Headbands

As we approach February (technically the last month of winter!), I can't help but anticipate spring weather. One of my favourite accessories for Spring is a headband. With loose, casual waves they can look pretty, yet effortless. Here are a few of my favourite styles as of late.

 

1. Silky and patterned

2.  Colourful and encrusted with jewels

3. Multi-stranded

Transitional Skirts

Top: Club Monaco; Skirt: Club Monaco; Boots: Zara; Jacket: Banana Republic; Necklace: Macy's; Gloves: The Bay

In sticking with one of my resolutions this year - "invest in staples; save on trendy items" - I scooped up this printed skirt, knowing that it could easily transition from winter when worn with tights, to the summer with cute sandals. The plethora of outfit options and potentiality that overwhelmed me in store, confirmed it to be a worth-while investment. Plus it has pockets. Bonus!

Tuxedo Pants

Sweater: Gap; Pants: American Eagle; Cropped Trench: Banana Republic (cool denim version here); Heels: Zara (similar styles here and here); Purse: Zara; Necklace: Urban Outfitters (similar)

I love an unexpected take on a traditional piece, so these tuxedo-inspired pants fit the bill perfectly. I paired them with classic items (simple crewneck sweater, black trench) to ensure they weren't competing for attention. A fitted black blazer might be my next approach for a sleeker ensemble. Any other styling tips out there? Please share in the comments :)

You can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin, Pinterest, and Instagram! 

Life Lately

1. The final course of a delicious fondue dinner.

2. Mixing pattern and texture with my new AE jeans (now on sale!).

3. My latest DIY project - a glittery mason jar, which I intend to fill with fresh flowers.

4. An alternative night out - Ping Pong competitions at Spin Toronto.

5. A recent Zara find, more photos here.

6. A new Kate Spade mug that brightens up my desk at work. 

7. Style me Pretty Weddings inspiration and a plethora of craft supplies. 

8. Steve rolling out the dough for these homemade maple cookies. 

9. A casual look featuring my new favourite Gap Tshirt. More outfit photos here. 

Follow me on Instagram here! :) 

Jeans and a T

Tshirt: Gap; Blazer: Gap (similar); Jeans: Gap (old, love these); Belt: H&M; Heels: Zara; Necklace: H&M

 Spotted this "postcard T" in store a couple weeks ago and was immediately drawn to it for the SF reference. Haight-Ashbury is probably one of my favorite areas of the city - great for vintage shopping and DVD sales at Amoeba, a typical compromise for Steve and I. 

 This past weekend was abnormally warm for mid-January, so I took full advantage, opting for this outfit of light layers. Now I officially have Spring on the brain and am counting down the days till the end of winter!

The Pants Option

Top: Zara; Pants: Gap; Heels: Nine West (similar here); Jacket: Zara (old; love this hunter green blazer as a warmer weather option); Watch: Michael Kors; Bracelets: Madewell and Forever 21; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

While I'm definitely a skirts and dresses type of girl, sometimes I can't help but gravitate towards a pair of slim black pants, a textured top and heels for a Friday night out. This top (found in the racks upon racks of sale items at Zara right now) caught my eye because of the combination of materials, pockets, and small studded details, not to mention the tiny skull centered in the middle of the collar which I only noticed after purchasing - not bad for an unexpected detail. Happy Tuesday!

You can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin, Pinterest, and Instagram! 

Golden Globes' Golden Dress

 I missed the Golden Globes this year, but I still scoped out the collection of pretty dresses that swept the red carpet, and Emily Blunt's yellow and gold Micheal Kors dress was by far my favorite. I love how the brocade pattern is layered with small gold studs that look more delicate than edgy, and her fuchsia earrings were perfectly complimentary in color. I also love that she kept her hair simple and pulled back, and her make-up clean and fresh, letting the dress make the statement.

What were you favorite looks of the night?

New Year. New Goals.

Half way through January I decided to write down a few resolutions or mini goals for 2013. Better late than never right? I tend to set goals that are less daunting, and more fun and doable so that they feel less like tasks and more like fulfilling projects. Here's a few of the things on my list this year:

Find and conquer crafty DIY projects. Get out running (the Toronto half-marathon is coming up!). Try new recipes. See all (or almost all) of the movies up for an Oscar this year. Stand up straighter (for you, Mom). Take time to use good skincare products regularly. Paint pictures to hang in our apartment. Try hot yoga. Sleep in longer on weekends. Find a new dentist in the city (recommendations welcome!). Blog more, despite cold, wintery temps. Establish a detailed plan for our wedding and start crossing things off the list. Make delicious homemade breakfasts every Saturday. Invest in wardrobe staples; save on trendy items.  Go for regular pedicures. Plan a date night once a week, and throw in a spontaneous one every now and then. Give my blog a face-lift for a fresh new look.

Currently Craving: Modern Scrunchie

It's been years (probably a decade or so) since I've worn or even contemplated a scrunchie, but this particular one may have changed my stance on the quintessential 80's/90's hair accessory. In the right pattern and fabric (silk would be nice!), with just the right amount of scrunch, and particularly worn over a low pony tail - I can see this item making its way into my spring wardrobe. What are your thoughts on the scrunchie?

Spotted

Blouse: H&M; Cardigan: Urban Outfitters (now on sale!); Faux-Fur Vest: Banana Republic (now on sale!); Leather Leggings: TopShop; Boots: Urban Outfitters; Headband: Free People; Bracelets: Aerie; Earrings: H&M

I took a few days off over the last couple weeks to relax and spend time with friends and family, but as the first full work week begins, it seems its time to settle back into regular routine. Happy Monday!