Hippie Lace

I need a closet overhaul stat!

2012-02-24T10:11:00.000-05:00

I know that everyone goes through the I-hate-everything-in-my-closet-and-have-nothing-to-wear phase once and awhile; right now that's me. I spent most of the week sorting through my clothes, donating things that I don't wear anymore, (I'm considering putting a few things like this dress on ebay, as long as it's not an arduous process) and organizing the ones I do. Now that I've cleared out a lot of stuff, it's easy to see what I have and what I'm missing. Plus, the floor is visible for the first time in a long time!

I'm really into mustard this season and although it was popular in the blogging world, it didn't seem to be in stores around here. I managed to find this sweater; love the colour but hate the metallic detailing on the cuffs, hence the rolled up sleeves. The hemline of the dress is fun, the back is just a few inches longer than the front, I guess it would be considered a high-low dress.

sweater Banana Republic

dress Blu Moon (Planet Blue)

boots Town Shoes

bag Material Girl

rosaries Vintage

well hello there jeffrey campbell boots

2012-02-23T12:42:00.000-05:00

Jeffrey Campbell Gene

It's almost time to stop with the ankle boots. Almost, but not quite! I haven't been this obsessed over a pair of boots since the Libby Ticks. The studs and the chains on these things, the studs and the chains!!!!

I have a hard time finding shoes, I don't find a lot of brands comfortable and on top of that my size is quick to sell out. Hemming and hawing over shoes usually means they're gone by the time I decide to get them. If I see something I love (which surprisingly isn't often) I have to act quickly, and in this case I did. There's nothing like waiting for a package to come in the mail, it's a little like Christmas!

tap shorts? love em!

2012-02-22T07:07:00.000-05:00

First of all, lets talk about these shorts. Ummm I love them. They're quite similar to these bloomers, except they aren't sheer and they don't have an annoying elastic band on the leg. Defiantly a cold weather short (which is really funny when you think about it) since they're made of polyester. I doubt they'd be very comfortable in any sort of heat, so I'm wearing them as much as I can now. The only thing stopping me from ordering more is the fact I already have a bad habit of wearing the same thing over and over in different colours.

I cannot say how much I love these shorts and their lace trim. Only downside is they fit a bit big.

shorts Free People

tights Joe Fresh

Purse FCUK

tank Aritzia

sweater Ecote (Urban Outfitters)

shoes Sperry Topsiders

rings & things

2012-02-20T08:30:00.007-05:00

Borderline too short skirt and 3 finger ring are F21 finds from the weekend. The ring took a bit of getting used to because its a strange feeling to have one's fingers joined together and restricted by metal. Playing pool and typing proved to be a bit tricky but apparently not enough to stop me from going back to get it in silver.

boots Jeffrey Campbell

skirt F21

blouse Wilfred (Aritzia)

bag Nine West

cardigan Costa Blanca

nail polish Essie Angora Cardi

lets keep our fingers crossed

2012-02-18T12:19:00.000-05:00

Let today be THE day! We're looking at more places in Ottawa, and I'm really hoping we find something we like. Fingers crossed. As much as I like to travel I'm getting tired of being a wandering nomad.

It's Ottawa Fashion Week, I'm hoping to catch some shows tomorrow. I have nothing to wear, I'm so sick of everything I've packed!! I think we might have to check out some of the vintage stores downtown and possibly the mall. The mall on a Saturday yikes, that place is always a zoo.

Wildfox

2012-02-17T20:21:00.006-05:00

Going through the Wildfox lookbooks, I made my way back to the one from fall. Oversized glasses, luxe velour, fringe and fur, I love everything except the logo/message t-shirts. A great collection that channels the spirit of the past.

(photos from here)

3 day weekend

2012-02-13T07:13:00.000-05:00

dress American Apparel, sweater H&M, bag FCUK,

boots Town Shoes, coat vintage, belt Thrifted

Spent Saturday in Ottawa looking at places, had lunch at Vons and watched all the people walking by carrying ice skates. Figured out shooting in continuous mode is the best way to take pictures in a public place. Minimizes the time in that people have to wonder what you're doing! Wore my favourite vintage coat which sadly is starting to fade in spots. I've already had it repaired twice (the collar ripped and the bottom hem came out), sadly I think it's nearing the end. It's time to start searching vintage shops for another coat.

just call me bambi

2012-02-11T17:08:00.000-05:00

The Jeffrey Campbell Zeke's have arrived! They put me well over 6 feet tall, but they're beautiful so who cares?! These wedges (I learned last night) aren't so practical for walking from point A to B, especially when the distance between point A and B is covered by a sheet of ice. Luckily I had a chivalrous arm to hold onto so I survived, but gained the nickname Bambi. The novelty of new shoes got the best of me last night, but it's out of my system now. Sadly I may have to retire these till the spring or risk breaking an ankle. Besides the leopard print I love the whole ankle cuff thing going on. Amazing!

Also I'd like to say thank you to Sherrie of Sherriarmour, Dusty from Girls Love Fried Pickles, and Jenna of Bows & Leopard for nominating/giving Hippie Lace blog awards. Even though I'm a huge slacker these days at blogging, I haven't forgotten. The awards are greatly appreciated :) So thanks!

Mix & Match

2012-02-08T07:24:00.000-05:00

This week seems to be all about red, white, and blue.

I'm kicking myself because I tried on a pair of Aritzia leather shorts last week and didn't get them, but now I wish I had! I keep think of ways I could wear them. Chances are they won't be there when I go back because they were on sale. The hunt for leather shorts continues!

outfit 1

red skirt & blue cardigan Antropologie

lace shirt Aritzia

rosary Vintage
bag Material Girl by Madonna

outfit 2

lace skirt Forever 21

belt & shawl vintage

polka dot blouse Zara

(the wall is always a different shade of red depending on what time of day it is)

somebody that i used to know

2012-02-06T20:52:00.000-05:00

sweater Anthropologie

coat and hat H&M

velvet beaded purse Zara

long necklace Club Monaco

Random beaded velvet purse, old pants from high school that I can never seem to part with, my favourite anthro sweater and a hat to attempt to hide my hair until I figure out what to do with it. Worn yesterday when the temps dropped below zero and wearing a skirt was out of the question.

It was a pretty laid back weekend because I didn't have to travel anywhere (so happy about this) and I had access to my entire closet rather than a small selection of stuff I crammed into a suitcase! I slept in, went out for dinner, hung out at my friends house (where I accidentally spilled a giant box of cookies on her floor making the hugest mess ever! It was hilarious only because she's a bit of a neat freak and the box totally dropped in slow motion), and best of all Jay was home :)

We went to Jay's family Superbowl Sunday party where no one watched the game, everyone watched the half time show, (Madonna looks amazing can I please look that fit when I'm in my 50s?!) and I learned how to play gin rummy. On a completely different note this song/band/cover by Walk off the Earth is something else, 5 people playing one guitar and it sounds amazing. Stripped down songs like this make me happy.

Suitcase Living

2012-01-31T17:39:00.000-05:00

boots Jessica Simpson

blouse Club Monaco

sweater BCBG

tights Calvin Klein

shorts Billabong

belt F21

Another outfit from the weekend, made up of random things I threw in my suitcase. What possessed me to toss in a pair of shorts in the dead of winter, I really don't know! I think I'm going to have to start packing some more colours and prints cuz there's a lot of white, black and grey going on lately. I also need a new purse, I seem to be using this one to death!

Anyways I wore this on Sunday when Jay & I went for brunch at The Manx, a somewhat hidden pub in downtown Ottawa. It's a random hipster place (seriously everyone was wearing those geriatric type glasses) that's in the basement of a building that's right in the middle of a bunch of clubs.

It's always pretty packed and it's a given you'll have to wait in line for Sunday brunch. It's one of those places where the tables are nearly touching and you're practically eating with strangers, but it's got a great atmosphere and feels really cozy and welcoming so it's worth it. It's also got a menu that appeals to both vegetarians and staunch non-vegetarians, but I wouldn't quite call it healthy!

Obsession: Kate Moss Style

2012-01-30T07:58:00.001-05:00

Since the early 90s when I first heard of Kate Moss, the ‘Calvin Klein girl’ accredited for accelerating the whole heroine chic look, I’ve paid attention to her career. I found her style inspiring because even when surrounded by other models and celebrities she stood out. Kate Moss always looked fabulous and whatever she wore seemed to convey a laid back vibe. Even with rumpled hair and minimal makeup she always looked pulled together and polished in a disheveled kind of way.

Thanks to Vivane’s vintage reads post I discovered the book Kate Moss: Style, ordered it and am nearly finished. It’s an interesting documentary of Kate Moss' career, how her style has evolved over the years and the people who’ve influenced her. One thing the book has made very clear was that Kate Moss’ style is very much her own. Despite the fact she has access to pretty much anything designer and she's gifted things constantly, she chooses to spend time hunting down vintage treasures and clothes that suit her taste. Unlike many fashionable celebrities she's never used a stylist.

from down to earth modern hippie to glamour boho elegance, Kate Moss can rock anything!

The thing I love about her effortless style is that it's just the right mix of vintage, modern minimalist and rock & roll hippie. She somehow manages to pair classic silhouettes and neutral colours with edgier pieces to create memorable outfits.

Kate Moss has such a strong individualistic sense of style that she doesn’t feel the need to conform to what everyone else is doing. She starts trends rather than follows them! She is the perfect example of someone who can draw inspiration from the past and make vintage look fresh and modern. Even when wearing designer or high street she always maintains her signature undone glamorous hippie look.

The Kate Moss: Style book was a great read (though I wish there were more pictures!) and evoked a lot of nostalgia. I’ve rediscovered my love of cK one scent and really want a pair of tall fringed moccasins now :)

braved heat from sleeping in the snow, in uniforms we never learn to outgrow

2012-01-28T16:17:00.001-05:00

Things have been crazy around here, I've been living out of a suitcase and lately I feel like my car is my second home. Jay's been travelling a lot for his job and I come with him when I can, plus we're in the process of finding a new place in Ottawa, getting ready to move etc it feels like we're constantly on the go.

I'm haven't been the best packer because I'm getting tired of packing/unpacking constantly. I find myself tossing my favourite things in a suitcase along with some random basics and hope for the best!!! I always seem to forget something though, this time it was shoes and my hockey skates. dammit!!

I did however remember to pack this 'pleated' skirt that I love, it's really a mini skirt with panels of material sewn over top. It's great because the pleats don't get wrecked from sitting down or from being balled up in a suitcase, bonus! I found it at Zara, which is unusual because every time I get around to that store it's so picked over I can never find my size in anything I like.

skirt Zara

t-shirt Aritzia

coat Silence + Noise (UO)

button up ByCorpus (UO)

tights Calvin Klein

hat Club Monaco

I'm really tired of winter clothes and even though everything's covered in snow outside I've started looking at spring collections online. I ordered these shorts (they're awesome) and these crazy shoes that I can't wait to wear when there's no danger of slipping on ice!

Black Blazer

2012-01-12T11:34:00.000-05:00

jeans Hudson, clogs Steve Madden, blazer Talula (Aritzia),
lace tank Pins & Needles, cardigan BDG, satchel Material Girl, hat Zara

I know, a blazer!!! My apprehension towards blazers completely disappeared after I thrifted the perfect red one a few months ago and decided they aren't completely serious :) Typical to taking outfit photos, after I got home I decided something was missing and added a scarf before leaving the house.

in the winter

2012-01-08T09:55:00.001-05:00

coat & jewellery Vintage, tights American Apparel, shirt Club Monaco,
skirt Talula (Aritzia)

This is one of my favourite coats, mainly because it has a hood and it's super warm. I usually bust it out when the temperature drops to -20, but it wasn't that cold when these pics were taken don't worry! I wore it to Ottawa last weekend because it's always freak'in cold there! We met up with friends and saw Electric Six play at a sketchy, sketchy bar.

I was a bit nervous to see Electric Six live, their songs are good but the music videos are a bit... crazy! Turns out they're a really fun band to see live and totally got into the New Years Eve festivities. Decked out in retro suits and sun glasses, they stopped their high energy show mid-song to count down the seconds till 2012. Then at the end of the night the lead singer walked around and gave out massive bear hugs to unsuspecting fans, myself included!

ottawa at night, friends, electric six show

cold as ice

2011-12-30T17:44:00.000-05:00

So I debated for about a millisecond whether or not I should wear heels tonight. We're heading to a new years eve dinner thing shortly and I figured I'd dress up a bit. Despite what you might think from reading this blog, I do own some dress shoes!! I just never wear them, especially in the winter. Between the snow and ice outside,, and melted slush inside it's always more practical to wear boots. At least that's how I justify it! Here's what I wore, even though I still have on boots, technically I'm wearing heels.

skirt, purse, sweater Club Monaco, t-shirt Aritzia, boots Nine West, coat H&M, tights Calvin Klein, belt ?

Tomorrow I'll be in Ottawa for New Year's Eve and I have no idea what I'm wearing! Strangely enough I'm not panicking over this, I figure I'll come up with something. Happy New Years guys & have fun where ever you're celebrating!! Thanks so much for reading, your comments always make my day :)

Winter White

2011-12-20T21:21:00.000-05:00

skirt F21, sweater American Apparel, boots Jessica Simpson, coat Urban Outfitters, satchel Material Girl

I have a new found respect for style bloggers who take their own outfit photos! The last few weeks Jay's been travelling for work and it's been pretty difficult to take pictures of what I've been wearing. Lesson learned, it's way easier to have someone else take your photos. Jay's back now so outfit photos will resume!

Here's something I wore the other day; a surprisingly well made pencil skirt from Forever 21 and a plain black sweater. I really like the look of white skirts or dresses paired with black tights in the winter. It's simple yet memorable :)

Outfit:the one with the jeans

2011-12-05T07:35:00.000-05:00

boots Jeffrey Campbell, lace dress American Apparel, button up Staring at Stars (UO), coat Lauren Moffat,
satchel Material Girl

Pants!! Even though the weather is still ridiculously warm, yesterday was a lazy day and I felt like bumming around in jeans. Technically jeggings, but I hate that word. Once in awhile it's nice to take a break from dresses and skirts and switch things up. Even though this weather is nice, I'm over it. Around here it's just not Christmas without the snow. Although I'm pretty sure after a week of getting up early to scrape ice off my car the novelty of snow will wear off!

Nothing extremely noteworthy happened this weekend, it was just your typical sleep in/late brunch/playing Christmas music while cleaning type weekend. but I have to say there's nothing like eating french toast at 3pm. Watched another suspenseful episode of Dexter, really can't predict how this season's gonna end. Fell asleep listening to She & Him, so peaceful and mello. All in all it was the best kind of weekend in my books... and now it's Monday, 5 more days till next weekend!

The dress that didn't quite work out

2011-12-03T12:50:00.000-05:00

Since I live in the middle of nowhere, I've done most of my holiday shopping online. I ordered this awesome planet blue dress for a Christmas party... and not matter how many times I try it on, it doesn't look right on me! The sleeves are so large it looks almost costumey, and there may have been some Tim Burton jokes from Jay when I asked his opinion lol.

I really like the idea of the dress, how the black lace on the back looks like wings from the front, the colour of it's very festive and it looks fantastic on the model, but I'm stumped on how to make it work for me. No matter how many times I try it on I always end up changing into something else. Maybe taking in the sleeves a little would help, but for now I need to find a different dress!!

Roosevelt Dress

Outfit: Spinning Laughing Dancing to Her Favorite Song

2011-11-28T06:43:00.000-05:00

cardigan Club Monaco, dress American Apparel, boots Steve Madden, belt, coat, clutch Vintage

There's something tricky about professional cameras that I hadn't realized. I knew they'd be bulky and annoying to lug around, and that if I dropped mine (like I did with my last 2 cameras) it would be a long time before it got replaced. What I didn't count on was that it would be so difficult for other people to use!! Over the weekend I brought my trusty little Nikon with me pretty much everywhere. When someone offered to take a group shot, I'd put the camera in auto, explain how to focus, hand over my camera... yet all the pictures turned out blurry. Now I totally understand why people have both a point and shoot and an slr!

On the positive side I did get to use my camera lots, including taking pictures of my friend's darling little baby. She's down with her husb visiting family and although this blog isn't about babies, I couldn't resist sharing my favourite photo from the weekend :)

Outfit: Pretty In Pink

2011-11-23T06:47:00.000-05:00

tights American Apparel coat Lauren Moffatt

It's THE COAT!! But I didn't order it online because the reviews were all over the place and it was one of those things I couldn't tell by looking at it whether or not it would fit me. So last weekend we stopped into the Don Mills Anthro and I gave it a try. Obviously I liked it! Some of the reviews said the material had weird fold marks in it and it did, I had to iron it before I wore it out.

Some of you asked about the background in my photos. It's actually fabric, not wallpaper! It's way easier to hang this up than it is to move all the pictures and then put them back again. We're moving in a few months so hopefully I'll have a blank wall to use in our new place!

shirt Wilfred (Aritzia), dress Blu Moon (Planet Blue), knee socks Urban Outfitters, satchel Material Girl

Outfit: The Coat With The Fur

2011-11-21T07:17:00.000-05:00

Just another outfit that involves tights. These days it's either shorts and tights or skirts and tights... never pants. These herringbone tights happen to be my fave, because they're really well made and have managed to survive more than a couple wears without snagging. Usually my tights are destroyed by the third wear! More indoor outfit photos, I really prefer taking them outside but it's really tricky finding time during the day, even on weekends.

It's starting to feel a bit Christmasy around here. Some of the neighbours have put up their lights and decorations (guess that's our cue to do ours!) and holiday songs have been playing on the radio. All we need now is a little snow and we'll be all set! I'm not a huge Starbucks person (Tim Hortons girl right here) but I'm itching to try some of their new holiday flavours like the gingerbread latte :)

coat H&M, tights American Apparel, dress & sweater BCBG, clutch vintage, boots Jessica Simpson

Shopping: Decisions, Should I or Shouldn't I ???

2011-11-17T07:07:00.000-05:00

Anthropologie Eastward Dress Coat

I finally figured out who made this cute little pink coat! I've seen it on a couple of my favourite bloggers and wondered where it was from. After googling Lauren Moffatt and getting no where, I discovered it on sale on the Anthro site. I was very excited (because who doesn't want a pink coat in their wardrobe??), but after reading the reviews, most of which were negative, I don't know if I should risk ordering it. That's the thing I hate about online shopping. You can never really be sure that whatever you order will work out and returns are such a pain.

The Fancy Treehouse & Rockstar Diaries

The coat looks great on Coury & Naomi, it works well with their individual styles. That's why I love reading blogs, besides discovering things you might not have otherwise, you can see how something looks on different people styled in many different ways.

Still undecided about the coat though...

Outfit: It's Obvious

2011-11-16T06:57:00.000-05:00

sweater Club Monaco, tights Joe Fresh, dress Guess, boots Jessica Simpson (don't judge me!), bag Material Girl

Ok, I didn't realize it until I started posting on this blog, but apparently I have a lot of things that are polka dotted. More specifically, black and white polka dotted. Dresses, skirts, shirts etc, to me they're different because the dots are varying sizes... but really they all look kind of look the same! So I've placed myself on a polka dot ban for the next week, I think I can last that long :)

I'm very excited for this weekend, there's a surprise birthday party, and a short trip to Toronto (Jay has a work thing and I'm coming along - we like our road trips!) where I will attempt to do as much Christmas shopping as possible in one day. Possibly all of it. Picking out the perfect gift for someone is so much fun, even better when it's done before the crazy holiday shopper crowds are in full force!

necklace & rings F21, bracelets Hippie Shop, nail polish Gold Coin by Revlon

Outfit: Winter Winds

2011-11-14T20:05:00.000-05:00

dress Aritzia, blouse & clutch Vintage, cardigan Banana Republic

Some randoms from the weekend;

I got the Mumford & Sons album. Roll Away Your Stone was played at least 20 times yesterday... it must be the banjos!
I may have worn this blouse/sweater again today with a different skirt
I can't say Movemeber without laughing. I love telling random people how much I like their Movember stache (just so I can actually say the word Movember), plus it makes them so happy that someone realizes the sketchy facial hair is just for fun!
Thanks to Gentri Lee I'm hooked on instagram, (emmett_k if you're on there) and I've now gotten my sister hooked on it too. I looooooovvve it!
I had lunch with one of my besties from high school yesterday and it's one of those friendships that no matter how many years it's been, we just pick up where we left off. I laughed so much and when I got home I went through a bunch of old photos. This was the least scary from back in the day/very end of high school. lol.

Designer: Dying Over Tory Burch's Fall 2011 Collection

2011-11-12T13:05:00.000-05:00

Most people have already moved on to the Spring/Summer 2012 collections, but I'm looking at the ones in stores this season. Lately I find myself reaching for more structured things (not that I have much tailored stuff in my closet!) to mix in with my lighter, floatier pieces. Now that the cold weather has arrived the key to surviving is layering, which can be tricky. If done wrong you end up looking sloppy and bulky, but structured silhouettes help achieve a polished look.

Every time I look at Tory Burch's line I'm like yesyesyes, this is the type of thing I want to be wearing!!! It's boho and '70s, but very ladylike and grown up at the same time. With a very neutral colour palette and the occasional pop of red, the visual interest lies in the mixing of prints and textures. Tweed paired with stripes, leather with chiffon, lace with more lace, I want it all!!

How awesome is this red coat??!

Outfit: Prepster

2011-11-10T22:25:00.028-05:00

It's such a small world, you never know what the day will bring! Tonight I was in Ottawa for a craft beer event and Jay (I'm not the only one who has Internet friends!) got to meet some of his online buddies for the first time. Who knew being a craft beer consumer was so intense?! Listening to these guys swap stories of the best places to get obscure brew (like the IGA in Potsdam NY) and hassles at the border (getting flagged as an ebay seller and getting charged commercial duties even when it's all for yourself) was entertaining to say the least. There were even a few sketchy movemeber staches going on!

Here's what I wore all day, not something I'd typically wear. The only reason I bought this blazer was because it was brand new and at a thrift shop, therefore super cheap! I always like the look of blazers on other people but I'm not sure I like them on me, I always feel so serious when wearing them!

blouse Club Monaco, blazer Ralph Lauren, boots Jeffrey Campbell, tights Joe Fresh, bag Material Girl

Outfit: With The Words From A Poet

2011-11-05T12:36:00.000-04:00

clogs Steve Madden, skirt Club Monaco, top H&M, clutch Vintage

A random Saturday afternoon wedding shower/birthday party outfit, I'm pretty sure this bell sleeved tunic thing is suppose to be a dress, but obviously that doesn't work for me! Tomorrow there's a giant vintage fair an hour and a half away that I sort of want to go to... but it means getting up super early again! I like having one day on the weekend to sleep in, it makes up for rising at the crack of dawn all week! I'm still not sure if I want to go, but if I can convince my mom to take a mother-daughter road trip then I probably will :)

I like to think my 'dress' looks something like this velvet burnout amazingness! (best dressed model around in an ad campaign shot by the controversial Terry Richardson)

Outfit: Red Bull Gives You Wings

2011-11-04T12:44:00.000-04:00

loafers Sperry Top-Siders, dress Blue Life (planet blue), cardigan F21, purse FCUK

Had a bit of a shock when this dress arrived, it was much brighter than pictured on the website, but that only made me love it more :) It's quite the little dress, (sheer and long enough to trip on) I got more than a couple stares from the 60+ crowd when I was out for breakfast today!!

Rarely will you hear me say this because I am so not a morning person, but I enjoyed waking up early for once because I got to see the frost before it melted away.

Drink the Kool-Aid, the Planet Blue Kool-Aid

2011-11-01T17:51:00.001-04:00

There is no decent shopping where I live, none. Unless you like those weird stretchy black dress pants that every store in the mall seems to carry or logo t-shirts there are no options. If I need something it's either wait until I'm in Toronto (and it always ends up I have like 1 hour to shop) or surf the net. The net being Planet Blue. Everything you never knew you needed, all in one spot. One well organized, user friendly spot.

Planet Blue has all the boho/hippie/rocker clothes and accessories you could ever want, it's so easy to get sucked in. Before you know it you're filling your online cart, visiting the PB blog and wishing you had year round sunshine. Not gonna lie, their lookbooks make me wish I lived in California and that I hadn't practiced so much self restraint when ordering. My only complaint is their international shipping process is a bit convoluted but other than that, I'm a repeat customer.

Gold Dust Sweater

2011-10-31T07:27:00.000-04:00

dress & coat Vintage, sweater & socks Urban Outfitters, boots Town Shoes, bag Material Girl

Happy Halloween!! Looking forward to dressing up and handing out candy tonight and possibly eating a lot of it too :) I've watched way too many scary movies this week (covered my eyes during the gross parts), I think I've reached my limit. No more thrillers until next year, although I have to say, despite the gore I enjoyed all the '70s fashion going on in Carrie and Suspiria.

Here's Saturdays outfit, I loved it until I realized how short my slip was. It possibly looked like I wasn't wearing anything underneath my skirt. Ooooppps. Longer slip next time! Wore it out to dinner/drinks and met a bunch of Jay's squash buddies for the first time. Luckily the place had 'mood' lighting so we were pretty much in the dark all night!

Unique Hippie Style: Madame de Rosa

2011-10-29T13:11:00.000-04:00

Madame de Rosa, one of my favourite boho bloggers, reminds me through her beautiful photos that signature style is all in the details. It's not just the fact that this girl knows how to mix designer pieces with high street, it's that she always adds unique, handmade pieces to her outfit, most of which are from the hippie market Los Dalias. The cut of her clothing is rarely a traditional silhouette and altogether it makes for an original, stylish and modern look. If she ever had a 'shop my closet' I'd definitely buy as much of it as I could!!

Grandpa Pants

2011-10-26T07:30:00.002-04:00

Hands down, these are my favourite pair of pants. They've been referred to by others as Aladdin pants, grandpa pants, harem pants and "those" pants because no one seems to know what to call them. As flattering as they are from the front, be forewarned, the back view is quite the opposite! Regardless, I like them so much better than jeans.

It's been awhile since I've worn red lipstick (this one's Russian Red by MAC) and I can't decide if I'm channeling Syd from the daybook or Sister Wolf. PS. Sister Wolf isn't for the faint of heart.

choker DIY, pants Wilfred (Aritzia), shirt?, sweater Le Chateau, boots Town Shoes, purse Vintage

Emmett and the Technicolor Scarf

2011-10-25T07:39:00.000-04:00

necklace Fossil, shoes Kelsi Dagger, silk pants Rich & Skinny, long sleeve BCBG, sweater T Babaton (Aritzia) scarf random hippie shop, purse FCUK

I'm a little bit obsessed with this crazy coloured scarf, I can't seem to stop wearing it. Another gem from my favourite little hippie shop, Modern Primitive. I'm considering stockpiling it in different colours because in my mind it's the type of thing that'll go with everything! In other news I've managed to catch a cold and all I want to do is stay in and drink tea. I hope it's gone by Halloween.

A couple tips for taking better photos on a digital or DSLR camera

2011-10-23T19:52:00.003-04:00

Last weekend when I went the photography expo, I had the chance to sit in on one of the mini photography classes offered. Geared towards beginners, the class touched on simple photography tips that would improve images taken on either a digital or dslr camera.

The number one most important thing the instructor stressed was to try and get the picture as close to perfect with your camera settings before taking a photo. Sure you can adjust brightness, colour, etc in post processing, but quality is lost. The more changes made to the original image, the more 'noise' will appear in the photograph. Here are a few things I learned;

Exposure Compensation (+/- symbol)

Used to darken (minus sign) or brighten (plus sign) a scene, this setting can help capture colour accurately in back lit scenarios, scenes that are very bright (beach or snow scenes), and sunset/sky photos. For example, a sunset scene without exposure compensation can look washed out. Darkening it (under exposing) makes it look a lot better.

This setting helps in capturing colour accurately. For example, images dominated by dark, rich foliage can look washed out in auto mode. Darkening in camera can make things look better and the colours more true to life.

Using The Flash

The built in flash is not just for taking photos in dark situations. In auto mode the camera determines whether or not to use the flash based on how much light is available. Sometimes the camera will decide it doesn't need to use the flash (for example in a back lit situation) and the photo will turn out too dark. In a situation like this, forcing a flash (using the zigzag lightening symbol) will light up the subject and fill in the shadows.

Using the auto flash to photograph a large area of space in a low light setting doesn't work because it only lights up a few feet in front of the camera, leaving the rest of photo in shadows. Turning the flash off actually forces the camera to read the ambient light. However, in order for the picture to turn out you will need to use a tripod or some sort of stabilization device because hand held photos come out blurry. For best results, using the self timer on the camera is key, because it allows the camera on the tripod to readjust from the slight disturbance of pressing the button. You may not think this would cause much shaking, but it makes a world of difference.

In low light situations where you'd like to capture a subject and a bit of the background, use a slow sync flash (night or party mode). This setting tells the camera to shoot with a slower shutter speed as well as fire the flash. This produces a clear image of your subject along with some light from the foreground and background.

The mini course touched on some more advanced techniques like ISO and aperture settings, but I found the topics above most useful to me at this time. Along with blogger resources like How to take your own outfit photos (which thankfully I haven't had to do yet!) and How to tweak your photos, I can definitely see an improvement in my pictures from when I first started blogging!

the one that got away and the one that didn't !

2011-10-21T13:00:00.001-04:00

not mine

I kind of forgot how intense ebay can be! It's been years since I've logged on and followed an auction, but thanks to Viviane and her amazing ability to find the coolest stuff on the internetz last night I found myself having heart palpitations while bidding on a couple of boho sweaters.

I really really wanted the one with the tiny reindeers because I kinda missed out on another reindeer sweater a few weeks ago. I saw one in F21 but it was sooo busy and hot and crazy inside the store I figured I'd go back for it. Which is always a mistake with F21, stuff usually isn't there when you go back! It all worked out in the end though, I like this sweater way more!

all mine!

sleeping with the lights on

2011-10-19T07:23:00.000-04:00

dress American Apparel, jacket Staring at Stars (UO), headband UO,
purse Nine West, boots Vintage

Soooo it's really not a good idea to watch the original Children of the Corn right before bed when you live in the country... really close to fields of corn! The ultimate boogie man, Stephen King, knows how to write a story that gets under your skin and keeps you up at night. Just like The Stand, one of my favourite books/movies (surprisingly in the movie Molly Ringwald has a wicked, but slightly frumpy 90s wardrobe), Children of the Corn was suspenseful and thankfully not too gory. There's just something about old horror films that I love!

I'm starting to realize I have a thing for maxi dresses and stripes, and striped maxi dresses, I think its time to branch out and try new things!

The nature of the experiment

2011-10-16T23:51:00.002-04:00

dress F21, boots Urban Behaviour, clutch Club Monaco, sweater BCBG

Besides watching scary movies to gear up for Halloween this week, I did a little procrastinating, which meant packing for Toronto consisted of tossing some random items in a suitcase at the last minute. At least I remembered to pack some weird wool Zara harem pants that kept me warm while watching the Toronto City Marathon (random non-fashion blog fact: I'm a runner). I also packed this dress, but sadly not much to wear with it. I really like the colour (very fall-ish) and the fact it's polyester, which is not something you'll hear me say often! I figured the bottom wouldn't catch and snag on things like silk maxi dresses.

Busy weekend but I got to spend time at some of my favourite places like Bar Volo and Fresh, and hit up a photography expo because I was given free tickets when I got my camera! Caught a bit of the marathon and saw two guys sprinting to the finish line who ended up qualifying for the Olympics, the first time we've been able to send Canadian athletes in 11 years! Sadly, I didn't see the 100 year old man who was aiming to set a world record. Here are a few hipsta's from the weekend, I hope you all had a nice weekend too :)

Off To Never Never Land

2011-10-13T07:51:00.000-04:00

Forever 21 dress

I was initially drawn to this peter pan collar dress because it reminded me of a grandma, the 90s, Alexa Chung and Courtney Love all at the same time. I like it but it's been really tricky to style. No matter what I seem to pair it with it always looks TOO something. Too hipsterish, too little kid, too preppy. On me it seems to be one of those things that's best worn as a stand alone piece.

In other news I'm getting my DSLR this weekend, fingers crossed the store has them in stock and I don't have to order the one I want. I can't wait! I know it's the photographer that takes the picture and not the camera, but I can't help but feel that having a decent camera is the first step in taking good photos!

Purple Haze

2011-10-11T08:35:00.000-04:00

purse F21, shorts Kimchi Blue, silk tunic Old Navy, boots Town Shoes

It's been uncharacteristically hot the past couple of days, so I've been roaming around in shorts despite the fact it's October. Kinda weird to be melting from the heat yet all the leaves are changing colour and falling off the trees. Since I've spent way too much time looking online at Anna Sui's collections I decided to wear these high-waisted lace shorts that remind of the antique lace shorts from her spring show. Overall it's been a really nice Thanksgiving weekend, gotta love time off and nice weather!

Anna Sui Fall 2011: Nothing But The Best

2011-10-09T13:21:00.000-04:00

Retro yet modern at the same time, Anna Sui's fall 2011 collection did nothing but further my obsession with her designs. I loved her spring collection (I'm still stalking a couple of dresses online, waiting for them to go on sale!) and my feelings towards her fall collection are no different.

There were so many amazing things that appeared on the runway; patterned tights and socks, feminine dresses with amazing prints, lots of rich jewel tones to liven up a winter wardrobe and plenty of fun hats. The collection alludes to past decades without looking dated or costumey. Despite the busy patterns and bright colours there is something about Anna Sui's designs that look laid back, unfussy and comfortable. Her clothing looks like it would be versatile and easy to wear.

A rare photo of Alice Ormsby-Gore

According to reviews the inspiration for this collection was both the Ballets Russes and 60s socialites the Ormsby-Gore sisters. It's said that the sisters bought Ballets Russes costumes at a Sotheby's auction and wore them day and night. Regardless of where Anna Sui found her inspiration this collection of colourful bohemian clothing once again demonstrates why she is my all time favourite designer.

photos via Style.com

Style notes (via Fashion ect): Erickson Beamon jewelry; knits and hats by James Coviello for Anna Sui; furs by Adrienne Landau for Anna Sui; shoes and boots by Fiorentini + Baker for Anna Sui; and Hush Puppies for Anna Sui

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-10-08T13:35:00.000-04:00

dress, Random Shop, sweater Ecote (Urban Outfitters), bag FCUK, scarf Vintage,
boots Aldo

It's that time of year again, Canadian Thanksgiving! I'm very excited for all the family dinners and the treats that go along with them :) So many people are home for the holidays, I think I've seen more friends in that last 2 days than I have in the past 2 months!

Now that it's starting to cool down at night and I'm digging out my winter clothing and I've realized pretty much all my winter clothing is some shade of grey. Pretty unexciting and dull if you ask me, so I've challenged myself to stop buying grey clothing. Easier said than done, I automatically seem to gravitate towards neutrals because they're easy. It's a hard habit to break!

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians, and I hope everyone has a great weekend :)

Abbey Lee Kershaw - I Love Her Crazy Style!

2011-10-06T07:59:00.000-04:00

I want this girl's closet! Abbey Lee's style is so clever, refreshingly original and completely unique. It's a mash-up of boho, rock'n'roll and grunge, all rolled into something that looks casual, yet put together. She mixes vintage with designer to create a modern look. I'd bet many people (not into fashion) would write off her style because it's unconventional, but that's the beauty of it! Nothing matches, yet overall everything goes together.

Her outfits all have a feeling of balance and proportion - when mixing patterns it's all about the scale of the prints. The light floaty maxi dresses and skirts are anchored by heavy boots and opulent coats and she's not afraid to wear colour. Abbey Lee manages to be both girly and grungy at the same time; a look that I love. I'm completely inspired by the purple dress/clunky boots/fur coat outfit. Although I'm not really sure how I'm going to translate that into something I can wear yet!

Club Monaco Is The Place To Go

2011-10-05T08:15:00.001-04:00

button up By Corpus (UO), skirt Club Monaco, loafers Sperry Topsiders, blouse H&M
necklace F21

Hi new readers and loyal regulars! I answered any questions you guys left in the comments, I figured that was the best place for them. A somewhat work appropriate outfit today, I bought this denim shirt on a whim and considered returning it. I'm glad I didn't because I throw it on any time I want to make an outfit less dressy!

This skirt's from Club Monaco, one of the best places to buy quality basics. People often think it's really expensive to shop there but if you're a student you get 20% with your student card. Plus if you're patient and wait for the sales, you can get quality stuff for the same price you would pay at H&M and Forever 21! Every time I clean out my closet I'm always left with my Club Monaco pieces because they never seem to go out of style or fall apart.

In other news I'm really sick of my hair and I want a change. I'm considering making the ends lighter, using LLYMLRS ombre hair tutorial or dying it all black. Not really sure what to do, I just want something different.

What You Waiting For?

2011-10-03T08:42:00.002-04:00

dress Urban Outfitters, shoes Sperry, coat & rosary Vintage, sweater Talula Babaton (Aritzia), satchel Material Girl by Madonna, tights Joe Fresh

It's finally cold enough to wear sweaters and coats (fyi I already wrote how I feel about wearing fur here) which I love, bring on the layering! I'm also in love with these loafers, I've wanted leopard print shoes for the longest time. Until I found these Sperry Topsiders nothing (like these, these and these) seemed quite right. Recently The Bay has become one of my favourite stores, I didn't realize they carried such nice things until I actually went into one in Toronto. The local one is reeeaaaalllly bad, everything in it looks like it was left over from 1985 and geared towards the 60+ age group. The ones in bigger cities are way better, they carry everything from Free People & Top Shop to designer labels like See by Chole.

I had a pretty chill weekend, found the perfect shade of orange-red nail polish (L'oreal apple of my eye), went out to eat a few times, watched Risky Business and pretty much just relaxed. Sometimes weekends staying in are just as fun as going out :) In other news the lovely Gentri Lee has chosen Hippie Lace as the blog of the week, you can read my guest post here!

the search for the perfect aqua/seafoam/turquoise clutch

2011-10-01T08:26:00.000-04:00

It all started with this picture, which isn't surprising since it's no secret that I love the Olsen's style.

I read a post on Annawii's blog (I'd link to the exact post, except her blogging platform makes it near impossible too) about Mary Kate and Ashley wearing beautiful turquoise purses during The Row Handbag collection launch at Barneys. She found these faux leather clutches which were a close match.

CHICY Faux leather clutches

Only problem is ordering from this company looked like it would be expensive and complicated. I started trolling the internet to see what else I could find and trusty ASOS didn't disappoint me!

ASOS Leather Portfolio Clutch & Faux Snake Metal Tip Clutch

I've looked pretty much everywhere online, I've come across some beautiful clutches that just aren't what I'm looking for and one that's perfect but sold out! I'm going to shop IRL and see if there's anything in the shops close to the handbags the Olsens are holding. As much as I love The Row Handbags, I don't have a spare $39,000 lying around for a purse!!!

SOLD OUT DKNY Stamped leather clutch

Side Walk When She Walks

2011-09-30T08:02:00.001-04:00

skirt Club Monaco, hat H&M, shoes Kelsi Dagger, shirt Free People,
sweater BCBG, tights Urban Outfitters, purse Vintage

Something about this outfit feels very 'fashion blogger'. I'm not sure if it's the hat or cape (which is really just a sweater), the only thing missing is a pair of Jeffrey Campbell Litas! I see those boots all over the blogosphere and although I like them, but l'm pretty sure I'd break an ankle if I wore them.

In other news, I read this hilarious post on Ottawa's (lack of) style which, besides bringing me to tears from laughing so much, echoed my sentiments exactly! I went to University in Ottawa and remembered being puzzled as to why a city of a million people, the capital of Canada, contained so many sloppy looking citizens. Aside from the occasional diplomat dressed in sharp business attire the majority of people looked, well... there's a reason why it was voted the 8th worse dressed city in the world!

Also, I decided on a new DSLR camera. Pretty sure I'm going to get the Nikon 3100, because it's gotten good reviews and seems easy enough to use for a beginner. I seriously can't wait to take pictures that aren't fuzzy and grainy looking! The more I read about photography, the more I'm dying to get a proper camera. I'm trying to hold out till my birthday, it's in a few weeks and you just never know what you might get :P

Sir Snags A Lot

2011-09-27T08:45:00.003-04:00

Favourite dress + favourite sweater = favourite combo. Worn Saturday afternoon while shopping. Problem is, both of them are made of silk and they snag on everything. EVERYTHING!!! By the time I got back to the hotel I realized that my boots had been ripping my dress all afternoon. &*@$#! I guess when the holes become obvious and it starts looking like I got my dress out of a dumpster, I'll have it shortened.

The highlight of my afternoon was eating at my favourite vegetarian/vegan restaurant, Fresh. We cannot go to Toronto without eating there at least once, even if it means we have to get takeout for the car ride home. Even Jay, who is a staunch meatatarian, likes it. It's THAT good! I had every intention of photographing my lunch, but I was starving when it arrived and remembered half way through I wanted to take a picture. That's ok though, I always feel like a bit of a weirdo taking food pictures in the middle of a crowded restaurant!

Afterwards we headed down to Kensington Market, and although I visited quite a few stores, I left empty handed. Everything was a bit over priced and with the exception a few vintage furs nothing caught my eye. I prefer shopping at 69 Vintage, their store is a bit more curated and easier to shop.

dress B44, boots Town Shoes, sweater T Babton (Aritiza), satchel Material Girl by Madonna

Normal is Weird

2011-09-26T07:11:00.000-04:00

dress Dillema (Aritzia), boots Town Shoes, satchel Material Girl by Madonna, cardi BDG (UO),
scarf Aldo

This is my 'hotel fire alarm went of at 3am and I'm very tired' face. Luckily no fire, just a lot of confused people in the hallways of the Sheraton Hotel. Toronto was a blast as usual and with so many fun things to do, there was little time left for sleep. I managed to get some shopping in, I bought this satchel from Madonna's new line Material Girl. It's really nice and I figure it'll tide me over until I either forget about the Mulberry Alexa or I break down and buy it!

Friday night Jay and I went to a dinner hosted by the Flying Monkey Brewery; a 5 course sit down meal. It was surprisingly intimate and laid back; 10 guests and 3 people from the Brewery. Jay's really into craft beer and through him I've picked up the basics. I have a broad overview of the whole beer making process, but by no means am I a connoisseur. So when we sat down to dinner and we were sitting beside Peter (owner) and Paul (brew master) I kept thinking "I hope I don't make a fool of myself"!!!! Luckily they were really down to earth people and it was a fun night. There were some really good pairings during the meal and I discovered a new favourite beer, a dark IPA called Netherworld, which is the first dark beer I actually like.

After that event (which lasted close to 4 hours) we headed down to C'est What where we met up with my cousin, who I haven't seen since last Christmas, and his friend. The place was packed and before we knew it, our server was letting us know it was last call!

Style Icons Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen

2011-09-21T21:46:00.000-04:00

Although I was always was aware of Mary Kate and Ashley's career growing up, it wasn't until they went away to University and the tabloids started trashing them for their 'dumpster chic' look that I sat up and took notice. I remember taking one look at a glossy paparazzi shot of Ashley Olsen in a signature outfit and thinking this... this is fabulous!!!

Throughout the years I have followed the twins style, fascinated with the ever changing, carefully curated but thrown together look that was street, hippie, urban, chic, expensive and cool all at the same time. Despite the fact they tend to wear their clothes looser and often in a disheveled, undone kind of way they always looked put together.

A few things have remained constant throughout their ever changing looks. Both Ashely and Mary Kate always have luxurious bags, footwear and glasses. They wear clothing in proportion to their frame, even when wearing looser, baggier pieces. They might look sloppy to some, but they never look cheap. Although they cover up most of the time, if they do choose to show some skin it's done tastefully. Their clothing is made of quality materials and often has intricate detailing that can't be reproduced by a fast-fashion knock-off. Its the intricate details that are seen in every outfit that makes their style so unique.

Opulence seems to be the theme of their red carpet looks, however the girls style is still unpredictable. I look forward to seeing what they wear to events because I never know what to expect. Sometimes they allude to old Hollywood glamour, their dresses have a vintage feel to them, yet theres always a modern twist. Other times there's a reference to menswear, and sometimes they look completely opposite and mismatched side by side.

The thing that stands out the most to me is not their signature shoes or the trends they've started but it's their attitude. The Olsen's just don't care what people think of how they dress. At all. They're confident in themselves and how they choose to dress. Their fearless approach to fashion and grow stylistically.

What I've learned from watching Mary Kate and Ashley's style change over the years is that fashion can and should be fun. You're not going to grow if you don't take risks once and awhile. As long as you know what looks flattering on you and go from there you really can't lose. The Olsen twins create an impression on people (people either love the twins style or hate it, no in between) because they don't dress like everyone else. They stand out, they're confident. They dress how they want to and it works. They make the world a prettier place, once outfit at a time.

friday I've got travelin on my mind

2011-09-19T08:06:00.009-04:00

Monday morning's never as good as the Fleetwood Mac song is it? The week's just started and I'm already wishing for Friday because I'll be heading to Toronto to catch the end of beer week. My boyfriend's going up today to get a head start on the festivities and to be quite honest as fun as it will be, I'm more excited to check out the Kensington Market that bloggers keep writing about and some of my favourite vintage stores. I'm just itching to get my hands on some more grandma style winter coats, the couple that I have I've worn nearly to death!

poncho H&M, shawl Vintage, cords 7 for all mankind, purse Club Monaco,
shoes Kelsi Dagger, scarf/headband Aldo

Grungemaster Flex

2011-09-17T17:22:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of those weeks that by the time Saturday rolls around you feel like cheering because you get to wake up to sunshine instead of a buzzing alarm clock? That's me right here! Amongst other things that needed to be done this week, I had to buy a new car. It was a long time in coming and I chose a cute little Toyota Matrix, which I love. Hatchbacks make everything easier :)

Today was a laid back day, breakfast in bed, thrifting and catching up on blogs. Getting dressed I had to fight the urge to throw on a plaid flannel shirt, thought the grey sweater looked a bit more put together. Lately, I've been disregarding that rule that says you're not suppose to mix metals. Sometimes you just want to wear everything you like all at once and it works.

L to R; Club Monaco/Club Monaco/F21/F21/Boutique/F21/Market

shirt & skirt Talula (Aritzia), sweater Element, boots Aldo, purse FCUK

Feathers & Fringe

2011-09-10T10:55:00.000-04:00

It took me about 2 weeks to breakdown and buy these tights. If you're in the habit of snagging and ruining tights after a couple wears like me, 30 bucks is a lot! Usually I only buy tights on sale. With this pair, I loved the herringbone fishnet pattern so much I figured I'd just be extra careful. So far so good, one wear and not a tear! Wore this long shirt/short dress with cut-offs during the day and then as a dress (with yoga shorts underneath) at night. Saw Our idiot Brother yesterday which was hilarious, definitely a must see!

shawl Urban Outfitters, shirt & tights American Apparel, boots Town Shoes,
purse Vintage

Don't Stop The Party

2011-09-08T07:55:00.003-04:00

This is that original,
This has no identical,
You can't have my digital,
Future Aboriginal,
Get up off my genitals,
I stay on that pinnacle,
Chewin up my lyricals,
Call me verbal criminal,
Send you to that clinical,
Subscribe use of Chemicals,
I.D.O. and visual, can't see me, invisible.
I old school like Biblical,
Futuristic next level,
Never on that typical
Will I stop I never know...

Why is it that no matter how much I want to dislike the Black Eyed Peas for their nonsensical lyrics, I find myself humming the melody to this song throughout the day? Their songs are so catchy, you hear one once on the radio and you're hooked. I can't seem to get this song and it's rhymes out of my head.

skirt Killah, scarf Urban Outfitters, long sleeve H&M, boots Town Shoes,
plaid flannel thrifted Talula (Aritzia)

As long as there's a view to look to, fence me in and keep me close to you

2011-09-07T07:08:00.000-04:00

Summer is pretty much over, evidenced by the fact it's no longer warm enough to wear '90s rompers without being chilly. I'm infatuated with clothing from back in the day and memories of that awkward era. It's funny flipping through old photo albums and seeing no one give much thought to style; we all wore what everyone else wore (and what was being sold in malls across the country). Now that there's a bit of a '90s revival going on, its interesting to see how the past is interpreted and reinvented by the fashion industry. I love coming across a vintage '90s piece, not only does it make me a bit nostalgic, but it's as if all the clothes were designed with an hour glass figure in mind and thus works for me :)

romper & purse Vintage, kimono Blu Moon, boots Town Shoes

The First Wilfred Boutique Opens In Toronto!

2011-09-06T06:07:00.003-04:00

Although they carry many well known names like jbrand and Swedish Hasbeens, Aritzia is popular for their house labels that can't be found anywhere else. They tend to use natural fabrics that drape well and thus I find myself returning time and time again to Aritzia for wardrobe updates and quality pieces that will survive more than one washing. The luxe clothing line Wilfred, is one of my favourites because every piece is well made, fashion forward, comfortable and versatile.

Photos from Aritzia's Fall/Winter 2011 Lookbook

Now, just in time for fall, the Wilfred line will have it's very own store! The Wilfred Boutique is now open in the Toronto Eaton Center and carries Wifred's signature collection of ethereal and feminine pieces as well as Wilfred Free and Le Frou by Wilfred. Guess who'll be stopping by when they're in Toronto at the end of the month?!

So Long Sweet Summer ~ Hipstamatic Adventures

2011-09-05T13:42:00.000-04:00

So long sweet summer, memories of new discoveries, St Ambroise apricot wheat ale, road trips, gross martinis, Fresh takeout, thrift store treasure hunting, laughter, sunshine & swimming, art galleries, practical footwear, family & friends :)

Paperbag Peg Leg

2011-09-03T11:02:00.000-04:00

UO Kimchi Blue Paperbag Trouser, UO My Pet Square Leather Paperbag Pant, ASOS Peg Trouser With Fold Pockets, UO Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan Paperbag Pant

After what seems like decades of seeing nothing but skinny jeans and pants being sold in stores it's really nice to see a variety of 'peg leg' trousers this fall. Baggy yet chic, these pants tend to have a higher rise (usually with pleats), a relaxed fit and are made from many different types of fabrics.

tank & denim shirt UO, pants Wilfred (Aritzia), shoes Kelsi Dagger

According to Stylehog.com the keys to pulling off these pants are;

a) Above the Ankle – The peg leg pant is slightly cropped. The hem on a pair of peg leg pants should stop just above the ankle (with some extra fabric left for rolling; see point d)
b) The Perfect Pleat – Always be on the lookout for pleating around the waistband and crotch; the more pleats, the better!
c) Volume On Top - Peg leg pants by nature carry their volume on top with a slightly dropped crotch. Just be sure not to buy a pair with too droopy or baggy of a crotch.
d) Rolled Up Cuffs – Rolled up cuffs are a must when it comes to tapered trousers. The cuff should be rolled twice in a messy, haphazard fashion – no ironed cuffs here.
e) Taper, Taper, Taper – The advent of the skinny jean means woman are no longer afraid of the word “tapered”! Peg leg or harem pants taper down from the middle to the ankle but they are not tight around the ankle like a skinny jean would be.
f) Heels are your best friend – Although it’s not mandatory to wear high heels with tapered trousers, they will make your legs look longer and slimmer. If you do wear flats, avoid the ballet flat and invest in a flat shoe with a bit more substance like an oxford or a penny loafer (notice the slight menswear influence here).

Wilfred (Aritzia) Draped Harem Pant

Comfortable and versatile, these pants are a great way to mix things up in your wardrobe :)

SS 11/12 Spell and the Gypsy Collective

2011-08-21T12:19:00.001-04:00

Well sisters Lizzy and Spelly have done it again; they've created a collection that leaves you completely inspired and coveting each piece. Staying true to their nomadic inspired roots, the spring/summer line is one that evokes wistful feelings of travel and exploration and is a joy to look at. I look forward to shopping the collection once it's in their store :)

You can find photos for the rest of the collection here.

Home Sweet Home!

2011-08-13T22:40:00.000-04:00

There truly is no place like home! My bf and I spent the last few days in the Nations Capital (Ottawa) visiting friends. Very fun, but there's nothing like falling asleep in your own bed. There's also nothing like a crop top layered over a dress to switch things up. I have a bad habit of wearing this dress waaaaaay to often but it's fun to try and come up with different ways to wear it so it doesn't look like I'm in the same thing day after day!

dress Costa Blanca, purse & socks UO, cardigan Club Monaco, lace top Aritzia, headband H&M

Be Still My Heart

2011-08-11T17:49:00.000-04:00

Why must you be sold out everywhere? Why?! I've been wearing my black suede fringed purse to death and in my search for something new I've found perfection in the Navajo Stud Flame by Rebecca Minkoff. The fact that I can't get my hands on it only adds to the appeal. Seriously though, I can't let this dream die, it's so hard to find the right damn purse! There must be a way to track it down. Somehow. Right?

Fashion Muse - Kiss With A Fist

2011-08-09T08:04:00.000-04:00

Leafing through Flare magazine last night I came across a spread on Florence Welch's style. Why haven't I taken notice of her before?!?! The woman has her own distinct way of dressing that's both memorable and quirky, yet stylish at the same time. She seems to have two distinct looks; romantic and ethereal or relaxed but edgy rock n roll. I don't think I've been this excited over a celebrities style since Nicole Richie ditched Rachel Zoe and did her own thing!

And wouldn't you know, last week I coincidentally ordered a dress from the Fancy Treehouse shop that looks a little what Florence is wearing in the picture above. I can't wait until it gets here!
.

Saturday Nights In Neon Lights

2011-08-07T19:09:00.000-04:00

Yesterday ended up being one of those days when nothing goes according to plan, but everything is so much better because of it! Catching the ferry to Wolfe Island with the intention of meeting up with friends already at the music festival, we ended up stopping at a friend's property bordering the concert grounds. People heading to the festival stopped to hang out, have a drink and listen to the music with us. Out of habit I started making a headband out of the flowers I had picked, and of course everybody wanted one!

Around 9 we figured it was probably a good idea to head down to the concert and meet up with the rest of our group, which we did, leaving glow sticks along the trail to light our way back. We got inside the grounds in time to see Stars play.

As you can see I didn't end up wearing my vintage silk kimono, I think I need to alter it before it looks the way I want it too. As with a lot of vintage, it's just not right as is, it needs some changes to make it more modern. All the jewellery in the pictures below is from a cool little shop called Modern Primitive.

Here's some Hipsta-magic from the weekend :)

Wandering Gypsy

2011-08-06T11:52:00.002-04:00

This is what I wore last night, totally toned down the skank factor by layering my sheer American Apparel bloomers under some lace shorts. It looked good, but would have been better if the bloomer legs weren't elasticized because I kept having to adjust them all night. It didn't really matter though because this is shaping up to be the best weekend of the summer! One of my besties (who is also slightly obsessed with all things fashion) is down visiting from Toronto and everyone else has the weekend off... which never happens!

Very excited for the music festival tomorrow, it looks like everyone wants to go and we have a place to camp. The weather calls for rain which is slightly worrying because my vintage kimono is white and my bestie wants to wear a white vintage dress. Open field + white clothing + rain doesn't sound like the greatest mix. I guess we'll have to brave the weather and just suck it up!

scarf Le Chateau, lace shorts & leopard print head scarf UO, bloomers AA,

necklace H&M, shirt Fluxus, nail polish Essie turquoise and caicos

Apologies for the low quality photos, I'm saving my pennies for a DSLR, but until then these will have to do :)

Music To My Eyes

2011-08-04T06:55:00.000-04:00

There's a music festival this weekend, on Wolfe Island of all places! A tiny island of about 1400 with no bridges connected to the mainland! It's only accessible by ferry and if you miss the last boat at 11pm you're kind of screwed. This should be interesting if I end up going.

To get into the last minute festival possibly-getting-stuck-on-an-island-and-all-the-campgrounds-are-sold-out-and-it-doesn't-have-hotels mood I took a quick look at some of my favourite outfits from past Coachella and Glastonbury festivals. I'm not usually one to plan outfits ahead of time but I've started making outfits in my head. There's an unworn silk embossed kimono I scored at Goodwill for $5 hanging in my closet. A music festival is the perfect place to wear it possibly with shorts and a tank. Technically I think it might be a bathrobe, but I'll try and pass it off as day wear. Will this work my friends? We shall see, we shall see!

photos from Harpers Bazaar

Saturday Night Fever

2011-08-02T22:47:00.000-04:00

This cute little dress is better suited as a shirt, no indecent exposure here! I wore this for a night out with friends, the plan was low key and laid back, listening to live music at a pub. Slight change of plans when we discovered downtown was busy and the pub line up snaked all the way around the building. We figured, hey, why not go to the sketchy club down the street and go back to the pub later when the line was smaller? So that's what we did.

The club was just like the show Jersey Show, so hilarious and so cliche! From the ostentatious crystal chandeliers, bulging biceps, right down to the "Do you come here often" pickup line used while I waited at the bar. We didn't stay long and were able to finish off the night in a mellower atmosphere. I don't mind clubs once and awhile, but some are waaaaaay cheesier than others!

dress & sweater Urban Outfitters, shorts Billabong, bag FCUK, shoes Jeffrey Campbell, necklace Le Chateau

Just Peachy

2011-08-01T23:03:00.001-04:00

I've been living in shorts the past couple of days because long weekends mean sunning, swimming, sailing (well technically boating) and campfires, so practical attire was required. To compensate I felt the need to wear something a bit more frilly today. It's been one of those weekends that leave you feeling like you need a few days off to recover; it's been gogogo since Friday morning.

I played golf for the first time in my life on Saturday, taking part in a fundraiser for the local humane society. As fun as it was to be out in the sun all day socializing and driving the golf cart (while raising money for a good cause), I can't really say this was my sport... it moved just a little too slow for me!

Now August is here already, only a few more months of warm weather before the ice and snow hit. I've been looking at marked down summer stuff online, trying to decide if should I take advantage of end of season sales or cave and buy some new fall clothes?

boots Aldo, purse Vintage, skirt Bebe, shirt F21, shawl Anthropologie,
necklace H&M

A Collection Of Perfection: Anna Sui Spring 2011

2011-07-31T10:09:00.001-04:00

Anna Sui's bohemian-esque spring collection just goes to show that even within a certain 'style' of dressing there are many, many different looks. Whenever I need a dose of inspiration I look back to this collection for fresh ideas. I love the colours, the pattern combinations, the slouchy boots and the feeling of ease and comfort these outfits emulate. Thank you Anna Sui!

photos courtesy of style.com

Jon & Roy

2011-07-29T14:12:00.001-04:00

The best way to prepare for a hectic day full of appointments and errands is to listen to happy, mello music while getting ready for the day. Deerfoot & Boon Elm on repeat has done the trick.

This dress is a little gem I scored from the Fancy Treehouse shop, my favourite place to look for vintage one of a kind items and the odd Anthropologie piece. It's always exciting checking out the store because you never know what you'll find :) These sandals are from last summer, one of those heart-attack inducing purchases you can't pause to think about because you know if you do someone else will snag them.

Misty, rainy day weather. A welcome relief from the sweltering summer heat.

dress Anthropologie, purse FCUK, shoes Steve Madden, cardigan Old Navy,

braclet UO

Psychedelicious

2011-07-26T22:52:00.001-04:00

Sometimes talent's obvious, even when it's sketched across a 9th grade note passed to you in history class. Fast forward a decade or so and Heather Carty is still sketching (and painting), showcasing her signature underground psychedelicious style at Basement Artists events in Ottawa, Ontario. Shows produced by this group combine art from upcoming local artists with performances by talented bands in the area. The type of music, venue and artists featured varies from event to event.

Psychedelicious art is reminiscent of the 1960s & 70s and some sort of magical fairytale. Using markers and oil paint Heather's work conveys a mood of make believe. Her simple black and white portraits of fairy-like people capture the same feeling of whimsy and imagination as her paintings.

Although there is nothing inherently wrong about buying prints produced by Ikea or Urban Outfitters, or owning mass produced art, it's much nicer to fill your house with unique pieces created by local artists. That way you know you're fostering creativity by putting money into the pockets of an individual rather than a huge corporation. I love hanging real art in my home (I own 4 of the portrait prints) because each piece has it's own story. Besides, nothing kills a conversation faster than the phrase "I bought it at Ikea"!

You can find Psychedelicious on facebook or get your hands on some here :)

Blow'in in the wind

2011-07-24T12:16:00.001-04:00

The strapless dress; increasing your odds of a wardrobe malfunction one wear at a time. As much as I love this dress (mainly the print on it) I always feel just a teeny bit nervous wearing it as is because, well, there are no straps attached to hold it up! All the double sided tape in the world can't fix that! My solution is to throw a loosely knit sweater over top and call it a day.

These canvas boots are my new favourite find, can't say I've ever seen anything like them really. My sister and mom went shoe shopping and came back with all sorts of deals so I decided to try my luck. Well if you're a size eight and a half shoe, chances are most styles are gone once the end of season markdowns start. Or in my case, if you do manage to find a style of sandals you love there won't be an actual matching pair, but 2 different sizes in the size 8.5 box. How does that happen?! Once I abandoned the idea of new sandals I discovered these boots and well the rest is history ;)

boots Aldo, bag FCUK, dress Billabong, sweater Anthro, feather necklace & ring F21

How To Make A Flower Wreath/How To Make A Hippie Headband

2011-07-19T23:25:00.001-04:00

Finally a tutorial for how to make the flower headband from the Daisy May/Be Sure To Put Some Flowers In Your Hair post! If you're like me and have a habit of constantly picking flowers (and your house is already filled with them) and always need to be doing something, this is the perfect thing for you! The best part about this flower wreath is that it's so versatile. It makes a great headband or it could be the perfect decoration for backyard BBQs. Here's how to make a flower wreath, keep in mind it doesn't need to be perfect and it gets easier with practice.

You will need: flowers, scissors, 3 twist ties OR floral tape.

Step 1: Pick a bunch of flowers. Daisies or other flowers with long, thin, flexible stems work best. You will want your wreath to be about 22 inches long when finished so 30-40 flowers should do the trick. Trim the ends of the stems so you don't have any roots or dirt attached. A word of advice; pick flowers without bugs on them!

Step 2: Start with 3 flowers and twist tie them together.

Step 3: Making this wreath is similar to braiding hair. Take the left stem and cross it over the middle stem (it now becomes the middle stem). Take the right stem and cross it over the middle stem (it now becomes the middle stem). Repeat 2-3 times, depending on how you want your wreath to look.

Step 4: Take a flower and add it to the left stem. Cross both of the left stems over the middle stem (they now become the middle stem). Take another flower and add it to the right stem. Cross the both of the right stems over the middle stem (they now become the middle stem).

Step 5: Repeat steps 3 & 4 until you have about 22-24 inches of braided flowers.

Step 6: Twist tie or use floral tape to fasten the end of the braid of flowers. You will want to leave a good inch or two after the tape/twist tie in order to attach the two ends together.

Step 7: Use your scissors to trim any leaves of short stems sticking out or any wily flowers that aren't cooperating!

Step 8: Fasten both ends using a twist tie or floral tape to form a circle. Voila, you're done!

Tip: If the wreaths are for decoration, store the flowers in a cool, dark place until you're ready to use them.

Adventures In Hipstamatic

2011-07-18T07:33:00.000-04:00

Guess who!/Big sis & Little Sis/Braided Goodness/Black Keys CD/Car ride/My Sunshine/Hand me down Hang Ten Bikini from the 70s/teateatea maddness at my fave tea shop/Are we there yet?/Beach/Combo of the Day/<3

My Fair Lady

2011-07-17T23:34:00.004-04:00

I scored these pink lace shorts at H & M a few months ago and what an accomplishment that was! Ever since I saw lace shorts floating around the blogosphere I was on the lookout for a pair. Luckily I noticed some pink lace wedged in a rack of pants and t-shirts last time I was at H&M. I usually don't have much luck there; I have trouble finding my size because everything's usually picked over. Can't complain this time because for once I found what I was looking for!

This Aritzia bag has been kicking around for years and it's been through so much. It's been a gym bag, book bag, beach bag and now a purse and it's still hanging on. Yeah it's a little beat up and starting to fray, but I like it and I'm not ready to let go quite yet!

It's been a fabulous weekend, my sister and her famjam (hubs & kids) have finally arrived after driving all the way from Calgary. I've been taking plenty of pics on my little iphone 4; still loving the Hipstamatic app! The past few days have been a blur of visiting, movies, bbqs and lots of catching up. Family time is the best time :)

shorts H&M, bag tna (Aritzia), shoes Jeffrey Campbell, necklace

Le Chateau, sunnies & hat Urban Outfitters, blouse Club Monaco

Wunderlust: A Blog

2011-07-14T07:16:00.000-04:00

Why is it as we grow up we're expected to lose our imaginations and individuality so we can conform to conventional ideals? Why do the traits of creativity and artistic inclinations tend to be pushed aside and decrease in value, viewed as something suitable for children? Perhaps it's my subtle rebellion against corporate culture, but when I escape into the world of blogs I seek out the fanciful, the unconventional, the bloggers who haven't quite retired their whimsy to a forgotten corner.

Karin's Wunderlust is a world of it's own; a modern day rabbit hole in which to tumble down. Things of the past and things of the present collide, much like her style, which is a dichotomy of romantic elements and their darker counterparts.

Her photographs are a form of art, one of the many reasons I have print outs of fall photography classes sitting on my desk right now. Karin is able to capture a feeling, a mood, an emotion all with the click of a shutter. It's modern day magic.

You Say Midi, I Say Dress!

2011-07-13T07:54:00.000-04:00

In case the title didn't tip you off, you should know I'm wearing this skirt as a dress. Midis are all over the blogosphere these days and I love the look of them... on other people. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but when I put them on I feel frumpy. Perhaps it's because I have yet to find one that's the perfect length.

I bought this midi skirt the last time I stopped in my favourite vintage store. In the change room I could tell it looked odd on me. When I came out to use the three way mirror, the store owner stayed silent, when she always has something to say. That was not a good sign! I really liked the pattern so I wasn't quite ready to give up, I tried it on again as a dress, grabbed a belt and felt much more like myself. The owner did a double take when I came out of the change room the second time and couldn't stop raving about how much better it looked as a dress! I couldn't agree more, but I'm still on the lookout for the perfect midi. It's somewhere out there :)

skirt worn as dress Vintage, belt Vintage, cardigan Lux (UO), shoes Jeffrey Campbell, purse FCUK

and I won't tell em your name

2011-07-12T10:05:00.001-04:00

Isn’t it crazy how reliant we are on technology and don’t even notice? And if one thing doesn’t work we use something else? Every morning via text I chat with my sis, but yesterday when I hadn’t heard from her/received no response to my messages I hopped onto facebook to find out why. Turns out her blackberry went mia during a trisport tournament. Later on in the day I overheard two coworkers discussing how in the 80s long distance phone plans were non existent. One lady use to receive $500 phone bills just from talking to her fiancé on the other side of the country! That seems so insane! I’m glad of the progress we’ve made and how easy it is to stay in touch with loved ones these days. On another note I’m really loving my iphone 4 :)

boots Vintage, clutch Club Monaco, cardigan Aritzia, dress Costa Blanca

Some evening weekend attire: tiny dress, large sweater and vintage boots. Easy-peasy.

Daisy May/Be Sure To Put Some Flowers In Your Hair

2011-07-10T22:24:00.001-04:00

Finally after 3 years of fighting with my Blackberry Curve, I decided it just wasn't cutting it and got an iphone 4; something I've been looking into for awhile. A very, very long while! The camera on this thing is amazing. I downloaded the Hipsamatic app and I've been taking pictures non-stop for the past few days. I've had so much fun playing with the different lenses and films I've already amassed quite the photo collection!

Today was a lazy Sunday (the best kind of Sunday) spent picnicking at the beach, take out dinner and a long walk afterwards. Flowers in bloom everywhere and by the time the bf and I arrived back home I had a handful of daisies. While we sat on the back porch and relaxed I braided them into a wreath, such a shame it won't last more than a day.

The wreath's quite simple to make, if anyone wants a tutorial post let me know in the comments :)

Edit: You can find the tutorial post HERE!

Split Pea Soup

2011-07-09T19:05:00.001-04:00

Day lilies!! The most beautiful flowers on earth! I have no idea what these wildflowers are called but I love them, hands down my absolute favourite flower. There's nothing better than driving past fields and fields of them on a warm Saturday afternoon. For the entire month of July, when they're in bloom my house is filled with them.

Wore this get-up running errands today with the bf. Check out the crazy back on the dress, it reminds me of both the 80s and Star Trek, quite the combination! Too funny, the shorts bf wore today were patterned in olive/mustard/orange, lol. He's got great taste, which was once again evident when he played the Insomniac album (Green Day) during our drive into town. I had forgotten what a great album that was, aaaahhh nostalgia.

The plan for tonight is low key and laid back because tomorrow it's up and at em early to get a full day in at the beach. Hope you guys are having a great weekend :)

silk dress Wilfred (Aritzia), cardigan BDG (UO), loafers thrifted Hush Puppies

Links à la Mode

2011-07-08T10:12:00.002-04:00

Ask and you shall receive

Edited by Vahni of Grit & Glamour

This blogging thing...it's been around a while now, and many are realizing what a rewarding endeavor it is, on a sartorial and psychological level. One thing I love about blogging is the opportunity to ask a question, ponder a theory—and have others share their thoughts and opinions as well. In this week's roundup, several bloggers reflect on the positive influence blogging has had on their lives and self-esteem. (Superb! Yay for blogging!) Others ruminated on everything from whether style is really subjective, to whether fashion as an exhibit is a trend. Or not.

Stumped for post ideas? Want more engagement with your readers? Been contemplating the style-related proclivities of society? Ask, lovelies. Everyone has an opinion, and most are chomping at the bit to share. But the most wonderful aspect of this kind of engagement is not more comments. Those are nice, yes. It's through discussion that personalities are revealed and relationships are forged. Your readers aren't just a little avatar and some words. They are vibrant individuals—and your biggest fans!

Links à la Mode: June 30th

Alex Drake Vintage: 10 Things I Like About the 1980s

Angela Osborn: 6 Lessons Learned from Coco Chanel

Any Second Now: Heartfelt lessons and thanks in this first year of blogging.

Beautifully Invisible: We Are Women. We Are Beautiful. We Are Real.

Beyond Fabric: On personal style and individuality—because redundant is the last thing you want to be.

Blah Blah Becky: Proof that it's always worth trying a trend: cropped tops without muffin top.

Boheme Noir: Fashion Show Coverage: Roberto Cavalli S/S 12 Menswear

Bubbling with Elegance and Grace: Fashion Designer Exhibitions: Is this the new trend?

By Anika: Closet check: Do your clothes make you feel good about your self?

College-Style: #Trending in Milan: Using Twitter to keep up with girls' and guys' fashion #trends

Divergent Musings: Five ways that blogging has improved my life (it can improve yours too)!

Grit & Glamour: Worker V:2.0 (Ode to the Pencil Skirt)

Hippie Lace: You Cast Your Spell On Me: Spell & The Gypsy Collective

Idee Fixe: Kindness: A Tale of Kindness, Generosity, and a Vintage Coat

KP Fusion: In the business of blogging, is style really subjective?

My Orange Stilettos: Just because you're short doesn't mean you can't wear a midi.

Oranges and Apples: On "going out" clothes and sexual attractiveness.

Seamstress Stories: Boundaries on body confidence and a culture of bonding through body bashing.

Style Sizzle: 10 fashion lessons learned from living in the desert.

The Stylish Butterfly: The advantages of being the worst dressed—it works for Helena Bonham Carter!

SPONSOR:
Day Dress Sale at Shopbop: Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, DKNY, Lela Rose, Daftbird, Tibi, Red Valentino, Rebecca Taylor, Lucy in Disguise, Shoshanna, & DVF Wrap Dresses

Wednesday, but not Adams!

2011-07-06T07:21:00.000-04:00

dress American Eagle, blouse Club Monaco, purse & belt Vintage, shoes Nine West

I'm sure by now it's obvious I have a thing for Club Monaco. I really have no defense other than they have a great student discount and make quality stuff. Like this blouse/tunic thing. Versatile, light, comfortable, perfect. Although it seems to have encountered some sort of unfortunate dry cleaning mishap, the sleeves are a few inches shorter since I last wore it. hhhmmmmmmm. Time to switch dry cleaners.

Wednesday! A few more days until a beach filled weekend at beautiful Sandbanks to be exact. Yes, even though the long weekend barley finished I'm already counting down to Friday. It's just that warm days are fleeting in Canada and you have to make the best of things :) Especially if you spend 5 days a week sitting in an office looking out the window. Kinda makes me wish I had a profession that gets summers off!

Don't let these shoes deceive you. They look fabulous but after a few hours of standing/walking your feet start to hurt, A LOT. I wore them to a wedding last fall and was barefoot by the end of the night!

You Cast Your Spell On Me. Spell & The Gypsy Collective

2011-07-04T23:21:00.000-04:00

Boho. Hippie. Free Spirit. Gypsy. Earthy. Words that describe a certain aesthetic, but also an approach to living life. A way to describe someone's attire, but also a certain set of values. These days it seems the boho look is easy to achieve; fast fashion chains carry all the feathered and faux gemstone jewellery your heart could desire. The only thing missing is, well, everything! There's no history behind these mass produced pieces, no story. They may be pretty but they lack that personalized feeling that comes with owning something hand crafted.

Camera shy sisters Elizabeth and Isabella known as Lizzy & Spelly on their blog, are the artists behind Spell & the Gypsy Collective, a funky boho jewellery/fashion/accessories line full of handmade treasures.

Based out of Byron's Bay New Zealand and drawing inspiration from Native American culture, Izzy and Spelly's laid back and relaxed approach to living life is reflected through their eclectic designs. Clearly they have a passion for what they do as their blog is not only a diary of their day to day life, but a source of inspiration and appreciation for the simpler things in life. Izzy and Spelly are boho not just in looks, but in spirit, as they support other artists and feature many local artisan on their blog.

Using feathers, turquoise, leathers, oxidized metals and many other natural materials to create works of art, every piece is something that will last for decades. Spell & The Gypsy Collection captures that wandering nomad feeling and translates it into wearable pieces. Well maybe not appropriate for the office, but you know what I mean ;)

Pocahontas Warrior Boots

Spell & The Gypsy Collective available through their website or The Trend Boutique. Beautiful photos borrowed from the Spell blog:)

Session 99: Craft Beer Festival

2011-06-30T19:41:00.001-04:00

So remember last weekend when I though it would be a good idea to bring a disposable camera to the Craft Beer Festival? Well I got my pictures back and lets just say I'm so glad we live in a digital era! Some pictures turned out and others, well I'm not sure what happened in that little cardboard box when I pressed the shutter!

The festival was busy but not jam packed, plenty of room to walk around and no long lines at the booths. I sampled a lot of lagers, most were pretty good but some were infused with the oddest things (like rum)! I felt compelled to try them because they had names like Robo-hop and Tank-n-stein and who can resist that? A few companies like Flying Monkey Beer (click the link, their site's amazing and a little bit crazy!) served brews that are only available seasonally so I sampled many beers I'd never tried before.

It was a pretty fun weekend and I can hardly believe the weekends here again! Tomorrow is a national holiday, Canada Day, which means the day off, friends & fireworks :)

1st photos: F21 necklace & crochet shawl, Seven jeans, FCUK fringe purse.
2nd photos: shawl Wilfred (Aritzia), shirt FLuXus

Hey James Bond, in America we drive on the right side of the road. I am. You try driving in platforms.

2011-06-29T07:17:00.001-04:00

Classic 90s, Cher rocking some kick ass knee socks. Growing up Clueless was one of my favourite movies, to this day I associate knee socks with Cher Horowitz and my high school uniform. Unlike kilts and regulation grey dress pants I didn't develop any sort of aversion towards mary janes or knee socks and still wear them to this day.

I remember seeing Clueless for the first time and wanting both Cher's revolving closet complete with outfit making software and every article of clothing worn in the movie. No one was wearing anything remotely similar to the Clueless cast's wardrobe (well except Josh and the stoners but that doesn't count because the movie makes fun of their clothing) when it was released. In the grunge era plaid flannel, greasy hair and doc martin boots were the uniform of the day. This film helped shift the 90s aesthetic away from the that look.

Because it was ridiculously and uncharacteristically hot yesterday I searched my drawers and rediscovered a pair of long forgotten boyfriend cut offs. Since I always feel a bit generic wearing shorts with sandals I threw on my favourite mary janes (that need to be replaced badly) and some patterned knee socks for something a little different.

blouse Club Monaco, shorts American Eagle, socks?
shoes Rocket Dog, purse F21, wristlet Sirens

Lilac

2011-06-27T23:51:00.001-04:00

Monday, you came so quickly! Where do the weekends go?! I felt like wearing something fun this morning having woken up to sunshine for the first time in a long time, (technically I woke up to my cat meowing at the window but sunshine sounds better) hence the lilac dress and over sized striped sweater combo. I really love lilac and for the longest time I never wore it thinking it was unflattering. Good thing I figured out it works!

The long necklace is one of the few things I picked up on the weekend in Toronto. There wasn't much time for shopping, so I didn't get much. Plus it's a weird time of year, in between seasons is synonymous with in between sizes, meaning there wasn't a lot of size selection.

dress Heartloom, sweater Joie, purse FCUK, boots Steve Madden,
jewellrey Club Monaco/Vintage/F21

The Fancy Treehouse, Coury Comb's Whimsical Style

2011-06-27T00:33:00.000-04:00

"Her style is very unclassifiable. Sometimes she looks like a valentine, sometimes Madeleine, sometimes someone from the seventies, sometimes a bit anthropologie, and sometimes a weird baggy style I’ve never seen before. She looks like a model and yet she writes in a very funny self deprecating modest way." (source)

Coury Combs runs the blog The Fancy Treehouse which is a wonderful piece of happiness on the internet. She's a free spirit who demonstrates through her whimsical clothing that when it comes to personal style and fashion, there really are no rules. Her site is filled with beautiful photography, humorous antidotes and colour combinations you wouldn't think would work but do. The Fancy Treehouse is an great source of inspiration and a definite mood lifter, it's nice to read the writing of someone who has so much joy.

Coury runs a vintage ebay shop filled with the treasures featured on her blog. Although many of the dresses I wanted were sold out, I did manage to snag one :) I can't wait for it to arrive, but who can say when that will be as there's a Canada wide postal strike. When it does get here I'll be sure to post pictures!