Nautical or Nice?

I'm not sure if it is the fresh sea air or a fond recollection of Stefano Pilati's Resort 2012 collection for YSL, but I am all about the nautical lately. I've been living in striped dresses (this one, actually, from Joe Fresh - almost the same as the one above minus the anchor), and boat shoes (the gold Old Navy ones above are literally the comfiest pair of shoes ever = fave) so far this spring.

My dream outfit for the summer? That fantastic sequin tank with a perfect pair of white jeans, if I can find them, with a lovely bracelet from the lovely Kate's shop. Which, if you don't already know, is filled with fabulous nautical baubles that are calling my name. For now, though,  I'll be settling for my well-loved striped dresses. Spoiler Alert: You'll be seeing them soon in an upcoming (and inaugural) outfit post. Excited? Hope so!

$100 Shopbop Giveaway! (Now Closed)

Dress,  left:  Magda Berliner Clothing Dress, centre: Susana Monaco Dresses Necklace and bracelets: Lanno Jewelry

I'm so pleased to once again be partnering with the fabulous folks over at Shopbop to bring you a giveaway featuring a $100 gift card to spend on any item your heart desires! I don't know about you, but there are so many gorgeous garments, bags and accessories available at Shopbop that have found their way onto my wishlist and many an inspiration board (You can check my wishlists out on Pinterest, and while you're at it, check out the Shopbop Pinterest too - trust me, you won't be disappointed!).

If I've piqued your interest in some shopbop $$ to spend, you're in luck! This giveaway is open to all readers - Canadian, American, International - you name it! And there are multiple ways to get your name in the hat a few extra times, so the odds might just end up being in your favour!

Check out all the ways to enter & get your name in below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday Snaps v. 3

For those of you not already following me on Instagram (lotsixtyfive, if you're interested!), here are a few snapshots documenting some of my favourite little happy moments during the last week.  I'll give you the synopsis starting from the top left corner... read on.

Excitedly wearing my Rainey Necklace from Spike the Punch = excitement! A stroll past Province House in downtown Charlottetown, a beautiful new bauble from Runfree, Runwild, a stop for lunch at my favourite local eatery (so good!), my first advance readers copy of a new summery read (find it on shelves in June!), some summery polishes and pretty new bracelets from Joe Fresh, a comfy (if a bit dark) outfit of the day, and last but not least, a pretty field snapped on the way home. Who knew dandelions could be so lovely?

Wishing you all a week full of your own happy moments.

xo

Paper & Ink

 As much as I love fashion in all its crazy forms, the nature of my job requires a professional look. Fortunately I have a bit of freedom to play within that, although admittedly finding inspiring outfits that are appropriate for the office can be a challenge. Often I stick to similar styles and combinations: blouse + skinny trousers, simple dresses and the like - but lately I feel like my work wear looks have been hit a rut.

Needless to say,  I was excited when I saw this lovely work-wear inspired lookbook from Ruche. So many possibilities, so much inspiration! And definitely falls into my oh-so-important category of being decidedly library-chic. And all this without even mentioning all of the lovely pieces which have made their way onto my ever-growing wishlist. Winning all around.

Into the Deep

Flare is one of my favourite monthly reads - I've been a subscriber for a few years now. I'm always excited to flip through the pages and see what inspiration awaits. In the latest June issue, this editorial shot by Chris Nicholls immediately caught my attention. How beautiful! I loved the styling (The headpiece in the first shot? Amazing), but also the light and feeling of these images. Lovely.

Maybe it's because I live on an island, but I am generally always intrigued by anything that explores the mystery of the sea, and this feature from Flare was no exception. So of course, I had to share it with you all.

What's inspiring you lately?

Photos via Fashion Gone Rogue

Stylish Readers: Marilyn

Style Icon, Pin-up, Screen-star, Legend ... Avid Reader? Marilyn Monroe might not have been known for her reading, but read she did (um, hi, she did marry a playwright).  Reading everything from biographies of Abraham Lincoln to Milton, Hemingway to Beckett, she even had her own 400 volume library! You can find out more about this side of Marilyn in the book "Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters", written by Marilyn herself, but collected and published by Stanley Buchthal & Bernard Comment.

Just when you thought Marilyn couldn't be any more fabulous.

 

Island Snapshots v.1

On Friday evening I headed out for a drive towards our cottage with the intent of watching the sun set over the water (Mission accomplished! although my camera battery died so I don't have the photos to prove it). I stopped in a few favourite places along the way, causing much confusion to a few friendly fishermen, as well as folks driving by who must have wondered what on earth I was doing wandering through fields - hopefully my camera gave them a hint, at least. These photos haven't been touched up at all (My editing skills are in their infant stages), but the light from the last few rays of the setting sun was on my side - thankfully!

There's nothing like the red of a freshly tilled field. Although I have lived away from PEI for a long while, I always think soil looks strange unless it is the red colour of home.

 A cormorant surprised me by popping his head up out of the water after, presumably, diving for fish. He took off and I caught a few photos of his take-off, which was welcome since the Great Blue Heron I had initially hoped to snap had flown away moments before.

The aforementioned heron had flown further out to join a friend in the hunt for some tasty fish. You can spot him in the centre of the photo. Hoping for a better shot of him next time!

Last but not least - my two favourite barns! I love these two random little barns, nestled in the middle of a large hayfield. I photograph them often (They even appear in the header I made for my sister Rosalyn's blog), and I suspect they will feature in some outfit posts over the summer.

When I was travelling the Island a couple of weeks ago with a touring author, showing her the sights to see throughout PEI's picturesque countryside, I discovered (and re-discovered) so many beautiful parts of my beloved isle that I promised myself I would have to return to photograph properly - so look forward to some future Island Snap posts, coming soon!

A Mother's Love

My beautiful mother on her wedding day.

For lullabies and stories read, for cleaning up my constant piles of scattered books before I could even read, for staying with me all night whenever I was sick, for hugs, for the smell of freshly baked bread and a tiny loaf just for me, for kisses on the cheek, for drives to dance class, for quotations of poetry, for advice whether I wanted it or didn't, but probably needed it, for encouragement, for prayers, for building a lifelong love of music, for walks on the beach, for smiles, for listening, for not being afraid to give a push when I need it, for caring, for rejoicing with me, for crying with me, for "being pleased", for a hand to hold, for laughter, for instilling a love of words and books, for baking advice, for relationship advice, for faith, for love, for being there, for making me who I am.

For everything.

These are the things I'm thankful for on Mother's Day.

Love you Mama!

Angela

Everyone from my co-workers, to my family, to my friends teases me about my love for Murder, She Wrote and its stellar star, Angela Lansbury (all twelve seasons on Netflix? Win!). She is a seriously great actress on stage, screen, and for a long time I've had a post on the backburner featuring her status not only as a great and lasting talent, but as one of my own style icons.

However, earlier this week I discovered, much to my delight - an incredible post on this very stylish lady in the "Secret Style Icon" series via Rookie Mag. They were reading my mind, and beat me to the punch!  They said everything I wanted to say, but better.

Check it out now - I promise you won't be disappointed!

Pink Lemonade

Flats: Madewell Blazer: Aritzia Bag: Modcloth Shorts: Topshop

Nothing like a grey rainy day to make a girl long for summer sun, and the bright colours that go along with it. One colour combination that I am in love with lately is hot pink and yellow (And I might also add hot pink and white as inspired by Libby, here).

A pop of bright colour makes such a fun statement, and even though I do love brights year-round, there's something about summer that brings out the brightest pieces in my wardrobe. And with colours inspired by a favourite refreshing summer beverage? You can't go wrong.

I've highlighted a few of my favourite pink lemonade inspired pieces above. What are some of the colours you're excited to pull out for your summer wardrobe?

Music Monday: Little Talks

Had to share this song, Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men on this Music Monday since I had it in my head all of last week (and now, actually). I've been singing the melody in the car, at work, at home - pretty much everywhere. Lucky for me (and those around me) it is a great tune. Hope you enjoy too!

 What are you listening to lately?

Adore Me - A Review

A few weeks ago the folks over at new lingerie site, Adore Me got in touch to see if I'd be interested in doing a review.

In case you don't know, Adore Me is a membership site, not unlike StyleMint, ShoeMint or any of the other "mints" cropping up lately - although in this case you can get personalized selections of lingerie - from matching bra and pant sets to shapewear, to fancy hose to corsets and even swimwear. Each set comes in at $39.95, which is relatively comparable to La Senza or Victoria Secret where I would normally come by things of this type.

Being a lover of pretty things, I was excited to see what was on offer, and also to see the quality and fit, as I'm always hesitant at first when ordering lingerie online.

After putting in my specifications, likes and dislikes, I was admittedly impressed with the items in my showroom (although you can order anything, even if isn't initially in your personalized selection). The first complimentary set that I picked out was this "Gracie" cami and boyshort set, in a pretty soft pink.

The only bump in the road was trying to find items in my size - a bit tricky!  This did play into my eventual choice, as the Gracie was the only set that had my sizes available. That being said, once it arrived - really quickly, I might add - I was really happy with the fit and quality.

As a member of Adore Me, I later received a promotional code discounting the purchase of a second set, so to get a better idea of the variety offered, I went for a ruffled bra and pant set. For the same (or actually cheaper) price as a bra from La Senza, for example, I got a matching set, and I couldn't be happier with the quality of it. It's definitely among one of the nicest sets in my boudoir.

Although I'm really pleased with both sets from Adore Me, I am happy that as a member I'm not locked into purchasing a set every month - you can skip one month or more, unless of course you see something you like. I tend not to splurge too often on unmentionables, so purchases for me on this site will be occasional ones, for sure. That being said it is definitely fun (and tempting!) to see a new personalized selection every month.

Overall? A positive experience with the site - it's easy to use and navigate. Memberships are flexible, the selection is good (albeit with a bit of a size availability issue), and the quality and fit of the pieces (at least for me!) were really good, considering the cost.

Want to know more about Adore Me? Check out their FAQ page here.

Friday Favourites v. 6

It's been a long and crazy (but fun!) week - I spent many hours on the road exploring this fair island (travelling about 700 km over a couple of days). Although my first ever author tour was a resounding success I have to say I am glad to be back to my normal pace.  In spite of the fact that I've been a bit MIA lately (at least technologically), I have collected a few of my favourite inspirational, fun, and interesting links to share with you all!

These amazing animal photos.

A hilarious children's book as discovered via A Cup of Jo.

Some incredibly lovely beauty shots of this lady featured on this blog.

A hilariously great kijiji ad.

Delicious sweet treats I'd love to try baking.

A long awaited necklace that is finally on its way to me!

An absolutely perfect spring dress.

Book tote + cat = love.

This edition of Q with Jian Ghomeshi featuring my all-time favourites, The Civil Wars.

My sister Rosalyn's post filled with my adorable niece and nephew. Proud aunt? You bet.

Last but not least, this song that has been stuck in my head all week, and somehow I still love it.


Hope some of these brought a smile to your faces! Wishing you a happy weekend!

Hotel California

As soon as I saw this editorial from Marie Claire Italia featuring (Canadian model!) Heather Marks shot by Paul Schmidt I was immediately inspired.

I love the chic, feminine styling, and her perfectly coiffed red locks are almost making me want to cut my hair shorter again, after months of growing it out. Almost. Haircut or no, I'd love to echo the feeling of these looks in my own spring wardrobe - minus the bra top, that is. I'll settle for eyelet, soft colours, glitter & femininity.

What's inspiring you lately?

Photos via Fashion Gone Rogue