Easy Summer Updo

Happy Friday friends! Are you looking forward to the weekend as much as I am?

I'm having the girls out to the condo in Gimli this weekend for some R & R and I can't wait! I've said this before but the hardest thing about moving back to Manitoba was losing my network of amazing girlfriends (miss you Dani, Carrie, Laureen and Jess!). But here we are 5 years later and I've settled comfortably into a little group of just as amazing gals. I'm so excited to hang out and have girl talk and eat and swim and just be girly girls.

Speaking of being a girly girl, I love having long hair but I'm a bit lazy when it comes to actually 'doing it'. We've had a wicked heat wave all summer, which has meant getting that hair off my neck as much as possible. So I love finding easy updo's that look like more work than they actually are...like this one from The Beauty Department. This is my go-to site for hair inspiration - I have 3 in the wings to try.

 

The step-by-step tutorial is super easy to follow and even though their version was more dressy - I thought it worked well mussed up a bit. Check out the tutorial for full details but basically all you're doing is a high ponytail, leaving out a chunk of hair, then making a bun and braiding the chunk to pin around it. What do you think?

How do you survive hot summers with your hair friends? Would love to hear your tips and tricks!

Fall Shopping Preview

Have you started fall shopping yet friends?

I know, I know...it's only the beginning of August but I always find the first round has the best stuff. It's so hot outside that I'm looking more for transitional pieces that can mix and match with what I have now.

I've been scouring my fave online shopping haunts and here's what I've ordered so far...

This dress from ASOS Curve is so pretty! I'm a huge fan of the shape (blousy top, full skirt, nipped in elastic waist) and the mix of floral and stripe in the print takes care of that for me! I'm wearing it today with bare legs and when things cool off...I'm thinking navy tights and a creamy cardi! Don't forget that ASOS offers free shipping globally on everything!

The pastels and brights in skinny denim has not been for me but I'm super drawn to these earthy neutrals like this rusty bronze, wine, deep teal and midnight blue. I ordered these from American Eagle in the same skinny fit I know and love! Plus I scored the free shipping deal AND they're on sale...how's that for awesome? I plan on pairing them with flats in September and booties in October!

Speaking of boots, I just received this scrumptious pair I ordered from Long Tall Sally! If any of you have larger feet...this is a great resource. I'm a size 11 and sometimes 12, but they even go up to 13! I ordered these slouchy suede boots in a rich mink colour in both 11 and 12, paid ten bucks in shipping and I can return anything that doesn't fit to the LTS location in Kildonan Place - easy peasy! The 11's fit perfect and I can't wait to pair them with tights and dresses...you can even fold them up or down and they have the slightest hint of a heel - just enough for this tall girl to feel comfy!

What's on your fall wish list friends? What are you most looking forward to wearing?

Style Peek and Back to Blogging!

Okay, it's been waaaaaay too long! Don't you think? Boy have I missed you guys. It's been an interesting last few months and I've enjoyed my much-needed blog break. But I've been dying to get back - so much so that I'm sharing crummy Iphone photos instead of decent ones from home. Can you forgive me?

 So, an update on what's been going on. In the last 3 months:

1. Jack and I went on our honeymoon to the Florida Keys (a-mazing!)
2. We've been completing our huge bathroom renovation (yay!)
3. I quit my beloved job at Fusion Advertising to start a WHOLE new adventure...I'm now a Web & New Media Coordinator at the University of Manitoba - managing the social media community (scary but awesome!)
4. Jack and I bought another rental property in Gimli and we have 1.5 months to complete a HUGE task list of reno's before our renter moves in on September 1st (yes to chasing our financial dreams!)

Whew! Let's just say I've been busy! And relaxing in between. I have continued to read my blog feed daily and despite my lack of comments I am always there - enjoying all your fun posts, outfit ideas, recipes and daily ramblings. The break made me realize how blogging is important to me - that's is a part of my creativity and my love of fashion and being a part of something. Thank you to all of you who inquired if I was still alive :) I'm glad you care!

A few things have held me back from blogging - some good excuses and some bad:

1. The mess in our house has left me with nowhere to shoot my outfit pics (decent excuse)
2. I've gained a few pounds and not always feeling great about how I look (sad excuse)
3. I'm spending lots more time with family and friends, enjoying summer (awesome excuse)

But I've decided it's too important to me, so rather than feel pressure to post every day - I will do what I can when I'm feeling inspired!

So when it comes to my new job - I've had some new style challenges to face! (this meant more excuses to shop but don't tell Jack ;) The dress code is business casual, no jeans except on Fridays, lots of going between hot summer outdoors on campus and cool A/C indoors, plus TONS of walking around taking pics for my new job, shooting videos, exploring campus and giving myself blisters. So comfy cute shoe shopping has been a must! Sorry for the lack of quality here but I thought I would share a taste of how I've been dressing. Since it's been +30 for close to 6 weeks straight, I'm finally able to wear something other than a cool dress or tank. 

coral cardigan - Gap (old)

cream blouse - Jessica Simpson (scored at 60% off at The Bay!)

army green skinny cargo capris - Gap from E-bay

grey flats - Aldo (old)

necklace - Forever 21

These army green cargo capris are definitely fast becoming a basic - they really do act as a neutral and go with everything. I've also been wearing this necklace to death - would you believe it was only $3 at Forever 21? I highly recommend checking out their accessory section, it's huge and it's all spot on trend and super cheap!

So great chatting with you again friends! Look forward to our next visit!