September Faves

Can you believe September has already come and gone? Talk about fastest month ever! And with the start of a new month I thought I'd share my favourite things from September. September to me is always so much more of a fresh start, I think it goes back to when you started school. I always feel like it's the start of a new year much more than New Years, anyone else feel this way? So with the fresh start and the beginning of fall, I gathered up a few of my favourite beauty products, fashion buys and other fun things that I've been loving this month!

Becca 'Flowerchild' Blush: I first discovered Becca because of their ever popular and in demand highlighter (here). Seriously, if you are lucky to find one of their highlighters in store buy it right away! I searched and searched for mine! But it was well worth it. Since I feel in love with their highlighter I decided to give one of their blushes a try and have been loving it so much. It's a great transition colour from summer to fall and it has just the slightest shimmer which I personally love.

Marc Jacob's Perfume: Let me start this off with saying that I am not really a perfume person. I love smelling good (obviously) but never seem to find a perfume I really love. I'm not a fan of strong perfumes, or ones that have a lot of citrus or vanilla notes. So, luckily for me one day I was given a sample of this perfume from Sephora and fell in love. The perfume is very light and has a refreshing fruity smell to it.

Sally Hansen Nail Stickers: If you've been following my past few blog posts you'll know from this video how much I have fallen in love with nail stickers. I've been using the Sally Hansen nail stickers lately and love how quick and easy they are to apply. My favourite pattern so far is definitely 'Sweet Marble Floret'.

Chapters/Indigo Fall Candle: What is fall without some yummy smelling candles? I rushed to Chapters when I realized they had their fall candles out again. I discovered the Cinnamon Mulled Cider candle last year and lets just say I was smart about it this year and may have stocked up on them... no seriously I think I have enough to last until next fall... But it is honestly the most perfect smelling candle for fall. The name says it all, it really does smell like cinnamon and apple cider. Yum.

Zara Scarf: Zara blanket scarves have been making their comeback again this year, and I am definitely guilty of buying one or two of them. However, when I was at Zara last I came across this scarf and fell in love. I'm a sucker for a leopard print and I love that this one is a more subdued leopard print. The scarf is also so soft, which is perfect for fall when all you want to be is cozy and warm!

Kate Spade Rings (similar): Back in August we took a little trip to NYC for a few days. One of my must go to stores is always Kate Spade. When I was there I came across these simple bow rings. They come in a set of four (gold, diamond, rose gold & silver). I love how simple and thin they are and I especially love that they are tiny bows. If there's one thing you should know it's that Nicole + Bows is always a likely combination.

Fall Find: Shoes For Fall

Since yesterday marked the first official day of fall, I figured what better way to kick off the season than with a post dedicated to fall fashion. Fall is definitely my favourite season to dress for. I love combining layers, different textures and of course some fun shoes! I love this time of year, the transition from summer to fall. You can get away with wearing boots or flats, or even sandals on those extra warm days! I'm such a fan of flats and loafers that I just needed to share some of my recent finds with all of you! I have already purchased a few of the shoes (H&M Loafer, C.Wonder Cat Flat, Gap Sneaker) on this list (shh...let's keep that between us...) and I have already been wearing them nonstop. I'm hoping to add maybe another pair (or two) to my collection, especially the Sole Society Bow Loafer, because bows and loafers... what more could you need from a shoe? Perfection! Hopefully you've got your fall footwear in order and are ready for all the fun things fall brings!

My Picks:

- C.Wonder Cat Flat

- Sole Society Bow Loafer

- J.Crew Tassel Loafer

- H&M Loafer

- J.Crew Leopard Loafer

- Gap Sneaker

Spring Dresses

For a quick moment there, it felt like spring. Sadly, temperatures have dipped back down and the winter coat is back out. But for a brief time there the weather was warm enough to wear and start thinking about dressing for spring. Spring is one of my favourite seasons to dress for. I love re-introducing bright colours, pastels, fun prints and most importantly dresses. I feel like the past year or so I have started a love affair with dresses. They are just so easy to throw on and head out the door. Most of them are usually pretty comfortable too, which is a big "yes" for me! So to introduce dresses (without tights and heavy winter coats) back into my daily outfit I thought of three different ways I could do this, and not freeze to death!

I love the idea of wearing a sweater over top of a dress. I think this creates such an easy casual look and really revamps the look of a dress. Another way to use a sweater and a dress together are layering the dress over top the sweater. If you have a dress that is more fitted on the top then this could definitely work well!

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An obvious choice is to layer a jacket over top of a dress. This is a great spring look, especially when using a denim jacket to layer. Denim jackets and light coloured dresses just scream spring to me. Another great way to accomplish this look is by layering a detailed jacket or structured blazer over a simple dress, this can create a more formal look too!

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A third way to re-introduce dresses into your wardrobe is picking dresses with mid to long sleeves. These dresses are great because you can simply throw them on and go, no need to layer! A lot of long sleeve dresses can be found in a wrap style, which is really flattering on most (if not all) body types!

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Spring Prints

I started this post as a Spring Wish List, but then I quickly realized that all the pieces I was lusting after were prints. So instead, here are some of my favourite spring prints. I love wearing prints in the spring. Whether it's throwing a printed top on with jeans, or having a fun printed shoe, you can never really go wrong. This dress from Joe Fresh is one of my favourites, and definitely one I'll be looking out for! I love that it's a classic stripe and can be dressed up or down depending on how you accessorize it. I also fell in love with these Zara pants. I left the mall the other day without them and now I regret it big time! I feel like that always happens to me! One thing I don't have to regret are these stripe flats from gap (last seen here) as I bought them a few weeks ago and I'm sure you can only imagine how anxious I've been to wear them! Seeing as there is still waist high piles of snow, I think I'll have to hold off on wearing them for now. Check out the rest of the printed pieces below, and hopefully one of them might make it into your closet!

Tops: Joe Fresh Stripe Dress, H&M Blouse, Nasty Gal Top, Top Shop Dress

Bottoms: Old Navy Pants, Zara Floral Pants, Joe Fresh Print Skirt, Top Shop Midi Skirt

Shoes: Gap Striped Flats, Madewell Flats, Forever 21 Loafers, Gap Floral Oxfords

Wearing A Leather Jacket

For a little while now my leather jacket has been tucked away, hidden in the back of my closet. This is in large part because I only seem to wear my warmest coat possible these days, but it's also because I'm stuck on how to wear it. I know this may sound silly but I always feel like my leather jacket never looks good when I put it on. I love the way leather jackets look on other people, but I always feel mine comes up short. Either way, I thought why not pull some inspiration from some of my favourite bloggers to help me figure out this leather jacket "situation". As I was searching around for some inspiration, I noticed that many people styled their jackets in three ways, casual, everyday and dressy. I think I'll start with a casual look (can't be that hard can it?) and hopefully progress from there! I'll let you all know how it goes...

I like how these casual styles make it seem easy to throw your jacket on and go. Pairing a leather jacket with jeans or even a simple dress is such an easy way to begin to wear it.  Adding sneakers and a sweater to the look make it perfect for a weekend outfit or when you need to run some errands.

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These everyday looks combine dressier elements (skirts & heels), but then are dressed down once the leather jacket is on. I love this idea of wearing a skirt and layering a leather jacket on top to keep it simple for an everyday look. This is also a great idea for spring time, as the weather begins to get warmer, a leather jacket will be perfect for layering over skirts or fun printed pants.

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Finally, unlike the everyday looks that are more dressed down, these looks are still dressy with the help of a leather jacket. The details in each outfit are primarily dressy, heels with a skirt and nice top. They add a leather jacket, but it still maintains that dressed up feel. This is a perfect option for going out at night or having drinks with friends, and a leather jacket will keep you warm during the cooler spring nights!

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Who What Wear

For a while now I have been thinking about doing a series like this. I think deciding what to wear to different events/locations/outings is always one of the things I struggle with the most (I know my boyfriend could comment on that...). So I thought why not combine the two and make a series that hopefully will help not only me, but you as well! So here goes the first who, what, wear.

WHO: A trip to NYC is truly for anyone and everyone. I feel like there is so much to do and see that this great city really does appeal to everyone. The few times I've been lucky enough to go have been with the boyfriend or with my best friend (who now conveniently lives there!). Both times were so great and so much fun. I love having a smaller group or just a twosome so it makes it easier to plan and do exactly what you want.

WHAT: How do I even begin to choose the "what to do" in NYC? That's a pretty hefty question! I decided to stick with the Natural History Museum. We ventured to this museum last spring and I loved it. I love exploring new places, but by no means do I understand art (I so wish I did). But the Natural History Museum appeals to everyone, I mean who doesn't love animals? So take a morning or a rainy afternoon like we did, and go explore! It's also located in a great location on the Upper West Side with lots of cafes and restaurants around for a bite to eat after!

WEAR: Since it is still very much winter here, I figured I'd put together a winter look. I love the idea of a leather jacket and layering a big scarf to keep warm. This way it's easy to strip down layers if you get warm while walking the museum. I'm also a big fan of a cross-body bag for exploring. I think it's such an easy way to explore a city, or this case museum, because you don't need to be holding your bag and can have your hands free.

ASOS Hat 

J.Crew Scarf

H&M Leather Jacket

Gap Striped Sweater

H&M Jeans

Joie Bucket Bag

Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boots

Pretty In Pink

Club Monaco Coat, Forever 21 Bow Clips, Kate Spade Journal, Tory Burch Cross-body, Joe Fresh Sweater, Baublebar Earrings, Forever 21 Beaded Top, Joe Fresh Blouse, Tory Burch Tote, Gap Pants

I have a confession. I am obsessed with pink. I don't know what it is lately (maybe something in the water?), but I love all things pink. I have never been or considered myself a "pink" type of girl. I've always liked the colour, but always gravitated to purples, blues or yellows. I think since this colour had such a big surge in style, especially this past fall and winter, it's making me crave some and jump on the pink bandwagon with everyone! I love the idea of wearing it in the winter. It took me a little while to get over that "it's not your typical winter colour", but I think that's why I love it even more! Let's be rebellious and wear pink in the gloomy days of winter! Here are just a few of the pink pieces I have been thinking about lately!

I absolutely love the pink coat by Club Monaco. I love that it makes a statement all on its own and who doesn't love gold buttons on a coat! Naturally I had to add a journal, because yes I have a journal collecting habit (problem), but who could resist this Kate Spade journal? I love the bright pink colour and the fun ribbon page marker! Another surprising appearance on this list are the Baublebar earrings. I should let you know I'm a one pair of earrings type of girl. I wear the same studs day in and day out (so exciting I know). I've just never been a huge earring person, but recently I have been seeing and loving drop earrings and I think I definitely want to give them a try. This pair from Baublebar would be a great fit because they aren't too large and over the top, probably a good pair to ease myself into!

Hopefully we can all add some of these pretty pink things to our closets, and hey they are also the perfect pieces to kick start spring! I think I might be ahead of myself, but it's hard not to wish that spring was around the corner seeing as it is -20 or so here. A girl can wish right!

Fall Style Inspiration

Well it has been a while since I last posted (whoops) but life just gets busy sometimes! Anyways I am back now and have a few exciting projects and plans in the near future. But more on that later! I'm not sure if it's only me but lately I cannot wait for fall and especially fall style! I think it is probably one of my favourite seasons for fashion and I love thinking about all the fun outfits that are to come. I am almost overwhelmed with the thoughts and ideas I have for fall and my wish list seems to keep increasing by the day! So I thought I would share my fall wants (...needs) to give some inspiration but also to keep track for myself! Anyways here we go...be prepared it is long...and only getting longer!

Old Navy Military Jacket/Old Navy Faux Leather/Danier Leather Coat/

Coats/Jackets: There are two different style I am looking at for the fall. Firstly I am looking for a good leather jacket. I haven't decided yet if I am going to invest in one and get a good quality one, or if I should go the faux way and buy a cheap one. The next style is a military jacket. I think this is such a great style to pair over almost anything and it won't be too heavy to wear in the warmer months before fall hits!

Anthropologie Rancher Hat/Zara Felt Hat

Hats: I have been lusting after a great fall hat for a while now. I spotted a few last year and for some reason never took the jump and bought them (big regret!). However this year I am determined to find one or two that I like and finally buy them! I have spotted two so far that seem to fit the bill for what I am looking for! The good news is I am sure (fingers crossed) that there will be more to come as fall comes closer! I also love love love this one that was featured on one of my favourite blogs Gal Meets Glam. I can't find it yet on the Gap website (I think it might be from last year) but hopefully it will be making an appearance soon!

Boots: This is a tricky one! I love so many styles of boots that I think I might go bankrupt buying so many! Firstly I am in desperate need of boots. I pretty much lived in my Hunter boots last year which are practical but not always so stylish! This year I am committed to buying at least one or two pairs of boots for the fall and winter! I am kind of all over the place with the styles that I want but I think I am leaning towards a good tall over the knee or riding style boot. I also do love booties and am going to try to find a good pair. This is a little tricky as of now because boots haven't fully hit stores yet (I'm a little too early).

Jeans/Pants: I've talked about this before here, but a good pair of black jeans is a definite must for fall. I have yet to buy my perfect pair, but it is definitely at the top of my list for fall. Another style of pants that I have my eye on is a good army green pant or jean. I love that colour for fall and think it will go great with lots of different boots and sweater combinations. I also love these other colour pants for fall!

Marc by Marc Jacobs/Kate Spade Purse/Tory Burch Purse

Purses: I have been looking for a good brown purse lately that can work as a cross body bag to use daily but also have versatility to use in other situations. I think I found the perfect one with this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. I love the colour, the size and the fact that it can convert from a cross body to a hand bag. Another bag also caught my eye while I was looking. This Kate Spade one would be an ideal black bag for the fall. I again love the fact that it can convert in to a few styles like the Marc by Marc Jacobs one. I have also been looking for a black bag. Originally I had my sights set on a more structured black bag but I think this Kate Spade one has taken the lead! Hopefully I can set my sights on another black bag, one that is more structured, like this Tory Burch one, by the time Christmas comes around...hint hint.

Tassel Loafer/Dolce Vita Loafer/Oxblood Loafer

Oxfords/Loafers: Before winter hits here, which means lots of snow, I want to buy some oxfords or loafers. I think they are a great transition from summer sandals to falls cooler weather. I love the way oxfords and loafers look with outfits, and they can really be worn with any outfit. They can make a fancier outfit more casual but also add some fun to casual outfits. I have seen a few around the web, but these are the ones I keep coming back to!

Currently Craving: White and Black

Well saying this week was busy is an understatement. Between working late most nights and running around to finish my office it was quite the busy week. Luckily for us Canadians, this weekend is our long weekend! I am so excited to spend this weekend relaxing and doing the things I love most. Tonight the boyfriend and I are heading to dinner to celebrate some recent awesomeness, then I will be heading up to a friends cottage for a girls night (seriously can't wait), and then hopefully spending the rest of the weekend relaxing outside and watching fireworks! I hope you all have a few fun things planned for your weekend and can squeeze in some down time as well!

Until my weekend officially starts I wanted to share this weeks cravings. I think because of my recent office redo, I have been especially attracted to office furniture. I had been looking for a new desk when I decided to change things up in my current office and found some truly great pieces. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get any of these great (or expensive, man furniture is not cheap!) desks for now, but thought I'd still share the ones that will be mine soon enough! Firstly, I love white. I am obsessed with white furniture and especially love an all white office. So when looking for the perfect desk I was immediately drawn to these white ones. Next I love when a desk can provide a bit of storage without being too bulky. I think a simple desk drawer can work wonders. And lastly I love a desk that looks great. I love a nice structure to a desk, one that has some style to its legs so it doesn't look just like a table sitting there. These three below all encompass what I deem the perfect office desk.

Structube Max Desk/Target Desk/Crate and Barrel Desk

Speaking of perfect, for a while now I have been searching for the perfect pair of black jeans. I had a pair but after a few washes they started to fade in to a not so nice colour. I'm starting to think that this might need to be a splurge purchase and I should invest in a really good pair. I really love to wear black jeans, I think they can dress an outfit up and they are so versatile since you can pair them with anything. I have a few options in the back of my head and I think I might make this the weekend that I go out and get them. I am going back and forth on a few different styles, but hopefully I can settle on one (or two...) by the end of the weekend.

1. Gap 1969 Jeans
2. J Brand
3. IRO Jeans

Happy (long) weekend everyone!

Currently Craving: Board Games and Hats

 Yay it's Friday! We made it! I am so glad that it's the end of the week and I am really looking forward to a relaxing weekend. To kick off this weekend we are having a few friends over for some wine/beer, snacks and a board game. I love a good board game (seriously who doesn't), but I am a little underwhelmed with my current selection. I have a few good ones but I am hoping to go pick up a new one or two before Friday night. It will be a tough decision to make since there are SO many good ones out there. I've made a list of what board games I've narrowed it down to, and one of these will definitely be coming home with me!

Since today is the first day of summer (finally!), I also hope to spend a good chunk of the weekend outside. Hopefully we will go check out a new ice cream shop and maybe take a few nice bike rides. One things for sure, I am most definitely going to park myself on my lawn chair and catch up on my reading. There is nothing better than a good book, sunshine and perhaps some sangria! To keep cool I have been searching for the perfect summer hat. Right now I'm torn between a structured fedora or a wider brimmed straw hat. I think I might have to buy one of each! Here are some styles I've found this week that would be perfect for lounging                 around outside.

Jenga/The Game Of Life/Scattegories/Cranium

Target Floppy Hat/J.Crew Panama Hat/Forever 21 Floral Hat

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

One Skirt, Three Ways

More recently when I’ve been shopping I always look at pieces that interest me and think about the different ways I could wear them. Clearly a skirt can only be worn as a skirt… but I think about different ways I can style the item and if it can carry me through brunch to dinner. Not every piece has to measure up to this big task, but I think it is always a good idea when trying an item on to think of all the ways you might be able to wear it. I think by getting versatility out of a piece makes it that much easier to buy (no regrets or doubts!) or allows you to justify that hefty price tag (at least in my mind and to the boyfriend..). So here is one piece that I feel I can style in so many different ways. It really is such a versatile piece and on many occasions I have worn it all the way from a morning breakfast to a late dinner. Here is my H&M Polka Dot Grey Skirt styled three ways- DAY, NIGHT, WORK. 

Look #1- DAY: The day look is an easy summer outfit to throw on and go. I paired my H&M skirt with a striped Joe Fresh T-shirt, a Summer hat for those hot days, a braided belt, a thrifted colourful purse to add some fun, and my Old Navy Cross-Strap Sandals.

Look #2- NIGHT: The night look is a more fun put together look that can suit really any situation. Whether its drinks and appetizers, or a late night cocktail, this is the perfect transitional outfit. I paired my H&M skirt with an Old Navy Chambray Shirt (now on sale!), added a pop of colour with a fun necklace and purse, and finished it off with my Target Gold Glitter Sandals.

Look #3- OFFICE: Finally the work look is a great way to add some fun to your day to day outfits. I think a work look should definitely show your personal style while still maintaining a sense of class and appropriateness. I think this work look is a perfect combination of fun and professional. Here I paired my H&M skirt with a tailored white Joe Fresh Blouse, a colourful necklace, a side satchel large enough to carry your things for the day, and my Steve Madden Flats (now on sale!).

Happy Monday Everyone!

Investment Piece: Purses

When it comes to investment pieces, I am a firm believer in spending a little more on quality items. I think this can be different for everyone. Some of you might think an investment piece is good shoes, high end makeup or quality jewelry. Depending on your lifestyle and what you need for your everyday, I think purses can be added to this investment list. Last year I took the plunge and finally bought a good quality leather purse, and... I think it changed me forever! So recently I have been pining away to buy another purse, well two actually! I am in desperate need of a new crossbody purse, this is the purse I use in my every day to day. Needless to say my current one is just not measuring up anymore. And secondly I need a more polished and elegant black shoulder purse. Therefore here are my picks for crossbody purses and shoulder purses (I had to add the brown Zara Braided Shopper because I am obsessed with it!). Hopefully I can again make the plunge and maybe have two nice new purses by the end of summer!

1. Michael Kors Weston Bag
2. Marc By Marc Jacobs 
3. Cambridge Satchel
4. YSL 
5. J.Crew Satchel
6. Zara Shopper