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!

Feelin' Fringey.

How cute are these  fringe earrings from H&M?!?! As soon as I set eyes on them, I was drawn to them, but I was a little hesitant to make the purchase. I was slightly intimidated by their size and boldness, but boy am I glad I took the plunge, because they are sooooo fun! I envisioned using them to spice up a plain black tank dress (which I'll totally still do), but as soon as I put on this printed mini shift dress I thought of these white fringe earrings. My lip purse and translucent blue sunglasses were fun too, and I thought the whole outfit had a whimsical, summer vibe to it. Are you loving fringe as much as I am? Would you rock these fun earrings? Let me know!

Dress: Forever21 (also cute + cute). Purse: Aldo (old) (similar + love this one). Shoes: GoJane (old) (these are cute). Earrrings: H&M (can't find online) (these look fun). Sunglasses: H&M (old) (looooove these ones). 

Leaving My Comfort Zone.

I have a serious scarf addiction. When I go into the thrift store, and see all the different, lovely patterns I just can't help myself and usually leave with at least two. So, now I have all these scarves sitting in my closet just waiting to be worn. I turned to Pinterest for some inspiration and fell in love with all of these images of  chic ladies wearing scarves. They made it look so easy, and that, I think, is the key to wearing a scarf...making it look effortless. And I really stress the word 'look' here, because it took multiple tries to tie it the way I liked. I paired this scarf with the denim because I liked the pattern and colors against the blue. I know denim on denim can be tricky to pull off, and I believe when done right it looks great and I was pretty happy with how I pulled it off. All together, I was quite happy with the outfit. It was a little different that something I would normally wear, but I really liked it and I love expanding my fashion sense. That's one thing I didn't expect to get from this blog, but it has been a great way to push my own style choices and really given me confidence try things outside of my comfort zone, and that is such a great way to grow. So here's to being brave, wearing what makes you happy and rocking a sick neck scarf!

Trench: Zara (old) (similar). Top: H&M (old) (similar). Jeans: American Eagle (old). Belt: H&M. Scarf: thrifted. Shoes: GoJane. Tote bag: Indigo - on sale for $20 online right now! I am tempted to buy a back up one, I love it so much. 

Vest Versatility

This is a fun, easy look I put together for a weekend date day and I really love how it turned out! That's not surprising since it's made up of some things I've been really into lately: crop tops, high waists, 70's vibes and this vest. I didn't realize until I picked up this vest, that it was an article of clothing sorely under represented in my closet - and what a tragedy! It is such a versatile layering piece! Maybe because I have been unconsciously connecting them with the over-worn puffer vests of my small town youth, but they have never really held any appeal to me...that is until now. I have seen the vest in a new, modern light and my closet is all the better for it. I have also invested in a sleeveless trench and I am equally in love with it. Follow me on insta-g if you want to see other ways to style these pieces :)

Vest: Sirens (similar here + here). Crop top: Forever21. Shorts: Opening Ceremony (thrifted) (similar). Bag: Indigo. Shoes: GoJane. Sunglasses: Steve Madden (similar + similar)