Friday, July 27, 2012

tiaraiconsleepy floral

Skirt (worn like this); Top (worn like this); Belt; Clutch; Bracelets & Shoes- Thrifted; Necklace- Local Vendor in St. Kitts
My apologies for the short & sweet nature of this post, I've been awake since 4 am to grab an early morning flight and my head is all woozy (when you don't drink caffeine, it's hard to stay awake plus I don't think those melatonin relaxation pills I took to calm my nerves on the plane are helping matters!)

Oh right, I'm supposed to talk about fashion over here! Well this is an outfit I wore to work this week... and that's all I can conjure up for now! I have never been someone who could function properly without at least 7 hours sleep- let's hope next time we meet in the blogosphere I am more eloquent!
As you read this I am in Minneapolis for a 3 day Dress for Success conference. Our work days start at 6am and don't end until 10pm (!) so I am looking forward to catching up on my zzz's when I return. 

Have a fabulous weekend everyone and get enough sleep for the both of us! :) 

Thursday, July 26, 2012

tiaraiconfacile

Skirt (worn like this)- H&M (Consigned); Top (worn like this), Shoes & Bracelet- Thrifted; Ring- Aldo; Earrings- The Bay; Clutch- Vintage with Consigned Bow
I'm a huge fan of colour blocking  pattern mixing but sometimes I'm in the mood for a more simple, refined look, one that's plus facile (easy).  For a busy day of meetings and office work I paired black, blue & white clothing with playful accessories and loved the end result.




Do you prefer complex or simplistic ensembles?

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

tiaraiconconstruction zone

Blazer- Marshalls (worn like this); Top (worn like this)- Spoof; Capris (worn like this); Shoes, Necklace & Bracelet- Thrifted; Ring- Gifted from my Mum; Sunglasses- Aldo
I'm very excited because in less than a week, the man and I take ownership of our new house!!! I can't wait to upgrade our space from a one bedroom condo and I figure since we've gotten along so well (minus a few human & feline cat fights) in such a small space, pas de problème in our new abode! We even bought walky talkies for communication purposes since the house is so big (and because we're dorks) so now I can page him to bring me a glass of water in bed (or more likely wine), over and out!


Maybe I spoke too soon because there is one grand problème and that is that the street we're moving to is currently under water and sewage construction (see photographic evidence) until at least spring 2013.  Good thing I already sleep with ear plugs, bring on the noise! (just not on a weekend morning s'il vous plaît!) And if you must wake me up on my days off, please ensure that only the cutest construction workers are stationed outside my house- that will make the noise more bearable!
Have you ever had to live in a noisy environment? How did you deal with it?

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

tiaraiconnutritious nachos & a 99 cent skirt

I love food.  I get excited when it's meal time and my favourite nights out involve dining at new restaurants (or re-visiting old favourites).  Since moving to a whole foods, plant based diet (no animal products and a reduction in processed items), I've had to become more creative in the kitchen.  Before I started this lifestyle change (a few months ago), I was a cheese guzzling vegetarian who slathered everything in ooey gooey and nachos were my guiltiest culinary delight.  And then I discovered nutritional yeast and it was love at first sight taste. Dairy free, delicious and healthy, what could be better?
 

My favourite vegetable (fruit?) is avocado- I can't get enough of the creamy texture and fresh flavour and of course nachos aren't complete without guacamole, especially when it's as easy to make as Alton Brown's recipe (I substituted lemon for lime and have made different versions with seeded jalapenos, green onions and black beans). I don't let the guacamole sit for an hour before serving as suggested in the recipe (because I'm an instant gratification kind of gal and let's be honest, who can stare at guacamole for 60 minutes without digging in!)


And now for the nacho 'cheese' sauce, follow this protein rich recipe and you can't go wrong (just keep stirring, the consistency will thicken up as it heats).   


And for the pièce de résistance I smothered blue corn chips (I like Que Pasa brand the best) in nutritional yeast sauce, topped with green peppers, jalapenos, black olives & red onions with homemade guacamole for dipping.  I can honestly say that my man and I both loved this nutritious vegan alternative and I can't wait to serve it at my upcoming Mexican themed dinner party!
Skirt (cost 99 cents), Top & Belt- Thrifted; Shoes- Consigned; Jewellery- Sears
And if nachos aren't your thing (gasp!), here are some outfit photos to keep you interested (and no those aren't bedroom eyes and pouty lips; that's my grumpy, just woke up look!)

One more thing about my newfound obsession with nutritional yeast, it makes a great popcorn topping! My favourite movie snack recipe includes chili powder, cumin & nutritional yeast (and I use Earth Balance vegan spread instead of butter).  Nutritional yeast has a nutty flavour and I much prefer its natural taste to the processed vegan 'cheeses' (my man described Daiya as melted cardboard- yuck!)

Are you a nacho nut like me?

Monday, July 23, 2012

tiaraiconfrom work to weekend

Work:
Pants, Belt & Bracelets- ThriftedTop- LoftShoes- Payless w/ Vintage Earrings; Purse- Gap; Necklaces- Dragon Moon & RW&CO; Ring- H&M


I'm a huge fan of colours, the brighter the better but sometimes I'm in the mood for pastels.  Last week I unearthed my thrifted Banana Republic pale blue pants (bought over 5 years ago) and took them from work to weekend, with just a change in accessories and shoes.  I'm always amazed at how different styling can completely transform the same items of clothing.  I really honed my remixing skills with Kendi Everyday's 30x30 challenge (which I really wish she would initiate again- maybe we should all petition!)



I'm linking up to Inspiration Monday, where reality tv star Kristin Cavallari has me lusting over her purple pants (hmm wonder if I could thrift a pair?

******************************************************************************
Weekend:

Pants, Belt, Clutch, Bracelets, Scarf & Shoes- Thrifted; Top- Loft






How do you take a look from work to weekend?

Sunday, July 22, 2012

tiaraiconcabin fever


Shorts- Joe Fresh (Gifted from my Dad); Top, Belt & Bracelet- Thrifted; Sunglasses- Aldo; Sandals- Priceless UK (Gifted from my Mum)
"Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing.”
(Alexander Wang)

Yesterday was just one of those permanent smile, happy to be alive kind of days.  My man and I headed up to my best friends' cottage for a lazy Saturday afternoon.  Even though we were only 30 minutes away from home, I was so relaxed it felt like we were vacationing on a tropical beach.  Playing with their life-jacket clad pugs, floating in the lake, playing board games outside, sipping wine and enjoying nature was how I spent six hours and I couldn't think of a better way to unwind and enjoy some Emily (+crew) time!

What made the day even more special was knowing that this is the last weekend for at least a month that I will be able to relax (travelling for work next weekend & then moving, unpacking & setting up the new house for many weekends to come!)

These polka dotted shorts are the most comfortable bottoms I own and for good reason.... they're pj shorts (thanks Dad!) If Jody (from RHOV) can wear ghastly furry Prada slippers to lunch, then I can wear pj shorts to the cabin! :)






How do you mellow out on your days off?

Friday, July 20, 2012

tiaraiconsnake shoe splurge

Shoes- Urban OutfittersDress- Loft; Belt, Necklace & Bracelet- Thrifted; Glasses- Gucci
I am usually very frugal when it comes to shoes and therefore most of my collection is thrifted.  However since I've been having thrifted shoe problems lately, I thought I deserved a treat.  On our way to see the musical Wicked, a girl friend and I stopped at Urban Outfitters for a quick browse.  And that's when I laid eyes on these beauties.  The price tag ($69- eeek!) scared me but I knew they had to be mine, with all those colours, they're versatile plus they're closed toed so I can wear them throughout autumn too (when I feel guilty about indulgent purchases, practical justifications make me feel better!) My only concern was that they would be leather or even real snakeskin (which I believe to be cruel and unnecessary with all the imitation fakes these days) but the animal advocate/sales associate ensured we they were 100% man-made material so I can proudly say no snakes were harmed in the wearing of these fabbity-fab shoes! (can you tell I'm in love with them?)

When I don't know what to wear, this orangey-red dress I bought at Loft in San Diego for under $20 is my go-to frock.  I've styled it with fishnets, a cape & a bauble necklace and I never grow tired of its simple style and bright hue.  

Shoes- Urban Outfitters; Pants (worn like this & this)- Gap; Top, Belt & Bracelet- Thrifted; Necklace- Smart Set;  Nail Polish- Red Tape by Wet & Wild & Golddigger by Aldo
In fact I love these faux snakeskin talon hauts so much I wore them twice this week- a more dressy approach for working with clients and then today for a casual Friday look. 




I give you permission to be indulgent and splurge at least once this weekend, you know you deserve it! :) 

Thursday, July 19, 2012

tiaraiconLWD

Dress (worn like this)- Gap; Blazer, Purse & Shoes- Thrifted; Jewellery- Dragon Moon (Boutique in Perth, ON)
I think both a LBD (or multiple in my case!) & a LWD (little white dress) are wardrobe essentials for all women.  They are extremely versatile and can be styled in a multitude of ways.  There's nothing fresher than a white dress, cotton blazer and simple accessories plus it's a great way to beat the heat (and humidity, especially if you're in Ottawa right now!) I've heard people say you shouldn't wear white (or black for that matter) if you're fair skinned but I don't abide by rules, dress for yourself and whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident!

Many components of this outfit are secondhand so I'm linking up to Coffee & Cardigan's Thrifter Thursday!


Do you prefer to wear a LBD or LWD?