Commander in Chic

I'm not gonna lie...I totally stole this title from a bottle of Sally Hansen nail polish! Haha. In my defense, I feel it suits this look perfectly. When I was trying to find links to similar vests for the first blog post that featured this vest, I was struggling with how to search it..."Google, hmmm, green vests with pockets?" I finally found similar looking pieces listed under 'military vests' on Polyvore. Huh! Learned something new! All I know for certain is I loved the utilitarian vibe of it mixed with the preppy, girly white dress. Oh, The dress. I spotted it on Oldnavy.ca at the beginning of summer. I knew I liked it right away but I didn't purchase it, I just kept going back to the site and looking at it (please tell me some of you weirdly stalk clothes online like that too, right?). Not even a few days after I initially spotted it, I noticed it had already sold out in my size. I panicked, and searched the closet store location with my size in stock and rushed out and grabbed it! It must have been fate, 'cause it was on sale too. The whole thing was really a rollercoaster of emotion :p I also want to shout out to my accessories in this post - I've been loving these round sunglasses lately and am totally thrilled with my backpack/purse find (I'll probably have to Google the proper description for that type of bag too). I think the bag will work out great into fall. Speaking of fall...it's that bitter sweet time of the year when the stores are starting to get their fall stock in, and you know the summer is almost over. I love a good season change in my wardrobe, but I'm sad to have to say goodbye to summer soon!

 
Vest: Sirens (similar). Dress: Old Navy (similar + cute). Belt: American Eagle (similar). Glasses: Ross (similar + these look like fun). Purse: Winners (love this similar one). Shoes: Aldo (old) (similar).

Enjoying the moment.

You know those mornings when you have nothing planned, and all the time in the world to get ready? When you can leisurely put on your makeup, do your hair and put together an outfit? This post is the result of that kinda morning. I love these types of mornings when I can spend the time and really enjoy the process of creating a look, especially doing my makeup. When I get to take my sweet, sweet time doing my makeup...I'm in heaven. But for real, I find it super relaxing. I was introduced to the world of YouTube make-up tutorials by a co-worker, and now I can't imagine my life before this point. There is a HUGE resource of knowledge out there, quality knowledge...I'm talking superstar makeup artists sharing their craft with you FOR FREE. I love the internet. This look was inspired by the makeup and the makeup artist in the video (see link below). The photoshoot was super spontaneous: my husband/photographer suggested it outta the blue after spotting me come out from my room all gussied up. We just walked to a park nearby and snapped photos and had fun. There are so many areas that this blog helps me grow and explore: my makeup, my outfits, my photography and my editing skills. I love looking back and seeing my progress, it gives me hope for the future. This is one of my favorite posts....so far ;) 

Dress: Old Navy (old) (this one's cute). Denim button up: H&M (old) (similar). Vest: Sirens (last seen here) (similar + similar). Shoes: JustFab (these are cool). Purse: Ross (loveeeeee this one). 

Make-up tutorial: Lisa Eldridge

Bubble Tour.

I wore this outfit on an afternoon date with my husband, we had gone for a tour of a local winery. The day wasn't as nice as I had hoped, but the tour and the outfit were awesome! Looking at the pictures now I feel like this look was very Olivia Palermo inspired: the skirt, the layering and the belt. As this is a fashion blog you're reading, I am sure you're very familiar with that name, but for the poor soul out there who has not yet stumbled on the the fashion icon that is Olivia Palermo, I strongly urge you to Google/Pintrest her! You can thank me later ;) If it's not apparent already, I'm a huge fan of hers and find her to be a great source of layering inspiration. Also, I think she knows like 20 different ways to tie a belt. Respect.

Skirt: Forever21 (this one's pretty). Shirt: H&M (old) (similar). Belt: American Eagle (old) (similar). Purse: Forever21. Shoes: GoJane.

We toured Backyard Vineyards in Langley, BC and were able to see how they make their estate grown, Champagne-style sparkling wine. After touring the facility, we sampled their sweet and savory tapas plate in their gorgeous open tasting room. The day we went wasn't meant for dining outdoors, but they have a lovely picnic area outside that I totally intend to revisit for! I would highly recommend for a great date day!

Canadiana

Hat: Attitude. Coat: Seductions via Sirens (old). Boots: Aldo (old). Backpack: Canadiana via Walmart. Jean button up: H&M (old), similar. Sweater: Joe Fresh (lots of cute stuff on sale right now).  Jeans: American Eagle (old).