Red Pants for Valentines Day, or Any Other Day

Is it really a Valentine's Day outfit?!?  Not really.  I'd wear it ANY day of the week.  These cropped  red pants have been on repeat since last spring when I picked them up on a "sisters weekend" trip up to Edmonton, AB.   I love the way I styled them with my polka dot top in the spring, see here, but I am also digging this winter outfit with a simple black turtleneck and some booties.  I love how a black turtleneck comes off polished, strong and sophisticated.  It also helps create  very definitive lines and curves.  It took me a while to find the right turtleneck last winter but once I did, I instantly knew it.

Anyway, we are very low key for Valentines day.  No presents.  No special plans.  Not even  cards honesty.  We just never really got into it as a couple.  Sure when we were in high school, we bought the cheap heart shaped boxes of chocolates and a card, but we don't even make an effort anymore.  This is not to be confused with not caring or not putting each other first.  We do.  But I think we do these things throughout the year that V-Day just isn't really a big deal to us.  We  used to schedule a  date nights every month or month an a half,  but now that the girls are so much more independent we actually spend a lot more quality time just doing stuff like skiing together, going for walks, going shopping, walking around our city, etc.  That all being said, my perfect date night is going for dinner or a walk in our city, and then winding up at home with a good bottle of wine and delicious chocolates from a specialty chocolate store such as Purdys.  Also last year we were in Mexico and I loved getting all dressed up for to celebrate the holiday, see here.  In fact that was my  favorite Valentines Day  outfit and date ever 💗.

This year we'll drive up to the lake for an extra long weekend as a family.  We might visit with the neighbors, enjoy outdoor activities, play some games, but Logan and I will likely end our evenings together exactly like this, having a glass of wine together.  It's perfect to me.
So what are your Valentine's Day plans?

Shop This Look:

Zara Red Pants

Black Turtleneck (similar @ Zara)

Wool Coat ( similar @ Aritzia)

Hello Polka Dot Cuteness

Can we just agree that this Dex polka dot blouse is the cutest?  Seriously, so adorable with the little bow shoulder tie ups.  Just melts my heart.  I love the cute-sy detail but also that the piece is feminine and classy, making you still feel like an adult.  It truly does a great job of balancing trendy, cute, feminine and professional look all in one blouse.  The adjustable shoulder ties are a major plus for me, as I like to make sure everything is secure especially if I am bending over or working with little kids when I visit schools.  I am also a fan that the ribbons are thick so it's easy to hid the bra straps underneath and there is no need to throw on a cardigan or blazer over top for an office environment, unless you want to.  

Now the pants were an instant YES for me while in Edmonton for my "sisters" weekend (I still need to find the time to write about that).  Red is a classic color and though it's been a pantone color pick for a while, I just feel like it never goes out of style.  They are soooo comfy and the elastic waistband makes them a winner, 🤣.  They are a comfortable fit through the legs and around the waist.  I also love that they are high rise, so next year when I am back in the classroom, I'll have no issues crawling around in them and wont have to tug my shirts down.  Oh, I hope high-waisted pants never go out of style again.  

 Another item that I was thrilled to find on my trip Edmonton was a pair of neutral pumps. I 've been searching high and low without luck, I could only find a matte color but not one with a little shimmer and shine.  These Rockport pumps are not only the perfect color, but the mid-heel is comfortable to wear all day long in the office.  

I am off to a fun night out with my good gal pal, Carrie Underwood!!!!  I can't wait to see her live with my sweet friend Heather.  Follow along on IG and next week I'll be showing you how I styled my cowboy boots for a fun night out!  Happy weekend everyone!

Shop This Post:
Zara Pants

Dex Dot-Print Blouse
Rockport Heels

What To Wear to a Winery: Rose Romper Style & Traveling Without Children

 

When this trip came together in March and when I saw this sweet little romper on sale I knew instantly that I wanted to wear it to my first winery outing.  Within minutes I had my outfit picked out in my mind for the event, straw bag (which I didn't have at the time), my Guess sandals (for steady feet), straw hat (which I skipped), chunky Vega H & B necklace, and a shawl or denim jacket if there was a breeze, but what I've discovered that this romper actually looks fabulous with my stark white blazer.  All items linked below.  

 

My sister wanted my girls to come out west for a visit and spend some quality time with them.  Be still my heart.  The girls ended flying alone out to BC, while  Logan and I made a mini-vacy out of the drive out to meet them.  We rarely go places without the girls, it just hasn't been our life thus far, so we took the opportunity to do a few adult-ish things.  Our first event was hiking in Lake Louise up to the Tea House.  A moderate hike that we were able to do in 50 minutes, but most people take 1-2 hours depending on fitness levels.  It's worth the climb to be able to the see  Lake Agnes, with snow still glistening in the midst of beautiful, lush greenery.  The climb is busy, a tourist attraction, but yet you feel completely alone and at peace. A fun fact, the staff who work at the Tea House have to do the climb up and down each day and also have to carry the garbage down from the Tea House.  All the food supplies is brought in on a helicopter or brought up by the staff.  

 

In Kelowna we stayed with  my high school friend, Carling, and her darling little family, which is a whole different post.  My one big wish was to visit some of the wineries because  I've never had that opportunity and I really wanted to enjoy and experience it without kids.  We picked two to check out, Quails Gate and Mission Hill.  Our first strop was Quails Gate and it's beautifully manicured estate, full of bright flowers and lush gardens for you to stroll through.  It makes you feel homey and at easy.  You go around the back to walk between the vines to a stunning view overlooking  the river.  We also had lunch in their restaurant, which is rated #1 in Kelowna.  We each ordered steak and paired it up with their Merlot that was recommend (we also bought several bottles).  After lunch we indulged in some wine sampling and walked away with several bottles of Merlot, Gewurztraimer, Pinot Grio, and Rose.  I would highly recommend this winery.

Next we went over to Mission Hill.  I love their wine and I was so excited to go to the winery.  Upon driving up to their grounds, I was super impressive, with their tall clock tower overlooking most of the Okanagan.  The paved path is lined with sculptures and  modern art.  The wooden doors are impressive and catch your eye immediately.  The store is decked out with accessories, pictures of Will and Kate's  royal visit in gold plated frames everywhere, cookbooks, wine, etc.  Impressive but pretentious in my opinion.  You aren't allowed to walk beyond the paved area, which really takes you less then 5 minutes to walk through and then you can do the wine tasting.  We did have a tour booked which was just okay, we went into the cellar but didn't really learn about the wine making business.  Overall I don't think I'd return as I felt there was little to do or see but it is very impressive.   Next time I'd like to check out Cedar Creek and Summerhill wineries.  

 

Our days in the car, driving through the mountains were incredible.  For the first few days we talked off and on but also enjoyed the silence.  We listened to one audio-book and began another one.  We made new memories for us to talk and reminisce about for years to come.    On our way home, we had our sweet girls and experienced lots of fun family things in BC and Alberta, stayed tuned for details!   

Shop This Post:

BB Dakota Romper (similar)

Hillberg & Berk Vega Necklace

Zara Straw Bag

Guess Rhinestone Sandals (similar)

Summer Office Style: Ruffles and Tassels

 

My favorite outfit combo for the office during the spring/summer is a dress and heels.  Easy peasy,  lemon squeezy.  Dresses are a grab and go kind of look that totally tricks others into thinking you spent time and effort to look good.  Think about it, there is no top/bottom matching necessary, you just need shoes and maybe some accessories, and done! 

 

Now, how adorable is this dress?!?  The different shades of purple, hot this season, the ruffles and check out the adorable high neckline.  I simply love everything about this dress.  It was passed down to me from my sister, that's how I do thrift shopping without the $ tag. 

Tee-hee-hee.     

 

I threw on a white blazer for the the office, since it can be chilly with the air conditioning,  but forgot to snap a picture.  I also pulled out these  big, dangly, tassel earrings to add  a little flair to the outfit.   I've had these beauties in my stash for a few years now but they don't get worn nearly as much as they should.  Stell and Dot doesn't carry them anymore but I fournd som great options for cheap down below. 

 

What's your summer office go-to?

 

Shop This Post:

Ruffle Dress (option 1; option 2)

Zara Straw Bag

Earrings (option 1; option 2)

Wrap It Up With a Bow

 

 

A little bit boho.  A little twist on the chambray shirt.  A little bow on the side.  What more could a girl want in a blouse?  I've had this in my closet for close to two months and I can't believe I haven't shared it on here until now.  Like the kimono I styled a few weeks ago, a wrap shirt was on my spring/summer wish list (see here).  I actually stumbled upon it when I was frantically searching for a straw bag that I could order online within Canada and I found it at Zara, along with this top.  The great thing about Zara now is that you can order and ship back for free.  I instantly knew I wanted this top and ordered it in both small and medium because I often find their sizing varies. For reference I keep the medium, mostly for the length. 

 

This blouse has too many cute details.  The obvious ones being that it's a wrap shirt, the side tie-up can be done in multiple ways but I prefer a big bow.  The sleeves have a bit of the balloon shape to them, the tassel tie-ups on the sleeves add to the boho, care-free style that I love for this time of year, and also the delicate embroidery ion the sleeves.  For $50 this shirt really had it all for me.  I can wear it casually out and about, or to work.  I can't wait to pair it with some denim and white shorts in the summer as I run errands around the city, or head to the farmers market. 

 

 

 

I recently wore this when we went out to watch the Cirque Du Solei show Crystal.  It was nothing short of phenomenal.  The talent, ability, strength, story, characters, were all incredible.  I was so glad we were able to share the experience with our girls as well.  They left inspired and in awe of the performance, and of course a huge appreciation for the arts and the performers. 

What are your wish list items going into summer? 

 

Shop This Post:

Crossover Blouse with Lace Trim (Zara)

Kate Spade Wallet (eBay)

 Guess Rhinestone Sandals (similar Guess)