Currently Loving...

1. Duck Bag in Black 2. Loophole Keychain in Black 3. Pouch S in Gold 4. Baggu Tote in Elephant 5. Leather Tote in Natural (Images via Baggu)

I'm currently loving all things Baggu; their fold-up tote bags for groceries especially! They're so light to tote around and hold so much when opened up. I snagged a bunch at J.Crew's sale recently for about $4 and was super excited to have some back-ups. My friend also shared an ingenious idea for her wedding in Italy: she's giving away Baggu totes as gifts for all her guests! What a great idea for traveling wedding guests and useful in the long run as well.

I've also been searching for a good work-bag and I think I was veering off too much into "looks" over "practicality". I saw a friend tote the Duck Bag around for work and love the versatility of it. So I ordered one in black (great price at $26 by the way) and also the Loophole Keychain to go with it (I can never find my keys and all those keychain lanyards you find everywhere are definitely not as sleek as this lovely leather one). I do still love my faithful Longchamp Planetes though. Is anyone else loving Baggu right now?

Happy 2nd Birthday Ariah!

Just thrown' out a Happy Birthday to this girl! She turned the big TWO yesterday and I can't believe how fast time flies by. I will definitely have to try and visit her more often! Remember when she was just this old?

Vanessa Headband

If you haven't already noticed from Instagram, I've been slightly obsessed with making these headbands with this 100% merino wool yarn since I learned my new knitting skills from a friend Lois. We are basically a two-woman sweatshop! I think I've made about ten of them for my friends and girls at work. I think it's time to learn a new pattern??

Learning...

I don't know if it's the new year, or because I've promised myself to not purchase anymore clothing until the summer (which leads to my boredom), but I've been feeling a big kick of motivation to learn everything and do everything I've always wanted to do.

In the past month or so I've purchased books on knitting, learning to play the piano and now calligraphy. Knitting is going swimmingly (I'll share some things I've made soon) and piano was started last summer with a few lessons but fell off the wagon, but I plan to continue teaching myself. Calligraphy I've always wanted to learn, but never took the time, so I'll share my progress with you as I go along. And if you're still reading, I guess this is molding back into a fashion/design/crafts blog??? My mind can never be made up!

Are you guys learning anything new?

The Search for the Perfect Work Bag

1. Michael Kors Large Selma Top-Zip Satchel $358US, 2. J.Crew Biennial Satchel $398, 3. Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote $358US

I'm currently on a mad search for the perfect work bag. Just under a year ago I purchased this bag and I still love it to death, but I've realized over time that it doesn't meet all my everyday needs for a work bag. I find myself doing what most women do: carrying an extra little tote bag for lunch or whatnot. I considered a larger sized Longchamp, but find organization to be a bit of a task with the Le Pliage and Planètes styles in general. So I've come to the conclusion that my must-haves are:

1. Three or more compartments for better organizing.

2. A key-holder strap on the inside (as you can see in 1&3).

3. Large enough size to easily fit a magazine/papers flat.

4. A zippered top (although 3 does not fulfill this).

5. Long enough straps to wear on shoulder.

6. Not too heavy on its own.

Although this is just a preliminary search, I am really loving option 1. Personally, I don't want to spend this much on a purse, but would like something quality-made. So I will be sure to do some research and read reviews before making a decision.

Does anyone have any experience with Michael Kors or J.Crew bags? Or any suggestions on a well-made, organized work bag?

Happy New Year!

Just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a belated Happy New Year! Hope your holidays were wonderful! I thought I'd share a new photo of Ariah from Christmas; no longer a little baby, but the cutest little girl.

It's been a busy month at work so I haven't had much time to devote to this blog. But oddly enough, I sure have had a lot of time to spend my money on clothes like no tomorrow! Curse you online shopping!

I hope you're all soaking in the Christmas joy. I can't believe it'll be over in just over a week! I feel like there hasn't been enough time to enjoy the holiday fun.

As you probably noticed, I'm trying to sort out this blog situation here, maybe with a little redesign or just something new. It's a bit of a working project now, so bear with me! But thanks to those who stuck around for this wonky year. :) More posts to come!

(Glasses by Versace, Joe Fresh Necklace, Blouse from Forever 21)

Fall Jackets

Tried this H&M coat on the other day and really loved the look & fit, but unfortunately it was maybe 5/6 inches too long on me (I'm about 4'11).

It's a fairly thin jacket (40% wool) and I didn't think at $99 it was worth the alterations cost (I would have to hem the sleeves as well), so I think it's a "wait for a sale kind of coat".

Also loving this coat as well:

(Image via H&M)

Hoping to find it in-store to try on! Any favourite new fall coat finds out there?

CrewCuts Maritime Shift Dress

(J.Crew CrewCuts dress, Joe Fresh necklace)

I recently purchased this CrewCuts Maritime Shift Dress via the J.Crew site and was happily surprised with the quality of fabric and fit.

This was my first CrewCuts purchase and I was a little worried about the sizing, but a size 14 was just right in terms of length and the fit of the sleeves. If you're looking for a cute & comfy striped shift dress and can squeeze into the CrewCuts' version, this is definitely a good bet!

(Another great option from the Factory site: Factory Girls' Rugby Stripe Dress)

Revamp

It's been awhile since the last post, but I've been thinking over what to do with this blog here. I guess I haven't been "feeling it" as much since I started my new job. When I first started blogging here it was when I had freshly quit my previous full-time job and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I did know that many blogs out there inspired me to want to create my own blog, a blog that someone out there would enjoy. Over the last 1+ year of blogging, I loved being able to interact with new friends and share the things I love.

So, I think I'll try and continue to do that but with a new focus: shopping & fashion. I've always loved those two things and let's be honest, I have a shopping problem. Maybe I can use this as an outlet to curb my addiction as well and get your opinions on things. I've also been inspired by the many fashion bloggers out there. I know that "shopping & fashion" aren't the most important things in life or the most ground-breaking topics to blog about, but let's keep in mind this is for fun and for sharing common interests. :)

What do you guys think? Should I start from scratch or just keep blogging along?

Edie

(Blouse from H&M, Pants TopShop, Shoes by Zara, Edie Purse by J.Crew)

Currently loving my new Edie purse from J.Crew. A perfect size to fit just enough into and a lovely colour to brighten up any outfit.

From my experiences so far, I have to say that J.Crew has amazing customer service. I originally ordered the purse in Oasis Green, as it was the only one on sale with an extra 40% off, making it around $130 after taxes and shipping (to Canada), versus $276 at regular price before taxes and shipping.

Unfortunately when I got the purse the turn lock was bent downwards and when I attempted to bend it back it became loose. Since it was final sale, I wasn't sure if they would do anything about it, but I called the 24 hour customer service number and was given a refund right away. I would have preferred to just exchange the purse in-store, but J.Crew Stores in Canada do not accept web returns as of yet. Although the green was out of stock, they were willing to honour the same price for any other colour. I was also told I would be refunded for any costs to ship the package back to them.

All in all, I was very happy with their service. Quick, efficient and kind. I definitely don't think that this purse is worth $276...but I love it for its design and colour and highly recommend if it goes on super sale again!

Simple Two-Colour Nails

The other day I couldn't decide between two nail colours, so I just went with both! I love this simple, geometrical look.

1. Simply do your nails as you normally would with one colour, and allow to dry completely. 
2. Then using some scotch tape, tape off the section you want (you can do as many colours and shapes as you like, I just did two).
3. Paint the second colour on top of the first. 
4. Peel off scotch tape immediately after painting each nail. 
5. Allow to dry and apply a good top coat to even out the layers (I highly recommend Sally Hansen's Mega Shine Top Coat. My sister has tried many, many drugstore-brand top coats and this is by far the best one. It dries in no time and leaves a nice protective, shiny coating).

Off to the East Coast!

I'm off on a week-long road trip to the Canadian east coast, so I'll see you all in about 9 days!

Even though the postings have been kind of sporadic, I've been getting back into the swing of things, trying to decide where my blogging direction is going.

I hope every enjoys their next week and I'll be back with lots of photos of The Bay of Fundy, Halifax, Cape Breton and more!

(Photo of Peggy's Cove by Hatchski)

Joe Fresh Buys

Just wanted to pop in and share some new purchases from Joe Fresh. I walked in intending to buy nothing, but walked out with these two pieces (Polka Dot Dress Shirt $19, Necklace $14)! I've been wanting a chunky necklace for awhile, but haven't come across one in-stores that was the right price-range, so excited to have scored this one!

The dress shirt might have to wait till the summer heat wave is gone, but I'm excited to pair it with a nice pencil skirt! I'm ready for you fall.

An Oldie, but Goody

(Dress from Urban Outfitters, Belt H&M, Sandals from Zara, Sunglasses by Ray Ban)

I love dresses that you find yourself wearing well into the next two years, but you still find great wear out of them. This is one of those dresses!

P.S. J.Crew is having an extra 40% off final sale items right now. I snatched up this purse in Oasis Green, but it looks as though it's already sold out now, but still plenty of good deals on the site!