Love Is In The Air

Love Is In The Air

This past Sunday I met up with local photographer and blogger Krenare! She did an amazing job not only capturing my Valentine’s inspired outfit, but also caught some adorable moments with my fiancé I can now cherish forever. We initially planned on shooting inside Sweet Philosophy, but they unexpectedly had to close for a few days due to a family emergency. I can tell you however, it is even cuter inside than it is outside (if that’s even possible), and I definitely want to go back to get some shots!

The weather may not have been on our side that day for outdoor photos (welcome to Canadian winters), but we managed to get a small break in freezing rain for Krenare to do her magic! After all, love is all about making sacrifices right?!

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What girl wouldn’t swoon over a boy holding the most beautiful floral bouquet? A huge thank you to Blossom Moments Flowers for making dreams into a reality! Be sure to follow along with them on Instagram for the most beautiful bloom feed and inspiration!

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Grab your sweetheart, put on something red/pink and do a cute little photoshoot, you won’t regret it!

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Okay…so maybe I picked up this adorable scarf and thought it would be the perfect focal point for a shoot all about love! Either way, the outfit turned out almost as cute as the photos themselves!

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Sorry in advance to my fiancé, I’m painting our house and door pink!

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Windy, cold, freezing rain day= shrinking balloons…luckily we managed to get some good shots in!

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Photography: c/o  Krenare Ali  Floral Bouquet: c/o Blossom Moments Hair: c/o Hair Addictz Studio , Makeup: c/o: Facetime With Daniela , Pants: c/o: Suzy Shier , Scarf: H&M (similar)

xoxo, Staffordable

Lavender Fields Forever

Lavender Fields Forever

On a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon, my boyfriend and I were looking for something to do after heading back from brunch in Hamilton. His mom suggested we check out the beautiful lavender fields at Weir’s Lane Lavender & Apiary in Dundas, Ontario, and boy am I glad we did!

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There is really something so romantic about lavender, especially when you catch it in full bloom!

Dundas Ontario is known for it’s sprawling hiking trails and breathtaking waterfalls (Tew’s Falls and Webster’s Falls). You can now add Weir’s Lane Lavender farm to your list when you visit!

“Weir’s Lane Lavender & Apiary (WLL) is a lavender farm located 40 minutes west of Toronto in lovely West Flamborough (part of the city of Hamilton, not far from Dundas and Ancaster, at 223 Weirs Lane).  We started our lavender farm in 2010 and opened the farm store in 2011.  Currently, WLL grows more 5000 plants, has 200+ hazelnut trees, and maintains several bee hives. WLL provides farm tours where you will learn much about the growing of lavender and the keeping of bees.  Enjoy 10+ varieties of Lavendula Angustifolia (dubbed True or English) and Lavendula Intermedia (dubbed Lavandin or French) families. “- Weir’s Lane Lavender 

I don’t think I’ve ever really given lavender much appreciation before seeing rows upon rows of both French and English lavender. When we went (back in the beginning of July) the lavender flowers were in full bloom and put on quite the show.  This was a good time to go and the colours were vibrant and all of the buds had bloomed at this point! When we pulled up to the farm we were directed by very friendly staff to the front field and were even shown the difference in look and smell of English and French lavender.  We visited around 3:00, and the farm closes to the public at 4. It was a little busy at this time but I think it was less busy then going earlier.

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The views and the smells were absolutely breathtaking and made for one of the best backdrops I’ve ever had for my photographs!

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I could have sat here for hours just taking in all the beautiful sites and smells of the fragrant lavender.

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We then headed around back where there was more lavender and tons of opportunities for pictures! Opportunities are available for professional photographers to reserve time to  privately photograph without the public in the background for special events like engagement shoots, weddings. Please visit their website for details.

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I really wanted my outfit to pop in a sea of purple and be fresh and summery– I think it did just that. I went with a lemon printed dress and straw tote bag. Of course, it would’t be a summer outfit without a large straw hat. I just loved the saying on this hat and thought it was perfect for the occasion. I finished off the look with a pair of matching yellow sunglasses in keeping with the fresh look.

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Located inside is the shop. It sold everything from  lavender plants, dried lavender to essential oils and culinary lavender and honey (also harvested on site).

I am so glad we were introduced to this gem and will definitely be coming back next year for another beautiful visit!

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Wearing: Winners Dress & Hat, Sears Canada Bag, Quay Australia Sunglasses

Thanks for visiting, come back soon!

xoxo,

Sara

Erica Wark- Shopping Spree Contest Entry

Erica Wark- Shopping Spree Contest Entry

What better way to step into spring than by winning a contest? Well, I am hoping to do just that. When I first saw the announcement from Bramalea City Centre of a contest for a chance to win a $500.00, two-hour shopping trip with fashion expert and stylist, Erica Wark I jumped at the opportunity. Winning this contest would be so special to me. It couldn’t have come at a more perfect time in the season as the transition to spring styles has official begun. I have such a passion for fashion and shopping and would love to be able to meet a true and local expert in the industry! I just know that I would have such an amazing time and would look forward to how much more I can learn about styling as well as blogging through Erica.

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I follow both Bramalea City Centre (bccstyle) and Erica Wark (ericaonfashion) on Instagram and Twitter (bccstyle) & (ericaonfashion) and love to keep up to date with their feeds! I also keep up-to-date with Canadian fashion and think it’s important to support or local fashion industry and surrounding community. I have been a huge fan of Erica’s for a long time now, and watch her segments on local broadcast stations such as CTV’s The Social, The Marilyn Denis Show and ET Canada. It’s so nice to see talented Canadians own what they love and share that love with others along the way! I started a fashion blog just like Erica did as a way of writing about what I love. Erica brings more than just stylish outfits to the table, she exudes confidence in everything that she does and you can really see her excitement shine through.

I have always been big into fashion myself, and more recently into photography, so I figured what better way to express my true self than by starting a fashion/lifestyle blog. My blog (Staffordable Blog) is actually a play on my last name (Stafford) mixed with affordable (I am a self-proclaimed affordable fashion finder.) Just ask anyone I know, they will tell you I’m all about finding great pieces and even better prices! It took me a while to come up with this name as I wanted it to be something that was really catchy and creative…this one definitely stuck. What really speaks to me is the way that Erica inspires us to branch out and look at and try fashion in unique ways. Erica is all about pushing the boundaries and having fun with fashion all the while helping us find our true-style.

Erica is a nationally renowned stylist and expert and TV personality. She is the creative and fashionable mind behind “Erica on Fashion” and coined the term “Wark-It”—which couldn’t be any more perfect!

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I instantly started thinking of what sort of outfits I could put together that were “Wark-It”- worthy! After doing a little bit of browsing I was pleasantly surprised to see how similar Erica and my styles are! In fact, not only are there items that I have that I could recreate some of Erica’s looks, but I also came across a few exact outfits that we share! While some of my outfits are very similar (if not the same) as Erica’s you will also see some of my entries showcase some of my personal flair such as pops of colour or fun patterns!

Here’s my take on Erica inspired styling for the contest:

  1. Erica is all about shades of black and leather. So here’s my take for look number 1!

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Outfit Details: Faux-leather and suede dress (Reitmans), OTK Boots (CallitSpring) Geometric Statement Necklace (H&M)

2.  I went for an entirely different look for this entry! I opted for a blue and red checked wool coat and a pop of red with a thin scarf. I finished off the look with a cool pair of shades! IMG_8067IMG_8130IMG_8072IMG_8133

Outfit Details: Sweater (JoeFresh), Jacket and Scarf (Old Navy), Rayban Sunglasses (Winners), Jeans (Gap)

3. In true Erica fashion I went for a button-down suede mini-skirt and mock-neck cutout blouse! IMG_9025IMG_9026

Outfit Details: Button-down suede miniskirt (Express), Mock-neck Cutout Blouse (Forever 21).

4. This outfit was 100% inspired by Erica. I saw her post a picture in this awesome vest on Instagram so I just had to go online and order myself one! I paired it with faux-leather tights, strappy heels and funky shades to match her look! This may just be my new favourite work outfit this Spring!

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Outfit Details: Cream coloured button vest (Reitmans), Faux-leather tights (Forever 21), Strappy Heels (Forever 21), Sunglasses (Ebay).

5.  Yet another outfit I found while browsing Erica’s Instagram. I’m currently obsessing over this Willow and Thread tailored black vest (worn as a dress). You can take it from the office to a night out! IMG_9409IMG_9380

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Outfit Details: Willow and Thread Button-up vest (worn as a dress- inspired by Erica), Cargo jacket with faux-leather sleeves (Urban Planet), OTK Boots (CallItSpring).

6. Last Erica-inspired outfit- I PROMISE! I actually bought this a while back and then noticed that Erica had the same one! I love how she paired it with her favourite OTK’s. This look is going to be perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day!

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Outfit Details: Green shift-dress (H&M), OTK Boots (CallItSpring)

Please visit my Instagram (Staffordable_Blog) and Twitter (staff_sara) and share your thoughts/love of my best Erica Work style inspiration! It would mean the world to me to win this contest! I would love to know what you think. Wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping in!

xoxo Staffordable

Oversized hats & oversized scarves!

Oversized hats & oversized scarves!

Two of my favourite things this season have been big hats and big blanket scarves! You can tell how long it’s been since I last posted (see leaves in pictures, this has now been replaced with snow…a whole season has past!) With both, or one of these, it’s so easy to take your style to the next level! These scarves are AMAZING, and if you get cold you can literally use it as a blanket. I’m officially in love.

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Outfit Details:

Green floppy-hat: Old Navy

Plaid Tartan Scarf: Urban Planet

Crocodile-print leather jacket: Danier

xoxo Staffordable-Blog

 

San Francisco trip (Outfit Edition)

San Francisco trip (Outfit Edition)

I will post details about the itinerary for the week, but for now I’ll just talk about my outfits (the most important part right??)

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Of course I had to start the trip off with a San Fran shirt. I steered away from the classic touristy shirt and managed to snag this awesome Golden-Gate Bridge T-shirt on sale from Old Navy. It was super comfy for the flight!

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I did a quick change after doing some shopping when we first arrived. Since I knew San Fran can get sort of chilly at night I opted for printed silky pants and a white jean jacket. The pants and jacket are both from Forever 21. That night we visited the Top of The Mark Hotel and caught an AMAZING 360 view of the city with an unforgettable sunset. After a few drinks we headed over to dinner along the Embacadero and took in the breathtaking views of the water overlooking the Oakland Bay Bridge.

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Day 2 brought with it a lot of hiking and walking around and wayyyy too much fun!

This was one of my favourite outfits. The Forever 21 jumpsuit was comfortable all day long especially paired with a classic white converse runner.  Since we visited Alcatraz that night this was my version of a prison jumpsuit. Something tells me I wouldn’t do well with prison attire…

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Day 3- WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS….

Day 3 brought more jumps and a lot more hiking!

I stuck with my white converse pairing them with a plain black t-shirt with a cross-cross back from Stiches and lemon print shorts from none other than, you guessed it…Forever 21!

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Day 4 we traded the hiking trails for bike trails! We rented bikes and biked through Baker Beach all the way across the Golden Gate Bridge and back again. The shorts are from Old Navy (featured on Lauren Conrad’s Instagram), the shirt is from Winners and the bobble necklace I picked up on sale at H&M while out shopping in Union Square in San Fran.

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Day 5 was another trade. Traded in our runners and bikes for a convertible to drive down the coast! Both the skirt and lace cardigan are from Forever 21 and the mesh top is actually a workout top from Winners–perfect on this very hot day! My floppy hat with small gold feather-detail is from H&M and my rings (snake- Suzy Shier, middle rings are three different Pandora rings stacked together)

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Again with the matching sets…

I cannot say enough how big of a fan I am of these!

This set I picked up on sale last year at Zara for $40.00. It’s got a textured detail to it with green piping on the pockets as well as the entire back of the tank is leather with a slit at the bottom. I paired it with a plain white blazer that I found at their end of summer sale this year for $29.00 I finished it off with my favourite pair of heels for work from Hudson’s Bay. I love the short heel with gold details! Instead of wearing my green Raybans I opted for a pop of a contrasting colour and went with my orange ones this time around!

The statement necklace really is a statement! I found this at the same sale at Zara for $12.99…yes you read that correctly!!!  l love how different it is it’s like a work of art!

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City Girl In The Country!

City Girl In The Country!

I am so in love with matching sets! I picked up this floral matching set from Urban Planet for $25.00. I paired it with a simple pair of neutral coloured sandals and my green flashlens Rayban aviators. I love wearing these sets because they are super comfortable (they feel like pjs!!) If you style it properly you can ensure that it doesn’t look like you are wearing pjs out in public!

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Orange is the new black!

I don’t have a lot of orange in my wardrobe so I was hesitant to buy this dress at first. Once I tried it on I fell in love with the colour, fit and style! I really enjoyed the small peplum ruffle it adds a real classy touch!

It’s designer Catherine Malandrino which I picked up on sale from Winners for $22 compared to $175!!!

I got compliment after compliment on this dress. I paired it with one of my fav statement necklaces that I picked up on Canal street in NYC!

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Easy Braided Top-Knot Bun: Hair Tutorial

Easy Braided Top-Knot Bun: Hair Tutorial

I’m loving braids lately and trying out new ways to style my hair. This fun and simple hairstyle is perfect for summer!

What you’ll need:

– hairbrush

-r egular hair elastic

– small clear hair elastic

– a few bobby pins

– hair spray

Steps:

– Start off with a smooth high ponytail and secure it with your regular elastic

– Begin braiding your ponytail as far down as you can go until any little pieces start popping out. Secure this with the small clear elastic

-Take your completed braided ponytail and begin wrapping it around the base of your regular elastic

– Once you’ve gone all the way around you can start securing with as many bobby pins as you need to hold the bun in place

– Finish this look with a spritz of hairspray

*Disclaimer: This is my first Youtube video 🙂

VOILA! I’d love to hear what you think of this look and I challenge you to give it a try! 🙂 xoxo

Clueless Inspired OOTD: Houndstooth Coordinates

Clueless Inspired OOTD: Houndstooth Coordinates

When I saw these houndstooth coordinates in the sale section of Forever 21 I was a little unsure at first. I’ve really started my collection of coordinates but don’t have a lot of cropped tops. With such a long torso I sometimes find that without higher waisted bottoms it’s too short! So when I finally got this outfit and put it on it was a match made in heaven! A perfectly shaped crop top and flared skirt!

I finished the outfit off with Kenneth Cole suede heeled sandals that I got from Ross in Florida. They’re extremely comfortable and I just love the thicker band around the ankle!

The outfit really reminded me of Cher Horowitz from the hit show Clueless. For something I was unsure about at first turned out to be a favourite! 🙂

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