What I Bought in December + Boxing Day Haul

Well this is becoming a pattern isn't it ? I know I have left you guys for a while now and honestly I'm not even sure where the time went... I can't believe we are only a couple days away from 2014! 

I know I said I wouldn't buy anything much in December in my November post but I honestly couldn't resist the deals. Everything I bought this month was on major sale and with being at the mall constantly hunting down the perfect gifts for everyone I found myself shopping for myself more and more. In addition to all that I scored big during Boxing Day and really couldn't say no to anything. 

Cause it's: Work hard, shop harder. Right ?


1. JCREW - Gingham Dress Shirt (sold out)
Originally 59.50, bought for $10.99

this shirt isn't typically my style, but at $10.99 I couldn't say no, plus i always wanted to try that collared shirt under sweater trend.

2. JCREW - Buffalo Check Plaid Wool Peacoat Jacket Red (sold out)

Originally $400, bought for $100

I LOVE THIS. Again its a bit on the bolder side but there is just something about a statement coat that I absolutely adore.

3. American Eagle - Sequin Sweatshirt in Dark Grey

Originally $44.50, bought for $15 

If you can find this, buy it. It looks super cute on and is one of the comfiest sweatshirts I own.

4. American Eagle - Button Back Peplum Shirt in Dark Grey

Originally $39.50, bought for $13 

While you're at Aerie/American Eagle buy this too. If traditional peplums look weird on you like they do on me give this shirt a chance, I love the fit and it is the softest thing.

5.GAP - Eversoft Open-Front Cardigan in Mint

Originally $59.95, bought for $15.99

I ruined my other mint cardigan so this was a must.

6. GAP - Navy Knit Dress (sold out)

Originally $79.95, bought for $23.99

I can never say no to a well made inexpensive dress, this one is great for work and super cute with a belt.

7. GAP - Ultra Skinny Pants in Khaki Green 

Originally $64.95, bought for $16.49

These are super comfy and make your butt look great !

8. GAP - Sparkle Circle-Hem Cardigan in Dark Grey

Originally 59.95, bought for $17.99

I love sparkly things.

9. GAP - Navy Glitter Loafers (sold out online)

Originally 39.95, bought for $9.98

Again, I love sparkly things

10. Banana Republic - Zig-Zag Open Cardigan
Originally $185, bought for $49.98

I bought this solely based on an outfit I saw one of the sales girls were wearing, she looked amazing in it and when I asked if was in store she brought me to the last one in my size, so I took it as fate. 

The next day, I duped her exact outfit. Needless to say I love this sweater.

11. Ever New - Amie Embossed Scuba Dress in Blueberry (in stores only)
Originally $84.99, bought for $34.95

Again, I can never say no to a nice well priced dress!

12. Ever New - Jennifer's Boyfriend Cable Cardi (in stores only)
Originally $89.99, bought for $29.95

After I bought this sweater I saw the name was Jennifer's Boyfriend which was funny cause this was my boyfriend's favourite item.

13. Ever New - Rena Embellished Shoulder Tee (in stores only)
Originally $49.99, bought for $14.95

I love shoulder details, I think it adds so much to a simple shirt.

14. Ever New - Kristie Leather Slipper in Leopard (in stores only)
Originally $79.99, bought for $29.95

I got these to replace my old ones and the cool thing about these is that they are textured

15. Dynamic - Mint Blazer (in outlets)
Originally 42.50, bought for $15

I know this is completely inappropriate for the season but I couldn't help myself. If you can't already tell my favourite colour is mint and I have been looking for it in blazer form for the longest time.

16. Winners - BLISS Rubberizing Mask x2 (in stores)
Originally $38, bought for $14.99

Bought it, tried it, went back for seconds. 

Its funny cause some of the exact same masks were priced at $16.99 and only a couple were priced at $14.99 so naturally I went for the cheaper ones.

17. Marshall's - ST. Tropez Tanning St. Tropez - Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
Originally $38, bought for $19.99

I've heard great things about this product and I always wanted to try it, so I thought why not for half the price.

18. eBay Necklace 

won for $5.99

I bided on this necklaces not thinking I would win, but now seeing it in person now I'm so glad I did. I can really tell this will be a new favourite.

So that's everything Beauty and Fashion related for December, hopefully next month post won't be so large.

CHEERS, 

jennifer :)

Time - An Explanation & Update

My exams were done and over with on Dec 4th and I had every intention to blog regularly again, I even had a plan in place to for a new blog post everyday of December.. But what happened ? I have no idea. One moment it was Dec 4th and now theres only a couple of days left in 2013.

This month I planned to do it all. I wanted to do all the Christmas festivities that I never got to do before, I wanted to sleep in and over 8 hours everyday, I wanted use this winter break to learn more about the design programs I've been dabbling in, I wanted to workout and get a head start on my new years resolution to "get fit", I wanted to do so much but ended up half/barely starting everything. 

Planning to do things and actually getting things done are things a struggle with the most. More often than not I find myself ignoring the things a want to do (blogging, learning, exercising) and wasting time on useless things (online shopping, youtube, pinterest, other internet black holes.) With the year coming to a quick end its hard to believe that another 365 days past by, although I feel like I've made steps in the right direction but I am no where near where I want to be.

I order to change this habit I want to challenge myself next year to create more than just a list of things I want to get done but make a timeline and develop a step by step guide as well. Hopefully this will make it better and when I start to see more little things being crosses off it will motivate me to cross off the bigger things.

Because honestly speaking there is enough time in the day, I just don't make use of it efficiently.

{photo credit}

Did you get done everything you wanted this year?


Cheers, Jennifer

Five Things in November & Recap

Last Month I said October was a long month, although November was better it was still very very long. From the endless paper and projects occupying my time throughout the month, it was difficult to do much else beside study and go to work.

Going to work in the morning and school in the evening was really starting to take its toll on me but I made it through and now I have almost 5 weeks of no classes to look forward to! In addition to that am done all my classes and only have one more exam to write and I will be a free. And even more exciting news is next semester will be my last semester, come April 2014 I will be free from everything school related! 

Im really excited that its December, it truly is one of my favorite times of the year !

Without further delay my 5 things this month were:

1. Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover from Target.

Before Target came to Canada I would stock up on this whenever I was in the States, but during my last couple of trips they were all out and I had to try something new, but this month I finally got my hands on it again and its never felt so good to be reunited with it. I've tried a lot of Drugstore ones and nothing compares to this one so far. 

2. JCREW Statement Necklace Dupe from eBay 

I got this at the end of October and let me just say, this goes with everything ! From T-shirts to Dresses I have definitely have over worn this beautiful thing this month. Best $10 I've ever spent. 

3. The Righteous Body Butter from Soap and Glory 

I've only tried a handful of body butters but so far this is the best one. It absorbs quickly, leaves a wonderful smell and super soft skin, what more can I ask for. 

4. YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick in #13

Love the colour and it comes it super fancy packaging. 

5. NARS One Night Stand Cheek Palette.

 This thing has everything, and I love all the colours in it !

Thats all for this month, thanks for reading :)

Cheers, Jennifer

What I Bought in November + Black Friday Haul

November for me consisted of the Sephora VIB Sale and Black Friday. This was my first year going Black Friday shopping partly because no one ever wanted to venture down to Seattle with me (I'm Canadian) and two we don't have Black Friday usually. This year all the Vancouver Malls broke did Black Friday which was great for Christmas Shopping and myself but terrible for my wallet. Let's just say December will mainly consist of finishing off Christmas gifts so I wouldn't expect a 'What I Bought in December.' Must resist Cyber Monday...

I won't bore you with what I got from the Sephora Sale again because I already did a post about that here, so read if you please.

1. Ankle Boots - 'Antall' from Call it Spring for $20.00 originally $70.00

I've been looking for a pair of ankle boots for DIY projecy (will post soon) and these were the perfect price, not the exact style I wanted but who can complain when you get real leather/suede boots for $20! I was surprise to learn they were real leather too until the cashier pointed it out to me!

2. Pearl Adorn Sweater from Smart Set - $27.90 originally $45.00

To me smart set was always a mom store, but a randomly walk in cause they were having a 40% percent off sale and found this pretty sweater, I also found a beautiful sweater for my sister for Christmas. 

Its much prettier in person, the pearls are white and not as dark as the photo.

3. Betsy Zip Back Dress from Ever New - $40.00 originally $89.99

4. Andrea Jacquard Skirt from Ever New for $25.00 originally $69.99

I love this skirt, although its a bit spring/summer the gold threading in it makes it perfect for New Years if I dress it up a bit. I was going to buy this skirt when it was on sale for $50 but decided to take my chances and I am so glad I did. 

5. Luxe A-Line Dress w/ Belt from Forever 21 for 28.78 originally 33.80

I'm going to a Winter Ball (Boyfriend's work party) next weekend and have been on the hunt for the perfect dress and I think this is it, Ill try and do a outfit post on the day of but I am so bad at taking photos #bloggerfail.

6. Crew Neck Top for Old Navy for $4.50 originally 12.50

This was an impulse buy, I was in there buying gifts for other people and was sucked in. I already have a striped top that looks just like this... again #fail.

What Black Friday Deals did you get ? 

Cheers, Jennifer :)

Gift Ideas for Her

With Christmas only month away now, it seems like everyone has caught the holiday bug.

I thought I would kick off the countdown with "Gifts Ideas for her" post

I directly linked to all the items I showed but I think anyone of these items where ever they might be from would have a great gift idea. Remember that a gift from the heart will triumph any of these items.

 

Throughout the next 30 days ill be posting other gift ideas as well as sharing what I will be getting myself this year so stay tuned !

 

Happy Shopping & let me know if you ended up getting or receiving any of these items this year !

 

1. Rainboots

2. Cable Knit Sweater

3. Statement Watch

4. Cute Mug

5. Sparkly Earrings 

6. Fancy Lipstick

7. Desk Calendar 

8. A Makeup Set

9. Ring Holder

10. A Big Scarf

11. A Statement Necklace

12. A Tote Bag

Lovely Links

Inspired by the wonderful Cupcakes & Cashmere "Links I Love"

I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite links this week.

1. DIY Smoking Slippers - I actually thought about doing this with bows a couple months ago but i bought some instead. This is such a wonderful idea by Cupcakes and Cashmere !

2. I hoard mugs & this one is definitely one my list from Starbucks

3. Where all by free time has gone, you can literally find anything - eBay

4. Be that girl via College Prepster - great tips in succeeding in the workforce 

5. Another Beautiful Mug - Shopbop

6. Great tips just in time for paper madness via Paper N Snitch 

Thats all for this week !

Have a wonderful week end :)

Cheers, 

Jennifer :)

My Favorite Work Pants

The majority of my summer I have spent working and although my office is business causal, people here tend to dress how they like, we have agents that wear swim shorts and t-shirts to people in full on suits.

Before this summer I only worked one 'business' day a week (I worked the weekend too but it was unwritten rule that weekends were wear whatever you want to the office day, pjs included !) but because I was in the office more and I had a more 'important' position I wanted needed to vamp up my wardrobe. I want to fall somewhere between swim shorts and suit (leaning more towards suits). It was then that I was introduced to Minnie.

I first met Minnie last summer down in Portland, Oregon at a JCREW Factory outlet. I originally found out about her through the wonderful world of YouTube (I'm addicted to haul videos) and was thrilled when she was at the outlet for an extra 30% off. So how could I say no?

Next thing you know, I now own 4 pairs (3 Minnie's, 1 dupe). What I love the most about these pants are you really don't have to break the bank for them. I have gotten all of mine on sale ranging from $10 dollars to $55)

They feel like leggings, the crop hits you perfectly (sometimes you need to adjust it), they look professional, and most importantly don't break the bank.

Here are my tips to scoring your own Minnie's

1. JCREW factory  the Minnie Pant

why I love it:

-They are an exact dupe for JCREW Minnie pant 

-The factory store consistently has 40-50 percent off sales

-The factory store sells them in wearable, staple colours.

(I've got my navy ones for $55 and my black ones for $45) 

2. JCREW sale

Why I love it:

-You can find fun colours

-If you wait till there super sales (extra 40%) you can find some for super cheap, were talking $17 cheap.

(I got my royal blue ones for $17)

3. Dupe it.

After my life altering discovery of these wonderful pants I start seeing them everywhere at every price point and in tons of different colours.

My own dupe is from Old Navy and they are called "The Diva Skinny-Ankle Pants."I have these in a dark grey and paid $10)

I've gotten my sister a dupe pair at Banana Republic and they are called "Sloan fit slim ankle pant." I paid $45 for hers.

And finally I was lusting over a couple pairs (mint and red) on Aritzia site when they were on sale but regrettably decided against them. They are called the "Elliot Pant" 

All the store i've mention have wonderful sales and you can often find them for more 50% off !

& that ends my tribute to my favourite work pants.

Cheers, Jennifer

Trying New Things...

Happy Monday Everyone !
I am a creature of habit in almost everything I do. 

Food.

Stores. 

Routines.
Everything.
I really don't like trying new things I tend to stick with something until I am stick of it then and only then will I move on to something new. This was never really an issue for me until now.
With graduation looming I feel like I need to get out of my comfort zone. Going to university was easy, it was a routine I am use to. When people ask me what are you doing now answering I go to university was such a safe and easy answer. I a way university is my bubble. It as been a safe excuse for so long that I never really left the comfort of it.
But now seeing how I graduate in 6 months is a scary thing. I going to have to finally do things I haven't had to do in years (like career hunt and make a resume). Im going to finally have to break out of my shell and truly find myself and what I want to do. My life will change 6 months from now and I am both terrified and excited.

{ photo via The College Prepster }

SEPHORA HAUL + WISHLIST

Confession time, I ordered twice during the Sephora VIB sale. Once was because I got the discount code from a lovely Mallviber and because I made that purchase I got upgraded to VIB status causing me to order a second time... 

I'm typically not a 'beauty' girl. Yes I do wear makeup but the majority of my things are from the drugstore but when Sephora comes out with their holiday kits I always have to pick up one, usually I ask for one for Christmas but something came over me this time and I for whatever reason need 3 different sets and 2 overly expense lipsticks 

1.NARS Guy Bourdin Holiday Collection Limited Edition One Night Stand Cheek Palette  - $72 CAD

2.ORGINS Skincare Must Haves - $61.50 CAD

3. Sephora Favourites BB Buzz - $30 CAD

4 & 5.Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine in #13 Pink in Paris & #15 Corail Intuitive- $39 CAD

I know stop buying makeup especially since these orders haven't come in yet. But I can't help myself from still lusting over 

1. Tarte Off the Cuff Blush Palette (sold out online, but still in some stores)

2. Dior Amber Diamond 

3. Origins Bestseller Box - In stores

4. Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum 

The sale doesn't end until tomorrow (November 11) so I'm hoping that I can resist the urge to order again...

Like I said in my other Sephora Post, Ill do a review on all the products I got.

Cheers, 

Jennifer 

SPOIL HER IN GLITTER & SHADES OF PINK - KATE SPADE

Some people like to browse shops, others online. I however like to overly indulge in both. I recently got an email from Kate Spade announcing their new arrivals usually I ignore them but after spending the past couple on Pinterest and seeing a whole bunch of pretty things from her I was drawn in. I am completely in love with all the new arrivals but thought it would be nice to share my favourites because I really love seeing others people picks.

1. Audrina Flats - $238 USD

Could these be any more perfect? I love a statement shoe and these happened to be a show stopper

2. Carroll Park Penelope - 448 USD

This bag reminds my of summer in the best possible way. The coral colour as bold as it is, I think will add a pop of brightness to every outfit and day. 

3. Mix and Match Metro Grand - 225 USD

If I could justify another watch it would be this one.

4. Beacon Court Jeanne - 398 USD

This bag reminds of me of a winter wonderland. The soft pink colour gives it such a girly touch. 

5. Glitter Bug - 50 USD

Everyone needs a coin pouch right ?

Can you tell the colder seasons make me a bit glitter obsessed ?

Whats your current Kate Spade Favourite?

Cheers, 

Jennifer

SEPHORA VIB - WHAT'S IN MY BASKET

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Don't Be Pushed by Your Problems

It's easy to get lost in your problems, become so overwhelmed with trying to solve everything you lose track of what mattered in the first place. This was a rough weekend. I was so caught up in the right now trying to solve everything I could I got lost in my own problems and lost track of what really mattered. 

 my dreams. And at the end of the day you have to look at the bigger picture and focus on what really matters your dreams.

photo credit 

Hello November

photo credit

Goodbye October & Hello November. 

I hope November brings a more then October did for all of you. I have a lot to look forward to this month and really hope it passes by faster then October

My November To-Do List includes:

1. Start Christmas Shopping 

2. Get through this School Semester 

3. Keep up with this blog

Five Things + Recap

October has been one of the longest months this year for me. 

Trying to get through my piles and piles of school work along with a promotion at work and of course the start of this blog kept me busy but waiting all month long. This is my second last semester at school, as crazy as it is to look back and see how much time has past its insane to me how long this semester is dragging on. With only a month left what seems like only four weeks has a way of going on and on.

On top of waiting for school to end, I am also waiting to finally switch departments at my workplace (for those interested, I'm going from Customer Care/Reception to Marketing) but before I get to switch over I have to train my replacement and timing hasn't been on my side for that part of it, I was hoping to switch by the end of October but things came up and now the switch won't be finalized till mid November. I know its only two weeks longer but its forever in my eyes. But the bright-side to this month has been this blog. I've worked on it on and off for the past couple of weeks and I am really starting to like how it turning out. I still have a long way to go until its completed but I am really starting to like where its headed. 

My five favourite things this month have been

Photo credit one, four, five

1. My Bow Loafers

I adore these, they go with pretty much everything and the bow really as a girly touch to every outfit. Plus I didn't have to even break them in (unlike some JCREW flats...) !

2. Spray Painting Mason Jars

I ran across a photo of this on Pinterest one day and was obsessed. I ran off to Walmart bought my required items and ta da ! A successful DIY project was made. These jars have come it handy so far I have three. One for the flowers, one for my makeup brushes and one for my pens and pencils (post to come).

3. I was lucky enough to attend a beautiful Indian wedding in October. It was wonderful mix of modern and traditional elements. In addition they were giving way these gorgeous handmade boxes as party favours, my watches fit perfectly inside !

4. Revlon Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya 

This has got to be my favorite colour on my skin tone right now. I've tried the pinky pinks, the nudes and the berries and although some of them have work none of them have been quite like this one. I really its my "my lips but better colour." Downside is I think I've lost it :( and I have yet to repurchase.  I hate repurchasing things I have lost even though they were my favorite, I would be more likely to purchase something new. Are any of you guys like that ?

5. Autumn in General

This has got to be one of my favorite times of the year. Vancouver has seen some great weather the past few weeks making the city even prettier then it usually is.

That pretty much sums up my October, and here's hoping for a better November.

The Purrr-Fect Flats - Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flats Dupes

The Charlotte Olympia Loafers have been out for awhile now but it seems (at least to me) that this trend is starting to really catching on again, maybe it never left who knows (clearly I don't). Either way I find these incredibly adorable.  

Photo credit  left & right 

As cute as the original kitty flats they come at very high price at $595 USD.
I found them here on Net-A-Porter 

But as of recently I have seen many look a likes at much lower cost. Here what I found so far the range of prices are from $22.80-$167.00

Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flat dupes

Forever 21 Cool Cat Flats: $22.80
For my Canadian girls I also saw these in Canada for $27.80.
Zara (Girls) Cat Print Slip: $35.90
Nasty Gal Wild Cat Loafer: $58.00
Jon Josef G-Cat Loafer: $167.00

October Purchases

Since September I was on a 'no-buy,' naturally in October I overly indulged. This month was filled of all sort of sales, deals and rediscoveries, I really couldn't resist not that I tried. 

To begin with one of my favourite stores, JCREW. 

JCREW can be incredibly expensive but if  your patient you can find wonderful deals. I scored some awesome things in the past and this trip in my opinion was no exception. 

JCREW | CECE PYRAMID-STUDDED BALLET FLATS

Originally $172 CAD, I got these babies on sale, then additional 40% off, and then addition 15% (student discount), they ended up being around $70 CAD

Next, Shoppers Drugmart (Walgreens/Ulta equivalent) was having this great deal which was $20 off $60. But the best part of this deal? it included their nicer makeup. So along with some necessary purchases I got these unnecessary ones:

Dior | Crème de Rose

& less exciting but equally not necessary

L'Oreal | Paris Voluminous Mascara

Next we have ZARA and this purchase I can justify more so because I've been looking for a jacket like this for quite sometime now and couldn't past it up because I knew I would regret not getting it. 

ZARA | Quilted Parka

$99.90

Moving on, we have Kohl's, now I have never bought anything from here and I've only been there a handful of times but after seeing Memoirofapreppymom post a picture of these bow loafers on Instagram, I knew I had to have them 

Kohls | Simply Vera Bow Loafers 

These were sale for $35.99 with an addition 20% off (originally $60). 

After those came the JCREW Factory. They always have good sales here, and they ship duty free to Canada, which is always great. 

I got this shirt on a great deal. During the long weekend here (thanksgiving) they were having 50% off site wide. During the final hours of the 50% off I think someone their mess up because they release an addition discount on all shirts that wasn't suppose to be their until the following day once the 50% deal was over. I know this because as soon as I called in asking why the promo code their site was offering wasn't working it disappeared but not before they honoured the code.

JCREW Factory | Two Pocket Chambray Shirt 

Originally $80 USD (on the Canadian site its $68 on the USD site), addition 50% made it $40 and on top on that I got an extra 30% because of the mistake, making this top only $28  

Next  eBay. I love eBay, I have a handful of things I bought off there, some hits some misses but overall I've been happy with all my purchases. This month I rediscovered my addiction and bought

 eBay | JCREW necklace dupe. 

I adore this, it came better then I expected it too and absolutely love it. 

I won it for $10, if you don't bidding you can always 'buy it now' (thats the link i used)

Overall I would give it an 8/10 the necklace itself is beautiful and very true to picture. The only negative is the clasp, it isn't as smooth as I would like it to be but it can easily be swap out if needed.

Finally Gap, I just bought this dress 2 days ago and already adore it. I love GAP sales and always luck out and the other day was no exception.

GAP | Exposed Zipper Dress in Killer Tomato

This dress was originally $80, on a sale for 24.95 then an extra 30% off so I got it for $17.46 !

This was at the Robson Street location for any Vancouver girls that are interested

I thought it would be cool to show you what I look in the dress because to me it doesn't look like the stock photo.

That's all for my October Purchases,