An Update - Chicago Bound!

Photo from Following the Riviera

Greetings Noobs - it's been a week.  Work has been particularly crazy these past few days, and I feel as though it's given me a big kick in the tush - both physically and emotionally.  The work-related exhaustion has made blogging pretty difficult; I had many posts planned for the weekend, but ended up coming home too tired for any of my ideas to materialize.  Luckily for me, today is my Friday and I have the next few days off!  What better way to celebrate the end of a trying week, and re-build my sanity, than a weekend trip?  My husband and I are leaving for Chicago in the next couple of days, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

I've been looking forward to this trip for awhile - it will be my first time visiting Chicago.  I have been stuck on New York City as a quick weekend trip for the past few years, and have neglected to visit any other major metropolises in the United States.  Out itinerary is already jammed packed (mostly with dinning reservations, I won't lie), but I would love to hear of any must-dos that must be done while visiting the city of Chicago!

Expect many travel related posts on the roster.  Until then, I cheers all of you with my [second] gin and tonic of the night.

Chin chin.

-Joëlle

OOTD - Striped Maxi Skirt

Here we are, approaching the end of April and it's cold - not face stinging cold but rather cold enough that shorts, tanks and summer dresses seem like a distant future.  This striped maxi skirt may be the only skirt I will be wearing for while, but paired with a thin black sweater and large brimmed hat it is fun enough to curb my summer cravings.  The entire combination had me immediately nostalgic for Paris.  Even though the outfit is a far cry from what Parisians actually wear (more about that here), but the glamorised Paris in my head sees everyone in a large brimmed hat, over sized sunglasses and bold lips.  Read on for additional photos and outfit details.  

What's In My Bag

It's time to admit to a guilty pleasure - I am absolutely addicted to seeing what's in people's bags;  wether it be a youtube video, or a blog post - I'm all over it.  I'm a pretty nosey person by nature, so being able to see what girls carry in their most sacred of objects - their bags - gives me a tickle like no other!  I decided to participate in the huge internet trend, and hopefully give you some insight into the question that I'm sure has been just burning at you since reading this post - what's in Joëlle's bag.

Milk Maid Braids - Easy Hair Tutorial

As I mentioned in my last hair tutorial, I'm barely a hair person on a good day.  I'm always looking for simple hair styles that look as though I put in way more effort than I actually have.  Enter the milk maid braids - perfect for summer, very bohemian, and so easy that even this hair challenged Noob can master them.  Read on for all the details, including photos, on how to achieve these simple milk maid braids.

OOTD - Lace Dress + Military Jacket

Happy Good Friday, Noobs!  Imagine my delight when I found out that I had the holiday off (a rarity in my line of work), and then my crushing disappointment when I saw the weather forecast for the day - clouds and rain.  Already having planned to wear a delicate white knit dress for the day, I decided to stick with the plan but make some alterations.  Boots replace heels, and a military jacket as a substitute to a blazer.  Add in a pair of androgynous sunglasses, and my original vision is a little more weather appropriate.  Read on for additional photos and outfit details.

One Scarf, Three Ways - Guest Post For The Wonder Forest

I'm super excited to announce that I am a guest contributor for one of my favourite blogs, Wonder Forest!  Dana is an incredibly talented lady, and her blog has provided me with endless amounts of knowledge and tips.  In fact, her wonderful tips on starting your own blog proved to be so valuable to me, and were the reason that I finally gained the confidence to start a blog of my own!  Check her out, and be sure to follow my monthly instalments regarding developing personal style and building a re-mixable wardrobe.

For my first post, I go into detail on how to reimagine a simple scarf to wear it three different ways.  Visit it here and let me know what you think!

Have a great day,

-Joelle

Quick and Easy, Romantic Hair Wrap Tutorial

Summer is coming - bring on the warm sunny days, humid air and balmy night.  I'm barely a hair person on the best of days, but come the summer I reach an all new level of lazy.  This easy, romantic hair wrap is my favourite go-to for a quick pulled-together look.  I really don't think it gets any simpler than this - I use it on casual days to keep my hair out of my face, or even on evening's out when I want to look as though I spent a lot of time on my hair.  Read on for additional photos and the tutorial on how to achieve this romantic look.

30 Before 30 - Mama's Got a New Bike

Another Birthday, another year closer to 30.  My birthday weekend was full of fun, friends and celebration - followed by the inevitable naps and relaxation required.  Not wanting to slack on my 30 Before 30 list, I asked for a new bicycle as a birthday gift.  This bike is everything I had wanted for the summer, and I can't wait to take it out for long bike rides by the lake, or to stuff the adorable basket full of picnic materials.  Read on for additional photos and bike details.

OOTD - Casual Friday

Happy Friday, Noobs!  One of the perks of having a crazy job, with crazy hours is that I often have days off during the week -  Friday included!  Saturday is my birthday, and I have a jam packed weekend ahead of me starting with festivities this evening.  Knowing that I have a long, crazy night ahead, I wanted to wear something simple and casual for a day of errands.  This wool kimono one item that I have been seriously obsessing over - oversized, comfortable and warm, perfect for cool Spring weather.  Pair it with the simplest of black dresses, and some casual boots and you've got yourself an outfit worthy of a casual Friday.   Read on for outfit details and additional photos.

OOTD - Stripes on Stripes

When my official blog photographer (aka my husband) saw what I was wearing for the day, his automatic reaction was "stripes with stripes - can you do that?" All I could think of for a response was simply "why not!"  If there is a fashion rule book, I unfortunately never received a copy.  My love for anything striped runs deep; I love how the pattern gives any outfit a more classic and clean appearance.  I really like how mixing the same pattern (in different variations) worked out - so much so that I may never seek out that elusive fashion rule book.  Read on for outfit details, and additional photos.

My Spring Wardrobe Essentials

Happy Monday Noobs!  This past weekend was one of sunny skies and warmer temperatures - Spring is here! This is the first time in what seems like forever that I finally feel like ditching the winter coats and heavy knits, in favour of light cotton and short sleeves.  What better time to share with you the items in my closet that I have deemed Spring essentials - a few key pieces that will take you comfortably through Spring and well into the beginning of Summer.  Read on for item details, and why I think that they are so essential to a Spring wardrobe.

Tom Collins - An Easy Friday Beverage

Happy Friday, Noobs!  I wish the weather outside would match my enthusiasm for the end of the week; unfortunately there is nothing but rain, clouds and dreariness on the forecast here in Toronto.  My solution (as is for most of life's little problems) is a good cocktail - and nothing is easier and more delicious then a good Tom Collins.  I love to whip up a couple of these babies after work, or as a simple cocktail to serve to guests - the slight sweetness of simple syrup and tarte lemon flavours mask the strong herbal taste of gin, so even the most finicky of friends will enjoy this drink.  Read on for the full recipe, and additional photos.

OOTD - Peep Toe Booties

I swear Spring was just here, and has abruptly left for the time being.  Cold weather, grey skies and rain drizzle are on the horizon for the next week, stretching out that in-between transitional period from Winter to Spring.  For the style Noob it's been a challenge to keep on thinking of transitional outfits, but I have leaned to rely on a few key pieces to get me through to sunny spring weather.  Peep toe booties are one piece that I have been leaning on during this strange weather - the cut out lends to more of a fresh look, but they are structured enough to still look weather appropriate should the temperatures dip during the day.  Read on for additional photos, as well as outfit details and a closer look at these very versatile peep toe booties.

30 Before 30 Update - Bicycle Purchased, Rome Booked

Photo from Wallsave.com  

While it may seem as though I have gotten stuck on my 'developing personal style' task from my 30 things to do before 30 list, things have been developing in the background.

Most notably, my husband and I just booked our flights to Rome, Italy in late summer for 18 days!  My mind has been racing, trying to plan out an itinerary that takes us South to the Amalfi Coast, back to Rome and then further North to Florence and Venice.  This will tie in very nicely to my task of becoming an expert packer, since I plan to use just one carry on luggage for the entire trip.  I couldn't be more excited, and am relishing in the pre-trip rituals of booking hotels, planning itineraries and obsessing over packing lists!

Also - I purchased a bicycle (task number 7 is to buy and ride a bike.)  She is a vintage style, step-over, three speed cruiser and I can't wait to share photos when she arrives this weekend!

Until next time

-Joëlle