Showing posts with label Toronto Style Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toronto Style Blog. Show all posts

Tuesday, 20 January 2015

The Purge: Closet Edition


I recently read somewhere that how you treat your environment around you is a reflection of how you treat the people that you surround yourself with. If you have a pile of crap that you hang on to but don't need, chances are you have an abundance of people in your life that do not benefit you in any way, yet you'll still keep in contact with them for no particular reason. In recent years, I've noticed myself pulling away from people like this because, to be quite honest, why surround yourself with people who do not have a genuine interest in you, or that do not have a positive impact on your life? I forget who it was that said this, but "I would rather have four quarters than a hundred pennies" - wouldn't you? I've found that applying this logical thought to my own life has incredibly increased my level of happiness. The people that I do surround myself with are people that I genuinely enjoy the company of. They are people that I can have real conversations with, be myself with, and laugh and cry with.

Monday, 5 January 2015

Korean Skincare & Makeup: Haul & Review!


Back in November, my entire family took a trip to Seoul, South Korea because my sister was getting married there.  Obviously,  I did some shopping because one does not simply fly half-way across the world and buy nothing, haha!  Although Korean makeup has become a huge trend in the beauty world, I didn't splurge on mountains of products because I, myself, am not a make-up junkie.  However, I do have a love affair with skincare & lash products (and a very huge love-hate relationship with my own skin - damn you blemishes and blackheads!)

Keep reading to get in the know of all the products I picked up!

Tuesday, 13 May 2014

Product Review: NCLA Transparent Nail Wraps!


I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I LOVE NAIL WRAPS.  Whoever came up with the idea of sticking nail-shaped stickers on your nails is a pure genius.  As a self-proclaimed lazy-girl that lacks any sort of dexterity, nail wraps are a serious god send.  Why?  No. Fuss.  Srsly, doe!  The simple peel n' stick process is bafflingly simple.  Waiting around for polish to dry?  Holding your pee so you don't ruin your nails?  That nonsense is old-frickin-news now!

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

Toronto Fashion Week: A Style Blogger's Wrap-Up

So, last month I was lucky enough to attend a few shows at World MasterCard Fashion Week! Now before I go on, let me assure you: I am a completely NORMAL person.  There is nothing special about me.  I am in no way notable or important in any "scene" in Toronto.  I am just a regular 20-something Torontonian that works the daily 9 to 5 grind at a digital marketing agency in the downtown core of Toronto (typical..).

I'm sure I'm not the only one that's been curious as to "what types of people" attend these things.  Now, don't get me wrong I DID have some sort of an idea from my experience volunteering (back then it was called L'Oreal Fashion Week) at Toronto Fashion Week back in 2010, and even then I wondered who all these fancy people were.  Last Fall, my sister bought tickets for us to go see Mackage and Joe Fresh, and let me tell you: STANDING in the very back is not at all glamorous OR worth a $50 ticket.

Anyway, I had the serious pleasure of being invited to attend 3 shows during the FW2014 WMC Fashion Week: Line Knitwear, gsus, and Farley Chatto.  The reality of being invited as a designer guest at WMC Fashion Week is that your seat will still be first-come-first-serve.  Designer guests have the 4th to 8th rows in a lettered section, and sometimes designers invite more guests than seats.  I was lucky enough to sit 4th row for gsus and Fareley Chatto, but sadly I was standing in the back for Line Knitwear.  I salvaged what I could of taking zoomed-in iPhone photos in the dark lol.  Details below!

This was my favourite look for the entire Line Knitwear show.  It is perfect.  The smokey grey/black monochrome, the silhouette of an oversized top, and legs - LEGS FOR DAYS.  Love.  I want to be her.

Thursday, 13 March 2014

TBT: Summer Prints & ZARA Studs


This long-*** Canadian winter is killing me.  No, really - it is.  I think I have S.A.D.  You know, the disease of depression from lack of living in the sunny state of California?  Why, mother nature - WHY?!  Two short days ago we were basking in Spring bliss!  I was wearing sunnies and strolling around in Converse sneakers!  Yesterday we were hit with a mothaflippin snowmageddon, and today my disgusting fake 'uggs' (disclaimer: I got them for FREE with a JustFab order…don't judge me…) are soggy from the mounds of brown slush everywhere.  EW. EW. Ew…ew..ew.  Anyway, this post is a throwback - an ode to the season of sun, summer, and style (duh).

Tuesday, 25 February 2014

Investing in Leather Handbags

Image via Pinterest
Now that I'm morphing into this thing that people call "a grown-up", my style tastes have very much changed. I've never liked out-there colours, or too-loud prints, but I've frequented a brighter colour palette and some geo and floral prints in the past.  It's not that I am abandoning colour and print all-together, but I've found that I'm becoming more drawn to textures rather then prints - and I am very much sticking to a more neutral colour palette as of late.  For the past few months the only colour I've been wearing is the blue of blue jeans!

Wednesday, 22 January 2014

Winter Fashion Essential: Over The Knee Boots ft. VINCA Jewelry


Over-the-knee boots are something I've wanted for years - but we all know how difficult it is to find the perfect pair of boots.  There are so many things to consider, especially when you're deciding to invest in real leather.  Not only did I have to find a style that I liked, I had to make sure it fit well throughout the leg, and that it wouldn't break the bank.


When I found these Eliot Boots from JustFab's Luxe line, it was like the heavens had opened up and finally answered my prayers - it was too good to be true!  Typically, when you go to shops like ALDO or Brown's, a true leather over-the-knee boot will set you back somewhere between $200 - $300 bones.  These Eliot Boots were on sale for $89, PLUS JustFab was having a 'Fuzzies' promo, and I got a free pair of their 'Fuzzies' boots, too!  A serious steal!  Now, I'll admit that they're not my 'dream boot' (those would be either a pair of Alexander Wang's or Stuart Weitzmans…), but they've been serving their purpose quite well!  I've got an 'okay-fitting' real leather over-the-knee boot for under $100 - that's a serious score in my books!


Contrary to what some might think, these boots really do add an extra layer of warmth to your legs - not to mention, they keep you looking terribly chic during the cold season!  By now, you all know my go-to fashion get up: Oversized top + slim bottom.  The combination of bundling up on top, and then slipping on these boots has been working out quite well for me this winter!


The perfect accessory to complete this icy season has got to be this perfectly fun gems ring by VINCA. If you haven't checked out their line of accessories, I suggest you do!  Everything is perfectly witty - just the way I like..everything! Haha.  Lately, I've been on a heavy rotation of white/grey/black everything in terms of wardrobe and accessories.  New year, new style I suppose!

Hope everyone has been surviving Janauary - especially if you're in the cold like me!

Friday, 10 January 2014

Affordable Workouts: Getting In Shape Doesn't Have to Run You Broke!

Affordable Workouts!  Retro lady image from Tack-O-Rama.
One of my resolutions for 2014 is to be a healthier, happier, person.  What better way to achieve this then to work out, amirite?!  In my younger days I was some sort of invincible olympian, I swear.  I taught Tae Kwon Do, ran track, was a gymnast -- I even worked out for the heck of it (what?!).  I kept up my fitness throughout my university years, but some time after graduating I threw it all out the window and just let myself "go".  I'm  not saying I sat on the couch until I grew to resemble something whale-like (in fact, I've actually some-how shrank in size).  What I'm saying is, my muscular strength has completely diminished; I am a soft - very VERY soft - marshmallow.  When you're easing back into getting in shape, or if you're a completely new to working out, spending a ton of money on workout gear and memberships doesn't at all seem like a wise investment, which is exactly why I wanted to share this with you guys.

Blogilates/Hot Yoga/Workout Buddy: Images 2 & 3 sourced from Pinterest.

Here are my top 3 affordable workout regimens.  Keep in mind, I'm no fitness expert nor am I even remotely in shape, but I think these workouts are the most affordable and most effective for beginners that want to ease back into getting in shape (like me!).

1. Blogilates

Have you heard of Cassey from Blogilates?!  If you haven't, just stop - STOP- what you are doing and go check out her YouTube channel.  This girl is amazing.  Not only does she make easy to follow work out videos, she goes out of her way to create calendars with a mapped out workout plan for each day of the week-- ALL FOR FREE!!  A god send, really.

2. Hot Yoga

Now, I know what you're all thinking - "UMMM Hot Yoga classes cost an arm and a leg!"  Well, it doesn't always HAVE to.  This may not be a solution for everyone, as you'll have to be living in a big busy city with an influx of hot yoga studios.  A lot of hot yoga studios offer promotions for first time yogis, and its usually a a flat rate (around $40-$60) for an entire 30days of unlimited yoga.  Map out your closest hot yoga studios, and have your fill one month at a time!  Not to mention, hot yoga studios also often offer promotions on group deal sites such as Groupon.

3. Workout Buddy

Allow me to go into further detail about this one because it's about more than JUST a workout buddy; it's about a workout buddy who has free access to a gym - or maybe YOU are the workout buddy with the free gym access??  Again, this may not be an accessible option to everyone, but in Toronto opportunities are a'plenty.  A lot of my friends live in high rise condos in the downtown core, and ALL of their buildings have a gym.  Ask one of your friends who works out if you can join them a couple times a week, or if they don't work out you can plan to get in shape together.  Did I mention that working out with a buddy is also great quality bonding time?  Let the girl talk flow sista'.

Can you guess who's under the cat face?  lol
If you're an extreme case, like myself, you may be in need of some solid workout gear.  I, for one, didn't even own a sports bra until last week (true story).  I started to shop around, and little did I know that a Nike sports bra retails for at least around $40!  It's not even a whole shirt!  Anyway, here are my suggestions on top 3 places you can buy affordable active wear.  Keep in mind that if you're going to be sweating a LOT, you want to look for fabrics that wick away moisture like nylon and spandex.  Try to stay away from cotton!

1. Forever21 Activewear

Forever 21 offers a variety of low-high impact sports bras at as low as $12.80, as well as workout tops and bottoms at very fair prices.  What's even better is that when they're on sale, they're even cheaper!

2. Joe Fresh Activewear

Joe Fresh also offers a variety of active wear in similar price ranges as Forever21.  However, their styles are a bit more mature, and their sizing fits bigger.

3. Winner's/Marshall's

Lastly, if you're a stickler for the "quality" that big brands offer, you can always check out your local discount store like Winner's or Marshall's to get Nike, Addidas or what have you at lower than regular retail price.

Hope this was helpful to some of you!  I've been sticking to the Blogilates Beginner's Workout Calendar and it has been kicking my butt!  Also, the cat faces?  Don't ask...

Happy Friday Y'all!

Thursday, 2 January 2014

2014 WILL BE MY YEAR: New Years Resolutions and How to Keep Them!

First OOTD of 2014!  Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

I hope you all had a wonderful New Year's Eve celebration wherever you were and whomever you were with.  Due to the elderly condition of my back (har har, but srsly tho...I can elaborate on this later), I spent it indoors snuggling up next to the Boyf and sipping on champagne.  It was a lovely way to ring in the new year, and throw the old one out the window.  Am I seriously the only one that doesn't ever feel great about the previous year ending??  All over Instagram and Facebook I see posts like "Thanks 2013! You were great! So many memories!! BLAH BLAH WORD VOMIT BLAH!!" -- maybe I'm just a very negative person with a heart that is cold as stone? Ha..ha?  Seriously though, why?!  I don't know, but what I DO KNOW is that I always look forward to the 'fresh start feeling' of a new year; the dawn of a new beginning where, really, anything is possible if you try your friggin best.


So excited to get my new activewear from Forever21 & to complete the Blogilates Beginner's Calendar!

Plan to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions in 2014!

I mentioned this in my previous post, but in 2014 I'm bringing my A-game.  I want to be a healthier, happier, and overall more productive person this year -- and I'm serious this time!  What is it that makes resolutions so difficult to keep?  Time.  Every year we make lists of resolutions we want to keep, but weeks later the list goes long-forgotten; if you are not constantly reminding yourself of the goal in mind, then you are slowly giving-in to losing your drive until one day it is gone - completely.

Try this: Make your list for the year.  It may be 10 to 10,000 items long - it doesn't matter.  Write it down on paper, somewhere that you will not lose it.  Now, take that list and break it down from easiest to most difficult.  Take a look at the easiest and most-attainable goals and decide to conquer them within January.  In short, you are taking your massive list and breaking it down into 12 mini-lists - one for each month.  At the end of each month, re-visit your massive list to see where you are at.  'The re-visit' will be the most important factor to help you stay in the game, and remind you of your self-progress.  Now, I'm no expert, but this is what I'm going to try to stick to doing and I'm really hopeful that it will work!  Here's my mini-list of resolutions for January!

 My entire 'massive list' of resolutions for the entire year of 2014 is less than 15 items long as I've tried to keep them both realistic yet still challenging.  Good luck to all that are embarking on a better year in 2014!  May your inner strength and drive be with you!  For now, I shall leave you with this super inspirational video, even though my goals have nothing to do with becoming a professional athlete, the words...they do inspire.  Take a look and a listen:


Happy New Year Everyone! <3

Tuesday, 31 December 2013

Wrapping Up 2013


And so it ends, 2013.  The older I get, the faster each year seems to fly by while I desperately grasp at literal time and beg for each moment to last longer.  The feeling of each year going by quicker and quicker is increasingly giving me the anxious feeling that there truly are not enough moments in a day; in a month; in a year; to accomplish everything that you set out to do.

What I'm meaning to say is: I wish I had done more with my year, but who doesn't?  It's an inevitable feeling that I think most people sink into as a year comes to a close.  However, the more I grow up the more I'm getting to know myself; I am hard on  myself.  I set expectations that are always too high.  If you are like me, then it will be inevitable that you will be feeling a sense of failure or lack of accomplishment at the end of the year.  But do not be defeated!

 I started to really think about this past year, the things I've done and the areas of my life that have improved: I moved into a better apartment; I'm making a little more money; I've learned more about the technology of digital marketing; and I've been loved, and loved, more than I ever have before.  When it comes down to it, I know that I am bettering my life year-over-year, but because I am still not where I want to be I feel defeated though I have not failed.

In 2014 I want to realistic about the goals I set out for myself; drastic change and success is never found overnight, and I have finally come to accept and understand that.  I think unrealistic goals are daunting, and it is the poison that makes people feel like giving up, which in turn creates laziness.  I want to overcome that.  I'm ready to escape that poisonous cycle and join the happy club.  HUZZAH!

In 2014 I promise to be good to myself and to others! Healthier eating, healthier spending, healthier living, and healthier loving.  Who's in?!

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION TONIGHT!!

Wednesday, 27 November 2013

Marled Cardigan for Fall


Fall is in full-swing in Toronto (we've even got a full winter-wonderland type of thing happening in London right now, but I digress...).  With the colder weather in full-swing, I'm back in the grind of mastering the art of layering (or, some might say, bundling).  What can I say, it gets chilly over here!



During Fall/Winter my equation stays generally the same:

Warm = Skinny (bottoms + top) + Oversized Layer (tee + sweater) 



I love the look of an over-sized sweater or cardigan.  In neutral textures and colours, they're so easy to pair with outfits to complete a warm look.  An over-sized sweater truly creates an effortless way for you to make a basic skinny jean + tee combo look very put together and balanced.  And we can't forget the warmth it provides!  I suggest always pairing an over-sized sweater with a skinny bottom. Either warm leggings or skinny jeans will do just fine, but you could even go as far as pairing your over-sized sweater with a body-hugging skirt.  *ooh la la...*


This particular heather grey marled cardigan is from Joe Fresh.  I loved it so much I had to get it in two colours!  I'm not sure if they're still carrying it, but it's worth checking out if you have a Joe Fresh or Loblaws nearby! ;)



On another note, I went on a limb and got some clear glasses.  Thoughts??  I'm not completely sold on them yet, but I've been trying to make them work!  I think they work way better with more of a neutral make-up look on, like I have on here.


Crochet Infinity Scarf made by yours truly  |  Black Top from Forever21  |  Dark Denim Skinny Jeans from H&M  |  Marled Cardigan from Joe Fresh  |  BDG Boots from Urban Outfitters 


Uncleanard Glasses from Lookmatic  |  Necklace c/o POPBASIC  |  REVLON Colorburst Matte Balm in Shameless


BTW these olive BDG boots were at absolute STEAL from Urban Outfitters!  I think the original retail price was $79.99, and the sale tag read $29.99.  Imagine my surprise when the cashier rung me threw and they were actually $19.99!!  Don't you love it when that happens though??

And last, but certainly not least, say hi to the man behind the lens.  Can you tell the Boyf loves Club Monaco?

What have some of your favourite sweaters been this Fall?? 




BTW: I'm excited to announce that I am now part of the Fashion Magazine Style Panel!  Yay!  Look forward to frequent Style Panel advice! ;)

Monday, 21 October 2013

POPBASIC Review & Giveaway!


A couple weeks ago I received a lovely package in the mail from POPBASIC!  If you haven't heard of them, POPBASIC is an online shopping website that releases a new micro collection each month.  The idea behind the brand is to, "Create your style one micro collection at a time,".  I absolutely love the entire idea behind it; it is a completely new and unique way to approach online shopping for women.  The internet is a cluttered and noisy place, and with so many affordable online shopping websites now, it's easy to fall into the trap of buying too-trendy and cheaply made garments that will not stand the true test of time.  These pieces usually tend to fall apart or become out-dated before they see their next season.  I know this from the wretched experience of combing through my own closet and tossing heaps of past trends from stores like Forever21 and H&M (now, envision a single tear slowly rolling down my cheek...).

Sunday, 15 September 2013

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target in Toronto

Image via Google Images
Have you ever experienced the feeling of pure nonchalance along with a side of utter bafflement at the behaviour of hysteric shoppers?  Let.  Me.  Tell.  You.  (Warning: terrible quality iPhone4 photos ahead...for this...I kind-of...sort-of...apologizie...)

Tuesday, 10 September 2013

Fall Style & Life Updates!


Hey Dandies!  It's been a while -- I know.  But guess what?  I'M MOVING!  I feel like moving has become an annual pain in the butt since I graduated University, but that's life of a post-grad that lives in rentals I guess.

Friday, 28 June 2013

Obsessed: Nail Wraps!


THINGS have a way with me.  No, really.  They do. My heart is so fickle when it comes to something brilliantly convenient and cute; it's always love at first wear.  Allow me to share with you Dandies my newest obsession: NAIL WRAPS.

If you haven't already tried them -- you should.  If you've no idea what on earth they are --omgZ let me tell ya!


Essentially, nail wraps are nail-shaped stickers that are 'ready-to-apply' to the nails in place of nail polishes.  I know your first thought is only the horror you could imagine with trying to smoothly apply a sticker to your nail...flattening out the bubbles and wrinkles...yadda, yadda...

I felt the same way, trust me.  I avoided nail wraps as long as I could because, as someone who already has trouble trying to paint a smooth coat of polish to my nails, nail wraps just SEEMED like they would be annoying and srsly too intricate a process for these hands of mine that lack any sign of dexterity.  I was pretty steadfast in my belief that nail wraps were the sloppiest idea ever created in the world of the invention of pretty things.  I'd even tested out a few different (hideous) designs that I picked up from my local Dollarama.  All efforts were foiled.

Now,  I'll confess that my growing dislike for nailwraps was mostly due to the fact that I had NO idea how to put them on.  I was going at it blind.  Slapping them on, and then attacking my fingernail with scissors.  Bad. Just.  Bad.

A few months ago I watched the NCLA x Little Black Bag nail wraps tutorial, and my face was all like  'OHHHHHHHH!...oh.  That makes way more sense'.  


Anyway, recently my mother brought be a slew of cheap nail wraps from Daiso in Korea.  I was ready to give this whole nailwraps thing another go.  And OMG people.  OH-MY-GAWWWWD.  

As soon as the first nail wrap was flawlessly applied, it was like the angels were singing, and I swear there was a bit of a white light shining down on me in my puny bachelor apartment.  Oh.  My. LAWDY.  Love.  

Anyway, the long and short of it is (or just the long...because clearly I just always have too much to say) GO TRY NAILWRAPS!!  They are way simpler to apply than nail polish, and there is no dry time!  Srsly.  I am fully converted.  Throw all my nail polish into the dump for all I care.  Nail wraps all the way!


I'm thinking about filming my own simple nail wrap tutorial.  Would you Dandies be interested?


Have a happy weekend! 
<3

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Frametastic!


Downloaded a new app on my iPhone :).  Follow me on Instagram @thelittledandy <3.

The back of my head.


The back of my head.  I love buns & sweet bows <3.  And now, I'm off to dinner!

a little dandy boy.


A little drawing I did for @missmindful on Instagram for her #missmindfulbuddy contest.  I'm not really concerned with the contest itself...I just wanted to draw my favourite dandy boy outfit <3.

The Lady Turban


I love the turban headband look thats going on.  This is a small sketch of mine from back in 2009.  I'm glad the look has caught on =).