Little Penguins

Sometimes when I need a pick-me-up, I'll watch a live penguin webcam. It's impossible not to smile! Imagine my disappointment when at the Vancouver Aquarium, the penguins were standing together in a little clump... doing absolutely nothing. Maybe they were protesting the weather. The little guys in my photo aren't real.

Details

Jacket: Tommy Hilfiger

Tank: Diesel via Winners

Pants: Uniqlo

Sneakers: Keds

Bag: Coach

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Terrifying!!

Excuse my lack of writing in this week's blog posts. Our house is turned inside out at the moment, and I have no time for my usual effort!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Too Rainy

Vancouver gets a lot of rain, but usually it's of the friendly sort. Pop an umbrella, and you're good. The day these photos were taken, it was monsoon-like. The outdoor chairs at Milestones in English Bay were blowing over and there was no way to take blog pics outside. So here you have the inside of the St Regis Hotel.

Details

Jacket: Old Navy

Shirt: Smart Set

Pants: H&M

Shoes: BCBGeneration via Winners

Bracelet and short necklace: Stella & Dot

Long necklace: Origami Owl

I had to swap out the jean jacket for a raincoat! I have a feeling I'm going to be wearing this denim jacket a lot in the months to come. Even though it's less than a year old and hasn't been used much, it has a soft worn-in feel to it.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

One Day of Sun

Ahh Vancouver. You're pretty when you're rainy and stunning when you're sunny. Apologies for the quality of there photos. Since upgrading to the Canon Rebel, I no longer have a travel-friendly camera that I can pop in my purse, so I decided not to take it on the trip.

R and I took a lovely walk along the seawall (why can't Halifax have a seawall?) after I attended the Plenty Warehouse sale last Friday. I came away with nothing from the sale, but it was an interesting experience. Guess who's not a fan of a giant changing room for all the girls? Also not a big fan of lines. The sweater I liked wasn't worth the hour wait to pay.

Details

Vest: Vero Moda via Envy

Sweater: Vince via Winners

Jeans: Calvin Klein

Bag and sunnies: Coach

Sneakers: Converse

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

I Match the Dog

I do love the colors that come with spring and summer wardrobes, but there is a part of me that will miss the neutrals. I didn't feel very spring-like when I got dressed in this, but my closet will be rotating seasons before too long and there will be tons of color injected into the blog.

Details

Jacket: H&M

Jeans: Cambio via Foreign Affair

Sweater: Old Navy

Boots: Aldo

Sunnies: Coach

And the best accessory ever has to be a puppy! Meet Lily, a French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix. She is not mine, but I enjoyed plenty of cuddles with her.

Stay tuned to Glitterary Girl for some posts from my trip to Vancouver!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Pull Over Here

Our yard/neighbourhood is rather uninspiring for blog photos. That means that when we are in downtown Halifax I usually want to stop somewhere to have my photo taken. It doesn't even have to be the fanciest backdrop (as you can see here), just something different than our backyard which is now covered in soggy leaves we failed to rake last fall. Oops.

 Details

Blazer: Dynamite

Jeans: Guess by Marciano

Shirt: Gap

Boots: Call it Spring

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Watch: Guess

Sometimes I forget how decent my phone is at taking photos. Makes me rethink dragging the Canon to Vancouver. I think I won't take it, and hope I don't regret it! 

That's it for me until this time next week! Next stop - Vancouver! Follow along on Instagram if you wish!

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

Sunday Currently 04.13.14

Sundays at Starbucks are great. I'm going to stay positive, even though my favorite table is taken and I'm stuck in a non-inspirational corner. It's a sunny, (relatively) warm day and I get a few minutes to stretch my writing muscles with Sunday Currently (linked with siddathornton).

CURRENTLY

READING: The Fields by Kevin Mahar on my Kobo. It's a fabulous read so far, full of Irish things, which I have an attraction to.... except too many names with "bh" in them. How is "bh" pronounced anyway? And then there is "dh"... On deck is The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I plan on doing a lot of reading in the next week!

WRITING: Not much sadly. I'm committed to making this post a beefier version of my usual Sunday Currently though. 

LISTENING: Starbucks peeps have decent tunes flowing today, kinda upbeat as far as coffee shop music goes, which is easier for me to write to. I happen to be sitting on the other side of the half wall where the machines are, so I'm getting a fair bit of sputtering and steaming noises too. 

THINKING: Of one of my exes. That sounds not-so-appropriate for an engaged girl, but this is someone I was incredibly close to for a long time, and he lost a parent last week. I was dating this person basically for the entire time I was a teenager, so his family is very important to me. That was fifteen years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. I struggled with whether to attend the services or not, then decided not to, for as close as we were at that time in our lives, I know he has a wife and two gorgeous kids to get him through this hard time without ghosts of girlfriends past showing up and crying (which is definitely what would have happened). 

SMELLING: Like the new Body Shop Raspberry perfume I nabbed at a Love Your Body party last week for $5. Raspberry has to be my favorite fruity smell. The body butter smelled amazing as well but was extremely heavily scented and not great for someone who works in a scent free environment and I'd be too tempted to wear it to work. They did my makeup too, with a darker eye than I usually go for.

WISHING: I was as conscientious in my personal life as I am at work. I used to rarely procrastinate. I still don't procrastinate at work, but I put things off on my personal "to-do" list, especially related to the wedding. I am SO excited for the wedding, but yet it takes me forever to confirm each and every little thing. Every time we do confirm something it feels amazing, so I don't know why I keep putting things off. Maybe I should have hired a wedding planner for the destination wedding, which sounds ridiculous considering there really isn't that much to do. I vow to you blog readers, that I will have the DJ/lighting and the hair/makeup deposits done this week! 

HOPING:To feel very relaxed after our vacation this week. R and I are heading to Vancouver for a wedding (yay!), and it's the first vacation we've taken together since San Francisco in 2012. We really need to make travel a much bigger priority, but it was a busy year with the dental practice opening. I don't think with a city vacation that we will be doing a whole lot of actual relaxing, but at least it's time away. With a 7 hour flight, there will be plenty of downtime (hence the books loaded on my Kobo now). I'm taking a bit of a blog break while I'm away - I'll post this Tuesday and then not again until the following Tuesday. 

WEARING: Cambio jeans, graphic sweater, ankle boots, and what R calls my Michael Jackson jacket (blog post of same next week)

LOVING: My white blazer. I've worn it twice this week. I don't love how easily it wrinkles though. If you don't have a white blazer it really is a fabulous addition to your closet. 

WANTING: Club Monaco to put their sale stuff on for an additional 50% off in stores so I can justify the dress I tried on. I do not in any way need a new dress but my gosh it would look fabulous with my pink heels... and I do have a wedding to go to next weekend...

NEEDING:To be more responsible with how much we spend on food... more specifically how much we go to restaurants and have take out. There are ways to engage socially without going out to eat every weekend. I see "let's meet for a drink" and "let's go for dessert" to be happening more in the future. 

FEELING: Hopeful that big plans we have will work out! Not ready to share with the blogosphere yet, but maybe I'll be able to soon!

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

Magic Hour at Summit

Having had two recent mini-manicures at The Summit (and loving them!) I was thrilled when they called to invite me to the launch of the latest collection from Jane Iredale. Magic Hour is a fabulous array of products that really make your skin glow.

Amanda started me off with a mineral base and some under eye concealer. Then she used a gold-flecked stick highlighter to enhance my cheekbones, followed by the amazing Moonglow bronzer to contour. My eyes were done with an eye shadow trio called Golden Girl, gel eyeliner (applied with a really unique ergonomic brush), and brown mascara. A melon lip stain/gloss duo added a pop of bright to the end result.

I was very pleased with the line. Jane Iredale has a light feel to it and I loved the dewy glow the highlighter gave my cheekbones.

Thanks again to The Summit in Halifax for a fun treat!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Clothing for a Cause: Class Struggle

It's always great to see people working towards trying to make the world a better place, right?

Class Struggle Clothing is just getting off the ground and I have a personal connection to one of the founders - he was my next door neighbour growing up and knew everything about Inspector Gadget (seriously, it was impressive).

Class Struggle prides itself in choosing a manufacturer who believes in ethical employment - no sweat shops for them!

Here is the link to find out more about Class Struggle and how to contribute/pre-order items. I think the graphic tee above is my favorite from the collection, but have a look for yourself! They are also on Facebook.

Good luck, Class Struggle!

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

Kendra's Night Out Challenge

More than a few times, I've helped out friends who needed to pull together a special outfit. So when Kendra Thornton (travel expert) reached out to see if I'd contribute to her quest to find a perfect Las Vegas ensemble, I was happy to help.

Here is the basis of the challenge, in Kendra's words:

I’m about to enjoy some fun with friends in Sin City. I’ve been planning this adventure with
the help of Gogobot, and I can’t wait to embark. One evening during our stay, we plan to
have dinner at one of the world-class restaurants in the luxurious Vegas hotel known as the
Bellagio before trying our luck at the opulent casino there. Of course, I want to look great on
this incredible night out, so I’d like to get your opinion concerning what I should wear. To inspire your recommendations, check out the details concerning the restaurant where my friends and I will be dining that night.
Le Cirque
Bold, fantastic flavors are featured on Sirio Maccioni’s menu at Le Cirque in the Bellagio.
Few restaurants ever achieve the AAA Five Diamond rating, but Le Cirque has received this
rating 13 consecutive times. The restaurant’s décor, the work of interior designer Adam D.
Tihany, mirrors the bold, jubilant nature of the menu selections. Additionally, Le Cirque offers an impeccable wine list, featuring coveted vintages from around the world. The well-trained wait staff caters to guests’ whims so that every diner at Le Cirque feels like a VIP. I can’t wait to enjoy this dinner in style.
Styles in Las Vegas can be described as Sin City chic. This amazing city, build on an oasis in
the desert features eclectic and tempting styles. People from all over the world come here to
be entertained, and people from all walks of life will find something to enjoy during a stay in Las Vegas. Whether I’m sipping cocktails in a lounge, winning at the slots, savoring an exclusive dining experience, enjoying a show or dancing the night away, I will have a better time when I feel confident in the fashions I’m wearing. I can’t wait to find out what you recommend.

Kendra's Night Out Challenge by jennifer-merlin featuring a butter london nail polish

TFNC green dress, $53 / Nine West leather shoes / Fossil watch / Lucky Brand turquoise jewelry / Bare Escentuals pink lipstick / Butter london nail polish / Michael Kors Phone Wristlet, Black Patent Python-Embossed Leather

I chose turquoise earrings and shoes instead of the safer black option, as Kendra is blond and I love the combo of blond with turquoise accessories. A sleek clutch is a must for storing your cards, cash (and winnings...), as well as to stash a neutral lipstick, which won't compete with the sparkle and colors in this look. The watch is more for fashion than function, as nobody cares what time you're out until in Vegas.

Have a fabulous time in Vegas, Kendra! It's kind of impossible not to!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Goodbye Puffer

I love my new puffer jacket to pieces, but seriously, if I have to wear it anymore, I'm gonna scream! I shall make every effort possible to wear spring outerwear, starting now!

Details

Jacket and boots: Old Navy

Cardigan and short necklace: Forever 21

Shirt: Joe Fresh

Pants: H&M

Long necklace: Stella & Dot

Sunnies: American Eagle Outfitters

This denim jacket is roomy enough to put a layering piece or two underneath so I can see me wearing it a lot while waiting for spring to arrive.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: March 2014

I had some gift card spending to do this month. I'm not really sure how to handle gift cards/gift money in relation to my clothing budget. When I'm gifted an article of actual clothing, I don't count it towards my budget obviously, so I'm inclined to think that gift card purchases shouldn't count. Ladies who budget, what do you do with gift cards?

Gift Card Purchases

Pants: Ralph Lauren via Winners
Discounted from $100 to $30 (free using gift card)
Black work pants were on my wish list. I'm not sure how I managed to get through the winter with only one pair in my closet, but I often wished for a second pair. They're in the wash, so no photo.

Tank: Diesel via Winners
Discounted from approx. $150 to $25
Winners has been getting some decent stuff in stock lately in their new "Contemporary" section. I have a "love from afar" relationship with Diesel as I refuse to pay full price for it but really love the brand.  Winners has an annoying habit of peeling off the brand's actual price tag (but they often miss it). Their "comparable to" tag is often way lower than the original price. For example, the "comparable to" tag on this tank is $40. Now, I know that you can't get a Diesel shoelace for $40, but they peeled off the original tag. So I went online and found something comparable listed for $150 at the Bay, which sounds more like Diesel's (over) pricing. Wouldn't it make sense for Winners to want to show the actual retail price? I don't get it. You'll all be proud of me for not giving in to the pink leather vest I wore for a solid ten minutes in the fitting room. It was still $130 (marked down from $700 - they forgot to get rid of the original tag ), but I actually do want a new brown leather jacket which would see far more wear than a pink leather vest, no matter how pretty it was.

Skirt: Banana Republic (no longer available on-line)
Discounted from $110 to $49 (free using gift card c/o Halifax Shopping Centre for doing an Opposites Attract feature for them)
I love love love this skirt and was eyeing it from the second I saw it on-line. I was hoarding my HSC gift card, waiting for the perfect item to spend it on. This was it! I haven't worn it yet, but I do want to get at least one wear out of it with black tights before the weather changes.

Earrings: Silpada
Regular price $34 (free with birthday money)
I am supposed to be on a jewelry buying ban for awhile but I don't actually own anything in turquoise and I thought these were really cute. I love the look of white clothes and turquoise accessories in the summer.



T-shirt: Smart Set
Discounted from $16 to $10 (free with birthday money)
This was an impulse buy a few days before St Patrick's Day, but a good bright piece that looks great with black, white, or navy. I wore it with black pants and a black cardigan for St Patrick's Day at the office, but failed to get a photo.

Mine is kelly green

Amount spent in gift cards/gift money: $148
Value $402

My Own Money Purchases

Sweater: Jacob (no longer available on-line)
Discounted from $50 to $7.50
I love the look of this slouchy v-neck. I can wear it over button-ups or over a dress. I promise I'll steam it before I wear it!

Dress: Old Navy
Discounted from $33 to $25
This dress is a blank canvas for styling, and I think I will get a lot of wear out of it in the spring and next fall too. A good piece for transitioning seasons.



Shirt: Club Monaco
Regular price $64.50
It is SO HARD to find a great white oxford shirt. Thank you Club Monaco salesgirl for leading me to the men's section! I bought this in men's XS and it is wonderful! Not too thin, long enough to cover my bottom should I want to wear it with structured leggings, and no gaping buttons at chest level!

Dress: Sarah Stevenson for Target
Regular Price $35
I did a blog post on this dress already. I can't wait to wear it with my denim jacket!


Skirt: Peter Pilotto for Target
Discounted from $35 to $17.50
This was one of the pieces I said I'd go back for if it went on clearance, which it did.

Total spent: $149.50
Total value:  $217.50
I saved 31%

It's time to look at my seasonal spending which I've budgeted at $500 every three months.
January = $154
February = $193
March = $150

Grand total for first quarter of 2014: $497

Next month includes a trip to Vancouver and undoubtedly some new clothes will be bought. Good thing I have gift cards and birthday money to spend!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl