XL Sweater and Faux Leather Fleece Lined Leggings

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just walk around with your friends without a purpose. After my gift exchange with my friends, we couldn't figure out what to do. So we aimlessly walked around Aberdeen. Not too long after noming at the food court, emi and I decided to be true bloggers and get my bf to take cam-whore outfit pictures of us :)

Old Navy waffle sweater sz XL (here); American Eagle marled snood (here); Wholesale7 bag (here)
Wholesale 7 faux-leather fleece-lined leggings (here); Jessica Simpson 'Capry' boots (here)

That day, I'm wearing the waffle sweater I bought on boxing day for about $10. The only sizes left were XS and XL. Normally, I wouldn't even take a second look at the XL sweater... but... the sweater was just SO soft I couldn't stop squishing it against my face. So I pulled it over my head anyways :)
The XS fit me fine, but the XL oversize fit look SO much cuter!! And I can make it off-shoulder too. So  though it's like 5 times bigger than I would normally wear, it was still the better choice. Just goes to show how you can't always trust what something looks like until you wear it!

More Presents!

Besides Secret Santas, a small circle of friends decided to exchange gifts as well. Just the 4 of us, including emi, who always makes her way into my posts :)

Look at the big pile of gifts!!

I feel really grateful this year to have such good friends and of course, boyfriend. I would have been fine even if we didn't exchange gifts- their company is just enough! Having a small get together sometimes really is much needed amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. At times, I forget to stop and think about how much love I actually have in my life and how thankful I should be for these wonderful people :)

That being said... presents aren't what the holidays are about, but they definitely make it better! Here's my loot!

Holiday Outfit with a Red Wool Skirt

You saw a preview of my Christmas Day outfit when I was opening presents in my last post. I based it around this lovely red wool pleat skirt that I dug out of my closet from 7 years ago. It was all wrinkly, and the pleats were out of whack!! but all it needed was a good ironing! I think I'm a super n00b at ironing because I had so much trouble with the pleats. My mum watched me struggle for a good 30 minutes before telling me to shove over and let her do it. Thank goodness for mums!

Urban Behaviour cardigan; H&M sleeveless blouse; Smart Set wool pleated skirt;
Anna Sui tights; Tory Burch Aaden Mid-Heel pumps (similar; higher version)

Christmas Present Reveal!

My bf is the best! Guess what he got me for Christmas?

Here's a short and sweet play by play :)

Unwrapping

Boxing Day Scores!

Hi everyone! Hope your boxing day was relatively fruitful!

Mine was relatively low-key: woke up at noon, went to the Shoppers a couple blocks away for 15 minutes, then strolled around the mall for 2 hours with no real aims to purchase.

But here's what I did score on my 2 hrs and 15 minutes of 'shopping' time!

Shoppers was having a BIN sale. Everything in the bin was 99c (and under) and final sale. Another clearance section had stuff from 49c to $1.99. Ya, I pretty much raped that bin. This was my haul of the day! For only $20!

Shoppers Drug Mart purchases - $20

IVORY simply aloe bar soap 3 pack
REVLON brow specialist kit (53293)
REVLON cushion grip lash curler (11001)
NEUTROGENA rapid clear foaming scrub + acne spot gel 2 pack
PHYSICIANS FORMULA eye booster in deep brown
PHYSICIANS FORMULA shimmer strips eyeliner trio
SALLY HANSEN complete care protein nail strengthener
SALLY HANSEN complete care healing cuticle oil
SALLY HANSEN continuous treatment time-released strength formula

Happy Christmas!

Hi Everyone!

Hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas day. Though it's kinda mucky weather outside, the inside with family and friends is where it's warm and toasty :) I just want to wish all my readers, friends and loved ones the most joyous holiday season and hope you stuff yourselves silly with wonderful noms!

Hehe, I spy my bf in the reflection ;)

And a bonus cheery holiday coloured outfit perfect for going to the Christmas Market downtown :)

Via Spiga peacoat from Victoria's Secret; Old Navy scarf (gifted);
Vancouver 2010 Olympic mittens; Aldo 'Doiley' boots (here)

Anjolee Princess Cut Amethyst Earrings

You've probably seen in my other postings that I'm a minimal accessorizer. I usually don't wear much jewelry besides my white gold heart bracelet and my diamond necklace, both gifted from my boyfriend. For earrings, sometimes I change them up but most of the time they are easy-to-wear studs. I definitely don't spend much on costume jewelry because I think they're so disposable per trend, so I like to stick with timeless and classy pieces.

That's why I love these amethyst earrings from Anjolee. They are princess cut, which in my opinion, are one of the most flattering ways to show off a gem stone. This cut is so timeless and can be worn for any occasion. Versatility- oh how I love thee.

Princess Cut Amethyst Earrings c/o Anjolee

They're also the perfect size. Not too big - which can look gaudy- and I'm not G (unit) enough for that! Not too small either - so eyes are still drawn towards the gem's sparkle. Finally, they are also white gold (like all my jewelry) so it matches all the other pieces I usually wear.

Another Secret Santa Surprise!

Remember how I mentioned I participated in 2 secret santa exchanges this year? Well this is the other one with some blogger friends. Sheila invited me to participate, and though I couldn't open the gifts with everyone via webcam this week, I want to say that it was so much fun and I would definitely do it again!

Sneak peek at the goods:

So who was my SS?

2011 Milestones

Before jumping into the new year, I would like to take some time to reflect on 2011. I have a lot of things I'm thankful for, a lot of things I could change, and a lot to put on my resolutions list. So much has happened this year, so 2011 is definitely a milestone for me.

One of the biggest things that happened in my life was that I graduated from university back in June. After 5 years of hard work, I finally finished my schooling (for now) and entered into society no longer officially a student. It was both scary and exciting at the same time.

me and emi from emicably yours

When you're in school, the only thing you look forward to is graduating... but when you're actually graduated, at least for me, I really wanted to go back.

You never realize how easy students have it until you are no longer one yourself. Right when I graduated, my bank was auto-changed out of a student account and I had to start paying fees. I was shocked! I've never paid bank fees in my life! That's when I started shopping around for a new bank.

Another thing I took for granted while back in school was how much of a social-shipper it was for me. Going to school kept your friendships in check because you see them more often. When you no longer have school, you really have to make an effort to keep in touch with people you care about, regardless if you have the tools or not. I, for one, had trouble keeping up with people and felt like I dropped off the face of the earth. It was kinda lonely.

Amidst all this, it was my one year anniversary with my boyfriend. He's been a real driving force in my life and has helped me through a lot of things. He even helped me find the job posting of the very job I work at today. Though we may have some rollercoaster moments, I've never been happier and I'm very thankful to have him. See, he's not just a pretty face ;)

Halloween (taken by Arnie Guieb)

The exciting part of graduating was that I finally got to do some travelling on my own. I've never gone outside Canada and the US without my family before, so it was a nice 'first' to do.

My favourite destination from my trip to Europe was Barcelona. It's definitely a great city to see with a lot of history and culture, but it wasn't rot with it like many other European cities. The food was great, much cheaper than Paris, and the weather was awesome. Lots of neat things to do in the city with a welcoming transportation system.

Barcelona, on Las Ramblas

A key thing I learned is that a lot of things can make or break a friendship. Travelling together is one of them. It can either make your friendship stronger, or make your realize how much of a person you CAN'T take. My trip to Europe, was the latter.

Between the Europe trip and starting my new job, I also went to California with my boyfriend. Did you know Disneyland is one of my favouritest places in the world? I've been so many times, but I love it every time. I know it's not for everyone, but it's one of the few places I always feel happy at :)

Santa Monica

After my travelling, I spent a good 3 months job hunting. I've had job experience before, but it was only for co-op or internships. When you get out into the 'real world', you realize how much more competition there is. Everything is a game. I've never been turned down so much in my life! It was a very challenging time those few months... so I'm very thankful for my friends that have shown me love and support during my grey days :) Now, my current workplace is full of wonderful people. It's not often you find somewhere to work where you get along with everyone, but this one is the exception. Great coworkers. I'm thankful for that.

Around that time is when I started my blog! It just seems like yesterday that I've been posting narcicisstic photos of myself and talking about my materialistic nature. But can you believe I've been blogging for 4 months now? Time really flies.

I'd like to take this time to thank all my readers. You've really been supportive over the past couple months in whichever way you can: reading, commenting, subscribing, friending, following, tweeting. I couldn't have done it without you guys. Though I'm still a small fry, I'm grateful for my 30ish subscribers and hope I have more to come in the future.

Big virtual hugs everyone! <3

Mustard and Relish

Both things you'd put on a hot dog, but who knew they'd go so well together as an outfit as well? Silly, I know, but I must have been really hungry or craving hot dogs when I made up this outfit!

I really like ruffle shells because they can really give you the 'boost' you need, if ya'know what I mean- or at least hide the fact that you don't have much like me, lol. This one is from Loft, one of my purchases from their Black Friday sale online. Unfortunately, the shoes I also bought didn't make the cut and are on their way to be returned.

Lefties cardigan; Loft ruffle shell (here); H&M shorts; Sammydress bow belt (here);
Seduction leggings; Aldo 'Doiley' boots (here)

Grunge

After wearing my red scarf over the weekend, I wanted to break out all my colourful scarves. In my scarf box, I discovered this dark teal scarf that coincidentally I also got from a Secret Santa, but last holiday season. I love how just by changing the colour of your scarf, you can go from happy holiday cheer to grungy motorcycle chic.

Muubaa 'Bower' leather bomber (here); Dynamite Tee; Suzy Shier Scarf;
J Brand x Hussein Chalayan pants (here); Dolce Vita 'Pax' boots (here) 

A More Festive Look: Red Scarf!

Thanks to my Secret Santa, I had a very festive look this weekend! :)

Pretty much all of Saturday was devoted to buying Christmas gifts, yet I still haven't found everything I need to get yet. And then... I ended up getting stuff for myself... so.. ya that was a fail LOL. I have all next week to do it, and good thing for holiday hours too because otherwise I would have no time to do it after work! I feel like I procrastinated so much this year. I remember I was done all my holiday shopping at the end of November last year, but this year I didn't have as much time to do what I wanted. Ah... Life.

H&M top (from this post); Red pashmina scarf (gift from SS); Talula shorts; Suspender tights (here);
Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Swing in pale gold (here); Tory Burch Aaden Mid-Heel pumps (similar; higher version)

Secret Santa Surprise!!

I did 2 online Secret Santa gift exchanges this year, one for my very first forum (Authentic Forum) and one for my blogger ring. I LOVE getting packages in the mail, and it's even better when you don't know what it is or when it's coming.

I've been having a long and busy week at work, so when I got home I was SO pooped out. But to my surprise, one of my SS gifts arrived on Thursday and totally made my day! I couldn't wait to open it. Then I couldn't find my xacto knife T___T. Ya it was just not my week! Well, I made due with some safety scissors and finally got it open, and here's what I got :)

What's under the wrapping!???

Equestrian-esque

I hadn't taken the dav rain boots I got from my DJP haul out for a spin yet, so I was so overjoyed when I found out it was going to rain today! That's probably the only time you'll ever hear me say that!! Rain is such depressing weather... coupled with the grey clouds, dark gloomy atmosphere and for me.... getting whacked in the face by unskilled, umbrella-wielding commuters. But nonetheless, I was excited to try out my new boots!

Zara TRF shirt; Urban Behaviour vest; F21 belt;
J Brand x Hussein Chalayan pants (here); dav equestrian rainboots (here)

I love these rain boots for 4 reasons:
1) They're fleece-lined! Keeps your feet nice and warm so you don't have to buy boots socks for rain boots like Hunters
2) They have removable insoles- Because I have flat feet, I need to put my custom orthotic insoles in most flat shoes, so this is a +++1 for me
3) They aren't your traditional rain boot! The equestrian look and horse-bit detailing add an extra oomph to your boot and makes your rain boot look sleek and slim... not like a traditional clunky rain boot at all!
4) They were only $34 after the 60% off from DJP! Can't beat a deal like that :)

Work It

How awkward are company photos? Today, I had to dress more 'professional' because the photographer came in to take individual photos of each employee for our corporate database. Even though the photoshoot was from the chest up, it would have been weird to 'work it' on top but not on the bottom. Thus, I 'worked' my entire outfit.

Seductions shirt; Urban Behaviour sweater vest; H&M skirt; Anna Sui tights;
Sammydress bow belt (here); Aldo 'falge' oxford booties (here)

Red, White and... Blue?

Red, white and blue go so well together. It's too bad that it always reminds me of national flags though... But oh well! My coworker said I looked really British today- probably because of the Union Jack. Funny because I thought I looked very fourth of July, haha.

H&M top; Motel 'Sally' skirt (here); Seductions leggings; Dibi 'Looped' belt; Aldo 'Doiley' Boots (here)

I got this new equestrian-esque riding belt on PLNDR. It was only 5 bucks! The only thing is that it's a little bit too big :( I already put it on the closest belt holes on both sides, but it's still too big. I don't know if I can alter it to make it any smaller. I had to wear a cardi on top and belt on top of it. One because it was too cold without the cardi, and two, to make the belt fit better.

OM NOMS: Prestons Over The Weekend

Hope everyone had a good weekend :)

Mine was extra special because I had an anni with the bf~ To celebrate, we went to a modern + Asian fusion restaurant Downtown called Prestons, situated inside the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel.
It's funny because I work literally a block away from the restaurant but I never knew it was there!

Massimo Dutti trench coat (more on trenches here); Suzy Shier scarf;
Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Swing in Pale Gold (here in black) 

More Suspender Love

Suspenders are one of my favouritest accessories. So easy to wear. So many ways to wear. I dug out my grey suede Dolce Vita boots that I totally forgot about (how can I forget? They're in my About Me picture!) and totally fell in love with them again. The J brands you guys have / seen / enough / of / lol.

H&M sweater; Suspenders; J brand twill skinnies in Nightfall (here); Dolce Vita 'Pax' boot (here)

And thus, this outfit was born. More photos after the jump.

Stay Gold, Vonnie, Stay Gold: Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Swing in Pale Gold

First things first! What do you think of parting hair in the middle? I decided to try it out yesterday and I'm not sure I like it. But you can see it all in this post and let me know what you think. Personally I think it makes me look more intense and not as cheerful, lol.



BB Dakota 'Jocelyn' blouse (here); Habitual jeans; Vince Camuto 'Braden' boots (here);
Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Swing (here in black); Owl necklace (gifted)

Some additional things I got through November but not on black-friday-slash-cyber-monday: The BB Dakota batwing blouse is a nice coffee/taupe colour and feels very soft to the touch. I like how the back is longer than the front. The Vince Camuto boots I discussed in THIS post won over all the other boots, and now I have a great new pair of brown boots to add to my closet staples. The pale gold bag is Rebecca Minkoff, called the Quilted Swing. Love love love (I want your love). The leather is soft and supple and there are lots of compartments inside the bag.

More Fur, More Owls, More Boots

Fur? Good.
Owls? Gooood.
Boots? GOOOOOOOOD.

(Hope you got the reference! If not: that episode of Friends where Joey eats the cake turned shepherd's pie Rachel made)

I'm wearing the life out of this fur vest. You've already seen it a kajillion times here, here and here, but honestly, it's one of the easiest things to wear that goes with virtually any outfit. Totally worth the buy. As for owls, I've been collecting owl jewelery for a while and have an array of owl necklaces, rings and earrings. They're just so cute!

H&M fur vest; F21 sweater; Owl Necklace; Habitual Jeans; Aldo 'Doiley' boots (here)

These boots were from my black friday purchase at Aldo. Do you think I should keep them? They're pretty comfortable despite the height, and make my feet look smaller (I like that). I'm liking the fact that they're actually KNEE-high boots! The shaft actually goes to my knee unlike all my other boots. I'm tempted to keep them but I promised myself I'd only keep one pair of boots from the sale... and the others haven't come yet. So!

Fur Stole, Pleated Skirt and Oxford Booties

I've been on a fur kick this season! I'm so glad that it's back in style :) I got this fur stole at a steal (haha!) during Hautelook's Buy $50 get $25 off promo. This on hautelook was $36, and together with a shirt for the boyfriend, it came to around $50. With the promo, the total was $25 altogether for both items. Very happy about that. I really wanted to pair this fur stole with something girly, but not too fancy- usually when I think of stoles, I think of glamourous parties and charity balls. I opted for one of my favs: an H&M pleated skirt.

My brother totally photobombed my perfect shot, lol.



Hautelook Fur Stole; Wholesale7 shirt (here); H&M pleated skirt;
Sammydress bow belt (here); Aldo 'Falge' Oxford booties (here)


On my feet are my newest additions- genuine leather oxford booties from Aldo that I bought during their black friday sale. These took forever to arrive! But totally worth it. I had tried them on in store before buying them online so I knew they'd be a perfect fit~ The shape of the shoe definitely remind me of my Louboutin Inverness booties you can see in this post. The leg opening and arch are very similar.

Polkadots, Bows, and Lace

Hope everyone had a joyful weekend~

I had a weekend full of cheer (company holiday party), song (karaoke) and tears (Korean drama). Being up and about this whole weekend searching for gifts and holiday necessities didn't leave much time to brog. Weekends nowadays cannot be wasted now that I'm working fulltime; there's simply nothing I can do after I get off from work when the shops are closed and it's pitch black outside. I can't wait for holiday hours. But I still need to be more productive over the weekends and make the most of them.

Here's an outfit I wore to my sister's birthday dinner.
Polka-dots, bows, and lace...oh my! The girliest things you can get. And all in one outfit.

Wholesale7 chiffon blouse (here); Alythea Lace to Lace Shorts (here); Anna Sui Tights;
American Eagle Boots; Black RH Balenciaga City

Another blouse from the myriad of shirts I received from Wholesale7 during my last haul, and you can add this one to the list. With a Peter Pan collar that is so IN this holiday season, paired with a makeshift bow, this blouse screams estrogen- all I'm missing are the pleats and curls.

Black Friday / Cyber Monday Haul

You knew this post was coming. How can it not be when one of the biggest shopping days of year just past?
Oooh man. So many deals too be had this year, specifically DJ Premium, Ann Taylor / Loft, Endless, and Aldo.

Before I get into the haul, I found these funny shoes during my online shopping frenzy. Don't they totally remind you of Rudolph the Red Nosed raindeer? Just throw on some antlers and you're good to go! LOL~

Anyways, let's take a look at the damage:

Menswear Inspired: Suspenders and Trousers

I love suspenders. They're both awesomely functional and awesomely assesorizing. They definitely jazz up an outfit, and can be worn a variety of ways. This time, I wanted to wear them the traditional way- holding up my trousers. These trousers are actually the pants that go with my grey blazer (that ya'll have seen here, here, here and here) to complete the suit (SUIT UP!).

Dolce Vita cropped blouse; Seductions longsleeve; Suspenders;
Suzy Shier trousers; Ann Taylor Perfect pumps (here)