The Brunette Shake: Brunette

Showing posts with label Brunette. Show all posts

January 1, 2020

Roaring 20's

January 1, 2020

The time is here! The last day of this decade. I am really looking forward to the next 10 years of my existence. I woke this morning from a wild dream, ate parisian macaron and drank my favourite English Breakfast tea from Trader Joe's. I curled up in my favourite blanket and watched The One With All The Resolutions episode of Friends. I played with my dog, Baxter and gave him his new alligator toy. I cut my bangs, and drank a delicious drink from Starbucks. I showered and cleansed myself of all negative energies. I repotted my plants and watered them, I rearranged my crystals, and wrote this blog post.

From 2010-today I went through many ups and downs, but while browsing through old photos I was able to see how much I actually accomplished for myself from the age of 20 to 30. I learned how to drive, purchased 4 different vehicles, dabbled in photography, tried sushi, found out who Gossip Girl was, travelled all over, fell in love, got my heartbroken...

It was definitely a decade of growth. I am looking forward to the next 10 years because I feel like this is where it's at. This is when I finally am 110% dedicated to happiness, and not concentrated on what others think of me. Sometimes, even if it's family, if it's toxic to your soul - it's best to move on. Even though the love is still there, and always will be. The ending of the worst year of my life is finally here. I feel relief, and excitement. I have a beautiful blue and silver vintage dress to ring in 2020, and when the clock strikes midnight - it's time to live, it's time to change, it's just... time - and it's about time really. I've made bad decisions, I've been rebellious, but I also have felt more stuck this year than any other. I took time to reflect on my wants/needs in this life and I know that 2020 will be my year to shine with true happiness as I won't be letting the things that get me down any space in my life.

For me, this New Year is all about forgiveness - and growing up. I'm 30 now, flirty thirty and thriving I like to say. I have big things I want to accomplish. This new decade and new year is the perfect platform. Expect to hear more from me, see more adventures and more joy.

You see people complaining and making fun of others who take New Year's as a time to restart goals and realign their focus. There's nothing wrong with using New Year's as a time to restart, reboot and refocus. You got this, babes.

Happy 2020 and Welcome to the ROARING 20's! Let's all party like Gatsby, and find more reasons to dress up.

Cheers!

June 4, 2018

Jaune

June 4, 2018

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I am the type of woman who loves to wear dresses. I have always loved dresses. It's difficult in the Winter months to wear dresses even if I have fleece tights to wear underneath. Canada has such freezing, arctic temperatures that I basically freeze while wearing a parka and snow pants, so you can imagine how it is when I wear tights and a dress.

But alas - June is here. Which means I have absolutely no excuse to not pull out my favourite dresses and finally shave my legs. Although, I did wake up to -2 degree weather this morning - but we won't focus on the negative.

I was lusting after this TopShop striped dress and have seen it all over the 'gram for the past couple months. Yellow is super trendy right now, and yellow has been one of my favourite colours to wear since I can remember. I was a little bit anxious about the fit of this dress as I had to order it online.

I shouldn't have worried. It fit like a dream. I ordered a 16UK just to be sure it wouldn't be too tight. I did have some weight gain over the past year due to PCOS (hormonal issues) and have been very sad about the fit of some of my Summer clothing. Perfect excuse to go shopping!

This dress is currently sold out, but if you live in Canada you can find it on the Hudson's Bay website for 95$!

Make sure to follow me on Instagram for daily updates and stories.

June 1, 2018

In Bloom

June 1, 2018

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One thing that makes me the absolute happiest is seeing flowers and trees in bloom in May/June. I discovered such beautiful trees in my neighbourhood and it really is wonderful when you are walking around or driving and are blown away by the bright colours of the blooms!

I am going to be sharing photos of flowers - either arrangements I have made or planted flowers all Summer long on my Instagram feed. Every Friday with be Floral Friday - so get excited for all things beautiful.

A little known fact about me is that I used to work at a greenhouse. It was my most favourite job ever. I was the custom floral designer. I custom designed and planted flowers for customers and it gave me so much joy and creative freedom that I need in my life.

Here are some photos of blossoms to lighten your Friday!

Make sure to follow my colourful adventures on Instagram!

Dress : Vintage (From my Nanny's closet)
Boots : Frye Harness Boots
Woven Bag : Etsy Woven Finds Shop

Dress : Topshop
Purse : Topshop
Shoes : Converse shoes via Baggins Shoes
Denim Jacket : Vintage (From my Mom's closet)

March 28, 2018

Self Love Chronicles | Maple Latte's & Natalie Portman

March 28, 2018

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Self loves comes in many different forms.

I am very excited to film and share Self Love Chronicles on my YouTube channel! I will be posting every Thursday.

For me, on a dreary and snowy Monday morning I decided to give myself a treat. My favourite actress was covering a fashion magazine (Natalie Portman on Porter Magazine for Spring '18) and it is maple season (my favourite) so I treated myself to a delicious maple latte from Second Cup Canada.

Clutch : Louis Vuitton

Dress : ASOS

Hair Bow : Free People

March 20, 2018

Blue Jeans

March 20, 2018

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Whenever I wear blue jeans, I always sing that Lana Del Rey song in my head. You know the one I mean.

I am absolutely in LOVE with this denim jacket. It was my Mom's from the 90's and I vividly remember her wearing it when I was a child. I was on the fence about this H&M shirt. It turns out that I just needed to size down for it to fit me better. I usually wear a size 10/12 at H&M depending on the fit of course. For this shirt I was a size 6 or a size 8. So you're best to size down one or two sizes. I still have an oversized feel to the look which is great!

I have been really into styling my hair and neck with vintage scarves like Parisian women have been doing for decades. This scarf went really well with my blue look, and made my hair look undone, yet chic.

Do you style with scarves?

Hillary

March 17, 2018

The Brunette Shake

March 17, 2018

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When I started this blog, I came up with "The Brunette Shake" because I am Brunette and like to shake things up. My blog space has been a work in progress - and now is almost complete! I have sent over 800 of my old posts dated from 2009-2015 to the "drafts" for a fresh start.

When I saw Noelle Downing and Rachel Martino wearing these Brunette/Blonde sweaters from Zara I knew I had to have one.

It's definitely a statement piece. I received a size Medium, and could have had a Small or Extra Small. It is very oversized, but comfortable. It's great for those days when you don't know what to wear, but it's chilly out.

It was a windy day, but these tulips made me the happiest. Spring is almost here!

What's your favourite season?

March 12, 2018

Milkshakes & Pink Stripes

March 12, 2018

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I would travel far and wide for a delicious strawberry milkshake. Thankfully, I only had to go 10 minutes down the street from my house!

With my two youngest siblings in tow, we ordered three retro style strawberry, vanilla and chocolate milkshakes to share.

The jukebox was playing, photos of vintage cars and Marilyn/James Dean/Elvis on every surface - I was in heaven.

I have always been inspired by the 50's and 60's so this diner was right up my alley.

March 3, 2018

Parisian Treats

March 3, 2018

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My love for Paris and all things Parisian have no bounds. I am a woman in love with the idea of a life in Paris, filled with Parisian delights.

I was able to find a sliver of Paris at Tony's Bistro and Patisserie in Moncton, NB! Only a short 11 minute drive from my house, where I was able to drink the most delicious latte, and share the most scrumptious desserts with my favourite little sister. I think this just might be my new favourite place!

Sweater : Zara

Purse : ASOS

November 19, 2015

Seventies Faux Fur and Changing Leaves

November 19, 2015

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I love iconic pieces from decades past, for me this jacket from Le Chateau was a "must have" for this fall season.

The faux fur, the smell of suede... I was in love. It made me feel very 70's chic especially when paired with my thigh high suede boots from Park Lane (via ASOS).

I also played around with my new cape from DSW -- the price reminds me of Burberry and I mean I work there so I get a wicked discount on classic pieces like this so now it hangs in my jacket/coat closet in my beauty room.

These are a couple of my favourite outfits (so far!) from the fall fashion season.

The multicoloured skirt is from MinkPink and I actually purchased it from a retailer in AUSTRALIA so I could get it before everyone else! It speaks to the 70's trends/vibes that are going around this season.

What is your favourite piece this fall season?

May 31, 2013

Currently Obsessed | Flower Crowns

May 31, 2013

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This statement is so me. I may love the glitz and glam of diamonds, but "me" is flowers in my hair.

I've been coveting a flower crown for what seems like years, I found some really great DIY video's on YouTube that I have shared below. I also included a great "shop this post" section too if you're not a DIY'er!

So, next week I'm going to be making flower crowns like it's my job. I can't wait to experiment with different flowers and colours. Of course, the photo shoots after I make them are going to be so much fun and I will (of course!) be sharing the photos with you.

I have included most of my flower crown inspiration below for all of YOU to get inspired too! Nothing screams Spring/Summer more than flowers in your hair.