ONE HUNDRED & THIRTEEN/ i donut care

When will I learn? The answer to life's problems aren't at the bottom of a bottle, they're on TV!
- Homer Simpson

I don't think it's physically possible for me to put my love for The Simpsons into words. I wouldn't even know where to begin. I am 100% the kind of person who causally quotes the show on a day to day basis (whether you realize I'm doing it or not) and truthfully it really isn't just cartoon for me, it's a way of life. There are few things in life that I love more than that show... is that sad?

I have loved the show ever since I can remember and I'm lucky to be surrounded by a handful of people who are just as crazy about it as I am. Take my oldest brother for example, when we're together we pretty much talk exclusively in TV quotes and The Simpsons is definitely our favourite. When we both went to Universal Studios in Orlando this past summer and found out that there was an entire section dedicated to The Simpsons it is as if we died and went to heaven.

I found this t-shirt while shopping online at Forever 21 a few months ago. It was hidden in the men's section (a perfectly cromulent place to shop, I highly recommend checking it out next time you hit up the website) and I freaked out when I saw it. I have been on a bit of a donut bender lately so I figured that this t-shirt fit my lifestyle seamlessly.

JACKET/ Eileen Fisher TOP/ Forever 21 (men's department) 

SKIRT/ Addition Elle LEGGINGS/ ASOS Curve SHOES/ Converse 

BAG/ 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target SUNGLASSES/ Aldo

Photos by Suzanne Waugh

* Fun Facts: My favourite characters on The Simpsons are Lisa, Milhouse, Homer, Moe and Grandpa (I really couldn't pick just one... but if I had to it would be Lisa) and my absolute favourite episode is $pringfield (the gambling episode - season 5 - arguably the most quotable episode)

ONE HUNDRED & SEVEN/ little black dress

I'll admit it - these pictures were taken at the same time and place as my last outfit post but who cares? I froze my butt off posing for these pictures and I really just wanted to show you all this dress! I had ordered it awhile back from Forever 21 and this was the first time I actually had a chance to wear it.

Aurelia had come to pick me up Saturday afternoon for a coffee/shopping/whatever date and by the time she arrived, I still wasn't sure what to wear. I already had this dress on but I was in a panic that it might be a bit too short. She convinced me otherwise (what are friends for? am I right!?) but I threw on my trusty leggings just for good measure.

I do really like this dress and when I look back on these pictures, I'm not really sure what I was afraid of. The length seems great and I love how it is a modern take on the classic ~little black dress~. I'm hoping to get a lot of wear out of this piece when it finally starts to warm up! I'm thankful that I have friends who aren't afraid to give me a kick in the right direction when I need one. If it wasn't for Aurelia confirming that I have nothing to worry about when it comes to this dress, who knows how much longer it would have sat in my closet collecting dust. I'm not saying that I can't make up my own mind when it comes to my own style choices but a little bit of reassurance can go along way when you're feeling self-conscious or uneasy.

DRESS/ Forever 21 LEGGINGS/ American Apparel SHOES/ Dr. Martens
HANDBAG/ Balenciaga WATCH/ Michael Kors

Photos by Aurelia Cerquozzi

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-NINE/ forever 21 x bayshore

Forever 21 just opened up at my favourite mall in the city, so you all know that I HAD to be there for the second they opened their doors. We already have another in location, but that one is smack dab in the middle of downtown and I don't really care for the mall that it is in. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just personal preference.

Laura, Aurelia and I woke up super early this morning to ensure that we were some of the first people in line. They had promised to give out $21 gift cards to the first people in line and they did not disappoint. We got in line at around 7AM and we were among the first ten people there. When the clock struck 9AM, the doors open and music started to blast from the store. We entered and got our gift cards and we booked it in different directions to find what we're looking for.

I have to say, the Bayshore location in Ottawa is simply beautiful. It is only one floor (the one downtown is two floors) but it houses a large section for shoes, accessories, menswear and my personal weakness - plus sizes. I made out like a bandit by only spending a tiny amount of my own money. I wasn't thrilled with the plus size selection at this time. Although some of the pieces were beautiful, they weren't exactly my style. I can't wait to return in a few weeks to check out their new arrivals, though.

Clothing wise, I only picked up a basic cami. Those are a staple in my wardrobe and I truly cannot live without them. I picked up a few accessories and socks that I can't wait to wear! I didn't snap any pictures of the store itself because my battery was completely drained but I did grab some of my friends while we were waiting in line and a picture of my purchases as well.

waiting in line | Aurel gathering half the store to try on haha

my purchases (not pictured: basic black cami)

SEVENTY-EIGHT/ serial outfit repeater

Today is March 22nd and winter is still raging on. If we've technically shifted seasons, can somebody please tell me why there was a snow storm when I woke up this morning? I was hoping it was some sort of sick dream, but of course it wasn't. I usually love winter but I've had enough of it this year. It has taken its toll on everything. I called it quits months ago, exclaiming to everyone that I've gone into hibernation. I rarely left my house, other than to go to work, and I've spent the vast majority of my time in bed watching YouTube videos. My inspiration for just about everything, especially clothing, has gone out the window.

I've always been a serial outfit repeater and I'll be the first one to admit that. When I find something that works I'll wear it until it is either falling apart or until it is so underdone I feel physically sick every time I look at it. This outfit below has yet to fall into either category and only time will tell its true fate.

My favourite trend right now is denim with two slits at the knee. I'm not sure what it is about it that draws me in, but I can't get enough. I guess it just gives any look just the right amount of attitude. I softened the look by wearing a floral tank that I got from Forever 21 ages ago and made it season appropriate by adding this amazing Eileen Fisher cardigan over top. I cannot get enough of this cardigan; it fits like a dream and it is undeniably comfortable. Plus, it has (large) pockets!! I've been wearing my trusty H&M handbag every day during this winter because truthfully, it is the only one I own that is large enough to fit my mittens, a toque and whatever else I need to survive these ridiculous winteresque days.

This outfit is so bland and boring, but it is extremely comfortable. It is just what I need until these dark days are over and until spring finally arrives. I hope that my creativity and inspiration return with the warmer weather. Please excuse my sullen look, I was really not impressed with the dump of snow Ottawa received this morning.

TOP/ Forever 21+ CARDIGAN/ Eileen Fisher (via consignment)
JEANS/ Forever 21+ (diy knees) HANDBAG/ H&M WATCH/ Michael Kors
RINGS/ Various BOOTS/ Thrifted (no brand)

Photo Credit: Laura Kidd

SIXTY-SEVEN/ it's t-shirt tiiiiimeeee

Oh look, it's an actual outfit post! I haven't done one of these in what seems like years. And unlike the what the above picture suggests, it has nothing to do with Christmas. (It's just impossible to find a spot in my house to take pictures that isn't completely decked out in decorations)

FIFTY-SIX/ OFW S/S'14 day two

I had a lot more fun on the second day of Ottawa Fashion Week. The setting seemed a lot more relaxed and way more casual than it did the first night; my guess is that everyone was a little on edge the first night and they were unsure of what to expect, but who knows the actual reasoning behind it. Laura and I, along with her friend Aurélia and a local photographer Gabrielle, showed up (fashionably) late and only caught the last few shows. But oh. my. god. they were fantastic.

My favourite of the the night was Beaucoup Fashion House. I've never seen or heard of them before but they're definitely on my radar now. I highly suggest that you check them out. They showcased a lot of shiny black, greys, purples and soft grunge pieces. My favourite looks were a tunic length sleeveless white blouse with a contrasting collar as well as a plaid dress paired with metallic black/gold moto jacket. All of the pieces were definitely on trend and most importantly, wearable.

My other favourite show of the night was Y!D.N.A. by Andy Nguyen. Y!D.N.A. is always a crowd favourite and it's easy to see why. Drastic silhouettes, monochromatic colour palettes and surprising twist are always to be expected during Andy's shows. This season he kept the audience of the edge of their seats by laying out a cover on top of the runway. The cover appeared black from where I was seated, but it turns out it was a shiny silvery tone. The models were all decked out in black ensembles, except for one lucky model wearing a head to toe silver short suit. All of the models were wearing tiny crowns upon their head. The showing was short but sweet and ended with confetti. I can't wait to see what this label has in store for us next season.

As for my own outfit, I decided to look a little bit crazy. I was so bored with my outfit from the previous night I decided to wear my eye-catching chartreuse duster from H&M paired with my Beetlejuice-esque skinny jeans from Forever 21. Laura encouraged me to wear black lipstick to polish off the look, and I'm so happy I took her advice. I feel the lipstick added much needed drama to the look. I paired this look off with my trusty black worn-out Dr. Marten boots because they're something of a safety blanket for me - I feel like I can do anything, or pull off any look, just as long as I'm wearing my docs.

DUSTER/ H&M TOP/ New Look JEANS/ Forever 21+ 

ACCESSORIES/ Various BAG/ H&M

pretending to be a model on Y!D.N.A.'s insanely cool runway

not sure why I'm not smiling || Laura and me with her empty glass of wine trying to be classy

selfies of Laura and me || between shows boredrom || Beaucoup Fashion House showing

an amazing violinist showcasing his talent in the Mirari Studio

Favourites from Beaucoup Fashion House

Y!D.N.A.

* Outfit photos were all taken by Gabrielle McKay || Edits, Mirari Studio photo and runway photos were done by me.

FIFTY-TWO/ fall wishlist

I'm sitting here writing this in the heat waiting impatiently for fall to come. I absolutely love autumn; there's just something about that crisp chilly air and the brightly coloured leaves. Not to mention the fashions. Fall fashions are by far my favourite. I love layering, dark neutral colours and boots. I'm so happy to see burgundy back on the shelves in full force as it is one of my favourite colours to wear. I have been stalking my favourite online stores ever since they started to debut their fall collections and I can't wait to go on a shopping spree. Here are some key pieces I've been lusting after. A few of these items are a bit of a splurge, but hey this is a ~wish~ list, right?

1. Acid washed skinny jeans from ASOS Curve 2. H&M+ blouse  3. New Look bodycon skirt 4. See by Chloe black booties* 5. MAC lipstick in Dubonnet 6. Forever 21 necklace 7. American Apparel shawl cardigan in "truffle" 8. Marc by Marc Jacobs silver watch* 9. Zara black leather city bag 10. Lulu Guinness red lips bag via ASOS*

* - splurge items

- All thoughts are my own. Images are linked back to the appropriate sources. This post is in no way endorsed by any of the mentioned brands.

FIFTY/ distressed jeans

This outfit was a huge step outside of my comfort zone for so many reasons. For starters, I never wear blue jeans anymore. Other than these, I've only ever had one other pair that I was in love with but unfortunately those no longer fit. I also see jeans as way too casual and I never know what to pair them with. Unlike most people, I see the blue in the jeans as a legitimate colour and not a neutral, so I try to pair them with like colours. I usually get frustrated and give up and wear my trusty black skinny jeans or a pair of leggings instead. The other way in which this outfit is outside of my comfort zone is the fact that I'm not wearing a stitch of black. This is the first time in years that I haven't worn one piece of black clothing and I have to say, I didn't really miss it. I love how laid back and comfortable I felt in this look and I wouldn't be shocked if it becomes one of my regulars. I can bring it into the fall by adding a scarf and a jacket for warmth.

These jeans are flawless. I have yet to find a pair of pants as comfortable as these, and I wish I ordered like three other pairs. They're from Forever 21 so the quality isn't the greatest but these aren't jeans that I will be wearing very often. The dress code at my work is fairly lax but I wouldn't feel comfortable working in a pair of jeans as distressed as these. These jeans will be reserved for weekends, running errands and hang outs with friends, and I look forward to wearing the life out of them on my days off.

TOP/ Addition Elle JEANS/ Forever 21+ SHOES/ Minnetonka
ACCESSORIES/ Ardenes WATCH/ Michael Kors (via consignment)
BAG/ Marc by Marc Jacobs (via consignment)

* All pictures were taken by Sue Waugh.

TWENTY-NINE/ spring wishlist

Hey winter, I'm over you.
Here's a mini spring wish list. I keep checking out different websites and I'm constantly dreaming of what I would wear it were warmer out. Although I usually love winter, I can't wait until the weather allows me to wear a denim jacket again.

1. ASOS Curve swing dress with cold shoulder 2. ASOS Curve swing tunic with lace inserts 3. Forever 21+ mineral wash denim jacket 4. H&M flower hair clips 5. Joe Fresh lipstick in Bubblegum (my personal favourite) 6. Jeffrey Campbell "Planet" heels via Solestruck

* None of these pictures belong to me and they have all been referenced back to the appropriate sources. Floral boarder is from here.

NINETEEN/ monochrome addict

My mother and I recently took a trip down to Syracuse, New York, to do some serious shopping. If you live in Canada you know that shopping here sucks, even if you live in a big city like Montreal or Toronto. Everything up here is at least double the price as it is down in the States and we have about a quarter of the selection they have. It seems kind of stupid to me seeing how close we are, but that's just the way it is. Our stores even start carrying trends a lot later than they do south of our border. I, like most people right now, have been dying over the leather/pleather panel trend and I knew when I saw this allblackeverything paneled top in JCPenny that it had to come home with me. Now I know that JCPennney is definitely not the most glamourous store in the world but l really love some of their clothing! This shirt is incredible, not only does it have a pleather panel, but it has an exposed zipper in the back and the jersey material on the rest of the top is so forgiving. I feel like I'm going to be seen wearing this top a lot. Those booties were an amazing find too, they were only $22.99 and have a whopping five inch wedge. I feel like a giant when I wear them and I absolutely love it. My skirt was a great find too at Forever 21 (favourite store ever) for only $4 after discounts. I dare you to find a skirt in Ottawa for that price, even at a secondhand store it's next to impossible.

I bought a few other pieces on that trip that I'm just way too excited to blog about. These items include: a yellow cardigan (favourite colour), a pink top with rhinestones and ankle length black skinny jeans that fit like a glove. 

TOP/ ANA (JCPenney) SKIRT/ Forever 21 BOOTIES/ Bamboo 

All pictures were taken by Laura Kidd and Michael Tundo. All item photos were taken by me.