[CHALLENGE] 2013 Monthly Challenge

Alright guys! I've been doing a pretty poor job at posting lately, so I'm giving myself an extra challenge for the year. I better get these done! Or else...I will be very upset with myself. Every month I've given myself a different sort of challenge to change things up a little, and be a little more creative. I'll do a quick post at the beginning of each month quickly explaining exactly what I'll be doing. I hope you guys will like this, and any input would be appreciated. Here's the list!

[ETC] Christmas!

I thought I'd share with you guys some of my Christmas gifts I received this year. There are a few things missing in this, which would include movie tickets and a new snow suit from my parents, and some of the stocking bits from Owen.

From my brother, I received a cozy knit sweater, the Mink Pink dress I've wanted for EVER! And the Solar Blossom candle that I've also wanted for EVER! From Owen, I got the Taylor Swift Wonderstruck perfume. I think he could tell I was slightly skeptical at first, but upon smelling it, I actually fell in love with it! He knows me too well. I also got a gift card to Sephora from him and his parents, which is perfect! Because I need to get new eyeliner and such. I had dinner on Christmas Eve at my parents good friends, and they prepared the perfect sort of care package for me. 

[OUTFIT] Velvet Holidays

Although this may not really be a reoccurring trend, I'm still going with it! I love the feel and look of velvet, so I do what I want. Since it's not a huge trend yet (or if it will actually be...) there's plenty of velvet to be found at your local thrift shop. Be sure to stick to some dark colours, some colours can look pretty strange. It's definitely a good fabric to wear for the holidays, sorry I'm late to inform you with that.

Velvet Shirt - Value Village

Shorts - Aritzia

Shoes - Vintage

[OUTFIT] Flower Crowned

I was in Toronto a couple of weekends ago, and I finally quickly met up with my lovely friend April. She'd made me this flower crown back in September, tried mailing it to me, but it was sent back to her, and it was damaged. Luckily, during my visit I was able to briefly meet up with her while she was working (at Free People), and she had it all nicely wrapped for me! I also found this dress, which later I found out is "supposed" to be a tunic. If it's long enough to be a dress on me, then it's definitely long enough on most people! I thought it had a nice hidden twist to it. A lot of people think I layered a sweater once a skirt/dress, but no! It's all one piece. I thought it was interesting, and I'd try the look out.

Be sure to check out April's marvellous blog! So many beautiful outfits and photography.

Despite my hand being really strange looking...I still really liked that photo on the left

Dress - Free People

Flower Crown - April Wilder

Shoes - Aldo

Wishbone Necklace - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Triangle Necklace - Urban Outfitters

[ETC] Gifts for Him, Her, & The Parents

So...can you believe it?! November is almost over, and December comes next. One word...HOLIDAYS! And one of the most challenging parts of this? Finding gifts for everyone! Hopefully I can help you guys and gals out there a little bit, or at least give you a little inspiration.

For Him

1. N-Product Bax iPhone Skin - $30.00 (available at VAM)

2. Zara Man Cable Knit Sweater - $79.90

3. Dark Night USB Key - $24.00

4. Makr Horizon Three Wallet in Bark - $90.00 (available at VAM)

5. Nixon's The Time Teller watch in All Black - $150.00

For Her

1. Lady Gaga Fame Holiday Gift Set - $65.00 at Sephora

2. Wishbone Necklace - $72.00 at Magpie

3. Moonshadow Palette (In the Night) - $36.00 at Sephora

4. Spitfire Angelo Dos Sunglasses - $39.00 at UO

5. Ecote Carolyn Chelsea Ankle Boots - $69.00 at UO

For Parents

1. ASOS Chunky Cardigan - $75.16

2. Longchamp Le Pliage Bag - $150 at Nordstrom

3. Felt Envelope Folder Clutch - $20.00 on Etsy

4. Pendleton Shetland Collar Cardigan - $168.00

[VIDEO] My Various Shoes

[OUTFIT] Surprisingly Unnecessary Layers

After seeing, and posting about how much I was in love with this photo and look, I searched for an oversized blazer! With finding plenty that were too small, the sleeves not long enough, not the right texture, etc, I decided to go with this coat from Urban Outfitters. It went on craaazy sale, so I simply could not resist. It's a little bit thinner, but with the surprisingly warmer weather we've been having, it's perfect! So here is my rendition of that photo. It's not quite the same of course, but it was fun trying to recreate it.

Embarrassingly enough...the whole outfit (except for the button up underneath the coat) is from Urban Outfitters...the shirt is from Topshop

[FASHION] Speaking of Sweater Weather...

I thought I'd put together a sweater chart for you guys! As mentioned in my previous post, it's Fall (calling captain obvious...I know you guys already all know), and it's getting real cold out there. Here are some great knit sweaters ranging from $ to $$$$. Sweaters for every budget! Also being me, I tried to find some fun colourful sweaters, with a little extra umph. I know Fall is all about the navvies, burgundies, mustards, browns, etc, but why not add some brightness to your wardrobe, I'm sure it'll help brighten your mood as well.

(From left to right)
1. Polka Dot Sweater - Forever 21 $20.50
2. Sparkle & Fade Crisscross Back Sweater - Urban Outfitters $59.00
3. Cambridge Knit Colourblock - Nasty Gal $68.00
4. Mink Pink Intarsia Knit Jumper - Asos $103.79

One really important thing not to forget!!! ALSO be sure to check your local thrift shop! Big oversize sweaters are a trend this Fall, and I promise you will be able to find plenty at the second hand shop. You never know what you'll find, you may find your new favourite sweater.

Photo source

[OUTFIT] Sweater Weather in Movember

So quite frankly I understand that sweater weather was more of an October thing here in Ottawa. It's getting to be sweater X2 weather. It's 4:30, and it already starting to get dark. I cannot wait for December 21st, so the days can start getting long again! 

Of course, being like most females, I cannot grow a moustache for the greatly known Movember. Like many other ladies with long hair, I've done my own lame version of it (third photo). Please excuse the frightening face, it's hard to keep that strand of hair like that without looking completely crazy.

GET COZY!

Sweater - Value Village

Jeans - Urban Outfitters

Shoes - Steve Madden

[BEAUTY] Sephora Finds

Now, I've noticed that most of my posts these past few months have just been outfit posts. I've got to remember to mix it up every once in a while! I was a Sephora today to pick up some lashes for my costume, but I also browsed around for a little while. I found this compact blush and bronzer on sale for $9. I'm not much of a bronzer wearer, but I really liked the colour of the blush. For $9, I thought it was still worth it. (Sorry it's kind of hard to tell what the colours are really...I have really poor lighting, and I couldn't get it right). I also just grabbed a new bottle of Oscar Blandi's dry shampoo. If you don't know about it, I definitely recommend it! Especially now having bangs, when they get a little greaser, but not ready for a full wash, this stuff does the trick.

[OUTFIT] Mustard&Burgundy

I've realized that I've worn this same necklace in my past 3 looks...I'm terribly sorry about that. But isn't it pretty badass? 

I gave in to the pleated maxi skirt from UO. I wasn't sure for the longest time, because I thought it was slightly too short (on me...) but after trying it for the third time, and after it had gone on sale, I decided to get it. I got it a couple of sizes bigger, so I can wear it lower on my waist/hips, thus then being long enough. 

[OUTFIT] Fall Floral

Guuuuuyzz, I'm so quirky (second photo) like it's too much. Just kidding...any way! There were lots of new things on sale at Urban the other day. One of my coworkers told me to wait a little and that I could get this dress for a better deal. I didn't want to miss out, so I got it! I still got half off though. Of course, it's not the more fall/winter-esque type dress, but it's good for layering! 

Trippy twirly pic!

Dress - Urban Outfitters

Necklace - Urban Outfitters

Shoes - Steve Madden

Coat - Roots

[FASHION] Iggy Azalea for House Of Holland Sunglasses

I saw this posted on Refinery29, and had to share. This has to be one of my favourite spreads I've seen in a VERY long time. The big frames and bold colours stand out so much from her slicked back blond hair. What else is there to say besides the fact that she looks freaking badass!

Photos courtesy of House Of Holland via Refinery29