Somebody That I Used To Know

Somebody That I Used To Know- Gotye (how gooood is this song?!)

So it's finally here, the end of my early twenties. 

Gah! 

My poor Hundred list- I'm definitely leaving it all to crunch time! Looks like I'll be taking 2015 off and just globe trotting the entire time. Aww shucks, sounds rough, right? 

And even though I wore this outfit a full week before my birthday I felt that the sparkle and slight "dance costume" feel of it was appropriate for my birthday post! Unless you really don't give a hoot, your birthday is one of the few times you can get away with wearing sequins before 10 am...

ah, who am I kidding? Sequins are too much fun to be left only for after brunch. Introduce them to your croissants tomorrow! 

Navy Wool Cardigan- Gap, Black Lace Blouse- Wilfred (similar), Sequin Shorts- Borrowed from Cee (similar), Mauve Tights- Marks & Spencer, Grey Suede Heels- Nine West (similar)

I'm still on the fence about the mixing of textures in this outfit- sequin shorts, lace top, wool sweater. When the idea popped in my head it was immediate love, however, looking at the photos I think the lace and sequins are too similarly busy, hmm... back to the drawing board I guess!

I'm an avid believer in the Live and Learn motto, naturally! 

love & birthday kisses

xxx

Oh Fortune

Oh Fortune- Dan Mangan

This is the shirt that you got a preview of in the swap photos, the one that I did not think I could pull off  as I usually feel overwhelmed in tops that can also be used to steal watermelons. But the beading is beautiful and the fabric is slightly dupioni silk-ish so I had to give it a whirl. Plus, it's a swap item. It's hardly like I'm out of pocket for going out of my comfort zone! So a big thank you to the lovely Mina for sharing this beauty with me!

And what would you know? Throw a skinny belt on it (look! I have a waist!) and some high-waisted wool shorts, along with my favourite glasses, and I felt pretty gamine and, dare I say, French! 

Beaded Blouse- Mina, Black Wool Shorts- H&M, Wedge Espadrilles- Gap, Black Belt- Vintage, Faux Bans- Superstore/DIY

Aaaaand I just had to add in this last shot as it looks like I'm about to board a boat or something... Ahoy Captain? 

You're welcome for the giggle! :) 

So now I'm off to scoot over a few provinces and visit the pretty prairies for a week, it's my first time back since moving to BC in January and I'm quite excited! A lot has changed since then and I'm thrilled to be able to catch up with some of my nearest and dearest for real!

Bon voyage!

xxx

Letters

Letters- Lemolo

I'm a planner, a list maker, a play by the rules kind of girl. Spontaneous trips to places I've never been just don't happen for me.

But I also thought I didn't like avocados for the first 20 years of my life, and lately I can't get enough (guac and sangria on a Thursday night? Best. Ever.) So, when a friend called up to see if I wanted to go on a road trip this weekend out to the Okanagan... well, why not? 

And wouldn't you know, it was a total blast. Maybe I need to step out of my comfort zones more often! 

Felt Panama Hat- Pendleton via 3 Vets, Taupe Cardigan- J. Crew, Black Cami- FXXI, Cut-off Shorts- American Eagle, Booties- Liz Claiborne via Winners

And I found my hat! 

For the beauties that follow me on Twitter you'll know that I've spent the better part of the last few months on a hunt for a felt panama hat, in the style of Rag & Bone... but at a fraction of the price! I was directed to the camping/outdoor enthusiast store 3 Vets a few weeks ago and finally got a chance to stop in. 

And there it was, this Pendleton piece of perfection. I cannot wait to style it up for Fall!

love

xxx

Sydney

Sydney- Brett Dennen

Have you guys heard this song? It's the most happy-go-lucky summer song I've heard this year- I get this ridiculous goofy smile on my face and start wiggling every time I hear it... this doesn't look street cool, but it's fun! Plus, this song has THE BEST language. I quote: "They're only a couple of crazy cougars". Oh my, this needs to be added to my lexicon, now! 

Blue Tank- French Connection (6 years ago. Yes people, 6!), Black Wool Shorts- H&M, Orange Peep-toe Flats- Aldo, Straw Clutch- Vintage, Necklace- Marc Jacobs, Chain Link Bracelet- DIY (right herrrr) 

I'm in Toronto this week for work, so these photos are appearing as if by magic (I pre-scheduled them).

I was having a blast bringing out all the clothes that I hadn't seen in half a year and came across this tank that I bought when I was 18 and went to Europe by myself, needless to say it brings back so many happy memories. And these neon flats? I've had them for 5 years, only worn them 3 times (super uncomfortable), but still don't feel guilty because they were $3. That's $1/wear, less than a coffee... it's all in the justifications. 

I hope your Monday is a happy one, you crazy cougar, you! 

love

xxx

Rope and Summit

Rope and Summit- Junip

Are you guys sick of inside outfit shots? 'Cause I definitely am! But Vancouver has decided that it prefers rain to sunshine right about now, and I prefer a working camera to a broken one; so I hope we'll both stay put until the weekend when there will be both sun and time. Yay! 

But I'm glad I finally get to post this outfit as it's what I have been truly living in for the past few days. Well, besides when I'm at work and have to look somewhat corporate. But we all know how much I love stripes, braids and wood platforms (see multiple previous posts)... so this is pretty much a no-brainer Louise look. 

Stripe Shirt- H&M, White Shorts- American Eagle, Beige Circle Scarf- Gap (fram Paris though... does that make it classier??), Wood Platforms- Pierre Hardy for Gap, Heart Locket- Le Chateau, Wrap Bracelet- Club Monaco

I feel like I need to hop on a sail boat or something in this outfit, which quite frankly, I've been dying to do! It's rough being so close to the ocean without my dad to take me out sailing. And I know I should learn myself (it is on the hundred list!) but for some reason I always end up chilling out in the sun and not learning the port side from the starboard...

Maybe this will be the summer. Maybe. Are you planning on learning anything new this summer?

love

xxx

p.s Have you entered the contest for the $100 Shopbop giveaway? Scouts honour that it's dead easy, and hey... who doesn't like free (and stylish!) clothes??

Giving Up The Gun

Giving Up The Gun- Vampire Weekend

So we're carrying on the shorts and tights theme, so original. But it works! Warm enough for the cool Spring breeze, but not as uncomfortable and constraining as pants. Although, I did over-layer the top half of the outfit- a tee, sweater and jean jacket was major overkill for the lovely warm day we had. 

Jean Jacket- Old Navy, Beige Sweater- Urban Outfitters, Black Wool Shorts- H&M, Black Tights- Target, Camel Desert Boots- Liz Clairborne (via Winners), Earrings and Belt- Vintage, Turquoise Ring- Aldo

I feel like a total 90's baby in this outfit! All these little pieces of my childhood melded together in an outfit... the jean jacket, the shorts and tights and, of course, the "Elaine" hair. Oh if only my grade 3 self could see me now, I think she'd approve :)

love

xxx

p.s Stay tuned for an AWESOME DIY that I stumbled on (and actually managed to pull off!). I think it might be my new favourite thing!

White Blank Page

White Blank Page- Mumford and Sons

I haven't had a chance to take any outfit photos this week. I know. What's up!? These ones are from last month but somehow they had become buried in my iPhoto folder, thankfully I stumbled on them today! I somehow don't think photos of my day would be too interesting (meetings, commuting and a bag lunch... oh so glam!)

We're back to my go to in-between season outfit of shorts and tights, but this time I added in a touch of lace via my pretty little dress (folded, very strategically, into the shorts!). With the slouchy boots and drapey sweater I felt pretty cozy, but not sloppy, and that's the kind of balance I like to strike!

Beige Sweater, Jean Shorts, Slouchy Boots- Le Chateau, Black Lace Dress- American Apparel, Brown Belt- Vintage

I'm quite excited to take some outfit shots this Friday (day off!!). I swear that I have worn some stylish outfits this past week, just haven't had the time/camera/energy to document them! Be prepared for multiple posts next week. You've been warned. :)

love

xxx

Heavy Soul

Heavy Soul- The Black Keys

I have a case of the mean reds.... well, maybe the moody blues (haha). But seriously, how pissed off do I look in these photos?? It was painful, and really, it's not like anything had even happened! Just lack of sleep and some looming deadlines- but I went home and polished off my little jar of Nutella while watching The Office. I feel quite chipper now! 

Navy Blazer- R. W. and Co., Stripe Shirt and Black Wool Shorts- H&M, Purple Tights- Marks and Spencers, Black Boots- House of Harlow, Pearl Necklace- Vintage from Granny

Anyways I hope you're all having a lovely day, it is Wednesday after all... which, for me, means that tomorrow is the last work day this week and then I'm off on a road trip to a friend's wedding in Calgary! Wooo! 

love

xxx

Crossfire

 Crossfire- Brandon Flowers

Phew! All settled in and cozy again, just a few provinces further west. So the posts will be resuming and hopefully I'll be able to be a whole lot nicer with reply's... it's amazing what having some extra time on your hands can let you do! 

And now I just have to say... Vancouver is gorgeous! I'm so so happy I made this long awaited move. For the past few days, while waiting for my internet to be hooked up, I've been exploring the city, well... as much as my annoying cold will allow me. But between the ocean, mountains and culture... I'm completely smitten.

Denim Blouse and Patterned Tights: Joe Fresh, Black Cami: Banana Republic, Black Wool Shorts: H&M, Leopard Print Scarf: Aldo, Black Boots: House of Harlow, Studded Belt: Gap

 This is my faux stylish outfit- it looks the part but is really just dead comfy. I have my trusty boots and an old denim shirt, both wardrobe staples in my book! Then, to ramp it up a bit, I put on some wool shorts, patterned tights and a leo scarf. Ta da! I look the part but can still nurse my cold! 

lots and lots of love

xxx

Finer Feelings

Finer Feelings- Spoon

Ah... I think my brain is still in holiday mode. Plus I've been working on a project (that's incredibly time consuming, but I'm hoping to be able to share with you guys next week!) so I really don't know what else to say! It's snowy and cold, so layers are a must, as is this faux fur. Even if it's completely repetitive! 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, mine was completely lovely; filled with lots of family and laughter and some very tone-deaf singing (oh Rockband!) 

love

xxx