154/ HOW I STYLE A PLEATED SKIRT

Pleated skirts have the ability to elevate an ensemble. They effortlessly mix textures, materials and designs. I love how they add a bit of luxe to a look as well. For this outfit I paired my skirt with a classic striped top, my new favourite burgundy moto jacket, a pair of chelsea boots and a beaded handbag for some added personality.

I'm not really one to follow trends but this is one that I can really get behind. I have a shorter one (pictured below) and a midi length one in my collection and I'm really hoping to expand. I love how you can dress this trend up with a glitzy top or dress it down with a band tee. I love how versatile this trend is and I'm always on the hunt for more. I could honestly live in this kind of skirt - it's comfortable while still looking chic. If that's not perfection, I don't know what is.

Although there are a few pleated skirts on ASOS that I'm lusting over, you really don't have to spend a lot of money to play with this trend. I found my longer one (that I've blogger about here and here) at a thrift store years ago, and I'm constantly finding pieces in similar materials and cuts almost every time I thrift. The market is currently saturated with these skirts and I'm 100% here for it. A lot of fast fashion / high street brands are fully stocked with a wide range of colours and textures too. It's always fun to me to see how different people or different retailer style pieces, so I'm watching this trend like a hawk to get more and more inspiration.

This is one trend that I don't see fading any time soon, and even if it does I'll still rock the hell out of it. I really just love it that much.

JACKET/ Love & Legends TOP/ Forever 21+ SKIRT/ Michel Studio 

BOOTS/ Old Navy (thrifted) HANDBAG/ H&M HAIR CLIPS/ Dollarama

Photos by Derek Waugh

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

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

THRIFTED THURSDAYS/ three

I'm still in shock over these gorgeous flats. They're the perfect shade of royal blue and I absolutely love the gold hardware on the tassels. The best part though? They were brand new, with the original tags - and I snagged them for $4.99.

Value Village had originally priced them at $12.99, which in my opinion is a bit too steep for a pair of thrifted synthetic flats. Luckily I checked out the sole of the shoe where I saw the original price tag (they were $29.99 new), as well as a clearance sticker that labelled them at $9.99 NEW. So I went up to the cash and demanded them to be lower. Okay, by demanded I mean shyly pointed out that they were less expensive new and crossed my fingers hoping that they'd lower the price - I'm a bit of a coward.

I have worn them a handful of times since I bought them and I get compliments everywhere I go with them. They might just be my new go-to shoes.

Store: Value Village | Brand: No Angel | Paid: $4.99 + tax

* Photos by me, taken with my iPhone because I always always always forget to charge my camera battery. Whoops.

THRIFTED THURSDAYS/ three

I'm usually not the biggest fan of vintage, but there's no denying that the quality of modern pieces isn't the same. If you were to buy a beaded or sequined piece from a fast fashion store now, chances are that half of the glitz would become detached by the end of the day. I know I've blogged about this piece before, but I wanted to show some great close up shots of it.

The sequins are all stitched together so tightly and the bead-work is absolutely flawless. This jacket weighs a tonne but it is so eye catching I couldn't turn myself away from it. The best part of the piece, in my opinion, is that it was only $12.99 from Value Village; something this quality would be an absolute fortune new. I don't find myself wearing it a lot, because it is heavy and so outlandish, but I adore it. My eyes light up every time I open up my closet doors and see it there.

* Outfit photo by Michael Tundo | Close up photo by me

THRIFTED THURSDAYS/ two

Confession: I am a crazy bag lady. I love bags of all kinds and I have them in a whole range of styles, colours, shapes, materials and price points (nothing too high street yet, but hopefully soon!). In my opinion, you can never have too many bags.

This multicoloured wicker(?) basket bag I scored from Value Village, for under five dollars, is probably my number one favourite in my collection. I have worn this bag to its absolute death. The strap is currently attached to the body of the bag by a twist tie, so far it's working but I don't know how much longer it will hold out. I'll definitely cry when it breaks for good.

Before I started the blog, I would wear this bag with almost every outfit. There are so many colours it can match with and I adore the gold tone chain shoulder strap. Sadly right after I started this blog is when the chain decided to crap out on me so I only really bring it out for special occasions now. It gives me something to look forward to and my mood is definitely elevated every time I wear it.

My first ever blog post / Ottawa Fashion Week (February 2013)

* Top pictures were both taken Laura Kidd, bottom picture was taken by myself.

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.

THIRTY-FOUR/ beetlejuice

Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice.

It is no secret that I love black and white together. From stripes, to polka dots, to gingham, to just solid pieces - if it's black and white I must have it. I jumped on this blazer from Forever 21 the second that I laid eyes on it. I love the Beetlejuice vibe it gives off and I love how cropped and fitted it is. These leggings are something I have been lusting over since I saw pictures/videos of Azealia Banks at Coachella last year. I have been looking high and low for these leggings ever since but I was never quick enough at finding them online and the quality of the ones I found in store were always embarrassingly poor. Eventually I thought to look on eBay and I found an amazing high waisted pair. Unfortunately they were too good to be true, and fit extremely small (I later gave them to Laura). I tried my luck again with eBay, and although these fit perfectly, they're a bit too low rise for my liking. I might have to add some extra fabric so they stay up, if that fails - the hunt continues.

I paired this look with my huge heart shaped purse that I thrifted a couple of months ago and my new Creepers from New Look. These are probably the best shoes I own right now. They are extremely comfortable and I love the way creepers look. I have the T.U.K. brand Creepers in white and I find them a bit too heavy and stiff, these are a lot more light weight without losing any height in the sole and fit like a glove. I'll be wearing these shoes a lot this spring/summer.

BLAZER/ Forever 21 TUNIC/ Thrifted LEGGINGS/ eBay
PURSE/ Thrifted SHOES/ New Look

* All pictures were taken by Laura Kidd

TWENTY-EIGHT/ instagram

I have been so uninspired lately, it's ridiculous. I know it's a pretty lame excuse, but when it gets to -30°C, and sometimes even colder with the windchill, it becomes more and more difficult to get out of bed - let alone make yourself look fabulous. I'm convinced that this new found laziness is what sparked my interest in Instagram. I only got my iPhone a little over a month ago, so I am fairly new to it, but I have to admit that I am full blown addicted right now. It's a little embarrassing .. I really need to put my phone down and pick up my dSLR to snap some outfit pics. I can't help it right now, but I promise you that I will post at least one outfit post within the next week.

Here's a bit of what I've been up to the last month or so, as documented by my Instagram.

My past month, via Instagram.
(my username is rosiexwaugh if you wish to follow)

1. Saw Alexisonfire for the very last time / Christmas brunch spread / Thrfiting at Goodwill with my friend Michael

2. Cleaned out my closet /  Finally got a Brand New t-shirt / The wine I got for Christmas!

3. Obsessed with my new Ralph Lauren crested blazer / and my Ralph Lauren sheets / and my thrifted heart shaped purse

4. New (to me) Marc by Marc Jacobs purse from Rikochet Resale / Getting another tattoo / My second, and possibly the worlds smallest, tattoo