lust list :: Sneakers

Since moving to Toronto I've been walking a lot more ...like, a lot more. I live an hour away from the office and with Jack still in Montreal for a couple months I found it was a good way to kill some of my sudden and ample me-time.

Lately I've been noticing all my high-impact walking (yeah, that's right, it's gotten serious) is taking a toll on my bod, specifically my poor knees. As cute as my chucks, keds and favourite comfy flats are, they don't really do the trick when pounding the pavement 2 hours a day. I love my cute sneaker collection, I truly do, so I'm looking at this as an opportunity to branch out and get more sweet kicks in the closet.

New Balance 420 [similar] | New Balance 410 [similar] | Roshe Run Nike [similar]
New Balance 420 | Nike Victoria [similar]

Clearly I've already developed an affinity for a couple brands... and styles, but I still can't quite nail it down. Also, I did not have an easy time tracking down these actual styles online. I may have missed the boat on these styles but it doesn't stop me from loving them! If I track down the exact thing, I'll be sure to share the link! Have you stumbled upon any I've missed? What sporty sneaks have got you swooning?

Office Florals

A.L.C. blazer {similar} | James Perse top | Club Monaco trousers | Franco Sarto pumps {similar} | Longchamps bag | Marc Jacobs watch

I hope everyone had a lovely long-weekend of celebration & relaxation! Summer has arrived and I've been loving every moment of sunny heat I manage to soak up. My office attire is now a constant rotation of dresses and blazers so I avoid melting on my walk to work.

As lovely as it's been, when the air cooled for a hot minute last week, I didn't think twice as I reached for these sweet trousers. I snatched these beauties up during the Club Monaco Spring sale a while back which means I had a sliver of a window to wear them before extreme heat set in. As the trousers and I are still very much in a sartorial honeymoon stage I happily met the cool air as an opportunity to be reunited. I think next time I pull together this ensemble though, I may switch out the black pumps for nude. Something about them makes it all seem a little too heavy - something I try to avoid in the warmer months.

Happy Monday!
♡ ♡ ♡

What I ate :: FISH TACOS

My-oh-my it has been a long time since I last posted a recipe. Not to worry, both the eating and cooking have continued... but anyone who follows me on instagram already knows that. As much as I love recipe posts - and I really, really do - each time I work on one my dinner takes 2 hours longer to prepare resulting in some fairly attractive posts, and some very cold dinners. Well, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. And with that, I present to you, one of my favourite cold dinners - fish tacos!

The first thing you need with any taco is salsa. The fresher, the better. The chunkiest, the bestest. I always like to make extra as salsa keeps well and is always high in demand. My fresh salsa varies slightly each time I make it, this time I kept it extra simple. All you need to know is ::
                      >> 1 cup chunky tomatoes
                      >> 1 tablespoon diced onions
                      >> 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
                      >> juice of 1/2 lime
                      >> 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1/2 jalapeno

One of my favourite things about these tacos is just how beautiful each part of the fixings is. The purple cabbage is not only delicious in the mix but gorgeous in the stack. I like to pile the cabbage as close to the avocado as possible because they just look so. darn. pretty.
                      >> 1 avocado, sliced thinly
                      >> 4 thin slices of lime
                      >> 2 cups of cabbage
                      >> 1 cup Greek plain yogurt
                      >> 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
                      >> juice of 1/2 lime

Slice the cabbage into thin strips. I used a mandolin and escaped with all my finger tips intact to get the perfect cabbage you see before you. Mix together the Greek yogurt, Mayonnaise and juice of half lime. Stir in 2 Tablespoons of the mixture into the cabbage. Put aside.

Preparing the fish is very simple. Combine the below ingredients over heated olive oil on medium heat, turning once at 3 minutes per side. With so little use of the stove, this meal is perfect for those scorching, muggy nights we've been getting lately.
                      >> 1 lb thawed tilapia
                      >> 1 tablespoon of olive oil
                      >> 1/4 t. of chili powder
                      >> 11/4 t. of black pepper
                      >> 11/4 t. of sea salt.

Now you're ready to stack! Take your whole wheat tortilla, or tostado, and add the fish, cabbage, salsa, avocado and drizzle some of the remaining yogurt mixture overtop. Pour yourself a nice crisp glass of white, sit back & enjoy!

♡ ♡ ♡

Hidden Gem

InWear dress | messenger bag c/o HSC Michael Kors | Michael Kors heels [similar] | Marc Jacobs watch

Well aren't my cheeks just pink?! Here I was, spending my time settling in, waiting for my lovely photographer husband to come visit so we could grab snaps while my perfectly shareable birthday outfit sat waiting in a forgotten folder.

I bought this dress back in May. I had forgotten about getting myself a new little birthday dress altogether until the week before and spent every spare minute I had hunting down this lovely. I had a few contenders but this one was the perfect balance of relaxed, dressy and the fabric had a certain je ne sais quoi. PLUS it had sleeves - a must for early spring weather!

I think we can all agree what's actually important though, is that cherry blossoms are back in bloom for a hot minute in this corner of the web. I can't help it, they just make. me. happy.

♡ ♡ ♡

ARRIVED!

Well sheesh, that was quite the hiatus. No lie - never saw it coming. That should be the tagline for my entire move actually. That, or, everything that can go wrong will... and then some. I digress. I am now happily settled and making a nice long wish list of new furniture that would be just perfect in our new place. and, now that I finally have my internet hooked up - it's been a rough couple weeks - I'll be seeing a lot more of you all! 

Happy Monday!

♡ ♡ ♡

Summer stripes

Club Monaco dress (similar) | Chucks | messenger bag c/o HSC Michael Kors

Happy Monday, hope you all had lovely weekends! The weather here was absolutely gorgeous which was a relief because this spring has been rough. It was also amazing since it was my last weekend as a Montreal resident! It is so very bittersweet to pack up and leave this lovely city, especially during the summer and it's endless festivals. Jack and I will be buried in boxes here on out so expect me to be spotty... which is pretty much how we run things around here so, expect more of the same :)

Enough of me, more about the dress! I grabbed this little ditty while Jack and I were adventuring around soho. There are certain stores I am powerless against and Club Monaco is one of them. So, when we stumbled by a very large, femmes-only location with a basement FULL of sale items, I got distracted. Couldn't help it. I'd had my eye on a similar Club Monaco frock last spring and am still lusting after this Marc Jacobs cutie so, when I saw this darling, it nearly jumped off the rack at me. Now, to find the perfect necklace. I've got a couple contenders (1, 2, 3) but have yet to make the call - any thoughts?

♡ ♡ ♡

LIFE LATELY :: Birthdays. New York. Reality.

Goodness gracious it's been a while! I knew these last couple weeks were going to be busy but I never expected a whirlwind!

If you follow me on instagram you'll know I was whisked away to New York for my big three-oh! Jack was so sneaky planning the entire trip, keeping it a secret AND even including a fake-out in Albany. It was absolutely lovely. We managed to squeeze in so much so I'll just share few of my favourite moments... although I couldn't help myself so I did make a little flipagram with all my snaps.

THE surprise! // New York from Williamsburg flea // intermission at Matilda on Broadway // summer-esq outfit snap // sustenance // brooklyn for brooklyn-sake // Central Park boathouse // photo-bombing a selfie? // classics

We lucked out and had gorgeous, summery weather with only a touch of rain (slash a small hurricane) while grabbing ice cream at Fulton Ferry Pier in DUMBO. We didn't get to many actual sights, instead opting for neighbourhood to neighbourhood eating & exploring. No lines, full bellies, can't lose. We even perfected the perfect daily travel schedule:

leave hotel by 10am >> neighbourhood of choice >> breakfast >>

explore >> snack >> explore/neighbourhood hop 

hotel by 7 >> nap until 9 >> get dolled up >> head out for dinner >> home by 2

If I could, I would live in those four days on repeat. I'd meant to snap more outfit photos while as part of the itinerary but truth be told our camera is heavy and I chose life & an iPhone. We'll all just have to wait for summer so I can share all my fun outfits - don't worry though, they're worth wearing on repeat! Upon arriving home I immediately hopped on a plane to Toronto for a week with my new team and we've been packing ever since my return. May is a big one. My posting may be spotty for the next couple weeks but I cannot wait to share our new adventure!

♡ ♡ ♡

birthday plans & a spot of rain

Vero Moda jacket (similar) | Talula oxford (similar) | American Apparel leggings (similar) 
Hunters (similar) | messenger bag c/o Michael Kors 

This spring rain may be giving the never-ending snowstorms of winter-past a run for their money. My rain gear has been getting a mayjah work out this season. I even had to take on some new friends - a lovely pseudo rain coat for those misty, light rain days & a lovely pair of new Hunters. Sadly, I found my old grey darlings riddled with holes when I took them out earlier this year but scoring these lovelies on sale at the Bay calmed my heartache.

Looking at the weather for this Friday, I'm happy I took the plunge because - you guessed it - looks like rain! Just in time for my super secret, very exciting birthday trip! Jack planned us a weekend getaway to celebrate my big three-OH and I can't wait to see where we're going. It's all been a bit of a mystery and since I lovvvvvve surprises I've been keeping my eyes covered and my ears shut. Rain, shine or, dare I say, snow, I've got a feeling this birthday is going to be a good one. If you're ever so curious, check in on instagram, I may manage a few birthday snaps over the weekend 

♡ ♡ ♡

lust list :: Birthday Wishes

As my birthday is one week from today (calm down, I know, it's all very exciting) I thought it would be fitting & fun to put together a little wish list. Funny thing is, as much as I swoon daily for all of the pretty things trying to compile a slew of them together for my birthday was difficult - not something I would expect. It may be because this year is a big one but nothing felt right... like anything was monumentus enough to mark the occasion. The things I found myself wanting most were not easily purchased items but were rather thoughts & hopes for the upcoming months and year. So, to satisfy both my material and more elusive birthday wishes I included a little bit of both.

worn archive // scotch spring polishes // Joie mariner sweatpants // Shellys London brogues // Kate Spade wallet // baublebar bracelet // Marc Jacobs watch // Kate Spade sunnies // Kate Spade candle holder // Kate Spade tote // beats Pill speaker

Health: I always believe this is an important focus to consider in daily decisions.. that said - I hate running & I love sugar. As I get older though, staying ahead on this health thing is going to help so I want to adopt a routine that works for me.  

Travel: I've been really enjoying taking advantage of our new city and all the 4 hour roadtrips we've been doing. I hope we keep it up, especially as we move to a new city and so many more 4 hour roadtrip destinations open up!

Grace: Grace is the face that love wears when it meets imperfection. Holding the thought of grace always in the back of my mind leaves me better equipped to handle the daily frustrations and injustices that have no place in my heart. more of that.

Mindset: Approaching this birthday I've been wary about fore-fitting my claim to the "20-something" title I've grown quite comfortable with. The thought of it leaves me scrunching my nose and wishing for a DeLorean of my own. When I consider what I feel I'm losing, I realize I have an idea that my 20s were for discovery & adventure, while my 30s should be for focus & solidifying. I fear that shedding my 20s means losing my youth and my right to be care free, to make mistakes and to not settle. It's a fear that makes me face all the things I had hoped to accomplish by now but haven't, all the places I wanted to go but still have yet to see and all that is to come and what it will demand. While there are certain truths present I've realized there is no line in the sand. I am who I am, I want what I want, I enjoy what I enjoy and whatever the title - 20something, early 30s - I just have to remember to be true to me and those I love, the rest will come and go as it pleases.

Happiness: Because that's what this all leads to and what it's all about, right?

// bring. it. on. //

Grey Days, Big Coffees

Pink Martini trench {old, similar} | sweatershirt {last season, similar} | faux leather leggings {similar}  | chucks
necklaces c/o Pearls for Girls NA & Stella & Dot

There's something about grey days that calls for big coffees... or multiple coffees, or multiple, big coffees. I can't say exactly how much coffee I had this weekend but I most certainly over-did it.

If you follow me on twitter you may have seen my news - Jack & I are on the move again! This time we're headed to Toronto! I recently accepted a new position at my company. Since my new team is in Toronto and the city has a strong Television & Film Industry (Jack's line of work) we realized it's the right place for us right now. We will most definitely be bummed to leave Montreal -it's such a beautiful city- and all our new friends but are also very excited to explore Toronto and start a new adventure!

The big move happens June 1st which means all our weekends are now booked up with apartment hunting (from afar), downsizing, kijiji-ing, packing and saying goodbye to our favourite restaurants....and friends, of course! During this time my current love of simple, relaxed outfits may become a full blown obsession. Now that I think of it, perhaps the grey days aren't to blame for my severe coffee intake this weekend after-all...

GUIDE :: OFFICE WARDROBE BASICS, JACKETS

Indoors, outdoors, it's always nice to have a jacket. In the office, a blazer provides warmth and sharp resolve. Outside, a trench coat keeps things professional when you've got to pop out for a meeting or lunch. 

BLAZERS :: 

A blazer is the sriracha of the office wardrobe; it's not always necessary but it is most definitely, always a good addition. Much like with the condiment, I go through phases of relying on blazers far too much and bouts of forgetting they exist. Whatever the phase, there is no better piece to pull together an already professional look or dress up one on the edge of business casual. Plus, blazers always offer the added warmth I so desperately need on an ongoing basis. Once you've got a killer, classic black blazer branch out!

essential :: H&M, other option here & here | invest :: J.Crew, other option here | indulge :: Helmut Lang, other option here
{fun} essential :: Romwe, other option here | invest :: DVF, other option here | indulge :: Rag & Bone, other option here

OUTERWEAR :: 

I have rarely felt more awkward than when I have to layer a killer ski jacket, over my chic office-wear to attend a lunch meeting. There's just something about it that makes me feel like a kid playing at being a grownup. Honestly, having a nice trench coat (or pea coat in the winter) to toss on when heading out with coworkers or to a client meeting makes a difference in my confidence which has an effect on how I approach the day. Good thing trench coats are just so darn stylish.

essential :: Mango, other option here | invest :: Banana Republic | indulge :: Burberry, other option here

RAIN PREPAREDNESS

Pink Martini sweater [similar] | Talula oxford shirt [similar] | faux leather pants [similar] | DV booties [similar]
Longchamps bag | necklace c/o Pearls for Girls | American Apparel umbrella

Nothing beats the threat of a light misting than a beyond sweet umbrella. Especially when said umbrella is a strapping young duck eagerly waiting to provide shelter. Jack found me this little fella while we were in Boston a couple weekends ago and I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised or happier! Being from the east coast I have extensive experience with endless grey days, mistings, light rain, heavy rain, rain warnings and full on hurricanes and I've gotta tell ya, investing in darling rain gear is the first step to "enjoying" the weather.

Luckily, we didn't deal with much more than a light rain as we explored the various campuses and ate our way through Cambridge. Based on this week's weather forecast I'm guessing you'll be seeing a lot more of Monsieur Duckworth on here (of course I named him! wouldn't you?)

 

DREAM TEAM :: BEAUTY EDITION

	// MAKE UP FOR EVER HD PRESSED POWDER // You may remember that the Make Up For Ever HD microfinish powder made my beauty routine favourites list for GLAM. Well, MUFE went a step further and made one of my favourite products even better. This amazing finishing powder now comes in a pressed form, works just as fantastically and has solidified it's place in my purse mini touch-up kit for unexpected post-work events. If you're looking for a new powder, definitely check this guy out.
	// ESSIE NAIL POLISH :: SAND TROPEZ & IT'S IN THE BAG // I've been loving the neutrals lately. So much so that my Tibi nail art DIY was very subtle, bordering on un-noticeable (just how I like it!). Not sure whether it's the drawn out winter or their ability to transition nicely outfit to outfit but neutral nails have become my obsession.
	// MAKE UP FOR EVER HD CREAM BLUSH :: 215 // three words - UH-MAH-ZING. Seriously. I have dabbled in cream blush before but always returned to my baked favourites as the others didn't seem to have the staying power. This here is a game changer. It has not only replaced my precious MAC Powder Blush during my morning routine but gets brought along in my on-the-go touch up kit. Sure, I'm never entirely aware of where I put it last but so what, it's a small price to pay to have it (almost) always at my finger tips.
	// SMASHBOX EYE SHADOW // Just lovely. This was a gift from my wonderful sister-in-law, Ruby who totally gets that neutral colours and a little shimmer go a long way. Of the six shadows I have a clear favourite - can you guess which one?
	// BENEFIT GIMME BROW // I never gave much thought to my brows beyond a monthly brow shaping until this year and then BAM! I'm obsessed. I finally stopped by the Benefit Beauty shop while in Boston and treated myself to a brow wax and some knowledge - those ladies sure know their brows. My only wish for the gimme brow is that they had one shade lighter available.

**all views expressed are my own. I did receive the two Make Up For Ever products for free to review 

but was truly impressed and most definitely am now addicted to both!

lust list :: Spring 2014

I'm not sure whether I shared this with you but I put myself on a clothing spend freeze from January until March. I chose to do this after picking up so many lovely pieces in Boston and on my trip home over the holidays. I wanted to make sure I really wore the clothes I had been investing in rather than getting wrapped up in buying all of the new, pretty shiny things.

The verdict? I did VERY well. Only breaking twice! Once for comfy cool pjs from the Gap (75% off) and once for a Joe Fresh Breton stripe to replace last years breton who lost a fight with a purple bottle of polish. i. am. clumsy.

Breton Stripe dress | Grey Pullover | Jean Jacket | Light Pink Skinnies | Structured tote | Cheetah kicks | New Rain boots
Mint Crossbody bag | watch | bracelets 1, 2 | mint chucks | Tortoise Shell sunnies | Spring polish 1, 2, 3

This weekend, we are heading to Boston... again! We loved it so much in December and it definitely needed another weekend of exploring. Why not, right? To top it off, this weekend will mark the end of my spending moratorium - perfect timing, considering my growing spring wish list. Throw in a forecast of a balmy 10 degrees and I'm in heaven.

What's on your spring wish list?

GUIDE :: OFFICE WARDROBE BASICS, DRESSES!

The possibilities for office appropriate dresses are near-endless! Fitted, flared, sheath, shift, wrap - as long as they are of a sensible length and neckline you'll have your pick.

CLASSIC BLACK SHEATH ::

The most versatile dress in my closet is a classic black sheath. It's sharp, professional and flexible moving from day to night effortlessly. It also holds it's own in a pair of flats making it a great option for day's when you must look your best but feel a little less than. If building your first office wardrobe, feel free to stop with this dress - it'll take you far.

essential :: H&M | invest :: Nic+Zoe | indulge :: Ted Baker

STAPLE SHIRT DRESS ::

If you've got a little more spending money, or are building on a current office wardrobe the next frock to set your sights on is the staple shirt dress. Much like a cozy cardigan, a shirt dress bridges the gap between relaxed and professional. It easily exists as an outfit in itself and is a great go-to for those late mornings where you need to bolt and still look sharp.

essential :: H&M | invest :: Michael by Michael Kors | indulge :: Burberry

CAREER FROCKS GALORE ::

As I mentioned, dress options are near infinite - it's truly in how you wear a dress that can tip it from casual to office. I, myself, retire a couple dresses from my workday rotation come spring - as much as I love them, I just can't swing it without the tights. These dresses I stumbled upon were just too lovely not to share and are likely all fairly safe bets. I don't know what it is, or how she does it, but Diane Von Furstenberg just gets the career dress. If you've got birthday money on hand, I truly recommend investing in one of hers - they are all swoon-worthy.

essential :: H&M, other option Topshop | invest :: French Connection, other option Nic + Zoe | indulge :: Diane Von Furstenburg, other DVF option