Facebook + Blog Design

Okay fabulous followers, I've got a new way for you to show your support! I've just created a Facebook page for the blog. I'll be posting blog updates there as well as other links & lovely random bits that don't make it here. You can like it here (there's now a tab in the sidebar as well). I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate your support! So a huge thanks in advance ;) 

On which note: If you've been following me up until this point you will have noticed that I've finally implemented some long over-due design changes to make the page a little easier to navigate. A huge thanks to Sue of As It Seems Designs for all the work she put into creating this look & the endless emails back & forth! Like any website it's a work in progress. To make sure things are perfect as possible for you lovely readers I would appreciate any feedback or constructive criticisms you may have! :)

Last but not least, a few words on the look above: This is a typical errand-running outfit for me. It's pretty much a jumble of my favourite & most comfortable pieces thrown together. On the rare occasion that I wear jeans I like to pair them with heels to dress them up & throw some brights or prints into the mix. This particular day I chose the brightest of bright bags, my fluro pink Cambridge satchel; & added a touch of glitz with my beloved Spike the Punch necklace! How do you jazz up your errand-wear?

I was wearing:

Turquoise Batwing top - Piko1988, via Nastygal

Dark legging jeans - Banana Republic

Pink fluro bag - Cambridge Satchel Company (here)

Rainey necklace - Spike the Punch

Pointy-toed heels - Spring (old)

Wayfarers - Ray Ban

Lemon Drop Jeans

I know I'm preaching to the converted, but there really is nothing like a little shopping to brighten a grey day. Especially when that shopping involves neon yellow jeans. That's right. Newest addition to my wardrobe & it wasn't very practical at all. Who cares? I love them to pieces & I can't stop smiling.

I was wearing this striped top from Banana Republic when I tried them on, and liked it so much I decided to wear it just so. The shirt is admittedly ill-fitted, but it was the smallest size & at the time I had to have it anyways. Because it was a cooler day I paired it with a black blazer (somewhat fearful of looking bumble-bee esque, but it was my only feasible option). Steve Madden peep-toe heels to dress up the jeans a little, neutral coloured bag, & classic Ray Ban wayfarers. Which is where a story comes in....

It's not often I share random personal stories on the blog, but here is one for the books: I, at the ripe old age of 22, have developed a new phobia of birds. I could go into great detail but basically a few days ago I was attacked by a crow TWICE in one hour. As in out of nowhere it pitched on my head and started attacking me. After googling I discovered it's fledgling season, when mama crows are teaching their young to fly. This makes them protectively aggressive to passers-by. They also have great facial recognition, hence why I've been wearing sunglasses on grey days, feeling as if I'm hiding from particularly threatening paparazzi. If you live in Vancouver I suggest you steer clear of Hornby Street & other tree-dense areas (crow territory/the sight of the crime) until July.

Last but not least, my hair is pulled back for once! I'm not a huge fan of having my hair up (unless I'm at home where it's in a constant messy bun) so this is one of few times you'll see it this way. I did a little french braid in the front to make it a little less plain. The main reason it is up though is because I finally tested out the Wella conditioner I received in my April Glossybox (here). I should have known better. It made my hair (which is very fine) disgustingly greasy, & of course I was short on time so there was no fixing it. Some days ponytails really are warranted. 

I was wearing:

Yellow jeans - Gap (here)

Striped tee - Banana Republic

Necklace - F21 (old)

Peep-toe heels - Steve Madden (old)

Gold Chronograph watch - Michael Kors (here)

Vanilla Hamilton Bag - Michael Kors (here)

Spring Things

Floral pussybow blouse, Zara

In a winter world you have to get your Spring fix somewhere. For me, it's these lovely bright & pastel pieces, purchased on my last day in Vancouver.

A pastel yellow mini satchel, H&M 

Multi-colour statement necklace, Zara

Pastel purple trousers from H&M which I love to pieces! Skinny bottoms with zipper detail too :) 

And this straight-cut pocket detail which I adore as well!

There was another item bought with this set, a pretty cream & gold bangle from H&M. It's currently missing in action sadly. I figured it might simply be lost in the depths of my multiple suitcases, but I was rather disheartened after today's unpacking marathon. I've still a couple cases to go through, so fingers crossed it shows up. 

So those are my lovely new Spring items! Now my only challenge is to incorporate these pretty pastels & florals into a winter appropriate look which also keeps me warm. As long as the gorgeous sunshine continues to cooperate I'll be getting in a photo shoot tomorrow, so stay tuned :)

***One last camera-related note: Many of you have asked me about the camera I generally use. Prior to my last post (aka Vancouver time) all my photos have been taken with a Nikon D7000 (which I love to pieces). For the next couple of months I'll be borrowing my Mom's Canon Rebel T2i. Admittedly I'm a Nikon girl & I have a bit of an aversion to this new Canon; however I do have a tonne of lenses to play with, so it should be a great learning experience none the less! 

Sunshine Brights

There I go with that automatic timer again. At least I didn't confine it to the balcony this time! Rather instead, I found a semi-secluded place downtown where I had only 2 awkward run-in's with curious people wondering what the heck I was doing. As mentioned in yesterday's post I was feeling excessively cheerful & decided to celebrate the sun with some bright wardrobe choices & lip colour. Pulled together rather quickly,  I chose my favourite turquoise top from Nastygal & went from there. For another pop of colour I added my velvet skirt from Club Monaco, tights so my legs wouldn't freeze, & a blazer to replace the confines of my winter coat. Add to that gold accessories, round sunnies, bright pink lipstick, et voila.

I had a lovely afternoon strolling around, people watching & wandering in & out of shops. I managed to restrict myself to one teeny-tiny purchase from H&M, which I'll share with you later this week. In the meantime, I'm planning another little sunshine excursion (thank you weather gods!) today, followed by a productive evening of studying. I spent last night getting all my coursework organized & am consequently both proud as a peacock about it & significantly less anxious. Win-win :) I'm so looking forward to having it all over with soon... only a few more months until freedom!

Cheesy Smile :)

Told you it was bright! Sadly the photos above do it no justice. 

I was wearing:

Turquoise batwing top - NastyGal

Golden velvet skirt - Club Monaco

 Black Blazer - H&M

Necklace - Forever 21

Gold Chronograph Watch - Michael Kors

Number 6 Tortoise Sunglasses - Karen Walker

Black Paloma Wedges - Dolce Vita

Vanilla Hamilton purse - Michael Kors

Lipstick - Elizabeth Arden (Pink Vibrations 49)

What's Inspiring Me Lately...

A miscellaneous handful of the things which have been inspiring my mood & style lately:

Dreaming of London, first & foremost

Colourful nails & lips

Simple, organized, white spaces

Clashing patterns - this floral & polkadot combination is one of my favourites

Simple & very me. My next tattoo, just don't know where to put it yet - suggestions?

Desperately wanting to fill my closet with blue pieces to create an all-blue look

Spring brights, patterns, & faux fur

Sunshine & big sunnies - I'm lusting for these Prada Baroque pair in particular...

Braided to perfection

A cosy work space 

Bright pink lips

Images via Pinterest, Tumblr, Fashion Squad, Jak & Jil, Nobody Knows Marc, & Miss Pandora

Before settling down to a night of study I intend to enjoy this gorgeous sunshiney day to the fullest. I'm going to pick out the cutest, brightest outfit I can find, put on my Elizabeth Arden hot pink lipstick, & shop, explore, & photograph the city to my heart's delight! Have a wonderful day everyone :)

Spring Musings // Nail Inspiration

Some nail colours I'm dying to put into action this Spring + a little bedside reading for sick day numéro deux

You'd think waking up to vehement snow flurries (in Vancouver of all places) would put a damper on my Spring enthusiasm. Well as it turns out, that's hardly the case. I can't get Spring/Summer off my mind! I've been dreaming of bright neon beauties, colour blocking, & wavy beach hair all day from the comfort of my cosy bed (perks of a sick day). I'm so excited to start planning & assembling my new Spring wardrobe. 

I'm also excited to actually have nails to paint lovely bright colours this season. As you may recall one of my New Year's resolutions was to finally stop biting my nails. At the moment it's not going the greatest so I thought a little 'Nail Inspiration' was in order. When it comes to nail art I admittedly lean more toward the plain jane side of things. Here are some simple nail looks that I admire: 

Images via Tumblr, Cupcakes & Cashmere, & Glitter Guide

What are your thoughts on the Spring 2012 line of Chanel polishes (April, May, June - seen here)? As added motivation I think I'll treat myself once my nails get a little better! :)

Have a fabulous evening! <3