Insta Update

Wow time certainly does flies by and I can't believe it's already the middle of August!  This summer has been incredibly busy work wise but I've still managed to make the most of my downtime.  Here are some pics from the last two weeks via instagram.   You can follow me @amy_lovinglately and feel free to leave a comment with your account, I'd love to check it out :)

 

 

1. Saw Dark Knight Rises, such a good movie!

2. A little shopping spree :)

3. Finally decided on a watch and got #5 from this post.  

4. Yummy homemade pizza with bacon! (used this dough recipe)

5. Girls night = nail party and no they aren't all mine, I wish!

6. Sunday outfit: H&M kimono blazer, Forever 21 skinny jeans, 

Me Too flats and Tommy Hilfiger Kelsey watch

What is your summer highlight thus far?

Loving Summer Lately,

Amy

Victoria Day Shopping Haul

It is usually hard to get back into the swing of things after a long weekend.  And in my case, I was greeted to a pile of marking and a multitude of problems on Tuesday morning.  So I couldn't be happier that it's already Friday, thank goodness for the short week!


If you've been following me on instagram (@amy_lovinglately)  then you already know I spent my weekend cross border shopping.  Here's what's inside the bag:

 

Ann Taylor Skirt, Hollister Plaid Shirt, and Banana Republic Dress.

H&M Blazer and Sleeveless Shirtdress

Total Retail Value for all 5 items: $259.38
What I paid: $92.34
That's a total savings of ~64%! Not to0 shabby :)


I was super excited to find that sleeveless shirtdress in my size.  I have wanted it ever since Jean and Elle posted about it but unfortunately I don't have an H&M in my city.  And it was a bonus that H&M had this coupon for 35% off one item :)  The rest of the items (skirt, blazer & shirt)  were great basics  that I was lacking and the other dress is perfect for summer weddings that I'll be attending!


You might have noticed that none of the items are from LOFT despite the logo on the bag, that's because I couldn't find anything in my size.  However there were some great deals at the LOFT outlet (extra 30%) that my mom and sister picked up.


I also posted this pic about some $0.30 deals at target.  I'm always on the lookout for clearance sections and target always has some great deals at the front of the stores.  

Have a great long weekend my American friends, now it's your turn :)

Loving Long Weekend Shopping Lately,

Amy

A shopaholic's dream come true

What would you buy if you won a $500 shopping spree?  Well that's what I'm asking myself right now :)  I was lucky enough to win a $500 giftcard from Cadillac Fairview which owns some of Canada's premier shopping malls (Toronto Eaton Centre, Rideau Centre and Pacific Centre to name a few).   My dad knows I'm a shopaholic so the first thing he said to me was, "Don't burn through it too quickly!".  So while it's tempting to use the giftcard towards an expensive designer item I typically wouldn't buy, I think I'll take my dad's advice and make sure I spend my giftcard wisely.  


You might be wondering if I've bought anythig with the gift card already? If so what was my first purchse? Well yes, I did make 1 purchase thus far....but not for myself :)  I bought my sister these lovely shoes for her birthday.  She has been longing for a pair of Sperry's for awhile and these were 50% so it was perfect timing.  

Other than the shoes I don't think I'll be spending the rest of the gift card for awhile.  I think I'll hold off until summer sales but who knows? hehe

So readers, what would you buy with a $500 shopping spree?

Loving Cadillac Fairview Lately,

Amy

Looking For: Chambray Shirt

The hunt is on for an affordable chambray shirt!   And from my rain boot hunt you know that I am very picky.  Here is some of my criteria:

• Must have a good weight to it.
• Solid wash (not faded or distressed!), preferably medium wash
• No western style and no logos.
• Slightly fitted (not boxy!)
• Affordable = $30 or less
• Available in Canada

Below are some of the styles I'm loving. 

          

                                           J. Crew                                                           Old Navy

  

                             
                                  Old Navy                                                                Eddie Bauer                                            

                

                            Forever 21                                                                                Levi's

I haven't been able to pull the trigger on any of them as none meet all of my criteria and I'm still not sure which wash I like the best.  I'm open to double or single pocket depending on how it fits.  One place I haven't looked yet are thrift stores so I'll be checking them out soon! 


Leave a comment with your suggestions, I would LOVE to hear them! Have a great weekend :)


Loving Chambray Shirts Lately,
Amy

Still Loving...

Christmas is my favorite time of the year so I'm still a little sad it's over. However after Christmas is the start of winter clearance and you know I love a good sale! 

Here are a few of the things from last year that I still have my eye on...

Tuxedo Blazer, loving this AE Boyfriend Tuxedo Jacket

Kimono jacket, Zara.

This Zara sequin skirt was THE skirt of 2011.

       

Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C.  I love these fun colors :)

Parker drawstring sequin top, Saks Fifth Avenue.
  I love the color and romantic feel of this top even though I don't need it!


  
Again another item I don't need...I have way too many dresses already.  But I just LOVE the draping of this Storets dress.

Although most of the above items are on sale I can't justify adding any of them to my wardrobe at the moment.  So for now I will be loving them from afar.

Are you excited about winter clearance sales?  What item from last year are you hoping to snag on sale?


Loving Winter Clearance Sales Lately,
Amy

Holiday Recap [update]

I hope all of you had a wonderful time during the holidays!  Although this year it was much quieter for us I still found that it went by too fast!  I can't believe it's already 2012.  Here's some bits and pieces of my holidays. 


[update: more pics now available on my facebook page]

Some ornaments

Good food :)

One of my favorite meals, mussels in white wine sauce and pasta!

Delicious home made apple cake (recipe found here)

Outfits

The boots (I've been wearing them non stop!)

Boxing day purchases

Didn't actually buy a lot but manage to score some needed dress pants for work!

More food

Yummy appetizers for our low key New Year's Eve at home :)

Loving the Holidays Lately,

Amy

PS. you may have noticed there's been an upgrade in photos, this is a result of a Christmas gift to myself!

A Little Gift (or two) for Myself...

With all the Christmas sales going on I caved and bought these two fabulous pairs of shoes from Aldo and Call it Spring.

These booties had been on my wish list for sometime but I wasn't sure about the height of the heel.  Once I found them for 60% off I figured there was no harm in trying them on.  Turns out the 0.5 inch platform and chunky heel make it very easy to walk in them.  Can't wait to wear them during the holidays :)


The brogues were sort of a spur of the moment purchase but something that had been on my radar for awhile.  I just wasn't sure about buying brogues as I've only recently started to incorporate menswear into my wardrobe.  I fell in love with the color combo and for $15 they make a great alternative to flats, which I wear all the time!  Unfortunately the weather is getting colder so I'll be saving them for spring.


Now, time to STOP buying gifts for myself and actually get my Christmas shopping done!


Loving New Shoes Lately,
Amy

Shop til you drop or wait....

Oh the dilemma! With so many deals in Canada to match Black Friday & Cyber Monday across the boarder, I didn't know whether or not to hold out and wait for Boxing Day/Week!  So I scoured the mall and tons of sites looking for clothing and accessories deals but in the end I only picked up this long sleeve tee from Gap. You can't go wrong with basics, especially in a lovely aubergine color and for only $8!

While I decided to hold out for better deals that doesn't mean there weren't any pretty things that caught my eye.  Here are few things that I left behind:  

LOVE PU Skirt -Vero Moda

V- Neck Tunic - Moon (they ran out of my size!)

Crest Button Pea Coat- Forever 21

And finally this gorgeous dress which looks amazing on the equally gorgeous Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha!

Pleated Tube Dress- Jacob (was 50% off!)  

I'm ok with not getting any of these items.  I don't really need any of them and with Christmas around the corner it's better to keep my money in my wallet!  What did you pick up on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

Loving Sales Lately,

Amy

Singin' in the Rain

Why you might ask?  Because last month I finally got my rain boots!
I had been debating whether or not I should invest in some since as a new grad I would no longer be walking all around campus.  However, I realized that they would always be a good pair of boots to have on hand.  So the search began for a stylish, affordable (my limit- $30, yup that's all I was willing to spend!), durable, and comfortable pair of rain boots...it wasn't easy to find.  Not only was I limited by my budget and muscular calves but I'm also extremely picky.  I didn't want a pair of kidish rain boots, I wanted ones that would go with everything.


And after months of searching my sister spotted these Nine West Bad Boy Rainboots (better view here) while cross-border shopping :)

Love how they look like equestrian boots.

Buckle details :)

I'm really lucky that my sister spotted these as they were not only the last pair left but also part of the sidewalk sale and I had a coupon!!  I have been getting my money's worth out these boots as the weather gets colder.  I'm glad I finally made the decision to invest in some rain boots.  Outfit post coming soon!


Loving Rain Boots Lately,
Amy