I have been obsessed with this top since I bought it back in the fall, and showed it off in this haul. I wore it for Thanksgiving with a pair of pants I also got in that haul which you can see here. I forgot that I also wore this same jacket in that post - I've been obsessed with that as well. Anywho, since it's such a distinct colour I have tried to not wear it a tonne but I can't help it!

     Perhaps this will be the item I work with for my next "one item x looks" posts. Sometimes I feel stuck with a statement piece and can only wear one or two looks with it and those posts always motivate me to push myself. The top is very versatile despite being such a unique colour.

     This green and rust combination has been my favourite thing and has inspired me to add more of both colours to my wardrobe. The Garage top (final clearance) is cropped, but isn't too short so when combined with my shorter torso, is almost a regular length shirt. I prefer to wear crop tops with high waisted bottoms, as I'm not super comfortable bearing my midriff at the moment. I paired it with my current favourite pair of jeans from American Eagle (similar) and my most worn boots which I've been  obsessing over. The quilted look of the Old Navy jacket (sold out) and gold detailing just round out the look nicely.

     I did add a few accessories to this look, I have two rings and a necklace, all of which I got from Boston, so I think it's safe to assume it's either J. Crew or a random boutique. I would have loved to wear a long pendant necklace if I had one in gold but I didn't so I opted for this floral one that I clipped on the longest chain so that it would sit lower. Then I have a pair of Ray-Ban Clubmaster Classics and an old Coach clutch that was also inherited from Boston. 

     THESE. TIMBERLAND. BOOTS....oh my...I wear them almost every day at work and they are the most comfortable things ever. There is also a funny story behind them - Scott's mum had a pair of boots like this (which I later found out are not Timberlands) and Boston loved them thinking they were Timbs and bought herself the black Glancy boot. Well, I started to borrow them, wearing them on the odd occasion and needed to replace my black flat ankle books (affectionately known as "Peter Pan" boots according to my dad) because the soles were toast. So during the Black Friday sales I was hunting and hunting & could NOT find the black boots in my size and when I finally did, found out they were a new style, Camdale. Slight changes in the sole and the grommets but I knew that I needed them and never looked back. They work with so many outfits, so you will be seeing a tonne of them in upcoming posts I'm sure!
     
     Let me know if the hunter/olive greens or mustard tones are doing it for you & if you are going to incorporate them into your wardrobe!

With Valentine's coming up quickly here are some outfits that will take you from a Galentine Brunch to a Fancy Dinner and everything in between. Hopefully you can take some inspiration from these outfits!

     The first look I have is the most casual of them all, and they feature a pair of pink leopard jeans I picked up from Forever21 a few years ago. To make sure they stay the centre of attention I paired it with a simple cream ribbed long sleeve shirt. This one has open cut bell sleeves but I prefer to cuff them at a 3/4 length. I have these beige high tops from Old Navy which keep with the casual vibe. 

     For this look I LOVED the detailing in the lace overlay of this off the shoulder blush top. I thought it would look really cute with a pair of lighter wash jeans and to elevate the look, I put on a pair of BCBGirls cream pointed heels. The point helps to elongate my legs and I find the cream a nice balance to the top. 

     Now we are branching into a look that borders a casual outing and perhaps getting a drink with someone. I picked up this Lucky Brand black velvet bodysuit at a local thrift shop a couple months ago for $4! I wanted it to pair it with a dark wash of jeans, these are the curvy jeggings from Bluenotes which don't gap at the back for me which is great. A classic black strap sandal heel finishing this look but you can totally wear a pop of colour if you don't want a dark look.

     This is a softer look that has a really girly vibe to me. I love the look of crisp white pants and the soft peachy pink blouse. I didn't originally have a belt with this look but I find with tucked in tops, a belt just helps to pull it all together so I had this patent nude belt from Target and wrapped it up with some strappy white sandals from Town Shoes. I have to admit these shoes were from my grade 8 graduation!

     This next outfit is a fun one for the spring/summer and that early transition to fall when it's still super warm in September. I love the paperbag waist and pleating to these Zara pants and they pair well with cream, white tops and this floral tee from Garage. The tones match beautifully and everyone enjoys flowers! I have these tie up flats that I picked up from Giant Tiger over a year ago for under $20. I don't wear them as much as I'd like because it can be hard to balance out the tied look with pants but they matched well with some of the details in the shirt.

     This is not an outfit that I ever thought I'd wear as it is literally head to toe pink, granted its more blush than in-your-face-pink, but I always tell people I'm not big on wearing pink. This lookbook showed me just how much pink I own (I had more but didn't want to over do it). The J. Crew flats are a pinky nude and the monochromatic vibe of this outfit surprised me - I really enjoyed it! These Calvin Klein pants aren't a leopard print, but if you look closely they kind of remind me of a giraffe - which I know sounds strange but it's not a regular print. They have a great cut and aren't too long for my height.

     I wore this dress out the other night when I went to see Come From Away, with some tights and boots because it was in the middle of a snow storm and I got several compliments on it! I confess, I've owned this dress for probably almost a decade, my mum gave it to me years ago, and I've NEVER worn it. I never thought it fit nice or some nonsense like that but I really enjoyed wearing it. It's super comfy and if you're not suffering from a snow storm, pairing it with some shiny booties really ties the look together. As with the previous black outfit feel free to choose another colour shoe (be it red or pink) to make it more "lovey" if you'd like. 

     This dress is one of my favourites to wear when I'm going out for a nice dinner or evening as it's just super comfy and stretchy. Animal print is all over the runway this season so not only is it comfortable, it's on trend too. I choose to belt it because it helps keep the waistline on my actual waist as it is ever to slightly big. I've paired this dress with many heels but I thought that I'd try something new and wear my Timberlands. I am absolutely obsessed with these boots and love the way they look with the dress as they edge it up. 

     So that is the lookbook! For more angles of the looks you can check out the video down below. Be sure to subscribe if you haven't already - it really does help me out! I would love to know which outfit is your favourite or close to what you'll be wearing for Valentine's Day. I hope you have a great day, whether you're hanging with your girls, with your partner or enjoying some you-time!

Earlier this summer I attended my friend's Bridal Shower Tea Party and I was super excited to wear this jumpsuit. After the tea party, Scott and I took a nice Sunday stroll around Oakville and scouted out a few restaurants that we wan to check out.

     Jumpsuits and I have a love/hate relationship due to my height and proportions. I am a whopping 5'3" with long legs and a short torso and this makes finding and fitting into jumpsuits quite the challenge. I have tried so many different jumpsuits over the years and they are either outrageously long or they have a longer styled torso so I have too much fabric bunched up around my waist or it would sit too low on my hips and I look disproportionate.
     So I was beyond happy when I stumbled upon this one at Forever21 back in June. It fit perfectly and the cut of the back and where the waist laid was perfect. You have the option of going braless or wearing a stick on bra - both would work well if you aren't too well endowed. I also enjoy that its wide legged so quite flowy when you walk. 
     I paired it with a classic black sandal heel to give me a bit of height as it is on the longer side for me and it helps to elevate the look just a tad. It would look great with black flats or sandals as well if you're a bit taller than me. I will definitely be wearing this to work with a blazer or cardigan. I also want to play around with different black belts and see how they look.

Outfit Details
jumpsuit forever21 | heels icon sandal | fitbit alta hr 

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One of summer's most essential fashion pieces has to be the maxi dress. They are the easiest thing to throw on on a hot day & always give you the effortless chic vibe.
So that was my go-to outfit for my outing to the Shawn & Ed Brewing Company last month, which you can read all about here.

     The best thing about maxi dresses is there is one for everyone, and no matter what height or shape you are, you will look and feel amazing. This is one that I recently (read: June aha) got from my grade partner as she never really got around to wearing it and thought that I would get some good use out of it. I also got a second one from her that is super comfortable as well.
     I quite like this one as it has an overlay on the chest all the way round which helps to give it some shape on my body. The colour is also a great one for the warmer weather as I find teal/mint help to show off a tan well. The shoes I scored for $12 (!!!) at a Giant Tiger, so of course I had to grab them. They are a size smaller than I usually wear but fit comfortably so I knew it was a sign that I must get them. I think that they would work well at work to spice up my usual flats as I quite like the ankle wrapping detail and the eyelets. The colour of them being so neutral will also make them a flexible footwear option continuing into autumn.

     It was nice having a photographer friend at the tasting so that he could grab some photos of Scott and I, as well as my friend Boston. 

     What are your thoughts on maxi dresses? Are you a huge fan of them like me, and own half a dozen (or more)? I'd also love to know where you find them and if you have a favourite brand. Most of mine are from Old Navy because, as you'll know if you've been a long time reader, I worked there for many years through high school and university. I sometimes have difficulty finding a maxi that isn't too long on my short frame, but I find ways to make it work! 

{Outfit Details}
dress Rolla Coster | shoes Giant Tiger | fitbit alta hr 
bracelet sarahannedipity

Connect with Me
YOUTUBE - Sydneexo
INSTAGRAM - @livelifeyourway
TWITTER - @sydnee_xo
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SNAPCHAT - @syd_xox ​

If you follow my social media, or you're an avid reader of my blog, you will know that I recently had the privilege to attend the #OdysseoSAUGA show here in Mississauga. You can read all about my experience in this blog post but I wanted to share the outfit details of what I wore that night.

     I had four different outfits laid out for this event and I took to my insta-story for opinions and to one of my go-to beauty/fashion groups on Facebook. I have to admit this isn't the outfit that won most votes BUT it ended up being way too hot for the one everyone (and myself) wanted. So I went with this and it ended up being the perfect outfit. I haven't worn this skirt in so long and it reminded me how much I love it. 

Outfit Details
top Calvin Klein | skirt Streetwear Society | heels Icon 
purse Payless | sunnies JOEFresh | fitbit alta hr

     Don't forget if you are interested in Gold or VIP tickets I have a coupon code "SOCIAL" that you can use on Cavalia's site to get 15% off! If you've seen the show or plan on seeing it, be sure to share your experience with me here or on my socials. 

I am so excited to share with you something I've had cooking for the last couple of weeks! 
I've partnered with JORD Wood Watches to bring you a special giveaway so that you can get your hands on one of these gorgeous looking watches. Perhaps you have someone in your life who is a recent graduate and you're looking for something to give them or maybe a birthday or any other reason to celebrate. A watch is a perfect gift for anyone and you can never have too many! 

   Before JORD reached out to me, I'd seen one or two of their watches floating around on Instagram, and when I did, I knew they were from the same company. Both of the watches I saw were stunning. It was one of those unique things you see that makes you go, "I want THAT!" When you scroll through their watches, I can guarantee that you will want all of them. 

     These watches are made from various woods, that range from light bamboo to rich rosewood to dark ebony. There is a colour to suit everyones' needs and tastes. They also have a wide range of face styles and colours while incorporating traditional round face as well as rectangular and square faces. I honestly struggled so hard with choosing one of them, I could easily choose a watch for every outfit imaginable. They have male and female styles but many of the designs are unisex and will appear on both lists. The style that I chose, Fieldcrest in Dark Sandalwood, is a unisex design and I chose it because I intend to give it to Scott and he loved this design as much as I did.

     When I first got this watch and was wearing it around - I kid you not - EVERYONE stopped me to ask me where it was from. Each one of them left telling me that they were going to look into purchasing one. They were impressed with the construction of it and how surprisingly light the watch is. I've had much heavier watches and so it's nice to have one on that doesn't really feel like it's there. It also has a double metal clasp closure with quick button release which I've personally never seen on a watch before but love the comfort and seamless look of the design.

​     If the watches themselves weren't unique enough, the box they come in puts them over the edge. Each watch is shipped in this gorgeous wood box, which has a magnetic lid (super handy for spastic people like me) as well as a little drawer that is perfect for holding earrings, rings or even spare links. You can get both the box and the watch engraved if you are purchasing as a gift, which I think is great. This box is such a nice display piece that if it has a special message on it I can't imagine not having it as a display piece in your wardrobe or bedroom.

     Within the lovely box, I received a handy little finishing oil and cloth to keep the wood looking fabulous. JORD Preserve is a custom-formulated cleaning oil created specifically for the care of wood watches. It is 100% natural with no artificial chemicals and ideal for cleaning and conditioning your timepiece, according to their website. It suggests using it before first wear and 6 months afterwards. Due to the nature of the material you have to be careful of humidity and hot/cold weather to prevent any damage.

     I really loved the darker colour of this watch and find that even though it's not black, it does go well with many outfits. I styled it with some blue jeans and a dark brown 3/4 sleeve top while recently away in Crystal Beach, ON. I like that it has a "boyfriend" vibe and doesn't look too big for my small wrists but also doesn't look too small on Scott's. 

     But enough about all that, you probably want to know more about the giveaway! We've teamed up to give you the chance to win one $100 e-gift code and ALL other entrants will receive a $25 discount! This contest is only open for 48 hours so don't sleep on it and be sure to share with your friends. You can also gain an extra entry by following JORD on IG.

     All you have to do is click here to open the entry form and select your favourite watch!  Don't forget to let me know in the comments below that you've entered and tell me which watch is your favourite and why you'd like to win. I would love if you followed me on IG as this is a giveaway for my lovely followers. 

Summer is here and who doesn't love adding some new pieces to their closet? I was at a Forever21 a couple weekends ago while coming home from the Niagara-on-the-Lake area and picked up a few things. I also received my order from ClothesEnvy and share my views on purchasing from them in the video. Be sure to subscribe & check out the video for the full try on!

     I've managed to link all the products below, hopefully they will still be in stock if you are interested in purchasing any of them.  Be sure to let me know if you grab a piece!

Clothes Envy
Cold Shoulder Wrap Top - Rose
Disclosure Sleeveless Bodysuit - White
Sleeveless Choker Bodysuit - Black 
Break Free Bodysuit - Taupe
The Scoop Crop Top - Grey
Hung Up On You Pants
Hold Tight Midi Skirt - Nude
Pretty In Peplum Top - Mint
Glamour Caged Pump - Nude
Icon Single Soled Sandal - Black

Forever21
High-Neck Cami - Amber
Off-The-Shoulder Crop Top
Knit Dolman Top - Taupe
Contemporary Floral Jumpsuit
Dusty Pink Press-On Nails
Matte Nail Polish 

     I want to know which piece is your favourite? I'm not sure I can pick just one item, I LOVE the F21 crop top + jumpsuit but I also loooooove the black and white bodysuits from ClothesEnvy. I've already put together a few cute outfits with these pieces that you'll see up on the blog and my Instagram soon! 

     Have you picked up any cute new items for your summer wardrobe? I'd love to see - so be sure to tweet me, snap me, or send me a pic on insta!

Connect with Me
​YOUTUBE - Sydneexo
INSTAGRAM - @livelifeyourway
TWITTER - @sydnee_xo
FACEBOOK - Sydneexo
SNAPCHAT - @syd_xox ​

So a couple of weekends ago Scott and I attended a surprise Stag & Doe for one of his best friends. If you want to see how successful the surprise was, definitely go check out the video, I capture the Bride-to-Be's face perfectly! I changed my outfit around a few times and settled on this and loved it.

{Details}
Halter Top: Old Navy (c.2005) | Blazer: ROMAN (c.2014) | High-waisted Pants: Sirens
Heeled Booties: LOFT | Necklace: Grandmother's | FITBIT Alta HR

     I've realized that I tend to pair these boots with this blazer almost every time I wear it. The colour palette is just so complimentary. These olive green pants tied in well with the floral pattern in the open jacket and to help balance it all out I paired a beige halter top that I tucked into the pants to give it a more dressy vibe. 
     We also got these adorable pins with a caricature of the couple on it, at check in, to wear for the event. The Groom's younger brother was to thank for the picture and I think he nailed it! The afternoon was spent with an epic trivia match (we placed 3rd - top 3 teams were within 1.5pts of each other WE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALL ahaha), some silent and live auction items and some finger foods. It was hosted at a local pub which I've been to a few times and it was quite fun. You'll see my silent auction purchase in the video as well.

     Have you ever been to a Stag & Doe? What do you typically wear out to events like this? Plus, if you have any funny stories to share, leave them down below. My funny tidbit would be our Trivia Team Name "Boston & Chris' Only Friends" because everyone else was family or neighbours!

     I had the great pleasure of collaborating with one of my greatest friends for a NYE Lookbook showcasing her SS17 Collection. Lesley of Lesley Hampton, has showcased at Vancouver Fashion week twice in 2016 and is preparing for her third runway this year. I am SO proud of the accomplishments this girl has made in the last year. So I was very happy to shoot her latest collection and to let you know that each of these pieces is for sale! So if there is something you like don't hesitate to grab it while she has it. They are one of a kind pieces so you'll be sure to dazzle and stand out.

     I'm not sure I'm able to choose my favourite outfit from this lookbook because all the pieces are fantastic. I think the first look, with the floral appliqué bralette & high waisted pleather circle skirt and the last one, white sequins mini dress with sleeves are probably my top two. Which look(s) are you favourite?
     Lesley also does custom orders so if something here is close to what you'd like but not quite, or you have some lavish idea in your head you'd love to see some to live, I'm sure she can work something out with you; so don't hesitate to reach out to her. I'll leave all her links below so you can check out her other work. She is going to be showing at Toronto Women's Fashion Week next month as well, so her IG will be flooding with awesome shots. 

www.LesleyHampton.com
Instagram @Lesley_Hampton
Twitter @LesleyHampton
FacebookLesley Hampton Design

     I totally realize that this is no longer a holiday post...it's more of a "if you want an idea of dressing up" post, but whatever! This is an outfit I wore to Scott's extended family Christmas party back in December. I thought that I'd share the makeup look I wore that night as well if you are interested.

     This whole outfit began with the idea of wearing my new faux fur vest. I've been wanting to get a vest like this for years but could never justify the price tag for such a "trendy" piece. Well one day while grocery shopping at Loblaws I (of course) had to take a gander at JOE Fresh, because why not? I saw this vest and immediately was ooh-ing and aw-ing, but I hesitated to pick it up. Well once I left I was regretting not getting it, so I told myself that if it was there the next time I went to Loblaws, it was meant to be. It seems that JOE Fresh has a quick stock turn over, because I feel if I don't pick it up when I see it, it won't be there the next time (like Winners for example!). So was I surprised when next I went to get some groceries and TADA! they still had stock. So I immediately began trying on different sizes to see if it was giving me what I wanted. Well I'm typically a small, sometimes medium in store depending on the piece, but for this vest I opted to get a large because I wanted it to look a little bit big and snuggly versus being tight and slim fit. Also picked up these embossed pants on the same shopping trip (yay me!)
     So once I had these pieces I knew I had to wear them so I aimed for a sexy/sophisticated look for this Christmas Party. 

     Debated a few different tops when I was styling this look, but opted for a black sheer sleeveless, so that the vest would pop. Spiced it up with some gold and black jewellery to match my clutch for the evening. Couldn't decide on a necklace so layered two choker styles.

     These pants in regular lighting do not show the embossing as well, even in person you have to pick up your leg to allow people to see it. I love/hate that aha. I think it's a really neat pattern that I want more people to see but I like the subtly it has in not jumping out at you.

     I also have a confession...these are the shoes I would have rocked with this outfit had I been keeping shoes on all night, but it was a snowy, sloppy mess, so I wore wellies since I was taking them off at the front door anyways! So these are the ideal look, but fashion did not trump my senses this night.

{Details}
Faux Fur Vest JOE Fresh  / Embossed Pants JOE Fresh / Top+Booties Urban Behaviour / Clutch Old Navy / Jewellery Misc.

     Did you have any fun holiday party looks you rocked this past December? Do you have a go-to look for when you're going out? Or are you a spontaneous dresser? I'd love to know! Plus, let me know how you style your (faux) fur vests, I'm looking for some more inspiration. 

P.S. Both JOE Fresh pieces are on sale right now! Get 'em while they're hot & in stock!