As much fun as it is to play with colours and prints, black and white outfits will always have a special place in my sartorial heart. Before I started dating D (who greatly influenced the addition of colour into my wardrobe) a few years ago, my closet was filled almost entirely of these two tones. Although most of the time I like to wear more simple and timeless looks with this colour scheme, I occasionally enjoy playing up a slightly edgier vibe with details like leather collars, lace up booties and heavy gold hardware.



Wearing: YesStyle top, skirt and vest (c/o), MICHAEL Michael Kors clutch (similar), Stuart Weitzman booties (c/o), vintage belt, necklace from The Bay, BCBG rings, H&M hair ring

{photos by Alicia}
Late last week we were treated to what was, in my opinion, the first truly warmish afternoon of the year (which was of course negated by a snowstorm that promptly followed by weekend). Even so, this sparked the excitement of pulling out summery pieces, like sheer patterned blouses and shorts. I can't wait to wear these tweed shorts for slightly dressier al fresco dinner dates during warm summer nights, but for now they make a great heavier, cooler weather appropriate piece when grounded with camel tones and tights.




Wearing: YesStyle coat, blouse and shorts, vintage Ferragamo belt, DKNY bag, River Island sunnies, Lauren Elan (thin) and bfrend bracelets, Zara pumps

The windowsill has become one of my favourite areas in the bedroom: aside from the fact that it's where all the natural lighting comes in from, it also houses all of my current jewelry picks and other pretty things. I like having my options out in the open, and this set up makes it fun to add the finishing touches to my outfits before heading out. How do you store your jewelry?

{my current favourite necklaces hang in plain sight for easy accessorizing}

{my most worn studs & bracelets in the gold bowl - rings & other knick-knacks in a thrifted ashtray}

{A second jewelry stand holds earrings and also doubles up as a sunglasses holder}

{perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing storage solution, but a blank wall provides hanging space for additional necklaces}

{a gold tray from a thrift store holds well-loved scents, candles, and various other goodies}

{photos by Alicia}

Colourblocking may now be a thing of the past in the world of trends, but I don't think I'll ever grow tired of wearing bright, clashing hues together. I can't think of anything more happiness-inducing, especially on a mid-February day!


p.s. Why yes, I am having a bit of a love affair with the colour yellow - thanks for noticing!
Wearing: Zara sweater, skirt and shoes, thrifted blouse, YesStyle vest, vintage belt

Hello, I'd like you to meet my new favourite skirt: I often shy away from pencil skirts because of their tendency to be very business-like and not too flattering on a girl with "meatier" calves, but the print on this one was just too beautiful to pass up. I'm excited to find more ways to dress it down so that I can get lots of wear out of it in the coming months; I think I will start with a simple t-shirt or a striped top with a statement necklace. How would you style it?



Wearing: Zara skirt and shoes, BCBG jacket and ring, cardigan and purse from Asia

{photos by Alicia}
Lately, I've been on the hunt to add some standout items to my closet- pieces that will look special in a wardrobe but will also stand the test of time. This tweed jacket from UniQUEEN definitely fit the bill: the shape is timelss & versatile, but the updated tweed pattern keeps it from being too stuffy. While I do wish it was lined with a better quality fabric, the jacket is the perfect length for my 5'3 frame. And though it's not warm enough to wear it on its own yet, I can't wait to transition the piece into spring time and create bright ensembles & classic looks alike. For now, wearing my favourite faux fur vest over it is a good compromise (I also don't think there's many things I haven't thrown this vest over this winter).

Quick note before buying from UniQUEEN: make sure to check out detailed size information at the bottom of their item pages to ensure a perfect fit!
Wearing: Zara sweater and shoes, UniQUEEN jacket (c/o), YesStyle vest (c/o), 7 For All Mankind pants, MICHAEL Michael Kors bag, BCBG cuff, Revlon Fuchsia lipstick

Topshop blouse / ASOS bracelet / Deborah Lippmann polish / Old Navy flats / ASOS clutch
In case you've noticed the little "stalk me" button on the left hand sidebar and wondered what that was all about, here it is: CurrentlyObsessed.me is a fun new tool where you can keep track of (and buy!) what your favourite bloggers have been eyeing on the interwebs. Lately I've been having fun adding all things summery and bright to my list. Here's my page- hop on over to join in on the fun!

As you read this, I am likely either lying in bed or at the doctor's finding out why I still haven't recovered from last week's illness. Regardless, here's a texture & print filled look I wore recently to go eat Swedish meatballs and frozen yogurt (I think that is more than enough reason to go to IKEA, wouldn't you agree?). Hope you are having a much better, healthier Monday!



Wearing: Wilfred dress, Club Monaco faux fur scarf, Zara shoes, bfrend "Coco" bracelet, bag from D

{photos by Alicia}
It is definitely the time of the year when the weather tricks us into thinking it's springtime.... but it's really not. Maybe I'm just weak, but I'm pretty sure that not being sufficiently bundled up during a walk with Olivia & Alicia earlier this week was one of the main reasons I've been sick in bed with a fever for the last three days. It's been no fun, but has served as a good reminder that it's still only early February- certainly not the time to pack away the heavy coats just yet. Stay warm & germ free, everyone!


Wearing: Zara faux fur vest, trousers and shoes (all not current), H&M sweater, Topshop necklace (I also like this more subtle version), Bally bag, Michael Kors sunnies

Sometimes you don't realize just how much a look is lacking until you find that one extra piece: this outfit started off sans hat at the beginning of the day, and I was thoroughly happy with how it came together. Then the perfect topper (which will work with a multitude of other outfits in the colder months!) was randomly found at a local boutique, making me realize just how much it was missing! What do you think: big difference or not?




Wearing: Club Monaco sweater and skirt (here on sale in a pale pink!), YesStyle vest (c/o), BOARD OF TRADE CO hat, Zara heels, DKNY bag, Lauren Elan bracelet (c/o)

{photos by Paul Milaire & Roderick Fung}
I'm always curious as to how style-conscious people throw together an outfit for the day: for me, I typically look to a piece in my closet and gradually add (and sometimes subtract) elements until it is to my liking. A recent addition to my purse collection - thanks, Mom! - called for a simple and classic look punctuated with a few modern accessories. What's your process for getting dressed?



I can't wait to carry this bag with more bright colours into spring! D calls it an old lady bag, but I've always been drawn to structured, simple shapes and this one fits the bill rather perfectly.
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Wearing: YesStyle coat (last seen here), J.Crew sweater, Zara jeans and shoes, DKNY bag