Coco Loco

Nothing says summer weather like a white outfit on (fake) tanned skin. I'm partnered with longdistanceloving today for a Winning in White link-up post.

I decided to add a pop of pink via these adorable Joe Fresh shorts.

Details

Shirt: Suzy Shier

Shorts: Joe Fresh

Shoes: Aldo

Necklace: Forever 21

Bracelet: Gift

Coco Loco

1.5 oz light rum

1 oz cream of coconut liqueur

0.5 oz amaretto

dash of grenadine

few dashes of milk

0.5 oz pineapple juice

 0.5 cup of ice

Combine in a blender and serve in a fancy glass!

For those of you who've yet to accept your pale skin (I wish I could say I like my natural skin tone), I've finally found my can't-live-without product. My friend and hairstylist introduced me to Fake Bake Flawless several months ago, and it's the best sunless tanner I've found. You apply the spray onto a mitten and then rub it on. It dries really fast and doesn't have that gross DHA smell. I'll try to do a dedicated before/after post soon.

Photo credit

Fake Bake did well for me in Jamaica, except for one day where it came off my chest a bit. I think that mishap was due to the higher alcohol content in the spray sunscreen I was using, so I switched back to lotion.

I tan very minimally naturally and since I work in cancer care, I'm insanely against trying to get a tan the traditional way.

Do you use sunless tanner? If so, what are your favorite products?

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Spirits and Stripes

As I shiver in the chilly Halifax weather (I should have ordered a hot chai latte instead of iced!), I can't help but wish I were back in the heat of Jamaica. 

The off-centeredness of my necklace bugs me

Details
Dress worn as tank and skirt: Forever 21 (South Portland)
Sandals: Aldo (Vancouver)
Bag: Coach (Halifax)
Bracelet: Boutique in St. John's
Necklace: A/X Armani Exchange (NYC)

Bad photo of me, good photo of infinity pool

 One of the highlights of the trip was a nighttime guided tour of the Great Hall, a mansion built on a plantation in the 1770's. Legend has it that the mansion is haunted by the ghost of Annie Palmer, her three murdered husbands and many slave lovers.

Note the creepy face in the mirror. It only showed up in a few photos. Clever special effects or  a lost soul?

While the tour succeeded in creeping me out a bit, the scarier components were the bats flying around outside and the hundreds of black flies (many used my arms as a buffet).

If you get the chance to visit the Great Hall, it's a fun experience. History buffs will love the antiques and silk wallpaper.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Rose Ceremony

Out of all the reality shows out there, my favorite is The Bachelorette (and The Bachelor, but there are more guys in the Bachelorette so naturally it's my pick). Sure, I get into Survivor now and then and have been known to dabble in American Idol and America's Next Top Model, but I always follow Chris Harrison and his hopefuls. 

Tonight, the ninth season of the show starts! I'll be popping a bottle of wine and waiting to see what kind of antics the guys will pull to stand out in the crowd. 

I think Desiree is going to make a good Bachelorette. She seems to have the personality for it, and she's certainly super-cute. I'll be keeping a close eye on what she's wearing. As a bridal stylist, she must have an eye for fashion and will be looking to impress. I wonder if she wears her own clothes or if she gets a clothing budget from ABC?

Rose Ceremony by jennifer-merlin featuring a gold knot bracelet

Jane Norman summer dress, $91 / ALDO platform heels / Juicy Couture leather handbag / Kate Spade post earrings / C. Wonder lace collar necklace / H&M gold knot bracelet, $9.04


I arranged an outfit that would be appropriate for a rose ceremony. I've been obsessed with maxi dresses lately and bought a casual one at H&M last weekend. I can't wait to style it with my denim jacket. 

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Miami Vice

It's Memorial Day weekend south of the border! Here in Canada, we had our Victoria Day long weekend last week (thank goodness for Monday off as I was exhausted from traveling). I'm linking up with longdistanceloving for an outfit that best represents the holiday, so I saved the red, white, and blue for today. 

Details

Shirt: BB Dakota (Twisted Muse, Halifax)

Tank: Le Chateau (Halifax)

Skirt: Gap (Halifax)

Shoes: Aldo (Halifax)

Clutch: Guess (Century 21, NYC)

Earrings: The Black Market (Halifax)

Belt: Forever 21 (South Portland)

I wish I could take all the scenery from Jamaica home with me... It was heaven for a style blogger. My photographer (mom) was incredibly patient and took all the photos. I almost fired her after she dropped my camera lens first into the sand, but it survived. Even if it had've broken, it would've forced me to buy a "real one", which wouldn't be a bad thing :)

Miami Vice

5 oz 151 “overproof” rum
1 can frozen piña colada mix
1 can frozen daiquiri mix
2 c. ice
Fresh strawberries

Blend piña colada mix with 2.5 oz of rum and 1 c. ice in a blender. Set aside. Blend daiquiri mix with 2.5 oz of rum and 1 c. ice in a blender. Fill half a glass with the piña colada, rum and ice mixture then add the daiquiri, rum and ice mixture to the top. Garnish with strawberries.

I don't even want to think about how many calories were in one of these drinks, but they were SO GOOD!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Melon Ball

Jamaica weather was incredible. I was expecting it to be sweltering hot, but there was always a nice breeze that kept things comfortable.There's nothing quite like laying on a beach chair, sipping a cold drink, and listening to gentle waves and reggae to make you feel totally relaxed. 

Details

Dress: XOXO via Macys

Shoes: Le Chateau

Beaded bracelet: Le Chateau

Bangle bracelet and earrings: gifts

One thing that didn't stay relaxed was my hair - totally unpredictable! I would do the exact same thing to my hair every day.... some days it looked good and some days not so much. For those days, there was a bun! Also not so relaxing - low flying pelicans!

Curly haired girls, what's your secret product potion for amazing hair that defies humidity?


Melon Ball

2 oz Midori melon liqueur 
1 oz vodka
4 oz pineapple juice

Shake and serve!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Dirty Banana

Hello readers! I'm back from my week in glorious Jamaica and have decided to title all my vacation posts with the names of my favorite drinks from the trip. Check the end of the post for the recipe!

We stayed at the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites in Jamaica and it was a stunning resort. The staff were super- friendly, the food was outstanding, and the entire place was kept so perfectly clean.  It was my first time in Jamaica, and it won't be my last! 

I was honored to stand as a bridesmaid in my dear friend's wedding, and the 59 of us who went for the wedding had a great time!

These photos were taken the night we arrived and it was the only time my hair was straight all week.

Details

Dress: Suzy Shier (Halifax)

Shoes: Call it Spring (Halifax)

Bag: Guess (Century 21, NYC)

Bracelet: The Black Market (Halifax)

Dirty Banana

1 ounce rum-based coffee liqueur
1 ounce rum cream
2 ounces milk
1/2 ounce simple syrup (a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 sugar that is simmered until sugar is dissolved)
1/2 banana
1 cup ice

Blend and serve in an iced glass. 

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

The Striped Blazer

My closet has been fed three blazers in the past few months! I've been inspired by other fashion bloggers to incorporate the classic piece into my wardrobe. Miss Melissa has a lot of great blazer looks in her archives - seriously, check them out!

Details

Blazer and black tank: Suzy Shier (Halifax)

Jeans: Joe's Jeans (Value Village, Halifax)

Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger (Gift)

Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita (Macys, San Francisco)

Belt: Levis (Halifax)

Necklace: Forever 21 (LA)

 I cannot believe I forgot to take a photo of my hair. It's in a sock bun.... which may seem like no big deal to you, but given the amount of time it's taken me to actually achieve one that's appropriate to wear in public, it's a major deal to me. For those of you who are sock bun challenged, go out and get a mesh donut instead of using a real sock.

longdistanceloving is hosting a link-up today to celebrate stripes, which is a pattern I ADORE. I was probably a sailor in a previous life.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Thanks Amanda

This is the last of my studio shots by Amanda Brownhill. It makes such a huge difference to have someone talented take your photos, so thanks Amanda for putting up with me and all of my outfit changes.

Photos by Amanda Brownhill Photography

 Details

Jacket: Danier (Halifax)

Jeans: Aeropostale (Halifax)

Shirt: Joe Fresh (Halifax)

Necklace: H&M (San Francisco)

Shoes: Old Navy (Halifax)

Usually I get either R or my mom to take my photos and I also use my tripod a lot, although I'm pretty shy about using the tripod in public (gotta get over that...)

For all the other bloggers reading - who takes your photos?

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Jamaica Time

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Monday! As you're reading this, I'm probably floating in the sea near Montego Bay slathered in sunblock. I put together a beach vacation outfit that would be appropriate for the tropics - it makes me wish I had a maxi dress! Something to add to my forever growing wish list....

Destination Tropics by jennifer-merlin featuring a hinged bangle bracelet

Ella Moss racerback dress, $270 / Topshop greek sandals / Rag & Bone coral handbag / J.Crew golden earring / J.Crew hinged bangle bracelet / 2b straw fedora / Original abstract painting - water lilies in blue green - 12" X 12" X... / Handmade Watercolor Abstract Blue and Green Field and Sky Painting-...

Aren't those coral earrings adorable?

Have a wonderful week!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Denim Jacket 2013 Style

A few years ago, I gave away my denim jacket. This year, I thought I wanted it back. Now that I've replaced the old one, I realize that the jean jackets of years gone by are not quite up to par with the ones that have come back for spring 2013. 

Details

Denim Jacket: Old Navy (Halifax)

Jeans: Joe Fresh (Halifax)

Shirt: Lucky Brand Jeans (Toronto)

Cardigan: H&M (Vancouver)

Shoes: Cole Haan (Freedman's, Vancouver)

Bag: Coach (Edmonton)

Earrings: What on Earth (Dartmouth)

Scarf: Le Chateau (Halifax)

Sunglasses: D&G (Sunglass Hut, Dartmouth)

My old jean jacket was a dark wash with no variation, hit at my natural waist, and was quite boxy. This new version has a softer faded look (which can be seen really well from the back - I'll get a rear view next time), ends a bit lower on my torso, and has a tailored fit.

Have you bought a new denim jacket this year? Where did you find it?

This post is linked with longdistanceloving for an easy weekend wear theme. I'm off to Jamaica for a wedding - yippee!! I have a few posts lined up for next week (MWF, as usual) and I'll be sure to share some tropical style posts on my return!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Good Girl Goes Bad

Those who know me know I can't live without my leather jackets. The problem is, unless I'm outside, the leather aspect of the outfit is gone as soon as I go indoors and take off my outerwear. 

Not so with this shirt! I love the leather detail at the collar and down the front and back.

Photo by Amanda Brownhill Photography

Details

Shirt: Club Monaco (Halifax)

Jeans: Old Navy (Halifax)

Shoes: Nine West (Edmonton)

Bag: Coach (Halifax)

Bracelet: Joe Fresh (Halifax)

I wore this outfit to an In Flight Safety concert at The Marquee in Halifax back in March. Yes, I know that was a long time ago, but I'm hoarding the photos from my session with Amanda (only one more left to share).

The Bachelorette starts again on May 27th! Can't wait! I feel like there hasn't been much on TV lately... which is fine because I've been super crazy busy with things far more interesting than TV. I'm looking forward to a very relaxing time next week in the tropics!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Dressing Down a Blouse

Something I've been striving to do over the past year is to make my wardrobe more grown-up. When faced with the decision between two pieces, I try to ask myself, "Is something a teenager would likely buy?" and try to stay away from things that could be found in the closet of a high schooler. Note: This rule does not apply to what any of the Pretty Little Liars cast would wear as they dress beyond their years. In fact, I can see a little Spencer in this outfit.

Sometimes I look at the new blouses in my closet and want to wear them, but don't want to "dress up". I find the addition of denim, inexpensive jewelry  and a hat can take things down a notch and make blouses look much less stuffy.

Details

Blouse: Forever 21 (San Francisco)

Hat: Smart Set (Halifax)

Jeans: Guess by Marciano (Vancouver)

Boots: Steve Madden (Toronto)

Bag: Coach (Edmonton)

Necklace: Forever 21 (South Portland)

Bracelets: Gifts, Forever 21, Suzy Shier

How do you dress down blouses?

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Forever Floral?

Flowers are everywhere this spring and I'm not just talking about in the garden. Shirts, dresses, pants, jeans, bags - buds are blooming. For this week's link up with longdistanceloving titled May Flowers (after last week's April Showers) I'm in an outfit with a touch of floral, as I prefer this trend in small doses.

Details

Jacket: Danier (Halifax)

Jeans: Target (San Francisco)

Shirt: American Apparel (Vancouver)

Sneakers: Skechers (The Shoe Company, Halifax)

If you're looking to dabble in this trend without going overboard, I suggest this fabulous Zara scarf (they ship to Canada now). I LOVE the pattern and you can pull so many colors from it to complete your look.

Have you embraced the floral trend, or are you happy to keep your flowers in pretty vases? My prediction: florals will still be hot for fall.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Night Out: Celebrity Studies with Lainey

I had no idea what to expect when I was invited to spend an evening chatting celebrity scandal with Lainey from e Talk. This was her second year hosting the Faculty of Celebrity Studies at FRED in Halifax, but the first year I had the pleasure of attending.

The evening started with some yummy cocktails (mixed with vitaminwater- if you're gonna indulge might as well make the mix good for you), delicious finger foods, and mingling. Then Lainey took the stage and hosted a few hours of terrific conversation centered around celebrity gossip. The chat got quite lively, and at times was a lot deeper than I expected, especially when the conversation turned to the topic of how babies have become one of the hottest accessories in Hollywood.

Lainey was an amazing moderator and really got the audience talking (except for the shy ones like me). I'm much more a listener in those situations. Lainey said that both years she's held the evening in Halifax, a big celebrity scandal broke out right before the event. In 2012 it was the Twilight cheating drama, and this year was Reese's "Do you know who I am?" speech. Yes -we talked about Reese. No - Lainey wasn't shocked by her comment.

Fred brought out some of his delicious cupcakes for our recess. I tried the chocolate almond and the lemon (don't judge me - they were minis and darn worth it).

Me, Lainey, Kerianne, Kayla

My outfit included a tunic from Forever 21, shoes from Le Chateau, and an Ann Taylor blazer.

Check out another post on the evening by Kayla from Short Presents.

Lainey, come back next year please! We loved having you! If you don't follow Lainey's blog already, it's a perfect (and totally entertaining) way to keep up with celebrity happenings.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl