All I Need

All I Need- Firstcom

Sometimes I get frustrated with my wardrobe, and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone. 

Especially after reading beautiful blogs written by gorgeous, relaxed girls in brand new couture outfits each day. Jealously usually rears it's ugly head right around this time. 

I really hate that. And am going to stop it. 

I have nothing to feel inadequate about, and neither does anyone else. I'm 25, in school, have a mortgage and have been supporting myself for many years. Not surprisingly, responsibilities usually trump buying the latest trend. 

I will probably never know what it's like to own a pair of Christian Louboutons, a Chanel 2.55 purse or a Burberry trench. But that doesn't mean that my chance to be stylish is diminished. On the contrary actually, I feel most true to my style and myself when I haven't got two pennies to rub together and need to get creative. 

Thrifting, swapping and re-wearing (to death!) all the items in my closet gives me satisfaction and really helps with that pesky cost-per-wear calculation!

Grey Long Skirt- Wilfred via Aritzia (similar), Black Silk Blouse- Joe Fresh (similar), Black Patent Flats- Anne Taylor via Value Village (similar), Wrap Bracelet- Club Monaco

And to drive home this point even more, here's one of my favourite skirts. It was only $30 and, including these 4 above outfits, I've gotten it's cost back ten-fold. When I bought it I really didn't think I'd wear it too often, but that's the beauty of shopping your wardrobe, it forces you to mix and match and get creative. Sometimes that's where the best outfits come from! 

Can anyone else relate?

love

xxx

Settle Down

Settle Down- Kimbra

It's official, Fall has arrived! Jeans are out, coats are on and rain is falling.

Obviously, I'm thrilled!

I haven't had a chance to be outside enjoying it yet (oh hai, 32 hours of homework last weekend!) but getting to wear layers and sip tea while working is not too shabby.

Plus, it feels more weather appropriate to wear these pumps again, the red heel just makes me so happy- and reminds me of being in France last fall, where these beauties came from. I love wearing items that have such strong memories attached to them! 

Army Coat- Element (similar), Skinny Jeans- c/o Parasuco, Grey Silk Blouse and Gold Necklace- Joe Fresh, Bauble Necklace- Loft, Belt- Vintage, Heels- Mellow Yellow

And how cozy are these jeans? 

I don't wear jeans too often, mainly because leggings and tights allow for more comfort/impromptu dance moves, but these guys have lycra in them and just hug you. 

Parasuco sent them over for me to try out and I have to say, they're pretty awesome! Parasuco is one of those iconic Canadian brands from my childhood (pretty sure everyone in my high school had at least one pair of their jeans!) and they just launched their online shopping site, check it out here.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  

love

xxx

You Are a Tourist

You Are a Tourist- Death Cab for Cutie

It's always strange returning to the place you grew up. I felt like a tourist in my hometown, and it was only then that I realized how different I am now from the girl who left. Not different in the sense of who I am deep down- don't worry guys, I'll always be a book worm, design obsessed goofball- but more sure of who I am and with a much less bruised heart. (yay!)

And it really was a lovely week back, filled with so many people (and animals!) that I love, river rafting, hiking, dinners, and hanging out on the town's new pedestrian area (aww it was such a BIG deal for the little town).

White Tank- H&M, Grey Jersey Skirt- Aritzia, Straw Clutch- Vintage, Woven Belt- Aldo, Silver Flats- Joe Fresh, Wrap Bracelet- Club Monaco

And one of my favourite times was just relaxing at my parent's acreage, in the comfiest outfit ever (LOVE this jersey skirt!), feeling very much like I know who I am and where I'm going. 

Cheers to mistakes, second chances, amazing friends and fresh starts. 

love

xxx

Half of Something Else

Half of Something Else- The Airborne Toxic Event

What does one wear when it's sweltering hot and they don't have a/c? Since I have a couple neighbours who are a little too close for the answer to be a bathing suit, I threw on the little sundress that I borrowed from the ever-lovely Cara over at A Fashion Love Affair and was very content! 

Last weekend was a nice little blur of hikes, reading, wandering the city and cooking tasty foods... basically I'm soaking up my summer freedom as much as I can before drowning in homework, essays and GPA stress come September! 

Navajo Print Dress- Swapped with Cara, Belt and Watch- Thrifted, Wood Sandals- Pierre Hardy for Gap, Clutch- Old Navy, Assorted Bracelets

And to continue on this lovely little relaxation trip, I'm heading out after work tonight to meet up with some of my favourite Vancouver bloggers for dinner. I'm so excited for the evening of chats, food and fashion with these pretty ladies!  

love

xxx

Walk it Off

I got home from Montreal last night after a wonderful little (extended) weekend there, I took a few photos and will post them in the next few days to give you a taste. It really is a gorgeous city, the architecture is what killed me, I`m a sucker for old stone buildings and copper roofs. I spent the majority of Saturday just strolling around getting (purposefully) lost and imagining myself living in the cutest little apartments!


 I did a fair bit of window shopping, but was able to flex my restraint muscles quite well and only caved on a few perfect items, one of which is this sweater. I know, it`s taupe. Surprise, surprise. I even had a conversation with myself (in franglish!) in the change room to try and talk myself out of it but then it just said `Louise, Je suis beau. Vous avez besoin de moi.` and that was it. SOLD! And I`ve barely taken it off since, parfait! 

Sweater: Urban Outfitters

Shorts: Le Chateau

Shoes: Pierre Hardy for Gap

Flower Headband: Smart Set

Necklace: From the Earth

Turquoise Bracelet: Stella & Dot

Assorted Bangles

Lovely: Discovering new places and falling more in love with traveling! From meeting new people to trying exotic food to the rush that you get when you`re taking off on a plane, I love it all. I can`t wait to continue to explore and have adventures... and there are many more on the horizon! Yay!

love

xxx 

Bad Romance (Glee Version)

Nope, the title has nothing to do with the outfit (at all!) but since I'm kind of obsessed with Glee I have been listening to the music all day. Trying to work. Ok, pretending to work. But really, just tapping my toes and wishing I was in a Glee club. I also wish I could sing.


This is not really a fashion outfit, just me day-to-day. I thought I'd include more of these outfits too; The ones that are simple and easy. I'm also barely wearing makeup and haven't brushed my hair yet. Wow... feeling slightly exposed! lol To make myself feel put together I threw on my lovely brown heels, but they're completely hidden by the grass!

Cardigan: Thrifted
Blouse: Joe
Jeans: Winners
Shoes: Franco Sarto
Belt: Vintage
Earrings: Gift
Scarf: Mum (it was cold!)

(trying to make music with a blade of grass... possibly to a Glee song...!)

Lovely Thing: Finding companies like Mend that are making fashion real again. 

MEND Explanation Video from MEND on Vimeo.

love

xxx