157/ MAKING GOOD ON MY RESOLUTIONS

I'm trying to make good on my New Year's resolutions. 

It has been rewarding, albeit a bit difficult. 

Let me explain: I live with social anxiety. Meeting new people and making small talk is not easy extremely stressful for me. I'm trying to put myself out there more and I'm taking small steps to do that. Blogging has always been about community for me and that's why I love it. It's a whole lot easier to strike up a conversation with someone that has a known similar interest to you. So with that being said, I've been trying (my best) to converse with other bloggers and to collaborate with them. This past weekend I met up with a new blogger in Ottawa, Chelsea, to grab coffee and snap some pictures for each other's blogs. It was such a lovely afternoon and I'm so happy that she reached out to me.

In my New Year's post I talked about reaching out to both old friends and new friends and I'm pretty happy with the progress that I've made on that front. I also discussed stepping out of my comfort zone in terms of my fashion choices. I haven't exactly lived up to that just yet but there are a few exciting (and edgy) #ootd posts coming up shortly. I kept it pretty simple for this look, though. I stuck to wearing a lot of my favourite pieces because that's what I feel most comfortable in, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

I have been wearing a lot of grey lately. I used to be drawn to all black ensembles but I love how grey adds a bit of depth to those kinds of looks. I've talked about this coat from H&M 101 times but my love for it is still going strong. This large pukey coloured scarf is a new addition to my wardrobe, though. If you know me, you know I'm drawn to anything that can be described as ugly and I think that the colour of this scarf fits that description perfectly. I'm a fan of how unexpected it is and how it has the ability to go with everything. I tend to wear this scarf when I'm wearing lilac lipstick; I think the combination of those two colours + the blue in my hair is a match made in heaven. The black skinny jeans that I wore, along with my Dr. Marten boots, are fairly standard in my outfit posts (and in my life) because they work perfectly with just about everything in my wardrobe. I'm trying to make changes in my life and in the way I see/approach things, but some things are bound to stay the same. And that's okay too.

HAT&SCARF&COAT&TOP/ H&M JEANS/ Forever 21+

HANDBAG/ 3.1 Phillip Lim 'medium Pashli' BOOTS/ Dr. Martens

Photos by Chelsea Lanthier

153/ WHAT I WORE TO THE OTTAWA VINTAGE SHOW

I attended the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show last weekend with my best friend, Laura, and our good friend, Michael. Unfortunately I didn't come home with any goodies this time around, but we still had blast!

It took me forever to get dressed that day. I'm usually the kind of person to throw something on in a hurry so if you give me a little bit of wiggle room to try to put thought into an outfit, it's going to take a life time.

148/ LIVE FOR LAYERING

I live for layering and I'm thrilled that I finally get to (slowly) transition into my autumn wardrobe.

I picked up this light pink double breasted blazer a little while ago and I've been itching to wear it. It's the perfect piece to dress up or down. I decided to go a bit more casual with this look so I paired it with my Alexander McQueen skull scarf, basic black skinny jeans and my trusty Dr. Marten boots.

This look is so me and it gives me an extra boost of confidence. I walk tall when I wear my Dr. Martens and I feel luxurious when I wear my skull scarf. What more could you want in an outfit? I look forward to wearing these pieces a lot in the upcoming months.

BLAZER/ Penningtons TOP/ H&M+ JEANS/ Forever 21+ 

BOOTS/ Dr. Martens SCARF/ Alexander McQueen HANDBAG/ 3.1 Phillip Lim

Photos by Sue Waugh

125/ ONE BAG TAG (& REVIEW)

I'm the kind of person that likes to change their handbag on an almost daily basis. Switching out the contents to a different bag can be a bit annoying at times but to me it's rewarding and comforting to be able to match my handbag to a specific look. There was a tag video on YouTube that was pretty popular a little while ago - it was called the 'One Bag Tag' and it had YouTubers talking about the most practical (or favourite) handbag in their collection. Basically the idea behind the video was if you could only have one bag in and of your collection, which would it be and why?

This had me thinking. Although my collection is relatively modest compared to some, all of the handbags in my possession have a purpose in my eyes. Some are bold and colourful, some are more classy for events, some are huge bottomless pits that are strictly grab and go and some are just collection dust at the back of my closet (we all have those, don't lie).

When I first sat down to think about it my mind was stuck on my big Longchamp Le Pliage tote - it holds a lot, it's great in any climate and it is probably my most worn bag. Although Le Pliage totes have a ton of redeeming qualities, it isn't appropriate for all settings. It's super casual and if I were to attend any events or meetings I would be screwed.

Then a light bulb went off - my 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli!! Of course! How dare I forget?

ONE HUNDRED & FOUR/ what's in my bag pt 2

Since I've been talking a lot about handbags lately (what else is new?) I thought that it would be the perfect time to do an updated 'What's In My Bag?' post! I'm extremely nosy and I live for these sorts of posts. Lately I've been carrying my Longchamp Le Pliage bag but I've been switching it up the past couple of days and wearing my 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli instead so that's what will be featured in this post. I'll try to find the names of everything pictured and add links if they're still available for purchase.

If you'd like to see my previous 'What's In My Bag' you can find it here.

NINETY-FIVE/ outlet

Last Thursday was spent roaming around town with Aurelia. We had originally planned on making a trip down to Montreal to wait in line overnight on St. Catherine's Street in line for the Alexander Wang x H&M debut but we had a change of heart last minute. We decided to grab some breakfast at Baker Street Cafe, check out the new 'Tanger' outlet mall in Kanata and just run errands all over town.

In all honesty, we didn't have the highest hopes for the outlet mall. If we did, we would have been really disappointed. Although the stores were pretty well stocked, the prices didn't reflect those of typical outlet stores. The prices were virtually the same as mall prices, but we did leave with more than a few goodies nonetheless. My favourite part of the entire shopping trip was stepping foot into Hot Topic. Aurelia and I were laughing the entire time and discussing how our sixteen-year-old scene kid selves would have died for this kind of store so close to home. I almost left with a 'My Chemical Romance' tee but unfortunately they were out of my size. I'll be checking back soon though!

My best finds were a pair of Nike Roshe Runs (found in the kids department, heeey) and a pair of burgundy booties from Shelly's London. My favourite piece that Aurelia picked up were a killer pair of windowpane patterned pants from JCrew that I'm sure will be showcased on her blog sometime in the near future.

Since I knew we would be spending the day shopping and running errands, I dressed for the occasion. I broke out my favourite distressed jeans from Forever 21 that I haven't had the chance to wear in forever and my favourite top and kimono. I pretty much live in this oversized plaid scarf and easy to wear slip ons at the moment. I really love simple, comfortable outfits that I really don't have to put that much thought into.

TOP/ via Goodwill SCARF&KIMONO&JEANS/ Forever 21
HANDBAG/ 3.1 Phillip Lim WATCH/ Michael Kors
SHOES/ via Winners

Photos by Aurelia Cerquozzi and myself

NINETY-THREE/ sunday funday

Sunday is by far my favourite day of the week. As someone who works Monday to Friday, I take my weekends rather seriously. Fridays and Saturdays are typically reserved for shenanigans with friends and Sundays are when I can relax and prepare for the week ahead. I spent today running errands, painting my nails, drinking coffee and catching up on some reading (aka fashion magazines #sorrynotsorry). All of that was so necessary and pretty basic but so amazing and well deserved. I feel as though Sundays are the best days to rest and clear your head before starting a fresh week.

For running errands I just threw on my favourite giant plaid scarf from Forever 21, ripped skinny jeans, my go-to 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli bag and my crested Ralph Lauren blazer - aka my favourite piece in my entire wardrobe. This look is super simple and preppy but I make it my own by throwing a bit of an edgy twist with the raw hem jeans and slip on shoes. 

BLAZER/ Ralph Lauren TOP/ Thrifted SCARF&JEANS/ Forever 21

SHOES/ via Winners BAG/ 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli (medium size)

WATCH/ Michael Kors BELT/ New Look

Photos by Suzanne Waugh

EIGHTY-EIGHT/ inspired by versace

I've had this Versace inspired bomber jacket for well over a year now and I seriously can't get enough of it! I absolutely adore the pattern on it, the soft silky material and how it has the ability to bring every outfit to life. I got it on impulse off of eBay for less than ten dollars and I'm so glad that I did. It has truly changed my life. I feel so tacky when I wear it, it's amazing.

For this look I decided to pair the jacket with a pleated maxi skirt for added interest but kept it pretty simple and casual with a plain white tee. The daisy necklace was a gift from my best friend, Laura's, recent trip to England and I will cherish it forever. Her nickname is 'Daisy' and it is so Marc Jacobs-esque I could die.

T-SHIRT/ Giant Tiger JACKET/ eBay SKIRT/ Lane Bryant BAG/ 3.1 Phillip Lim 

SHOES/ Dr. Martens NECKLACE/ Gifted from England

Photos by Laura Kidd

EIGHTY-FIVE/ confessions of a bag lady

I read this interesting article not too long about about shoe people vs handbag people and how they approach fashion. When I finished reading the article I just sat there and stared at the screen; it was like a rude awakening. I was truly a shoe fiend in my younger years but my love for bags has come up swinging recently. After reading that article I thought about the progress of my personal style and I found that since converting to a bag lady that I definitely let my bags be the focal point of my outfits. It's no secret that I adore dark coloured basics and designer purses - if my personal could be summed up in a sentence it would be that. But it wasn't always like this and I'm a bit confused how this came to be.

In high school I had a sneaker collection that would make you sick. I had sneakers in every colour and for every occasion. As I evolved I branched out from sneakers - I dabbled in boots, flats and for a short time, even heels. I even used to work at a shoe store so I that I could have access to the latest and greatest kicks on the market. Back in the day I cared so much about my actual clothes and I would try to wear outfits that would coordinate with my footwear to ensure that I stood out as an individual.

Maybe it was all just a phase but I've definitely seen a shift over the years. Now, I let my bags do all the talking. I'm still trying to figure out how to process this information and some days I even feel like a failure in the world of fashion. When I think about my personal style I wonder why I can't have it all. Is it so hard to mix a statement shoe, killer clothes AND an amazing handbag on top of that? Is that just too much fabulous for the world to handle, you can only restrict yourself to one look or the other? Is it just me? Am I just that lazy? I can never imagine myself giving up my admiration for handbags but I want to start in-cooperating more intricate and beautiful clothing and shoes into my daily routine as well. This adventure in personal style will definitely be a journey and it is one that I fully intend on going on with a fabulous handbag still by my side.

For the simple look pictured below I just wore a soft white blouse, my favourite black skinny jeans from Forever 21, a classic denim jacket, a lightweight scarf, a pair of glittery Converse and the new love in my life - my 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli. Although it is still rather basic, I tried to throw on a pair of statement shoes to match the hardware on my bag so they compliment each other. My style is definitely always evolving and I'll always be a work in progress - but such is life.

JACKET/ Old Navy TOP/ Addition Elle JEANS/ Forever 21+ 

SHOES/ Converse (gifted) SCARF/ H&M via Consignment

HANDBAG/ 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli (medium size)

Photos by Laura Kidd

FIFTY-FOUR/ 3.1 phillip lim x target

If you know anything about Ottawa, or Canada in general really, you'd know that we're usually the last to get anything associated with fashion. So when I heard that a few Target stores were opening up this week, my mind didn't even go to the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection that was released on Sunday. I thought there would be absolutely no way we would get it, I was sad about it, then I got over it. Nevertheless I was still excited for Target to open up shop here. As someone who frequently goes across the border, I make that one of my have to shop stores. The prices are just so fantastic, the items are almost always on trend and the quality of their items is usually great for the price point... anyway, on with the story.

My boss / my personal hero when it comes to shopping, Mona, texted me yesterday about the collection. We were both swooning over it and we were a bit devastated when we thought Ottawa wasn't getting it. There had been no ads or anything saying that we were to get the collection and it was very under hyped here. A few minutes later I received some information from Tinfoil Tiaras that blew my mind. She went on a bloggers walk-through of the new Target store in Billings Bridge before it had opened and confirmed that yes indeed, we were to get the line.

Mona and I set course for Target early the next morning; we had to be there by open to get our hands on the majority of the line and to ensure that we went home with at least one of the handbags. Although we got there right at open, all of the handbags were gone and I was devastated. We were on the hunt for more and thankfully they brought out a few more boxes of them. I was over the moon happy. I didn't pick up the any of the clothing because I didn't have time to try any of it on and I was unsure of how the pieces would fit on me, but Mona bought a lot of the items available and she texted me later that day saying the fit, quality and materials were amazing. And this is coming from someone who lives and breathes designer brands and qualities.

I'm really happy with my choices. Picking up two of the mini structured bags may seem ridiculous to some but the grey and yellow colours are phenomenal and the size is just perfect. The quality of the handbags is mind blowing, especially considering that they were only $34.99 each, not to mention the fact that they're polyurethane. I picked up the leopard scarf as well because I did want a few pieces with that pattern on that I was unable to try on and buy, so I figured the scarf was a good compromise. I'm more of an accessory fan, anyway. I can't wait to see what else Target has in store for us in Ottawa.

* All pictures were taken by me, except for the Instagram collage - that is courtesy of Mona EL Rafie.