Holiday Dresses...

Ok, so I've been away for a while due to a lot of things (I now work nights until Christmas, I am behind in my coursework, my Grandfather passing away, etc)... but I'm back now, and to celebrate I found some beautiful holiday dresses from BCBG. I often feel like it's such a shame that high end/designer clothing is often made with materials that I don't wear... so I was pleasantly surprised to find a plethora of dresses at BCBG that are vegan and totally adorable too!

This is only a small selection of what they have...

Prices of these range from $198-$448, but I totally think you get what you pay for with these. My dress from last New Year's was losing sequins all over the closet floor before I even put it on...

Sweater Weather...

I'm totally in love with fall, because it brings around sweater weather... the best kind of weather there is. Since I'm really behind in homework, here's one quick one from Esprit.

How cute is it? With leggings and boots it'd be nice for a casual date. My fave.

Back from Hiatus...

Ooops, looks like I got a little busy with life. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!!! This weekend we had 3 big get-together dinners and I was stuffed at each. I'm so thankful to have friends and family who are so careful and thoughtful when preparing food for me, although I am the only vegan (and only the occasional vegetarian shows up). I must say I was impressed thoroughly at each event, with not only the standard sides, but a special 'main dish' that was prepared with me in mind... which all enjoyed and devoured. The best part though, was that at each meal there was dessert that I could have! DELICIOUS dessert too... I have to say I indulged in apple pie, berry crumble, chocolate cupcakes, chocolate cake and 2 kinds of 'ice cream' (including one made with coconut milk).

Excuse me while I go recover.

Name Changes.

I know I haven't been posting too long, but I changed it up already. I'm having way more fun posting clothes and shoes and things I window-shop for online... so I think I want to focus on that instead of all the teaching I'm doing (I kiiiiiid, I kid... I'm not teaching right now...). Of course, we can't shop all the time so it will be interlaced with some updates on my teaching life (whenever that starts!) Of course, everything I shop for is vegan... no wool, silk, leather, suede... etc. Being vegan doesn't mean dressing like a hippie (unless that's what you want to do). Okay, enough with the parentheses, girl.

In the meantime, I'm totally torn on which boots I want to get this fall.

First up, 3 from Aldo. All under $100. Sometimes Aldo says synthetic online... but then you get to the store and they are lined with leather. So I'm always careful to double-check before buying them. I love these flat boots. I almost got a pair last year but these are cuter than those were... so glad I waited!

Next, these are from Steve Madden's Madden Girl line, which is leather-free and more price-conscious than his main line. They also come in black, but I love the tan colour alot! $100.

Last, from Spring. They offered these last year and I tried to find them, but of course they were out of my size. Well, they're back this year and in 2 colours (black is the other one). I guess I should get them soon, lest I wait too long and regret my decision yet again... what are the chances they'll have them 3 years in a row? $90.

Anyone wanna help me pick? Or volunteer to get me all of them?

Warm Summer Nights...

Today was so warm and beautiful. In fact, it was a record-setting high, over 30 degrees. I love walking around outside in the evening when it's warm and still summer-y.

I picked up The Book of Awesome and I highly recommend it for anyone who likes to smile and remember all the little happy moments in life. I was laughing out loud reading it on the bus, trying not to get too many stares.

I applied for two more jobs, at Outdoor Education schools... it would be a one-year position, filling in for maternity leave or something, but it would be awesome! Some of the 'assets' listed in the job posting were: cross country skiing, snowshoeing, high ropes experience and canoeing. Who wouldn't love that job!? Crazy people, that's who....

Time for me to unplug and wind down... off to help my mom at her school's 50th anniversary tomorrow,.... taking people on tours of the farm!

Recent Purchases....

I love end of season sales. You can always find really cute stuff for amazing prices. I got two pairs of summer wedges from Aldo, under $40 total. They are both cute and really high, but still comfy because of the platform. Also, I think they are not too trendy, so I will still get good wear out of them next year!

I've been reading lots of fashion blogs lately, and while many of those bloggers spend hundreds of dollars on shoes and wear non-vegan materials, I'm still inspired by the fun they have with their fashion... and I've realized that I've become too practical for my own tastes. Flats have their place, but I love a high shoe! So I decided I should get myself back to when I used to wear shoes I love, height and practicality be damned! I'm only 25, I should be wearing impossibly high, ridiculous shoes! And so I shall.

Supply

So I am off to my first day of supplying this year. Unfortunately I can only supply in the non-teaching positions, which really, really sucks. I want so badly just to be added to the other list, knowing that I already fill the role without the title. It's just so frustrating. And so many people seem to get 'helped' along the process, but as much as I try, everyone just tells me the official way to do things. I just want to say 'Ya, I know how to do it... I want you to help." Sigh.

In the meantime, at least I'm working 25hrs a week, which is 5x what I was before! It'll all work out, right?!

Sparkle!

I really, really love these Steve Madden shoes. Just need somewhere to take them out.

Cardigans.

I. love. Cardigans.

For fall, they are the perfect topper for any outfit. They can go casual, dressy, cute, business or any other way you might want to! Plus you can get them in so many weights, that they are perfect for any situation. Plus, now there are so many lengths, necklines, arm lengths that you can't go wrong! Now is the perfect time of year to stock up, I find so many of the winter cardigans are wool, which not only makes me itch, it's totally not vegan:( .

Here's one I already have and love, from Old Navy. So cute to perk up a jeans/tshirt combo. My favourite way to wear it is with dark jeans and a white t. $34.50.

This chunky lovely one is from Esprit. $69.50. I love the big chunky sweaters with skinny denim or pants, with high heeled booties, totally cute.

This is from Gap (which I always call The Gap, even though the The is not official). Great to throw on over top for a quick errand. I can also see this one sitting around campfires when it gets a bit chillier. $64.50.

This one is from BCBGeneration. The oversized look seems to be really 'in' right now, and I can't say I don't love it. It is comfy, cozy and hides a plethora of body insecurities anyone might have. $88.00. I'm really lemming this one.

The last one is the staple, the go-to cardigan that appears every fall. It just wouldn't be fall without argyle, am I right? Old Navy, $34.50.

I've made my list! Happy shopping.

Yessss.

Got a mani/pedi today. It's just so much more enjoyable when someone does it for you! I don't get them often, once every few months, but it's nice to get the pampering.

I got Lincoln Park After Dark on my toes, and Hollywood Blonde on my fingers. Both are OPI, which awesomely, is all vegan! Go OPI! Maybe I'll get pics later. :)

September Countdown...

School time is getting so close, and for the first time September has become just another month to me. It's so weird to see all the commercials, flyers, sales and everything happening, and not be a part of it. I've been applying for jobs all week, but no call-backs. I guess either my resume is horrible or I don't have enough experience compared to the other applicants. It's hard being fresh out of school, of course I don't have experience. All I can do is keep trying and hope for the best. I'm also taking another course this fall, maybe ESL or Reading. It's so hard to choose which one to take, each principal is looking for something different, something that compliments what they already have in their school! Keep on keepin' on.

And just cuz... I saw this awesome jacket over at esprit. Would be so cute for September/October school days. If only, if only. It's actually faux-leather, but doesn't look plastic or stiff. It's $119.50 and available in sizes from 0-14. Awesome.

Applying and Shoes!

I just finished submitting applications for a full-time kindergarten position, and a position that is Grade 6/Prep cover/Special Ed cover. Both sound awesome, but I would love, love, love to be in a Kindergarten class. My first practicum was in a JK/SK with an awesome teacher and there was just so much that I wanted to do but never got to. It's such a wonderful age and the opportunities for fun, meaningful learning are endless. The posting closes in 5 minutes, so here's hoping I hear back soon! School starts in two weeks, so it would be a huge panic-y rush to get ready, but I would be so excited it wouldn't matter! *fingers crossed*

The best thing to do after stressful applications (three applications took me 4 hours!), is to look at shoes! I love shopping for shoes, but sometimes find the non-leather ones are cheap and not stylish! :( Never despair, the easiest solution... is more shopping! Win-win.

Four cute options, all from Aldo, all under $80!

I'm loving these lace up booties that seem to be all over the place this fall. This wedge version makes it easier to wear when teaching! Nothing like sore feet to ruin your ability to manage a classroom with ease.

Yard duty anyone? These cute boots would keep your feet snuggly warm for those late fall/early winter treks around the school yard, yet keep you looking cute! Check out that bow. Adorable. I wouldn't recommend them for the middle of winter days though! You need serious boots for that.
Having a spare pair of shoes in the class is a trick I learned during my practicum. You never know when you're going to need them! These flats suit the bill, cute, go with anything and comfy. I'd also keep a pair of sneakers in the class because you never know when you're going to be asked to cover a phys. ed. class, recess duty or just need to get the kids out for a walk around the yard!
These are not something I'd wear every day, the heel height is not treacherous but I prefer wedges or flats to be more comfy! But don't count them out for meetings, parent-teacher conferences, work shops, PD sessions or for the many parties and gatherings that occur throughout the year!

Well, that made me feel better... how 'bout you? Now, I just need to get one of those jobs so I have a reason to buy these cuties! Happy Shopping!

Teaching Outfit of the Day.

I want to share my love of shopping and fashion, as well as my adventures in finding cute vegan clothing (no leather, suede, silk or wool here). Today I made an outfit from Oldnavy.ca to celebrate the opening of the Canadian website for Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic!

Teachers know that layers are key to dressing comfortably. My first placement classroom was always hot in November, in March the classroom was freezing. This cardigan suits the bill, and is cute and affordable as well.

I love mixing up the colours too, keeping it fun and young. This cami is cute and interesting. Plus I love yellow and purple together (works for teaching complimentary colours too).

Comfortable pants are key! Cords are great because they are easy to wash, comfortable and cozy for the chillier months. Plus, corduroy just belongs in schools. Grey is a great alternative to black or tan, just to mix it up.

Top it off with a cute trench, so perfect for fall. I love black for jackets, it just looks smart and timeless!

Even better, the whole outfit comes in at $141 Canadian! Awesome for an entire outfit including jacket. :) Happy shopping.

Busy-ness.

Well, I've actually been pretty busy this past week. I had my interview on Thursday and went in for the first day of training on Friday! Then I worked at my other job Saturday and today. I'm having this weird hesitation in quitting my job, moving into the new one. I like most of the girls I work with, but it's so far from home that I can only work on weekends. It just doesn't make sense for me to stay somewhere so far. Also, I'm finding that the clothes are pretty, but don't really suit what I would wear outside of work a lot of the time, meaning I'm spending my whole paycheque just to stay in dress code! It's weird being in so many transitions at once, and I think that the job was the one steady thing. I am excited to start this new job, it's a short bus ride away from home, I'll get many or most weekends off (instead of working every weekend!), it's a bigger store so I'll be working with more people (more fun and less drama). I go back again on Tuesday, so hopefully I feel more at ease by then and able to turn in my two weeks notice to my other job!

Window shopping.

So one of the reasons I wanted to blog is because I love window shopping online, imagining all the lovely wardrobe items I might have one day when I'm teaching. I also love to window shop and imagine friends and family that would be suited for particular items, so it's not like I'm being selfish... maybe.

So today I found some bags that would be great for teaching, roomy enough to carry the essentials (wallet, sunglasses, keys), homework and marking, lunch and snacks (we all know the staff room is not exactly vegan or waistline-friendly).

Vegan Queen: I just found this high-end bag line this week, but I'm already in love! So gorgeous.

I'm loving the City Bag in blue/white. Great for spring/summer, when wearing crisp, colourful clothing!

It is $855 and can be found here at The Green Loop. Obviously that is a lot of money, but I know lots of people who drop that much on LV, Coach or other designer bags, so why not be stylish and love the animals while you're at it?

Matt & Nat are another great animal-friendly brand, and while still a bit expensive, they are much more affordable than the Vegan Queen bag. I love this Lindstrom bag in Red. Why not get noticed when you're carrying a great bag?

It's even on sale in Red (and Cement/White) for $159, and available in Black for $265. They are available from Matt & Nat. It would even qualify for free ground shipping! Awesome.

Aldo also has great synthetic bags, available for even better prices! They go on sale at the end of every season too, and if you sign up for their emails, you can get info on when the sales start.

This Havermale is $55, and the classic, structured shape combined with the taupe colour is great for fall and winter. Available here.

Of course, not every day are we carrying around loads of papers and marking to be done... right? *cough* Well, we can pretend... so here's a few bags that are great for dinner, movies or other social activities outside the school!

I found this cute cross-body bag at Nine West for $29! What a steal... I love cross-body bags for shopping and hanging out because they leave your hands free for drinks, browsing, texting, whatever... From here.

Another I love from Nine West is this animal print lovely... here.

I think that's enough for today! I wonder if virtual window shopping burns calories? In a perfect world...

Ask, and ye shall...

Well, after applying to 900,000* non-teaching jobs, I got a call-back! Interview on Thursday, hope it goes well. Way closer to home than I am now, and that means potential for working weekdays! I like to shop and dream about the wardrobe I might have one day when I'm a teacher and can afford and have a reason for wearing nicer, dressier clothes... Sigh, one day.

*may be slightly under-estimated.

Summer Break

It's kind of a strange situation, the first summer of my life where September doesn't mean going back to school. I graduated with my Bachelor of Education this summer, which means after 5 years of university, I'm finally qualified to teach! Too bad the job market for teachers is ... well, less than desirable. If only I spoke French... but since I don't, I'm resigned to spend this year in limbo. Maybe I'll get a long-term supply position, but most likely I'll spend the year volunteering, taking Additional Qualification courses (I already completed my Special Education), and applying like crazy to other, non-teaching jobs.

I wanted to start this as a way to keep my sanity as I make my way through the year. Right now, I work one day a week in a retail store, but I'm looking to find something more full time. I want to help my awesome boyfriend with our household expenses... not to mention the retail therapy I love so much!