January is finally over! It’s almost always the least exciting month for me, as it must be for many others. The coming months are, of course, less exciting than they have been in past years. But I’m hopeful that things are looking up.
To highlight each little 2021 win or bright spot, each month I’m rounding up my favourite life and style moments. Be it outfits, food, new purchases, etc. Considering what’s still happening out there, I know sharing these things seem trivial and unnecessary. But one big thing for me this year is to continue to practice gratitude, and I would love to have a space where things are lighter, brighter, and all around a feel-good vibe. Perhaps this could inspire someone to get out of those PJ’s and into something they love. Or create a new meal idea. Or just try something new altogether!
Here are a few January highlights:
A Rewear Win: Sweater Dress
Wearing: Sweater Dress (old), Fleece lined leggings, L’intervalle Bolt Black Leather Boots
I completely underestimated this sweater dress and how perfect it is for winter. I bought this piece a few years ago when I shopped fast fashion on an almost weekly basis. Cringe. I’ve always considered it an occasion wear piece, but as I continue to experiment with styling items from my closet, I have a new-found love for doubling it as loungewear. It’s cozy and warm, like being wrapped up in a blanket! The high slit calls for a pair of leggings (but honestly, do style rules exist at home?). If I were going out, I’d wear it exactly like I have here – with leggings and some chunky combat boots.
Finished Project: Knitted Scarf
Wearing: Me-made knitted scarf, Frank and Oak sweater (from 2019), Agolde Roxanne jeans, L’intervalle Maralik Black Croco ankle boots
Although it was more so a December project, I took the opportunity through a January Instagram style challenge (see #newyearsamecloset for all the fun!) to boast about my very first successful knitting project – a basic knit scarf. I was so proud and so grateful for all the encouragement I received. I’m not a big scarf person so my collection is very small, but this was such a nice little holiday project.
New Recipe: Lemon Feta Linguine with Asparagus
A healthier alternative to satisfy a pasta craving! I found this recipe on Pinterest, and was drawn to the “lemon feta” in the name. Even though I omitted the lemon zest, juice from one whole lemon was more than enough. And for protein I added some baked chicken. This, along with the asparagus, added just the right amount of savoury to offset the tangy. It was so easy and delicious!
Wardrobe Purchase: Opal Cardi
Wearing: Paper Label Opal Cardi (I’m just loving these new colours!), Kotn turtleneck tee (white no longer available, see their current collection here), Levi’s Ribcage Straight jeans, Aritzia Auxiliary skinny belt (no longer available, classic version here), L’intervalle Maralik Black Croco ankle boots
As my first wardrobe purchase of 2021, this cardigan was a long-standing wishlist item of mine. I absolutely love it, so much so that I wrote a whole blog post about styling it 3 ways, and created a styling video that received a lot of Instagram love.
Wardrobe Purchase: Crewneck Sweater
Wearing: Aritzia Thurlow Sweater, Levi’s Ribcage Straight jeans, L’intervalle Bolt Black Leather Boots, Cuchara necklace (no longer available)
My second wardrobe purchase of 2021 was an oversized crewneck sweater in black from Aritzia. You can never go wrong with a classic black piece, and even better that its silhouette is something I don’t currently have in my closet. After hemming and hawing over this particular sweater for years (yes, years!), I finally decided to grab it during the winter sale. It’s not from a sustainable brand (I’ll always have a soft spot for Aritzia), but I consider it a winter wardrobe staple. I plan to take good care of it and love it for many years to come!
Local Eats: Hawaiian Poke and More
I was so excited to try this new (to me) local spot. It was the highlight of one of my January weekends! Hawaiian Poke and More specializes in traditional Hawaiian cuisine. We ordered 1/2 lb of tuna poke in spicy mayo, and 1 lb of salmon poke in sweet and spicy. The quality and flavours were amazing. We also ordered the katsu pork (I prefer the ultra crispy Japanese version), and crispy spam musubi (super popular!). It was all delicious, and very filling.
Thanks so much for getting this far and for stopping by! I’d love to know, would you try any of my January favourites?
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