Halloween Dance Party

This year I didn’t think I would be able to pull anything together for Halloween due to the insanity of moving in two days. And that made me pretty uneasy because I love Halloween like nobody's business.

But I am happy to report that my love for Halloween got the best of me and I threw together a costume last minute and then hit the town for a house party followed by a super fun dance party at a bar. I am soooo glad that I didn’t wind up cancelling Halloween this year!

What are/were your Halloween plans this year?

Twirly

I think I’ve mentioned this before but it bears repeating; this dress (which is pocketed, BTW) was made for twirling.

dress: Jason Wu for Target / shirt: Gap / booties: Value Village

Elizabeth and James Sale Elizabeth & James pointed toe pumps 

Fall Nostalgia

Is their any more beautiful season than fall? I think not. I wish it would never end – the gorgeous foliage, the crisp weather, I love it all. Of course, now more wintery weather has set in and I'm looking back nostalgically.

This year was also a strange fall for me because, for the first time in over 12 years, I wasn't returning to an academic program in September. But I will be cashing in on returning to winter term when I start teaching in January. Which reminds me, I need to start writing some lectures!

pants: RW Winter and Co. / blouse: Vero Moda / jacket: thrifted from Divine / boots: Kohl’s / purse: Urban Outfitters / glasses: Firmoo 

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BB Dakota Shorts BB Dakota Tank Tops 

The Universe is Out to Screw Me Over

For some reason (I think it’s because the universe hates me) whenever I wear heels to work, even low ones in a wedge shoe, I always seem to miss my connecting bus from the LRT station and wind up having to walk home (a good 30 minute walk) because I’m too impatient to wait for the next bus. And that’s after being on my feet at work for a good portion of the day. You know what universe, I sort of don’t like you much either.

Does anyone else have horrible luck with heels?

skirt: Express / blouse: Urban Outfitters / scarf: Aldo / shoes: Target

Derek Lam Sandals Derek Lam Halter Dresses 

Post-Dissertation Celebration

I recently finished writing a book proposal for my dissertation (which I suppose is now actually my monograph because I spent all summer revising into one). Two weeks ago I actually submitted it to a press for consideration and then decided that warranted going out for a nice dinner and drinks. And this is what I wore.

dress: H&M / belt: H&M / necklace: the Bay / shoes: Steve Madden, thrifted / watch: Kenneth Cole / rings: H&M

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BCBG Gowns Dresses on Sale  

Skulls and Spikes

Now I have the toughest (and prettiest) shoes in town.

smoking slippers: Urban Outfitters / shoes clips: the Bay

Featured Post: Cruise

Psst. Have you heard of UK retailer Cruise? Established in Edinburgh in 1981, Cruise has grown from its first store selling cutting-edge designer menswear, to a powerhouse retailer that houses a collection of highly successful and influential designer boutiques specialising in high end fashion products for both men and women. The Cruise philosophy is simple – offer exceptional service and exclusive style whether one is shopping in one in store or in the online boutique. Best of all, wherever you shop with Cruise, a personal stylist is on hand to help in any way they can. And the shopping selection is not half bad.

Like this perfectly structured and cool Alexander McQueen jacket

I think you’re all aware of my penchant for both studs and loafers, which is why I’m smitten with these Jimmy Choo darlings
 

And how about this Victoria Beckham number?

Beer Me

The latest love of my life, my H&M dress with the faux leather collar makes another appearance (it was under my brightly coloured blazer in my Skype interview post from a few days back). Paired this time with a little faux leather belt from BB Dakota. And I’m off for beers and tomfoolery at Edmonton’s very own Empress Ale House. Peace out.

dress: H&M / tights: We Love Colors: purse: H&M / boots: Steve Madden / belt: BB Dakota 

Don’t forget to like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, check out my Tumblr, and subscribe to my Instragram feed @CourtneyMedea.

Theyskens' Theory Shoes Theyskens' Theory Tops 

Caffeinated

And my awesome mint blouse makes another appearance in this work wear look. I was about 2 minutes away from mainlining some caffeine to prepare for the day in these shots. I’ve discovered that I am not a morning person. Being on a grown-up's schedule after 6 years of a grad student's schedule has been a shock to my system, to put it mildly.

blouse: Dynamite / pants: RW Winter and Co. / blazer: Zara / shoes: Zigi Soho via Nordstrom Rack / necklace: F21 / cuff: F21

Theory Dresses Theory Skirts 

Skyper

I wore this for a recent Skype interview for a postdoctoral fellowship back in New Haven. I find that wearing some kind of bold colour near my face is helpful when interviewing for things via Skype as it makes me look slightly less like a disembodied head. And, yes, I have had more than a few Skype interviews lately.

This postdoctoral fellowship application turned out to be an interesting experience for me. I had originally applied for it back in May when I was still in New Haven and, even after we left for Canada, I still thought of it as a viable opportunity for me. So I was thrilled when I was asked to interview (although a little bummed that my non-academic job duties precluded me from accepting the two day trip back to New Haven that was offered as a part of the interview process). And when I was told I had gotten the position I was also thrilled. But, after a lot of thought and anxiety-inducing “let’s figure out my life” discussions with colleagues and family and friends, I decided to turn the opportunity down. For a lot of reasons. Which I won’t actually go into here. Let’s just say I’m still casually pursuing academic work but also very enjoying my current non-academic position and feel that I made the right choice with regard to this opportunity.

dress: H&M / belt: Aldo / shoes: Steve Madden / blazer: F21 / purse: Payless

Theory Dresses Theory Skirts 

Teaching Pleats

Pleats and a Peter Pan collar – what more could one ask for? Velvet smoking slippers you say? Well, I’ve got that covered too.

Unrelatedly, this gal booked a teaching gig in the spring. That’s right, beginning in January, a certain Dr. Thomas will be a lucky group of university students’ guide to world history, 1400-1800. So now I have a full-time job and a part-time job. Yikes. My schedule is going to be insane. And speaking of insanity, I’m moving again. In two weeks. Just to a new apartment but still, it’s another round of stress and packing and all that fun stuff.

skirt: found on Amazon of all places / shirt: ModCloth / shoes: Urban Outfitters / watch: the helpmeet’s / cuff: F21

T by Alexander Wang Dresses T by Alexander Wang 

Historic Houses

So these photos were snapped at Edmonton’s historic Rutherford House (the former home of Premier (and founder of the University of Alberta) Alexander Rutherford). The historian in me deeply appreciates this place and now, because I’m back working with the University of Alberta and the house is a part of the campus, I can visit it all the time (I'm even meeting fellow Edmonton blogger Sandy from The Pretty Secrets there this Saturday). And, as if I needed more reasons to love this place, I got married here on February 25, way back in 2006.

skirt: Old Navy / jacket: Target / scarf: Aldo / shoes: Aldo / ring: can’t remember, purchased in NYC / glasses: Ralph Lauren 

Giuseppe Zanotti Platform Booties Giuseppe Zanotti Platform Pumps 

Fancy Lady

I love running weekend errands in this gold pleated skirt – because I feel fancy. And I like feeling like a fancy lady.

skirt: Urban Outfitters / shirt: Target / blazer: F21 / shoes: Aldo / sunglasses: Target / necklace: Monserat de Lucca via Shopbop / watch: Kenneth Cole / green bracelet: my grandmother’s / studded bracelets: Aldo

Shop Gowns BCBGMAXAZRIA Shopbop 

Feature Post: Tucci

Being finally employed after living for years on a graduate student’s stipend and what I could cobble together from various grants, etc. (the economy of making shift) has meant that my obsession with online shopping (both of the window and actually purchasing varieties) has been rekindled in a big way. Enter UK retailer Tucci, one of the Northern UK’s premier stores for branded clothing, footwear and accessories. Tucci stocks some of the most popular names in men's and women's fashion and their large portfolio of labels is ever changing. Here are some items retailing there that I’m coveting:

This super sophisticated peplum number (which comes in many different shades, FYI)

I love the lace look of this French Connection frock (which is a big trend this fall)

These Firetrap Maaike black denim skinny jeans are killing me with their awesomeness - seriously, how great would they be paired with a sheer blouse and faux leather jacket?

This Vero Moda Ella Swan top is just adorable

As is this cute little blouse, also from Vero Moda

This Firetrap Ridley rust brown printed dress is reminiscent of the super popular galaxy print that’s big right now

You know I’m always game for a little leopard print – and I love this blue printed maxi from Forever Unique

And finally, this Ted Baker Edella embellished collar dressis just pure sophistication in my book