Daily Wears | An Afternoon With Lacoste

Today, I'm excitedly sharing several photos (I couldn't resist) from my collaboration with Cee of Coco & Vera and Lacoste. Be sure to pop over to Cee's blog as well - she's sharing a different set of photos from the day. Whoot, double the fun! As for the clothes? We are both wearing dresses and bags from the Lacoste Fall collection and I absolutely loved styling them. When it comes to personal style... I definitley favour a classic aesthetic and adding accessories that make it my own! Plus honestly, funnest shoot ever, there was a lot of gabbing, laughing and window oogling (Gastown has the best shops!) while Cee's husband graciously snapped our photos. All in all, a splendid afternoon and I hope we get to do it again soon. Thank you Cee!

Dress: c/o Lacoste Bag: c/o Lacoste Scarf: Forever 21 Boots: Aldo Shoes (similar)

Cutest pictures, right?! On that note, I'm off to tend to a jam packed work day! Today, I'm designing a wedding blog, and then meeting with a client at my favourite coffee shop. I recently expanded my business to include blog & brand consulting and I can't wait to share more with you soon!! Also, I'm doing a happy dance because I won a print from Dreams in HD on Etsy. Be sure to take a peek, love Molly's work!! xo

Sponsor Call | Let's Work Together

Are you a blogger, Etsy shop or small business owner? I'd love to work with you for this October and beyond!! Fall is going to be an exciting time for By The Shore. I'll be posting 3-4 times a week and running posts on: personal style, home, life inspiration, DIY's and so much more! I'd love to help shine the spotlight on what you do and introduce you to my amazingly creative and savvy readers! Currently the blog receives 1,700+ page views a day and reaches over 13,000 subscribers. For more info, be sure to view my sponsorship packages and press kit, which can be found here & here!



Have a question? Just pop me a direct email via my secure contact form. Wishing you a wonderful day! xo

Fave DIY's | September Picks

Granted, I'm a bit of a DIY newbie, but that doesn't mean I don't have aspirations for sinking my teeth into some great projects. It can be done!! On that note, here are a few of my recent favourites, and if you like what you see? Be sure to follow my DIY pinterest board as I update it often, if not daily. I can't wait to tackle pumpkin painting and trying my hand at a few gold dipped vases. Plus, I'm dying to make a floral crown for a photo shoot I'm dreaming up. They're the prettiest, right? And fall, who's crazy excited?! Oh man, I'm so ready to get my geek on!

chevron head board / painted pumpkins / meow sweatshirt / floral crowns / gold dipped vases / clay jewelry dishes / fringe clutch

Have you done a DIY project on your blog that you love? Leave me a link. I'd love to check it out!! Or, feature it in an upcoming DIY favourites post! xo

Daily Wears | Mixed Patterns

After swearing off outfit posts... have ya noticed I'm back to outfit posts? Proof that all good things can be solved with a good old fashioned rant (you might remember my post from a few months back)! In any case, the one thing I've come to learn about blogging, is that like life, our appetite for things comes in waves. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't! And that, my friends, is totally okay! In fact, for my next "Beautiful Life" series I'll be posting on how to maintain your blogging mojo. Can't wait to share all I've learned over the last four years!

Blazer: XO Veronika (my shop), Tee: Banana Republic (similar), Necklace & Bracelet (Stella & Dot), Jeans: Zara (similar), Shoes: Zara (similar)

Outfit wise? I love this mixed pattern ensemble. I wore it again for a night out with my honey, but added a scarf. You can take a peek here! And... I can't wait to share more outfits soon. Now that my hubby is back at work, well naturally, I've been celebrating with a bit of shopping! ;)

Weekly Wrap Up

This week, Martin & I are doing a BIG ol' happy dance. After 4 long months of teacher strikes, the union has finally settled and Martin is returning to work. Yes! We're feeling very relieved and like a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders. Granted, we made it work, but it's never easy being down to one income. Especially since mine's so varied. In any case, upward! We have big celebratory plans for this weekend... off to our favourite Japanese restaurant and then a little quality time at Target. Ya feel me?! ;)
  
Photos from our week: 1) Finally decided on a hair colour and love, love it! 2) The new template went live last week and the response from readers and sponsors has been amazing. Thank you! 3) Met Lynn's new pup, Tommi and fell in love! 4) Enjoying a little fresh air and outdoor therapy. We love our nature time!


Favourites from around the web:

♥ Just rearranged my pinterest boards and added several new ones. Check em' out!
♥ This folk art cake just might be the prettiest thing I've ever seen.
♥ So needed to hear this today.
♥ This lace cardigan is a dream.
♥ Uploaded a new blog design for Jacqueline of The Sweetness + working on four more templates for October!

Inspired by: All things fall! I'm planning a pumpkin picking outing with girlfriends, photo-shoots for the blog + dreaming up new decor for our home. Can't wait to spray our pumpkins white and gold, add acorns to a few over-sized hurricane vases and dress up our mantle. I love switching up our home each season. So fun!

On the horizon: Getting my you-tube channel back up and running. I'll be working on monthly favourites and beauty tutorials. I'm super stocked! If there's anything you'd like to see... let me know! xo

Beauty | My Everyday Make-Up

Lately, I've received several comments and tweets about what kind of make up colours & products I use. So today, I'm chatting about exactly that. When it comes to my everyday make-up, I like a routine that's quick + easy and above all natural. For fall, I'm excited to add a touch of brown shadow and plum lipstick to my make up collection, as well as a few new nail-polish colours. I'm dreaming of dark green and shimmery navy. So pretty, right?! If you have any products you'd love to recommend... let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear!



Face // I do a quick dab of Aveeno Clear Complexion Moisturizer, my Maybelline Fit Me Concealer  (it's amazing) and a light dusting of mineral foundation. I'm currently using Sia Bella Mineral Foundation and loving it. It has medium coverage and gives my face a beautiful & natural glow!

Eyes // For eyes, I apply Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten, basically all over and add a bit of black eyeliner to my top lid. I then curl my eyelashes using Sephora's eyelash curler and pile on my Maybelline Falsies Mascara to both my top & bottom lashes.

Cheeks // I use Sephora's Baked Blush Duo in Tangerine and apply it to the apples of my cheeks. I also do a quick swipe of bronzer on my chin, nose and forehead for a little bit of extra colour!

Lips // I'll either do a quick swipe of gloss or nude lipstick. I love Maybelline Baby Lips or Revlon's Balm Stain in Precious. By the way, I'm wearing Revlon in the above photo! It's one of those fabulous colours that works great no matter my hair colour, and is very much universally flattering.

There you have it my super fast and easy make-up routine. I'll be back on Friday with a weekly wrap up post. Until then, wishing you a fantastic week! xo

Daily Wears | Getting Cozy

I love the simplicity of adding a scarf & booties to a simple dress. And BAM! You've got yourself a fall appropriate outfit! Also, two things that have me feeling happy: 1) My newly dyed hair. I'm loving the red and will be adding more this week. 2) My super rad scarf from the kind folks at 9th & Elm. They feature a fabulous array of handmade and independent designers - so be sure to check them out! As I mentioned recently, I've been scarf crazy and wearing one almost everyday. I love how cozy they are + it's the easiest way to spice up any outfit!

Scarf: c/o 9th & Elm, Dress: Forever 21 (similar), Ring: Stella & Dot, Boots: Aldo Shoes (similar)

The past few days have been loaded with some much needed fun. Saturday, we met up with friends for a little bit of sun & wine. I wore my favourite maxi skirt, paired with a simple tee & boho necklace. You can peek at my outfit here. Then on Sunday, I shot a collab with Cee of Coco & Vera for Lacoste. Can't wait to share the photos soon! Today... I'm working on uploading blog templates for a few design clients, drinking hot coffee and wearing my coziest cardy. Wishing you a beautiful day, friends!

A Beautiful Life: Work From Home & Stay Inspired

I'm so excited to be kicking off a new series. A Beautiful Life! I personally love reading posts that are aimed at inspiring us to live better, and be better. So naturally, I thought, hey if I like it? Others must too! One of my greatest passions in life is being an entrepreneur, and today I wanted to share tips on how I stay inspired. This is something you can use for your blog life, or if you're hoping to spend a few hours a week growing a project that is dear to your heart. And if you are? I really encourage you to. There is nothing more satisfying than growing our dreams and seeing them become a reality. It takes hard work, but it is possible!!



Start your day off with a bang // I love having a routine in the morning. I usually take 15 minutes to tidy my office space, have my coffee & breakfast on the patio and answer client emails. I also love getting dressed for my day. I used to just work in my pj's. Um yeah, absolutely terrible - plus it does nothing for a gals moral! So now, I do a quick swipe of mascara & lip-gloss, a striped tunic, tights and mocs. Super cute and I'm ready for my work day!

Reward Yourself // Part of working as an entrepreneur can mean long hours and nights spent working alone. So, once I've finished a big project... I love to pat myself on the back for a job well done. I'll take myself out for a lunch & pedicure. Or pop by my favourite boutique to grab a pretty blouse, or visit Target and nab some adorable office supplies. It might sound small, but it does so much for our sense of well being when we take time to recognize our achievements!

Beautify // Who doesn't want to work in a beautiful space?! I've framed some of my favourite sayings & inspirations around my desk. I usually have fresh flowers, candles and music playing. Plus, I like to keep everything super organized. For blogging? I keep my closet organized as well. I have an area to hang all my sponsor clothes and another area with upcoming outfits. I'm type A, and organization is my jam!

Rejuvenate // Afternoon slump? I like to beat mine by taking a work break around 2ish and either going for a quick run or hitting the gym. I'm usually back by three, feelin' super jazzed and have lots of energy to work. It's honestly the best way to feel productive. I also love mixing up my surroundings and working from my favourite coffee shop, or buddying up with a friend at their office space for the day!

Balance // I LOVE to work. Just ask Martin... I'm a workaholic and I don't mind one bit. But even us work obsessed gals need a break. For me, it's one of the hardest things to do, but I've slowly learned to love it. Especially because it means I'll be that much more productive once I'm back at work! Win, win, right?!

PS - Thanks so much for your awesome feedback on the new site guys. I'm over the moon with the design and loving the inspiration that's come with it. Also, have you peeked at my new + super rad "about" page? If ya can't tell, I'm really excited about it! xo

Daily Wears | New Look & Summers Last Hurrah

Hello! I'm so excited to be back with a new blog look and outfit post!! A big thank you to the Maidae girls for my new template. Hooray! I hope you guys love the new look as much as I do... I'm totally smitten with the pops of colour and the overall artistic vibe. Those girls I tell ya - so talented! There's also a new about and sponsor page + I designed a press kit for the blog. Very excited to finally share that with you! Later this week I'm launching a new blog series called "A Beautiful Life" where I'll be sharing on things I'm passionate about. Then for fall, I'm gearing up for more outfit photos, fun DIY's and the rest of our condo tour. It's going to be a great month!

Sweater: CK Collection, Tank: Joe Fresh, Skirt: c/o YeYe Vintage, Bag: c/o Fossil, Bracelet: Stella & Dot (similar), Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

For this outfit, I pulled out my favourite silk vintage midi. She's a beauty, right?! If you're looking to add one to your closet... I'd recommend this floral one from modcloth, or this one from ASOS. Lastly, I dyed my hair red. Kind of took a few days to get used to, but now I'm totally loving it! Happiest Wednesday, everyone! xo

Travel: Cee of Coco & Vera, Top 5 Paris Boutiques

Happy Friday, guys! Who else is doing their Friday happy dance?! I know I am! Today, Cee of Coco & Vera is back with her second travel post and this time she's chatting about her favourite Paris boutiques. If you aren't familiar with her blog... now's the time to run over and get acquainted. She's a gorgeous gal, both inside and out, plus a beautiful writer to boot. So on that note, here are Cee's top 5 shopping recommendations...


Shine: the northern tip of le Marais is unassumingly chic, littered with trendy restaurants, exquisite cafes and shopping. The best shopping Shine, housed in a lavender-painted former pharmacy, is the standout boutique in the neighbourhood. Shine was the first shop in Paris to carry Marc by Marc Jacobs, and there is no doubt that their selection is still well ahead of the style curve.


Colette: part boutique, part museum dedicated to all things fabulously fashionable, Colette offers a shopping experience unlike any other. Unless you have very deep pockets, don't expect to do much shopping for clothes here - there are no price tags, so you have to be very sure about making a purchase. But the main floor offers a wide selection of affordable and unusual books, accessories and sweets that I can happily browse all afternoon long.


Galeries Lafayette: less boutique, more grand six storey department store, no trip to Paris is complete with a visit to Galeries Lafayette, which boasts designer boutiques, a gourmet grocery store, champagne bar and an utterly awe-inspiring stained glass cupola.


Garrice: if you love shoes, you will love Garrice. There are three locations in Paris, but the one on rue de Rivoli gets me every time - the very modern space on the first floor of an old Haussmanian building is practically a temple for the shoe cult, with a selection of brands like Repetto, Chie Mihara, Casadei, among many more.


Delphine Pariente: it was Delphine Pariente's eponymous jewelry line that first drew me to her delightful boutique - the colourful beaded necklaces are difficult to resist. But les bijoux are only a small part of what makes Delphine Pariente such an unusually wonderful shopping experience; the boutique also carries a beautifully curated selection of one-of-a-kind vintage furniture sourced from local flea markets and lovingly refurbished.

A big thank you to Cee for this beautiful post... Cee, you had me at champagne bar! ;) Be sure to pop by her blog + visit her past contributions! And, I'll see you guys next week with an outfit post + tips on how to stay motivated when working from home/pursuing your own projects! xo

My Etsy Shop | Two New Templates Now Available!

I'm so excited to introduce two new blogger templates "Our Best Love" and "Live For Autumn" both of which are available via my Etsy Shop. If you're looking for a hassle free and affordable re-vamp, this is a great choice! All templates are custom uploaded by yours truly, and include: header, custom navigation, profile image, social media buttons, category buttons, signature, and contact page!

Have a question? You can reach me via my contact page or email me directly! I'd love to help give your blog a new look!

Home Tour | Part 1... Our Patio

A few months back I did a quick iphone tour of our home. However, I thought it be fun to do a more detailed tour and break it up by room. Over the next few weeks, I'll be doing just that! I thought it only fitting to start off with our patio since it's still warm & lovely out. Admittedly, it's not the easiest space to take photos of because it's pretty tiny! But, we love it all the same... we BBQ out there, have a view of birch trees & evergreen mountains, plus most importantly we can watch the sunset!

Voila, the end. Quickest little patio post ever - right? As for our items... our side table, patio table + chairs and pillow are all from Ikea. Next year, I'm hoping to add a few hanging lanterns and a chevron sisal rug. I love a good homey patio! xo