September 2018 Purchases

This was such a quiet shopping month for me that it made no sense to blog about it unless I was also doing an outfit post. I bought ONE item this month. If you missed my August buys post, I did a lot of shopping in Toronto, leaving me with minimal budget to work with for September.

Boots: Aqua College "Iconic" via Naturalizer
Reg $189, on sale for $63
I donated two pairs of brown/taupe boots at the end of last winter. Let's be honest, is it really fall until you put on some brown boots? I believe this is the first footwear I've owned from Naturalizer. I'm usually into footwear edgier than the stuff they carry, but these were so darn comfortable and BASIC. There isn't much I can't make them work with. AND they're waterproof suede.
I saved 67%.

Details

Sweater: Lucky Brand

Jeans: Gap

Bag and Sunnies: Coach 

Boots: Naturalizer

Necklaces: Banana Republic

Lucky Band now has a Canadian website, but sadly, items are final sale when shipping to Canada, sooooo not helpful :( I bought this cozy pullover in Toronto.

I went over budget this quarter by $16. That leaves me with $534 to spend for the rest of the year, which includes Black Friday and Boxing Day.

I'm looking for a chunky knit butterscotch coloured sweater to replace my J Crew one. I may also get another pair of Zara leggings as I love the ones I bought last year.  Everything else will be a surprise!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Denim and Ruffles

An easy outfit is a girly shirt paired with some type of denim bottom. In August, the perfect choice for your lower half is a mini skirt. Although I'd had this shirt for two months, this was the first time I wore it. I thought the ruffle might annoy me, but I didn't mind it at all.

Details

Tee and Skirt: Topshop

Shoes: Tory Burch

Bag: Kate Spade

Sunnies: Coach

Bracelet: Michael Kors

After a whirlwind of a week off, with TWO weddings, I'm back to the old grind. Toronto was great and I even got to take a spin around Yorkdale mall, which has changed SO much since I was there last.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Mixed Neutrals

It's been a quiet summer for outfit posts. It seems whenever we're going anywhere that I'm wearing something half interesting, we're rushing out the door with no time for photos.

This was something I wore to work and then out to dinner with literally not one change (ok, I probably brushed my hair).

Details

Top and Sandals: Zara

Shorts: Club Monaco

Bag: Michael Kors

Sunnies: Coach

I've always liked the look of a long sleeved top with shorts. I have to be careful what I pair with the shorts as they are quite boxy, and the shape of them can make me look shorter and wider. Heels certainly help!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Kimono Chic

Open-front cardigans and blazers are my closet staples, so it shouldn't be surprising that I'm drawn to kimonos as well. I think they're the perfect "third piece" to add more interest to an outfit. I nabbed the last one in this color at the Aritzia clientele sale (which is one of my favourite sales to shop).

Details: 

Kimono: Talula at Aritzia

Top: Diesel

Jeans: Zara

Sandals: Aldo

Necklace: Joe Fresh

Sunnies: Coach

I wore this ensemble to my soon-to-be sister-in-law's wedding shower last weekend. I love wedding showers.  I remember how nice it was to have so many loved ones gather to celebrate the countdown to the wedding.

The sales happening right now are pretty spectacular. If you're the type who doesn't shop much, you should really consider taking a peek at the stores/on-line right now. I've picked up/ordered lots this month from Aritzia, Aldo, Zara, Dynamite, and even some of my non-clothing favorites like DAVIDsTEA  and Bath & Body Works.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Fall Photos and Wine

Sometimes I get super frustrated with the weather in our corner of the world. Spring takes forever to arrive, and winter can be brutal. Nova Scotia has some spectacular weather in the fall however, and I think it would be the best time to travel here unless you're hardcore into laying on the beach.

Photo c/o Brett Locke

Details

Boots: Call it Spring

Scarf: American Eagle Outfitters

Sweater: J Crew

Jeans: Zara 

Bag: Danier

Bag Pom: Topshop

Sunnies: Coach

Brett (check out his website here) and I have been friends since we were twelve. We try to catch up every so often, and both of us wanted to catch some fall scenery. After a quick swing by Starbucks, we were off on Highway 101 to visit Avondale Sky Winery. Even from the highway the leaves were pretty, but once we pulled onto the secondary roads, we couldn't get over the amazing colors.

We sampled some yummy wine and left with a few bottles each.  There wasn't one I tried that I didn't like! The inside of the winery was beautiful. It's a refurbished church and they retained a lot of the stained glass.

I was determined to wear this scarf even though it produces lint like nothing else I've ever seen. It was the first day this fall I wore tall boots, and I was so cozy. We stopped at a few colourful spots on the way back home, and this pretty laneway was the perfect place to snap some photos.

Photo c/o Brett Locke

Photo c/o Brett Locke

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Effortless Holiday

The worst of the Smondays is when you're coming off vacation. A lovely, fair-weathered vacation it was.  Intentionally low-key. I had a nice balance of solo lounging on the deck with my book, catching a bit of sun (SPF'ed to the max), and spending time with friends and family.

This was an outfit I wore shopping with my mom and then out for a casual dinner with both parents. I've done so few outfit posts lately that I'm really rusty! Forgot the accessories shot, forgot to stand at another angle, forgot to check my hair (the humidity is problematic).

Details

Top and tank: Forever 21

Shorts: Gap

Bag and sunnies: Coach

Shoes: Vans

Turns out, Chucks socks fit into Vans too. Great news for my feet - the Vans weren't going so well without socks!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

A Surprise Hit

Will the $4 skirt look okay, or will it look like I'm auditioning for a part on Little House on the Prairie? It was a win (or else everyone was doing a good job of lying). Who says petites can't wear long skirts?

 Details

Cardigan: Forever 21

Tank: H&M

Skirt: Banana Republic Factory Store

Necklace and shoes: Aldo

Sunnies: Coach

 I wore this outfit to Mothers' Day brunch and managed not to spill anything on it - win! Excuse the weird hair. I obviously need way more practice with using my new flat iron to curl. The curls came out strange, so then I tried to straighten them a bit. I promise I didn't roll out of bed and out the door!

Shortly after this photo was taken, I changed out of this and into my gardening gear. My mom was kind enough to help me regain control of my little shrub garden out front. Always helping, even on Mothers' Day - that's my momma.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Cornflower Blue at The Grove

The Grove is one of my favourite spots in LA. It's a really nice clean outdoor shopping mall with lots of good restaurants. It's also home to a few of my favourite stores - Topshop and Madewell. I was feeling quite under the weather in LA, so I didn't spend as much time shopping here as I expected, but we did make it to The Grove three times.

Details

Shirt: Rachel Roy via Winners

Jeans: Gap

Sunnies: Coach

Boots: Aldo

Necklace: Banana Republic

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

My Fitbit was on pretty much the whole time in LA. Yeah, it didn't look so great with my outfits (and I always forgot to take it off for photos) but I had a great week for steps!

On the toes: Aloha from OPI (OPI)

My Rachel Roy top will probably be in high rotation this spring. I love this shade of blue! The shoulder cut outs are fun too.

If you ever visit LA, The Grove is a must-do!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Holiday Casuals

I hope your holiday was filled with laughter and love. Mine definitely was. Christmas Day here in Halifax was unseasonably warm - 14 degrees! It made for lovely travel weather if you had to drive or fly anywhere.

I kept it casual on Christmas Day and wore clothes that allowed me to easily eat and cook, which is how most of the day was spent! Of course, I had to have some sparkle via the tank top.

Details

Sweater: Gap

Scarf: Zara

Jeans: Madewell

Sneakers: Converse

Tank: Old Navy

Bag: Nine West

Sunnies: Coach

Now it's between holidays and a bad head cold is really kicking my butt. I've been catching up on Season 3 of Orange is the New Black and taking some solid naps!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Restaurant on Repeat

R and I couldn't resist hitting up The Cheesecake Factory on our very first evening in Scottsdale. We hunt down these restaurants everywhere they exist and usually eat there more than once a trip! See below for why we always want to eat here. 

Does it get any better than Oreo cheesecake? No.

 Details

Top: Dynamite

Skirt: American Eagle Outfitters

Belt: H&M

Sandals: Aldo (RIP, these old sandals didn't make it home after expiring at the end of my shopping day)

Clutch: Coach

How pretty does this nighttime scene look? I want all of the palm trees for our yard.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Sneaks on a Plane

I used to think I knew exactly what to wear on a plane.... and I was ALMOST right.

One little detail was off.

Details

Jacket: Guess

Shirt: Gap

Jeans: Cambio

Shoes: Converse

Scarf: American Apparel

Sunnies: Coach

I'll break it down for you from bottom to top!

1) Shoes: Comfortable, flat, and easy to take off in the security line. Chucks are my go-to for airport shoes. I can run in them if we're scrambling to make a connection! Socks are also a definate must - my bare feet will not see the floor of an airport.

2) Bottoms: I like to wear a jean with a bit of stretch, but not a skin tight pair. These are dark, so if I happen to drop a bit of Aero bar on them, no biggie.

3) Shirt: Something breathable! No synthetics!

4)  Scarf: I always wear a circle scarf from American Apparel because they can double as a blanket or cardigan if you get cold on the plane.

5) Watch: Nothing is worse than not knowing how much longer til you land! I set it for destination local time as soon as I board. While we're talking about jewelry, don't forget to wear simple earrings - they make snooze-time way more comfy.

6) Sunnies: In case your neighbours like to have the window shades open. I also bring a sleep mask for naps.

7) Jacket: This was the missing link! I always bring a jacket or hoodie on a plane, but this was the first time I chose a denim one. I always have a bit of a sore back when I get off a plane, but using this rigid material as a lumbar roll prevented any soreness! Yay!

Do any of you blog readers have plane tips for me? I'll always be trying to perfect my flight attire!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Pumpkin Spice Sweater

When I spotted this sweater at Joe Fresh, I scooped it up immediately as it screamed autumn. As much as I hate to see the summer end, most style girls love the fall for the sweaters, boots, and layers!

Details

Top and Necklace: Joe Fresh

Jeans: Diesel

Boots: Old Navy

Sunnies: Coach

This was worn to Thanksgiving dinner, which was on a really warm day. Thanksgiving in Canada can be a roulette wheel of weather situations, so we lucked out this year.

Have you made any amazing sweater purchases this season? It was so hot in Arizona that I brought home only one sweater - they are hard to shop for when it's 35 degrees out!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Jacket Not Required

Scottsdale was a whirlwind of a trip. I love desert weather, but went traveling from the east coast, it takes a million years to get there and five million years to get over the jet lag! Still, it was a beautiful corner of the world and one we will be back to for sure.

I wore this out to dinner at Tommy Bahama's, where we sat outdoors under the pergola. It was warm enough to go without the jacket, but I wore it anyway. If you get a chance to visit a Tommy Bahama's restaurant (there aren't that many of them!) definitely do! I'm always on a hunt for a good fish taco, and the ones I had there were fantastic.

Details

Jacket: Guess (via Vicky Mina!)

Dress: American Eagle Outfitters

Shoes: DKNY

Clutch: Coach

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Spiffy Stripes

One look in my closet and you'll see I have a bit of a crush on stripes. I gravitate towards them because they pair well with solids and other prints, and they are just so classic. Black and white stripes are my favourite, followed by navy and white. When I found this dress at H&M, I crossed my fingers that it would fit!

Details

Dress and necklace: H&M

Booties: Nine West

Clutch: Coach

Bracelets: Stella & Dot

This dress is a really versatile piece that can be worn on it's own, or layered under a leather jacket or vest. You could even put a pullover on top and wear it as a skirt. I wore this out with my former physio classmates for a big reunion and had the best time! It's hard to believe twelve years have passed since we graduated. What a great bunch of people- I wish I still saw them all every day!

Stay tuned on the blog for some shots from our fun trip to Scottsdale!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

I Do... Need to Wear Tights

September is my favourite month for a wedding in Nova Scotia. If we had decided to get married at home, it was the month we'd have picked. It's always a gamble with the weather at any time of year here, so picking what to wear as a guest to a September wedding can sometimes be a challenge. It can  be really hot, or somewhat chilly. The safest bet is to wear something that you can layer a cardigan or jacket over, and tights under.

Details

Dress: Banana Republic

Shoes: Franco Sarto
Cardigan: Vero Moda

Necklace: H&M

Sunnies and clutch: Coach

Tights: Calvin Klein

I'm taking a blog break for a week and heading off on vacation to Arizona. Keep up with my adventures on Instagram - but I'm in data jail right now, so I'll probably only update a few times a day (whenever I can find free wi-fi!)

My goal in life is to get a photo with a big cactus and an armadillo. Let's see if Scottsdale has any to offer!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Labour Day

What more can you ask of a three day weekend than endless sunshine? The Halifax waterfront was sizzling, and Monday was a  perfect day for a drink on the boardwalk with friends. 

Details

Tee: Gap

Shorts: Joe Fresh

Sandals: American Eagle Outfitters

Hat: H&M

Sunnies: Coach

Clutch: Danier

Our destination was The Gahan House - drink of choice was their blueberry ale.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

The Heat is On

Thanks to a self tanning mishap last evening which needs to be evened out, the dress I panned to wear was swapped out this morning for pants. I cringed at the thought of not having my built-in AC (via dress) on what was one of the hottest days of the year, but these pants were surprisingly cool.

Details

Shirt: Joe Fresh

Tank: Smart Set

Pants: Wilfred Free via Aritzia

Sandals and earrings: Le Chateau

Sunnies: Coach

Bracelet: (I forget... heehee)

I've had this lacey top for ages but only started wearing it a lot quite recently. It goes with almost everything!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl