Perfectly Patterned

Grey "Suit" Set c/o // Similar Handbags (1), (2) // Heels // Pearl Ring // Nail Polish  

I absolutely adore this coordinated set! It's an interesting summer take on a suit for work. I feel like the outfit is professional (the coordinated pieces help a lot, as does the looser fit of the top). I also like the metal snaps down the sides of the shirt - such a unique touch. 

I wanted to keep my accessories to blush & neutral tones to compliment the grey of this outfit. You may recognize these shoes (*cough* I wear them all the time *cough*) as I feel they are a great statement shoe that somehow works with everything. I most recently wore them here - in another summer work day outfit I can't get enough of.

Would you wear a coordinated set like this to work? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

linking up with: friday favorites // fabulous friday // casual friday // WW // flashback fashion friday // #howisummer // spotlight

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Wednesday Wants: Summer Makeup

Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray //  NARS "All Day Luminous" Powder // Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer // Clinique "Stay Matte" Foundation // Tarte Clay 12-Hour Blush 

Benefit Brow Volumizing Gel // Stila Anti-Shine Balm // Fresh SPF 15 Tinted Lip Treatment // Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

I have a rather strict requirements for my makeup and have been on the hunt this week for products that:
a) are work day appropriate
b) last the entire work day, and;
c) don't melt in the summer weather!

After a lot of internet digging I've rounded up the above products as my "wants" for this week. All have great reviews that look like they would pass my test! I am especially loving that Stila Tinted lip treatment with SPF. Somehow I ALWAYS burn my lips in the summer, so protecting them with SPF is a must. If you have ever burnt your lips before, you feel me! They swell up and I look ridiculous for at least 2 days.

Have you tried any of the above products?! If so, let me know your thoughts! I'd also love to hear what other products you love to get you through your day in the summer!

linking up with: what i wore // style me wednesday // oh hey girl // trendy wednesday //throwback thursday

 

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The Perfect Summer Dress

Dress c/o // Shoes // Handbag (under $25!) // Hat // Celine Sunglasses Dupes (under $20!): here & here // Necklace c/o // Lipstick (in "JuJu")

This may just be the perfect dress. A crisp white shirt dress is such a versatile piece. You can style it for the office or, as I did here, for a more casual weekend look. This particular dress is great for a number of reasons: 

1) It has pockets (If you saw my facebook yesterday, you 
    understand my love of pockets haha);
2) It has hidden buttons between each button on the chest
    (in other words, the dreaded 'gapping' is not a problem) and;
3) The length. This dress is cut just long enough to be work
    day appropriate (score!)

I also have to share my excitement over these Celine dupes. The Celine "baby audrey" sunglasses have been the "it" item all summer. Finding affordable look-a-likes was thus hugely exciting for me.

I hope you all had an amazing weekend (and to my American readers - Happy Independence Day!). I am so happy to finally be celebrating summer here in Vancouver. I am back at work today, but am already planning a beach bbq for after work this week. Bring on the sun, sand, and ice cold drinks!

linking up with: let it shine // OOTD // shoe & tell // hello monday // #howispring // what i wore // trendy wednesday // TFF

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Wednesday Wants: Summer Pencil Skirts Under $150

Blue Lace // Blush Bow // Pink Jacquard // White Lace

Yellow // Coral Cut-Out // Kate Spade Abstract // B&W Floral 

I have been craving pencil skirts a lot lately. I have spent countless hours online window-shopping for great summer skirts. I realized, I should probably share with you a round-up of my best finds! These skirts are all office appropriate but still feel fun & fresh for summer.

In completely other random news - I saw Finding Dory a few days ago. It was SO good. I thought I would feel pretty ridiculous going to a kids movie with my group of 20-something year old friends, but I was shocked that the entire theatre was packed with adults haha. I highly recommend checking it out! All I'll say is that the darn sea shell "paths" shot (you'll see what I mean if you watch it) had me tearing up! If you've seen it; please tell me you teared up too. #SuchaSap

To my LLB "regulars": I won't be posting this Friday as I will be taking the day off for Canada Day. I'm actually going on a 3 day camping trip and could not be more excited to relax by a lake & hang out by a campfire. I will be back on Monday July 4th with a summer outfit you won't want to miss! Have a great long weekend everyone!

linking up with: what i wore // midweek inspiration // trendy wednesday // oh hey girl // TFF 

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Wednesday Wants: Tropical

Palm Tree Tote // Pineapple Ring // Pineapple Necklace // Palm Tree Phone Case // Starfish Sneakers

Coconut Drink Crossbody // Tiffany & Co Starfish Necklace // Anchor Earrings  // Watermelon Cami // Flamingo Midi Skirt

I have been craving all things summer lately. Maybe because it has been the opposite here in Vancouver lately?! haha. Seriously, it has been pouring rain and freezing- ugh!

Luckily, tropical items make me smile no matter how rainy it is outside! I have always been obsessed with palm trees, starfish & anchors. My mom recently found some old school notebooks of mine (from the 3rd grade) and sure enough they are covered with doodles of palm trees haha.

I hope you are all having a great week and that these tropical items bring a smile to your face. I think i'm going to pull the trigger and buy that palm print phone case today.

linking up with: oh hey girl // trendy wednesday // spotlight // summer style // #wiwt // throwback thursday 

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The Off-the-Shoulder Top You Need to Own

Top // Shorts // Shoes // Monogram Necklace // Rose Gold Ring 

Taking a break from work wear today to show you an 'off duty' look that I have been loving lately. I have to admit; I bought these Kate Spade glitter keds the moment I saw them. I may be thirty now (yikes by the way!?) but my inner child absolutely refuses to let me give up glitter anytime I can find a way to wear it and still look like an adult.

But I digress. Today what I really wanted to talk about was the off the shoulder shirt trend. This trend is everywhere. Unlike my instant love for my glitter keds, I did not like off-the-shoulder tops... until this one. Off-the-shoulder, as a general trend, does not provide a lot of coverage/support to your chest- a big problem in my books. I also *despise* any clothing that I have to fiddle with or pull at all day long. This style almost always require you to pull (up or down, depending on the shirt) every few minutes in order to keep the shirt sitting where it should.

Not this top. This top is AWESOME. The thin straps that are added to this top are a definite fashion game changer. They allow the look of a flowy off-the-shoulder sleeve, but the shirt stays in place all day long. I also love the sweetheart cut to the chest - which is much more flattering than the straight across cut of most off-the-shoulder tops. 

What do you all think of the off-the-shoulder trend? And do you think this particular style makes the trend more wearable? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Happy (almost) weekend everyone!

linking up with: friday favorites // casual friday // friday faves // fabulous friday // flashback fashion fridays // WW // friday favorites  // #howispring //hello monday // trend spin// layers & lipstick 

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Summer in Stripes

Tank Top // Pencil Skirt // Earrings // Heels // Similar Handbags (1), (2) // Matte Lipstick

 I bought this embellished striped pencil skirt last summer and was so excited to wear it again this season. I feel in love with it as soon as I saw the jewel detailing. Because the skirt is a pretty "loud" item, I wanted to keep the rest of my outfit relatively simple. I paired the skirt with my favorite white tank & favorite nude pumps. I went with a pale pink handbag to compliment the pink tones in the jewels. 

Lately I have been opting for a low ponytail hairstyle 9 mornings out of 10. I miss my blowout style, (see my post on how I get a 3 day blowout here if you missed it), but it has been so hot that I just want to pull my hair off my neck. At least a low pony is low maintenance and I can get through my day without worrying about my hair!
 
Something about this summer weather just makes me feel so much more productive at work. I am happy to get to work early and get stuff done so that I can hit the beach in the evening without worrying. One of my favorite perks about living in Vancouver is being able to go the beach after work. I hope you all have a productive & fun day.

linking up with: let it shine // beauty by miss l // shoe & tell // #howispring // mix it mondays // trendy wednesday // friday faves // fabulous friday // WW  

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Wear to Work Summer Outfit - For Under $250

Long Vest // White Pants // Heels // Rose Gold Watch // Rose Gold Cuff

Staying "on trend" can be tough on your pocket book; especially when it comes to wear-to-work items which tend to be more expensive. I have fallen in love with long vests and white pants - two summer staples. I wanted to challenge myself however to create a look featuring these summer fashion trends that was budget friendly. I am so pleased that I was able to create this entire summer work outfit for under $250!

White pants are the perfect item to make your work outfits feel more summery. Pair white pants with a sleeveless vest to keep you cool in the heat, and you've got a solid summer outfit! You may have also gathered from this instagram photo, that I am obsessing over rose gold lately. I love how chic it looks with summer white. So, I had to add in rose gold accessories to polish off this look. 

I have been trying really hard the past few months to be better at giving myself a budget. It's actually been going pretty well so far; though I admittedly splurged on these shoes when they came out. I couldn't help it! Any tips on sticking to a budget when you are a fashion lover?! I'd love your advice.

linking up with: friday favorites // casual friday // fabulous friday // WW // Friday favorites  // friday faves  

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Wednesday Wants: Shoes

White Lace Up Flats //  Gold Glitter "I Feel" Flats // Tan Tory Burch Ballet Flats // Embellished Pointy Toe Flats // Scalloped Ballet Flats 

Nude D'Orsay Lace Up Flats // Yellow Bow Flats // Gold Scalloped Flats //  Tassel Loafers

I have been having major shoe cravings lately. All I want to buy is shoes, and I have no real idea why haha. I've justified my shoe craving by saying that flats - especially ones for summer - are a great investment. I am a definite heels girl (no surprise there!) but in the summer I find myself walking so much more while at work and thus turn more frequently to flats.

All of the above options would be great to wear to work - except the gold glitter ones which, come on, had to be on this list since they are so darn cute. Those i would wear on the weekends, for sure.

Do you wear flats more frequently in the summer? What items are you finding yourself craving this summer? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Have a great day everyone.


linking up with: trendy wednesday // style me wednesday // oh hey girl // #wiwt // throwback thursday  // trend spin

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Pink Party Dress

 Dress c/o // Similar Heels (1), (2), (3) // Handbag // Similar Rings (1), (2) // Nail Polish

I really believe that every woman's closet needs that one fun party dress that just makes her smile. This Shabby Apple dress is definitely that piece for me. It has a very "Kate Spade vibe" (without the KS price tag!) and it fits like a glove. Such a win!

Since I am usually in work wear, when I do step out of the corporate fashion bubble, I like to really break from it. I, therefore, love choosing bold colors like this bright pink. I definitely plan on wearing this dress to a few day time parties this summer.

When I do break out a stand out piece like this dress, I try to keep my accessories neutral. I picked up these Kate Spade low strap mary jane's at Winners a few weeks ago and I can't get enough of them. They are the perfect compliment to any bold outfit (work-day wise or party wise).

It poured rain here all weekend so a lot of my fun weekend plans got rained out. It definitely did not leave me in the best head space to start this work week, but, I am trying to start today with a positive attitude (and a very large cup of coffee). Here's to a great week ahead!

linking up with: mix it mondays // let it shine // shoe & tell // on trend tuesdays // garay treasures // tuesday fashion party // style swap // trendy wednesday // summer style // spotlight // WW
// friday favorites // casual friday  // trend spin: pink

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