The Weekend via Instagram

Despite a fairly uneventful weekend that mainly consisted of coffee, cookies & running (who knew that cookies and candy aren't the best fuel for running?), it was still an enjoyable one. It is the second week of school now, and I am already learning a lot of stuff I never knew before, especially in my textiles class. Additionally, Saturday marked the day I purchased my first "big kid" winter jacket - perfect timing too since the snow has began falling here in Vancouver. There really is nothing better on a snowy evening than baking cookies, too! I hope you all had a great weekend. Here are some snaps I took!

1. Homemade chocolate chip peanut butter oatmeal cookies... Three left!

2. Apparently leaving curls pinned to your head makes for crazy hair when you finally take it out (four hours later). Needless to say, I wore my hair up that night.

3. Messages in the snow! Funny how that happens.

xo

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

2011 was a great year for me. I made amazing memories with my family & friends, celebrated two wonderful years with Brandon, moved to Vancouver into my own apartment, started school & gained experience with an amazing, luxury company (both of which are immersed in fashion), spent the holidays surrounded by my family & rang in the New Year with family, too - not to mention the countless other adventures and things that happened along the way.

I think it's important to constantly reevaluate ourselves. I mean, resolutions are great and all, but shouldn't we make them year long? Nevertheless, the beginning of the year marks a new start for some. Here are some of my "resolutions" for 2012:

- Train smart for my upcoming half marathon (yes, gifted from my parents for Christmas! I am a lucky girl) to reduce injuries and to make me a stronger runner.
- Practice yoga more often and incorporate more strength training for my non-running days
- Be more outgoing: It is easy to fall into a comfort zone, but I also love meeting new people, so I would really like to make a lot of new friends this year!
- Keep in contact with old friends & family as well. Visit often and have visitors often!
- Find a job I can stay at for a while! Temporary positions are nice to increase work experience, but I am ready for something that will challenge me more & develop my skills.
- Continue to do well in school (of course!)

Happy New Year to you & your loved ones!

What are some of your New Years Resolutions?

Winter Wants: Jackets

There is nothing better than a warm, chic jacket when the temperatures start to drop. Although it's hard to stay fashionable sometimes in the winter weather, there are several jackets that will keep you warm & cozy without sacrificing your sense of style. I rounded up some inspiration & some jacket ideas for this winter season (and I should really take my own advice since apparently my coat isn't the warmest).

P.S. Did you notice how the majority of these lovely coats have faux fur? Yes, I'm just a little bit obsessed.

(photo credit to: vogue & coffee on tumblr, fashionfruit, jak&jill, whowhatwear.com)

Holiday Sparkle: Shoes

Retailers are already putting out their Christmas merchandise, and Holiday themed display windows are popping up as well. When I think of Christmas, besides the standard green and red, I also think of colours such as gold and silver. Likewise, SEQUINS and GLITTER soon follow! There is nothing better than adding some shimmer to your Holiday outfit, so in the Holiday Sparkle series I will post for you glitter-covered ideas to help inspire your Holiday ensembles!

1. The classic pump, but with a twist - finding shoes with cap toes in a metallic finish will instantly add glam to your outfit. I love the pointed toes with gold caps. When I spotted these Christian Louboutin's online, I definitely thought of Christmas! However, Louboutin isn't the only one creating these capped pumps. You can find them in almost any shoe store for a fraction of the cost!

2. Glitter oxfords & smoking slippers (not pictured, but you can find them in this post). I have seen these EVERYWHERE this fall! From Aldo & Spring to Browns & Holt Renfrew, you will have no problem finding these trendy shoes in glittery finishes. Plus, you may even be able to save them for spring!

3. Glitter flats - One thing I love about flats is how you can find them in any colour, pattern, and texture. They are less dangerous in snow than their higher counterparts, the stiletto, but your feet will still look Holiday pretty while being comfortable, too! It is a winning combination. Like the glitter oxfords & smoking slippers, sparkly flats have been in numerous stores throughout the fall season. I recently spotted a dusty gold pair at Winners with very fine grains of glitter to polish them off. I would highly recommend checking out your favourite shoe store for glitter flats; you are bound to find them!

4. Glitter heels - Tall, small, kitten heels, booties, you name it. Heels glitter heels are a festive and fun addition to your Holiday outfit. You can find them in many colours, and the glitter itself can be found in a variety of textures. Personally, I would like to find a lower glitter heel to keep it work & school appropriate. As much as I love towering stilettos, the practical girl inside is telling me no!

Are you a pointed toe heels, flats, or oxfords kind of gal?

Images found from Weheartit, The Glitter Guide & Tumblr

Christmas Cocoa

Although it's only November, December is approaching with rapid speed. This means everyone is gearing up for Christmas, and I must say, I am more than excited. While we have to wave goodbye to the iced coffees and blended drinks of summer to avoid being even COLDER than we are (in Vancouver, anyway), I am happy to curl up on the couch with a hot beverage. One of my favourite Holiday beverages is hot chocolate, and while it is a year 'round treat, there's nothing better than adding a seasonal twist such as eggnog, peppermint syrup & candy canes. Hey, Kahlua & Baileys is pretty darn good, too!

Below is the hot chocolate I made the other day. Although there was no eggnog, coffee liqueur or candy cane flavouring in it, I added a swirl of whipped cream & put it in my favourite candy cane mug to feel a little bit more festive!

Also, Starbucks has their Holiday drinks now, as I'm sure you all know. I was wondering when they would finally bring out those cute red cups! I have to say, the skinny peppermint mochas are delicious!

What's your favourite Starbucks holiday drink?

Note: Since writing this blog post, I purchased some light eggnog & have added it to basically everything. Needless to say, I haven't shared it with Brandon, and I have nearly made it through one litre all by myself. Yes, Holiday pounds are approaching (ha ha)!

Furry Friends

Okay, not the most creative title, but it was the first thing that popped into my head upon finding these pictures - that and, I WANT SOME FUR IN MY CLOSET! Faux, of course!

The above pictures are some of my favourite ways that I have seen faux fur vests styled. From chic all black with a pop of colour in the belt (picture one), to simple separates on the bottom, leather, and stripes (last two pictures). I have noticed a lot of fast fashion retailers have jumped onto the fur bandwagon yet again this year, so perhaps I will have to do some extra searching to find the perfect vest or jacket to add to my winter wardrobe - which unfortunately is a little small, but that's a good reason to go shopping!

Now, I leave you with something that better fits my post title...

SO CUTE!

Have a great Wednesday everyone! xo