{Style} Chained...

Gold pleats, and chain motifs, and houndstooth accents — Oh my! There's a lot going on in this outfit, but I wouldn't have it any other way... And hey, while we're at it why not throw in a pop of red? Now we're talking.

Clothing and jewelry aside, there's something to be said about a good, basic bag, am I right? A black, compartment-packed cross body can make life oh-so easy, and this Nella Bella number does just that. It has removable pieces so you can wear it as a bag or clutch, upping its multifunctional factor... Now that's my kind of bag.

Happy Monday, friendlies! xx

Outfit details: silk blouse- Joe Fresh; pleated skirt- The Pretty Secrets (vintage); beanie- Old Navy; bag c/o Nella Bella; shoes- Aldo; houndstooth tights- Joe Fresh; necklace c/o Sira & Mara USA; bracelets- Forever 21

{Style} Big News!!!

For the past four days I've been keeping a pretty major secret from you guys, and it's been killing me not to share my happy news with my closest online friends (you know, I had to get all those pesky real life people out of the way first!). Drumroll please... On Christmas Eve, Mr. AiF and I got engaged!!!! *Cue the fist pumping, jumping up and down and uncontrollable giggling*

I'll spill the details in a later post (one that's not just an outfit post featuring my new bling!), but because the past few days have been some of the happiest of my life, I just HAD to share the news with you guys! Yay!!!!

Love you all! xx

Outfit details: houndstooth jacket- Winners (super old & rediscovered in my old closet at my parents'); sweater- H&M; pleated skirt- Club Monaco; polka dot tights- Joe Fresh; booties & necklace- Forever 21

{Houndstooth Week} The Tights...

Image details: houndstooth tights- Joe Fresh; cap toe pumps- Zara

{Houndstooth Week} The Shorts...

Outfit details: sweater & houndstooth shorts- Forever 21 (both last year); boots- Elizabeth & James; bag- Michael Kors (similar here); tights- Joe Fresh; necklace- Forever 21

{Houndstooth Week} The Sweater...

Outfit details: sweater- Urban Outfitters (old); faux leather shorts; tank- H&M; Giant Hummingbird necklace- Moon Raven Designs c/o Shoppalu; boots- Aldo

{Houndstooth Week} The Gloves...

Full disclosure? I may have broken the shopping ban just a smidge in order to get these Joe Fresh houndstooth gloves... But since they're technically something I really needed (my hands were getting oh-so cold), I figured it was justifiable. From here on out, consider me back on the wagon, friends. xx

{Houndstooth Week} The Dress...

Want to take your houndstooth to the next level? Think about mixing prints for added impact. Fall calls for versatile layers, so I opted for a denim shirt under a green tartan blazer. The result? An unexpected pairing that compliments the geometrical houndstooth in both shape and colour.

Want to know the best part? I had all of these pieces in my wardrobe from previous seasons... If you hoard clothing like I do, you might be surprised by what you find lurking in the dark recesses of your closet too. If not, I hope this inspires you to think outside the box while shopping for fall staples, and to hold on to those pieces for as long as possible because fashion is nothing if not cyclical. The proof? This dress is about six years old. Mind blowing.

Happy Houndstooth Week, friends! xx

Outfit details: houndstooth dress- Sirens (super old; similar here); denim shirt- Forever 21 (last year); tartan blazer- Joe Fresh (also super old; similar here and here); booties- Aldo; necklace- Forever 21; rose gold runway watch- Michael Kors; studded bracelet- The Bay