What's making me smile

{ Storing my jewelry in a pretty Bottega Louie macaron box }

This weekend marks Canada's 145th birthday and we're celebrating with some festivities and fireworks in our community (weather pending. Vancouver, please read the memo: it's summer!). I hope all my fellow Canadians enjoy the long weekend and here's a peek at the little things that have been making me smile.

{ Sweet, juicy watermelon, my favourite summer fruit }

{ Adding pretty peplum pieces to my wardrobe }

{ Playing in the sunshine with my girl }

{ Seeing my mint + coral outfit on Glitter Guide's Tumblr site }

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Bright White

{ Blazer: Zara // Dress: Talula Fleetwood (from Aritzia) // Sandals: Cole Haan (old) // Bag: Coach (old) // Sunglasses: Prada // Necklace: eBay purchase // Bracelets: H&M and MONIKALOVE by bfrend // Rings: JewelMint Blanc Bomb and vintage }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow }

The last time I wore this dress and these sandals was back in January for a Winter White look. I've been waiting for warmer weather to arrive so that I could put together a Summer version of this outfit with bright colours and bare legs. I love it when items in my closet can transition between seasons!

I'm also linking up this post to Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge for June, which is colourful blazers. I had so much fun doing Pretty Shiny Sparkly's Bloggers Do It Better Challenge that I thought, hey, why not do another one?!

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Monday Muses: Victoria & Harper Beckham

Like Rachel Zoe, I think Victoria Beckham can do no wrong in the fashion department. She's always impeccably dressed and her little girl Harper already has a wardrobe to be envied. If you're coveting their style too, here are some easy and affordable pieces that will help you get their look.

For Mama:
1) Dorothy Perkins black shift dress $35.00 USD
2) Topshop black 120 denier opaque tights $16.00 USD
3) Converse Entertainer oversized sunglasses $58.00 USD
4) Pedro Garcia Belkis suede ankle boots $162.00 USD

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For Mini Me:
1) Zara polka dot print jacket $19.99 CAD on sale
2) Joe Fresh coloured jean $14.00 CAD
3) Old Navy slip-on sneakers $6.00 CAD on sale

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Floral Maxi

{ Maxi Dress: Old Navy (on major discount!) // Belt: Wilfred (from Aritzia) // Shoes: Jessica Simpson (old) // Clutch: ASOS // Sunglasses: Roberto Cavalli // Watch: Michael Kors // Jewelry: H&M bracelets; Social Experiment ring; gifted earrings }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow}

We are now officially into summer and I can't think of a better way to kick off my favourite season than to wear a maxi dress. There's nothing easier than putting on one piece of clothing that instantly makes you look put together and requires so little effort. What's your must-have summer essential? Have a great weekend everyone!

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Bloggers Do It Better: Mint + Coral

{ Blazer: Zara // Romper: Urban Outfitters (old, similar) // Shoes: BCBGirls (worn here, here and here) // Bag: Louis Vuitton // Sunglasses: H&M // Watch: ToyWatch // Jewelry: MONIKALOVE bracelet by bfrend; random ring; DIY necklace }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow }

When I saw that Pretty Shiny Sparkly's Bloggers Do It Better Challenge was mint and coral, I jumped at the opportunity to style an outfit with these two colours. I already have quite a few coral and mint items in my closet so it was just a matter of deciding what to pair with what. I ended up reaching for my favourite coral romper that I purchased last Spring and a pale sea green blazer. My nails were polished with a touch of mint and coral to play up the colour scheme a little more, and the result is a bright and cheerful outfit that reminds me of macarons (yum!).

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Monday Muses: Natalie Portman & Aleph Millepied

Happy Monday dear readers! I hope the dads in your life were spoiled on Father's Day! This edition of Monday Muse features Natalie Portman and her little boy Aleph. If you're looking for similar casual Spring styles that are perfect for the playground, shop their looks below! Thanks for reading!

For Mama:
1) Zoobug Wayfarer sunglasses $48.00 USD
2) AWear white skinny jeans $48.62 USD
3) Forever 21 cutout high-low top $11.80 CAD
4) Keds Champion CVO heavy weave washed canvas $55.00 USD

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For Mini Mister:
1) Gap striped boatneck top $12.99 CAD on sale
2) Sterntaler hat with neck protector $20.00 USD
3) Old Navy loose-fit jeans $14.94 CAD

Hi-Low

{ Tank: Wilfred (old, from Aritzia) // Skirt: Forever 21 (also love this one) // Sandals: Zara (last seen here) // Headband: Goody // Clutch: Bijoux Terner // Bracelets: H&M and Forever 21 // Sunglasses: House of Harlow 1960 "Chelsea" }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow }

I've been on a bit of a hi-low hem kick lately, as seen in my last two outfit posts here and here. I just love the way the asymmetry makes the clothing flow and the visual interest it provides. I'm also having fun discovering new ways to wear old items. I've had this sleeveless blouse for a couple years now and always wore it loose and buttoned all the way down. Tying up the front to show off a sliver of skin gives it a completely different look that gives new life to a classic piece. Have you tried re-inventing items in your wardrobe? Do share them with me! Happy Friday!

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Insta-Snaps

1. Ombre manicure

2. Hubby's homemade breakfast pizza

3. Asian make-up from Hong Kong

4. Wynn Las Vegas

5. A work outfit

6. Daisies and sunflowers

7. My daughter as a flower girl

8. A Chanel No.5 print from I See Noise

9. Date night accessories

10. A ring from my childhood

11. Custom ring from Social Experiment

12. Mouthwatering sushi

A quick collage of my life on Instagram. Follow me! @marisajoyxo

Asymmetric

{ Blouse: H&M // Cargo Pants: Zara (old, similar) // Sandals: Fergalicious by Fergie (last seen here) // Bag: Zara (last seen here) // Sunglasses: Tory Burch // Jewelry: JewelMint Astoria necklace; YSL Arty Oval ring; J. Crew bracelet }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow }

Meet my new favourite blouse. I Instagrammed a photo of me trying it on in the H&M fitting room and it seems that many of you adore it as much as I do. I bought it just over a month ago so if it tickles your fancy, get it while you can!

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Monday Muses: Gwen Stefani & Zuma Rossdale

I've been a fan of Gwen Stefani since her days with No Doubt. Her style may have changed since then but she's always been on trend and a fashionista. Her boys are quite well dressed too, like little Zuma here, although I can only imagine how cute a mini Gwen would be!

For Mama:
1) YOOX Collection Imperial harem pants $49.00 USD
2) Lauren by Ralph Lauren polka dot scarf $48.78 CAD
3) G by Guess Nelly nylon jacket $79.50 USD
4) L.A.M.B. Amanda booties $199.00 USD
5) ASOS cat eye sunglasses $21.08 CAD
6) Karen Millen Posh bowler $250.00 USD
7) White House Black Market reversible seamless tank $21.38 USD

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For Mini Mister:
1) Diesel "Clopy" shirt $40.00 CAD on sale
2) Bass Pro Shops camo cargo pants $19.97 USD on sale
3) Old Navy "Daredevil" Sesame Street Tee $14.94 CAD
4) Old Navy canvas high-top pop kicks $13.99 CAD on sale

Party in the Back

{ Top: Forever 21 // Faux Leather Leggings: H&M // Shoes: Tory Burch // Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs // Watch: Michael Kors Necklace: JewelMint Shanghai Eclipse // Bracelets: DeLysh Design GLAM (gifted via The-Unprecedented) & ASOS spike }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow }

I love it when a piece of clothing has an unexpected surprise. Like this top, for instance. I'm already a sucker for anything with a hi-low hem, and Forever 21 really got me with this striped number. It's all business in the front, while the back has a longer flowing hem, beautiful draping and a fun cut-out.

As for my arm candy, my newest piece that I can't stop wearing is this black and gold DeLysh Design GLAM bracelet that I won over on Randa's blog, The-Unprecedented. I also have it in black and silver, and the bracelets really do go with almost anything. Thanks for such a wonderful giveaway, Randa and Elyshia! Have a lovely weekend everyone!

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Pin It

I'm relatively new on Pinterest but I'm starting to understand the fun. It's been great for keeping all my visual inspiration organized in one place. Here's a few of my most recent pins. You can follow the rest of my boards here!

{ Waterfall Braid (I wore this hairstyle at my sister-in-law's wedding) }

{ Macarons: pretty to look at and even yummier to eat. Must try baking these }

{ The details on this H&M peplum tank are beyond amazing. Also comes in mint }

{ Decor and colour scheme inspiration for my daughter's room }

{ Olivia Palermo: forever my style muse }

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Pastel Colour Blocking

{ Top: Talula "Betsy" (Aritzia) // Trousers: H&M (last seen here) // Shoes: Pour La Victoire (last seen here) // Clutch: Zara // Sunglasses: Tom Ford // Jewelry: HRH Collection Ultra Sleek necklace; JewelMint Morning Star bangle & Blanc Bomb ring }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow}

Trend or not, I have always been a fan of pastels, and pink and purple are by absolute favourite shades. I wore the two colours together and accented the outfit with this minty green sequin Zara clutch for an extra punch of colour blocking goodness. You may have also noticed a new friend I made in these photos. This cat was incredibly friendly and insisted on being a part of the shoot!

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