

Feline Fun

2010-11-04T04:00:00.000-05:00

Coat: Joe Fresh, skirt: Gap (old), t-shirt: Cat Empire concert t, tights: Urban Outfitters, boots: ? (old), sunglasses: RayBan, belt: ? (from music festival kiosk).

I picked up this awesome faux leopard coat back in September, and finally the weather is cold enough now to wear it. It's super comfy and instantly adds a touch of polish to any outfit. I threw it on last night to balance out an otherwise rough and tough outfit.

DIY: Shredded Jeans

2010-11-03T04:00:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been experimenting with cutting, shredding and dyeing jeans. I was inspired by a pair of Current Elliott shredded jeans and figured I could make a similar pair for a fraction of the price. I picked up a cheap pair of jeans at Winners for this experiment, but you could use any pair in your closet that you feel comfortable destroying. I cut small slits close to the side seams and then cut across to the other side of the leg. I made the length of the cuts the same each time but varied the space I left between each cut so didn't look too symmetrical. I then washed the jeans to fray them a bit and voila - rocker chick pants!

Bundled Up

2010-11-02T04:00:00.000-05:00

T shirt: Alternative Apparel, sweater coat: Dahlia, boots: Frye, denim leggings: J Brand, scarf: Danier.

Winter is quickly approaching judging by the weather here in the past week. I actually awoke to snow on my porch Saturday morning. It ended up melting before the end of the day, but it's just a reminder that it will be soon cold enough to require wearing a winter coat or parka. Until that day arrives, I will be living in my sweater coat. It's comfortable, warm and looks good whether you are inside or outside.

Spooky Sunday

2010-11-01T04:00:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a fun and spooky Halloween weekend. This weekend I carved pumpkins, made toasted pumpkin seeds and tried to dress my pets up in Halloween costumes. How did you spend your weekend?

Pumpkin seeds tossed in olive oil, sea salt and garlic salt, then toasted.

This is Patch, and she tolerated the clown costume just long enough for me to snap a picture.

The Sweater Dress

2010-10-29T04:00:00.000-05:00

Lately, as the temperature have dropped, I've been lusting over sweater dresses. I've been drooling over the cozy knit dresses on Shopbop this week. I can see myself belting these dresses and wearing them with tights and riding boots. Here are my absolute favourites.

DKNY Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $145.

MM6 Maison Martin Margiela Shawl Collar Sweater Dress, $378.

Helmut Lang Cowl Neck Sweater Dress, $345.

Cheap Monday Blair Sweater Dress, $80.

All photos courtesy of Shopbop.

I can't justify the price on most of these dresses, but a girl can always dream, right?

Xray

2010-10-28T04:00:00.001-05:00

Jeans: J Brand 'xray' skinnies, boots: Frye, t-shirt: Snow Patrol concert tee, jacket: Danier.

These are my favourite jeans to wear when I want to add a little edginess to an outfit. I threw them on earlier this week to head out to a movie. With the leather biker jacket, leather boots and acid washed jeans, I was going for a rugged, casual look.

Banana, Chocolate Chip and Skor Muffins

2010-10-27T04:00:00.000-05:00

One of my favourite dessert combinations would have to be banana and chocolate, which is interesting since I don't actually like bananas themselves. Something about the texture of bananas turns me off, but I love anything flavoured with banana. I decided to try a new recipe for banana chocolate chip muffins and settled on this one. I was short on chocolate chips so I substituted skor chipits for half of the required chocolate chips, and the muffins turned out to be delicious. Now I have a tasty snack for the rest of the week!

Mustard and Sequins

2010-10-26T04:00:00.000-05:00

Dress: Dex, sequin blazer: Matty M, boots: Frye, tights: Urban Outfitters, necklace: Topshop, wool cap: ? (my grandma bought it at a small boutique somewhere).

One of my favourite colours this season is mustard yellow. I love how it adds a nice pop of colour to an otherwise neutral coloured outfit. I actually received this mustard wool cap from my grandma for my birthday last year, but at the time I didn't think I was bold enough to pull off wearing such a strong colour. I rediscovered the cap in my closet recently and have worn it several times already this fall.

Transition to Fall

2010-10-25T04:00:00.005-05:00

Dress: Kensie, tights: Topshop, cardigan: Joe Fresh, belt: Charlotte Russe, boots: Botkier, pendant: Hilary Druxman.

The weather here has been warmer than average for most of October, but when the sun goes down or the wind picks up it can be quite chilly, so I've been dressing in layers most days. I last wore this dress here, and added a cozy cardigan and boots to make the dress more appropriate for cooler weather.

I'm challenging myself this fall to stick to a budget in terms of clothing shopping, so I've been trying to stretch my wardrobe by remixing my clothes in as many ways as possible. It's been fun and challenging at the same time, and I now realize that I can live with buying way less clothing than I may have in the past. I've been fairly successful at sticking to buying only items on my wishlist, as opposed to impulse buying.

Do you stick to a strict budget for shopping?

Lace Up

2010-10-22T04:00:00.000-05:00

One of the items on my fall wishlist is a pair of lace up boots or booties. Above are a few of my favourite pairs that I've been lusting over online. Do you own a pair of lace up boots? Which type do you like best: flat, wedge or platform heel?

1. Joie Refugee Waxed Lace Up Boots, $535.
2. Forever 21 Buckled-Up Combat boots, $42.80.
3. Jeffrey Campbell Everybody Riding Boot, $112.
4. Acorn Wedge Ankle Boot, $170.
5. Nasty Gal Deserted Wedge Boot, $58.
6. Sam Edelman Effie Suede Wedge Booties, $130.
7. Seychelles Romance Lace-Up Boot, $144.
8. Dolce Vita Joelle Platform Booties, $244.
9. Jeffrey Campbell Loggins Lace-Up Boot, $168.
10. Nasty Gal Ridge Shearling Boot, $58.

Peaches n Cream

2010-10-21T04:00:00.000-05:00

Skirt: Topshop, tank: Michael Kors, blazer: Silence and Noise, motorcycle boots: ? (old), necklace: Forever 21, sunglasses: Oliver Peoples, tights: DIY.

One of my favourite colour combinations lately has been neutral tones such as peach and soft pink paired with black. In the past I rarely wore neutral colours but recently I decided to try to add new colours to my wardrobe. I decided to pair this cute feminine skirt with an all black outfit and toughen it up a bit with motorcycle boots. What colour palettes are you experimenting with this fall?

Fall Staples

2010-10-20T04:00:00.001-05:00

Cardigan: Joe Fresh, t-shirt: LAMade, denim leggings: J Brand, boots: Botkier, pendant: Hilary Druxman, necklace: ? (old), sunglasses: Oliver Peoples.

Do you have an item in your closet that you just couldn't live without? That's how I feel about these boots. I usually swear by Frye boots, but I took a chance on these Botkier boots on an end of season sale last year and couldn't be happier. The rich chocolate brown leather is buttery soft and I love how they are slim and sleek but have a touch of toughness with the metal chain. I practically live in outfits like throughout fall and winter: drapey cardigans, denim leggings, and riding boots. What are your favourite fall staples?

Eyelets and Eggplant

2010-10-19T04:00:00.000-05:00

Skirt: Topshop, top: Alternative Apparel, wedges: Steve Madden, belt: Winners, necklace: ? (old), sunglasses: Rayban.

I ordered this eyelet skirt from Topshop a while ago but hadn't worn it yet because I didn't know what to wear it with. I finally settled on pairing it with this casual eggplant top to add a pop off colour and black and gold accessories. I can also see myself wearing this skirt with tights and boots this fall and winter.

Apple Crisp with Toffee Sauce

2010-10-18T04:00:00.000-05:00

My absolute favourite dessert is apple crisp. To me, it is the perfect treat to enjoy while sitting by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate on a cold fall or winter day. Fall has officially arrived here and I turned on the heat in my house for the first time yesterday. In honour of the declining temperature I decided it was time to whip up a batch of apple crisp. The recipe I used can be found here. This recipe also includes a delicious toffee sauce for the apple crisp, which I didn't make on this occasion because I felt I didn't need the extra calories after a weekend of unhealthy eating; but trust me, it is amazing with the crisp!

Wild Thing

2010-10-15T04:00:00.000-05:00

It would be an understatement to say that I've been loving leopard print accessories this fall. I've been looking to add a leopard print piece to my wardrobe that will give any outfit an instant 'pop'. I've been leaning towards a pair of ballet flats or a belt. Do you have any leopard accessories in your closet?

Top Row:
J.J. Winters Crossbody Stud Bag Chain Strap, $85.
Maurie & Eve Fantasies Wedge Heel, $275.
Forever 21 Vintage Leopard Bag, $29.80.

Middle Row:
Forever 21 Lightweight Leopard Scarf, $8.80.
Jeffrey Campbell Frankie Leopard Boot, $170.
Citrine by the Stones Leopard and Gold Disc Earrings, $125.

Bottom Row:
Vigo Leopard Mesh Pumps, $36.
Topshop Leopard Print Jeans Belt, $60.
Topshop Leopard Print Beret, $30.

Black and Blue

2010-10-14T04:00:00.001-05:00

Blouse: Joe Fresh, tank: Gap, skinny jeans: J Brand, ballet flats: Coach, necklace: Hilary Druxman, biker jacket: People's Liberation, sunglasses: Oliver Peoples, scarf: gift from my grandma.

This is what I wore to work yesterday. The dress code is very casual at the school I teach at, which can be both good and bad. The good part is that I can wear jeans and a blouse every day, the bad part is that when I get dressed up in a skirt, dress, heels, or add a piece of statement jewellery, at least one co-worker asks "why are you so dressed up today?". This question usually results me in feeling self-conscious for the rest of the day, wondering whether everyone is looking at me funny. I'm starting to get better at taking it as a compliment, but it's been difficult. Does this ever happen to you, at work or in another environment? What is your response?

Pumpkin Slice

2010-10-13T04:00:00.002-05:00

One of my favourite parts of fall is anything and everything pumpkin flavoured. I will never turn down a slice of pumpkin pie no matter how much turkey I've had and Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte is one of my guilty pleasures. My mom has a killer pumpkin slice recipe, and I couldn't resist making two trays of it this weekend while I was out visiting my family. Here is the recipe:

Pumpkin Slice

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
14 oz. can of pumpkin (or fresh pumpkin if you have it on hand)
1 cup flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix all ingredients. Pour into 9 x 13 inch pan and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool.

Icing

4 oz. cream cheese
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups icing sugar

Beat ingredients together then spread over cooled pumpkin slice.

Enjoy!

Athletic Chic

2010-10-12T04:00:00.001-05:00

T-shirt: Alternative Apparel, skirt: Topshop, cardigan: Joe Fresh, oxfords: Kimchi Blue, necklace: homemade, sunglasses: Oliver Peoples.

Lately I've been playing around with the concept of mixing an athletic or casual top with a dressier, feminine skirt to create new looks with the pieces that are already in my closet. I had fun creating a casual look with this ultra feminine skirt and I love the how its style contrasts with the crewneck t-shirt.

Starting this blog has inspired me to 'shop my closet' more often and mix and match pieces that I never would have thought would work together. Thank you to all of the fabulous bloggers out there who are a constant inspiration to me!

Where the Green Grass Grows

2010-10-11T04:00:00.000-05:00

Top: Alternative Apparel, skirt: Gap, boots: my mom's, necklace: homemade, sunglasses: Oliver Peoples.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my fellow Canadians! I've had a nice relaxing weekend out visiting my family in the country. Here are some pictures I took yesterday while taking Huxley for a walk. I left the city in a rush Friday night and once I got here I realized I only brought the shoes I had on my feet - my sequin flats; which would have been slightly inappropriate for walking around the dirt roads here. Luckily my mom and I have the same size feet and I was able to borrow a pair of her boots. Do any of you raid your mom's closet when you go to visit? Do you find that you have the same taste in clothing as your mom?

Mild October

2010-10-08T04:00:00.001-05:00

Blouse: Maurice's, skinny pants: Joe Fresh, military jacket: Joe Fresh, boots: Aldo (old), necklace: Hilary Druxman, sunglasses: Oliver Peoples.

After dealing with colder than average temperatures for most of August and September, I've been pleasantly surprised with the gorgeous weather that has struck in this first week of October. Despite this, I couldn't help bringing my suede moccasin boots out for the first time this fall. Fortunately the forecast shows it being warm all weekend long. It's been a long week so I'm looking forward to spending my holiday weekend visiting with family, reading the new Nicholas Sparks novel, and enjoying the gorgeous weather with my dog.

How are you spending your weekend?

Even my cat wanted to get outside and enjoy the warm weather!

At First Blush

2010-10-07T04:00:00.000-05:00

Blouse: Topshop, camisole: Gap, skinny pants: Joe Fresh, clogs: Prima (Topshop), necklace: Forever 21, headband: Target, sunglasses: RayBan, belt: Danier.

I'm loving this new blouse from Topshop. From skirts to wide leg jeans to skinny pants, it goes with everything. I love how it's super feminine and comfortable at the same time. It also fits with my goal of incorporating neutrals and solid colours into my wardrobe. I can't wait to pair it with my green skinny cargo pants.

Back in Rotation

2010-10-06T04:00:00.000-05:00

Skirt: Gap (old), boots: ? (old), tights: Urban Outfitters, blouse: Target (old), blazer: Silence and Noise, necklace: ? (old), sunglasses: RayBan.

I've decided to make a conscious effort to stick to a budget (it's so hard!) and find new ways to rotate older pieces back into my wardrobe. This skirt, blouse and boots are all 3-4 years old and I had never worn them together before. I added a boyfriend blazer, opaque tights and wayfarers to create a brand new look with old pieces!

Super Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

2010-10-05T04:00:00.001-05:00

For the entire week I had been craving a peanut butter dessert. I picked up a large jar of peanut butter at the store the other day and coincidentally there was a recipe for Super Easy Peanut Butter Cookies right on the jar. I whipped up a batch in no time at all because they really were super easy to make with only 3 ingredients! I now have some delicious melt-in-your-mouth cookies to satisfy my craving for the week.

Super Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg

Mix well, roll into balls and place on ungreased baking sheet. Press down with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes or until light brown. Makes 24 cookies.

Dog Walking

2010-10-04T04:00:00.000-05:00

Lululemon clothing: Still Pants, Cool Racerback, Define Jacket. Shoes: Asics, sunglasses: Oliver Peoples.

My favourite brand of athletic apparel is made by Canadian company Lululemon. From walking the dog to hot yoga, Lululemon's clothing keeps me cool and comfortable. I decided to snap some shots after taking Huxley to the dog park yesterday.

A Little Dijon

2010-10-01T04:00:00.002-05:00

Tunic dress: Joe Fresh, tights: Topshop, motorcycle jacket: Danier, platforms: Seychelles (thrifted), necklace: ? (old), sunglasses: Oliver Peoples.

Here is my first venture into mustard tights territory. I have had these tights in my closet for quite some time now but wasn't quite sure what to wear them with. I knew that black was a definite no unless I wanted to dress as a bumblebee for Hallowe'en, so I finally settled on pairing them with this blue and white patterned tunic dress. It worked out perfectly because it gave me the opportunity to transition this thin, summer dress into a new outfit for fall by pairing it with opaque tights and a leather jacket. I think mustard tights would look great with a hunter green or wine coloured dress, which might be my excuse to shop online this weekend!

Skeletons in my Closet

2010-09-30T04:00:00.000-05:00

Denim leggings: Denimocracy: t-shirt: Alternative Apparel, sneakers: Lacoste, cardigan: Topshop, necklace: Forever 21, sunglasses: Oliver Peoples, belt: Danier.

I happened to be shopping with my mom when I purchased these jeans earlier this year. She didn't feel the same way about them that I did and she told me they were 'skeleton pants'. Her dislike for them didn't bother me; I bought them anyway because they are super comfortable and fun. On this occasion I paired them with my new fisherman cardigan, pink Lacoste sneakers, and a peacock necklace from Forever 21. It's a bit of a random outfit, but I think it's all part of the fun of experimenting with personal style!

Yaki Soba with Shrimp

2010-09-29T04:00:00.001-05:00

My favourite foods have always been noodle dishes. From pastas to soups to stirfry dishes, spicy to sweet, I love anything that contains noodles. One of my favourite dishes to make at home is yaki soba. I used to work at a Japanese restaurant during university and after salivating over their yaki soba shift after shift, I decided to find a recipe online and try it myself. I have used this recipe many times; and I add extra vegetables and whatever type of meat or seafood that I have on hand. The result is a delicious and nutritious meal that satisfies my craving everytime!

Coral Crush

2010-09-28T04:00:00.000-05:00

Top: Michael Kors, skirt: Topshop, blazer: Silence and Noise, tights: Hue, wedges: Steve Madden, necklace: Forever 21, sunglasses: Oliver Peoples.

When I first laid eye on these coral tights, I wasn't sure if I was brave enough to wear a pair of tights in such a vibrant colour. I decided to give them a try and see if I could pull them off. I paired them with an otherwise monocromatic outfit and they provided a fun pop of colour. Next up: mustard coloured tights!

Sub-lime

2010-09-27T04:00:00.000-05:00

Dress: Glam, blazer: Silence & Noise, flats: Coach, necklace: Forever 21, tights: Urban Outfitters.

I'm definitely loving shift dresses this season. They are just so comfortable and look great with opaque tights and flats. The best part is that they are forgiving when you've eaten a big dinner! I picked up this cute lime dress on Hautelook for a steal of $17! It was the perfect dress to wear to a work function on Friday night.

I Want it Now: The Perfect Peacoat

2010-09-24T04:00:00.000-05:00

In my neck of the woods, mild fall temperatures don't last for long. Despite the fact that it has been officially fall for only a handful of days, the mercury has dropped to nearly freezing temperature here. I've decided to begin my search for the perfect fall/winter coat early this year and these are a few of the coats that caught my eye this week. I haven't decided whether to go for a classic black peacoat or go for something different such as a bright colour or unique detailing. Any suggestions?

Top Row:
Asos Wool Hooded Duffle Coat, $126.38.
Delia's Jamie Solid Peacoat, $79.50 (on sale!).

Mango Bright Belted Funnel Neck Coat, $160.08(on sale!).

Middle Row:
Mackage Elise Pea Coat, $520.
Topshop Ultimate Peacoat, $170.
Forever 21 Wool-Blend Coat, $37.80.

Bottom Row:
Topshop Military Style Piped Coat, $160.
Karen Miller Biker Moleskin Coat, $379.13.
Topshop Belted Boyfriend Coat, $160.

Coloured Denim

2010-09-23T04:00:00.002-05:00

Biker jacket: Danier, trapeze tank: target, jeans: Genetic Denim, pendant: Hilary Druxman, necklace: ? (old), wedges: Steve Madden.

Do you ever just throw together an outfit on the spur the moment with minimal planning and thought involved? I often do this and more often than not, my outfits end up looking just as good, if not better than if I would have planned them in advance. I think I end up taking more chances and mixing items I normally wouldn't when I am pressed for time. This is one of my outfits that falls into that category. I literally grabbed the first top I saw in my closet and threw on my leather jacket to keep warm and voila - a new way to remix my purple jeans!

Purple + Pattern

2010-09-22T04:00:00.001-05:00

Dress: Kensie, biker jacket: People's liberation, tights: Topshop, ballet flats: Frye, belt: Banana Republic, pendant: Hilary Druxman.

I picked up this patterned dress last spring and have been dying to pair it with some coloured opaque tights. I finally got the chance earlier this week when I paired it with purple tights and my biker jacket. I decided to go all out in terms of colour and threw on my yellow ballet flats
to complete the look.

Butter Tart Bars

2010-09-21T04:00:00.001-05:00

When I was younger, I had an aversion to butter tarts. I think I used to assume they were plain, boring, and reserved for my grandma at tea time. Or maybe I just didn't like raisins. But my tastes have evolved and butter tarts are now one of favourite treats. I came across this recipe that puts a spin on the classic Canadian butter tart. The bars tasted just as good as the traditional tarts that are baked in muffin tins but took me a fraction of the time to make!

In the Navy

2010-09-20T04:00:00.001-05:00

Jacket: Joe Fresh, top: ? (old), shorts: Joe's Jeans, pendant: Urban Outfitters, necklace: vintage (my grandma's), oxfords: Urban Outfitters, belt: Danier.

I had been looking for an olive green military inspired jacket for a while when I stumbled upon this one by Joe Fresh. I had seen their new commercial that showcases their fall line and knew I had to check it out in stores. This jacket was priced reasonably so I snapped it up in a hurry. If you're not familiar with Joe Fresh, it is an affordable line by Club Monaco's founder Joe Mimran and is sold at Loblaws stores in Canada. I threw together a casual outfit based on this jacket to run errands on Saturday, and it was the perfect jacket to wear on a crisp fall morning.

Sunshine Award!

2010-09-18T15:26:00.003-05:00

I this week I was tagged with the 'Sunshine Award' by Kirstin at Crimson Rosella. I really love her blog so I was thrilled that she honoured me with this lovely award.

The amazing bloggers I wish to pass this award on to are:

Congrats ladies! I admire all of your blogs - they are truly inspirational!

Here are the rules accompanying the award:

1) Save the image above and post it to your own blog
2) Pass the award on to 12 fellow bloggers
3) Link the nominees
4) Let nominees know they have won this award by commenting on their blog
5) Share the love and link to the person you received this award from

Ruffles and Roses

2010-09-17T04:00:00.000-05:00

Dress: Topshop, tights: Forever 21, ballet flats: Coach, necklace: Forever 21, sunglasses: Oliver Peoples.

As I mentioned here I've been trying to incorporate more muted, soft colours into my wardrobe. I realized that I have a tendency to gravitate toward prints and bright colours, but after seeing other bloggers rocking outfits in shades of peach, soft pink and cream, I've decided to give it a try.

I couldn't be happier with this Topshop ruffle shift dress. I find it to be really comfortable and figure-flattering at the same time, and the tiered ruffles make it so feminine. I'm definitely going to be looking for more dresses in this shape for fall.

DIY Tights

2010-09-16T04:00:00.000-05:00

After seeing several bloggers rocking their homemade embellished tights, such as here and here, I become inspired to try it myself. I went and picked up a few pairs of inexpensive tights, lace strips, bows and beads to experiment with. These tights turned out to be surprisingly easy to make as long as you have the time. I found the best way is to wear the tights while you sew, and once you have finished the front side, put the tights on backwards to sew the back. I chose to go with a non-symmetrical look by randomly placing the lace flowers on the tights. I'm working on my third pair now and I will post pictures of pairs 2 and 3 soon!

Mellow Yellow

2010-09-15T04:00:00.002-05:00

Top: Forever 21, denim leggings: J Brand, flats: Frye, watch: Citizen, pendant: Urban Outfitters.

It would be an understatement to say that I've been living in ballet flats since my knee surgery. I technically can walk in heels; but I think I would rather not risk having to go through the whole surgery experience again. So for the next few weeks I am going to be religiously wearing flats. These Frye ballet flats are probably my favourite pair I own; they are ridiculously comfortable, they add a fun pop of colour to any outfit, and yellow is just one of those colours that makes me smile!

Chocolate Coconut Melts

2010-09-14T04:00:00.001-05:00

This week I had a craving for a coconut dessert so I went to my Company's Coming: 150 Delicious Squares cookbook in search of the perfect recipe to satisfy my craving. I settled upon Chocolate Coconut Melts, which were not only chewy and melt in your mouth delicious, they were also simple to make (5 ingredients) and required minimal mess and cleanup.

Chocolate Coconut Melts

Ingredients

11 oz. or 300mL sweetened condensed milk 11oz or 300mL
2x1 oz. unsweetened chocolate baking squares
1/4 tsp. salt
2 2/3 cup flake coconut
1 tsp. vanilla

Method
Combine condensed milk, chocolate and salt in heavy pot or top of double boiler over hot water. Stir every once in awhile as the chocolate melts. Remove from heat when melted and thickened.

Add coconut and vanilla. Stir to blend. Scrape into greased 8x8 inch pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes until set. Cool. Cuts into 25 squares.

Back to Work

2010-09-13T04:00:00.005-05:00

Skirt: homemade, blazer: Gap, t-shirt: LA Made, oxfords: Kimchi Blue, pendant: Urban Outfitters, sunglasses: Oliver Peoples, belt: Winners? (old).

Here is the last of four skirts I made this summer. I chose this fabric because I think it's easy to dress up or down depending on the look I'm going for. On this particular occasion I wore it to work and paired it with a crisp white tee and my denim blazer.

I Want it Now: Fall Cravings

2010-09-10T04:00:00.001-05:00

I've done a fair bit of fall shopping already and checked a few trendy items off my wish list including a sequin blazer, a faux leopard coat, an olive green military jacket, chunky wedges and a faux leather biker jacket. However, my "list" never quite seems to end. Here are a few of the items I've been drooling over this week. I'm especially loving the wool fedora and the leather shift dress (not that I can justify the price, but I can always dream, right?)

Top Row:
Anthropologie Discovered Lace Dress, $188.
Topshop Sheer Sleeve Smock Dress, $100.
Topshop Leather Tunic Dress, $310.

Middle Row:
Topshop Oversized Jumper by Boutique, $125.
Alice + Olivia Evan Sequin Striped Hoodie, $368.
Topshop Knitted Aran Cardigan, $100.

Bottom Row:
Forever 21 Banded Wool Fedora, $17.80.
Forever 21 Wool Blend Shorts, $17.80.
Topshop Salt Pepper A-Line Skirt, $70.
See by Chloe Park Tweed Skirt, $168.

Chicken Pasta Salad

2010-09-09T04:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was in the market for a quick and easy dinner that made of use of items that i already had in my fridge and my garden. I decided to make a pasta salad with chicken and after browsing many recipes I settled upon this one. I added cucumber, green peppers, chives and herbs from my garden in addition to the ingredients the recipe called for. The pasta salad was really delicious, light and fresh tasting and was enough to be a complete meal with the amount of chicken and veggies that I added. One thing I might try next time is to add a bit less mayo and dressing because I would prefer it a bit less creamy.

Sequins and Satin

2010-09-08T04:00:00.003-05:00

Dress: Love 21, blazer: Matty M, pendant: Urban Outfitters, watch: Citizen, heels: vintage Salvatore Ferragamo (thrifted).

After searching for a sequined piece to add to my fall wardrobe for a few weeks, I was able to pick up this slouchy blazer on HauteLook for a reasonable price. Although I love the look of some of the gold and silver sequined pieces out there, I was drawn to this copper blazer because it is a little more subdued. I plan to wear it over and over this fall because it is so versatile and can be worn day or night.

Sea Salted Caramels

2010-09-07T04:00:00.003-05:00

I happened to be browsing the tube earlier this week when I came across one my favourite Canadian shows, Dragons' Den, where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a group of multi-millionaires with the hopes of getting an investment offer (You may have seen the American spinoff of the show on ABC, Shark Tank). What caught my eye on this particular occasion was a woman named Erin who calls herself the Happy Baker. She created and self-published a cookbook that combines delicious recipes with anecdotal tales of her dating mishaps. I was intrigued and immediately had to check out her website.

I've always been a fan of sweet and salty treats so this recipe for "It's Not Me, It's You Sea Salted Caramels" immediately caught my eye. This recipe was incredibly easy to make and is now officially one of my favourite desserts - I have pretty much been living on a diet of sea salted caramels all week! I may just have to head down to my local bookstore this week to check out Erin's book; her cleverly titled recipes and dating stories that were shared on the website had me laughing out loud!

Long Weekend Casual

2010-09-06T04:00:00.001-05:00

Jeans: J Brand, t-shirt: Alternative Apparel, cardigan: Alternative Apparel, necklace: Forever 21, wedges: Steve Madden, sunglasses: Oliver Peoples 'Candice'.

Happy Labour Day! I hope everyone is having a great long weekend. Saturday was a little bit chilly here so I donned a cardigan and a pair of my most comfortable skinny jeans to run out and do some errands. I also got to wear my new Oliver Peoples sunglasses for the first time and I love them. The best part was that I scored them on Billion Dollar Babes for a fraction of the retail price! I know this isn't anything particularly fancy or special about this outfit, but in my opinion it's nice to see other bloggers' casual style in addition to their dressed up style, so I've decided to post more of my every day outfits.

Versatile Blogger Award

2010-09-04T20:49:00.000-05:00

Thursday I came home to a pleasant surprise - I found out that Marilou at Twenty York Street presented me the Versatile Blogger Award! I started this blog just for fun; I didn't even know if anyone would read it, so it's always nice to be noticed. My task was to thank the person who gave me this award and link back to their blog (thank you Marilou!), state 7 random facts about myself, and then pass the award on to some other blogger that I admire. So here goes:

Seven Random Facts:

I grew up in a small town of 1000 people on a farm. I lived a fairly sheltered life until I moved to the city.
I was a sporty tomboy growing up; I didn't discover my love for fashion and shopping until I moved to the city for university!
I have three cats: Cammy, Moose and Patch and one dog: Huxley. I guess you could consider me a crazy cat lady.
I like reading those celebrity gossip magazines. No, I don't buy them on a regular occasion, but it's one of my guilty pleasures when I'm heading to the beach or on a trip.
I'm a high school teacher and I love it; there's never a dull moment.
I am one of those people that just can't sit still. I always need to be doing something and even when I have time to relax, I get restless and create things to do.
I love pretty much all types of music. From country to jazz to 90's grunge to 80's pop, I love to listen to music whenever possible; it makes me smile.

The lovely bloggers I want to pass this award on to:

Natasha at Twenty-Something
Jamie-Lee at Page Sixxx
Jasmine at Fashion Obsessed
Jessica at Breakfast at Gigi's
Josie at With a Wink and a Smile
Giselle at Style of a Fashionista
Diana at exPress-o

Thanks for reading and have a great long weekend!

I Want it Now! Fall Trends

2010-09-03T04:00:00.002-05:00

After spending many hours mindlessly browsing my favourite online shops this week, I put together a collage of some of the trends I am looking forward to trying this fall. I am loving so many items from Topshop; their pieces are always right on-trend at relatively affordable prices. What are your favourite trends for fall?

Top Row:
Topshop Bugle Sequin Shell Blouse, $135.
Topshop Premium Sequin Drape Skirt, $170.
Topshop Leopard Tassel Cross Body Bag, $60.

Middle Row:
Topshop Leather Zip Shorts, $135.
Forever 21 Pleather Skirt, $19.80.
Jeffrey Campbell Mariel Wedge, $169.

Bottom Row:
Topshop 50 Denier Purple Opaque Tights, $8.
Forever 21 Solid Nylon Tights, $3.50.
Topshop Zip Square Holdall, $70.
Topshop The Knightsbridge by Marc B, $78.

Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Bars

2010-09-02T04:00:00.000-05:00

To get my weekly sugar fix I wanted to make a dessert with macadamia nuts. I usually make macadamia nut cookies, but decided to search for a recipe for a bar or slice because I was pressed for time. I ended up using this recipe with a few modifications, and the bars turned out to be really tasty. I realized after starting the recipe that I didn't have the required amount of chocolate chips, so I just winged it and threw in some white chocolate and butterscotch chips in addition to the chocolate chips I had. I really liked these bars and I will definitely make them again in the future!

Sequins and Leather

2010-09-01T04:00:00.001-05:00

Jacket: People's Liberation (as seen here), Sequined top: Forever 21, Shorts: Joe's Jeans, Shoes: Kimchi Blue (at Urban Outfitters), Necklace: Forever 21, Bag: Candies (old).

Well I finally decided it was time to venture outside of the house for the first time in too many days. It was freezing out last night; all I wanted to do was slip on a pair of comfy jeans, but I soon discovered that even my widest legged jeans don't comfortably fit over my bandaged and swollen knee. So I decided not to be ashamed of my bandage and take the few lingering looks I garnered at the movie theatre in stride. The good news is that my knee is getting better every day and I should be bandage free in a matter of days! Thanks for all of the kind words and well wishes; each and every one makes me smile!

Taco Time

2010-08-31T04:00:00.001-05:00

The other day I had a craving for fish tacos, and wanted to make a relatively healthy version that didn't feature battered and fried fish. I had a hard time finding a recipe that would work for me; none of the 5 stores I visited had tomatillos for salsa verde, I wanted to grill the fish, and I wanted a tasty marinade for the fish. After spending too much time looking for a recipe that fit all of these requirements, I decided to use bits and pieces of a few recipes and add my own spin on the ingredients.

I used this salsa fresca recipe; but used two red tomatoes, one unriped green tomato and added a can of green chillies that I had kicking around. I used this marinade; but substituted olive oil for canola oil and added a bit of chopped garlic. I used cod but you could substitute it for tilapia, halibut, haddock or any other white fish you have at home. I baked the fish in the oven instead of grilling it because it happened to be raining that day and I'm a wimp, and garnished the tacos with avocado and green cabbage in addition to the salsa fresca.

Making these tacos was a fun experience for me because I learned that I don't need to follow a recipe 'to a tee' for it to work out. I have decided that I want to take more chances and experiment with cooking and baking in order to make the recipes I use 'my own'.

Back in Black

2010-08-30T04:00:00.000-05:00

Tank: Michael Michael Kors, Skirt: Forever 21, Wedges: Steve Madden "Winka", Blazer: Silence and Noise at Urban Outfitters, Handbag: vintage (thrifted), Necklace: Urban Outfitters, Watch: Citizen.

I recently realized with the exception of this post, I have primarily been wearing outfits that are based on bright colours and/or prints. I don't know if this is just because it is summer or if I had just never realized that I have an aversion to muted tones and solid colours. Not that there is anything wrong with patterns or colours, but I decided to mix it up a bit and try to put together an outfit that revolves around (not so basic) black.

I had just received these wedges the morning I took these pictures, and I am completely in love with them. I ordered them from Hautelook during their Steve Madden sale a couple of weeks ago, and they satisfied my craving for these wedges at a considerably lower price tag.

On another note, I took these photos last week so I had an extra post ready for today. The reason is that I just had knee surgery at the end of last week and knew that I wouldn't be well enough to take outfit photos for at least a couple of days. My recovery is going really well and I think I will be able to put on something other than pyjamas and take some outfit photos in a day or two!

I Want it Now! Fall Jackets

2010-08-27T04:00:00.001-05:00

With fall quickly approaching, I have spent the last few days browsing through pages and pages of fall jackets in different styles. The ones that seemed to be catching my eye were biker styles, not-so-basic boyfriend blazers, classic trenches in camel and khaki colors, military inspired jackets in olive tones, and unique cuts and styles in suede or faux suede. These were a few of that jackets that were calling my name this week at (mostly) affordable prices. Which jackets are you going to be rocking this fall?

Top Row:
Forever 21 Studded Leatherette Jacket, $47.80.
Topshop Leather Saddle Stitch Jacket, $310.
Topshop Fleece Collar Pu Biker Jacket, $110.

Second Row:
Topshop Swallow Print Boyfriend Blazer, $125.
Topshop Slouchy Blazer, $135.
Topshop Draped Tencil Biker Jacket, $145.

Third Row:
Forever 21 Studded Pyramid Jacket, $27.80.
Topshop Exposed Seam Trench Coat, $160.
Anthropologie Page-Turner Trench Coat, $268.

Bottom Row:
Topshop Suede Chiffon Peplum Jacket, $145.
Delia's Shauna Military Jacket, $69.50.
Anthropologie Convoy Coat, $238.

Double Lemon Bars

2010-08-26T04:00:00.002-05:00

After purchasing a huge bag of lemons at the market this weekend, I made a large pitcher of lemonade and still had a few lemons to spare. I then went to my trusty Bon Appetit cookbook in search of an easy and tasty lemon dessert in order to make use of the remaining lemons. After bypassing a few options that looked too complicated, I stumbled upon this recipe for double lemon bars. It turned out to be fast, easy and really delicious. I took the bars over to a friend's dinner party and they were a huge hit! The recipe can be found online here.

Tie One On

2010-08-25T04:00:00.002-05:00

Top: Gap (Old), Skirt: Homemade, Socks: Target, Oxfords: Kimchi Blue, Clutch: Vintage, Belt: Street Vendor in Thailand, Necklace: Homemade.

The moment I noticed this interesting fabric at my local fabric store I knew I just had to buy it. The name of the fabric "Aunt Grace Ties One On" is as unique as its design - little scotty dogs wearing bow ties interspersed with polka dots. I don't know who Aunt Grace is but I sure do love her cute fabric!

Crushed-Mint Lemonade

2010-08-24T04:00:00.004-05:00

After a week of scorching temperatures, I had a craving for freshly squeezed lemonade. I stumbled upon this recipe, which helped me make use of the mint that was taking over my garden. The recipe was easy to follow and the mint put a refreshing spin on the classic taste of lemonade. It was the perfect drink to sip on the patio on a hot summer night!

Tough as Nails

2010-08-23T04:00:00.002-05:00

Leather (faux) jacket: People's Liberation, Top: People's Liberation, Skinny cargos: Blank Denim, Ballet flats: Coach, Clutch: Winners, Necklace: Target (0ld).

After the weeks and weeks on end of sweltering hot and humid weather, it turned cold and rainy for several days. I didn't mind at all because it gave me a chance to take this new biker jacket out for a spin. I ordered both this top and jacket from the People's Liberation sale on Hautelook recently and couldn't be happier with them. I couldn't believe my eyes when I was able to score this jacket for $40! If you haven't signed up on Hautelook yet, you definitely should. It's free to sign up and no invite is needed. Every time I wear these skinny cargos I fall in love with them even more. They are so soft and comfy - I never want to take them off!