Thursday 27 June 2013

Blue My Mind






Top: Ann Taylor | Pants: Ann Taylor | Shoes: Zara
Clutch: Vintage | Sunglasses: Versace (similar here)

I love this clutch. My mom found it at a garage sale years ago, and it's definitely one of my favorite items that she has discovered on her adventures. Of course this is next too the brand new, never opened, scrapbooking kit she found me - I LOVE scrapbooking. You'd be surprised at the things you can find at garage sales. My mom swears by them, and every year she surprises me with one of a kind, vintage items. Now if only you didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn...

Anyways, hope everyone has a great day!

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Tuesday 25 June 2013

Neon Stripes






Top: Forever 21 (similar here & here) | Pants: Zara (similar here
Shoes: Sam Edeleman | Bag: Target (similar here & here) | Sunglasses: Forever 21 (similar here)

Our city is slowly getting back to normal. It's amazing to see how everyone has come together to help rebuild. If you live in the Calgary area you can sign up to be part of a volunteer database, they will contact you if your help is needed! Please visit YYChelps.

It sounds like the Calgary Stampede be will be a go! Calgarian's have adopted the popular slogan "Come Hell or High Water". You can support Southern Alberta by purchasing a t-shirt with this slogan printed on it. You can find these t-shirts here! I know i'll be rocking mine this Stampede!

Thank you to the lovely blogging ladies who supported my last post, and helped me to get the word out there! Your support means so much!


FLOOD RELIEF DONATIONS:
Rogers/Fido users can make a $5 donation by sending a free text message "ABHELP" to 4664.
Telus users can make a $5 donation by sending a free text message "REDCROSS" to 30333.
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Sunday 23 June 2013

Alberta Flooding

As briefly mentioned in my last post, I talked about the devastating flooding that has taken place in Southern Alberta since last Thursday. While I plan on talking about my own personal experience with the flooding, I certainly recognize that my family and I have been EXTREMELY lucky in comparison to other families who's lives have been devastated by these events. Over the course of the last few days, over 100,000 people have been forced from their homes - not knowing what kind of state their house will be in when they return. While we were evacuated, our house was not damaged in any way.

(Submerged cars in High River, Alberta)

Waking up Thursday morning, I could not have imagined the tragedy and misfortune that our Province was set to experience. A state of Local Emergency was declared Thursday morning with six communities initially placed under mandatory evacuation. Later on that evening another eight communities were evacuated, with new communities being added to that list with what seemed to be hourly. Sure enough my own community of Deer Run was added to that list at midnight - cop cars lined our street and went knocking door to door telling everyone to leave their homes. So we packed up our things, and headed to my sister's condo (two large dogs in tow). Needless to say, none of us had any sleep that night wondering about the state of our home.

(A sign by the river close to our house, taken by me hours before we were evacuated)

Yesterday afternoon our power was restored, and the evacuation notice was lifted for my community. While we were lucky, our house was left virtually untouched by flood water, many houses in and around Southern Alberta were not. My heart goes out to the individuals who's houses have been damaged, and who remain unable to return to their homes. It warms my heart to hear stories of the hero's who have been helping our communities. From simple acts like having friends send us dinner when we were left without power, to individuals donating generators, pumps, and fans to communities without electricity. I cannot also forget to mention the individuals who have opened their homes to complete strangers - giving people who have lost so much a place to rest their head.

(Police keeping our streets safe overnight)

Our Mayor Naheed Nenshi tweeted Friday night, "Know that we'll get through this together. The spirit of Calgary has never burned more brightly". The public servants who have been working day and night to restore our city cannot be thanked enough. To the police officer who personally knocked on our door, to the  thousands of other police officers, firefighters, military members, health care workers, and everyday citizens who have joined hands in restoring our city to what it once was. I know I speak for all of Alberta when I send our sincerest gratitude your way. It gives me goosebumps to see how worldwide communities have been contributing to the tragedy here in Alberta. The Red Cross alone has raised 2.1M so far to help with relief and rebuilding efforts (please see below on how you can donate).

(a personal photo taken of the Bow River by our house)

Our Mayor, Nayeed Nenshi, has been an exceptional leader in this time of crisis. He has amazingly maintained a calm, steady manner when the city he is leading has been taken from him by forces beyond anyone's control. And a midst all of this chaos, sadness and desperation - our Mayor has been able to make us laugh. 


While over 65, 000 people were allowed to return to their homes as of this morning - our neighbors south of us in Medicine Hat are bracing themselves for the worst. With the Saskatchewan River expecting to crest Monday morning, approx. 10, 000 more people have been evacuated from their homes. Our thoughts are with you.

(A bridge destroyed by the flooding)

To those of you not familiar with the Calgary Stampede -we call it 'the greatest show on earth'. Once a year in early July Calgarian's don their cowboy boots and rock their best Canadian Tuxedo for 10 days of debauchery and celebrations. With this years Stampede set to start July 4th (a mere 12 days away) Calgarian's cannot help but wonder if in fact, the show will go on. The grounds where we hold our beloved Stampede remains totally submerged in water - as well as most of our downtown area. With all of the tragedy and sadness that has occurred over the past 4 days we are in need of something to boost our spirits. And what a better way to do that than with our friends, family, and tourists from all over the world. While it may not look the same, there is no doubt in my mind that the city will ensure Calgary will in fact have something to celebrate. As Mayor Nenshi stated, "We're Calgarians. We're going to make it work". The Stampede is a symbol of patriotism to our city/country, and a uniting of friends/family for a beer in celebration of our wonderful home we call Calgary, Alberta.

(The Calgary Stampede grounds/Saddledome - the center of our annual Stampede)

I'd like to thank all my family/friends who have offered up their homes to my family. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for all the love and kindness that has been sent our way.





What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. This quote could not be more true for southern Albertan's right now. Over the next few weeks I look forward to reading amazing stories of heroism and bravery - and of communities facing this tragedy together. Thank you for reading!

To donate to the Canadian Red Cross please call 1-800-418-1111 or go online to www.redcross.ca.
Text 30333 to automatically donate $5 to flood relief
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Designer Spotlight: Sophia Webster

Designer Spotlight: Sophia Webster


1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

So I was reading my latest issue of Lou Lou magazine the other day, and I came across a picture of these adorable, candy colored shoes. One thing lead to the other and I was up until the late hours googling 'Sophia Webster'. Sophia worked as an assistant to Nicholas Kirkwood, up until debuting her own line. Her spring 2013 line marks her first official collection. Ill take one of each please. The pricing isn't bad either. While they aren't exactly priced for a gal on a budget, they don't fall into the category of 'when I win the lottery' either.

I like to stretch out from the norm when it comes to my shoe collection. And that is why I have fallen in love with this new designer. When I look at her shoes I feel eating a bag of sour patch kids and taking a stroll through Candy Land. Her collection is playful, fun, imaginative - but most of all its unique. Well done Sophia!

For those of you who have seen the news recently you've probably heard about the devastating flooding that has taken place in southern Alberta over the last few days. The flooding has resulted in over 100,000 people being evacuated from their homes - including my family and I. But in times of need it amazes me to see how people band together and help each other out. I read an article today saying the Red Cross has reached over 2 million in donations. I plan on doing a post later today or tomorrow covering more of the flooding. We just got our power back yesterday, however our internet is painfully slow. Talk soon!
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Thursday 20 June 2013

Baroque Print






Top: Aritzia (also seen here) | Pants: Forever 21 | Shoes: Zara
Wristlet: Forever 21 (love this & this) | Sunglasses: Ray Ban | Bracelets: Pandora/Tiffany & Co (gifts ^_^ )

Hi everyone! More printed pants, I know. I should change my blog name too The Printed Pant Diaries. I can't help it, I love them.

Baroque print first became popular in the 90's by Versace. Its amazing how this print really has stood the test of time. While most trends seem to come and go, baroque always seems to be in fashion. This is the first baroque piece I have purchased, and I have to say I am quite tickled that I found these bad boys for $27 at Forever 21. Below are some of my favorite baroque inspirations, and some of the fabulous fashionistas that wear them.

 
(Jyoti from Style Delights)

(Maria of Crashing Red)

(The Chic Department)

(Bow Ties & Chanel)
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Monday 17 June 2013

Kiss Kiss


Happy Monday everyone! I just wanted to pop in and say a quick hello! Hope you all had a great weekend!






Top: Zara (similar here & here) | Shorts: American Eagle (old)(similar here) | Shoes: Zara (similar here) | Bag: RW&Co | Silver Bracelet: Tiffany & Co (gifted :) )
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