OOTD - BCBG Max Azria Tuxedo Cape

Dressing up has always been a bit of a challenge for me.  As a self-proclaimed casual girl, when the time would come that I would need to turn things up a notch and create a more formal outfit I would usually find myself staring cluelessly into an open closet until finally deciding on one of three dresses I had on rotation.  Imagine my happiness when BCBG Max Azria generously sent me this Frances Tuxedo Blazer.  This statement piece is unlike anything I have in my closet, and is the perfect formal option for a casual 'gal like myself - it's interesting enough to carry an outfit on it's own, but not so loud that you feel as though you're wearing a costume.  I paired the tuxedo blazer with my favourite faux-leather leggings from Aritza and dusted off one of my beloved hats - Spring is here, and I'm ready to hit the town!

Tuxedo Cape - c/o BCBG Max Azria, Leggings - Aritzia,
Clutch - Clare Vivier, Shoes - Nine West

After weeks of talking about my move into the city, this weekend is finally when it all starts happening.  As excited as I am to be in the heart of Toronto - something I've always wanted since I moved here from Ottawa - it's also a little bittersweet.  I'll miss Port Credit, with it's picturesque lakeside trails and parks.  These photos were taken at one of Brian and I's favourite parks near the water, and I was overcome with nostalgia as I thought of our summertime bike rides and nightly walks with Fritz.  Change is good, but it's also very hard.

Seriously though, this blazer - even from the back it looks great! Are you feeling the statement tuxedo blazer as much as I am?  What's your favourite way to dress up?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

30 Before 30 - Attend a Fashion Show

While I'm literally weeks away from turning 30, I managed to check off another task from my 30 Before 30 list - right in the home stretch.  Last night I attended my very first real fashion show, and have officially had my first taste of Fashion Week here in Toronto.  The last time fashion week had rolled around in the city, I was just coming home from my trip to Italy.  This time around, although I'm up to my ears with our move into downtown Toronto, I decided to make it a priority and take the night off to join in on the festivities. I had the pleasure of attending the Malorie Urbanovitch show, and the experience surely didn't disappoint!

The weather was less than ideal for a glamorous night out, much less for photo taking - think grey skies, rain and a chilly breeze.  I've rummaged through an old #ootd photo to give you an idea of what I wore.  A natural rule-follower at heart, I always like to sit back and observe a new situation so that I can get acquainted with the order of things.  So while the Toronto fashion community was strutting around in their loudest outfits and perfecting their power-stances for photographers, I was happy to be dressed in solid black and take it all in with my mom.  

The show itself was incredible!  I loved the energy as everyone filled into the runway room, it was organized chaos at its finest.  Once the lights went down and the music started to crescendo its way across the runway you could feel the anticipation of the audience. As soon as the first model came out and started strutting her stuff in a 70's inspired Fall pallet, I knew that I was hooked.

One of the best things about the whole night (other than the post-show apps and cocktails at Los Colibris with my mom) was being able to meet and see bloggers that I admire - in real life.

Needless to say that after I've gotten this first taste of a fashion show, and of Fashion Week itself, I'm anxiously awaiting my next!  I'm so happy that I had this opportunity, and was able to sneak in another task from my 30 Before 30 list.

Have you been to a fashion show?  Do you have any Fashion Week survival tips?  Let a Noob like me know!

xo Joelle

OOTD - Spring Florals + Neutrals

Happy first weekend of Spring!  Although it certainly looked like Spring outside this weekend, it definitely did not feel like it - why is it still so cold?  Impatient for the warmer weather, I dressed the part of the season this weekend in light neutrals with a pop of floral.  Although I nearly froze to death for these photos, I still stand by my outfit choice.  Bring on the warmer weather of Spring, I'm ready for you!  Read on for outfit details and additional photos.

#Instagood - Life Lately

Happy Friday Noobs!  You may have noticed that I've slowed down my posting a wee bit for the past couple of weeks.  If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that Brian and I are finally making the move to downtown Toronto at the end of month and I couldn't be more excited!  Not only will I get to live right in the heart of the city that I love so much, but we'll both also be a close walk to work - no more commuting!  As excited as I am to move, I've also started to get overwhelmed with the growing to-do list that comes along with it.  Not only do we have to prepare and deal with the stresses of a move, but there's also Brian's birthday, my birthday and a trip to Mexico all coming up in less than a month!  Normally I would consider myself a go-getter, but the abundance of change has left me like a deer in headlights - stuck.  Rest assured that we're slowly getting organized, and I'll be back to my regular posting schedule come next week.  In the meantime, check out what I've been up to lately.

I spent the past weekend at my parent's new cottage in the Kawartha's, Ontario.  I've actually never been to a cottage in the Winter time, and I was completely charmed by the beauty that comes with a snowy forest and frozen lake.  Hot chocolate, PJs and movies are all made that much better when there's a picturesque scene right outside of the window.  I had so much fun at the cottage and am even more excited for summer to come!

I've recently found myself knee-deep in a pretty serious latte obsession.  I find this so strange because I've always been a strong, black coffee kind of of girl.  I love the calming effects of a latte in the afternoon to break up the work day, and appreciate the small indulgence.

In my quest to avoid reality, I've been trolling my previous blog photos from last Spring and have been excitedly outfit planning for the warmer weather coming up.  Who else can't wait to break out the pastels and floral print?  I'm just excited to finally be able to pack up my parka for the season once and for all!

That's it for me!  I'm looking forward to all of the upcoming blog posts that I have in the works, and for sharing photos from our new place in Toronto.  As always, you can find me on Instagram - give me a follow and we can stay connected!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - Floral Ankle Pants

It might be a little too early to celebrate, but the weather has slowly creeping into the positives and feeling a little bit like Spring.  As much as I'm celebrating the arrival of a new season - especially since that new season isn't Winter - it brings on the new challenge of transitioning one wardrobe to the next.  These Anthropologie floral Charlie trousers are a great piece to start adding into your Winter clothing rotation to ease into Spring.  The floral pattern is beautiful, and the colours are rich enough to pair with a darker Winter palette. I especially tend to rely on a leather jacket during the Winter-to-Spring transition for it's warmth and versatility. Read on for all outfit details and additional photos.

Bloggers To Know - Blog Roundup

One of my favourite things about being a part of the blogging community is discovering, reading and drawing inspiration from the talented individuals who's blogs fill up my feed on a daily basis.  Not one day goes by that I'm not completely blown away by the amount of talent exists in the blogosphere, and I'm so humbled to be a part of this amazing group of people.  There are so many blogs that deserve recognition, so I've decided to share a few of my favourites with you - hopefully you discover a new favourite of your own!  It was so hard to narrow it down so I plan on going a few of these posts in the future, but for now meet some of my favourite bloggers.

Love. Loft. Life.

Kristiana is the blogger behind Love. Loft. Life. and is your quintessential jet-setting cool gal.  I'm constantly drawing inspiration from her many travels, and taking notes from her comprehensive traveling tips.  Kristiana also possesses a hawk eye for what's up around the internet, and I look forward to her weekly Sunday link roundups - I learn so much!  Kris and I started our blogs roughly around the same time, and she is one of the few bloggers that I've met in real life - we recently shared some laughs over bowls of ramen and had the best time.   If you're into travel, beauty, capsule wardrobe and well-curated internet finds then definitely check out Kristiana at Love. Loft. Life.

Pastels and Pastries

Pastels and Pastries is a new find for me, and I was thrilled to find out that Gabriella also lives in Toronto!  This blog has such a beautiful aesthetic, and Gabriella and her style are so lovely.  Not only do I draw inspiration from her fashion posts, but her recipes and baking posts leave me wishing that I was a little more talented in the kitchen!  Seriously, her baking photos are so bright and colourful that it's hard to believe that they're not from a magazine shoot.  Definitely be sure to check out Pastels and Pastries.

The Fancy Pants Report

Kate from The Fancy Pants Report is a big-time blogger, and it's easy to see why - her fashion sense and daily outfit posts are the things that dreams are made of.  Every single one of her style posts leaves me with endless inspiration, and adds to my every-growing shopping list.  Kate's style is classic and simple, with just the right amount of sporty edge - and it's consistent, which is so hard to achieve as a fashion blogger.  If her blog isn't enough, she also has an awe-inspiring Instagram feed - even her dog is cool!  If you haven't already visited The Fancy Pants Report, definitely head over and prepare to be inspired.

What do you think?  Are these bloggers already part of your regular rotation, or did you find someone new?  Who are your favourite bloggers?  Let me know, I love discovering new blogs!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - Rebecca Minkoff Julian Leather Backpack

Happy Thursday Noobs!  I'm hoping that this will be the last of my cold-weather outfits, but knowing the unpredictable weather in Canada that may be wishful thinking.  Nonetheless, I'm actually enjoying the blanket of snow that has been lingering around Toronto - especially since it's been bright and sunny!  If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that Brian and I will be moving to the heart of Toronto at the end of the month, which means that I'll be able to walk to work everyday!  In anticipation of a walking commute, I've been exploring purse options that look cute and will be easy on my back as I trek to-and-from work everyday.  Let me tell you, when I came across this Rebecca Minkoff Julian leather backpack I actually let out a yelp and a fist pump.  Bonus points for scoring this baby at a ridiculously amazing price during the recent Shop Bop sale.  A stylish bag that's a back-pain banisher, does it get any better?  I don't think so!  Read on for full outfit details and additional photos.

OOTD - That Girl in Joe Fresh

Happy Monday, Noobs!  I am ecstatic to report that, although there is still a blanket of snow covering Toronto, the weather this weekend was a huge improvement from what we've seen lately.  The air was crisp rather than bitter, and the sun even made an appearance!  I chose to celebrate by breaking out my new favourite sweat shirt that I recently purchased at a Joe Fresh shopping event.  The sweater reads 'That Girl'... or hat girl, depending on hair placement.  I do love a good hat, so either way it's all good.

Sweatshirt - Joe Fresh, Leggings - Joe Fresh
Chambray - H&M, Toque - Target, Boots - Hunter

I'm such a sucker for clothing with a cheeky expression printed on them.  This sweatshirt immediately caught me eye, not only for the clever catch phrase that's written on the front but also for the colour - black and white are my all time favourites.  I layered a chambray shirt underneath, and I was in neutral-coloured heaven!  I envision this cute sweatshirt over top of a patterned collar shirt, or even worn on it's own.

'Hat Girl' strikes again!

What are your thoughts on words and phrases printed on clothing?  Let me know!

30 Before 30 - Stop Being a Slob, Create Beauty and Enjoy The Little Things

This week I took a look at my 30 Before 30 list, in an effort to plan and strategize how I'm going to complete the remaining tasks - after all, I turn 30 in April so I've got to get a move on!  While studying the list, I noticed that some tasks were actually an ongoing effort since starting this blog - namely, the shift I've taken to constantly surrounding myself with fresh flowers, espressos and carefully crafted breakfast trays every morning.

I'll give you a big of background about me - I'm a messy gal.  Seriously, wherever I do mess seems to follow me and try as I may, I can't seem to change it.  Since getting into blogging though, and especially the obsession that is Instagram, I've started creating a bit of an overly-stylized life for myself.  What started off as trying to achieve a beautiful photo and turned into a daily habit for myself - namely, creating breakfast trays and always having fresh flowers around.

You must be thinking that I, along with most other bloggers, create these stylized photos for show but I can honestly attest to a huge change in my life once I started making the time to create little moment s of beauty for myself.  When I have fresh flowers in my house, I'm so much more likely to keep it clean - crazy right, but true!  Starting the morning off with a beautiful breakfast tray almost guarantees a better mood and outlook for myself for the day, even if I only get to enjoy it for 15 minutes before going to work.  The world definitely has it's share of trails and hardships, and sometimes creating beauty for ourselves can make all the difference in our outlooks and attitudes.

The point that I'm trying to get across is that while I still am a bit of a mess, will always leave crumbs when I eat and can't get dressed without destroying a bedroom, I've learned the importance of carving out beautiful moments for myself - one beautiful breakfast tray and bunch of fresh flowers at a time.

What do you do for 'me time?'  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - Faux Leather Leggings

Joyous Celebrations!  The weather in Toronto increased to a near-tropical -4 degrees Celsius this weekend, and I couldn't contain my excitement.  Nothing makes me happier than wandering around the city, so wander I did this weekend and it felt amazing.  During my walk I got to test out my new Aritzia Daria faux-leather leggings, and I have to say - I think I'm in love!  I've been eyeing these babies for months and months now, and am glad I decided to pull the trigger.  The faux-leather on these leggings is of such high quality and they're surprisingly wearable, even for daytime.  As someone who wears black as a bottom the majority of the time, it's nice to have some variety.  

Faux-Leather Leggings - Aritzia, Overcoat - Aritzia
Knit Scarf - Zara, Bag - 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli

Word of caution for these leggings: I've been told that they stretch.  For that reason I got the most snug size that I could get my stems sausaged into.  They've already started to stretch, so I'm really glad that I sized down.

What are your thoughts on leather leggings?  Are you into them, or do you they that they're too much for daytime?

xo Joëlle