5 Ways to Score an Instantly Pretty Office Space

The kids are back at it, easing their way back into the school routine as we speak. But while the focus is usually on students, many grown-ups get those back to school feels, too. After a long and lazy summer, September feels like the perfect time for a fresh start, for a renewed sense of focus to hit our career goals.
But getting motivated in a boring all-beige cubicle? Um, so not gonna happen. If any of you are feeling similarly disenchanted with your work space right now, it’s really no big deal. Sometimes a fresh coat of white paint and a handful of pretty pieces are all it takes to bring your office space from boring to beyooond. Check out my post on the Vaughan Mills blog for 5 steps to an instantly prettier office space. Warning: these finds may cause serious office envy… 

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SOLE MATES | These 50 Fall Shoes Are Goals

Speaking of goals...via Stuart Weitzman

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Summer was so amazing, so beautiful, so fun - just SO. But while I loved every minute of the ice cream and the excess, my body now has to deal with the fall-out from all that fun. Trying on jeans the other day, I was reminded of exactly how much fun was had. Sigh. 

As I slowly work my way back to fighting form, all the while trying to embrace my summer curves, trying to figure out how to keep some and not others (too much to ask?), I always find comfort in that one place where things always fit, where size doesn't matter, where I can be lifted up (literally), where I can stand taller (see where I'm going with this?), the place that understands my soul (and my soles): the shoe aisle. Thank goodness for shoes. Like Evan and Carly, we just get each other. We accept one another as we are. I know that if I invest in them, my shoes will always give back. And I know that once I find the one (okay, ones), I can stop looking. Well, at least until I see another pair that catches my eye. Luckily shoes have no feelings. It's a beautiful thing.

While I love to score good deals, I've learned over the years that good shoes are always worth it, even if you have to pay full price. I'd rather invest in one really amazing pair of boots than pick up 2 average pairs that will fall apart by next season. Okay fine,  2 really amazing pairs of boots instead of 4 average pairs. I mean, you can't expect me to pick just one, with pink block heel ankle boots to maje merlot midi boots to over-the-knee stunners vying for my affection. And don't even get me started on the flats - do we do the grey Puma Fierce kicks or the platform loafers? I can't even. For now, let's just stare at these 50 beautiful pairs and dream a little. Zero guilt. No regrets. Deal?

SEE MY 50 FALL SHOE PICKS HERE...

SHOE LOVE | See What I Scored at Canada's Largest DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse

When I heard that I’d been invited to shop Canada’s largest shoe store (I repeat: Canada’s LARGEST SHOE STORE), I cleared my calendar, hooked my kids up with a babysitter, and prepped myself. I can handle shoes. In fact, I’ve handled them my whole life. But the new 26,000 sq. ft. DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse at Vaughan Mills, loaded with shoes, boots and accessories, was beyond anything I’ve ever shopped. That’s 20,000 pairs of shoes at up to 40% off suggested retail prices. And a blogger with next to no self control around shoes. I’m in so much trouble. 

Head to the Vaughan Mills blog to see what I ended up taking home. Hint: they're tall, dark and gooorgeous...

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SAVING IN STYLE | My Made in Canada Mission at Le Château Outlet

I'm not gonna lie. When Le Château asked me to go on a shopping trip at their Le Château Outlet store, I wasn't sure what I'd find. As anyone who reads my blog knows, I am no label snob. But I wondered, if it weren't for my blogger job, would I normally ever shop at a Le Château Outlet? With so many of our stores falling to US retailers, I'm all about supporting Canadian brands. And Le Château's Made in Canada collection has made me a fan, so why not try the outlet? Challenge accepted.

Armed with a gift card and a mission to spend it, I head to my local Le Château Outlet. Just like Le Château stores, I find the hunt is always worth the effort. I bypass the prom dress section and head straight for the shoes, honing in on a gorgeous pair of Made in Italy leather sandals for $99.99 and genuine Spanish-made gold espadrilles for $49.99. I always get distracted by the shoes. My basic tees are in rough shape so I'm stoked to find perfectly drapey grey, black and white Made in Canada tees, all super soft and beautifully constructed. Yes to all 3, please. I add a fun knit polka-dot dress, a two-tone jumpsuit and some gorgeous checked pants (all made in Canada) to my fitting room stash.  I'm super impressed by the quality and fit, and end up walking out with the tees, the jumpsuit and the checked pants (which I loooove). While I definitely had to do a little hunting, it was totally worth it for these Made in Canada pieces. Um, and maybe 1 pair of Made in Italy shoes. Sorry not sorry :) 

Want to check out Le Château Outlet for yourself? Shop 24/7 online here or check out Canadian Outlet locations here, then be sure to share your scores using #SavinginStyle #LeChateauOutlet. 

Made in Italy heels for $89.99 plus some sweet summer sandals for $19.99

Love this shimmery silver clutch.

That perfect drapey tee every woman needs, only made in Canada.

A Made in Canada dotted dress. 

Mwah. Love this. 

A statement silver choker makes the cut

Checked pants: check. 

FALL '16 FASHION | 5 Fall Trends You'll Want to Start Wearing Now

Gorgeous girl Teegan Williams via Instagram

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When it comes to fashion, there's no season more exciting than fall. While the cooler weather and return to routine can be tough little pills to swallow, the promise of a new wardrobe makes it all totally bearable. Scoff. A new wardrobe you say? Um girl, I can't afford a whole new wardrobe you say? Keep reading. Updating your wardrobe for the new season is a lot less spendy than you might imagine. If you're armed with the basics (and if you've been reading this blog for awhile, you've got those covered), all you need to do is add a few key new-season updates into the mix. 

This fall, I've fallen hard for 5 pretty updates that I plan on wearing starting, um, now...

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