A New Chapter.

After being absent from the wonderful world of blogging for what seems like forever, I've decided to start anew. With all the changes coming up in my life, I felt the need to re-submerge myself in the things that make me happy.

If you'd love to take a gander, you can find me in my new home @ www.dallianttendencies.blogspot.ca

Give it to me Straight!

You may have noticed that I've been rockin' the super straight locks lately.

This of course is all thanks to the lovely folks over at Misikko who were nice enough to send me a fabulous new HANA 1.5" Titanium Flat Iron. 

I've been using it for about two months now and have to say that I am truly happy with this amazing product.

First of all, I'd like to point out how incredibly beautiful the package was. My box unfortunately came slightly damaged, but that's due to the lovely people at Canada Post (note the sarcasm), and not Misikko. The hair brush, metal tin, and eyelash curler that they were nice enough to include in the package were broken beyond use. Sad face.

My Package :)

So Many Goodies!

 Unlike my old straightening iron, I actually USE this one on an almost daily basis. Instead of the usual 20 minutes it would take to straighten my super thick hair, this one does it's job in 5 minutes flat.
It heats up quickly (with an adjustable dial!), and straightens with one pass.

makeup-less me, rockin my super straight strands :)

Needless to say, I'm thrilled with this flat iron, and I will definitely check out Misikko for any future hair needs.... I already have my eye on a fabulous new hair dryer!

Help! I'm in a Fashion RUT!

Jeans. Tees. Flats. 

I have been so ridiculously boring lately... thus the lack of outfit posts.

Why, you ask?

In the last year I've changed my work environment three times - and my closet/daily dressing routine has changed with it. 

About a year ago I was employed by a company that had a strict "business" dress code. Black pants and skirts were the norm for me, and you'd almost always fins me in a pair of cute, yet conservative, heels.

When I came to Mistura at the end of last summer, my fashion prayers were answered. I was suddenly in this fun, business-casual, family environment, where I was free to wear practically anything. I took this opportunity to experiment a bit and my closet suddenly went from trying to look like everyone else's, to finally looking like mine. 

Then, back in January, we decided it was time to take over the warehouse and shipping aspect of our business and we moved to a much larger, much more utilitarian space. Slowly I felt myself making the transition from "accountant" to "jack-of-all-trades." I now spend half my days in the office, and half my days in the warehouse kitting, packing, shipping, and playing with inventory.

So here's my dilemma: How do I spice up my new "uniform"? I still need to be practical so I can run around like a crazy person at times, but I also want to remain fun, with enough "professionalism" to be introduced to other business people who drop by the office from time to time.

How do I get out of my jeans and t-shirt rut?

Must Read: a Beginner's Guide to Posing like a Fashion Blogger

I'm sure this has already been re-posted a million times right now, but it caused me to actually LOL at my desk this morning. 

Here's the Beginner's Guide to Posing like a Fashion Blogger. 

Here's a sneak peek at his genius... 

"The Agony"

And the funny thing is we really DO look this awkward.... at least I do! 

Weekend Perfection

Work - Study - Sleep 

has been the norm for the last few weeks. 

Oh, and throw in being disgustingly sick for the last 7 days. So fun. 

Lucky for me, the boyfriend gave me a little break this past weekend with delicious Chinese buffet Friday night, and a stroll and a pint in the market (with a little window shopping thrown in!).
Add a BBQ with good friends, and a Mother's Day cake, and you pretty much have the perfect weekend!

hat - Call it Spring (2012); sunglasses - Juicy Couture (2009); blouse - Jacob (2010);  

watch - Guess (2010); skinnies - Smart Set (2010); flip flops - Old Navy (2011)

 

A perfect outfit for a gorgeous, laid back afternoon. 

Breezy top, a sassy chapeau, and flip flops for extra-long walks :)

Britain's Most Beautiful Face

How's this for a definition of Beauty?

"A woman's face is said to be most attractive when the space between her pupils is just under half the width of her face from ear to ear. [...] Experts also believe the relative distance between eyes and mouth should be just over a third of the measurement from hairline to chin." 

"The 18-year-old student is blessed with what is described as the perfect face. It matches an international blueprint for the optimum ratio between eyes, mouth, forehead and chin, endowing her with flawless proportions. [...] And to top it off, Florence's face is almost perfectly symmetrical, which is also scientifically linked with beauty."

 

This Daily Mail article caught my eye this morning. 

Don't get me wrong - she's a stunner - but I was always led to believe that beauty can be found in the differences and imperfections. Julia Roberts' mouth, Tina Fey's scar, Jewel's crooked teeth...

"perfect proportions" - could this be another way the media is setting an unachievable standard for beauty? 

Thoughts?

Read the whole article here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2132896/Florence-Colgate-Girl-Britains-beautiful-face.html#ixzz1syTbEzmc

Before I Go Completely MIA

I'm going through some serious blogger withdrawal at the moment, but life has gotten in the way!

Posts will be very sparse and sporadic for the next little while as things pick up at work and I prepare to write my next huge professional exam in June, so bear with me.

So until the next time, here's an outfit from a few weeks back...

blouse - Thrifted Vintage (2011); skirt - Smart Set (2010); belt - Thrifted Vintage (2009); 

heels - Aldo "Urquisa" (2010); pearls - Stella & Dot (2011)

In Which I discuss Pug Farts

Poor little Coco was spayed, micro-chipped, and had three teeth pulled yesterday... What a trooper. 

I was told she'd be lethargic, a huge suck, and over-all a whole new puppy - for the better of course. 

This was not the case. She's still a nut-job.

And it might just be her meds - but she's even stinkier than usual. I don't know what it is about this dog, but she can clear a room like it's her job. Is it all dogs whose farts smell like death, or is this a pug specific problem? Haha.

I'll try to be less gross with my topics in the future... but no promises.

 vest - H&M (2011); tee - Smart Set (2011); skinnies - AE (2011); 

wedges - Chinese Laundry (2010)

I need a nap

I am not a morning person.

Come to think of it, I'm not a night owl either.

I like sleep way too much...

But it seems that no matter how much sleep I get I'm always exhausted!

I had to wake up an hour earlier than usual this morning to have some work done on my car and I feel like a walking zombie. No amount of coffee seems to snap me out of it.

Does anyone know of any jobs you can do from the comfort of your own bed?

 

button down - Walmart (2011); necklace - Stella & Dot (2011); vest - Dynamite (2009); 

pants - Jacob (2011); flats - Aldo ( 2008)

March Additions & Subtractions

Since I have another clothing swap coming up in a few weeks, I took another pass through my closet and got rid of a few things this month.

This green button up never fell right on me and I was constantly tugging it down, so out it went. 

This white dress became too short when I gained a few pounds last year - not sure why I was holding onto this one!

I LOVE the gold sparkly tee and have already worn it a handful of times, AND it was only $3.50 at Dynamite. 

The purple skirt is also from Dynamite and came in at $5.50. This was totally an impulse buy as it's the "Mistura" colour, so I figured I would get some use out of it at a future event or demo. 

Smart Set was having an end of season sale a few weeks back (yay extra 40% off!) and I bought this fishtail skirt for $6 and this beautiful black pleated maxi for $9. These are definitely trendier items, but I'm looking forward to trying to style them as the weather warms up.
The Max Studio black mini and the gold coloured Cynthia Rowley tank were both gifts from my bosses - gotta love the perks of working for such an awesome company!

Grand Total? $24, just under my $25 monthly clothing allowance.

I think I deserve a pat on that back. 

This month I'm searching for the perfect white summer dress! Stay tuned to see what goodies I find!

Slightly Distracted...

Oh Heeeeeeey! A blog post! It's about time, eh?

I'm not even going to lie - although last week WAS hectic at work - I've been super distracted by World of Warcraft. 

Yup, I'm a closet geek.

This is what I wore when I wasn't in my pj's in front of the computer:

Oh and hey! I found time to crop my ex-favorite skinny jeans! Go Team Me!

sunnies - Michael Kors (2011); scarf - ???; 3/4 tee - Smart Set (2011); cardigan - A|X (2011); 

skinnies - Smart Set (2010); flats - Aldo (2008)

Is That New?

Granted, it was only my unobservant boyfriend who made this comment, 

but don't you love it when you put on a piece you wear all the time and someone mistakes it for something brand new just based on how you styled it?

Score.

 

 cardigan - A|X (2011), necklace - ???; sheer blouse - Jacob (2010); 

skinnies - Bluenotes (2012); OTK boots - Spring (2012)

And One for Good Luck! (Stripes Day 5)

Alright, I'll be honest, I never actually wore this out in public.

I had it planned out to wear to a friend's birthday when the weather turned ridiculously warm, but instead it was freezing cold and I realized it was a tad too short. But I had too much fun taking them not to post them.

Don't worry, this dress won't be seen again! It's made it's way to the swap pile. 

 

cardigan - Urban Behaviour (2010); dress - Dynamite (2007); belt - Dynamite (2009); 

heels - Delicious (2011)

Click HERE to see how the other ladies rounded up the Super Stripes Challenge!

Stripes: Day 3 & 4

It's been a crazy few days, so I'm going to make it short and sweet before I indulge in some much needed sleep!

Here are my stripes from the last two days:

i love this reversible tee!

3/4 tee - Smart Set (2011); skirt - Jacob (2011); wedges - Aldo "mignona" (2010)

 

 tank - Dynamite (2011); draped cardigan - Winners (2010); jeans - Bluenotes (2012)

Watch: Killing Us Softly

I'll be back later today with my stripes, but for now, check out this amazing little mini-docu on youtube about women, advertising, and how it subconsciously distorts our perceptions. 

I thought it was very appropriate as we're the type of women who are constantly looking at Ads from the fashion industry.  

Thanks to Debbi for introducing me to these videos :)

Stripes: Day 2

Wednesday already? Awesome. 

More gorgeous weather here! For my second day of stripes I decided to be a bit more "spring-y" and opted for an open heel and a light cardigan and tank. 

Would you even classify this as a cardigan? Hmmm...

 

necklace - Gift (Xmas 2011); "cardigan" - Smart Set (2010); tunic - Dynamite (2007); 

jeans - AE (2012);  heels - Spring (2010)

Don't forget to check out the rest of the girls participating in this challenge here.

Stripes: Day 1

I had no idea that "super stripes week" would be taking place in the middle of a heat wave!

Let's just say that by 4pm yesterday, I was seriously regretting my outfit choice.

 

cropped sweater - H&M (2009); dress - F21 (2011); necklace - Thrifted (???); boots - Spring (2012)

Don't forget to go visit the other ladies taking part and say "Hi!"

Photo Dump!

This week is "Stripes Week" thanks to Megan and Keely! I'm definitely in stripes today, but the photos will have to wait until after work, so for now, here are a few shots from last week :) 

cardigan - Zara (2010); lace tank - Winners (2011); skinny jeans - Bluenotes (2012); boots - Thrifted (2009)

cardigan - Jacob (2011); tee - Dynamite (2008); skinny jeans - Tommy Hilfiger (2011); flats - Aldo (2010)

oh heeey! I did throw some stripes in! This next one's from Saturday at the dog park.

cardigan - Urban Behavior (2010); tee - Walmart (2011); skinny jeans - Bluenotes (2012); boots - Thrifted (2009); 

bag - Old Navy (2011)

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for my official start of stripes!

In My Shoes: Thrifted Cowboy Boots

Damn I love these boots. They cost me $8, and I would have paid way more if I had to!

They're from this great little vintage shop in Peterborough (where I went to University), called "Sympathy for the Rebel." I found soooo many treasures there, but this is definitely one of my favorites :)

Ways I've styled these Thrifted Cowboy Boots...

How would you wear them?

Aaand it's gone.

Have you ever had a blog topic randomly pop into your head while you were in the shower/grocery store/car wash/wherevs where you think, "omg, this is GENIUS! I will be able to write for HOURS about this!," only to sit down at your computer hours later and have absolutely nothing to say?

Yeah. I really need to write stuff down.

blazer - Dynamite (2011); tee - Jacob (2011); jeans - American Eagle (2012); boots - Spring (2010);

 necklace - Stella & Dot (2011)