accessory addict {purses & clutches}

For my next installment of accessory addict (previous posts about belts, scarves, hats and shoes), I decided to focus on an often overlooked outfit component- our money holders.  I adore evening clutches but have been guilty for using a boring everyday bag for months on end without thinking about it.  I now make a conscious effort before I leave the house to ensure that my purse works with my entire ensemble for a fashionable finishing touch! 

Thrifted

Thrifted

Gifted

Thrifted

Aldo

Thrifted

Vintage

 Thrifted

Gap

Thrifted

 Thrifted

 Thrifted

 Aldo

 

 Hidden Treasures, Dress for Success Fundraising Sale

 Thrifted

 Thrifted

 Demu

 Thrifted

 Thrifted

 

 Vintage

Are you passionate about purses?

swap til you drop!

For all you Ottawans who are looking to spruce your wardrobe up on the cheap and cheerful, do I have an event to share with you! This Sunday (August 18) from noon-3pm, Starfish Events is organizing a clothing swap at The Space (200-139 Bank Street) and extra clothing will be donated to the Youth Services Bureau.  I've previously hosted a clothing swap of my own and it's so much fun to get together with friends and recycle clothing for a good cause.  

If the video below doesn't work for you, you can watch me on Facebook sharing a sneak peek of some of the items I will be donating along with styling tips. I hope to see you on Sunday, why shop when you can swap!

country crush

If you've been following my Instagram posts recently, you'll know that I've spent the past couple of weeks in Nova Scotia with my Mum & Step-Dad (and now I'm in Prince Edward Island with my Dad and sister).  The original reason I had booked my flight to the Maritimes was to embark on a new business venture called Country Crush.  As I met my partner speed dating (3+ years, 2 cats and 1 house ago), I wanted to introduce the concept to the Nova Scotian countryside.  

Unfortunately being a small town where gossip spreads like wildfire and you're bound to be someone's cousin twice removed, the idea was originally greeted with enthusiasm but didn't pan out in the end.  However, it all worked out for the best because after my recent health scare, I needed those 2 weeks to relax in a hammock, play Scrabble, catch up on my sleep and spend quality time with loved ones. 

My partner and I took some fun photos for marketing Country Crush and I wanted to show you some of my favourites.

Have you ever had an idea that didn't work out as planned? You never know until you try!

sideways

Dress, Bracelets & Shoes- Thrifted; Purse- Jeanne Lottie; Necklace & Blue Ring- Sears; Bow Ring- Spring; Nail Polish- Aqua by Joe Fresh

The reason you haven't heard from me in a couple of weeks is that my life has been sideways lately.  It started with a tingling in my feet mid July and after googling my symptoms (never recommended!) I had convinced myself I had MS (which is my biggest fear).  After visiting my DR she did a short neurological exam and gave me a requisition and told me to stay calm until Monday's blood work.  Easier said than done as I spent that weekend in a state of heightened fight of flight, terrified of the worst case scenario and experiencing constant panic attacks.  My heart palpitations and symptoms were so scary that I went to the ER early that Sunday morning where I had an ECG and a thorough neurological exam, after which the DR was reassured I didn't have MS. 

When my blood work returned, it showed deficiencies in vitamin b12 and iron, both of which cause tingling and even symptoms that mimic MS. As I've been living as a vegan for a year and a vegetarian for 4 years before that, I wasn't getting anywhere close to enough b12, as this is the only nutrient found solely in animal products or fortified meatless products (which I try to avoid as they are often heavily processed).  Even though the DR's are sure I don't have MS, I can't get the idea out of my head so I'm on anti-anxiety medication and sleeping pills and am spending the next couple of weeks in Nova Scotia trying to relax with family.  

Needless to say, as much as I love eating plants based and supporting animal rights, my health is my number one priority so besides taking high dosages of vitamin b12 & iron supplements daily, I am also slowly re-introducing fish, dairy, eggs and possibly poulty back into my diet.  My hopes is that in the next couple of months I can get my levels back to normal, reverse the tingling sensations (which come on unannounced in all areas of my body, highly exasperated by anxiety).  For now I'm just trying to live in the moment, let go and let God and recognize the sensations as tingling, without attaching a disease or irrational fear to them.

Have you ever had a health scare that caused you extreme anxiety and worry?

legally blonde

Blouse (worn like this) & Skirt- Vintage; Bracelet, Rings & Shoes- Thrifted; Earrings- Smart Set; Nail Polish- Tulip by Revlon 

I'm a sucker for girly hues and I blame it on my adolescent fascination with Elle Wood's overtly feminine ensembles.  After watching the movie (numerous times) I had convinced myself that I too could be Legally Blonde. However after taking an introductory law class in University, all notions of wearing hot pink suits, accessorized with a toy dog had vanished and all that remained were security certificate case studies and mundane readings.

Have you ever based your career fantasies on a movie or tv show? (I'm also guilty for wanting to be a ballerina after watching Bunheads, an offender profiler like in Criminal Minds and a Broadway performer from Smash. Unfortunately, due to the fact that I can't dance or sing and am scared of my own shadow, those job possibilities have been ruled out!)

cheetah meets panther

Skirt (worn like this), Purse, Black Ring & Top- Thrifted; Scarf - Consigned; Brooch, Earrings & Gold Rings- Gifted; Spike Bracelets- Aldo; Snake Bracelet- A SweeT (Beverly Hills Boutique); Shoes- Easy Pickins (Philadelphia)

I was recently in Philadelphia for work but due to the leadership conference's packed schedule, didn't have much time to explore the city. I did however indulge in a marathon shopping spree one night before dinner. I stumbled across a store beside our hotel called Easy Pickin's that was calling my name due to the bright colours, statement jewellery and funky shoes at bargain prices. As soon as I tried these $19.99 cheetah flats on, I knew they were destined to make the trek back to Ottawa with me. I decided to pair them with my panther scarf for an urban, animalistic ensemble. 

Do you prefer to wear animal prints or animal designs?

canuck day

Dress- Charity Shop (UK); Hat- Simon's; Bracelets & Purse- Thrifted; Flipflops- Old Navy; Sunglasses- Smart Set

Happy Birthday Canada! On Monday, my beautiful country turned 146 years young and to celebrate, my Dad, Step-Mom & adorable 2 year old niece visited from Nova Scotia.  It was equal parts energizing and exhausting to be surrounded by a toddler all weekend, she was go-go-go! We had fun exploring a farm and historic gardens and enjoyed blowing bubbles, chalk drawing, reading, playing and swimming at home.

As in previous years (2012 & 2011), I showed my patriotism by wearing the colours of our flag and donning a maple leaf on my visage. 

"Canada's the best country in the world." (preach Justin Bieber, preach!)

I hope all my fellow Canucks had fun Canada Day festivities and to all my friends down south, have a wonderful 4th of July!