What to Pack for Germany in August

I have to start this post by saying that August is normally quite warm in Germany. We were expecting weather in the high 20's, but were surprised with some rain and chilly evenings! With this in mind, I recommend you always traveled prepared, and remember that layers are your best friends.

Here is what I brought with me on our 8-day trip to Germany (bear in mind, that I made sure these items were quite good to mix and match, and would dry easily if I needed to give them a quick wash):

Sweatshirt; arka (similar here); T-shirt dress (similar here); Denim shorts; Jeans; Sandals; Sneakers; A-line skirt; Tank top; T-shirt; Sweatshirt

1. SWEATSHIRT
This is the one thing I didn't actually pack, but had to purchase when I was there! You see, it was quite chilly in the evening in Germany, but not chilly enough for a parka. A sweatshirt was the perfect item to tie around my waist and put on top of my t-shirt once it got dark.

2. TANK TOP
The perfect top to wear with shorts, jeans, or skirts! I brought one black tank top and one grey tank top, which I just mixed and match when it was really warm.

3. A T-SHIRT DRESS
Dresses that are basically just an extra long t-shirt are great for many reasons. One, they oh so comfortable and loose, which means you can eat an apple strudel and ice cream every day and not feel like a whale. Two, they take up so little space and hardly wrinkle because they're made of cotton! Also, if you fancy a night out, they can easily be dressed up with a pair of heels and some accessories, which is what I would've done if I was the kind of cool girl that went out partying when travels. Alas, I wouldn't dare sacrificing my early wake up to take in the sights before the hordes of tourists arrive.

4. A-LINE SKIRT
I love a-line skirts because they're simple, feminine, and flirty. They look just as good with sandals or sneakers, and I can wear them with either a tank top or a sweatshirt (if it's a bit cold!) The one I brought it actually a navy blue number that I got in the Urban Outfitters sale, but I couldn't find it online anymore. This black one from ASOS would be a great addition to any packing list.

5. A TWO-LAYER PARKA
I recently bought this great parka from Gap that comes with a shearling lining that can be removed it need be. While I needed the lining on our first day in Munich because it was quite cold and windy, I was able to remove the lining when the weather perked up a bit.

6. DENIM SHORTS
A must for any summer holidays, let's be real!

7. SANDALS
I can't recommend enough getting a good pair of walking sandals, and my Birkenstocks fit just the bill. If you're in Germany, I'd even recommend buying them in Germany, where they originate from, as you'll be buying local and they will be much cheaper than back home! I remember longing for a pair of these back in Canada, where they cost up to $100, while you'll find them for about 40€ to 60€ in Germany. These were so comfortable, and I'll certainly be taking them on any summer holiday from now on.

8. SNEAKERS
You can't get me away from my Adidas Superstars, they're on my feet almost every weekend because they are so comfortable! Again, you'll be walking a lot while you're visiting Germany, so comfort is key. From cobbled streets to steep hill, these babies will do wonders for your feet. Plus, sneakers are a fashion essential these days, so long are the gays where only the tourists sported white sneakers!

9. T-SHIRT
A good t-shirt is always an essential, especially if you want to protect yourself a bit more from the sun. I love these ones from The Gap, because they're very breezy and never lose their colour after a wash.

10. JEANS
On the same note as the parka, sometimes the weather won't cooperate and you'll simply need a good pair of jeans to keep you going. I recommend going for a dark wash, something that can be dressed up or down. Recently, I bought some high-rise jeans from Hollister and they are a perfect fit!

What do you think of my Germany packing list?
Is there anything you would have brought with you?

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Mini Sunday Haul

Do you ever get that feeling where you just want to spend? You know what I mean, you just really fancy something new and shiny, for no other reason other than you feel like it?

Do you ever get that feeling?

That was me on Sunday, so I prompted the husband to take me to our local Boots and TK Maxx for a little browse and came back with this mini loot.

Bank Holiday Haul

It's the same story every new season - I want to change up my entire wardrobe! I've been taking a more minimalist outlook when it comes to clothes this year, only buying things that are versatile for work and casual days, finding things on offer, and making sure they are quality items.

Valentine's Day Edit

1. iPhone Case 2. Love Charger 3. PJ Set 4. ASOS Jumper In Rib With High Neck 5. 'Big Spoon Little Spoon' Pillow Cases 6. Meri Meri Valentines Love Heart Stickers 7. 'Netflix And Chill' Valentines Card 8. Matte Revolution Lipstick in Amazing Grace 9. Longchamp Le Pliage St Valentin

If you know me personally, you know that I love Valentine's Day. Always have and always will. Eeven when I didn't have someone to share it with, it always made me happy. Perhaps i was just really hopeful that I'd have someone to spend it with one day. I love the cute little cards, I love the cheesy hearts, and I love presents.

We all need a little treat on Valentine's Day, so I've put together a small edit of items that I think would be a great #treatyoself item or a page you can leave lying around for your significant other to find. Either way - happy shopping!

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Currently Coveting

1. iPhone Marble Case 2. Accessorize Ruby Tote Bag 3. UGG Chaney Boots 

4. Faux Fur Pom Pom Keyring 5. Kate Spade Wallet 6. Frends Headphones

Since Christmas has passed, and Valentine's Day/the Husband's birthday are coming, I have been on a bit of a spending ban. I haven't bought a single items other than a pair of black jeans from AE because my old ones have a rip in the inner thighs (damn you, tuna thighs). Guys, it's been hard. I miss shopping! I think I have such a high of shopping while I was in Canada, because I'm a firm believer of living it up when you're on holiday. Now I have to deal with the sadness that is budgeting, bank account balancing, and penny pinching.

This doesn't mean that I can't dream a little, and on the "dream" list are the following:

A new iPhone case! This would go great with a new iPhone 6S, which I am still planning on getting once my contract ends in May. For the time being I'm stuck with my shitty little Nokia of a replacement phone. Sadness. But the day will come when I can get a new iPhone and I will house it in this beautiful instagram-worthy case fro Casetify - on another note, who else is obsessed with this website?

I am dying for a new work bag. I've had my current one for over two years and it is starting to look the part unfortunately. I love it because it's so roomy that I can fit my iPad, lunch, and makeup bag without having to carry around multiple bags, but it's seen better days. Plus, part of me thinks I should really stop carrying food in my purse because wow odour. This shopper bag from Accessorize is budget-friendly and cute!

Aw, these boots. You guys. These are the boots. You know when you find a pair of boots and they're on sale and they have your size and they're comfortable and cute? These are the boots. I saw them in Schuh over three weeks ago and I'm still dreaming of them. I wanted to get them after payday but I don't really need them or have the money for them in spite of them being on sale. I think these will be forever on my list of the "one that got away".

Furry pom poms! I love them on hats and keyrings. There really isn't much to say about this other than it would love oh so adorable on my new purse.

I'm following with the theme of the new purse, I also really need a new wallet. I've had my current MK wallet for over... four years. Yikes. It still looks in great condition, except for the little plaque that has been scratched to death, but at this point I'm just tired of it. It doesn't look very nice on the inside either, and I could really do with an upgrade. I love this wallet from Kate Spade.

Yes, I have been lusting for these Frends headphones for years now. Years! I saw them in Canada and they're actually cheaper for me to buy them over there, so I am thinking maybe for a birthday treat to myself I'll ask my parents to ship them over? They're just so pretty ! I had the chance to try them in a shop in Canada and they were quite good - definitely will be buying these one day.

I'd love to hear what's been on your coveted list? New clothes? New makeup?

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A Capsule Wardrobe

I’ll admit, I’ve been feeling much uninspired with my wardrobe lately. A lot of the pieces (especially the ones for work!) have been worn to death, some of my favourite shoes had to be thrown out because they fell apart, and I still have things that I never wear. I decided to read up on the “capsule wardrobe” everyone seems to be talking about these days got inspired by this blogger (http://www.un-fancy.com/capsule-wardrobe-101/what-is-a-capsule-wardrobe-anyway/) and her amazing posts about capsule wardrobe. She survives a season (about three months) with about 37 items in her wardrobe. Only 37!

Boxing Day Haul

While I don't normally shop on Boxing Day (The deals on clothes were never that good back home in Canada!), I decided against the whole drinking-until-you-pass-out tradition that is Boxing Day in the UK - or is it only Wales? Either way, the boyfriend was planning on getting extremely drunk, while I chose to go shopping with his sister. We went to the St David's shopping center in Cardiff, and wow, have I missed Cardiff shopping.

"Workwear" Fashion Haul - H&M, Forever 21, and The Gap

With a new job starting later this week, I had the sudden realization that I didn't really own any "office casual" clothing. Working at The Body Shop meant I could wear black leggings and a black t-shirt to work every day, super comfortable but not exactly a good base for working in an office setting. So as I heard I got the new job, I decided to treat myself by getting some new pieces that I could work at work. I managed to spend less than £40 at every store, which is a really good bargain when I've come out with seven tops and one bottom. Read below to see what I got!

Spain Shopping Haul

While most of my trip to Spain was spent on the beach, soaking in the sun, we did manage to take a little detour to a local shopping center - because we all know how much I love a good mall. I only had to go to three shops before I decided to halt my spending, otherwise I would have never been able to bring everything back! I went to Bershka (an old favourite that dates back to my first trip to Spain three years ago), Lefties (a new favourite) and Kiko (the makeup mecca I don't have access to in Brum).

Topshop Summer Haul

I wanted to pick up a few pieces before my holiday to Spain, since I didn't actually bring too many summer clothes with me to the UK. Who knew we would be having a heatwave? All I packed up before moving were sweaters and jeans, expecting that would be perfect for rainy England. I wanted to get some basics that would be good for me all year round, but that would extremely good in sunny Spain weather. I settled on three new pieces (ignore the floral shorts above, they were just a matter of creating symmetry) from Topshop.

My Swimsuit Collection

This post has been sitting in my drafts folder for almost a month now, and that's only because I've been too lazy to take some actual pictures! Well, I don't have that many swimsuits to start with, and some are brand-spanking new. First, the top bikinis in the picture above, they're both from American Eagle and were part of the mix and match models. I got them all when they were having their sale at the beginning of the summer, and you can still find them online. Unfortunately, I don't have any links for any of these swimsuits, none of them are online anymore.

Fabulous Thrift Find of the Week

I went to the Salvation Army with my mom on Monday, because she wanted to find some mason jars for storage. They're really trendy right now, and they always have a lot at the thrift store! Although we didn't actually buy any, I did find something that was petty amazing and it's these beautiful leather shoes.

Thrift Haul - Eva B

I ventured out to the Montreal thrift shop Eva B a few weekends ago with my parents. I had no idea what this place was until a friend of mine actually tweeted about it (thanks @kevinngminghing!) If you guys have never been to this place, I would definitely check it out if you're ever in Montreal. It's at 2015 Saint-Laurent Boulevard and they're open Monday to Sunday. Honestly, I would have probably walked right past the shop if I didn't know the address, because the wall are completely covered up in graffiti and it actually looks rather sketchy from the outside. But it was a gold mine! I've never had as much luck thrifting as I did that day, so I've definitely fallen back in love with the concept. 

Forever 21 Floral Haul

Oh, I did a little damage last week. I was feeling a little down in the dumps, so I figured that was reason enough to treat myself. Plus, all the florals in Forever 21 were just making me crave spring. I'm so disappointed because there was actually another snowstorm this weekend and I probably won't wear those beautiful shorts for another three months, but oh well. Everything was reasonably price, as is usually the deal with Forever 21 clothing. Fun fact, I actually worked there for two years when they first came to Montreal, and I was put off the clothing for so long after I quit. I guess I had seen enough of their styles, so everything looked horrible to me. I feel like they might be stepping up their game though, because I'm seeing more and more things I like. They are really good for finding trendy bits at a reasonable price, because who wants to pay $30 for a pair of floral shorts, I'm looking at you Brandy Melville.

Teeny Tiny Haul

So technically I am a bit on a spending ban, since I'm trying to save up as much as much money as I can before I move the UK, but sometimes a good deal is just too hard to resist? Plus, if I don't treat myself every once in a while then I go into a pit of depression and nobody wants that. My cousin has fabulously graced me with a friends & family discount from H&M, which gives me 25% off all of my purchases until the end of April - the sweet bonus? I can use it as often as I want! If that's not a good incentive to shop, I don't know what is.