Monday 29 June 2015

OOTD - Little Black Dress for Summer


I know that we're officially into the summer months now, and should be embracing the season with a colourful wardrobe, but there's something to be said for a little black dress - even in the warmer months! This Aritzia Bennett dress is one of my favourites, and I especially like wearing it in the summer for nights out.  To say that I've worn this dress to death is an understatement, so I try to change up my accessories to make it look fresh and new every time.  Enter this gorgeous statement necklace from Happiness Boutique.  I love how the silver of the necklace is so striking against the black, and adding a big floppy hat puts me right in my comfort zone.  


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Friday 26 June 2015

OOTD - Navy Shift Dress For Travel



Lately I've been battling some pretty serious wanderlust - you know, the type that has you so itching for adventure that it takes everything in you not to run to the nearest airport to purchase a plane ticket to anywhere.  Knowing that our next trip isn't until the end of August, I've managed to get a control the travel-bug with getting out to different parts of the city and exploring Toronto beyond the comfort of my own neighbourhood.  When the beautiful Cynthia from Pinch of Chic suggested that we meet in her area of TO, I jumped at the chance!  You guys know how much I love meeting fellow bloggers, and getting to explore an unknown area was icing on the cake.  I chose to wear an outfit that I would likely wear while traveling; a breezy navy shift dress, trusty Chloé 'Drew' inspired bag from Forever 21 and my favourite Camel traveling hat.  Simple, classic and totally comfortable -everything that you would want in a travel outfit, even if it is while playing tourist in your own city.


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Thursday 25 June 2015

Blog Talk - 5 Tips To Deal With Blogger FOMO

Picture via picjumbo


We've all been there - you're casually scrolling through your Instagram feed and are bombarded with dazzling images of fellow bloggers jet setting to exotic vacations, attending dazzling events, and modelling high-end designer duds.  You would have to have a resolve made of steel to not experience a little FOMO - fear of missing out.  In an age where we're able a curate a wonderful picture of our lives through the magic of social media, it seems as though you just can't escape the pangs of jealousy that inevitably come along with being active online.

As bloggers, we're constantly interacting with one another online - and are highly aware of what each other are doing.  I can personally admit that I've been at home in my PJs scrolling through my Instagram feed and wallowing in a self-pity party as I stare at photos of girls and guys who seem to have a much more exciting life than I have - FOMO is real!  To deal with the blogger FOMO I've been practicing these 5 tips that help to dissolve feelings of jealousy and bring me back down to earth.

1. Unplug


Call is self-destructive, but why does it seem like the easiest - and most obvious - way to deal with online envy is often the hardest.  As much as I crave to track blogger x's next move on a fabulous vacation via social media, the healthiest thing to do is to unplug and step away from the Internet and do something productive.  I like to tidy up, walk Fritz, start reading a good book - anything to keep my attention long enough to avoid the temptation of looking at the screen.  By taking any energy you would spend on your FOMO and using it towards something productive, you'll be distracted long enough to forget about your blogger envy and be left with feelings of satisfaction from getting a task done.

2. Take a Look At Your Own Social Media Feeds


It's so easy to lose track of the fact that everyone is projecting the very best image of themselves through social media, and there's the inevitable mediocrity that comes along with life that doesn't get staged and posted.  The best way to get a reality check is to scroll through your own feed - looks pretty good, right?  I know that I certainly am not posting the fact that I ate cereal for dinner three nights in a row - but will definitely post when I'm out having dinner on a chic patio.  Use yourself as the example. and trust that the bloggers giving you the FOMO aren't tracking the less glamorous aspects of their own lives either.

One of my favourite big-time bloggers Kayla from Not Your Standard just wrote a beautiful post addressing this very issue here.

3. Own Your Hood


This is specifically for that pesky FOMO that comes from following bloggers that live in world-class destinations - I'm talking your Manhattanite, Californian, European bloggers who seem to have a never ending supply of post-card like photos that fill your feed.  The best way to stop coveting a metropolitan hometown is to get out, explore and own your city. Does your town have a picturesque park, a cute coffee shop, or a colourful florist?  Embrace it!  Once you start viewing your own city as a destination you won't even be phased by the location shots in your feed.

4. Create Your Own Events


Sometimes it seems like everyone and their Grandmother are out at media events, socializing at trendy hot-spots, brunching on patios, etcetera, etcetera.  Instead of wondering if your invite got lost in the mail, why not create your own event?  Try reaching out to some local bloggers in your area that you've connected with through the blogosphere or social media and rally everyone together.  The meet up doesn't need to be formal - even a casual happy hour or afternoon latte to talk shop can be just what the doctor ordered to cure FOMO!

5. Turn FOMO into Fire


Taking the first tip a little further, channeling that jealous FOMO energy and throwing it back into your own blog or project is sometimes just the push that you need to get your head in the game.  There's nothing wrong with a little healthy competition - even if it's completely one sided on your part.  Plan out your blogging editorial calendar, make a list of potential blog posts, research, strategize - get hungry.  Taking any energy that would be expelled on jealous feelings and pouring it back into your own blog can spark your creative and strategic brain, and has the potential to yield huge results!

What do you guys think?  Is Blogger FOMO real, do you experience it?  If so, how do you manage it?  I would love for you to join the discussion!

xo Joëlle


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Monday 22 June 2015

OOTD - White On White + Fast Fashion Bags


This sunny weather though - could there be anything better?  Now that summer has officially started, I've been trying to fill up my weekends with lots of outdoor activities.  On Saturday we took a mini road trip down to Niagara-On-The-Lake to walk along its flower-covered streets. To keep comfortable, I wore a classic white lace sundress and my trusty oversized cardigan, with some neutral tone accessories to keep everything balanced - including this Chloe 'Drew' inspired bag! Read on for more details.


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Thursday 18 June 2015

OOTD - Black Lace Shorts


A woman of 30 in shorts?  Say it 'aint so! As I've mentioned before in numerous posts, if there's a rule book for fashion than I must have misplaced my copy.  My guiding principals for personal style revolve around dressing in a way that makes you feel good.  Granted, I'm not one to typically chose shorts; as a pear shaped gal, I've learned to stay away from them - that is, until I spotted these black lace babies.  I love how the black lace detail on the trim of the shorts gives them a really unique and beautiful finish.  To make the outfit fit within my comfort zone, I chose to pair the black lace shorts with an oversized neutral sweater.  If I'm ever out grabbing cocktails on a Friday night in the summer, this is typically what you would find me wearing.

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Tuesday 16 June 2015

OOTD - The Pink Wall


So I found a pink wall in my neighbourhood in Toronto.  Ever since I spotted the wall on my nightly Fritz-walk, it's been all that I can think of.  Take any old outfit and parade it against a pink wall, and you've reached another level - or so I like to think anyways.  My classic go-to outfit of a chambray shirt and patterned skirt seems just a little more special, although I can't tell if it's the wall or the fact that the pattern in the skirt is floral. Either way, I'm happy!


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Friday 12 June 2015

OOTD - Floral Sundress And Oversized Cardigan


Although it isn't quite summer yet, the sunshine that  we've been getting lately has got me in the warm-weather spirit.  I decided to indulge in some summer essentials - a floral dress, sunglasses, a frappuccino and Fritz.  This floral sundress is a tad short, but is made totally wearable with an oversized cardigan.


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Thursday 11 June 2015

Blog Tips - My Blogging Business Cards from Minted


Blogging is a funny thing, no?  What started as a little experiment to document my 30 thing to do before 30 list has now evolved into a part-time job of sorts, and I couldn't be happier with how things are progressing!  With taking your blog more seriously comes a lot of exciting opportunities, and I've come to realize that having a business card is essential when navigating the world of networking as a blogger. After trying to write my blog address or Instagram handle on cocktail napkins one too many times, I finally bit the bullet and had business cards printed for my blog.
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Monday 8 June 2015

OOTD - Mint Floral Dress


Nothing solidifies the fact that the warm weather is here to stay than the first bike ride on my beloved dutch step-through bicycle - or 'Betty Blue' as I like to call her (last seen in my 30 Before 30 post.) This style of bike is actually meant to accommodate riding in a skirt, so I chose to celebrate that by donning a cute floral mint skater dress - perfect for warm weekends!  I'm no stranger to a good floral pattern, but usually chose those that are set against a dark background so this mint number is a nice change for me.  Bonus points for this flowered mint dress matching my blue bike - score!  Summer, I'm ready for you!

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Wednesday 3 June 2015

OOTD - Pale Blue Maxi Skirt


'Tis the season for the maxi skirt, and this Noob couldn't be happier!  As someone who's body mimic's the shape of a pear, a maxi skirt is the perfect way to stay cool in the summer without being uncomfortable.  Long time readers know how fond I am of my blush pink maxi skirt, so I had decided a few months ago that I needed to add another to my collection.  Imagine my delight when I saw this pale, flowy beauty at Zara.  This maxi skirt is perfect and although Zara describes the colour as a pearled grey, to me I pick up more of a pale blue.  Paired with a simple black haltered crop top, I think I've found my summer go-to outfit for warm nights.


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Monday 1 June 2015

OOTD - Saturday Farmer's Market


There's a saying that goes 'A Sunday well spent brings a week of content.'  As much as I love a good proverb, I'm going to have to disagree with this one - to me, a happy and productive Saturday definitely dictates the direction that the following week will take.  I love a busy Saturday, and lately in the warmer months I always start it off with a visit to the St. Lawrence Market - a farmer's market here in Toronto that's right in my neighbourhood.  Comfort is key when browsing local produce and goods, making a lacy white shift dress an obvious choice for the occasion. A denim jacket is perfect to pair with a flowy white dress to keep it from looking like a night gown, and a tote is a must when visiting any farmer's market to avoid the icy stares of merchants when asking for a bag.  Lazy Sunday - no way!  I'm starting a movement towards proactive Saturdays.  Hashtag, anyone? #productivesaturdays


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