5 telltale signs I was destined to be a fashion blogger

I never thought I would be a fashion blogger. Really. Even though all the signs were there, it’s something I thought I sort of fell into or grew to become.

But the truth is, everything we do has a purpose or a reason in life. And, all our experiences help us get to the next step, whether it be in our career or personal lives.

Looking back, there are 5 telltale signs that I was destined to be a fashion blogger.

  1. I binge-watched shows like America’s Next Top Model and What Not to Wear. That was my fashion school.
  2. I had a diary that I wrote in almost every day. Man, I loved that thing!
  3. I used to collect fashion magazines and create collages for all my school binders!
  4. I was a shopaholic since I had my first job at 14 years old! I have bought everything I own for myself ever since.
  5. I was an overachiever in high school: I aced my classes, played sports, had a job after school and on weekend, went to army cadets once a week, babysat on weekends and partied like a rock star!

ottawa-fashion-magazine-collage

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Holiday Outfit Ideas: H&M silver glittery dress

Ding Dong, Party time!
I bet you’ve got loads of events to go to, and odds are you’re looking for some holiday outfit inspiration. I got together with my friend Catalina from MDRN Creative Group, who kindly snapped some pics of me in front of her gorgeous new marble backdrop.

I want to thank Pearls 4 Girls Canada, who gifted me the lovely black pearl earrings you see in the photos. I paired them with my fur pompoms from Stunning, which I love!

Pearls 4 Girls Canada is a charity based here in Ottawa that raises funds for girls’ leadership programs in southern Africa through the sale of freshwater pearl jewellery. They are entirely non-profit, which means that a minimum of 50% of the purchase price of each piece of jewellery directly supports programs that help girls who are affected by HIV/AIDS, poverty, and gender inequity to build their confidence, learn how to make healthy decisions, and ultimately become leaders in their families and communities. Pearls 4 Girls is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year – since 2006, they have raised over ¾ of a million dollars and empowered thousands of girls to create a brighter future for themselves. I love my earrings and have not taken them off since I got them!

I was getting a little silly, and pretending to do a mannequin challenge during our photo shoot, so I apologize in advance! Enjoy the pics 🙂

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Outfit details

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group

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If you’re looking for more holiday outfit ideas, you may like this Green Velour Wrap Skirt or Sequin Cape Blazer!

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Holiday outfit ideas: Green velour wrap skirt

Holiday Party season is upon us!
I bet you’ve got loads of events to go to, and odds are you’re looking for some holiday outfit inspiration. Well, you’ve come to the right place. I got together with my friend Catalina from MDRN Creative Group, who kindly snapped some pics of me in front of her gorgeous new marble backdrop. Isn’t just???

I have a few outfits to share from this Holiday series so stay tuned as I sprinkle them in your feed over the next few days.

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Outfit details

green velvet skirt ottawa fashion blog green velvet skirt ottawa fashion blog green velvet skirt ottawa fashion blog

MDRN Creative Group

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If you’re looking for more holiday outfit ideas, you may like this Silver Glittery Dress or Sequin Cape Blazer!

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NYDJ: Styling Jeans on different body types

I had the opportunity to work with NYDJ and present their Fall line for a CTV segment this morning.
Whether you’re tall, plus, petite or average, NYDJ is revolutionizing the way women fit into their jeans. They are known for their “Lift Tuck” technology and elasticity in their premium denim. The jeans hold you in, and create a slender silhouette, which is why they are known for their sliming effect. The jeans are sold at NYDJ.com, Hudson’s Bay and Nordstrom, and select specialty shops in the city. And if you’re going to buy a pair online, make sure you go ON SIZE DOWN! (I know, I know. Insert praise emoji here).
PRO TIP- I find these jeans fit even better on women with pear shape body types, and longer torso. The jeans come at the natural waistline and perfectly hug the body. If you are more of an apple shape, with thinner legs, you could consider dropping 2 sizes, although I would try them on first before purchasing.

5 looks for jeans on different body types

I was browsing their site, to pull clothes for the models and put looks together and was amazed by the different cuts and colour that the jeans came in. NYDJ has also expanded their apparel line, and makes beautiful, well-tailored tops, sweaters and blazers. All the clothes you see here are from NYDJ.

Look 1- Apple

The classic skinny pant with long flowy blouse is a nice way to conceal the tummy. The skinny jean showcases my “good legs” and the shine in the leather coated denim makes it look dressy.
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Black waxed faux leather jean with white blouse and heels. The shiny, faux leather feel makes it look dressy and edgy Work appropriate, but with style.

Look 2- Tall/Slender

The very long sweater looks its very best on a tall woman and a cropped boyfriend jean alway looks fresh.

ANABELLE SKINNY BOYFRIEND IN PREMIUM LIGHTWEIGHT DENIM
CARDIGAN WITH SCARF
SOLID SHELL TANK (Similar)

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Wearing a boyfriend jean, black tank and long white cardigan. Ecco patent leather sneakers. Height is great for the long sweater. Playing with levels: cropped jean and long sweater

Look 3- Petite

Petite women need clothes that are made for their body, and NYDJ does this very well. A boyfriend jean, or copped jean works very well with a heeled bootie and helps to elongate the legs. Having a longer top also helps to elongate the silhouette.

LORENA BOYFRIEND (Similar- petite version not on website)
VICTORIAN LACE BLOUSE (Similar)

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Wearing cropped jean with lace blouse and booties Petite jeans are made different and made to fit the petite frame Consider the length of tops too, as they fit different on petit women.

Look 4- Tall/curvy

Tall women with a curvy silhouette look great in a flare jean. The dark wash on the denim is extremely flattering and elegant for this look. Although theses items are standard length, NYDJ does carry a tall specific section on their site.

TERESA TROUSER IN FUTURE FIT
CAREER CASCADE JACKET
LONG SLEEVE TIE NECK BLOUSE

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Wearing wide leg (flare) jean, python print neck tie blouse and black blazer and black heels. Tall girls look great in a wide leg, especially the hour glass figure. It compliments the flow of the pant very well. The blazer adds a nice accent to the waist.
Look 5- Curvy

Black skinny jeans are flattering for any shape and should be a staple in everyone’s closet. They draw the focus away from the legs and help to elongate the body. Cuffing them over the boot is a playful way to show off the boots as well.

PONTE BIKER JACKET
SOLID SHELL TOP (Similar)
ALINA LEGGING IN SUPER SCULPTING DENIM (folded into cuff)

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Wearing a black skinny jean, white tank and black moto jacket. Very sliming and looks dressy. The moto jacket with leather details makes the look more edgy and youthful.

 

As you know, my specialty is styling larger, plus-size women. This was my first time styling for women with different body types, and I learned a lot! First, I never considered that petite women, need shorter and smaller clothes, not just smaller sizes. It sounds obvious, but I generally have an opposite problem, and would have never considered it, until I experienced it for myself. I now have a different appreciation for the petite selection. I also learned that many thin women, also have trouble finding clothes that suit their body types, and this just reassured me that we are all sort of struggling to work with what we have. I love learning from life experiences and this has brought me a fresh perspective on styling.

At the end of the day, I think it’s important to wear clothes that make us feel great. I typically don’t follow “rules” per se, but I realize that some women need the extra guidance, and that’s what my tips are for. The goal of my segment was to show the wide variety of looks you can create with women of all shapes and sizes.

In case you missed the segment, you can catch it here!

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