June 20, 2016February 13, 2017 - Cathie Leave a comment

Sailing Through Summer {Outfit Post}…

Happy first day of Summer, my friends!! ^_^

I do not remember if I have ever explicitly mentioned it in this blog, but I Detest warm weather. I do not deal well in it at all. I feel uncomfortable, hot, and sticky and become prone to nosebleeds and headaches. It has always seemed easier to stay warm than it is to stay cool. You can’t tote around an air conditioner (if you’ve found a way, please let me know), but a coat and some stylish layers are much easier to carry.

Complaining aside, it is the perfect weather for pretty sundresses, and all things sailor. I have a soft spot for nautical garments as you can see if you look at some of my older posts, and it seems fitting for those blazing days when only the cool waters of a pool or lake and a good iced tea or popsicle can assuage the heat.

Today is one of those sailor days, and so I have on a new pair of shorts from Banana Republic. Shorts seem to be the article of clothing that like to taunt me most. Either too short, too boxy, too thickening at the waist, etc. I have gone through quite the hunt to find the perfect pair. I seem to have found them in this beautifully buttoned baby; may it last me a good many summers! On the downside, it does wrinkle somewhat, and it likes to attract wandering pieces of fluff and fur as you can see in the picture. It just requires a bit of checking on here and there, but it hasn’t become too annoying yet. Who could be annoyed at having to look down on such lovely shorts? Not I!

I paired this top with another piece from Banana Republic –this has been in my archives (wardrobe) since 2013. After not wearing it for a few years –I can’t think why I haven’t more often– I am giving it an airing and a day out in the sunshine. It’s a soft cream but looks whiter in the pictures. It complements the deep blue of the shorts quite nicely, and I still love the be-ribboned Eiffel Tower graphic composed entirely out of lovely French words and phrases.

For a dressier version of a casual sneaker –which I think is perfect for Summer, I am wearing these high-heeled sneakers by Keds. I love the soft grey colour, and can’t help thinking, “The higher the heel, the better I feel!” Not always true, if you’ve ever actually worn heels, but in this pair? Definitely!

I’m awful at accessorising with jewellery, but in summer, I have a wonderful excuse. In my opinion, it is too hot and icky to wear bits of metal against your skin for long periods of time. I do without completely, and rely on accessories such as interesting shoes, silk scarves, and straw hats. This one from Gap is casual but with a refined, ladylike feel.

Hat: GAP straw floppy hat in natural (2016)

Top: Banana Republic Eiffel Tower tee (2013)

Shorts: Banana Republic sailor short in navy (2016)

Shoes: Keds ‘Damsel’ wedges in pewter chambray (2016) [in black here]

Swingin’ and sailin’ my way through summer

I wish you all an auspicious start to your summer!

November 14, 2015November 14, 2015 - Cathie 2 Comments

October Fun…

Goodness, October is always such a busy month!

There’s Thanksgiving, Hallowe’en, my birthday (and two of my family members’ birthdays!), as well as being in the swing of French classes.

There is so much fun and exciting energy that, coupled with the absolute beauty of autumn, there is no surprise that October is my favourite month.

Let’s start with my favourite picture –the pie I made for Thanksgiving! It is Jane Austen themed, with Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett cut out of the crust. I am quite proud of my ‘skills’ in making this!

If you would like these Austen themed cookie cutters, I got mine from the Jane Austen Centre’s gift shop here and here. I could browse the lovelies there all day!

***
I always love dressing up for my birthday weekend even if nothing grand is planned, and when it is to work, a less frilly outfit must be worn of course! I still have fun through the details –combining my love for a sleek fit-and-flare silhouette with sheer tights, polka-dots and bows. I hereby present to you my ‘practical’ birthday outfit:

Jacket: Danier ‘Bree’ lamb leather jacket in Port (2014)

Top: Kate Spade ‘abree’ cashmere sweater in black (2014)

Skirt: Club Monaco ‘Minkie’ skirt (2013)

Tights: Gap polka-dot tights (2015)

Shoes: Vaneli ‘Lenita’ pump in black Soffio patent (2013)

Jewellery: Pandora charm bracelet –birthday gift from husband (2014); wedding + engagement ring from my husband. White gold swirl ring with diamonds. (2014)

***

We went for sushi for my birthday lunch at 168 Sushi Buffet. It isn’t our top favourite place to go for sushi in Ottawa, but it is a convenient location, and when the staff is not too busy, the food is fresh and very tasty. If you catch them on a busy afternoon though, prepare to have missing items from your order and/or the food to not be up to its usual standards. Following-up usually leads to them bringing the order in, so if you are not in a hurry, it isn’t ideal but not truly awful either –especially if you pay the all-you-can-eat price. We sometimes simply re-order what was missing.

October was a beautiful month; I hope you enjoyed yours! I will write in soon with my November happenings…

— Cathie

May 22, 2015May 22, 2015 - Cathie 2 Comments

Fashion’s New Wave [A Colourful, Stylish Infographic]…

Hello readers,

Here’s a fantastic pop of colour from Farfetch to start your weekend with! They reached out to me a few weeks ago, and I’m happy to share this gorgeous infographic that showcases emerging underground trends from the luxury fashion sector. These beautiful illustrations show 10 new ways to do style differently, fashionable quirks that have not yet caught on in the mainstream, and so are fashion-forward styling concepts that have been adopted by trendsetters rather than followers.

As always, I’m a big proponent of adopting trends that fit in with your own aesthetics and lifestyles. There’s no need to adopt all ten, but isn’t it fun seeing the return of some, and the debut of others?

Do check out Farfetch.com for some amazing luxury pieces. The concept of a global community of independent boutiques under one address is probably clumsily described by me as a really amazing virtual mall. 🙂 I’m sharing some pieces that caught my eye… There’s a pink coat that I think the Duchess of Cambridge might wear to a spring wedding or a garden party. And I’ve a weak spot for anything with a bow on it, especially the Ferragamo one. Also trench coats, lace and ballet flats.

Farfetch Pretties — Click on the image to see them on the site!

Enjoy!

— Cathie

May 13, 2015May 13, 2015 - Cathie 1 Comment

Über Casual Work Outfits of the Week…

So much to say, so little blogging time!!

By now, any readers I have must know every excuse under the sun that all bloggers give at one time or another, so I will spare you the detailed details. Suffice to say that work keeps me occupied!

The dress code for work was casual, as was mentioned before my first day. But being me, I came in with what I thought was dressed down, and the environment of dusty files, boxes, and bits of paper, were not kind to my sartorial error. By Tuesday, I knew better. I traded in my silk blouses and crisp office skirts for jeans and easy-to-wash button-downs and tees. To keep the ‘sleek professional’ look, I went for fitted pieces in more casual fabrics with ‘echoes’ of the office, things I would normally wear on casual Fridays with nicer bottoms, …and then paired them with my jeans. Which are absolutely amazing, but that’s another post for another time!

Top: Gap fitted boyfriend shirt (2013) | C&C California tee (2009) | Zara organic cotton top (2012)

Jeans: Second Clothing Co. high rise straight wide waistband Yoga Jeans™ in Rinse Indigo (2013)

Shoes: Gap classic wool ballet flats in Steel Grey (2014)

Nothing too avant-garde (if I ever am that) or exciting to be seen here, but I would like to impart a bit of my ‘wisdom’. Even if your workplace seems to be hemming you in when it comes to style options, you can still make an effort to look respectable and pulled together. Please don’t go to work in your pyjamas, over-sized Taco Bell t-shirts, or ill-fitting, worn out jeans. I have seen those, and a great impression they do not make!

Remember, dress for the job you want –or deserve!– and not the one you have. 🙂 Unless you actually have the one you want/deserve, or are in the military (I don’t think swiping insignia for higher ranks is smiled upon!). Even then, always keep your outfit clean and pressed, hair coiffed, nails tidy, and your demeanour positive and professional. Best foot forward, and you will be a difficult person to pass over for the finer things in life!

Speaking of which, I am fortunate enough to have been the succesful applicant of a job more suited to my experience and career aspirations. I think dressing up will be in order again, and I can’t wait. 🙂

Speak soon,

Cathie

March 16, 2015March 16, 2015 - Cathie Leave a comment

Nautical Lounging Outfit 2015 + Thoughts on Threading…

Hello everyone! Just a super quick first outfit post of the year!! *throws confetti*

I’m busy sending out more job applications as well as working on a few creative endeavours on the side. I don’t really have to go outside today, so I’m sporting a laid-back luxe look. On top, I decided to go nautical with a striped shirt with light french blue and white stripes. I love the button details, and the fact that it’s not your same old black and white stripes! For the bottom, I’m wearing a navy wool/cotton blend tweed skirt that’s really warm, cute and ladylike. It helps keep the outfit look more pulled together, and less like I am going to be spending my day on the sofa. Which I’m actually not, whatever this photo says. 😉

Top: Tommy Hilfiger long sleeved multi-stripe knit top with buttons in French Blue/White (2012)

Skirt: Rebecca Taylor tweed flounce skirt in Navy (2013)

I also decided to put my hair up –something I rarely do because my locks are not the obedient sort. This of course, means that when I put my hair up and it actually works, I have no idea how I managed it. It’s a lot of trial, and a lot of error(s). I’ve gotten a few hair tutorial requests and can’t oblige for that very reason. Please, you honestly have the wrong person! Youtube is your friend, as is Pinterest. I… wish to be, but cannot. 😉

Putting my hair up came in handy though when this baby came in the mail today. It’s the Helix ThreadEase hair removal system. Basically, for us ladies who are looking to try fixing our brows at home while achieving salon-quality results, this kit promises to help you get just that!

A video posted by Cathie Maud (@cathiemaud) on Mar 16, 2015 at 11:42am PDT

Being rather timid on my first attempt, I’ve decided to stick to gently shaping my brows. You can still see a difference in the video above –my left brow shows more shape while my right brow is still untouched. With a bit more practise under my belt, I hope to be back in a week or so to share more of my thoughts with you! Thanks so much to the Helix team for kindly sending me this complimentary kit. ♥

In the meantime, it’s St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow, and the snow is finally melting which means that Spring is just around the corner!

Have a cheery Monday!

xoxo,

— Cathie

December 13, 2014December 15, 2016 - Cathie Leave a comment

Touch and Go (Winter Gloves + Mobiles)…

Dear readers,

It has been snowing heavily on and off, for a few weeks now. And I have come to the realisation that certain ways of keeping warm in Vancouver will not ‘fly’, here in Ottawa. The good news is that the Mackage ‘Bijou’ parka that I bought in 2009 is now being put to fabulous good use.
The not so good news is that my fingers were not prepared for the onslaught of ice queen frost, as I call it. This means that in Vancouver, I am able to tug off my glove, make a call/send a text on my iPhone, maybe browse the web a bit… all without feeling the loss of warmth acutely. Not so, here. But what’s a girl to do when she’s got a touchscreen phone?

Get some techie gloves to match, of course!

Test run in the snow…

After a particularly bitingly cold day taking the bus to an interview, I came back home and immediately ordered this pair of wool gloves from Echo Design (via Chapters here). Boasting an 80% wool, 20% nylon mix, as well as a techno fabric pad on the thumbs and index fingers, these beauties will keep me warm and socially connected!

This is a pair that should be in every smartphone user’s cold weather wardrobe, period. I am personally all about bows and ruffles, but Echo Design has a wide variety of styles for both women and men, so be sure to check them out. 🙂

Do any of you cold weather style experts have any survival tips to share?

xoxo,

— Cathie

December 11, 2014December 11, 2014 - Cathie 2 Comments

Feeling Audrey…

Sometimes we emulate our personal heroines (or heroes) in their tastes and styles. It is unavoidable. Something in them resonates with us, and reminds us of ourselves or something we hope to be. Perhaps if we dress like them, people will see in us those qualities that we admire in our role models.

I recently went for an interview at a movie/media company. I decided to dress up as Audrey Hepburn –classic, elegant, full of fun, yet you know she is capable of great things. Sadly, I didn’t get the position, but I feel as if I’ve still gleaned something from the entire experience. And you know, simple pleasures…dressing up is lots of fun.

Can’t you just see Audrey in this elegant cashmere turtleneck, and these pointed kitten heels? The skirt however, is most definitely a ‘me’ touch. 🙂

Top: Club Monaco ‘Selma’ Italian Cashmere Sweater (2014)

Skirt: Club Monaco ‘Talley’ lace skirt in Eclipse/Lotus (2014)

Tights: Pretty Polly ribbon backseam tights (2014)

Shoes: Zara high heel leather court shoe with pointed toe (2014)

Jewellery: Pandora charm bracelet –birthday gift from husband (2014)

What could be more cinematic than a dramatic exit? I am absolutely crazy about details, and tights with lovely patterns fit this criteria beautifully.

Please send some prayers and positive vibes my way, that I might find my path in life!

xoxo,

— Miss Cathie

November 8, 2014May 13, 2015 - Cathie 1 Comment

A Table, A Pie, and a Homecoming…

Really quick post today!

A is coming home and I’m super excited. It is about time. I made an Old English Apple Pie (see Darren McGrady’s Eating Royally) at 1:30 am as a welcome back, because I know he is crazy about apple pie.
I also wanted to ‘show off’ the kitchen utility table that my dad-in-law made. I gave him a quick sketch to work off of and picked out the designs, but he made some modifications that made it ten times better! Doesn’t it look like something a German woodworker would carve?? We also had a lot of fun painting the details together. I think I like working with wood… it’s another avenue of artistic expression, and the smell of freshly shaved wood doesn’t hurt, either! 😉

Scarf: Lochaven Official Warner Bros. Harry Potter Gryffindor scarf 170g (2014)

Top: Loft eyelet sweatshirt in Forever Navy (2014)

Skirt: Club Monaco ‘Talley’ lace skirt in Eclipse/Lotus (2014)

Tights: Club Monaco lace tights (2014)

Booties: DUO ‘Tova’ shoe boot with mid-heel, collar and bow in Navy (2014)

Oh, and yes. This is just what I will be wearing when I rush out into the icy cold to GLOMP him when he arrives…

xoxo,

— Cathie

November 6, 2014November 7, 2014 - Cathie Leave a comment

[SHER]Locked – An Irene Adler Shoot…

I am a hug fan of Mr. Sherlock Holmes. From books, to movies, to BBC’s television series, the detective has always been a hard and fast favourite of mine. There’s just something mysterious and charismatic about the character that has always fascinated me. And if you know me well enough, you know that I like to dress up as a character from movies and novels, if a story resonates with me particularly.
Today, I am Irene Adler (BBC Sherlock version!) because she is such a dynamic, razor-witted and glamorous femme. Who doesn’t want to be perceived as such, even if only for a day? Hopefully you can’t tell that I’m actually a fantastic klutz, even when dolled up. *sigh* The shame of it all… but then, things are always in my way. 😛 (You really ought to start listening to the music, if you haven’t already!)
I actually wore this outfit (minus the coat that I *ahem*, borrowed without permission) when A proposed to me. It brings back many lovely memories! The dress is a 1950’s reproduction; very sleek, glam, and yet business-like. The shoes are a sheer fabric decorated with swiss dots and a moderately high heel –perfect for a hint of peek-a-boo flirting. And yes, I am using my man’s coat to evoke that risqué scene. In my opinion, Irene almost looked way better in Sherlock’s coat, than even Sherlock himself did! Hopefully the same is somewhat true in my case… oh come now, can’t you use your imagination to humour me? 😉

On a side note, I think Sherlock needs to wear a Mackage coat. They’re truly a Canadian brand to boast about with their stylish, fitted cuts and leather trimmings!

Coat: Mackage ‘Seal’ men’s coat with leather trimmings (2011) <– I picked this for him!

Dress: CheriseDesign 1950’s reproduction walking dress (2013)

Clutch: Danier mini envelope clutch (2013)

Gloves: Soia&Kyo ‘Stella’ bow leather gloves (2009)

Jewellery: Pandora charm bracelet –birthday gift from husband (2014)

Shoes: ZARA Swiss Dot court shoe (2014)

I also wanted to share my love of Prtty Peaushun, which –though it isn’t instantly obvious– I had applied to my skin before this shoot. What is it, you ask? It’s a 100% natural ‘skin tight’ body lotion, that has subtle light-reflecting particles which help give the skin a nice, gorgeous glow. Among other things, the natural plant extracts in the mixture also help to lift, firm, and tighten your skin. And you may not think the package is pretty at first sight, but it’s designed so that you can squeeze out every last bit of it. It’s definitely grown on me, and I highly recommend this product!

Alright, that’s enough prancing around in borrowed coats and high heels. I’m going to go back to doing French revisions, and reading “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” on the side.

After all…

xoxo,

— ~~The Woman~~ Cathie

October 31, 2014November 2, 2014 - Cathie Leave a comment

Happy Hallowe’en, 2014!!

Growing up, we kids didn’t really celebrate Hallowe’en, or do anything special on that day. Our parents didn’t approve of the pagan background of the holiday, the ‘occult’ things associated with it, and the fact that it could be scary… at least when we were little. But there was still candy! Molasses chews, caramel apple pops, tootsie rolls, and popcorn candy. So maybe my little kid heart desperately yearned to dress up as someone else for a day, but a satisfied sweet tooth helps you forget some things. 😉 (My dad did relent once when I was three, and my mum decorated a bit of blackish-blue fabric, and that was my little witch costume.)
When we were a little more grown up, we were slowly allowed to dabble a bit more in the spooky holiday happenings, but it wasn’t until I was 23 that I finally went all out and got all fancied up for the occasion. I can’t imagine not dressing up for Hallowe’en now, if I can help it!

This year, I’m dressing up as Hermione Granger/ a plain ol’ Gryffindor student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Because I’m pretty obsessed/passionate about Harry Potter now, and you just have to thank J.K. Rowling for coming up with a character that would inspire costumes that are cool and won’t freeze your skin blue. Honestly, some of the costumes out there are pretty ridiculous!

Cathie Maud Cabot - Hogwarts Student On a frugal note, I’m pretty stinkin’ proud of myself because my costume uses elements of my real-life wardrobe, pieces that I already own, coupled with a tie and scarf that I bought for the occasion. Although, I am absolutely going to wear my Gryffindor scarf everywhere this winter –it’s not going to be just for the holiday!
I added a few personal touches to the ensemble –instead of plain, black shoes, I wore my favourite cherry-blood red pumps, to bring out the colours in my scarf and tie. I am also wearing black tights with a back-seam running partway up the lower half of the legs, and ending in a cute little bow. I’m such a rebel when it comes to uniforms. 😛

Shirt: Gap fitted boyfriend shirt (2013)

Tie: Lochaven Official Warner Bros. Harry Potter Gryffindor House tie (2014)

Scarf: Lochaven Official Warner Bros. Harry Potter Gryffindor scarf 170g (2014)

Skirt: Club Monaco ‘Caroline’ skirt in soot black (2014)

Tights: Pretty Polly bow back-seam tights (2014)

Shoes: Vaneli ‘Lenita’ pump in red Soffio patent (2013)

Jewellery: Pandora charm bracelet –birthday gift from husband (2014); wedding + engagement ring from my husband. White gold swirl ring with diamonds. (2014)

I might do an in-depth review of the items from Lochaven, but quickly summed up, delivery was lightning quick, items are good quality, and I am very pleased!

***

I finally consider myself an adult, purely based on the fact that I’m now going to be the one handing sweets out to the little kiddies. 🙂 I’m pretty excited to be experiencing the ‘grown-up side’ of Hallowe’en, and am looking forward to ‘ooh-ing’ and ‘aah-ing’ over their cute little costumes.

Cathie Maud Cabot - Hogwarts Student - Halloween Costume - 2014 — Don’t I look ever so studious?

I’m also going to be scaring myself silly with some spooky movies. I’ve got Edward Scissorhands, Coraline, and The Corpse Bride all lined up. I’m not really into adult horror movies, so I think these strike just the right note. Does anyone have any favourites to suggest?? 🙂

Cathie Maud Cabot - Gryffindor Student — Doesn’t this look like a vintage snapshot of a student at Hogwarts? ^_^

I hope everyone stays safe and warm. I’m really dancing with impatience for tonight!! Because a day that requires you to eat candy, dress up and get spooked, is always a winner in my books.

Have a bewitching Hallowe’en!!

xoxo,

— Cathie