A Chapter Closes

(tee: joe fresh | skirt: dress bought from lulu letty, turned into skirt | shoes: mod cloth | belt: forever 21 | necklace: american eagle | bracelet: h&m)

This week has been a pretty significant one for me... I had my last shift at Coles on Wednesday night since I'm leaving for school. A few days before, my coworkers threw me a going away party (See what I did with the title there? I'm done my bookstore job. Get it? Books, chapters, moo ha ha). I dressed up just a little bit for the event. I had a hard time thinking of the perfect outfit, but in the end I settled on a black tee and floral skirt. It felt like a good level of dressiness for an important dinner at a not-so-fancy venue.

The dinner was actually really nice. It was nice to have one last get-together with the people I've come to spend so much of my time with. The staff at Coles has changed so much since I first started, and most of the girls working there now are new, but I've still grown close with so many of them and made some really great friends.

The staff bought me such a cute gift (a Kate Spade agenda that we carry that I've been swooning over for a while now, and an adorable owl mug), and gave me the sweetest card. They all wrote me the loveliest messages, and it was so nice to be told that I was appreciated as an employee, coworker, and friend. My boss (who has had some moments of the crazies) also let me know that I've been one of her most dedicated employees and I would be the hardest to replace. It gave me a case of the teary eyes.

It feels so strange to be done at Coles... I don't think it's really hit me yet. I feel like I still work there. I've dedicated so much of the past two and a half years to that place, working overtime, nearly every day, doing long hours and late nights whenever I was asked to. And most of the time, I was happy to.

It sounds really silly to get so sentimental about a retail job, but that job was really important to me for so many reasons. For a long time, I considered it one of the best things to happen to me. It was a job I really loved, was really good at, flourished at, felt appreciated at, and I also made some really great friends. It was a great fit for me for a long time.

More recently, it's been a bit of a negative thing in my life. I've had my fair share of difficulties and stress due to certain events and people. It's lost a lot of the lustre for me, and I have felt taken advantage of more than a few times. Which I suppose is pretty common for those of us working minimum wage jobs through college. But it's been sad to be so jaded at a job I once loved.

I think that as much as this job grew to be a huge source of stress, I will really miss it. I'm going to miss the times it was a really fun environment. I will miss obsessively organizing books and products, the perfect balance of slow days and busy days, having a great discount on some of my favourite things, the good customers, and the friendships I made. I grew up a lot working there and I'm very grateful for the experience.

But I'm also incredibly happy to be moving on. That job wasn't going to take me anywhere, and I'm excited to move on to bigger and better things.

Aaaand I am sorry for all of these cliches... I am stuck in a sentimental vortex of cheesiness right now. I will be better tomorrow.

The Only Drunkard

(tank: tj maxx | jeans: american eagle | shoes: ardene | necklace: smart set | earrings: aldo | bracelet: h&m)

The other night, I met up with Mike, Laur, and Em for a casual night of drinkies at Mike's place. We had a lovely and fun evening and it was so nice to get together for once since we always have conflicting schedules! We also had a speaker phone call with Mark to see how the army life is going. I somehow managed to be the only truly drunk person in the vicinity so that was mildly awful. I think because I met up with everyone after work and I managed to convince myself that I had a lot of catching up to do. But at least I had a good time EH?

I went shopping across the river with my Zia Daniela while she was in town and picked up this top! I really fell in love with it, but wasn't positive about how I felt when it was actually on. Such a dilemma. I do think it accentuates my hips a little more than I'd like, but I couldn't resist the pretty lace and I loved how silky it was. I also don't have very many dressy tank tops. So in the end, I think it was a good purchase! Plus I've actually worn it already as you can see, and it's happened too many times that I never end up wearing new clothes!

ANYWAY, that's all for today! Hope you are all having a lovely week :)

Late Night Carnival

(top: garage | skirt: garage | shoes: steve madden | necklace: modcloth | bracelet: h&m | belt: forever 21)

I've had lots to keep me preoccupied these days, because my aunts were both just in town from Toronto and Hong Kong! We did lots of fun activities together, like get pedicures, browse downtown, go shopping (where I bought these cute Steve Madden shoes!), visit my Nonno, and go out for some ice cream and yummy dinners. Perhaps the most exciting part has been my graduation gift from my aunt from Hong Kong- I came back from the bathroom at dinner the other night, and she had left a card at my seat. When I opened it up, it said "Coupon- good for one round trip from Canada to Hong Kong!" I nearly peed myself and had a heart attack, I'M SO SHOCKED AND SO THRILLED!! I can't wait until I can go next summer once I'm done school!!

Anyway, back to the main point of this post. Last weekend also happened to be Rotaryfest in the Sault... every year the city comes alive with rides, concerts, and activities and vendors by the water. I didn't get much of a chance to check it out this year (they also didn't do a Second Stage which is normally my favourite aspect of the festival -_-), but I did join Alyssa and Amanda for a jaunt through all the activities one night. We ended up going on the Scrambler, which caused me to scream and nearly puke. I normally love and do well on rides and roller coasters but it was actually so scary!! Carnival rides are so rickety and I have such a hard time trusting them!! After that, we went on a fun little drive and chatted away the way we always do!!

For our little night together, I wore my favourite maxi skirt from Garage with a ballerina top! It's definitely one of my favourite outfits. It's so easy to wear, I feel elegant when I do, and it's SO comfortable and breezy. Every lady should own a few maxi skirts, they are simply an essential clothing item. I will not accept any other opinion hehe.

Hope you're all having a great summer and have had the chance to check out a festival or two!! I can't believe it's almost August. I say the same thing every month, but this year is really just flying on by, isn't it????? Blargh.

Northern Lights Festival

(crop top: garage | skirt: urban outfitters | kimono: boathouse | flats: ardene | necklace: american eagle | bracelets: smart set | purse: aldo)

Earlier this month, Mike and I were super excited to attend a music festival in Sudbury, about three hours from home (also the city where my family is "from"- not including Italy- and lived for most of my life... kind of my second home). It's a festival held every year called Northern Lights Festival, and this is the second time Mike and I have gone together!

The first time we went was in the early days of our relationship, and we were so excited to see Joel Plasket and Yukon Blonde (two of our mutual favourites), among many other amazing artists. This year, we went mostly just to see Tokyo Police Club, another favourite band. We spent Friday at the festival, and explored cute shops in downtown Sudbury for the rest of the weekend. We had SUCH A BLAST and I hated having to return home! Classic. If only vacays could last forever AMIRITE.

I dressed light and breezy for the festival, since we were spending all day outside! This skirt from Urban Outfitters has been one of my favourites (and I also own it in black), but I really don't wear it enough! And I got a little balls-y and sported a crop top! I am generally not at all a crop top kind of person, but I thought it paired well with my high waisted skirt. I felt trendy but still covered up, which is key for me. I personally think that anyone can pull off trends that might seem risky if you pair it with the proper items! Go for it, gurlz *girl sticking out hand emoji*

I also made sure to layer my outfit with one of my kimonos, since it would be getting colder throughout the evening. WHAT CAN'T YOU WEAR KIMONOS WITH, I ASK YOU??? It ended up being the perfect outfit for the event... I felt comfortable, cool, and venue-appropriate. A winning combo.

We hadn't heard of most of the bands that played throughout the day (most were Sudbury local), but we were pretty impressed!! Sea Perry, and The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer caught our fancy in particular. Seriously guys, they were super talented and fun to listen to. Take a looksee at those linkies. Tokyo Police Club ended up being absolutely fantastic, obviously. Their show had tons of energy, everyone was dancing at the front of the stage, and we had such a great time.

I'm looking forward to next year :) This festival has become somewhat of a tradition for us, and I'm hoping I will have even more amazing bands to tell you about next July!!

Calm, Cool, Collected

(leather jacket: h&m | top: boathouse | leggings: garage | flats: ardene | necklace: modcloth | bracelet: h&m)

This has very much been one of my most-worn outfits this summer. Sadly, a jacket or sweater is required more often than not during this chilly summer. While I don't want to riddle my blog with weather talk, the fact that I am wearing a leather jacket in July cannot go unacknowledged. It's just too sad you guys.

But yes: I CANNOT GET ENOUGH of this breezy oversized tee! It has become such a staple in my closet, and is also making me more appreciative of the other tees that have laid untouched in my closet. I am a much lazier, more simple dresser in the summer. When I don't have layers to work with, my outfits become much more casual. While I love throwing on a cute sundress or skirt during the summer, my day-to-day uniform is often something along these lines. I have to say, as much as I LOVE summer, I'm a little bit excited for fall to come so I can get a little more creative with layers once more (plus I am totally that girl on instagram with the pumpkin spice latte whose favourite season is autumn... guilty as charged).

What are you guys feeling this summer? Has the hot weather made you turn to more simple outfits, or are you still getting creative with your wardrobe?

An Island Daytrip

(dress: h&m | chambray top: american eagle | belt: h&m | mocassins: minnetonka | necklace: american eagle | bracelets: smart set | bag: roots)

I'm really starting to suck at this whole blogging thing! To be fair, I have been a bushy beaver these days. I've had lots of figuring-stuff-out to do, in addition to trying to maintain a social life and work schedule. It looks so basic when I write it like that but I swear I have actually been busy. My big move is fast approaching and I hardly know how to handle myself!

The other weekend, when Mike and I had a few days all to ourselves, we took a trip to St. Joe's Island! I wore a pretty sundress but otherwise kept it pretty casual and adventure-ready. Mocassins and a chambray top were definitely ideal for a breezy and comfortable summer outfit.

And obviously I took a tourist photo in front of the giant loonie.

We drove around and took a look at all the pretty scenery, hit up the local stores, visited Fort St Joseph and the Marina, and had some Island noms & baked goods :) It was such a lovely summer day and we had a marvelous time. Days like these definitely make me wish that I lived in an eternal summertime and also that I never had to return to work. SIGH. Back to reality though EH GUYS?

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A Downtown Date

(kimono: boathouse | tank: american eagle | embroidered shorts: boathouse | shoes: ardene | earrings: aldo | necklace: american eagle)

For what may be the very very first time ever in my two years working at Coles, I was hashtag BLESSED to get Friday-Sunday off without even requesting time off! I am certain I've worked every weekend that I haven't booked off. It was a summertime miracle.

What better way to celebrate than with a brand new outfit? I freaked out when I first saw these floral embroidered shorts and knew I simply had to have them. When I went back to Boathouse to buy them, they were on sale! Cha-ching. So I bought a loose tee and yet another kimono (also on sale) too. 

Mike and I ended up having a weekend of fun and adorable dates. On Saturday, we had a couples day at the spa (his anniversary gift to me), and then scuttled about downtown. We went to a few downtown shops, and also hit up Mill Market, a new staple in town. 

It was such a fun experience, and I loved seeing such a cool addition to our downtown. There were so many amazing local products and foods, and my favourite healthy/ organic restaurant Cafe Natura had a cute little booth set up. 

As much as I hate living in the Soo during the winter months, I love the way the whole city comes alive during the summer. There are actually a lot of great places and businesses and things to do in the Soo during the summer, and I love being able to remember that. 

Diploma for Sail, Nerves for Oars

(dress: shop kintage | belt: h&m | pumps: urban outfitters)

Holy toleeto, I know I'm not the most frequent blogger to begin with, but it's been a while since my last post!

June has been an absolute whirlwind so far. I had an almost full week off last week, but there was no time for relaxing! I had a friend's baby shower, worked on a political campaign for a local candidate with Mike, celebrated (too hard) at a victory party for said candidate, had an English grad dinner with my profs and fellow students, went for a shopping + movie date with Sarah, had a big girls night with some dear friends, spent lots of time with my aunt while she was in town, and then on Saturday I had my grad convocation! Whewf. It was an insanely fun and busy week, and I wish I could have had time to blog about every little thing hehe.

This is the dress I wore for my grad ceremony. It's also the dress I wore last year for my vocal jury, a big scary successful moment of my undergrad! What goes around comes back around. JT baby.

I paired the dress with a simple pair of heels and belt. It's a busy enough dress to stand on its own, but I also wanted to be comfortable during the 3 hour ceremony and dinner afterwards! I love the classy feel of this dress, and the print is my favourite. Love dem florals.

I was originally unsure of whether I would attend my grad ceremony or not. I was scheduled to graduate last year, but there were complications with my credits since I was a transfer student! The majority of my friends and favourite classmates graduated last year so I was sad I couldn't graduate with them. This year's graduating class included a whopping total of 4 English students, and none of my professors were able to attend the ceremony.

BUT I had a lovely time with all those lovely English folks at the grad dinner my profs hosted for us a few days before! And they also gave us lovely personalized cards and gifts. It was so nice.

And the moral of the story: I was very glad I went, and I was grateful so many of my favourite people came to support me and like me enough to sit through all of those pointless speeches! My mom, aunt, Mike, Mike's mom, Laura, and Laur's mom all came to cheer me on and I just love those folks.

Next time I won't take so long to update I hope. Mostly because it requires me to talk too much ;)