The Good, The Bad and The Argyle*

Rain, rain, go away... Melrose wants to come out and play... with her camera... and maybe frolic in the leaves without getting covered from head to toe in mud :)

Boo for more indoor photos! I've been TRYING to be creative about the whole photo thing now that I have my new baby (Canon Rebel I love you!), but until I find a way to rig up an umbrella to the top of my tripod, I'm banished indoors. That being said, yesterday was a horrible tease of what fall weather SHOULD be like, and I did get a few cute outdoor shots that will likely be posted later this week.

argyle sweater - Dynamite (2008)
trousers - Gap (2010)
wedges - Aldo (2010)
bag - BCBGeneration (2010)

I'm debating buying a pair of OTK boots from gojane.com. At a fraction of my budgeted price, they're very tempting. Has anyone ordered from there before? What is the quality like?

Also, Yuri, founder of lookbook.nu posted a response to Vahni of grit & glamour.... clearly I don't agree with her views... but what do you all think? Join in the convo on her comments page.

(OFW STARTS TOMORROW!)

*post title courtesy of Bouncing Souls

Shared Rant

Before I go on to my quite boring photos, I thought I would bring to your attention this post from V of Grit & Glamour. (If you don't already follow, you should. Her writing style is amazing, and she's a wealth of information!) It definitely hit the nail on the head (I think) about most "fashion community" sites being nothign more than a popularity contest. Yes, I'm guilty of posting to weardrobe occasionally because I figured it would boost my reader-base and my ego. Sadly, neither of the two have really happened. And it always bothers me how I will see someone with a LOT of likes on the "recent" posts page, but the SAME PEOPLE always make it to their "featured" page. Not cool... I mean, whats the point in voting then?
Anyhoo, sorry for the rant, but definitely go check it out.

scarf - Suzy Shier (2009)
cardigan - Jacob (2006)
tee - Aeropostale (2010)
pants - Gap (2010)
socks - Ardene (2010)
boots - Steve Madden (2007)

The weather has been SO gloomy lately that outdoor shots just aren't happening... and whats that on my face you might ask? Why, a gigantic stress pimple that I insisted on picking. Yes, I'm a picker. There's just something so necessary about popping gross looking pimples or picking crusty scabs.
So now that I've thoroughly disgusted you, I'll leave you with that as your image of me. haha.

A Solemn Goodbye

* sigh* Yes, I'm parting with my lovely Diors without having once worn them. That isn't to say it wasn't attempted though... they're just far too squishy on my toes. Perhaps I'll style them for a random photo shoot, but they definitely won't be worn to work anytime soon. I run back and forth to the photocopier far too often to endure that kind of pain. /cry.

On another note, I've kind of sort of been getting the hang of my wonderful new camera, and that makes me happy. In no way have I gotten my money's worth yet, but I'm working on it.
I've also been super good about shopping lately, and since I can't seem to find anything on my list I've refrained from buying any new items. I DID get my wonderful wool skirt from Etsy today though, so that will premiere soon enough... probably not tomorrow though. It's supposed to be 19'C... what IS with this weather? It can't seem to make up its mind!

cardigan - BCBG (2009)
dress - Smart Set (2010)
tights - Ardene (2010)
heels - Spring (2010)

Goodbye Dior...

These beauties just made their way into my shop or swap... make me an offer :)

An Uneventful Weekend...

It's turning out to be a very uneventful weekend. Yesterday was gorgeous, but was spent cleaning the house in preparation for my mother's return, so we anticipated going into the gatineau hills today, or maybe to a farm to pick up some pumpkins... Unfortunately the weather is just awful (cold, gray, gross) so it looks like it will be another spent around the house. Maybe I'll head down to Michael's to pick up some craft items... Stephanie of love&lace has some absolutely gorgeous DIY halloween ideas on her blog.

blazer - Ricki's (2008)
cowl sweater - BCBG (2008)
pants - Gap (2010)
heels - Aldo (2010)

Sparkle, Sparkle

A very simple work outfit. I just had one of those mornings last week when I didn't feel like getting up, didn't feel like getting dressed, and definitely didn't feel like facing the day. I thought a little sparkle would brighten my day, but to no avail. Thankfully last week is long over and this week is going much better.
It's still pretty tough to get up in the mornings though... does anyone else find that the darker and colder it gets in the morning hours, the longer you want to stay in bed?

tee - H&M (2009)
cardigan - Zara (gift 2010)
belt - Smart Set (2010)
pants - Dynamite (2007)
flats - Aldo (2010)

Spreading the Love

If you don't already know, Ottawa Fashion Week is fast approaching! In anticipation of this, Marilou of Twenty York Street (check out her fabulous blog if you're not already a follower!) has teamed up with Yolande Deschenes, founder and designer of Yola Couture, to give one lucky winner the opportunity to win one of her new ready-to-wear pieces! The dress is absoluetly gorgeous and incorporates some lovely origami-type details. You DEFINITELY have to check this out, this is one giveaway you won't want to miss!
The gorgeous "Callie" dress being given away!

Now, not nearly as entertaining, more photos from last week!

top - from this seller on Ebay (2010)
jeans - Smart Set (2010)
boots - Steve Madden (2007)
beads - Spring (2010)

Fall Wants

I've been a little bored at work, so I thought I'd put together a list of my Fall Wants.
Hmmm, I see a trend here.

Fall Wants by Melrose86

Cargo Jacket - Dillard's ($119)
My Budget: $75
Fur Vest - Michael Kors ($91)
My Budget: $50
Tweed Blazer - J. Crew ($198)
My Budget: $100
Skinny Cargos - Ruche ($48)
My Budget: $40
OTK Boots - Victoria's Secret ($99)
My Budget: $75
Cape - Dorothy Perkins (65GBP)
My Budget: $100

These items are just for reference and not necessarily the exact ones I plan on purchasing. So we'll see how I make out... AND if I stay under my budget.

Weekly Money Check-Up: Oct. 11th - Oct. 17th

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on my pretty new camera! A little more than I had planned on spending though... after peripherals and an extended warranty it was almost $900 :( No shopping for me for the next little while!

2. Today I feel a little down about money. I need to budget my payment for the new toy, so I can't put as much away in savings as I would like to for the next little while.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was have a pot luck lunch at work. It was a nice opportunity to chat and catch up with everyone. And it turns out one of the VP's knows my grandmother... she made her bridesmaids dresses! Small world...

4. I will consider this week a success if I cook every night, pack all my lunches, and don't eat out.

5. My favorite cereal is cheerios. Yes, it's pretty simple and not very sugary, but oh so delicious.

6. Other frivolous spending I did this week was on groceries, so not very frivolous at all. Oh! And some wool tights for the chilly weather we've been having! (3 pairs for $10 @ Ardene)

Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly feature courtesy of My Pretty Pennies.
Image via Marie Claire Magazine.

Soft Pink & Striped Skirt

So I got a little ahead of myself with my posts from yesterday, but really, I was too excited to post shots with a bit of variation to hold back!
These photos were taken last week (pre-camera!) hence the bad lighting and grainy-ness... but I thought they were still super cute! Yay for being able to pull out my winter skirts! I have some fabulous vintage wool skirts I can't wait to pull out too!

top - Joe Fresh (2010)
pearls - Vintage (Grad gift 2010)
skirt - BCBGeneration (2009)
heels - Spring (2010)

Blustery Beach Babe

Yay for the first few photos with my new Canon Rebel T1i!
Clearly we need to improve our photo taking skills and still LEARN to use the camera... but I think they're quite pretty.
And I feel kinda special when I whip it out, I'm not gonna lie.

jacket - Obey (2008)
top - F21 (2008)
skirt - random boutique in Italy (2003)
tights - Ardene (2009)
wedges - Aldo (bday gift 2010)

Also! Double yay for finally getting outta the house and having some interesting outdoor shots! We went to bayshore today so I could pick up the Jessica Simpson "Felicia" Fur/Knit vest (sold out... damn you bay days!), and stopped by Britannia Beach on our way home.

In My Shoes: Aldo "Mignona" Wedges

Oh my birthday wedges, how I love thee.
I have gotten so many compliments on there heels, makes a girl feel pretty damn good.

How they've been worn:

Friend Friday: Blogging & You

from my first actual outfit post!

1. How has your blog changed over the months/years you've been blogging?

Hmmm... has it? I think features have been added... things have been attempted, but not uch on the actual blog has changed. I on the other hand have been more engaged with the blogs of others, which I think helps my own in return.

2. What was one thing you did wrong in the beginning and how have you changed that?

I haven't changed much quite honestly, maybe my layout quite a bit, but the way I blog has basically stayed the same. I still ramble about whatever's going on that day, and my outfit photos don't vary in their location much... if there's one thing I'd like to improve on, the quality and variation in location/poses is what I'd like to attempt to change.
I've also added a couple of somewhat regular weekly features (money check-up, in my shoes, and of course friend friday) which i think are fun to write, and hopefully to read too!

3. When you visit a blog what's the greatest turn off?

• Too many ads... and not people who sponsor the blog... random google ads. They just get in the way!
• Just a picture... no voice, not even clothing credits!
• Wearing basically the same thing every day...
  
• Really expensive/high end clothing... but nothing interesting to say. Yes.. I may be jealous of what you have on your back... but that almost seems like your intention.
  

4. How did you find your voice?

Honestly? I basically just ramble. I don't think I've quite found my voice yet, or what works for me... even though I'm coming up on my 1 year blogging anniversary soon, I really feel like there's so much more for me to learn and attempt!

5. If you had three pieces of advice to give to a new blogger what would those be?

1. Keep an eye out for what you love about other blogs and recreate it in your own way.
2. Let the reader get to know YOU, your style, your voice, what you like to do... it makes you seem more real, and people get attached to that.
3. Join communities, and show the love to others that you'd like to receive.. all while being genuine.

Friend Friday is a Weekly Feature courtesy of the wonderful Katy of ModlyChic!

Camera Complications

I got some bad news recently, unfortunately my house which was SUPPOSED to have a closing date of Nov. 25th has now been pushed back to Feb. 1st. That means another 2 whole months of living at home. BUT I'm trying to look at the bright side, and that ALSO means another 5 paydays before I have a ridiculous amount of bills to pay.
Since I have been coveting a DSLR for sometime now, and given that I have a little more time and cash to be placed in my savings account, I thought I would buy myself a little treat. I'd been doing my research for a while and thought I had settled on the Nikon D3000. A great camera at a great price, and it has a neat little "guide" feature which teaches noobs like me what all the different settings can do. Me being me, was easily talked into getting the newer D3100 which just came out a little over a month ago with the added features of HD video and an extra 4 megapixels.
SO I brought home my shiny new toy and eagerly began playing with it... only to discover that on timed shutter release you can only take ONE photo at a time, and that while the D3000 had a couple compatible wireless remotes, the D3100 removed that feature. Why would you REMOVE features on a newer model!?!?

Anyhoo, to make my incredibly long story short, while the Nikon D3100 is a VERY pretty and VERY easy to use camera, for a blogger like me who takes the majority of her own pictures, it is NOT the best option.
This weekend I'm going to exchange it for the Canon Rebel T1i, which costs $20 less, has an extra megapixel, the same HD video capability, and those extra features I need to take self portraits.

And now some photos taken with my good 'ol point & shoot:

blouse - Vintage (mine since 2010)
jeans - Dynamite (2008)
wedges - Aldo (2010)
necklace - Smart Set (2010)

Casual Weekend Garb

This is what I wore last weekend to wander downtown with the boy. It was SUCH a pretty day, but definitely frigid. Of course a coat was added.
We hit up the new Urban Outfitters on Rideau Street and omigosh I fell in love with so much, but unfortunately it was a ZOO in there so I didn't get a chance to try anything on, and there was no way I was waiting in that line up to pay for anything. Their "home" department disapointed me though. Whenever I visited their Montreal location I always found the most fabulous decorations and almost always left with something in hand. Unfortunately the Rideau location has the bare minimum and mostly carries their little trinkets like shot glasses and humorous books. They're still brand new to that location though, so maybe they'll expand in the future, who knows?

scarf - LeChateau (2008)
sweater - Express (2008)
jeans - Smart Set (2010)
boots - Spring (2010)
wood bangles - Vintage (??)

Prim & Proper Purple

I'm actually not a huge fan of these photos, but I did think I was due for an outfit post!
I DO like the purple and yellow together though. It may just be one of my new favorite color combinations!

cardigan - Zara (2010)
blouse - Jacob (2010)
trousers - Gap (2010)
heels - Aldo (2010)

Weekly Money Check-Up: Oct 4th - Oct 10th

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on a new "winter" foundation from MAC, $30. I get so pale during the colder months that my old one just wouldn't work!

2. Today I feel pretty thrifty towards money. I went shopping at the Rideau Centre over the weekend and didn't buy ANY clothing (which is so rare for me) because I felt guilty spending money on anything other than what's on my winter "must-haves" list. Instead I opted for used items... go team me!

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was make a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with J for my siblings. Yum!

4. I will consider this week a success if I go to the gym more than twice.

5. If I could could quit my job for a month and travel throughout one country, I would choose Thailand. Both Top Model New Zealand and Australia travelled there recently and I was in awe of the beautiful scenery and culture!

6. Other frivolous spending I did this week was on a wool plaid skirt from Etsy, SO pretty and only $15, and a wool wrap skirt from Value Village for $6. Cross that off my list!

Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly feature courtesy of My Pretty Pennies.
Image via Marie Claire Magazine.

Falling for Fall Boots

I am so in love with these new ankle boots I picked up from Spring! And at $60, they were less than half the price of the Aldo ones... they are missing the detail of the "hiker-esque" bottom but definitely make up for it with the faux shearling detail!

sweater - Jacob (xmas 2008)
top - Smart Set (2010)
skirt - Dynamite (2010)
ankle boots - Spring (2010)

Friend Friday: Commentators of All Kinds

1. Do you allow comments on your blog? Why or why not?
Heck Yes! I think comments are what makes the blogging community so much fun! It's how you get to know each other a little bit! And they still make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside :)

2. Do you think people at times leave comments that are insincere or not well-thought out? What's the point?
I really dislike people that comment on 10 million blogs a day in order to get their own blog out there. I'll admit, I too have left my URL at the bottom of a comment once or twice, but it's usually if I feel a commonality between myself and the blogger and would like to be friends :) haha.

3. Would you ever leave a comment that could be considered negative?
Not negative... maybe thought provoking? I don't think I've ever been negative, and if I have I'm SORRY! It was unintentional. These people are putting themselves out there for the world to see, and that takes a certain level of bravery. I applaud those that let us glimpse into their lives and would never do anything to make them not want to be open anymore.

4. Most people claim to like constructive criticism. Do you really and how do you offer that kind of criticism to others?
I do! If I look off... I'd like to know! But more in a "you should try this next time..." and less in a "that ___ looks AWFUL on you!" No one likes getting their feelings hurt!
And yes, I give advice, or "constructive criticism", but I usually wait until it is solicited. I like when people like to hear my opinion!

5. Some bloggers don't allow comments in order to cut down on negativity. Do you think that is the way to go or are there other ways to deal with the negative vibes?
I kind of think it's ridiculous... I mean, you can always screen your comments before posting, right? Or mark someone as a spammer. I think it defeats the purpose of the community and becomes more of a "look what I have!" And if that's the case, I don't think those people should be allowed to comment on others' blogs either... kind of hypocritical, no?
Maybe it's because I've never encountered the negativity (hey, I'm not THAT popular!) but I definitely feel I could handle a negative comment or two and brush it off... I think all the positive ones would negate that!

Friend Friday is a Weekly Feature courtesy of the wonderful ModlyChic!
Image via orkut-scrapping.com

Gimme A "Five!"

Yesterday was SO cold in the morning! That's my excuse for my outfit being very "blah" yesterday. I have lots of styling ideas jotted down, but not many that involve pants, which presents a bit of a problem when I'm feeling uninspired in the mornings. Looking back now, a scarf or some bolder accessories would have definitely helped this outfit out a bit.
The forgotten piece below is the cardigan, and I think after another wear or two this one might be ready for the donate pile.

cardigan - F21 (2008)
tee - Joe Fresh (2010)
skinnies - Gap (2010)
studded flats - Aldo (2010)

These flats were only $20 and one of the 2 pairs I purchased instead of my LeCaros. They're not super flashy or anything, but a great basic to slip on and they coordinate with practically everything.

And for some reason I look like I was trying to be a cheerleader.

Weekly Money Check-Up: Sept. 27 - Oct. 3

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on a delicious Greek feast for J & I, $30.

2. Today I feel excited about money. Tomorrow is pay-day!

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was take a BodyPump class for the first time at Goodlife Fitness. ( I won a free 2 week membership :) )

4. I will consider this week a success if I cook dinner every night and DO NOT order out. I'm currently living at home and have been spoiled by my mother & grandmother, but now they're in Italy for 3 weeks! Time to be responsible.

5. The TV show I am most excited about this season is Cougar Town :) I freaking love Courtney Cox.

6. Other frivolous spending this week included: $30 on a Scouts Canada donation (how in the heck can you say no to co-workers?!), and 2 pairs of shoes.... which I was actually refunded $100 after those purchases because I returned my beloved LeCaros.... I know, I know, they were gorgeous... but it made me feel guilty spending that much on a trendy pair of boots... and when I found their replacement at a fraction of the price I could justify my purchase even less. I'll debut them soon, I promise.

Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly feature courtesy of My Pretty Pennies.
Image via Marie Claire Magazine.

Marching On

Yes, I've been a bad blogger and far too caught up in this this crazy thing I lovingly refer to as my life. Oh, and I couldn't move for a few days due to over-exertion at the gym. Yes, I am dumb.
BUT! I have been sticking to my challenge, so here's Day 4!

vest - F21 (2009)
dress - Ricki's (2007)
wedges - Aldo (gift, bday 2010)

Now that I'm looking at these pictures, I have NO IDEA why I never wear this dress. It's a super cute basic. I bought it for a company Christmas party ages ago, and had it in my mind that it was more of a holiday/party dress.... clearly this is not the case at all and it will definitely be brought out more often!

In My Shoes: Franco Sarto Boots

I found these beauties at a random little store in a small own called Bobcaygeon about an hour outside of Peterborough. I had been looking for a new pair of boots and actually had my heart set on a $250 pair of BCBG's... don't ask why, I was definitely a broke student at the time.
Instead I found these on clearance and marked down to $60 from $220. They looked like nothing I had ever owned boots-wise and I was sold on the spot.
My younger cousins have lovingly dubbed them my "Hannah Montana boots."


Ways I've worn them: