Today is a Good Day!

My interview went incredibly well, which has put me in a wonderful mood for the rest of the day! I had no idea Reitmans group owned so many of the Canadian clothing stores! Smart Set (where I had my interview) is by far my favorite, but they're also home to Addition Elle, Penningtons, RW&Co, Thyme, Cassis, and of course Reitmans! You've got to love these thriving Canadian born and bred retailers! My second potential interview location is Spring, which is owned by another Canadian company, Aldo Group. With so many of our companies either being bought out, or struggling to compete with bigger named American companies, its good to see a few of our own remaining to be so successful.
As someone who has studies business in a very liberal arts University, remaining local and supporting the Canadian economy are qualities I hold close to my heart and hope to contribute to in the future.

Now that I'm done my little speech, on to some photos!

Worn Fri, May 28th:

tee - Dynamite (2010)
pants - Michael Kors (mine since 2010)
flats - American Eagle (2008)

necklace - Dynamite (2007)
ring - Suzy Shier (2010)

This day I happened to be cleaning my uncle's house with my grandmother as a nice surprise before he came home from Italy. Don't ask me why I got so fancy for such a task... I just like looking pretty I guess! Anyways, as boring as cleaning sounds, I managed to find a few of my aunt's old things that I've appropriated as my own. As they are mostly jackets, none will be getting much wear until the fall, but I'll be sure to credit my dear Zia Carmela where applicable in the future!
For now I'll leave you with one of my many new treasures:

Thank you Zia!

Quick Little Post

Just a short lil' outfit post as I've kept pretty busy these last couple days, and now I'm going to entertain myself for the rest of the evening by putting together potential interview outfits :)

Worn Thurs, May 27th:

tank - Dynamite (2006)
bermudas - Dynamite (2007)
heels - Spring (2005)

ring - random shop in South Lake, TX (2009)
necklace - Gift from J (2010)

Hope you've all had a wonderful weekend!

A Lil' Inspiration and Some Good Luck

This outfit was very much influenced by Chelsea over at Bright Side Dweller! I loved the way she took that beautiful green dress a few days back and turned it into a wonderful twirly skirt!
So this is the purple jersey dress I wore in this post, remixed, and i think it turned out beautifully if i do say so myself!

Worn Wed, May 26th:
Where? Job Hunt!

tee - Urban Planet (2010)
belt - Dynamite (2010)
skirt - Urban Planet (2009)
bag - Ollie & Nic (2006)
heels - Guess (2008)

I'm thinking maybe this outfit brought me good luck, as I got a lot of good feedback from my resume, and finally have a job interview this coming Monday!
But while I love the outfit, I'm still hating the pictures. I really need to improve my skills in that department.

It's like a heatwave burning my heart...

Sunday consisted of flea marketing with mum, and since Ottawa is currently in the middle of a heatwave, a light white dress seemed the only plausible option.
I did still manage to sweat buckets though. 32C and humidity is WAY too hot to handle, especially because less than 2 weeks ago we were chilling at a mere 10C and temperatures still went to below freezing at night!
So what did I find you may ask? Why these adorable miniature shoes to add to my collection!

Worn Sunday, May 23rd:

dress - Urban Planet (2009)
belt - Thrifted (???)
shoes - Aldo (2009)
bag - g-ma's basement (mine since last week!)

I love this bag! I found it in my grandmother's basement last week and love the chanel-esque gold chain and quilting, and the fact that I'm adding navy blue to my neutral repertoire!

And because its been stuck in my head for the last few days:

Sibling Style

Since I'm posting Friday's outfit, I may as well regale you with Friday's busy-ness.

My baby brother celebrated his senior prom! So while the morning was spent running around doing last minute errands with him, my afternoon consisted of straightening ties, picking up hotel keys and oohing and ahhing over him and his friends while I snapped pictures. They grow up so darn fast! *sniff*
And of course the necessary photo:

My "baby brother" is the giant in the middle.

My outfit wasn't nearly as dapper, but blog-worthy none the less.

Worn Fri, May 21st:

tee - Dynamite (2009)
vest - YDE (2009)
shorts - Volcom (2008)
pendant - thrifted (2008)
sandals - Spring (2009)

Anyhoo, I love knowing that I'm his cool older sister that he actually wants to have around.
Makes a girl feel appreciated :)

finally busting these babies out

Weardrobe fiends may have already seen this one as it was especially taken to showcase (and finally WEAR!) these amazing thrift store wedges (no clue on the make) for their current statement heel contest :)
And then you know... i forgot to take a full length shot, so you can't really see my wonderful gold belt or Carrie-esque nameplate necklace :(

Worn Thurs, May 20th:

romper - GT Boutique for $8 (2010)
belt - Dynamite (2008)
wedges - thrifted (2009)
necklace - anniversary gift from J (2010)

Haha, and yes, I realize how nakey I look in this picture, but when I'm not all pose-y the romper is actually a decent length! And now that I have a very basic one, I'm going to attempt to create a pattern from it and make some funkier styles.

I've also finished "If You Have to Cry, Go Outside!," and loved every sentence. From Kelly's tales of reading tarot cards on Venice Beach to handing muffins to homeless people in Central Park, she is thoroughly entertaining. But mostly, it is her call to arms for women everywhere to follow your passions and to discover your inner-self whoever that may be that is encouraging me to recommend this book to everyone and anyone who will listen.
And in the mean time, look up Mirra Alfassa, and read some of her works, you won't regret it! Kelly goes on and on about this woman, and I can see why. Such a spiritual woman, yet incredibly modern for her time.

Anticipation!

I love how comfortable and easy this outfit was. I'm so into the drape-y shirts right now. Perfectly light weight for summer... and it makes me happy to think they're only $5 each :)

Worn Wed, May 19th:

tee - Dynamite (2010)
belt - Dynamite (2010)
capris - Le Chateau (2008)
flats - F21 (2007)

I can't wait until tomorrow! The plan is to do an Ottawa sweep of both consignment and vintage shops! I'll let you know what I find, and perhaps mini-reviews shall be in order!

Until then, be sure to check on my Shop or Swap! A few new items have been added!

P.S. 2 weeks and going strong!

Green is the new Black

... or at least that's how I feel after looking at these pics.
In retrospect, outdoor pics may not have been the best option for this outfit. WAY too much green! haha.

Worn Tues, May 18:

tee - F21 (2009)
belt - ??? (high school days)
bracelet - formerly mom's
skirt - Sympathy for the Rebel (2010)
flats - Aldo (2009)

Sorry for the slight blurriness... apparently if I don't take pics for a few days I lose what little picture taking skills I once had :)

So have I mentioned lately how much i LOVE dynamite*? Since there is no Forever21 or H&M in my vicinity (if I'm wrong, enlighten me! I haven't been in Ottawa for YEARS!), Dynamite has become my go-to for both basics and trendy pieces at affordable prices. On this particular occasion I was returning a dress I'd purchased for convocation (I've opted to make my own), and for the same price of that dress ($40 + tax) I was able to get FIVE new shirts and a fabulous belt. Do I know how to spend, or what?

In addition, I happened to pick up Kelly Cutrone's book, "If you have to cry, Go Outside."
Learning about her history while at the same time appreciating some of the intense lessons she's picked up along the way has just made me love this woman more. If you're looking for a light, quick read, I seriously recommend it.

*I don't work for Dynamite (anymore!), and they are NOT endorsing me. I just have an intense love for this store!

A little dirt under my nails

Ah summer vacation. A time for relaxation....
or not.
This weekend consisted of mowing, weed whacking, zappare (which is italian for turning the soil, i think!), and planting.
I also learned a very valuable lesson after weed whacking my own leg... long pants are a good thing when working in the yard!

Gma's lovely backyard, and a view of the fruits of my labor!

Worn Sun, May 16th:

hahaha, oh my childhood bedroom with all the junk I've collected on my walls...
and yes, i own multiples of that same mirror. i may or may not have a slight ikea obsession.

tank - ??
plaid - yde (2009)
jeans - Silver (2006)

Not exciting at all, I know... but this has basically been my get-up for the last few days in many variations, so I figured hey, why not?
And don't I look tough? lol

Fergie Ferg, yeah me love you long time!

As of tomorrow it will officially be a week since I've quit, and I'm finally starting to feel like myself again :) Its about time!
I'm going to be putting away the money that I would normally spend on my vices, and instead save up to buy a fabulous handbag around Christmas time to reward my efforts.
I'm thinking a classic Chanel quilted bag, or a signature Louis Vuitton satchel. Something that will never go out of style. What do we think?

On another note, I'm finally back in the swing of things, so we'll see how regular my outfit posts will become now that I'm out of excuses...

Worn Thurs, May 12th:
Where? Errands with Gma, and the Dentist

necklace - gift from J (2010)
cardigan - Dynamite (2008)
tee- H&M (2009)
high waisted jeans - Dynamie (2009)
platform sandals - Fergie (2009)


And of course my shoe detail....
I freaking love these... $80 at the beginning of last summer, WAY more than I usually spend on shoes but SO worth every penny.

*sigh* love.
Fingers crossed that one of the many shoe stores I applied to be assistant manager at calls me back! Gotta feed the habit some how...

Also! Be sure to check out my Shop & Swap!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to those of you who have kiddies, and of course my own mother and nonna!

These are the last few photos that were taken in Peterborough before moving back to Ottawa.

Worn Sun, Apr. 25th:
Where: Takin' the BFF out for her Birthday dinner!

blazer - Ricki's (2009)
tee - H&M (2009)
skirt - Urban Behavior (2009)
Dior extreme gladiator knock-offs - Diba (2008)

I know, I know, I haven't made good on my word yet, but there's a good reason...
Alright, I'mma let you guys in on a lil' secret that will probably explain my absence for the past week/next week... I've quit smoking (both the regular and the wacky tobacky) and it's quite possibly the hardest thing I will ever do in my life! Seriously folks... never become a regular smoker of the crazy stuff... It may not be physically addictive, but it is most definitely psychologically addictive. I've been experiencing depression, anxiety, and insomnia like mad, but I know it's the best thing for me and it will eventually pass. But until then, I'm spending a lot of time focusing on myself and rediscovering the hobbies I enjoyed doing before i surrendered my life to mary-jane: painting, drawing, and sewing of course.
I'm 5 days now, with just a puff of cheating on day 2... so I'm doing pretty well.
I have faith that one day I will be awesome again!
Wish me luck!

i'm still here, i swear!

wow, it really has been a while, hasn't it?

I'm officially moved home to Ottawa, living with the family for the next few months. So far this week has been to both extremes. Hanging with mom and the sibs has been cool, but I'd forgotten how incredibly LOUD italian families are when we're all together! I woke up this morning to mom hollering for Nick to hurry and get his stuff together or he'd be late for school.... at 8am on a day when I have nothing to do. Awesome. lol.

But anyway, here's a random outfit from mid-April... it's been so long I can't actually remember when these were taken. Ah well. I'm sure I'll get into the swing of things once again. It's just a matter of carving out a new routine while i'm here.

Worn mid-April.... guesstimate? the 22nd? meh. this is more for my benefit than yours anyhoo! ... damn my ocd.

Detail:

tank - Joe Fresh (2009)
skirt - Sympathy for the Rebel (2010)
belt - Dynamite (2008)
flats - F21 (2007)
earrings - ???
necklace - Fabricland (2008)


Hope May's treating you all wonderfully thus far! And more outfits to come! Promise!