Love and Picnics and Stuff

A couple weeks ago, my lovely boyfriend, Matt, and I celebrated our fifth anniversary (we've been dating since we were in eleventh grade - can't believe how fast time goes!). In general, we're both pretty laid back (read: lazy) and broke students, so we decided to keep things low key during the day and have ourselves a mini picnic at a nearby park.

Since I had to work in the morning, he was such a sweetheart and prepared our picnic basket/green gym bag complete with wine, a blanket, and sandwiches. We really did try to soak up the wonders of nature and shrubbery and all that, but quickly came to terms with the fact that we'd probably rather be on a couch with said wine, blanket, and sandwiches catching up on Supernatural. This may or may not have to do with the fact that a ginormous bee decided to usurp our picnic blanket five minutes after we laid it out. Regardless, here are some snapshots of our day.

(Matt wears these Crocs only because he knows I despise them. He's promised me he'll be getting those crappy random charms to pin in the holes.)

And since this is supposed to be a style blog, here's a glimpse into my outfit for the day - a simple, blue sundress that I grabbed at Old Navy. I really liked how it contrasted with my red hair which I left large and wavy (as per usual). I opted for bright red ballet flats and old silver rings to complete the look. I alos did my make-up in the car ride over, and it's not too shabby if I do say so myself (meaning only I could notice how horribly uneven my winged liner was).

This was my gift to him, a custom portrait of us riding a mythical creature (in our case, a giant flying eagles courtesy of Lord of the Rings). It was drawn by the lovely artists Katie and Karen of deliciousness whom I got in touch with on Etsy. I'm so excited with the final result! I can't wait to have it printed on poster paper.

For me and my Canadian friends, Monday was a holiday, meaning it's a short week, meaning I only have four days of work to meander through before it's the weekend again. Wheeeee.

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BEAMing All Night

 Hello all my beautiful readers! This "outfit" post is going to be a little bit different, because all the photos were taken on my phone. I apologize for the horrible quality but I didn't want to miss the chance to post my outfit and this amazing event!

my best friend tobi (left) introducing the event and what BEAM is

Amanda and I came out to Variety Night by BEAMInc (hosted at Moskito and Bite, Downtown Toronto). Variety night is an event that showcases different forms of art; there was spoken word, diplayed artworks and some singing/dancing!

BEAM Inc is a charitable organization that supplies underprivileged schools in Nigeria with school supplies, and recently they rebuilt an entire school! My best friend Tobi (and her sisters) are active members and they help plan events, such as parties (and Variety night) to raise funds in a fun way! 

Amanda and I try to come out as often as we can to support :) If you guys are interested in looking into  it more or would like to make a donation, please visit their website! (Click Here) or check them out on Facebook. 

I decided to be festive on my makeup, and I was really happy how it came out. I went really simple on the eyes (plus lashes) and threw on my favorite hot pink lipstick (Mac Rare Exotic). 

 

I really apologize for the informal outfit pictures! Amanda and I were on a time crunch and didn't get a chance to take real pictures.

I decided to go simple in all black, because it wasn't a dressy event. Even though theres no dress code doesn't mean you can't look sleek and chic! I paired a structured black peplum top with fitted leggings and black booties. I really didn't know if I should dress up my outerwear, so I just went with my oversized military green jacket. 

Here we are, on the subway! I love how our hair contrast each other so well.

Don't you just love Amanda's galaxy dress?!? (Still so sad we couldn't get better pictures)

And you may remember our best friend Tobi, who helped host the entire event. 

Here's a not so much better shot of my outfit. (I feel like I'm posing pretty awkwardly too)

But I can't get over how much I love this peplum top! I ordered it in January but it was a bit too snug to look cute or comfortable. So it was a tiny victory to be able to wear it with much more ease. 

Outfit Details

Peplum Top: Dorothy Perkins

Leggings: New Look

Chelsea Boots: Little Burgundy

Oui/Non Belt: ASOS

I wasn't able to get a lot of pictures of the performances (there were so many amazing ones!), but here are two that definitely stood out.

She was an amazing dancer and did a mix of indian and caribbean dancing (I fell in love with both!)

This spoken word duo were so entertaining. They were funny, charismatic and insanely insightful (the drums were a great touch too).  

Mount Kitty-More

Oh man! It's been quite a while. I guess I never really realized how challenging it would be to keep up a regular style blog which only makes me want to give kudos to all my favourites (1, 2, 3, 4) that I read daily.

And now that pleasantries are out of the way, can we collectively acknowledge that Mount Rushmore has been invaded by kitties whom have subsequently invaded my t-shirt. Because I downloaded ModCloth's new iPhone app (the convenience of shopping without having to go through the song-and-dance of opening my laptop was too appealing to resist), I scored $10 off my order, and two cat-related t-shirts in the process. And who says buying stuff can't make you happy.

It's dangerous how cute my outfit looks. See what I did there? Did you catch that? 

I recently started following ebaycandy on Tumblr and have gloriously begun a slow accumulation of  everything posted that ships to Canada, including this lovely blue floral backpack that has surprisingly held up pretty well. I can't wait to share all the other cheap awesome crap that's being shipped my way with you guys. And if anyone in the US wants to buy me this pink switch blade, I'm really not going to object.

Look at us, all wholesome and stuff. 

/end rambling outfit post 

Outfit Details:

T-Shirt: ModCloth
Skirt: American Apparel
Chambray Shirt: H&M
Shoes: Chuck Taylor's
Necklace: ASOS
Backpack: ebay 

Ahoy to Spring!

It feels like a million years since we've done an outfit post. Amanda and I actually forgot what we were doing (where to shoot? how to pose? WHAT TO WEAR??). And with this burst of amazing spring weather (hard to believe it snowed 2 weeks ago), why not show a little leg?

I have a sad collection of skirts that I've accumulated over winter, and this denim skater skirt was first on my list to wear! I've seen the style everywhere and prayed a plus size line would come out with their own. Luckily, Newlook.com came to my rescue! I can actually always count on them to come out with popular styles in plus sizes. 

Sadly, my skirt was a little long and a little loose. But nothing a bit of rolling and belting won't fix!

Cheers to random patches of nature in the middle of suburbia!! This pond is actually adorable and you can usually find some cute ducks and turtles hanging around. 

I realized it's been so long since I posted anything nautical related, so I'm happy that some of these colours are relevant. I also added a little dash by pulling out the ol' boat shoes! 

Outfit Details:

White Box Cut T-Shirt - ASOS Curve

Denim Skater Skirt - Newlook.com

Brown Belt - ASOS Curve (came with a skirt)

Red Boat Shoes - Aldo

Necklace - ASOS (Gogo Philips)

*I'll also be making a hair post on my ombre + aftercare :) 

Friday Favorites: April 5, 2013

ASOS: Navy Blue Sweet Heart Skater Dress

My brother's engagement party is coming up at the end of this month, so his fiancee and I are scrambling for a dress. The venue recently changed so I had to scrap my last outfit idea for something more "night time" appropriate. 

ASOS is my favorite place to look for party dresses because they have so much selection and most of their styles are so trendy. However, the plus size section didn't have anything that caught my eye. I did the daring and checked out the normal range of sizes (which as a lot more options). 

I fell in love with this dress first because of its color, fit and simplicity. It also came in a beautiful red, but the last thing I want is a bright colour to pull any attention away from the bride! I'm imagining it with a skinny nude belt with nude wedges, and I'm already set to get my ombre done that day!

Their biggest size is one size down from what I usually order. ASOS is also notorious for being bigger to size. Along with stretchy fabric, I'm convinced I can pull this off! 

New Look (Inspire): Stone Trench Coat

I posted this coat on a FF a few months ago and I was battling between the ASOS one and this one. Sadly the ASOS coat was sold out pretty quickly, but I have no regrets getting this one! The Newlook coat was always reasonably priced, but I also used a 20% off code. Spring is really short in Ontario so I know I won't be able to wear this often, so I'm happy I didn't need to invest too much in it!

I am in love with this coat. Even though its way out of my style range, because I usually dress super casual and more grungy. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and own a few more pieces that are more mature. I'm studying Accounting so I'll be working in an office next year, so I'm getting a head start on owning work clothes ^.^

I got one size bigger than I usually order, which was great because its a perfect fit. The length is great because it doesn't make me look too short and the arms fit so comfortably. The jacket is also lined so its actually very warm, I can see myself wearing this late into autumn as well. 

Dorothy Perkins: Floral Bikini Top, Land's End: High Waisted Swim Bottoms

With summer coming up, I'm already excited for new swimsuits! After how amazing I felt wearing a swimsuit (first time in years) last summer, I definitely want more!

If don't love showing a lot of skin and tired of one piece and tankini swimsuits, try high waisted bikini bottoms! Theyre flattering on everyone and are such universal pieces! If you buy one in a solid color, all you need are a bunch of bikini tops to mix and match! 

I stumbled on the bikini top from DP and was so happy something so cute came in my size. But I only had black high waisted bikini bottom, so I found this navy blue one at Land's End and I'm planning to snatch it up! With a black and navy blue bottom, I'm basically set with matching any bikini top now. 

*I'm hoping to do a swimsuit post in the summer ^.^

Dorothy Perkins: Ponte Skater Skirt

I really love the skirts at Dorothy Perkins because they always have an amazing fit and cut. I also personally love them because of the length. Sadly other people complain that their too short, but for me they're perfect! I usually have to get my clothes tailored because of my height. 

DP has recently put a bunch of cute skirts on sale or at reasonable prices. I made sure to pick up a couple for the upcoming season. 

Onestopplus: Brown ankle boots

I've been seeing these boots everywhere BUT a place to actually buy them. I was browsing onestopplus.com randomly and was so surprised to see these shoes! The style, color and price were too perfect. I was confused about their sizing though because I've never purchased shoes with a wide fit option. I opted for a normal fit and I already regret it. I think a wider fit would feel so much more comfortable. I also didn't like how canadians get all these extra fees during checkout. It really takes away the joy of these shoes being on sale. 

Friday Favourites - March 29, 2013

Yay! My first Friday Favourites in a while! Let me show you all the fruits of my hardcore Internet lurking and procrastination. I have to be honest - dressing up and clothing shopping has been touchy for me lately, so I hope you'll enjoy the fun things I've been watching/doing/nom-ing.

Favourite YouTuber of the Moment: The Readables
I stumbled onto this adorable YouTube channel on a late night of bored scrolling. Priscilla is personable and charming in her videos, and her love of reading and talking about books really comes through. Plus I mostly sit and envy her massive book collection and ability to prioritize things in her life to actually read from said massive collection.

Fortune Cookie Soap - Soap Box 
I first heard about Fortune Cookie Soap while watching a video by icallitambrosia's (better known on Tumblr as 87daysbefore) unboxing video for the Spring Soap Box. The soap boxes are sent once per season, and are filled with various bath and body products with quirky names and awesome smells. They ship internationally, and each box also includes a $10 voucher for future purchases.
My favourites from the Spring box I received a few weeks ago are the robin's egg shaped "Birds and the Bees" Bath Fizzy and the "I Wet My Plants" spray lotion. Plus I just like getting fun stuff in the mail.

Zucchini Noodles and Meatballs (via Nom Nom Paleo)

I am a sucker for spaghetti and meatballs - living in a predominantly Italian neighbourhood for most of my life has really had a role in influencing my tastebuds. Anywho, I've been trying to creatively slip more veggies into my meals, and this looks delicious! I'm also excited to try a cauliflower crust pizza that I stumbled on while browsing Closet Cooking. I may or may not be obsessed with food blogs. 

Spiked Faux Leather Sneakers (via Forever 21)

I want these to wear with dresses in spring. Why are the size 10s sold out in creme. They also come in black but the creme is so dainty and the spikes make them seem all badass. Ahhhhhh.

House-Inspired Coffee Mug (via SquackDoodle on Etsy)

And because I can't resist a good pun, I want to buy this and all the other stuff from this lovely Etsy shop - think faux taxidermy, cast iron, ceramics and paper products.

For those celebrating - have a happy and safe Easter this Sunday! For those not celebrating, enjoy the long weekend and discount chocolate come Monday morning.

Love,
Amanda

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My Favourite Thrifts - Room Decor

I know a lot of other lovely ladies and gents in the blogging community are already well-aware of the unique joy that comes with thrifting. Every time I walk into a Goodwill or Value Village, I feel like a kid on an Easter egg hunt, minus the post-chocolate-sugar crash. Over the past couple of months, I've acquired a lot weird/really awesome stuff to decorate my room after it was re-painted from green and pink (think Maybelline mascara bottle) to its current demure beige. I was originally going for a mature look, but then realized that I'm still 22 and still live at home with my parents, who have always thought I was a bit off. Regardless, I'd love to share some of my favourites with all of you.

The "Itty-Bitty-Kitty-Committee"

I'm pretty impressed with myself, in that I've trained my boyfriend to be a lean, mean, thrifting machine and spot things I'd like when we're shopping together. He even knows my preferred department order (start with the shoes and bags, move to novelties, books, and house decor...) I am his sensei and he my thrifitng grasshopper. Anyways, he spotted this amazing, stuffed cat pillow that currently resides on my bedroom floor. The Committee already crept up in the background of other posts, like Michelle's most recent outfit post. It's adorable and just ridiculous enough that I'm still enamoured with them. We're still working out names for each cat, but I think Matt's leaning for all the dwarves from The Hobbit (though personally, I hope we skip Thorin, because he's a bit of a moody princess at times, just saying).

Three (of I think and original five) Elephant Stacking Dolls

My obsession with stacking dolls began when I visited Ellis Island in New York two summers ago and bought my first lovely set of five, handmade pieces. Since then, I've been lucky enough to acquire a few more used sets that I can't wait to show off in a future post. I bought this set even though it was incomplete because I love that they're elephants and still in great shape!

 Bunny Tea Mug with Lid

I was so stoked to have my regular evening Chai tea in this badboy the night I got home but found it couldn't really stand-up to boiling water (and now has a small crack in the side - sad forever). I still so do not regret the $2.00 I spent! I'm currently using it to store a lovely gift from Matt, featuring tiny scrolls of paper full of lovely little messages for when I need a pick-me-up. Plus it's just so happy - look at its wee smiling face. Tee hee.

Wicker Picnic Basket

There's usually an abundance of old wicker/woodwork stuff at most thrift stores and I've found them to be the perfect storage tools, as opposed to less glamorous tupperware. I use this large box to store my collection of classy lounge footwear (read: worn out slippers).

Stained-Glass Candle Holder

This candle-holder gives me a reason to use the bajillion tea-light pack I bought at Ikea on a whim some time ago. I love the colours, which can actually be eerily calming during a middle-of-the-night exam prep extravaganza. I'd love to have a full-out candelabra, but I don't really trust myself with things like fire or responsibility.

What are you favourite thrifitng treasures? I'd love to know!

Happy Monday! 

Amanda :)

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