Twelve and Thirteen

So, as we can tell I'm working on the new template. When I have a bit more time I'll create a new header, but photoshop still eludes me, and it will take more than a few minutes. Does anyone know how to make my columns wider/have them grow & shrink according to how big your browser window is? I really must learn xhtml.... eventually. Maybe when I have a little free time.

I DID manage to get the majority of my Christmas shopping done this weekend though! I dragged my mom out to the mall and helped her with some of her shopping too. She's quite the bah-humbug type when it comes to that part of christmas prep, so I like to help her when I can.

Anyways! Outfits!

7. sweater - Dynamite (2008)
13. cardigan - BCBG (2009)
19. trousers - Gap (2010)
29. wedges - Aldo (2010)

12. dress - Smart Set (2010)
16. cardigan - Jacob (2006)
27. ankle boots - Spring (2010)

No Slowing Down in the Eleventh Hour

This week has just been NUTS! I work for a property management company, and the closer we get to the new year, the crazier it gets. It doesn't help that I was away from the office for 2 days this week either. But my CPR & first aid training went well, and now I could potentially save your life! Go Team Me!

But yes, I have been completely swamped, hence my lack of posts, and my layout remaining the same. I HAVE been keeping up with my 30x30 though, so there will be outfits and hopefully a new look to the blog rollingout this weekend!

8. tee - Joe Fresh (2010)
24. skirt - Dynamite (2010)
26. boots - Thrifted (2008)

Hang Ten

*sigh* What a long week. And it's only Wednesday. You lucky americans! I guess I can't complain too much though, I get to do 2 days of CPR training for work, so I get a sort-of break. AAAAAND, I could potentially save your life now.

Anyway, I've been thinking about changing my blog layout to something more basic. I love shoes, as is quite evident with the backgroud I've chosen and header I've made, but there's been a lot of talk around the blog-o-sphere about how people prefer simpler, cleaner layouts... so it's time for a poll:


Now back to the 30x30!

5. tunic - ebay (2010)
17. skinnies - Gap (2010)
30. boots - Sirens (2010)

And yes, I've cheated a bit and put on a black cardigan! I could have taken it off for the photos, but I thought I would be honest. Plus, I've had to eliminate some pieces from my selection due to fit issues anyway.

In My Shoes: Aldo "Moos" Heels

Really, there is nothing that makes me happier than a gorgeous pair of shoes. After the awful few days I've had, I thought I would take a lil break from my 30x30 and focus instead on one of my loves to put me in a better mood. Usually I would shop for a new pair after a few days of "ugh," but I'm keeping with the challenge rules and enforcing my shopping ban, so instead I'm sharing one of my favorite shoe purchases.

Ah, my beloved "Moos." Probably one of the plainest and most basic shoes in my collection, but that's probably why I love them so much. Their understated sophistication is what I think makes them so sexy - that and of course the fact that they make a pair of legs look ten miles long.
Your beauty makes up for the fact that actually walking in you for long periods of time brings me to tears. I wore them to my Aunt's surprise 50th on one of their first outings, and after drinking and dancing all night, I learned that lesson pretty quickly. But I will never give you up, nor shove you to the back of the closet because you are GORGEOUS! And I'm sure after enough practice in heels this high, I'll become immune to your pain.

Ever have one of those Days When you Don't Wanna Wake Up? Everything is F****D.

Today just isn't my day. I made the mistake of not trying on my 30x30 pieces before putting them into the mix, and three - THREE - of the pieces don't actually fit me anymore. One worn as recently as 2 weeks ago. My purple button down has huge gaping holes between the buttons, i BROKE the zipper on my high waisted jeans (I managed to zip it up, just barely, and then it POPPED, taking half the teeth on the zipper with it), and my plaid wool skirt is so freaking tight I can't breathe. So now I have 27 pieces. Awesome.

And work? Don't get me started. Everything I've touched today has either broken, been cancelled, froze, or been done wrong.
Ever had one of those days when you realize you should have just stayed in bed?

At least I have outfit photos from yesterday to post for you.

9. vest - Old Navy (2010)
15. dress - Ricki's (2007)
30. boots - Sirens (2010)

Thank you Fred Durst for my title. I do in fact want to Break Stuff.

Confessions & Outfit 8 of 30

The lovely & talented Ashelle tagged me in her "7 Confessions," so now it's my turn! And as per protocol I will tag 7 bloggers as well!

1. I am an "adult" cartoon addict. I have EVERY episode of The Simpsons, Family Guy, South Park, American Dad, The Cleveland Show, Futurama, (and lesser knowns like Undergrads & Clone High) on my hard drive.
2. I plan on turning the 3rd bedroom in my new town house into a closet, and every time I tell J, I say it in a teasing voice so he thinks I'm joking..... I'm not.
3. I HATED cats for the longest time. They smelled and scratched and I just wasn't interested. Then my best friend & roommate adopted a stray & I fell in love... Shortly after I adopted Milo from the Humane Society.
4. I'm a smoker. Ew, gross, I know. I keep saying I'm going to quit, but its hard! And its better than smoking the stuff I used to on a regular basis...
   
5. I watch far too much reality TV. Pretty much anything that has to do with fashion, modeling, cooking, weight loss, hoarding, weddings... anything really. Maybe my confession should be that I watch too much TV, period?
6. I'm 24 and I'm still looking for that one hobby that gets me all excited and that I look forward to spending my free time doing... any ideas?
7. I regularly blog stalk while I'm at work and should be doing productive things... like right now.
   

The 7 bloggers I'm tagging are:

Megan of Daily Waifu Snapshot
Viktoria of Viktoria with a K
Lisa of Stilettos and Diaper Bags
Lorena of Lorena's Every Day Wear
Tiffany of Fashion Ammo
Tiffany of A Reason to be Fabulous
Ashley of A Fashion Fixation

Can't wait to read all of your dirty little secrets!

And now back to my 30x30!

4. lace tee - Suzy Shier (2010)
11. cardigan - Urban Behaviour (2010)
19. trousers - Gap (2010)
29. wedges - Aldo (2010)

Christmas Shopping for Myself @ Modcloth

I have had far too much fun lurking the modcloth website lately. It seems eery new piece is gorgeous and covetable. Here are just a few of the items on my wish list right now.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BISQUE TOP


HELD IN SUSPENDERS SKIRT


ALPINE CLASSIC CARDIGAN



FROSTING COOKIES DRESS


THAI ICED TEA DRESS

MADAME HERRINGBONE HEEL

BUTTONS AND BOWS HEEL

Have any fellow Canadian fashionistas ever ordered from Modcloth? What's the shipping/return procedure like? Is it worth it?

6 & 7: Weekend Wear

Oh yes, it was a very lazy weekend... but this should be allowed every once in a while. I'm so glad I had the day off yesterday... but i definitely didn't continue with my 30x30. I stayed in my pajamas for 3/4 of the day. I didn't have a car either, so its the perfect excuse. It was being wineterized and I decided to finally get that horrible noise looked at. Thankfully it was just a loose somethign-or-other and they fixed it for free. Good ol' Canadian Tire.
Anyways, i DID keep up with the challenge over the weekend, even though it consisted mainly of grocery shopping and cleaning, so here we go:

13. cardigan - BCBG (2009)
14. dress - Charlotte Russe (2009)
18. skinnies - Smart Set (2010)
26. biker boots - Brown's (thrifted 2008)

3. studded tee - GT Boutique (2010)
10. cardigan - Zara (2010)
18. skinnies - Smart Set (2010)
29. wedges - Aldo (2010)

Can we tell i didn't try very hard though? I didn't even bother with makeup, haha, hence the splotchiness. All is forgiven though, right? Allllso, today I threw on a SUPER BORING combination from my items so there may or may not be a photo... we'll see tomorrow.

Take Five!

IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!!!!

I don't think I added nearly enough exclamation points, so here's a few more: !!!!!!!
Can we tell I had a long week? Fortunately I took Monday off, so yay for long weekends! Hopefully I'll be able to start my Christmas shopping and get started on some other chores around here. Does anyone else have issues with holding out on giving presents? Once I've bought them I just want to play with wrapping paper and shower people with their gifts! I love making people smile, and I'd like to think I'm great at picking out that special something! But I'll wait for Santa, I promise!

12. sweater - Jacob (2006)
16. dress/tunic - Smart Set (2010)
18. skinnies - Smart Set (2010)
30. boots - Sirens (2010)

Friend Friday: Look at ME! LOOK AT ME!

This week's Friend Friday is about self-promotion, and attention seekers in the blogging world. As always, thank you ModlyChic for putting this together! I'll be back later with the continuation of my 30x30!


1. How do you promote your blog?
Hmmmm, good question. I do a few things, but judging by the responses of others I should be doing more...
What I currently do:

• I like to think I leave nice, thoughtful comments and questions on the blogs of others.
• I take part in weekly posts supported by other bloggers such a Friend Friday and Weekly Money Check-Up.
• I have a link on my facebook page for anyone who actually knows me that might be interested.
• Post outfits I'm particularly proud of to weardrobe (even though I've criticized it before, I still find many new blogs this way, so I still do the occasional post. But no more free ads! Notice my lack of banner...)
  

What I should do:

• Network! Tell anyone who cares to listen.
• Be more active on IFB
• Broaden my post spectrum... Ottawa is an amazing City, I should showcase it more.
  

2. In your experience what has been the most effective form of self promotion?
I would say just being friendly and taking an interest in the blogs of others. Most of my followers are people I regularly comment on and chat to.

3. Do you think there is a wrong way to promote yourself and your blog?
There is no "wrong way," per se... I mean the more people hear about you, the more well known you will become. But I don't particularly like the one word comments and the "come enter my giveaway!" only comments. (By all means, advertize your blog/giveaway! But make me feel like my comments section is more than just a bulletin board in a university hallway!) I'm not really about that, and neither is my blog. I'd like to think I have some form of connection with most of you :)

4. When is comes to others pushing their product what annoys you?
When I see someone that has made the same comment on 10 different blogs... in the same day. We all like to feel special, so please take the time to read what I have to say, or the 5 seconds to come up with a comment that isn't solely, "nice skirt!" But then again, any kind of comments make me feel warm and fuzzy!

5. In Dressful's post on this topic earlier in the week she said, "It's impossible to respect someone who wants all the attention, but adds nothing worthwhile to the conversation." Do you agree?
Oh yes. Unless of course she means she doesn't like bloggers who only post a look and a few sentences. I think those are more than okay if that's your blogging style! It's my perogative of whether I want to follow you or not.
What I DON'T like (and won't follow) are the few bloggers I've seen who wear the same pieces over and over again because they're "brand name" and then do nothing but go on and on about this or that event they went to. No review, no original thought... just a regurgitation of text, and style. that bothers me.
I visit you because you're ORIGINAL and CREATIVE and i LOVE what you've had to say. And I admit, I visit a blog a few times before I "follow" it. I like blogs that I have been drawn to more than once and have entertained me on a variety of occasions.


Photo via AdWeek

unFOURtunately...

Today was absolutely crazy at work, so forgive me if I keep this short. I'm ready for a nap.
I don't know why I never noticed this natural pairing in my closet before, but I guess that's one of the benefits of the 30x30 challenge.
This skirt however, is very static friendly and insisted on riding up my tights all day so I found myself constantly pulling it down. Why are dryer sheets never awkwardly stuck inside items of clothing when you really need them to be?

8. top - Joe Fresh (2010)
22. skirt - Dynamite (2010)
29. wedges - Aldo (2010)

additions:
owl necklace - Smart Set (2010)
tights - Ardene (2010)

3; a number some people use as a backwards E.

Thank you Urban Dictionary for the random title.
The camera was not my friend this morning. Oh well. This wasn't one of my better remixes anyhoo...
I hate this silly time change too. It's barely sunny when I leave for work, and it's already dark by the time I get home at 5. It looks like outdoor photos will have to be a weekend luxury for the next little while.
Anyways, onto outfit 3!

7. top - Dynamite (2008)
17. skinnies - Gap (2010)
25. boots - Franco Sarto (2009)

additions:
belt - Jacob (2010)
necklace - gift from mom's trip to Italy

And I don't think I'll be trading out for the flats, I'm going to stick to my original selection... who knows, maybe more random outfits will come out this way?

Well Howdy Partners, it's Day 2!

I was asked if I was going to a hoedown tonight.
While the idea of finding a partner and swingin' him 'round does sound appealing to me, I digress, there is no hoedown in sight. Instead, this is my attempt at pattern mixing.
Despite the random comments today, I think I did quite well.

2. plaid shirt - Smart Set (2010)
21. skirt - BCBG (2009)
30. boots - Sirens (2010)

Additions:
ring - Vintage (gma's)
socks - Ardene (2010)

Day One & I'm Already Debating Cheating...

The first day and I'm already considering making an adjustment to the pieces I selected! Haha, I never was one for rules. But can you believe out of my 6 pairs of footwear I didn't manage to include a SINGLE pair of flats? Sure, I included a flat boot, but they're really more of a weekend thing. Now don't get me wrong, I'm short, and I love me some added height at work, but have you ever tried spending a day filing in heels? Our cabinets are HUGE, and teetering atop ladders in a 4" wedge isn't exactly ideal... I just have to decide whether I'm removing the biker boots or the plaid heels... hmmmm....

6. vest - Old Navy (2010)
9. tee - Dynamite (2007)
19. pants - Gap (2010)
27. boots - Spring (2010)

My 30x30: Fourtunately, you don't need to be able to add to remix :)

So here are my items! Forgive me, it was late last night when I took the pictures, and when I was numbering them today I realized I had one piece too many... whoops!
So i'm not including the blazer in the 2nd picture... just pretend it's not there :)

1. purple button down - Jacob (2010)
2. plaid button down - Smart Set (2010)
3. studded tee - GT Boutique (2010)
4. lace tee - Suzy Shier (2010)
5. brown tunic - Ebay (2010)
6. green 3/4 tee - Dynamite (2007)
7. gold sweater - Dynamite (2008)
8. pink tee - Joe Fresh (2010)

9. fur trimmed vest - Old Navy (2010)
10. yellow sweater - Zara (2010)
11. green sweater - Urban Behaviour (2010)
12. brown sweater - Jacob (2006)
13. black sweater - BCBGeneration (2009)

14. green sweater dress - Charlotte Russe (2009)
15. gray jersey dress - Ricki's (2007)
16. floral dress - Smart Set (2010)

17. black skinnies - Gap (2010)
18. skinny jeans - Smart Set (2010)
19. black trousers - Gap (2010)
20. high waisted jeans - Dynamite (2008)

21. full skirt - BCBG (2009)
22. army-esque skirt - Dynamite (2010)
23. wool plaid skirt - Etsy (2010)
24. gray tulip skirt - Dynamite (2010)

25. white boots - Franco Sarto (2009)
26. biker boots - Browns (thrifted 2008)
27. ankle boots - Spring (2010)
28. plaid heels - Madden Girl (2008)
29. wedges - Aldo (2010)
30. brown boots - Sirens (2010)

I've been creeping on everyone's 30x30's today and I'm so excited for this round to start! Over 300 remixers and growing! (I didn't make here list, I guess I emailed in too late! But that won't stop me!)

I'm not very good at coming up with these.

The weekends go by way too fast in my opinion... too many things planned, and not enough time to accomplish it all!
I'm hoping to make it to the Wine & Food Show tomorrow (bf is a huge foodie, so we're hoping to try some fab new wines and nab a little bit of cooking inspiration!) and I started a little bit of Christmas shopping today before heading to my Aunt's for her birthday this evening.
Why does Christmas shopping for others always end up into a shopping trip for myself? I did pretty well though! I scored an anorak/military surplus style winter coat for $45 from Old Navy, and a super cute fur-trimmed vest for $35, both way under my budgeted amounts of $75 and $50, respectively. Lets pause while I give myself a pat on the back :)
Now I'm entering a 30 day shopping ban while I take part in the Fall edition of Kendi's 30 for 30! Anyone else joining in?

faux fur coat - H&M (2008)
l/s tee - Esprit (2010)
wool skirt - this seller on etsy (2010)

btw... how do you all come up with post titles? I always sit there for a good 5-10 minutes (no joke) trying to figure one out and then eventually just give up and write whatever. I am definitely not a right brained individual.... thats the creative one, right?

Ottawa Fashion Week Review

Unfortunately my pictures from the first half of Ottawa Fashion Week are non-existent. For some reason I decided to NOT bring my Rebel, and opted for the good ol' point and shoot... yes, not a good idea. Motion pictures turn out blurry... and models are moving, duh. But I thought I would share with you my favorites anyways; a special thanks to Pop Champagne for allowing me to share the beauty with you.

Andrew Majtenyi was elegant and subdued. His silhouettes were incredibly feminine yet delicate, and his color palette was fairly neutral with subtle pops of brightness in floral patterns. Every piece was wearable and effortlessly chic, and the designer's ensemble was equally fabulous - a royal purple shirt and black and white oxfords.

Rachel Sin was incredible. Her dresses were to die for. My favorites were by far the fitted pieces which were unbelievably sexy, but not over the top. A black sheath with a contrasting zipper and geometrical cut outs on the back was the piece I coveted the most; incredibly wearable for any occasion. Coincidentally, the designer herself showed up in that piece the following night.

On Day 3 the standouts were Stacey Bafi-Yeboa, designer of Kania Couture, who blew me away completely with her bold colour choices. Her pieces are completely eco-conscious, made from bamboo jersey, and look SO comfortable, even the dresses you could see yourself dancing into the wee hours of the morning in. Her overall look was super-easy rocker chic, and her styling was impeccable. And who could resist her charms when she danced down the runway at the end of her show? Amazing.

Adrian Wu... a talent beyond his mere 20 years. The complex drapes, gathers, and avant garde styling and silhouettes makes you believe that he's been in the business for years. It reminded me of a couture show one would see in Paris or Milan, without a doubt. While the color palette was fairly basic in blacks, whites and greys, you could still notice the impeccable craftsmanship and hours of work it must have taken to achieve such looks. He is definitely one Canadian talent to watch in the years to come.

And finally, Jessica Biffi, Project Runway Canada Season 2 runner-up, closed the weekend with what I'd like to dub her nautical-rocker motif. The mix of stripes and colors was amazing, and pleating details and shiny hardware had me literally foaming at the mouth. Everything was so incredibly well constructed, you could see why she made it so far on Project Runway, and why her popularity exceeds that of the two winners of the series.

A shout out goes to my lovely fellow Ottawa Bloggers - Marilou, you are incredibly amazing, and a million thank yous for allowing me to join you in the front row, I felt like a socialite :) & Julie, you are incredibly cute in person! Thanks so much for the photo op! I hope it doesn't take another runway show before I get to see you wonderful ladies again :)