OOTD - Faux Fur Snood and Shades of Grey

Baby, it's cold outside! Yes after our ultra-mild spring-like November weather, the temperatures finally dropped into the chilly single digits and all of Toronto seemed to be scrambling to break out the winter gear. To me, chilly weather means faux fur - it's a way to bring some fun to your outfits when the weather is anything but amusing. This faux fur snood is a season favourite of mine, and much-loved on this blog with evidence here and here. I love the light faux fur paired with varying shades of grey. Add a thick opaque tight and some booties and I'm almost celebrating the cold weather - almost.

OOTD - All Black Holiday Look

Now that we're just on the last tip of November, it's all about the holidays. I'm typically a little slow to get into the holiday spirit, but this year with the abundance of decorations in Toronto and holiday-themed parties I'm ready to celebrate!  Those of you who have been reading for some time may remember one of my first posts titled 'How To Dress For The Holidays, For The Conservative Girl' (which is still curiously one of my most-read posts.) Although I feel as though my style has certainly evolved past conservative, this outfit fits the bill.  Holiday dressing doesn't have to be all about sequins and glitter.  Sometimes just playing with texture can elevate a simple outfit and make it into something special.  This black shearling coat adds a dressy element to an otherwise basic black dress and boots. When your outfit is fairly subdued accessories can add some needed panache, and this glittery clutch certainly fits the bill!  Add a bold lip, and you're ready to party - while still staying in your comfort zone.

The Hunger Games: MockingJay Part 2 with Amex Invites

Let me start off by saying that I love The Hunger Games series.  I was sucked in when I first read the
books on a trip to the Dominican Republic - yes, all three books in a matter of days. Flash forward to the movies being released and I was hooked. I had anxiously been waiting for the second installment of the Hunger Games Mockingjay movie since seeing the first one in theatres, and was lucky enough to be able to attend a special advance screening courtesy of American Express Canada..

My husband Brian and I arrived to the TIFF Bell Lightbox and were both immediately impressed; not only were we able to see the final installment of the Hunger Games movie before its release date, but the theatre itself was so luxurious and impressive. After breezing through check in, we helped ourselves to a bag of complementary popcorn (or two), a couple of Pepsis and climbed the steps to be seated in the theatre's balcony (yes - balcony!) The nice thing about being able to attend a prescreening is that the movie is a complete surprise - too early for any spoilers. The energy at the theatre was electric with everyone excited to be able to see this incredible movie before it hit theatres. Brian and I haven't stopped talking about how much fun we had, and if the night was any indication of the caliber of events you can expect with Amex Invites then I'm impressed.

One of the coolest parts of my night was that for the first time ever American Express opened its doors to all Canadians allowing them to experience the benefits of being a Cardmember through Amex Invites. But the fun doesn’t end with the Hunger Games. Those who enter now have a chance to attend an exclusive premium dining event at one of Canada’s Best New Restaurants, as determined by Air Canada enRoute Magazine. All you have to do is visit www.AmexInvites.ca and provide your email address for the opportunity to attend a dining event in Calgary, Vancouver or Toronto.

Amex Invites offers access to the hottest tickets and events around the country. Although American
Express is known for providing its Cardmembers with early access to the best entertainment
experiences, this giveaway allows you to experience all of the benefits that Amex Invites has to offer - without being a Cardmember.

Yes, Brian makes an unprecedented cameo via Snapchat (username: lapetitenoob.) Head over to
www.AmexInvites.ca and to see for yourself how many cool events there are! To my Toronto friends: the next dinning event is Bar Raval on December 14th and you have until the 6th to enter!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - Fall Weekend Routine

Wake up, lounge, coffee, flowers; this is what my weekend routine consists of.  Between working full time, blogging commitments and trying to find time for a social life weekends tend to be hectic. As busy as the weekends can be, as long as I stick to my tried-and-true weekend routine lineup then I feel content and refreshed. Flower runs when the weather gets colder means trading in my easy sundresses for some heavy knits and opaque stockings. This chunky sweater is so warm that I often wear it without a jacket! Paired with a simple black skirt and some dark tights and I'm ready to hit the flower market.

Blog Tip - How To Use Snapchat for the Blogger

You guys may have been like me when first faced with the new biggest app Snapchat - confused. I wrote off the app entirely for months, thinking that it was essentially for a younger generation and could prove no use for my blog.  Fast forward to the present, and now I can't keep myself off of Snapchat - you can see for yourself by adding me: my username is lapetitenoob.  Not only has it given me a a newfound connection with some of my favourite big  bloggers, but it has also allowed me to feel more connected to my followers and readers. I actually think that Snapchat is a welcome addition to my blog, and is a necessary evil when navigating the world of blogging and social media.  Here's my biggest tips on how to make Snapchat work as a blogger, for your blog.

1. Keep It Real

Snapchat is a refreshing change from the over-staged, over-edited world of Instagram. Instead of meticulously setting down your breakfast ingredients for the perfect flat lay, be real! The beauty of snapchat is it allows you to see the authentic, unfiltered side of someone  - and your readers to you.  I myself can vouch as though I know the bigger bloggers and celebrities on a different level because of how real they are on their Snapchat - the more unfiltered, the better. Let is all out and be you, so that your readers can see the most authentic version of yourself and connect with the blogger behind the screen.

2. Talk To Or At the Camera

The way to forge a connection with your blog readers and followers through Snapchat is to speak to or at the camera.  This is something that took me a long time to get used to, and I still struggle; but allowing your blog readers and followers to actually hear your voice makes them feel as though they know you personally instead of just a voiceless person behind a computer.

3. Snapchat Blogger Events and Meet-ups

You know what's fun about following bloggers on Snapchat?  Seeing bloggers interact with other bloggers on Snapchat! Just as revealing your voice to your following increases their connection to you, so does capturing how you interact with other bloggers. Never mind the fact that it's typically at an exciting event, or a cute local cafe.  Using Snapchat during blogger events is a great way to convey the energy and your own excitement in a way that still photos just can't do.

4. Get Readers Excited About New Projects

I know that when I'm working on a new project, I'm so excited I could just burst - but of course you have to wait until the blog or social media post to let your readers know about it.  The beauty of using Snapchat as a blogger is that you can post in real-time letting everyone know about new projects you have on the horizon, the process as you execute them and how excited you are the whole way through. I also like to 'unbox' fun packages that I receive for my blog on Snapchat because it gives your readers a completely different perspective than just artfully photographing the contents. No matter what the occasion, excitement is contagious and you can help generate some excitement for your blog through Snapchat.

5. Be safe

I hate to bring any sort of negativity, but it's worth mentioning: be mindful of what you post on Snapchat.  We really don't know who is actually watching our Snapchat videos or viewing our photos so some vigilance is necessary.  Avoid any recognizable landmarks around your home, capturing street signs or disclosing too much personal information. Snapchat can be a lot of fun, and a great way to connect as a blogger - but just be careful.

6. Have Fun

Snapchat is fun! Honestly, I try hard not to over think it and just have fun with the app - that's when your most authentic self comes through.

Do you use Snapchat, either for personal use or for your blog?  If you're a blogger, what tips do you adhere to when using Snapchat? I feel as though I'm still learning how to use this app to its full potential, so I'm interested to know everyone's thought process behind it - let me know!

Add me to your Snapchat so that we can follow one another - my username is lapetitenoob.

xo Joëlle

OOTD + Daniel Wellington Promo Code

I've said it more than once, but if there's a fashion rule book then I never received my copy. Wearing white after labour day - well why not! I like to get the absolute most out of my wardrobe and part of that is eliminating season-specific pieces. I love the juxtaposition of this eyelid white midi skirt with a black bomber jacket, black Daniel Wellington watch and a touch of leopard. To me, as long as white is grounded with darker neutrals you can definitely wear it all year round!

OOTD - Custom Made Camel Coat

The life of a petite woman: certainly more difficult when shopping is involved.  I always have the hardest time finding coats and pants that fit properly. This season I was on the hunt for the perfect camel coat and just couldn't find one that didn't make me feel like a child playing dress-up. Thankfully I was turned onto Sumissura, an online retailer that custom makes clothing to fit your individual measurements. Honestly, I was skeptical since this would be my first time experiencing custom-made clothing - but I'm pleasantly surprised! Imagine me, a practically 5 foot nothing gal unwrapping a camel coat that fits; I'm talking sleeves fit perfectly, shoulders exact, length perfect - the works! Not to be dramatic but it's amazing to have a coat that fits well right off the bat which is probably why I chose a very grown up, lady-like look to go with my new camel jacket.  My petite ladies know what I'm talking about!

OOTD - She's A Rainbow

If you follow me on Twitter, you know I've been randomly posting facts about myself with the hashtag #randomnoobfact. One of my recent facts is that I absolutely love The Rolling Stones, especially lately, and when we were shooting this outfit I totally had the song 'She's A Rainbow' playing through my head. I am so happy that nostalgic styles are coming back and this printed jumpsuit is no exception.  The muted colours, the pleated bib front, the high hemline - I love it all!  Paired with my favourite over-the-knee boots and I'm in late sixties/early seventies heaven.

She comes in colours everywhere;

She combs her hair

She's like a rainbow

Coming, colours in the air

Oh, everywhere

She comes in colours

OOTD - Florals for Fall

You guys know that I'm no stranger to a floral skirt.  Usually the bigger the better for me. I find that I naturally tend to wear less florals as the colder weather hits, but when I found this navy flowered skirt I knew it had to be mine.  I love how it resembles one of my favourite summer outfits, but the colour palette makes it fall appropriate. Paired with a leather bomber to make it more daytime wearable and some black pumps, I'm sure that this skirt will take me well into the winter months.

Tips For Taking Outfit Photos In The Winter

Although Toronto is experiencing unseasonably high temperatures, in the words of Ned Stark: winter is coming. Yes winter with it's brutal weather conditions, limited daylight and general starkness - basically a blogger's nightmare.  While product shots indoors are rarely an issue, taking outfit photos in the cooler weather can be challenging. This will be my third winter blogging (crazy, right) so thankfully I have picked up some tips and tricks along the way that really help to facilitate taking outfit photos in the winter.

1. Maximize Daylight - Shoot Multiple Outfits In One Session

One of the most difficult aspects of trying to take outfit photos in the winter for your blog is the lack of daylight. For those of us who work full-time, most times it's dark when you leave and come back from the office! One of the best tips that I can offer you to maximize on daylight is to carve out a couple of hours every weekend to take all of your photos for the upcoming week - or few weeks, depending on how many pictures you get. Although it's not as organic as casually snapping a few photos every day of your outfit, for the majority of us who don't travel around with a photographer all day it just makes more sense.  I like to keep an eye out on the weather throughout the week to see if Saturday or Sunday would be best for photos, schedule in my photos for the weekend, prep my outfits and go!

2. Too Cold Outside? Take The Shoot Indoors

Although we all strive for perfectly lit outdoor photos of our outfits, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. If the snow, sleet and hail are too much for an outdoor photoshoot, take the party indoors. Look around your area of town - there must be some bright and beautiful public spaces to shoot in.  Some of my favourite locations to try are coffee shops, local libraries, windowed lobbies of office buildings and museums. Keep in mind you may need to ask permission before taking your photos in certain indoor spaces, but most local businesses will be happy to host your photoshoot for the exposure.

3. Snowy Scenes Are Your Friend

Nothing makes an outfit pop more than when it's displayed in front of a clean white canvas. The nice thing about the winter time is that, if you're in an area the experiences snow, the outdoors suddenly transforms into one huge white canvas. Your winter outfit photos are made extra beautiful with the grey skies that often come along with snow fall. Bonus points if it's lightly snowing for a beautiful, speckled effect to your pictures.

4. Grin and Bear It

There really is no other way to say this but, when faced with cold temperatures and snowfall out first instinct is to forgo any sort of outfit photos at all and just crawl under the covers to hibernate. As hard as it is you just have to make a point to get up, throw on some lipstick, get outside and get happy about taking your outfit photos. Trust me, you will be thankful that you braved the outdoors in the winter to get your OOTDs when it comes time to plan blog content for the week.

I hope that you picked up a few new tips on how to make taking outfit photos in the winter time a little easier.  Did I miss anything?  Do you have your own tips on how you cope with fashion blogging in the winter?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - Stripes + Plaid and Why I Hate The Term 'Basic Bitch'

I have a confession to make: when I first thought about posting this outfit, which is totally my typical weekend wear by the way, my first thought was 'is this too basic bitch to post?' Within a second of thinking such a horrible thing I immediatly felt awful, and really had a chance to think about how damaging the term really is.

I'm not the most politically correct person, but I do take issue with terms that are meant to put others down.  Although 'basic bitch' is relatively harmless, and some even use it in jest to speak about themselves, the term really doesn't sit well with me. My issue is that dubbing something a 'basic bitch' in the blogging world basically implies that your worth and personality are based on material objects. Sure my closet consists of off-the-rack instead of couture and I tend to gravitate towards trends enjoyed by many - but aren't we all so much more than that? I look at my unique qualities and circumstances: I have a degree, I grew up in Europe - I'm a certified mortician for crying out loud! What really is basic about any of us? We are all so unique and bring so much more to the table than what we wear. So I'll wear my stripped dress, topped with a plaid blanket scarf with pride - and yes, I was headed to Starbucks after these photos were taken!

Monthly Favourites

Although not yet the end of October, November is fast approaching and I'm left reflecting on what turned out to be an extremely busy month.  Between working full time, blogging commitments and a last-minute trip to NYC I've been running off my feet this October - but in the best way possible! This month I has the pleasure of finding some great products, as well as attending some great events and I can't wait to share them with you.  Since starting La Petite Noob two years ago in December (crazy how time flies) I've had the opportunity to learn about some great products and attend awesome events, so I figured what better way to share them with you then to start a new 'Monthly Favourites' post. Let me know what you think but in the meantime, here's what I've been loving for the month of October.

Weekend Trip to New York City

This past weekend, I had the whirlwind experience of flying into New York City for the weekend  by myself to visit my girlfriend who lives there. I'll consider this another task on my 30 Before 30 list completed, since I'm used to traveling by air with others and this was my first time arriving and leaving from a destination all by myself. Although Google Maps and Uber make navigation a little easier, I was surprised by how anxious the whole experience made me. Everything went well and I had the best time hanging around Soho, The West Village and Chelsea with one of my best friends. Looking back, I feel so silly for being nervous to fly on my own and look forward to the next time that I'm able to do so.

Mendocino Purse Pom

I've been coveting a purse pom from afar for some time, and when I got my hands on this pink pom from Mendocino, I was smitten! Although I do love the pop of pink that it adds to my purse, I've opted to use is as a keychain since I'm forever in a state of panic for losing my keys and this hot pink pom makes them virtually un-losable in a purse.

Fab Fit Fun

I've been lukewarm on the whole subscription box services, since I wasn't sure if you were actually getting the most bang for your buck. When I was approach by FabFitFun to try out their Fall box, I thought why not - this would be a great way to see what the subscription not craze was all about.  I can safely say now that I am a total convert because when I got my first box it felt like Christmas! What I really appreciated about the FabFitFun box is the variety it offers you; beauty, wellness and fitness are all covered. It even came with the cutest umbrella which served as a lifesaver during the rainy month of October in Toronto. If you want to try out your own FabFitFun box, use code JOELLE to save $10 off your Fall box.

The Ten Spot Danforth

Although I love a good gel manicure, and appreciate how easy it can make life to not have to worry constantly about chipped nails, I've been hesitant to make them a part of my regular routine since I absolutely cannot stand being inside of your typical nail salon.  The smell, the atmosphere - call me a baby, but I just don't like it. When I was approached by The Ten Spot Danforth Location to give them a try, I was skeptical. They reassured me that their not your average salon, and boy were they right!  The Ten Spot was clean, spacious, modern and had the most inviting atmosphere of any salon that I had been in.  I left with a lovely deep-red gel manicure and follow up appointment in two weeks. First-time visitors of The Ten Spot Danforth are able to save 25% off of their services, so definitely be sure to try them out for yourselves.


I should mention that I do not receive any sort of compensation for the promo codes at all - I just want to make it easier for you guys to enjoy some of my favourite things!

What have been some of your favourite thins this month?  Do you like this new 'Monthly Favourites' column idea?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle