128/ COMFORT IS KEY

My weekend wardrobe isn't any different from my weekday one, I'm pretty lucky in that way. I do have my moments where I like to play dress up but I tend to gravitate toward more casual and comfort looks for the most part. That doesn't mean that I live in sweatpants and t-shirts; I do try to look as polished as possible while still remaining comfortable. The term 'effortless' gets thrown around a lot nowadays when talking about fashion, but it's a term that I feel really fits in with my personal style.

I wear a lot of black skinny jeans (with lots of stretch) and leggings. Denim is a material that I fiend over and finding the perfect jean jacket to me is almost equivalent to finding a great a friend.

Sneakers will always be my footwear of choice. I've never been one for high heels; the second my feet start to hurt is the moment you've lost me. Painful shoes is one thing that I cannot deal with, I'm a huge baby when it comes to that sort of thing. I'm so thankful that it has become more socially acceptable to rock sneakers on a daily basis.

I find that crisp white blouses add a sense sophistication to any look. I love this one that I picked up at Macy's awhile ago and I've blogged about it before. It has a drastic high-low look to it, and although I typically find that trend a bit passe, I love how this top looks.

This is an outfit that I wore on a lazy Sunday while hanging out with Laura. The scarf is a new purchase that I've been obsessed with. I love how cozy it is and the colours are very appropriate for this time of year. For my handbag of choice that day I went with my Longchamp Le Pliage bag, which I've talked about a million times. It's still one of my all time favourites and I can't picture my life without it.

JACKET/ Old Navy TOP/ Alfani (different colour) JEANS/ Forever 21+
SCARF/ via Rikochet Resale SHOES/ Nike HANDBAG/ Longchamp Le Pliage
WATCH/ Michael Kors

Photos by Laura Kidd

ONE HUNDRED & TWELVE/ back to black

We only said goodbye with words, I died a hundred times.
You go back to her and I go back to black.
- Back To Black by Amy Winehouse

This is a look that I wear to work more often than not. Although I enjoy working mornings, I'm not a ~morning person~ by any stretch of the imagination so I love clothes that I don't have to think about while getting dressed. Dresses are often my go-to because they take the least amount of effort but still look great. I paired this basic black dress with a lot of flashy silver jewelry and a bright pink lip to make it look like I was ready to take the day by storm. If we were to run into each other on a weekday, I bet you dollars to donuts that I'll be wearing some variation of this outfit.

On my last outfit post I showed you a look that was completely outside of my comfort zone but in this look, I return back to black.

SWEATER/ via Burlington Coat Factory DRESS/ Forever 21+
LEGGINGS/ ASOS Curve BAG/ Madewell et Sézane 

SHOES/ ASOS WATCH/ Michael Kors NECKLACE/ Aldo Accessories

Photos by Aurelia Cerquozzi

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

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)

SIXTY-TWO/ insomniac

I'm currently writing this as I'm "sleeping" over at my best friend's house. I put sleeping in quotation marks because they're really doing more of the sleeping, I'm more of a night owl. It can be quite lonely or boring at times but hey, at least I'm doing something productive right now... right?

I've been wearing this jacket pretty much non stop since I bought it a couple of weeks ago. I know everyone owns one like it and it is in no way unique, but I really don't care. I absolutely love it. The pleather sleeves look insanely cheap but I think that they give the piece a certain charm. Maybe I'm crazy. I love how the pockets are big enough for me to fit bits and bobs like bus transfers, lipsticks, change and my cell phone. I also love how its not 100% black.

I've been wearing the jacket with my Burberry scarf because it's honestly so cold here and the scarf keeps me so warm. I've been mixing up my bottoms, shoes and handbags to keep the ensemble looking fresh.

Today I decided to pair it with my MICHAEL Michael Kors skinny jeans and beaten up Converse for sort of a casual feel. I just threw on my Marc by Marc Jacobs bag because it had everything I need in it and I was in a bit of a rush to go out and meet my friends.

My friends and I spent the day doing my two favourite things - shopping and eating. We checked out the new H&M that finally opened up in Ottawa (I might do a post on all my findings later) and got lost in the giant mess that is Bayshore Shopping Centre while trying to find our parking lot. We finished the night with a makeshift buffet of different kinds of junk food (pizza, wings and the like) and hot chocolate with mini chocolate chip biscotti.

JACKET/ Last Kiss SCARF/ Burberry London JEANS/ MICHAEL Michael Kors 

SHOES/ Converse BAG/ Marc by Marc Jacobs ACCESSORIES/ Various 

LIPSTICK/ Raspberry by Joe Fresh

* Photo credit: Laura Kidd

* Disclaimer: I decided to name this blog post 'insomniac' because insomnia is something that I truly suffer from. I understand that it is a very real disorder and that if affects many people's lives. I do not wish to glamourize it it any way and I'm sorry if the title comes across as that in any way. Insomnia is a horrible condition and I really wouldn't wish it upon even my worst enemy. If you follow me on Twitter, Tumblr or if you know me in real life, you'd know that I've suffered from this for years. I despise every second of it. It truly is torture but I felt as though the title reflected what I'm going through and gave a bit of insight as to why I'm the only person under this roof that is awake and the reason why I'm updating my blog at 1:40 in the morning as opposed to you know... a healthy time.

SIXTY-ONE/ key pieces for survival

We all have items that we simply cannot live without. For some people its their favourite sweater, their favourite brand of shampoo or their signature scent. For me, it's a whole mess of things. I'm so seriously brand loyal and once I find a product that I love - I stick to it. Under the cut here is a list of some of my favourite products (from fashion, to beauty, to food, to other) that make my life a little bit easier and make me a bit more happy. Although none of what I listed is crucial for survival, some days it feels like they are.

I decided to leave out some of the more obvious ones, like my iPod Classic, iPhone or my wallet - those are just no brainers. Please feel free to share some of your favourite items in the comments!

FIFTY-EIGHT/ if i had a million dollars

It's no secret that I obsess over designer items, it's honestly like an addiction to me. I scroll through countless online shops and browse through tons of brick and mortar stores looking at amazing pieces that I'll never be able to afford - I don't know why I torture myself. Some people like to go to museums and look at the unbelievable art there, I prefer high end stores. I'm weird like that.

So far I've acquired some of my dream pieces, but the problem with fashion is that styles change every season. I've just been sticking with secondhand classic pieces that won't ever go out of style; it's more practical and wallet friendly. But of course every few months something new comes out that totally sweeps me off my feet and makes me look at my bank account and cringe. I keep telling myself that someday it'll happen, and I hope that someday comes soon. Sometimes I feel as though I'm far too materialistic for my own good...

ANYWAY, here are some pieces that I'm currently dying over from current collections, classic collections and past collections. They are mostly footwear, scarves or handbags seeing as the vast majority of designers do not make clothing in my size, not to mention the fact that I crave accessories.

Some of these items are obtainable, like the Michael Kors watch and the Kate Spade bangle, and some of them will probably torment me for the rest of my life, like the Chanel bag.

1. Louis Vuitton 'Neverfull' GM 2. Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain buckle boots 3. Michael Kors silver 'Chronograph' watch 4. Kate Spade "Lights, Camera, Action / Steal The Show" bangle 5. Chanel 'Large Classic Flap Bag' 6. Charlotte Olympia red suede 'Bisoux' slippers 7. Tiffany & Co. Ziegfeld Collection black "Spinel" ring 8. Alexander McQueen tan leopard/skull print cashmere pashmina  9. Balenciaga 'Giant 12 Silver Town Bag' in black 10. Burberry stud detail belted rain boots 11. Christian Louboutin 'Gine' black and grey velvet flats

* I could have easily made this into a post about the designer handbags I want, but I decided to hold off on that. Another post for another day, possibly. I only added the three handbags I've been lusting after for what seems like forever. | All thoughts are my own, this post is no way sponsored by any of the mentioned retailers. | All images are referenced back to their original sources.

FIFTY-THREE/ houndstooth

I was so excited to write a post about the fact that it's finally transitioning into fall weather here in Ottawa... and then I did something stupid, I checked the weather for next week. It's going to be unseasonably hot, reaching a high of 39 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. That's beyond ridiculous, most of the people I know have long put away their summer wardrobes. The past week has been a tease with gorgeous fall weather, with it being just cold enough to throw on a jacket and maybe a scarf, but still warm enough to enjoy doing things outdoors.

I bought this blazer at Value Village a few months ago but I never got a chance to wear it. It's super thick and has big, but amazing, shoulder pads. It was definitely a part of an 80's power suit at some point. I plan on wearing it like a jacket because of the thickness and the length. For this look I paired it with all black (of course) and gold accessories to make the single gold button pop. I decided to wear my classic black Dr. Martens to go with the 80s vibe and also to give it more of a casual feel. I absolutely love the fit and the bold print of this blazer and I plan on wearing it a ton when the fall weather finally settles in.

BLAZER/ Thrifted (no brand) PURSE/ H&M TOP/ Thrifted (no brand)
LEGGINGS/ American Apparel BOOTS/ Dr. Martens (thrifted)
ACCESSORIES/ Various WATCH/ Michael Kors (via consignment)

* All photos were taken by Sue Waugh.

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.

TEN/ floral maxi dress

I have been living in this dress for the last couple of weeks. I'm pretty sure my friends, family AND coworkers are tired of seeing it... but I reaaaallly don't care! I can swear to you, right now, that I'm going to live in maxis this summer. Maxi dresses and skirts are just about the most comfortable pieces of clothing imaginable; they are just the easiest thing in the world to throw on as well, and they always look flawless. I can't remember the last time I was -this- excited over an article of clothing. 

DRESS/ New Look VEST/ Forever 21 ACCESSORIES/ Various 

BELT/ New Look SHOES/ Sperry's PURSE/ Cooperative (from Rikochet Resale)

All photos were taken by Laura Kidd.

EIGHT/ denim cutoffs

I am one of the luckiest people alive.
I'm constantly surrounded by such amazing and inspiring people, I don't even know where to start... My friends and family have been so supportive and helpful when it comes to this blog. Many of them have taken pictures, showed their own families and friends, driven me to different locations to shoot and even helped style some of these outfits. I could not be more grateful for everything these people are doing for me and I'm overwhelmed by the response I'm getting about this blog. All of the likes, replies, comments, reblogs, follows, tweets and asks... it's all so amazing. So I would like to thank you all for everything, truly.
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On Monday my friends and I decided to just dick around this vast open area in South Keys. Although it is still extremely cold in Ottawa, Monday was like a preview into what summer would be like for me. It was just so careless and limitless. That area, Conroy Pit, is of course where we took the outfit pictures as well.
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I feel as though the outfit in this post is something I will be wearing a lot of this summer as well. I have to admit: I am in love with cut offs. I only have two pairs at the moment, but they are probably my two favourite pieces of clothing I own. They're just so effortless and look amazing paired with tights. I also love the complete control you have while making them. I feel as though shorts, especially for bigger ladies, are either way too long or incredibly short. When you make your own, you can decide the length and you can also add your own one of a kind touches like studs or lace. This crop top is a great lightweight material and is a great way to keep cool during the summer heat.

SHORTS/ F21 (diy cut offs) TOP/ Addition Elle WATCH/ Michael Kors TIGHTS/ Addition Elle

NECKLACE/ Borrowed from Lisa BOOTS/ Dr. Martens (thrifted)

All pictures were taken by Michael Tundo.