Last Hurrah

Note to Self:
Just because I'm adoring a trend on the runways and in the magazines does NOT mean that it will look remotely similar on my 5'3, curvaceous frame. I finally made my way over to the new Forever 21 that recently opened in the Rideau Centre and tried on some tie-neck 70s-esque blouses that I had been coveting. Verdict? They made me look old and frumpy and added far too much volume to my chesticles, and lets be honest, I don't need any more attention drawn to the ladies.

So while I love the trend on others, this is one that I don't think I'll be partaking in.

Instead I decided to rework a piece that does work for me, a last hurrah in a summer maxi before packing it away for the winter months.

crop top - H&M (2009); maxi - Dominican (2011)

Plain Jane

The last couple of weeks have just been insane!
The Ottawa Hospital Charity breakfast, a follow up shoot for CBC's Dragon's Den, last few AP classes for my CMA (or CPA for you americans!), my BFF's 25th birthday, and year end accounting for the company I work for have kept me more than busy.... Hence the lack of posts. But you think with all I had going on I'd have had a chance to snap a few outfit photos... No such luck. You're stuck with a super-boring one from a week ago.
Fortunately Ottawa Fashion Week is this weekend, so I'll have more exciting things to post in the near future!

knit top - F21 (2011); jeans - Dynamite (2010); booties - Spring (2010)

In My Shoes: Chinese Laundry Wedges

I bought these babies at the beginning of last summer and the beginning of my first management job in hopes that a wedge would still give me height, plus the added benefit of comfort. My bf at the time told me they looked like something an old lady would wear. I never did listen to his opinion when it came to shopping, haha.

The comfort ideal lasted for a whole five minutes before i had blisters ALL OVER my toes. Fortunately, once the leather became a bit more worn in the pain stopped, but their cuteness lived on.

How I wore them...

Knots & Polka Dots

I'm pretty sure my hair & mouth was doing something funky in every picture I took... Yes, this is the best of the lot. Sad isn't it?
Although I have been liking my outfits lately, I haven't felt much like smiling for pictures. While there have been a lot of positives in my life, I have definitely been stressed out this last week. Between work, uncertainty about my living situation, and the bf writing his UFE's, my stomach has been constantly in knots.
It'll pass though, I'm sure.

top - H&M (2011); skirt - Dynamite (2010); shoes - Aldo (2010)

In My Shoes: Aldo "Urquiza" Loafer

It's been a while since I've done one of these, but my collection grows every month so I thought I would continue with this feature!

Ah, Aldo. You never steer me astray.
I bought these last winter and it was love at first step. Not only did they fit perfectly into my then-corporate wardrobe, they are incredibly comfortable.
I'm so glad I purchased them when I did since I see this trend popping up again everywhere for the fall!
You can purchase a similar style here in black.

How I've worn them...

Put a Bow on It

There's something so incredibly sexy about the conservative secretary look. I'm loving the high heeled loafer, the 50's esque midi-skirt, and of course, the bow tie blouse.

Here are just a few that I've had my eye on recently...

Sheer Floral Blouse - F21 ($30)

Polka Dotted - Dynamite ($30)

Black Plaid - Smart Set ($35)

Tele-Visionary Blouse - Modcloth ($43)

Tie Neck Henley - Gap ($65)

Helter Bow Blouse - Need Supply ($80)

I'm sort of leaning towards the adorable modcloth one, but ordering online always psychs me out, so chances are I'll end up with the Dynamite version. Not that I don't already own enough polkadots....

What are your thoughts?

There's Just Something About OFW

Can't you just feel the anticipation in the air?
It's almost that time again.... Ottawa Fashion Week!
Can't wait to welcome back the regulars like Kania, Adrian Wu, Rachel Sin, Jana Hanzel, & Birds of North America; and excited to see what the newcomers have to offer!


Check out the entire Line-Up Here.
Read my Previous Reviews Here.

Shopaholics Anonymous

I miss shopping.

I know, that sounds pathetic. I just went on a trip a month ago where I bought far too much... but I'm pretty sure I have an addiction! Something about pretty new things just gets my heart racing.
BF and I went window shopping last weekend and I nearly had a meltdown because he (rightly so) talked me out of buying the most adorable sweater from the gap at 40% off.

Is there such a thing as shopaholics anonymous?

blouse - Jacob (2010); vest - H&M (2011); skinnies - Smart Set (2010); flats - Aldo (2011)

Also, has anyone else seen Coco Rocha's Jacob ads? They've made a commitment to stop retouching their models (not that she needs any anyways)! LOVE!!

where does the time go?

I can't believe how quickly the weeks pass! I wish you could just pause time and do the things you actually enjoy before life continues on around you. I miss being able to spend hours a day catching up on blog posts and browsing the various sites... I don't know how you ladies do it! Maybe I just need to work on my time management skills?

Anyhoo, birthday was a blast last weekend. Thank you to all my lovelies for coming out! We need to party again soon :)

button down - Smart Set (2010); skirt - Smart Set (2010); boots - Sirens (2010)