My Week

Hello My Loveys

Are you ready for what's in store? Here's this weeks outfit summary.

Monday August 19, 2013 to Friday August 23, 2013.

I'm wondering how this week has been for you? I'm thinking, longest week ever!
Over the Summer I have been lucky enough to work short weeks almost every week.

Working from home is a great opportunity that my company gives me, as well as taking much needed vacation days. So between the two I've been working 3 or 4 day weeks until last week, which was my first 5 day week in a while. It's really easy to get in to the groove of being away from the office, and extremely difficult to resume 5 working days. I know, I know...#firstworldproblems. Welcome to my life...

Resuming regular work on Monday with a dinner date with the one and only Sarah to look forward to I was feeling casual and girly wearing an oatmeal colored cardigan with tan patchwork elbows and a pleated skirt dress from AE with my very favorite style sandals...t-strap tan, woven back Steve Maddens.

Tuesday I had planned to get to the gym on lunch and decided to keep my outfit simple. Less is more when you're trying to fit in 30 minutes of cardio, a shower, quick makeup and the commute to the gym in one hour. I made it back in 1hr 15min and I'd like to say that my minimalist idea was brilliant. Hair up, just some eyebrows and blush and back to work. After a workout/shower I had a nice natural glow to my skin and didn't feel the need to get a full face back on. Dresses are the easiest when you're feeling like wearing something simple. One item...no matching, no tucking. So my choice for Tuesday was an ivory dress with lace detailing at the neck, green blazer (worn open) and tan flats. Keeping it simple and cute can totally be done. 

Wednesday (Hump Day) has been a long time coming for me this week. FINALLY it got here. In preparation for "Anything Goes" this weekend at the Princess of Wales theater I went for a nautical feel today. Red, White and Blue is also very patriotic for me too. So it's definitely a color combination I like for many reasons. Another being...it's just cute.

Red shoes, navy dress, white blazer and lots of gold jewelry to top it off.

So, this week again I'm back to a 4 day week, since I used Thursday as my permitted volunteer day. At work we have a department called "The Foundation" which runs all volunteer coordination and encourages PwC employees to get out and active in the community helping charities that we are affiliated with.

As many of you know mental illness is an issue I'm passionate about, because of family members who battle with it, and the process of wellness and tearing down the stigma's associated with it. I was happy to volunteer my time with Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in the Geriatric Program yesterday. We had a BBQ, made origami windmills and I played horseshoes. Needless to say these activities require comfortable wear, and something you don't mind getting a little dirty and sweaty (yesterday was a hot hot hot one!) Our t-shirts are provided by PwC so we can be identified by our volunteer team and the coordinators on site, jean shorts (a standard piece in any summer wardrobe) and basic black Toms. Nothing over the top, fit right in on Queen W, but I felt I was a respectable representation of PwC for the day.

And here we are, it's Friday. I ate fried chicken last night for dinner and immediately regretted it. Why do bad things seem like a good idea in the moment. I'm suffering from major bloat today and therefore chose comfort for....maybe the 4th Friday in a row it seems. And when I say comfort I mean....I look like a hobo. And if I was shopping on Queen St or patio lunching it'd be a different story. But here I am in the office, Chambray shirt with a tie front, built in bra work out tank under it, leggings and orange flip flops.
Of course I've accessorized but it does not nearly make up for what I'm lacking in appropriate office attire.

Thankfully it's nearing the end of summer and people are taking Friday's off. PHEWW 

No one here today gives a crap! 

And it's not that my outfit is bad, it's just not good at the office generally. 

XO

L.

Louboutins

I'll tell you a little secret....

I dream of starting a Louboutin collection in my own closet.

One day....


xo

L. 

Masking it

The past week has been an example of how clothing, fashion and my own personal style can act as a mask. 

As many of you already know I lost my furry baby on August 8.

Harley was truly the sweetest, quietest, even-tempered,  most beautiful Husky you ever did meet.

After fourteen long years with her being "our girl" we, as a family, had to make the hardest decision I've ever made in my 26 years of life. We put her down.

I think the hardest part for me was I thought I had more time. She was old, yes. But she was in perfect health until the day she wasn't. Which of course is the way it always goes I guess but there were no warning signs that she might develop an auto-immune disease. I feel like she was stolen from me.

We tried everything. My Mom tried everything. She was Harley's primary caretaker in the last few months and she was amazing. Taking her to every single appointment, giving her medication of all kinds, cleaning up after her too, it was not an easy job and it was by no means inexpensive. 

My heart is broken. I've never been this sad in my entire life. I have never suffered loss like this. It's amazing how attached you can become to an animal. How they really become part of your family. This would be a hard thing to explain to someone who has never owned a pet. But they really do become part of you. Like an infant they depend on you to take care of them, feed them, show them love and affection, and in turn they show the same love and protection for you too. 

I have so many great memories with her. 

My favorite being the day she chose us. 

It was 1999 and my family had been discussing getting a dog.

We heard of a Husky breeder in Port Colborne, ON and we drove out to see the puppies. 

We arrived right around "naptime" and all the puppies were in the yard, some sleeping already and some just about to lay down for a nap. I sat down at the base of a a big old tree and there she was. Trotting over to me like I was already hers, and she got right in to my lap and went to sleep. I knew we had to have her. 

I fell in love instantly. 

She was adorable and she chose us. 

14 years is a long time to make memories. 

The vet said 14 dog years is equivalent to 95 human years.

She was a little old lady. 

I was back to work the following Monday August 12. All I really wanted to do was sleep my days away and hibernate in my house and not see, or speak to anyone. I didn't want to talk about it. It is still too soon, and the last thing I want is to lose my sh*t in the office. 

Cry like a baby and have people stare, not knowing what to do or how to react. 

Even though I was falling apart on the inside I made it to work in one polished piece. The best part of looking put together is that those who didn't know of my recent loss had no reason to ask "what's wrong?" or "are you ok?" as they may have if I was looking disheveled. 

Sometimes it's the little things that help you move forward each day. When all you want to do is tell everyone to leave you alone and if you could just stay in bed, you would. But that's not reality. The reality is that you have to look for the little things that keep you moving and take things one day at a time. My usual routine did in fact bring distractions. And I was able to focus on more than just my sadness. Thankfully I do have a caring group of people at work and I had a bottle of wine and a card on my desk waiting for me on Monday morning.  

My Mask:

Looking more confident than I was feeling I wore a bold blazer with floral print, peep toe flats w/ a flower detailing at the toe and a navy blue dress. 

(my actual outfit items: Blazer Forever 21, Dress Asos.com, shoes H&M)

bright colors have a natural tendency to make you feel bright. something I wasn't naturally feeling last week. so the next time you're needing to brighten your mood remember pinks, purples, blues, yellow are all viable options. 

(my actual outfit items: Dress H&M Everyday, Blazer H&M Divided Black, Shoes Macy's [Rachel Roy])

Polished and simple; keeping things casual with a green dress and rose gold accessories

(actual outfit items: dress (Forever 21, Shoes Steve Madden, watch Michael Kors, Earrings Forever 21)

This week was chilly and pants seemed to be an appropriate choice for the day. Pairing black dress pants with a colorful top felt less "Wintery" for me. I wore a black blazer and strappy shoes to pull my outfit together. 

(My actual outfit items: Blazer; Kohls - Pants; Loft - Top; Forever 21 - Shoes; Nine West)

Keeping it casual because it's Friday! 

Actual outfit items from: Tights- H&M, Tank- H&M, Shirt- Levi's, Shoes- Ardene, Glasses- D&G)

Promise my next post will not be sad. Thanks for reading 

xo

L. 

She's Country

Hey Dolls!

As many of you know I recently had plans to visit Nashville, TN in July and unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances we had to cancel.

I was packed and ready to go since I like to get that kind of thing ready as early as possible, and I'd like to share some of my country theme suitcase items with you.

I was going to go all out in my country style since that's not a trend I can sport in the city of Toronto with any kind of acceptability. So naturally I had cowboy boots packed in 3 different heights and shades of brown, lace, plaid, floral prints and denim dominating my suitcase.

 



Of course discard the cowboy boots and all of these outfits are super cute on the average day. Find your inner Cowgirl and throw together some cute outfits before Summer is over. Maybe you'll even be inspired to listen to some Tim McGraw or Willie Nelson, horseback ride, or line dance.
Can I get a "YEEEEHAAWWWW"?

xo

L.

Pretending its Friday on Wednesday

Hello Dolls

Different then most days of the week, even the odd Friday, I've decided to wear something extremely comfortable to work today.

It seems like there are very low expectations for how the administrative assistants at work dress. We rarely see clients, and on the average day there are no meetings or events that we would need to attend.
Therefore the dress code is relatively casual. I'm bringing a new meaning to the word today.

I've put my hair in a top-bun (high on my head), with simple makeup and a very casual outfit.

Layered tanks (mint under white) and leggings, t-strap sandals and layered necklaces.

I like to think that even when you "dress down" you can still look your best. No reason that you need to fore go accessories because you're taking the casual route. Just make sure that your accessories aren't too much for the outfit. Simple chains and smaller pieces are good to pair with this look. Simple studs are also a good choice for earrings. I pulled my outfit together with a leather jacket today because the weather was surprisingly chilly for July. Which was a nice treat considering the sweltering heat we had last week.

Both of my tanks are from H&M, as well as my leggings. Sandals are G by Guess from Macy's. Earrings are knock off Swarovski earrings from a little store in TO called Obsessions. Necklaces are all from Forever 21.

xo

Liana

Theory proven to be correct

Well here you have it ladies: I believe it's very important to look always look your best because you just never know when that certain someone is going to appear. Maybe you'll bump in to him at the grocery store, library, on the street, your favorite restaurant, coffee shop or WORK.

So my Monday morning starts as usual. I've packed my outfit and committed fully Sunday evening, because I'm off to the gym bright and early on Monday. I do myself up in my normal daily makeup/hair (face: brown shadow as liner, mascara, bronzer/ hair: pin straight, centre part) and put on my outfit.

Thankfully I have chosen a cute dress, grey blazer and sandals because a certain person has just asked me to go for a walk. So....goes to show, you just never know. And it's important to always dress for a successful day of exciting events.

Fantastic Fridays!

Hi Dolls

It's Friday, it's sunny, it's hot...what more could anyone ask for? Well, I suppose the day off. I'm just happy to be wearing jean today.

For those of you that work in the Corporate world you can understand how luxurious this is by the end of the week. You do really look forward to casual Fridays.

Today I'm wearing jean on top....they were never specific about where you wear your jean. So I've chosen:

• chambray shirt with a tie front (Macy's)
• peek-a-boo white tank top (Smart Set) 
• navy, A-line mini skirt (H&M) 
• neon t-strap sandals (Ardene)

Lately Fridays in my office have been a ghost town and assumed today would be no different. Maybe it's the extreme heat we are experiencing here in Toronto this week, but more people are in the office today than expected. An office perk is the over-use of air conditioning...it's definitely one way to beat the heat.

Roll up those sleeves, and surf the net today. Take it easy at work. It is Friday after all!

xo

L.

Blazers

Hello Dolls

This post is all about the Blazer. Those of you who know me well are aware I'm a big fan of "the blazer".

It's the perfect item to dress up an outfit, make an outfit sharp, and appear office/occasion appropriate, and cover your shoulders in a trendy and modern way.

Whether you're feeling traditional, bold or fun there is a blazer on the market for you!

If you've been rocking the blazer you're right on trend. Whether you like simple and sophisticated (blacks, whites, and greys), bold and beautiful (bright solids) or are feeling wild and aren't afraid to make a statement (prints) the options are endless. Stores from Forever 21, H&M, The Bay to Holt Renfrew are carrying "The Blazer" in boyfriend cut, cropped, 3/4 sleeves, so no matter what your budget you can find something that suits your personal style!

Get out there and check out what works for you. Get in to the look.

The very best part is the versatility it provides; the cutest summer dress now looks great in the office, a reception dress is now ceremony appropriate, or pull together a simple shorts and tank top ensemble for an evening look.

xo

L.

Summer Fun Day

Today is a special kind of work day. The kind where you only work half the day and then you get to play for the remainder. It's a hot one so this should be very interesting...

I've chosen the perfect combination for day and play, pairing a Summer dress with floral print and a blazer with simple sandals. Keeping it professional I opted for the blazer to keep a polished look for the morning hours. Once the blazer is removed, the outfit becomes the perfect Summer Fun Day attire.

Details of my actual outfit items:

My dress was a sale item from Forever 21 (USA website), blazer is Bar III (sold at Macy's) and my shoes are from "Call it Spring" website sale this summer.

(July 16, 2013)

xo

L.

Mon-daze

I'd like to "shout out" to my readers! Ladies (you know who you are) after our chat on the weekend it made me realize that there arrrreee a select few (ultra important few) who do read what I have to say.
And for that I'm so thankful. xo

Now to the "meat and potatoes":

I know how most of the world feels about Mondays. Not exactly the favorite day of the week.
It's often the hardest to get out of your comfy bed and just the very start of what often feels like a long work week.

That's why I like to jazz it up with a bold color and fun outfit to get my spirits up. Nothing better than looking fab on an otherwise uneventful kind of day! Get out of that 'Mon-daze'...

This week I wore a bold pink dress with a simple black blazer and black t-strap sandals. The dress was a hit. Many compliments on the shade of pink, how summery I looked and it turned my day in to a "feel good" day. To be honest I was feeling pretty good to begin with. I had just spent the weekend with all of my ladies and had a blast. Lots of sunshine, laughs and drinks!! And I wanted to start my week off with the same kind of energy. I find bold/bright colors give me extra energy and I think that's the right kind of vibe you want in any work environment, but especially my office where the most popular colors are grey and black.

Love to all

xo

L.