Trend Crush: Burgundy

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Happy Friday! This week seemed to just fly by. I made some serious progress on my art hunt (I can't wait to finish up this gallery wall) and got back to my workout schedule which feels great. 

This week's Trend Crush is one of my all time favourite fall colours. There is something so rich and sophisticated about burgundy, and it really works on anyone. I love it paired with black, leopard print and against a crisp white shirt. What's you're favourite fall colour?

xo

Mini Carrot Loaves

After seeing this recipe in the September issue of Style at Home, I knew I had to try it. The perfect start to my list of fall recipes. These mini carrot loaves are not only adorable, but taste incredible. So many flavours in one tiny loaf (carrot, pumpkin, shredded coconut and cinnamon) and did I mention the cream cheese icing? Delicious. 

I used half a cup of unsalted melted butter rather than vegetable oil, and found I needed to bake them a few minutes longer. I highly recommend trying this recipe!

xo

Weekend Getaway

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Canadian Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and Andrew and I will be heading to Whistler for the weekend with some friends. There's nothing I love more than heading north for a weekend getaway filled with crisp fall air, hot chocolate and curling up by a fire.

I'm also looking forward to layering up into some cozy knits!

xo

Pink Collar

Blouse: Aritzia | Jeans: Citizens of Humanity | Necklace: Anthropologie | Bracelet: c/o Lauren Elan

Happy Monday! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. I spent most of mine working on some condo projects, including building a gallery wall. If you have any suggestions for finding great prints, artwork, photography etc, please share!

On Saturday I hiked the Chief (a mountain in BC) with Andrew and some friends, which really proved how out of shape I've gotten! Looks like lots of running and workouts in my future. It was also the first day of fall, and Vancouver sure got the memo. It was pretty dark and gloomy all weekend, not a good sign for the next few months over here! Time to pull out the scarves, umbrellas and rain boots.

xo

Trend Crush: Leather Shorts&Skirts

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I have to admit, the idea of a leather skirt or shorts once intimidated me. So sophisticated and daring, I was unsure I could pull them off. However the more I've been seeing them worn, with a casual sweater especially, the more I've been wanting to add a bit of leather to my own wardrobe. I really love this pair  of shorts from TopShop and this skirt from Urban Outfitters.

xo

Top Knot

Dress: Aritzia (similar) | Boots: Modern Vintage | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Lauren Elan and vintage | Earrings: Anthropologie

Well I have finally figured out how to do a top knot. It's so easy, I know, but for some reason I just couldn't get it right. I'm really fussy about my hair when it's up, but now that my bangs have grown out it's so easy to throw it up that I've been doing it more often. The trick, for me, is to pile it high rather than wide, does that make sense? Maybe sometime I will do a how-to incase anyone else has been as challenged as me!

xo

Three Bean Salad

There are two things I really love about this salad, the crunchy green beans and how filling it is (making it great for lunch). Oh and it's SO easy. Be sure to try it while green beans and tomatoes are still in season at your local markets.

Three Bean Salad

- approximately two cups of green beans

- one can of white beans (or chickpeas)

- one can of red kidney beans

- a pint of cherry tomatoes 

- a small handful of fresh basil

- one clove of garlic

- three tablespoons of olive oil

- two tablespoons of red wine vinegar 

Blanch green beans. Drain and rinse both cans of beans. Chop tomatoes and basil. Toss all together in a bowl. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar and crushed garlic clove (salt and pepper) and drizzle over salad. You could also add feta. Enjoy!

xo

Trend Crush: Military

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What I love most about military pieces, is how they add a certain edge to a more feminine outfit. Mixed with lace, bows or red lips you create a perfectly balanced look. I'm loving the TEXTILE Elizabeth and James jacket in image one, as well as the Emerson Fry jacket in image four. Such a perfect addition to any fall wardrobe (even though I already own two).

xo

Fitted Stripes

Dress: Anthropologie | Necklace: Anthropologie | Purse: Tory Burch | Boots: Dolce Vita | Watch: Michael Kors

I would normally shy away from such a fitted dress, however my love for stripes drew me to try this one on and I was so happy I did! The dress is so comfortable, yet feels very chic. I've worn it to several different occasions, work, dinner, drinks... and will definitely be carrying it into fall (with the addition of a fur vest perhaps). 

On another note of things I've been shying away from, this little blog has finally started a Facebook page! I will be sharing all of my latest posts, some instagram shots and a few outtakes that don't make it to the blog, so make sure you head on over and "like" it!

xo

Fall Basics

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Although there are many trends I look forward to embracing this summer, I always need to start with the basics. A neutral sweater, the perfect pair of dark blue skinny jeans, a statement necklace, etc... Then I can layer on some fun trendy pieces as I go (a leather peplum top for example).

What are some of your go-to basics this season?

xo

Trend Crush: Maxi Skirt

Images found here

Although I am not much of a skirt kinda girl, (dresses and denim are my go-to pieces) I recently purchased a maxi skirt that I adore. I've been wearing it with tanks and wedge sandals, however I look forward to carrying it into the cooler fall days. I love how all of these ladies have layered up their maxi skirts with sweaters, hats and scarves, as well as pairing them with booties to be seasonally appropriate (and to keep warm of course).

xo

Hey Girl

Top: Patterson Kincaid | Jeans: Citizens of Humanity | Shoes: Anthropologie | Watch: Michael Kors | Necklace: Stella and Dot 

My new favourite pair of jeans put a smile on my face.

xo

Homemade Hummus

Hummus has been a long time favourite dip of mine. Delicious with pita chips as well as a healthier option for a veggie dip. I'm a strong believer that everything tastes better from scratch, especially hummus! 

After some trial and error, this is my go-to hummus recipe. 

- 1 can of chickpeas (rinsed) 

- 3 cloves of garlic (or 4 for some kick)

- 4 tablespoons of olive oil

- 1 tablespoon of tahini 

- half a teaspoon of cumin

- a pinch or two of cayenne pepper 

- salt and pepper 

- the juice and zest of one lemon 

Throw everything into a food processor and blend until the ingredients turn into a paste. Done!

xo

Wedding Bells

What I'm wearing | Dress: Anthropologie | Shoes: Tory Burch

Over the long weekend Andrew and I attended his cousin's wedding in the Okanagan, which has quickly become my favourite part of BC. We spent a few days there, enjoying family time, wine tasting and lots of good food. 

Hope you all enjoyed the long weekend as well! Can you believe it's already September!?

xo