What I Wore

What I Wore: Express Yourself

20 July, 2015 Nelia 1 Comment

Toronto summers are so fleeting. All of June, I’ve been waiting for proper summer weather, and now that it’s getting “hot in here” and we are already halfway through July, I am scrambling to take advantage of every single sunny day. Weekends pass by in a blink of an eye, and by the time Mondays roll around, I can’t even remember what I did on my days off, like I suffer from some kind of weekend amnesia. Thank goodness for outfit photos, or I would never remember anything.

Speaking of…le bf and I have a few trusty backdrops for my photos, but it was a nice surprise to discover this wall of flowers on one of our walks. Of course, a wall of flowers calls for a photo op…and here we are. I’ve been wearing this EXPRESS dress a lot this summer…it’s so breezy, colourful, and simply perfect for those sticky hot days. The hat is another staple – straw boaters are having their fashion moment right now, and I really don’t mind, since this one helps shield my face and hair from the sun.

So tell me, what do you reach for in the summer? Do you have a few trusty summer staples that you can’t live without? Share in the comments!

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What I Wore: Belong Anywhere

15 July, 2015 Nelia 4 Comments

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending one of the funnest events in a long while! Airbnb hosted a little lawn bowling tournament and we had a blast learning all about this fun sport, while hanging out with blogger friends and Airbnb Canada team.

Dress code for the event was all-white-errythang, so I wore one of my fave LWDs, and my new “catlady essential” Charlotte Olympia kitty purse. It was an easy-breezy outfit for a fun day outside. Our team ended up winning at lawn bowling, and we all slowly but surely improved our game, in between taking silly photos with the Airbnb bus, of course.

If you’re not familiar with Airbnb, it’s truly groundbreaking! I’ve used their services several times in different cities – each a huge success. This past March, le bf and I stayed in a stunning Parisian flat owned by a bridal designer. We were located steps away from the Eiffel Tower and had the entire 2 bedroom apartment to ourselves for around CAD $300 for 3 nights…total! In Paris! If you were to book a similarly situated hotel room, it would be a lot smaller and A LOT more expensive. Thanks to Airbnb, it’s never been easier and more affordable to travel the world, and feel like a local at the same time!

If you’ve never travelled with Airbnb before, you can sign up using this link and get $32 off your first booking. And trust me, once you try Airbnb, you won’t look at travel the same way again.

So tell me, have you ever used Airbnb? Share you experiences in the comments.

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What I Wore: Off To The Races

9 July, 2015 Nelia 5 Comments

Last Sunday was my first time at the Queen’s Plate, but it certainly won’t be my last. I loved everything about my experience at the racetrack – from dressing up, to bidding on horses, to people-watching, to enjoying everything the Hats and Horseshoes party had to offer – it was truly a blast!

I did have a moment of panic about 30 minutes before leaving the house…and ended up completely changing my outfit, and also MacGyvering a fascinator from a large flower purchased at Homesense, old headband, discarded ribbon, and 2 hair elastics. Though le bf looked at me as if I was insane, I did end up getting a ton of compliments on my DIY headpiece, and it was even featured in Toronto Star’s Queen’s Plate hat line-up. Take that, le bf!

Once we got to Woodbine Racetrack, we were a bit overwhelmed by all the action happening all around us – food trucks selling yummy bites, various party tents with things to do and people to see, wine and beer tastings, fancy hats for sale, and that’s before we even stepped foot inside the main building! We found our way to the Rethink Breast Cancer tent, where we spent most of our day. It had everything – DIY fascinator station, manis courtesy of The Ten Spot, fashion illustrators drawing partygoers’ outfits (mine was done by the talented Danielle Meder!), sweet and savoury treats, silent auctions, Be Good gelato cart…it was THE PLACE TO BE!

But of course, the track provided even more entertainment! Knowing close to nothing about horse races, I decided that my strategy would be to bid on contenders with fun names and/or my lucky number 8, which is how I ended up picking Aldous Snow and Conquest Boogaloo, and actually winning!

Overall, we had a wonderful time at the races. Queen’s Plate is quickly becoming one of the top summer events, and now I know why. I was told that each year it gets bigger and better, and I can’t wait to see what next year’s Queen’s Plate will have in store.

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What I Wore: Appetite for Excess

16 June, 2015 Nelia 5 Comments

I’ve been in love with Hayley Elsaesser’s designs ever since her first WMCFW fashion show. The “Heavenly Bodies” collection was my gateway into the crazy-fun world of Canadian/Aussie designer Hayley Elsaesser, and it’s still one of my fave Canadian collections ever. I really connect to the playfulness of her prints, her choice of modern cuts, and the overall over-the-top aesthetic of the brand.

So when I learned that the theme of this year’s Power Ball was Appetite for Excess, I knew exactly what I wanted to wear – the Mouthy maxi in neoprene. Luckily, I had an amazing CHANEL Dubai clutch to complete my look of excess, and with a touch of glitter in my hair by Kelly from Medulla and Co, I was ready for the art party of the year.

But what I realized that day as I was riding the streetcar on my way to the hair salon, is that not everyone is as comfortable as I am with crazy prints, because a lot of people stared at me in befuddlement. But to me, this look is as normal as anything else in my wardrobe, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

More photos after the jump!
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What I Wore: In Living Colour

12 June, 2015 Nelia Leave a Comment

Springtime is the best time to bust our your most colourful, most eclectic, most funtabulous pieces, and I think this lovely CHANEL Multicolor Jersey Flap bag totally qualifies. It elevates the most basic of outfits, adding a touch of whimsy and excitement.

I wore this outfit to work the other day and someone literally exclaimed “YOUR EARRINGS ARE GREEN!” with her eyes wide as saucers…I mean, yes, they are green…and yes, I work in an industry where green earrings raise eyebrows. Le sigh.

In case you didn’t know, CHANEL is currently having a summer sale, so for those of you who’d like to snag a little of that CC goodness, make your way to your nearest store and enjoy the deals. There are some really cool shoes available up to 50% off…jewelry and clothes too! It’s a dangerous place to be right now, but oh-so-good too! Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Happy Friday, lovelies!

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What I Wore: Design Lab

1 April, 2015 Nelia 3 Comments

It’s officially spring, and with any luck, pretty soon we’ll be able to put away our winter coats and boots, shed those opaque tights, and finally wear pretty clothes and shoes. I can’t wait! Recently, I got to preview Hudson’s Bay’s new Design Lab collection, chock-full of boho caftans, eyelet two-pieces in pretty pastel shades, faux suede, crochet, fringe, and lace…oh my! Checking out the collection made me feel even antsier about warmer temps – so many cute pieces to add to my closet!

I was lucky enough to pick my faves and take them out for a spin at Toronto’s Allan Gardens Conservatory – a place where it’s summer all year long. I chose this sassy floral two–piece, so stretchy and comfy, that it works even on a curvier girl like me. With an athletic-inspired lace bomber jacket, this is the perfect outfit for those warm spring days…brunch, date, whatever. And those blue flowers –instant pick-me-up!

Check out Hudson’s Bay’s Design Lab collection here and let me know which pieces you love!

What I Wore: Top, Skirt, Jacket – Design Lab (Hudson’s Bay); Bag – CHANEL; Shoes – Alexander Wang

This post was sponsored by Hudson’s Bay, all opinions are my own.

Photo Credits: Max Kopanygin

Yorkdale Is Me: Websites and Billboards and Yorkdale, Oh My!

6 May, 2010 Nelia 5 Comments

And so it’s up! What’s up? Photos of the 10 finalists in the Yorkdale Is Me contest! Woohoo!

The shoot was coordinated by the amazing Concrete Design team and shot by the very talented Chris Nicholls. It was a huge pleasure and a privilege to have worked with such a fabulous group of people, and I am sure all of the winners will remember this experience forever!

So, if you want to see the finished results of Yorkdale’s Spring 2010 campaign, go to www.yorkdale.com to check out the rest of the photos! They are all so beautiful!

You may also see my billboard (OMFG, my face is on a friggin billboard!!!) at 4664 Yonge St. (near Sheppard Ave) until the end of May, and at 544 Eglinton Ave West (near Yonge St.) until the end of June! I haven’t actually seen it myself yet, so it hasn’t really sunk in…If you do see one, make sure to take a photo and send it my way.

And once again a HUGE thanks to all of you for your support! This is all because of my friends and readers! Would not be possible without you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Photo Credits: www.yorkdale.com

What I’m Wearing: Havana

24 February, 2010 Nelia Leave a Comment

It was a relatively cold day for Cuba. Maybe under 20 degrees Celsius! Plus cloudy, windy, etc. So I really had to hold on to my hat for most of our day in Havana to prevent it from flying away. But my new H&M Men’s tee was perfect for such a day. Long sleeves that roll up, yet with enough volume not to be too hot when it got sunny. Plus it’s…that’s right…it’s striped! I know, I know…I need help.

And the shoes…I really don’t get it. I’ve worn these sandals in Rome, Paris, Sorrento, Mexico, Toronto…everywhere…and they’ve always been nothing but comfortable! Yet this time around, I had to stop a few times, just to let my blisters feet get some rest. What gives? Is it time to throw these babies out? I don’t think I am ready yet.

I am wearing: Shirt, Hat – H&M Men; Shorts – Forever21; Bag – Old Navy; Sandals – Zara; Sunglasses – Ray-Ban; Bracelet – Iberostar Laguna Azul

What I’m Wearing: Check Yourself

3 February, 2010 Nelia Leave a Comment

Ok, so my love for all things striped is still going on…and on…and on. Went to Yorkdale the other day, and almost bought two more striped things (a dress and a top). When will this madness stop? But the truth of the matter is…I feel comfortable and chic wearing Breton stripes…and that’s that. Stole my mom’s Ralph Lauren scarf…it is just soo comfy and warm! She won’t let me keep it, so I have to “borrow” it occasionally when she doesn’t wear it. Still loving my Aldo boots. Yeah, the heels are super high, but these are still the comfiest boots I own.

Oh, and I am also wearing my new Urban Outfitters “Texas” necklace!!! First spotted it at Buffalo’s Walden Galleria, regretted not buying it…tried to find it in Houston (without much luck), and finally got my paws on it in Toronto! You can’t see it here…but I’ll post a pic soon! Love it so much!

I am Wearing: Boots – Aldo; Top, Jeans, Ring – H&M; Blazer – Zara; Scarf – Ralph Lauren; Bag – Louis Vuitton; Necklace – Urban Outfitters

What I’m Wearing: Orange You Glad?

29 January, 2010 Nelia 1 Comment

Don’t usually feel this way, but I felt decidedly girlie the other day. Hence the floral skirt, pearl earrings, and bow necklace. I love playing dress-up in my closet once in a while. It used to be way more often (like a few times a day), but now…with all work and no play, dress-up takes a back seat. Which is kinda sad.

Oh, and I bought yet another Breton-striped shirt. I think this is officially a full-blown obsession…I have over 10 very similar striped tops (cropped, tank, tee, long sleeve, long sleeve dress, 3/4 sleeve, and a few others)…and I still have an eye on one more at H&M. Do I need an intervention?