Anchor Abundance

Being an East Coast girl and all, no one should be surprised to learn that I have a thing for anchors. Here you'll find them on both my shirt and my bracelet. 

Details

Shirt: Banana Republic

Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Flipflops: Reef

Sunnies: Coach

Bracelet: Gift

I wore this to a backyard BBQ on the weekend. I wish it had've been warm enough for full summer attire, but sadly, we've not had many hot days yet.

Later this week I'll be sharing my June buys with you. For all you Canadians, have a wonderful Canada Day on Wednesday!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Sporty Style

Sporty Style by jennifer-merlin featuring a baseball cap

Topshop white crop top, 87 CAD / Topshop bib overall, 87 CAD / Adidas sneaker, 69 CAD / Tory Burch black earrings, 84 CAD / Coach wrap bracelet, 135 CAD / Lucky Brand baseball cap, 49 CAD / Urban Decay lip gloss, 25 CAD


I said I wasn't going to do the overalls trend the third time around, but I keep peering at them in stores.. How cute are all the accessories I've collected here? I may have to hunt those earrings down next time I'm near a Tory Burch store! Although my heart belongs with Converse, I am swooning over the amazing color of these adidas kicks. I always like to pick a soft lip gloss when I'm dressed tomboyish, just to add a girly touch!

Have a fantastic weekend!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Perforated

I've got a thing lately for perforations. I bought a holey tank at BR in black, as well as this crisp pretty top.  Blueberry yogurt, iced tea, and root beer were consumed by me today, and they all ended up in my mouth and not on my shirt. Winning! (I ate other things too but the ones i mentioned had the most potential for disaster).

Details

Shirt: Banana Republic

Pants: H&M 

Shoes: Aldo

Bracelet: Beck & Boosh

Glasses: Burberry

Happy to report that I'm 6/6 in days I've been working out, and I officially started P90X3 again on Monday. I had to put my alarm on the other side of the room so I'm forced to get to of bed, but I'm getting it done!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Monday Right Now: 06/22/15

Reading: I just started Paper Towns by John Greene. The movie comes out soon and I wanted to read the book first, even though it feels like I never see the movie anyways. I enjoyed a few chapters over lunch today, along with a free frapp. If you haven't tried the S'mores one yet.... it is so good, and only around til August I've heard!

I finished Being Mortal by Atul Gawande yesterday. I HIGHLY recommend this non-fiction book to those in palliative care, medicine, nursing, or those who are dealing with aging parents or a terminal illness. Actually it should be a mandatory handbook for all of society so find it and read it. The Bear by Claire Cameron is a short book I read pretty quickly. It was a story about a little girl and her brother who are alone in the woods after their parents are mauled by a bear. Super-disturbing a good read.  Losing It by Cora Carmack is a hilarious new adult read that would be great for a beach vacation. I can't wait to read her other books.
Writing: Blog posts, to do lists (STILL so much house organizing to do!)
Clicking: I've recently started listening to music at work, which is a great way to make work seem not so work-ish. Electronic instrumentals and 80's dance hits seem to be the playlists that are keeping me entertained. I have to get up from my desk all the time (which is actually a good thing) so I never seem to get through more than a song or two uninterrupted.
Seeing: Trees, grass, and a golf flag blowing in the very strong wind. First full day of summer, you have been kinda fall-ish. This is alarming.
Smelling: Coconut water. I'm trying to get it down. I don't understand... I used to love coconut water. Now it's yuck.
Feeling: Nostalgic. I was searching for an email tonight and ended up coming across a bunch of old emails from people I've lost touch with. I miss you old friends I don't see anymore!
Watching: Regrettably, the most annoying show in the world. Pardon the Interruption. Not by choice.
Wearing: Black jeans, black tank, short sleeved kimono cardigan, Old Navy slippers that are falling apart after one month of wear.
Hearing: I'm playing Jealous by Nick Jonas (the bad version) to try to drown out Pardon the Interruption. Someone is not impressed by my singing.
Anticipating: Only four more weeks of work til my summer vacation! Plans are a bit up in the air right now, but it will be a much needed week of time away from all things work-related.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Business Funk

I had a kind co-worker tell me this outfit looked "casual but still really pulled together." 

Details

Blazer: Ann Taylor

Tee: Forever 21

Jeans: Cambio 

Shoes: Gap

Necklace: Tiffany & Co

Glasses: Burberry

Earrings: Gift

I'm working towards a work wardrobe that I'd also be happy to wear on the weekend. Buying pieces that can function in both situations are the items I gravitate towards.

I hope you're having a fabulous weekend. Happy Father's Day to any dads out there who may be reading!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Kinda Faded but I Feel Alright

Red hair is unpredictable. You never know if it's going to fade nicely or fade really really horribly. Luckily, mine decided to fade to a quite tolerable shade of strawberry blonde. I think I'll be able to stick with this red hair for a bit!

Details

Cardigan: Forever 21

Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Shoes: Miz Mooz

Glasses: Burberry

Bracelet: Gift

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These are the last photos taken before my hair was re-colored. I'm back to vibrant red again as you'll see soon!

Someone needs to restrain me from the mall this week. So many sales! I've already spent my budget for the month and it's only half over. boo.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Almost Sunset

After a truly insane day at work, it's really nice to come home and enjoy a pretty sunset. These photos were taken about a half hour before prime time. Unfortunately sunset prime time is different than portrait prime time, and people turn out really dark in photos when they're taken too late in the evening with the sun in the background!

Details

Dress: Smart Set

Top and Necklace: H&M

Sandals: Aldo

Earrings: What on Earth

Glasses: Burberry

I still haven't gotten over the novelty of these fringe sandals. They aren't the ultimate in comfort, but they aren't awful either. Most of my shoe issues come from the fact that my feet are so narrow. Despite the ankle straps on these, my feet do tend to slide forward in them sometimes.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Opening Party at Aritzia Halifax

Some stores have a "quiet" opening. Aritzia is NOT one of them! Amongst nibbles, white cosmos, great music, and of course a ton of amazing clothes, they showed Halifax how a store should announce their arrival.

Aritzia is a gorgeous retail space with the prettiest hardwood floors (I notice these things since we built our house), a big marble sales desk, and a fun but relaxing atmosphere. The dressing room area is enormous, and it has a full size comfy couch that I may try to hang out on some day with a iced chai latte.

The hosts for the evening were fellow Halifax bloggers (yay Aritzia for choosing local talent to represent), and they have way better photos of the event than I do, so I encourage you to check out Kayla and Ellen's posts on the opening party.

I tried on a bunch of things, but told myself I was only allowed to leave with one item (boring, eh?). I ended up picking a super versatile striped long shirtdress and I can't wait to debut it.

It followed me home... honest.

Ellen and Kayla

Super blurry- Kayla and me

I know I'll be visiting Aritzia on the regular. Hope to see you there!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Spring Closet Sale

How excited was I for the blogger closet sale? SO excited! We had a very rainy day (which kept the traffic low after the initial rush) but even if I didn't make much money, it was still loads of fun.

My little corner. The sign was made by Vistaprint.

Magnetic dry erase board for picture displays

Some of my sale items

When the customer flow was low, we spent time chatting and hanging out. I got to know some of the other bloggers a bit better, which was really nice. We don't see each other very much, so it was great bonding time. We got a bit hungry, so sushi was a must in the mid-afternoon!

Our hope is to do another sale later in the year. In the meantime, I might try to yard sale some of my things. I have three totes full!

Thanks so much to all the ladies who stopped in throughout the day. It was fabulous to get to meet you. We hope you like your new clothes!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

It's Opening Day at Aritzia!

I've had a lot of people asking me if I know anything about Aritzia, opening today at Halifax Shopping Centre. When I lived in Vancouver (the birthplace of the chain) it seemed like there were Aritzia's everywhere. Unfortunately, I did a lot of window shopping at Aritzia as my rent and entertainment budget ate way waaaaay into my shopping budget. 

I don't know if there is a store in Halifax right now that Aritzia can be compared to. I'd describe their vibe as classy casual. They have a lot of drapey, super-soft pieces and some high end denim mixed in.  

On Thursday, June 4th from 7-9 PM there will be an opening party hosted by some talented local bloggers - Short Presents and lovebyelle. You'll be sure to find me and a lot of other fashion- conscious ladies checking out the new store! It's at Halifax Shopping Centre on the lower level. 

I've decided to share a few things I'll have my eye on in Aritzia. Seriously, the entire store will be filled with stunning pieces. It'll be very hard to be a good girl. 

Miller dress

I need some more tunic length things in my closet. I like the idea of being able to wear this with leggings, jeans, or on it's own. The sleeve length is awesome too!

Montana Blouse

Is this the perfect chambray I've been searching for? Perhaps!

Reve tee

What a simple but pretty shirt! I love all the detailing, and I'm missing a dressier blue tee in my wardrobe. My tried and true one from H&M has been worn to death (and suffered a hole). 

Let me know what you think of Halifax's newest store! 

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: May 2015

Every month, I break down my clothing expenses and share them. I used to have a monthly budget, but partway through 2014, I switched to a quarterly budget of $500. This can be rolled into the next quarter if it's not all spent. My goal is to keep my out of pocket expenses within $2000 a year. Gifts and gift cards don't count towards my budget.

I came across some goodies this month. I was hoping to keep my spending low, but I just couldn't resist the Winners finds.

Jeans: Banana Republic (no longer available on-line)
Reg $110 on sale for $12.50
I'm doing a major closet purge right now (and selling it all - see here!) and I'm looking to replace my denim. Unfortunately, the jeans I'm drawn to most are not work appropriate (i.e distressed to destroyed). Therefore, I love when I find a nice work-appropriate jean that still looks and fits well but might not be the first thing I reach for on the weekend. Can't beat this price! They are a dark wash boot cut style.

Top: Diesel via Winners
Reg $200 on sale for $30.
I have a major crush on most things Diesel. It's one of those brands I lust over but cringe at the full-price cost. Lucky for me, our local Winners seem to have a lot of Diesel attire in the contemporary section. This is the coolest dress/tunic. It's made from a raffia-type material. I'll likely wear it mostly as a tunic, but it could be worn as a (short) dress if you layered it over a Forever 21 tank dress.

Shirt: Diesel via Winners
Reg $200 on sale for $20
Keeping on the Diesel train, I also bought a lovely dark denim shirt. It's not the long light chambray I've been searching for, but for $20, it's going to be a great replacement for my beloved Mavi shirt that has been with me for too long.

Sandals: Zara
Reg $30
The metallic detail on these caught my eye on the website, so I ordered them. They are somewhere on the spectrum between slightly uncomfortable and reasonably comfortable. I lasted a work day in them though! The heel height is great!

Leggings: Sweet Legs
Reg $25
My friend Terri has a huge inventory of these amazing leggings. I admit, I'm not usually a huge leggings fan, but these are so soft and comfy that I know they will get lots of mileage in my wardrobe. I have several neutral long tops that I can wear these with. Thanks for introducing me to this brand, Terri!

Sweater: Gap Factory Store
Reg $60 on sale for $12
New long sweater will be awaiting me next fall! I like the look of it unbuttoned.

Blazer: H&M
Reg $40. I used a $5 Conscious coupon to get it for $35
I already have a blazer in this color but I haven't been reaching for it as I find it a smidgen too small and therefore not so comfy. I've had a style revelation that I prefer flowy open blazers to button-ups. Good thing Aritzia opens in Halifax this week!

Mine is olive green

Pants: H&M
Reg $18
These are sister pants to the blue patterned ones I bought earlier this season. I had to get another color as I loved the first ones so much. They have both black and white in the pattern so it will be easy to coordinate tops.

Original value of items: $683
Price I paid: $183
I saved 73%

That leaves me $121 to spend in June. If I want to add my leftover birthday money, it's $251, but I'm trying to carry that to a potential outlet trip in July. I expect to get a little boost in my budget from the Closet Purge Hfx event that's happening on June 6th (this Saturday!)

Did you catch any great deals in May? I'm linked with Franish if you'd like to see how some of the other bloggers did with their May shopping.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl