Weekend Style: Floral & Girly

necklace / vest / dress (similar) /  lipstick / wallet / bag / sandals

Oh hello there, remember me?! Sorry to have pulled a disappearing act on you guys this past week. But you know, life happens! Martin's been off for spring break and we've been trying to get lots of time together. I'm also working on a new project, plus ordering all of my spring/summer collection for my shop. There's lots of new statement necklaces in the works + lots lots of neon too. Can't wait to share it with you!

What up, Saturday?! Our weekend is still pretty up in the air... photos, lunch, nap and perhaps some shopping? We'll see. Alright, happiest weekend everyone! I'll see you next week for more regular posting! xo

Quick & Easy DIY Exfoliant For Glowing Skin

Lately, my skin's been feeling a little drab and I've been on the hunt for a DIY exfoliant. Let me just say, this one is ridiculously easy and works amazingly well. I'm a firm believer that good skin care does not require tons of money and can be accomplished on any budget! I've been diligently exfoliating every morning and my skin looks so healthy + a lot of my blemishes have cleared up. I couldn't be more excited by this easy and way affordable DIY exfoliant.

You'll need:

Your favourite cleanser
Baking soda
Bowl
Mixing spoon

Mix your cleanser + baking soda in a glass container (mine comes with a lid for easy storing). Apply a dime size or so to a clean face, then gently work in a circular motion. Rinse well with warm water. Dry with a face towel and apply a daily moisturizer. Voila! I promise, your skin will thank you!

Jumping For Joy

Guys, can you believe it? Two days left until we welcome spring. Who else is jumping for joy?! Personally, I can think of no better way to celebrate than with stripes. They're just so darn effortless and instantly lend a fresh look to any outfit. So far, I’ve paired mine with a simple skirt and with cropped geo print pants + booties. Perfect, every time! And... how adorable is my open bangle?! It's part of the new spring line over at my shop. Have you had a chance to peek, yet?...



Did you do anything fun for St. Patrick's day?! We normally don’t, but this year I decided to make a super yummy dinner for Martin & I. Nothing traditional, just a few of our favourite dishes... baked rosemary asparagus, roasted yams, and chicken for my honey (I'm not much of a meat eater). We also clinked our glasses and enjoyed some super tasty beer. Mmmm! Totally fun, and just our speed! xo

shop the post:

Sweater: Forever 21
Tank: Forever 21
Skinnies: American Eagle (similar)
Riley Bracelet: XO Veronika
Bag: c/o Fossil
Boots: Aldo Shoes (similar)

Beauty Haul Vlog

Hello, I'm excited to be popping in and sharing a little beauty vlog with everyone today. I had so much fun chatting about my favourite products and sharing some of my beauty tips! Although, darn it, I totally forgot to include one of my newest & most beloved concealers, Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer by Maybelline. I guess that means I'll just have to make another video! ;) Also, if you guys have any video requests... please ask, ask away!

So yes, Friday. I'm pumped! Sadly, the sun will be replaced by torrential rain for us Vancouverites this weekend. But on the bright side, my honey will be off for spring break for the next two weeks... I'm hoping for lots of outfit photos, late lunch dates and time at the park with our pooch. Can't wait! xo

shop the post

top coat, revlon // nail-polish, sally hansen // moisturizer, burts bees // moisturizer, bio beaute // eyeshadow, stila

Easy & Wearable

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Forever 21 (similar)
Dress - Forever 21
Tights: Joe Fresh
Anniversary Ring: c/o Anjolee 
Bag: c/o Fossil
Boots: Aldo Shoes (similar)

These days, when it comes to personal style, I'm less & less interested in re-inventing the wheel, but rather, interested in creating an easy/wearable wardrobe. Coincidentally, I bought Lauren Conrad's Style Book this past weekend, and I'm eager to expand on a great basics wardrobe for spring. When I step back and look at my outfits, it's definitley items like the above jacket that I reach for time & time again. I've worn it with skinnies & a long slouchy tank, or with a simple cashmere pullover + black skirt. Easy, peasy!

This week, I'm excitedly heading into the city for a fun spring fashion preview and I'll be sharing photos with you guys later this week. Cupcakes, cocktails, and pretty dresses... here I come! Last but certainly not least, a big thank you to Anjolee for sending me the prettiest anniversary ring. Their amazing customer service and wonderful attention to detail left a lasting impression! xo

Weekend Style

Granted, it's a little cold & rainy for this look today, however, a girl can dream of spring and adorable outfits, right?! ;) I'm pretty certain the mint cross body by Fossil needs to be mine, plus hello, so smitten with those Madewell flats. They have the best shoes! What's on the agenda for today, guys? We're easy like Sunday morning over here. I'm currently trying to decide between pancakes or chocolate chip waffles... happy weekend! xo

Shop The Look

geo layering necklace (amazing price point!) // peplum top // skinnies // sunglasses // cardigan // mint cross-body bag // iphone case // flats

DIY: Long Lasting Manicure

I can't believe it. 7 days & counting and my DIY manicure is still in place. Success! I'll be commenting specifically on the products I used in next week's video haul, so look out for that. But in the meantime, I'm excited to share my tips for a long lasting manicure with you. I researched, learned, and found a system that's given me great results. Side note: if you'd like a turbo fast mani, just skip steps one through three. I added them for some extra pampering but they're certainly not necessary.

Step one: File. Make sure to start with dry nails and file in one direction. Filing nails in two different directions can weaken them.

Step two: Apply your favourite hand moisturizer and then soak your nails in soapy water. I do one hand at a time so I can sip wine and browse instagram. Obviously! ;)

Step three: Push your cuticles back. I ended up using my nail file, but if you have a cuticle tool, then use that. However, my method worked just as well!

Step four: Use a quick dab of nail polish remover to remove any excess oils. This will help the polish last longer.

Step five: Brush on two even coats of polish, but not too thick. Quick tip? I love using metallic colours because I find they are much less prone to chipping.

Step six: Last step, apply your top coat. This will extend your polish for days. To help improve the lifespan of my manicure, I also avoid long baths for 24 hours. Keep your hands dry, as it allows the polish to set. Lastly, I apply a second top coat the next day!

If you have any tips of your own, please share! I'm determined to keep perfecting my skills! xo

Products Used:

Nail polish: Sally Hansen, Diamond Strength in Champagne Toast
Top coat: Revlon, No Chip Top Coat
Hand cream: L'Occitane Hand Creams
Hand soak: Philosophy, Amazing Grace Bath/Shower Gel

On A Whim

Outfit Details:

Cardigan: Madewell (similar)
Dress: Forever 21 (favourite shift dress 1 & 2)
Tights: Joe Fresh
Boots: Aldo Shoes (similar)

Hello, feels so good to be back. I spent much of last week stuck in bed with the flu. Were you one of the lucky few who read my whiny tweets?! ;) Thankfully, not all was lost, it gave me the chance to step back and redefine a few things for myself. So, I wrote out a business plan for both my shop and blog. Back in the spring of 2013 when I started "By The Shore," it was kind of on a whim and I didn't have any concrete plans for it. Which is totally fine, but now I find myself on the cusp of change and dreaming of new goals. But isn't that always the way?! We're always evolving, hopefully finding more clarity and getting in touch with our greater purpose!

I hope to share more with you soon... but today is shaping up to be a busy day and my poor brain is a little distracted. I've got a ton of shop business to take care of + package orders and then run some much needed errands. In the meantime, let's all remember to dream big, believe exponentially and shine our light as bright as we can!! Wishing you an inspired week ahead, guys! xo