The Tragic Sense

A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN

2012-03-09T08:52:00.004-05:00

Coffee and shortbread, vintage perfume collection, vintage makeup, sleeping in the afternoon.

PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK

2012-03-07T13:55:00.008-05:00

Creme blouse with ruffles and bow (SQUEAL)- Chicwish, Lace bloomers- Vintage, Hat- Vintage, Shoes- Vintage from mom
The weather is most merciful today! As I type this I am drinking tea in the sunshine with the window open. It's hard to remember the last time it was so warm. I cannot wait for the days when it will be possible to walk in the grass barefoot and swim in ponds under tall trees. For now we pretend.

So, yesterday evening my sister and I did some thrifting in the neighbourhood, I to add to my sparse spring wardrobe and she for some big shirts for a DIY project she's working on. Surprisingly, incredible luck in the decor department was to be had! Purchases of the evening included an elaborate pink lampshade (with tassels and beads!), floral jewelry box, velvet dress with white trim and a striped baby blue blouse. I am veering towards a strictly lacy, frilly, pastel, Edwardian sensibility of dress for the warmer months. Other things that are inspiring me at the moment: hazy 60s and 70s photos, cinematography and furniture, classical and folk music, yellow hues, soft light, and dolls. Is that shocking? No? I'm so predictable.

What's inspiring you for spring? Or fall, for my readers on the opposite hemisphere of this glorious planet?

TAKE ME DOWN

2012-03-05T09:06:00.006-05:00

A couple of photos from this weekend's forest frolicking adventure. Plus cookies and coffee for warming up frosty hands and mouths.

YES MA'AM

2012-03-04T12:13:00.008-05:00

Jacket- Romwe, Boots- Aldo, Beret- Secondhand, Rainy day pin- Snow Stitched
A little while back, the lovely Guðmunda of Snow Stitched, the little Etsy shop she runs from Iceland, asked me if I'd like to choose a product sample from her collection of adorable hand stitched pins. I chose this little rainy day number! Be still my heart.

When she approached me about her store, it really got me thinking. I wish more independent artists/designers/small business owners would come out of the woodwork. There is such a scary monopoly on wardrobes of top bloggers by the same handful of companies- indeed, I work with some of them myself! But I feel very conscious of the disingenuousness of too many big time corporate sponsorships. Perhaps you too have some thoughts on the matter?

DOLL HOUSE

2012-03-02T08:33:00.012-05:00

I miss the warm weather.

CRY BABY CRY

2012-02-29T10:10:00.005-05:00

Two pairs of pants in a matter of one week, the madness. These pants are courtesy of Motel Rocks (get them here), the blouse, bow tie and bag are secondhand and the platforms are from Decimal Shoes. Also, here are some photos from the past few days.

FEVER DREAM

2012-02-26T09:00:00.002-05:00

I have returned from quiet living and oh how my heart yearns for solitude again! I spent the day writing, drawing, taking photographs, reading, lying in the sunshine listening to folk music , putting good foods in my belly and falling asleep in the late afternoon.

Luckily, I managed to snap a few photos of the outfit I wore during this blissful interlude. Vintage high waist pants, pink stockings, vintage floral cardigan, cream heels, Romwe petal collar (found here) and, gasp, accessories! Necklaces with bows and dusty pink pendants. Nothing like pastels to put a spring in your step!

DOLLY VITA

2012-02-22T13:30:00.001-05:00

Peter pan collar blouse- OASAP (find it here); Skirt- Romwe; Stockings- OASAP; Platforms- Decimal Shoes

I am really inspired by the porcelain dolls I find at the thrift store. That's not weird, right? They have the best clothes!

Tomorrow I'm off on a little 24 hour "sabbatical," if you will- sans internet in a little house. I'm going to work on my art without any distractions of the electronic/social variety.

In other news, I'm in the midst of writing up an application for this really cool job opportunity. I'll tell you more about it soon if everything goes well, so wish me luck! Also, I just made an exciting new purchase, the fruits of which you will likely see here sometime within the next month. Fun, fun. Anyway, thank you all for your comments on my last post, I had a great time sharing my day with you.

And with that I bid you a sweet farewell!

A DAY IN THE LIFE

2012-02-19T07:44:00.012-05:00

A little while back when I asked you guys what you wanted to see from little old moi on this blog, at the very top of the list was a day in the life post. And so I have obliged. Unfortunately I documented what was perhaps the most boring day of the week. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy it! Here is what I did last Sunday, February 12th, 2012:

The day starts late, as any proper Sunday does. We get up, get ready and make breakfast. Hot cocoa and Nutella banana pancakes for this glorious day of rest.

After catching up on some emails, it's time to go out. My sister and I drive out to a small town to visit one of my favourite thrift stores.

But it's closed because, duh, little old ladies do not care about stinky clothes on Sundays. Oops.

I photographed it longingly from the outside for you anyway. It's got the best selection of books, knickknacks, records and old cameras. I've got $1 polaroids from this place!

Then we walk around the tiny old plaza, it's kind of built in this European style with lots of levels, alleyways and cafes. We try another store and Alyssa finds a big pack of glitter so we can smother it all over our clothing in a couple of weeks. I find a vintage blouse. We lull around for a bit, enjoying the crisp February air. Then we head home.

We relax, I read for a bit. I also work on my latest DIY project.

Naps and TV watching.

It gets dark and I bake cinnamon rolls! They smell like home.

Dinner, coffee.

When we've had enough, it's off to bed.

I watch a film before hitting the lights. Dreams in primary colours guaranteed.

Goodnight internet!

Hope you're all having a good Monday! Today is Family Day in Ontario so I'm spending time with my parents and siblings. We had a huge breakfast this morning since we won't all be together for Mardi Gras. Any plans for the big day?

CUPCAKE

2012-02-18T09:05:00.011-05:00

Lace crop top- Motel Rocks; Pink cotton skirt/Dress- Vintage; Pink lace socks- Vintage, mom; Platform shoes- Secondhand
Here's something sweet for this Saturday morning! My skirt is actually a vintage 50s dress, the bodice of which I tucked into the petticoat underneath. How can one not feel like a princess in a skirt like this (can you see the little bow in the middle?!?!) The first time I wore it, Alyssa told me that I looked like a cupcake so I named it in honour of her masterful food association skills. Onto that amazing lace shirt, it's actually a crop top if you look closely (my size has rendered it decidedly NOT, but it's still such a gorgeous piece), and it is courtesy of one of my newest sponsors, Motel Rocks. They're a little boutique in the U.K. with some out of this world designs! They've gifted me with a couple of really unique samples, including a pair of bold striped black and white pants! I can't wait to show them to you. They're unlike anything I own, it's going to be very exciting styling them.

So. Are any of you going (or, if it has already passed, did you go?) to Fashion Week in your respective cities/countries? Toronto Fashion Week is coming up in March and I find myself more interested in the spectacle than usual. Perhaps it is my sudden immersion in the style community online that has fostered a curiosity about attending? There's really so much ugly stuff about the fashion industry that I don't want to be part of, but I do enjoy the incredible artistry of couture, and supporting Canadian talent of course.

Before I go, I should mention that I've chosen the winners for my Romwe Valentine's Day Giveaway. And the winners are... Sarah of La Fille de Joujouelle and Jamie Rose of Petite Panoply! Congratulations ladies! I'm so happy for you, your support and general loveliness is what makes blogging worth it. Not to mention, your blogs are so inspiring. I will be in contact with you soon. To all my other wonderful readers, I wish I could give you all presents and hugs. There are a few of you who have stuck by me for a long time and there really are no words to say how much I appreciate it. Thank you.

MY BLUE HEAVEN

2012-02-09T10:34:00.006-05:00

Everything is vintage except the shoes and tights. The denim shorts were crafted from majestic mom jeans by yours truly in a haze of DIY euphoria. They're the first pair of cut-offs I've owned in over a year! Hope you're all having a good week, we shall catch up more thoroughly on the weekend.

FEBRUARY BLUES

2012-02-03T10:59:00.007-05:00

Winter is exploring the countryside and drinking hot chocolate in a little house that smells like firewood and musk. Is there anything better?

FOURTH TIME AROUND

2012-02-01T10:42:00.015-05:00

Red sparkly beret- Ardene; White floral jumper- Vintage; Red skirt- Romwe; T-strap creme heels- Vintage
I was going to name this one "Strawberry Shortcake." Get it? Because I'm wearing red? And I'm short? Thankfully, this time I have decided to spare you any and all unfunny literal interpretations of my outfits. You can have Dylan instead.

Hey, did you know that Elizabeth Taylor was only 5'2? Now we have three things in common: shortness, brown hair and big eyebrows. Also, you can't see it in these photos but my eyeballs too have inherited some kind of genetic weirdness- one is hazel and the other is brown. People are always thrown off when they realize it in real life, usually in the sunshine when it is very dramatic. One day I will provide photographic evidence of this strange phenomena and then you can have nightmares about my wonky Bowie face.

VALENTINE'S DAY GIVEAWAY

2012-01-30T12:29:00.004-05:00

Another giveaway just in time for Valentine's Day! Two winners will receive a $60 credit and one pair of tights from Romwe. All you need is to be following me on Google Reader and/or Bloglovin' and to have an account with Romwe, which you can make here. If you entered my last giveaway and didn't win, I will automatically include you in this one to save you the trouble of having to comment again. If you didn't enter my last giveaway and want to participate this time around, don't forget to leave me your email address in a comment so I can contact you if you win. Winners will be chosen randomly, this giveaway closes on the 14th so get your entries in soon!

NERVOUS LOVE

2012-01-25T09:37:00.007-05:00

Striped blouse- Vintage; Skirt- Romwe; Striped tights- Romwe; Shoes- Decimal Shoes

Sorry for the minor hiatus, guys. You will be happy to hear that I am alive, yes indeed, though I cannot promise you much else! My writers block has become all-consuming. It's not even a writers block anymore, it's like a LIFE block. Feeling a bit removed from anything that isn't smoky French chanson or television drama or Daniel Johnston.

But do not fret! I have dragged my person into an actual state of functioning today to update you not on the silly banalities of life presently (including, but not limited to, a newly acquired lip biting habit), but on some of the other exciting goings-on since we last spoke.

I've got three photo series ready (one is purely accidental, I think you will enjoy it) and the second installment of "Is It Vintage?" still in the process of being written, despite word handicap. I've been consulting the list of things you'd like to see from me for inspiration/a necessary kick in the behind. Also in the spirit of self-improvement I've been eating healthier and exercising to stave off some of my physical/emotional/artistic maladies. So far making good progress. If I can continue I shall be very pleased!

TRAILER PARK KIDS

2012-01-19T16:08:00.010-05:00

My sister on another one of our adventures.

EN MELODY

2012-01-10T16:44:00.007-05:00

Hello everyone! Today I present to you my latest piece from Vedette Shapewear, a dark red corset with clasps and ribbons in the back! I decided to style it with my trusty beret, plaid cape and American Apparel skirt. The challenge theme this time around was Love Your Body. I don't want to dilute the message so I'm just going to tell you, since it is the start of a new year after all, to love yourselves, love your bodies, love your minds, love books, love films, love music, love art, love people. Just do more loving overall. That's what I'm trying to do. Stop hating stuff so I can be less of a jaded cynic. Woo!

Before I go, dear readers, I wanted to let you know that a) I read all of your suggestions on my last post. The results of listening to your sage advice will grace this blog within the next week. And b) Dolls Are United, the blog of adorable clothing boutique Mod Dolly, recently interviewed me here. They are naming a dress in their spring collection after me, which is ridiculously cool. Happy Tuesday!

LIONHEART

2012-01-07T09:29:00.010-05:00

Jacket- Sugarlips Apparel; Peter pan collar shirt- Vintage; Skirt- American Apparel; Hat- Vintage; Shoes- Decimal Shoes
The ensemble I wore on New Years Day for lunch, featuring a welcome addition to my outerwear collection from LA-based boutique Sugarlips, a faux fur leopard print hat and Victorian lace patterned tights. So what's everyone up to this weekend? My apologies for the less-than-substantial posts lately. I'm having a bit of trouble articulating my inspiration for outfits. Meanwhile, while I am entertaining this modest writers block I feel like I should ask you guys if there is anything in particular you'd like to see from me on this blog. A tour? A day-in-the life post? A haul (I lied, don't ask me to do a haul, I hate hauls)? A Q&A? A tutorial? More pictures? More adventures outdoors? More how-to guides? Let's hear it!

BLUES

2012-01-04T09:34:00.007-05:00

Blue dress- Tell Her You Saw Me; Coat- Vintage; Shoes- Decimal Shoes
This cute dress is my second generous gift from the lovely people at Tell Her You Saw Me. It's cute dress overload over there! I wore mine with my 60s vintage wool coat and frilly umbrella a couple of days ago when the rain was non-stop, before the cold set in again. My growing coat collection is possibly a fire hazard but I keep buying them and buying them! I figure if it's winter six months out of the year, a million coats is a practical investment. Right? Right? Anyway, I shall be back here later this week with new photographs, woo! In the meantime, you should go enter my Romwe giveaway 'cause you could win tights and stuff, which is mega cool if you, like me, stubbornly defy the soft weeping of your pants in the closet begging to be worn even when it's -30 degrees Celcius outside.

KATRINA + ROMWE GIVEAWAY

2012-01-03T11:40:00.009-05:00

Striped Blazer - Vintage; Peter pan collar blouse - Romwe; Black skirt- Vintage; Brown suede belt- Vintage; Black hat- Vintage; Platforms- Decimal Shoes

I guess this is my first outfit of 2012, brought to you by my fondness for pre-20th century silhouettes, 1940s Dior and the foggy Canadian north. Speaking of which, the wonderful Maria of Avenue M has interviewed me on her blog. You can go check it out if you’d like to hear me wax poetic about my dry skin and what inspires me. Tempting, I know. A warm and fuzzy welcome to all of my new readers who found me through Maria, and thank you so much for your sweet comments on my last post. It is very nice to meet you! Anyway, I've got another interview I'm working on for another adorable lady, which, if I can learn to keep my promises and finish it within the next decade, you will also be seeing soon.

Also, today I have a special announcement! I am very happy to announce my second Romwe giveaway in honour of the new year! I don't like to bombard my blog with giveaways, but I do enjoy giving back to the readers who have supported me with items of whose loveliness I can personally vouch for. And what better way is there to begin the new year? Three randomly chosen winners will receive two pairs of tights, which you can see more of here and $20 worth of whatever you'd like. All you have to do is be following me on Google Reader/Bloglovin' and you must have an account on the Romwe site (which many of you probably have from my last giveaway, but if not, you can make one right here.) Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win! This giveaway will close on the fifteenth so get your entries in soon. Have an excellent week!

ANNÉE

2012-01-01T11:14:00.009-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! To kick off the year I've decided to share some of my holiday photos. I took these after a big snowfall while taking a walk around my childhood home. I know I said I was going to talk about my resolutions, but in lieu of too much celebrating I'm going to keep this short and sweet. I resolve to work hard and be the best version of myself. I resolve to do what I love with the people I love. 2012 is going to be an amazing year, I can feel it. I want to thank you all for your endless kindness and support these past few months. It's been incredible getting to know you all. I wish you happiness, health, peace and love in the new year!

GRIEVANCES

2011-12-30T09:13:00.013-05:00

Peter pan collar shirt- Vintage; Skirt- American Apparel; Hat- Vintage; Shoes- Decimal Shoes

Today is December 30th, which means that the year is almost over. I've loved seeing people's "year in review" posts! I thought about doing one, but I've only been blogging since July so it seems a bit redundant. No matter, I will talk about some of the things that happened this year. This year I turned nineteen and it felt like the beginning of my adult life, it was scary and full of new pressures, but also new and exciting. I've learned so much about my strengths, my weaknesses, where I need to improve, what I need to accept, who and what I need and don't need. I am closer to figuring out what I want to accomplish in this lifetime. I have begun to appreciate how living in the present is more fulfilling than living in the regrets of the past or the anxiety of the future. I have appreciated great solitude and the beauty of the nature, the magnificence of thoughts, ideas, and the human brain. I have been thankful for my health and my family. I am aware of those who do not have these things. I've been enraged by things that aren't fair. I've seen people's relationships crumble and fall apart, I've watched my own relationships with people crumble and fall apart. I have developed my style and my art. I have watched life-changing films and read great books. I've developed my knowledge of feminism and women's issues and have never felt more passionate about them.

I have seen new places. I have learned not to rely on my obsessions to keep me from chaos. To separate myself from some things, feelings, or thoughts and to explore other sensations further. I am learning not to be afraid of process. I've discovered new things and new people to love. I have rekindled old friendships. I have dealt with devastating personal and familial events and escaped (relatively!) unscathed. I created this blog in the summer, and I am so amazingly grateful for how it has been received and the girls I've met or managed to inspire because of it. Life keeps getting better and better in small ways. I am an entirely new person than I was last year.

Tomorrow I will talk about some of my resolutions and share a collection of holiday photos before the new year. Happy new years (eve) eve!

FAIRY DUST

2011-12-28T14:48:00.005-05:00

This little number is from my newest sponsor, Tell Her You Saw Me. I introduced them a little while back, if you do recall! I thought I would wear something airy and romantic to accompany the white fluffy snow currently covering the ground in one impenetrable layer. I went out this morning to a forest with all of these monstrous English tudor houses tucked away amongst the trees, it was quite a sight. I've been living in dresses this season (dresses are the most useful garment, in which you can perform all holiday duties: eating, napping on people's couches, mooning people accidentally an unacceptable amount of times because you've forsaken social etiquette via wine). Life feels simpler and more carefree in a dress with flowers in your hair. Unfortunately, however, partaking heavily in these shenanigans in standard velvet-dress-and-hat uniform makes for outfit posts much too simple. I promise I've got something wacky in store for the new year. Yes, indeed.

Hope your Christmas was grand!

MARILENA

2011-12-26T11:07:00.009-05:00

This is Marilena. We have been dear friends since the day I met her in sixth grade. We used to listen to angry music together in the school bathroom.

YULESVILLE

2011-12-24T11:08:00.007-05:00

Dress- ROMWE; Shoes- Decimal Shoes

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! May your day be full of family, friends, food and fun! I'm off to get ready for our annual Christmas gathering at my aunt's house. What are you guys doing tonight?

L'HIVER

2011-12-23T16:10:00.006-05:00

Some black and white photos. I had a lot more in the city but when I went to develop them today it turned out that I had accidentally brought the wrong roll. Despite my poor organizational skills, however, I did manage to develop the film from yesterday's photo shoot. It was a lot of fun, you know, minus the omnipresent, bitter rural cold and several unexpected crises (lots of mud and killer spiky weeds that took refuge all over my legs- glamorous). You'll get to see the results after Christmas! Speaking of Christmas, today we are baking and listening to carols in preparation for tomorrow's festivities. What are you guys up to?

SINCERELY

2011-12-21T12:29:00.012-05:00

Cutest dress ever- ROMWE; Platforms - Decimal Shoes

High five for obligatory nostalgic outfit photos because I was too lazy to take good ones? This adorable number is one of my new Romwe dresses. I also tried braiding my hair and wrapping it around my head, you can't see it very well here but it looked quite nice in real life!

Tomorrow is very special because I’ve got a photo shoot planned with a dear friend of mine, it will be oh so very nice to photograph someone else's face! And I've also got a few other personal photo sets coming up that I think you'll enjoy, PLUS those pictures around Toronto that I've been promising since the dawn of time. In other news, I'm going to be reopening my Etsy shop temporarily within the next few days to sell some of the vintage from my personal collection because I'm moderately broke and because these clothes need more loving. I'll let you guys know when it's up and running. Three more sleeps until Christmas!

I SAVE CIGARETTE BUTTS

2011-12-18T11:12:00.004-05:00

On this Sunday morning, a collection of photos.

MEDILLIA OF THE GRAY SKIES

2011-12-15T10:30:00.013-05:00

Black coat - Vintage; Striped dress - Vintage; Black platforms - Decimal Shoes; Boater hat - Vintage; Lace Detachable Collar - Romwe (you can't see it very well in these photos, but it's amazing! Click through to see it in all its china doll glory!) The rest of these photos were taken around Toronto/other cities in Ontario and Quebec.

When I was much younger, a mere child, I saw a photograph- or perhaps it was a painting- and I've never forgotten it. It's a simple picture. A woman standing on a beach. The sky and the water is greyish, uneasy. She's wearing a long dress and coat, her hair gathered behind her head, and a boater hat. She's got stockings, pointy boots and a parasol. The name of the image evades me, but even without a name I've often found her to be an inspiration for many of my outfits, even when I don't intend for her to be. She's always there, somehow. I could never quite capture her wistful glance into the distance or the solemn, refined melancholy of her sloped shoulders. But every day I try to create some version of her.

These days I am very interested in the idea of the "muse." Muses are portrayed very romantically in film and literature, but I think that the relationship between artist-muse is a very complex one, like any relationship. Lately I've been obsessed with reading about important authors' significant others! Having a library in walking distance makes it so easy to sustain monthly obsessions with different genres of books. Exhibit A: high school, fourth year, 12 books on surrealist art. February 2011- 6 books about Sylvia Plath including her monstrous diary collection and some mediocre Ted Hughes work, accompanied by one annoying phase of talking about her to all unsuspecting victims within a five mile radius. Anyway, I’ve been very fascinated with how girlfriends, best friends, wives (even mothers and sisters- Nietzsche anyone? Okay, bad example.) of writers influenced their work. How about Nora Joyce, James Joyce’s companion? Or the infamous Zelda Fitzgerald? They were artists with determination and independence that made an immeasurable, though oft forgotten, impact on literature. Even the ones who were so-called controlling and ambitious. Some of these women are the reasons that our most beloved novels exist!

Take, for example, Nabokov’s wife, Vera. I just finished reading a book about their life together (Vera by Stacy Schiff, in case you’d like to read it!) She was his editor, muse, typist and assistant, devoted to the greatness of his writing even when he was difficult to work with. In fact, she saved the spectacular Lolita from the ashes when he tossed it in a trashcan and set it on fire! That’s quite the picture, huh? Love stories like that are the only ones worth reading about, I think.

On to what I am currently reading: A couple of days ago I started Simone de Beauvoir’s memoirs, and I also picked up a book about her tumultuous relationship with Sartre, in what appears to be a self-sabotaging attempt to further enable my reclusiveness. What are you guys reading right now? Who is inspiring you artistically?

WINTERLONG

2011-12-13T10:49:00.010-05:00

Coat - Vintage

Hat - Vintage

Green crushed velvet dress - Vintage

Platforms - Decimal Shoes

Today I am channeling, as I said to my poor unsavvy father some time ago, "a lumberjack Russian." He looked at me incredulously and went about his business. I will spare you a long post today and leave you with this outfit until Thursday, when we shall discuss other vastly important matters of the universe.

TELL HER YOU SAW ME

2011-12-11T13:23:00.011-05:00

Introducing my latest sponsor, Tell Her You Saw Me! Man, was I ever thrilled when they contacted me after I saw their glorious collection of vintage-inspired dresses. They're a little indie boutique with cute accessories and clothing, I am so excited to be working with them. Dying for this one here, also pictured above. Perfect to wear on New Years Eve, oui?

Anyway, yesterday was a long night at a little get together, it was completely ridiculous and a lot of fun. I got up late today and had brunch, now it's time to relax a little before I delve into my work tomorrow. There's a beautiful display of lights in the city I thought I might check out tonight, I'd love to photograph it for you guys. Tuesday I will be posting a new outfit. Finally!

Oh yes, before I go, I should mention that my Vedette giveaway has closed. The lovely winners are: Lauren of Someone Like You, Veronica Diamonds and Kelsey. Congratulations, ladies! You all deserve it. I really enjoyed reading everyone's responses, winners and non-winners alike. Your bravery and strength is truly inspirational! Thank you to everyone who contributed. Ladies, I will be contacting you within the next two days or so about your prizes! Have an excellent week!

HOLIDAZE

2011-12-09T10:36:00.009-05:00

Peter pan collar dress- Romwe
Shoes- Decimal Shoes

I'm officially off for the rest of the month! It's holiday party time! This is my lovely new Romwe dress, which I will photograph in its entirety soon. I'm sorry for the huge lack of outfit posts lately, it's just getting so COLD outside and I'm totally dreading having to take photographs in the treacherous Canadian winter. I just wanna stay inside and read books and listen to Christmas music. I made you guys a Christmas mix so you can do the same! It's got French ye-ye, 60s garage, jazz, Japanese ukelele girls, bonhomme de neige, lots of twee, and a couple you've probably heard before. Enjoy!

Also, this is the very last day to enter my Vedette giveaway, so GO GO GO. And I should mention that I just recently became a Style Icon on Chictopia a couple of days ago. Thank you everyone for your constant support and kindness.

HOW-TO GUIDE: IS IT VINTAGE? (PART ONE: TAGS)

2011-12-07T19:45:00.006-05:00

Okay, so I thought I’d dive right into writing my next piece for this How-To series, since my last entry was so well-received. I’m so glad you guys found it informative! I’m in the midst of working on a three part series about how to identify whether or not something is vintage, and how to more accurately pinpoint which era a garment is from. This is the first part of that series. Today we will be discussing tags and labels, and how they can help us accomplish this GREAT QUEST FOR VINTAGE. When you're shopping the racks at a thrift store, or going to an estate sale, or walking around a flea market, you want to be armed with knowledge about what you're going about to spend your money on. With a little research and knowledge of the fashion industry, you'll be able to. One day you'll be reading tags and knowing what decades things are from like it's nobody's business. Practice makes perfect!

10 WAYS TO IDENTIFY IF IT'S VINTAGE BY THE TAGS

1. BRAND LABELS: There really is no better indicator of vintage than the brand name itself. This one might require a little research. There are some great resources online to help you better identify tags and brand names and one of my favourites is TESS, the Trademark Electronic Search System on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website, found here. If you search a company name recognized by the system, it will tell you when the trademark was filed (when the company began) and when it ceased to exist. Let’s give it a try: I’ve clicked Basic Word Mark Search (New User), then typed in “Bobbie Brooks,” the name on one of my dresses, in the search bar. I’ve left all the other information as is and submitted my query. It offers four different trademark options for Bobbie Brooks, but I choose the one with a picture of the Bobbie Brooks label identical to the one that appears on my dress! It is live and was filed in 1952 for ladies wear. So now I can assume that the dress was either made in the 50s or 60s because of the label, and also because of the style of the dress- a nipped waist, full skirt and metal zipper indicate a garment from that era. I now have an almost exact timeframe for the making of this dress just by searching it in the database. Of course, it doesn’t work for everything. For names that don’t come up, or clothing whose brands are not registered in the USA, TESS won’t be so useful. Another resource I’ve found is the Vintage Fashion Guild’s Label Resource, found here. This one is wonderful as well, it has hundreds of brands listed alphabetically with a brief history of each and photos of their label redesigns through the years. I click on “B” just to see if they’ve got Bobbie Brooks listed and voila! It’s there.

“Bobbie Brooks was founded in 1939 by Maurice Saltzman and Max Reiter in Cleveland, Ohio. Originally called Ritmore Sportswear, Inc., the company was bought by Saltzman in 1953 and became Bobbie Brooks, Inc. (Note: The name Bobbie Brooks was used even before the name of the company was changed, possibly as early as 1941.) In 1959, it became the first woman’s garment-making company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. During the 1960s, Bobbie Brooks was one of the five largest garment manufacturers in the US, with fifteen factories producing 18,000,000 garments a year.”

A history of Bobbie Brooks validates the TESS trademark information. I can conclude then that the dress was most likely made in the 60s because that’s when Bobbie Brooks was producing the most dresses. A quick look at the labels on this site would support this suggestion. From this site you can also see how labels have changed during a brand’s existence. Each redesign is indicative of a different era in the brands history and style, and you can use these differences to narrow down your time frame. I’ve used this guide to help me pinpoint when my several of my garments were made and it's been very helpful. Now, what if you can’t find the label name in either of these places? What if you want to figure out if something is vintage right in the store? You read right along, young grasshopper.

2. LABEL TYPOGRAPHY: This is VERY important. If you can learn to spot the different trends in label typography throughout the years, you will be better able to identify when the garment was made. STUDY, STUDY, STUDY the tags of different time periods. I’ve found tags in the 50s, for example, to be very elegant, swirling, almost handmade in appearance. It matches the style of dress of that time- flared skirts and feminine shapes. An 80s label on the other hand, will have certain typical “80s aesthetics.” The 80s were BIG, big style, big tags, big hair, and big bold labels. The 2000s were all about minimalist, clean labels. Labels of yesteryear seem more illustrative in appearance, and they often used flowers or symbols and garish type. A lot of them are sewn into the garment as opposed to printed on the front like today’s labels. Some examples, if you will:

_{Even if there wasn't a date on it (it's very unusual that it has one at all), this couldn't be a more accurate representation of the culture shift. The late 60s were all about free love, baby- at least in the realm of typography, which aimed to reflect a social movement that was quickly nearing its end. The later 60s and 70s were notorious for this type, you know the one, I'm sure you've seen it before on every single bad 60s mixtape and posters for boring costume parties.}

_{Even though there WAS a culture shift, the fact of the matter is that a lot of trends (in ideas, politics, design, fashion, whatever) of the 50s still carried into the 60s for a good long while. You can see that from this tag, the romantic sweep of the brand name, nothing like the boldness of the tag on the dress we just talked about. This kind of type was still the norm.}

3. COUNTRY OF ORGIN: This one takes a little bit of historical knowledge. If you’re living in the US and you find something that says “made in USA,” it’s probably vintage. Likewise, if you find things that are made in Canada, Europe, Australia or New Zealand, your best bet is that they are vintage as well. Why, you ask? Today, our clothing manufacturing sector has been outsourced almost completely. By the 1970s, companies started outsourcing labour to low wage countries like Bangladesh, China, India and Sri Lanka. The boom came in the 80s and has lasted until present. Go into your closet and pull out the first thing you see. Where is is made? Told you so! A philosophy of fast fashion and instant gratification that did not exist during the early to mid 20th century pervades the clothing industry today. So you can be sure, MOST of the time, when you’re picking up something that says “Made in USA,” you’re picking up an artifact of a different era, a time when manufacturing was localized. Still, it's also very possible to date a garment just based on WHERE overseas it was made. The chronological order for mass-produced items are: 1960′s- Japan; 1970′s- Korea and Taiwan; 1980′s- Taiwan, some China and Eastern Europe (like Yugoslavia back then); 1990′s- Sinagpore, Malaysia, China and Indonesia.

_{A 1960s fur hat that has a label with its brand city.}

4. LABELS WITH BRAND CITIES: It was often a privilege to get clothes from New York, San Francisco, Paris and London if you didn’t live in these places way back in the day. You wanted to show people that you had style, money and worldliness through your clothing. Labels with city names held a kind of prestige. Admit it, having a label that says “Made in Paris,” sounds way cool.

_{A terribly photographed union label on my 1960s bathing suit.}

5. UNION LABELS: A union label can tell us a lot about a garment. Union labels appear differently depending on the type of clothing and when it was made, but they’re usually a little circle on a square tag. They are about thumbprint size and can appear in red, white and blue with the name of the union inside. For example, the tag above has LGWU written in the inside of the circle, which is an abbreviation of “The Ladies Garment Workers Union.” In men’s suit coats, the "Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America" label can often be found. Variations of the label appeared stitched in garments from 1914 to 1976. The presence of a union label indicates that the piece was produced before the 1980s and before the rise of big time mass-production.

_{This vintage dress has clearly stamped lot and style numbers and was made in Canada.}

6. LOT/STYLE NUMBERS: If you’re looking at a tag and you see “lot” or “style” numbers, this is a good thing. Decades ago, factories didn’t have computers to organize clothing production, so a numerical value was added to their products to be distributed correctly. The style number refers to the style produced by a brand as a way to document the fashions it was creating (i.e a little velvet dress might have the style number 57487 on it as a collection of velvet dresses made in that style by that brand.) The lot number is the number given to a group of pieces produced for a particular store.

_{These Roberto Capucci shoes have a label embedded on the inside, plus the size of the shoe embossed on the bottom outside. I have a pair of Enzo Angolini loafers as well that have a label on the inside, a number on the bottom outside and also a little embossed stamp of authenticity that says, "vero cuoio," meaning "real leather" made in Italy.}

7. SHOES/HATS/EVERYTHING ELSE: This one isn't really a tip but I thought I should mention some of the labels that frequent vintage accessories as well. Let's start with shoes: A lot of my vintage shoes have stamp labels on the bottom outside (and inside as well) smack in the middle of the shoes. Some are embossed, some are done with ink and will contain a company label and a shoe size. In many of my vintage hats there are stamp labels with the company name, size and make. My fur hats have labels stitched onto the size. Same principles in this guide go for both of these items and more (bags, lingerie, swimwear, etc.).

8. SIZING: Modern day sizing is very different from yesteryear’s sizing. If your garment has a size on the tag and it seems unusual for the actual garment size as you hold it in your hands or try it on, you’re not going insane- I promise you. Vintage clothing was just cut smaller. There have been so many changes in standardized sizing over the years, there is no way to compare a size 6 now to a size 6 back in 1952. Generally speaking, vintage clothing runs 4-6 sizes smaller than clothing sizes today. For example, if you are a dress size 4/6 now, you might fit into a size 12 in a vintage dress. As well, proportions in dresses were more towards the extreme hourglass shape achieved with girdles and loads of body shaping. So if the sizing seems wack, it’s probably vintage.

8. DEAD STOCK: Ah, the unexpected goldmine of vintage. If you’re lucky enough to find something unworn with its original tags, you’re in luck. Identifying its age will be even easier. Does the tag have writing in ink on it? A price that looks like it’s been stamped on? A whole bunch of little tags all pinned together? It’s probably vintage. Is the price handwritten? It might have been sold in a boutique. What does the price tell you about it? If it seems really inexpensive, you know that a lot of time has passed and inflation has changed. Kind of like when you see old ads for refrigerators that cost $50. If you find a tag with little tiny holes in it, you’re in luck: the piece most likely predates the 80s. These holes were there to be read by a cash register type device during the 60s and 70s.

9. WASH AND CARE LABELS: Sewn-in labels that indicate the type of care needed for a garment were first required in the USA in 1972, when the FTC introduced the Care Labelling Rule. Similarly, care labels were introduced in the UK around 1975. Most items with these labels were made no earlier than the mid-1970s, and before that time some brands included a booklet with care instructions. Fabric content labels date to the USA Textile Products Identification Act of 1960.

And that's it, if you keep these things in mind next time you're shopping around for vintage, you'll know exactly what you're buying and from when. Most of this I've learned from the wonderful internet and my own experiences, so I hope this was helpful. I've only begun to scratch the surface, really! The next two parts of my series will discuss (a) style and fashion history and (b) make and materials. And eventually I'd like to write up a guide about caring for your vintage, as requested by some of the ladies in last posts comments. Geez, that's a lot of writing. Anyway, while I'm here I should urge you to enter my Vedette Shapewear giveaway before it closes on the 10th. That's all for now, folks!

_{*Super special thanks goes out to Sammy Davis Vintage, Eras of Elegance, and Vintage Fashion Guild because I stole lots of their facts and dates for this article. They're awesome and you should go check them out, woo!}

HOW-TO GUIDE: THRIFTING

2011-12-05T12:53:00.020-05:00

_{Part of my hat collection. I was able to purchase many of my hats for under $5 at local thrift stores.}

So lately I've been getting a lot of questions about where I get my clothes. I've also been getting a lot of "HOW DO YOU FIND SUCH GREAT THINGS AT THRIFT STORES ALL I CAN FIND IS GROSS 90S TRACKSUITS WHAT IS YOUR SECRET?" Have no fear, ladies and gentlemen, today I bring to you a guide co-authored by my sister/thrifting partner-in-crime, Alyssa, for your education. It is a collection of all our knowledge to date, our thrifting bible if you will. But first, a little intro to thrifting, lest you are not savvy to this lucrative albeit smelly business. Thrifting refers to the purchasing of secondhand, discounted goods donated by the public at a thrift store or charity shop. Most of the proceeds (the exact amount varying depending on the thrift store) are used in accordance with the organization's stated charitable purpose. A larger philosophy permeates the act of thrifting which celebrates the recycling of formerly-owned items and finding new uses and love for vintage goods. In other words, thrifting is AWESOME and you should do it if you aren't already. I've included a few photos of some of my thrift store finds here for you here, but I didn't want to give too much away because I'd like to do a What's in Your Closet/Tour kind of thing eventually. Alas, here it is:

21 TIPS FOR DOING SOME SERIOUS THRIFTING DAMAGE

_{Collection of thrifted, hand-me-down and bought vintage goodies.}

1. LOCATION: Our first and most important tip. Visit thrift stores in the suburbs or the countryside. That's where I've found majority of my vintage items. Thrifting is less trendy to the residents in these places so the selection is often less picked over compared to downtown locations. If you have to travel far, take a look here. Make a day of visiting several thrift stores in one area. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to slip in and out of and get going!

2. DEMOGRAPHICS: It's helpful to research demographics of the neighbourhood in which a thrift store is situated. Lots of old people? Lots of wealthy old people? Good! Okay, that sounds really bad, but it's true! We've found that, as a rule
(but there are certainly some exceptions!), the older the average population, the better. They are more likely to donate the items of their youth, the items that are now vintage.

3. TYPES OF THRIFT STORES: Goodwill, Salvation Army and Savers/Value Village are great. They are so vast and there is so much, I can almost guarantee you won’t leave empty handed. If variety is the name, these places are the game. But even better are small charity shops nestled away on dusty street corners. They don't overcharge like the secondhand giants of the industry, and your money is going directly to a cause. Some corporations have had their charitable status revoked for big time “administrative” fees and money left unaccounted for. One of my favourites is a shop that raises money for community programs and is run completely by volunteers. They don't charge tax and they have a $2 shoe rack and a $3 clothing rack, both divine. Another one of my favourites donates its proceeds to sick and elderly care. There is less selection here, but friendly staff, good deals and an actual conscience await you. Talk to the little old lady behind the counter, she's pretty cool!

4. DON’T BE OVERWHELMED: Do not be alarmed. As that particular thrift store smell hits your nose and you think, ahhh, home sweet home, don’t scramble to a clothing rack in the middle of the store. Pace yourself. Have a good couple of hours on your hands. Big thrift stores take credit but a lot of the little ones only take cash, so have some on you. Don’t fill a cart to insane heights like a crazy person. Don’t push people like a crazy person. When I say don’t be overwhelmed, I mean ask yourself, “what am I looking for?” In the winter time I’m always looking for coats, so that’s where I venture to first. My sister on the other hand loves shoes, so she’ll saunter on over to the accessories first. From there we’ll make our way to adjacent clothing racks until we've seen all or most of the store.

5. MORNING IS BETTER: There are new items on the racks, neatly stacked piles and less crowds. Nothing is worse than a thrift store filled with crying babies, kids running around and people cramming the aisles with carts packed full of stuff. That’s a standard Thursday evening, folks.

_{On the left, a vintage dress made of suede with tulle and lace I found in the little girls section of the thrift store. On the right, a sheer pink nightgown from the 60s.}

6. KIDDIES: If you’re small and short, ALWAYS check the kids section for clothes. I’ve found some of my best piece there. No kidding.

7. CHEAPER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER: Don’t buy a whole bunch of crap you don’t need just because it’s cheap. I’m SO guilty of this. The amount of shoes I have that are a size too small is RIDICULOUS but I couldn't bring myself to leave them. Guess what? They’re painful as all hell. Don’t buy them, because you can’t walk in them. Or you can but your friends will hate you because you’ll be limping and slow five minutes into any given outing.

8. BE PATIENT: You’re going to need to sift through a lot of 80s garbage and hideous things nobody wants to find something good. Don’t think I fall asleep on a pile of vintage gold every night, I have to get down and dirty to find things worth taking home, too! Go in with the attitude “if I find something, GREAT! If I don’t, oh well. Better luck next time.” It takes time to build a solid collection. Don’t be disappointed if you can’t find the 50s dress of your dreams. Have fun!

9. NOOKS AND CRANNIES: A lot of people hide their best finds around different areas of the thrift store to come back for them later. Where do they hide them? Check the furniture aisle if there is one- take a look inside drawers, storage containers and shelves.

10. DON'T SKIP THE FURNITURE SECTION. I get it, our mothers would cringe if they knew we were buying secondhand furniture. They would tell us all about bed bugs and diseases that don't actually exist because they want to convince us not to buy that ratty old coffee table with that weird stain. The thing is, a reputable establishment will usually make sure that nothing is really that vomit inducing. Beware of places that are too cluttered or ones that just give you the creeps. I urge you again to REFER TO RULE NUMBER ONE. I’ve found thrift stores in the suburbs to be cleaner and more hygienic then their inner city counterparts. Don't pass up the chance, thrift stores sell decent furniture CHEAP if you’re looking to furnish your apartment on a budget and that 70s couch with floral print is calling my name. Check out the nicknacks for eclectic decor such as: kitschy dog paintings, pseudo aboriginal mini totem polls, wooden jewelry boxes with velvet interiors, irrelevant posters of late 90s heartthrobs.

11. TECHNOLOGY IS GOOD TOO: I’ve found lots of awesome cameras from thrift stores for mere dollars. Looking for a polaroid camera? An old casette or record player? Anything completely obsolete and kind of pretentious? Look no further then your neighbourhood thrift store. Test things out if you can, otherwise don’t invest in items that are too expensive.

12. UNMENTIONABLES: We should discuss underpants. They're not usually gross, but they're not everyone’s cup of tea, either. Understandable. Alyssa is definitely not into it. I like to keep on the lookout for vintage girdles (excellent for filling out those vintage dresses) and pretty, ethereal nightgowns and slips. I've also found plenty of tights and thigh high stockings in their original packaging. Accept that some things are better new, but don’t write everything off or you’ll be doing yourself a huge injustice. I've found some incredible vintage lingerie stashed away in these places.

_{The Canadian Home Astrologer, a vintage astrology guide I bought for my sister.}

13. EDUCATE YOURSELF: Head on over to the books and movies section. Thrift stores have books and movies in droves and they’re very inexpensive. I'm talking four-for-a-dollar book deals. Build your personal library and discover a new genre of film by stocking up on each.

14. SHHH! :Check the ends of racks, that’s where people tend to set down the things they’ve decided not to buy in a hurry. Similarly, cool things can sometimes be found by the change room if there is one. Someone tried it on for a reason! I've found a cool faux fur coat this way that I still regret not buying.

15. GO ALONE OR GO WITH A FRIEND: But if you’re going to go with a friend, make sure you haven't got the same style. No need to destroy a relationship with a serious fight about who those leather oxfords rightfully belong to. Cover more ground and split up, it’s easier to thrift without someone watching over your shoulder. Reconvene when it’s time to try stuff on and get a second opinion. You think those shoulder pads are channeling late 80s Italian Vogue, your friend thinks you look like Cyndi Lauper in drag.

16. HANDY MANNY: Are you handy with a needle and thread? Then pretty much everything around you is a project waiting to happen. Long dresses can be cut into mini dresses, sleeves can be torn off arms, legs can be torn off pants for the perfect high waist shorts, whole clothes can be remixed into something new. If there’s a hole, maybe you can fix it. A rip in that cool bohemian 70s maxi? Put your sewing skills to the test.

17. MAKE FRIENDS: Be nice to the thrift store employees, if you’re nice they might let you in on their secrets. When are their restocking periods? Hmm, this coat has a rip in it, can I get a discount? Ask them about special promotions, too. One of my favourite shops always has a different sale on Sundays. Like filling a bag for $5 or %50 off sales. Keep an eye out for big sales like this at larger stores, they’ll be promoted weeks in advance so GO EARLY and beat the crowd.

18. INSPECTOR GADGET: Inspect all garments for holes, unappetizing smells, stains and rot. Check for discoloration under the armpits, pilling in the crotch, broken or nonexistent zippers and pulls. Caring for your clothes is a whole other post all together, but it’s better to start with purchasing items that are in good condition. Check the insides of shoes before slipping them on and wear socks if you can- walk around in them to make sure they aren’t warped from the previous owner’s stride. Check furs for creepy crawlies and give everything a good whiff. I’ve come home only to find that my best purchase of the afternoon, a blouse with a sailor collar, was ripe with the scent of mothballs. If you're in a position to haggle for something that’s damaged, do it. Otherwise, put it down and step away. Just the other day I was going to buy this amazing long brown coat, that is, until my sister saw a giant unsightly red discoloration on the derriere. No amount of pleading on my part could convince her that my bum did not look hilarious.

_{The label from a vintage dress I bought last spring from an out of town thrift store.}

19. CHECK THE TAGS: This is the best way to find out it something is vintage or contemporary. Of course, it certainly is not the only indicator, but you can learn a lot about the history and quality of a garment just by glancing at the label if it has one. This is a skill I've honed over the years so that I can pretty accurately tell when something was made. You can learn just as much by researching fashion history, learning which styles and materials were popular during each era to tell if it’s the real deal. I’ll be dedicating a whole post to figuring out whether or not something is vintage in the near future.

***UPDATE: HEY GUYZ, I'm keeping my promises! I wrote a guide about how to tell if something is vintage based on the tags, go check it out!

20. EXPERIMENT: Thrift stores are great places to experiment with your style for very little money. Take home something you never would have bought at a regular store. Look around like a buyer: What is rare? What is desirable vintage? What is unique? What is a collectible or an antique? What has big style potential? Be a visionary.

21. THRIFT OFTEN: I try to thrift once a week. Some people swear by going in the middle of the week because that's when a lot of stores restock, but I've found this advice to be hit-and-miss. The thrift stores I go to are constantly replenishing their stock, hour on the hour. There is no discernible weekly pattern. But I do believe it is still better to go during the week because on weekends things tend to get picked through. A consistent schedule is always helpful to finding great treasures.

Ta-da! Our thrifting bible! Do you guys have any thrifting tips you'd like to add to this list? Any other guides or tutorials you'd be interested in me making? Let me know! Can't wait to get back into the swing of blogging again this month.

FRAGILE

2011-12-03T10:00:00.005-05:00

A brief interlude featuring some photos from November. They were taken while exploring an abandoned lot up north. What's everyone up to this weekend?

WINTER RUNWAY INSPIRATION

2011-11-30T11:30:00.009-05:00

_{Dior S/S 2011}

HEY GUYS! It's snowing! A lot! For the first time this year! We've had some unusually mild weather here, which I am normally okay with, but I do love winter clothing so I'm excited to bring out the fuzzy coats and hats. Since December begins tomorrow I thought I'd share some runway style inspiration. I don't usually follow runway, but I do occasionally stumble across collections that I love and haphazardly save into the black abyss of my my hard drive. Today I've unearthed three of my favourite collections from this past year (you'll probably be able to tell why. I'm so predictable). Two are from designers you know and the last is an indie designer from Canada whose collection was shown at FAT Alternative Fashion Week in Toronto. I love finding local designers who are seriously bringing the talent- now if only I could get my hands on their clothes. Without further ado, here is my list:

JOHN GALLIANO F/W 2011

DIOR S/S 2011

CATHERINE CICHY F/W 2011

This gold number is the most perfect coat ever. Ever.

Do you guys keep up with designer collections? If so, do you have any favourites from the year? Happy Wednesday!

RAVEN

2011-11-29T12:24:00.005-05:00

Feather hat - Vintage
Sheer lace shirt - Secondhand
Fur cape - Vintage
Brown belt - Vintage
Long chiffon skirt - Vintage
Black platforms - Decimal Shoes

In the past week I have acquired three new hats, one in leopard print fur, the other a cream wool number with a bow on the brim, and the last, this feathered beauty. Vintage hats are my secret indulgence. I'm sort of running out of room for them now. For this outfit, I've been keeping with my current exploration of 40s and 50s silhouettes, as well as experimenting with the combination of different textures and patterns- in this case, lace, fur and feathers. Overkill? PSHH. NONSENSE. Anyway, thank you to all the girls who have entered my giveaway thus far, your stories are so inspiring. You are incredible.

VEDETTE GIVEAWAY

2011-11-27T18:05:00.010-05:00

_{Caterina shapewear courtesy of Vedette and brown skirt courtesy of Romwe. Black mini skirt from American Apparel. Everything else is vintage or secondhand. The camera is an old Kodak Brownie.}

Finally, the day has come! My giveaway, sponsored by Vedette Shapewear. I spoke to you a little about Vedette here. When they first contacted me back in October, I jumped at the chance to work with them for one reason in particular: their campaign for female empowerment and confidence. I think a lot of people are afraid to talk about slippery-slope things like lingerie or shapewear within the context of empowerment. What is so empowering about something made by men for women, to impress other men? About claiming there is only one perfect female that you must strive to become, that exists within the constraints of a tiny little body shaper? Nothing. But I think that's the wrong conversation to have about it. Yes, there is shady history behind the business of ladies underpants. The way it's marketed to us is STILL, after all this time, less than ideal. But lingerie and shapewear is out there and it can even be fun! GASP. Yes, something this horrible and patriarchal can be mega exciting, I know, shocker. I think I could talk forever about how the industry sucks, but that won't solve anything. Let's, instead of fighting about theories and ideas and semantics, RECLAIM lingerie and shapewear. Let's ask ourselves, how can we use our clothing to take a stand against traditional ideas about what is sexy or desirable? I say, wear whatever the hell you want FOR YOU. It's not about impressing anyone, it's about how you feel in what you wear. Right? Wear what makes you feel GOOD! Wear it however you want with whatever you want, whenever you want. When you wear something for yourself, and not for someone else, you are powerful. You are powerful as a woman, as a person in this society and as a consumer.

I realized when I first created this blog that I might someday get the chance to work with brands- brands part of the larger fashion industry that can be petty and cruel to women. It is an industry that at once lifts us up to soaring heights and then tears us down. I am constantly thinking, do I want to support an industry obsessed with perfection and an unattainable beauty standard? No, of course not. However, by enjoying clothing, by being a blogger who does work with companies at times (sometimes with individual practices I don’t always fully agree with), how can I not claim to be part of its larger system? Am I not an aggregator of trends, clothing- a lifestyle, even? It would be false to deny my influence as part of the larger whole. All I can do while I am in this position, I think, is define my goals here. It is what we can accomplish from the inside that changes things. It is my stay, and your stay, in this strange world of blogging that affords us new and sometimes scary opportunities, that leaves a lasting impression on the rapidly developing world of fashion. Since I am part of it, I want to make the best of it and encourage you to do the same. Brands need to know that the readers of these blogs aren’t stupid, frivolous, mindless people who can be sold just anything you throw at them. They need to see that insulting your intelligence is the worst thing they can do. I feel like I know the girls who read my blog because I am one of them. We're smart and critical. But everywhere we turn we are bombarded with ruthless body shaming and YOU'RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH. You are good enough! The reason why I chose to work with Vedette is because I thought I could reclaim an unlikely piece of clothing and perhaps inspire you to do the same! The message of their campaign is something I can stand behind wholeheartedly: confidence is sexy. It’s not about shapewear, it’s about how you wear it. It's choosing to wear what you want because you like it or because it makes you feel good. It’s not about pleasing boys (though there certainly isn’t anything shameful about this either, but that’s not the only thing that matters), it’s about you.

With that said, for my dear readers I present my second giveaway, one piece of shapewear each for three lovely girls. But, aha! I will not be choosing the winners randomly this time! I want you girls to tell me: what or who empowers you? Since many of you are also bloggers, how do you deal with the pressures of society and the fashion industry? Besides that, all you have to do is be following me on Google Reader and/or Bloglovin’, and also be liking Vedette Shapewear on Facebook here. Oh, and don't forget to leave me your email address so I can contact you if you win. I am very excited to hear what you ladies have to say about these issues, I know you girls will impress me with your ruthless candor and intelligence! The giveaway is open to international readers excluding those from the Philippines, unfortunately (my most heartfelt apologies to my girls from the Philippines if you're out there. I'd still love to read your responses!) The winners will receive any piece of their choice from Vedette's basic line, of which I will be providing more information if you are chosen. The giveaway will end on December 10th so get your entries in soon!

THINK PINK

2011-11-25T19:08:00.009-05:00

Pink coat - Vintage
Peach dress - Vintage
Shoes - Secondhand
Flower hair accessory - a little craftiness never hurt
Bag - Vintage

Pink, pink, pink. I never realized it, but I own SO MUCH PINK. My former teenaged angst-ridden self would have turned away in disgust. Fun fact: I had a short term phase that involved wearing tons of weird black jewellery with spikes in during high school to scare off a boy who had a crush on me. Not only am I a crap person, but apparently I have no real concept of edginess. The holiday season is upon us at last and I will have a month off to indulge more fully in all of my projects! Any plans for the holidays? Tomorrow or Sunday I will finally be posting my Vedette video with a very special something for the lot of you. I'm keeping it short and sweet today, but before I go I must quickly address something. Quite a few people whose names I don't recognize have been adding me on Facebook from different parts of the world (I'm assuming they are readers and it will be very embarrassing if they are not and I'm just being annoying and self-important) but I have not accepted any of the requests. It's not because I don't like you, I promise! But that is my personal Facebook and I only add close friends and family. Perhaps I should make a fan page (that sounds mega pretentious) for this blog, in case any of you would like to communicate with me there as well? Do any of you ladies have Facebook pages for your blogs? Am I overestimating your love for me? What should I eat for breakfast tomorrow morning? What is the meaning of life?

RED & BLUE

2011-11-22T10:41:00.006-05:00

ROMWE NAVY BLUE CAPE, $59.99
ROMWE RED TIGHTS, $8.91
CALIFORNIA SELECT SHEER VINTAGE SCARF, $22.00
ROMWE BROWN BAG, $60.99
TOPSHOP RETRO LILAC SUNGLASSES, $45.00
GUESS PLATFORM PUMPS, $94.99

I wore this outfit a last week while doing some thrifting around the city. I don't usually wear solid primary colours but I thought I'd finally give the colour blocking thing a try! It's such a fun look to wear that I thought I'd try picking out similar pieces online to share, lest you ladies too would like to channel Wonder Woman in your daily life. Woo hoo!

DIETRICH

2011-11-19T13:03:00.005-05:00

Coat - Vintage, my mom's (with super small waist, bending is not an option.)
Skirt - Vintage
Bag - Secondhand
Beret - Ardene
Gloves - Ardene
Platforms - Decimal Shoes

Thank you all for your lovely responses on my last post! I feel so strongly about the goals of the charity so you can imagine how thrilled I was to read your supportive messages. I hope some of you have entered the contest! If you have, leave me the link in a comment so I can help you out and learn more about your chosen charity. Anyway, it's all about girl love over here this week so I want to talk about some of my style inspirations at the moment.

_{Scene from Luchino Visconti's Senso (1954)}

Right now I am loving 40s and 50s silhouettes with soft curls and rouge, great coats, faux-fur and little handbags. I love midcentury heroines in books and films, the starlets of film noir and Visconti films, and the princesses of dreamy folklore tales who roam forests in flowing dresses and capes. I love mystery dramas and femme fatales, women with big, long skirts in sultry, luxurious fabrics, floor grazing gowns, and crazy, unexpected hats. And of course, I love the girls who read my blog and the girls on Lookbook and Chictopia who are are creating spectacular looks, all artists and poets in their own right. Who are your favourite stylish ladies?

Also in the spirit of girl love, I thought I'd share with you some illustrations of yours truly by a reader- the lovely, talented Laura Mossop. She sent them to me yesterday along with a small feature on her blog, inspired by my last post. If you haven't checked out my Week of Giving entry yet, click here. If you like it, favourite away! My charity and I can use all the help we can get!

BECAUSE I AM A GIRL

2011-11-17T08:09:00.009-05:00

Pink skirt - Vintage
Pink scarf - Secondhand
Creme sweater - Vintage
Belt - Vintage
Platform heels - Secondhand

This week is Chictopia's first ever Week of Giving. For the next six days, Chictopians are encouraged to post looks inspired by their favourite charity, and the winner's charity (determined by the photo most favourited) will receive a donation equivalent to the total amount of qualifying entries - in other words, just by entering, you're adding $1 to the total! So if there are 1000 entries, $1000 will go to the winning charity. Isn't this incredible? When I first read about this yesterday I was so excited to enter. I love the idea of holding a contest that, instead of providing us with prizes, raises money for a cause. I have chosen to build my outfit in support of the Because I Am a Girl project by Plan International. I first heard of this campaign last year. I remember sitting in a bus shelter in the dead of winter and seeing this bright pink poster. I was completely inspired by the message scrawled across the board calling women to action. When I got home I immediately looked it up. Plan International’s Because I Am a Girl initiative is a social movement to unleash the power of girls and women to claim a brighter future for girls in the developing world. When a girl is educated, nourished and protected, she shares her knowledge and skills with her family and community, and can forever change the future of a nation. It’s that powerful. Because I am a Girl is Plan's campaign to fight gender inequality, promote girls' rights and lift millions of girls out of poverty.

Here are the statistics: 70% of the one billion people living in extreme poverty are women and girls. Girls are three times more likely to be malnourished than boys. In the poorest countries of the world, 50% of girls do not attend secondary school. Girls and women in the world's poorest countries are the most vulnerable members of society, denied the same rights and opportunities as their brothers. And yet, "research is also clear that when girls reach their full potential, through improved status, better health care, and education, it is the most effective development tool for society as a whole. As a country's primary enrolment rate for girls increases, so too does its gross domestic product per capita," says Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General. So why are these places not doing more to help their women? A long tradition of oppression and discrimination has kept them from reaching their potential. Across the world, girls face heinous discrimination due to their gender and age, leaving them to scrimp and starve at the bottom of the social ladder. Research has shown that girls are more likely to suffer from malnutrition; be forced into an early marriage; be subject to violence or intimidation; be trafficked, sold or coerced into the sex trade; or become infected with HIV. Here's a couple more stats: Just one extra year of school for girls increases their lifetime income by 15%. Children of women who have completed primary school are less likely to die before age 5 than children of mothers with no schooling. Women invest more of their income in their families than men do. It is clear that the most vulnerable are potentially the most powerful. Because I Am a Girl believes that investing in women is key to eliminating poverty and creating a brighter, safer future for the women themselves and their communities. When girls are educated, healthy and informed, they pull themselves, their children and their communities out of poverty. Empower a girl and she'll change the world for everyone around her.

The basic manifesto of the Because I Am a Girl campaign is this:
1. Girls have the right to be educated.
2. Girls have the right to eat.
3. Girls have the right to healthcare.
4. Girls have the right to be safe.
5. Girls' rights are human rights.

Because I am a Girl raises money for projects that create a better life for girls, women and their communities in the developing world. These projects help provide clean water, food security, health care and education and access to microfinance training and assistance. Plan International, the charity behind the campaign has programs in more than 50 developing countries to give children, families and communities the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty. Plan works with all members of a community to create and implement a long-term plan for improving living conditions. Because I Am a Girl has "Girl Projects" dedicated to the betterment of women by doing this same thing- investing in girls to empower them and eliminate poverty. Some of their projects have included: Girl scholarships, school construction, providing children nutritious meals and take-home rations, training opportunities and creating job prospects, constructing health centres, providing better access to pre and postnatal care for women by constructing health centres, business skills education and birth certificate registration so that girls are better protected against child trafficking, exploitation and abuse while also ensuring social, educational, and political rights.

Now let's take a look at some of these plans put into action! Liberia, a country in West Africa, has very high maternal and infant mortality rates. But community members there, together with Plan, identified safe birth delivery and water and sanitation facilities as priority needs. Their work there included building four equipped maternity centres, supplied to provide safe child delivery points for women. A referral system was established at the community level with primary health care centres and 15 professional nurses have been trained on the referral system to better identify and properly treat women with complications from pregnancy and/or childbirth. 2,800 mothers and caregivers were educated by Community Health Volunteers and 28 water wells have been dug and fitted with hand pumps to provide clean, fresh water to children, their families, and communities. In Sudan, they improved living conditions and nutrition for children by allowing them access to basic healthcare, safe water and sanitation, shelter, and education. Children in this region usually spend their days looking for food or doing piecework to earn money to buy food. No surprise, this generally means poor school performance and failing grades. To encourage school attendance in primary school (grades 3 – 8), girls were given cereal and cooking oil as a take-home ration if they came to school regularly. Each girl who attended classes regularly for a minimum of 18 days per month (unless there was a clear reason for absenteeism, like illness) received a take-home ration of 12.5 kilograms of cereal and 3.67 kilograms of cooking oil. This program benefited more than 11,000 school children at 14 schools. And it doesn't stop there! Take a closer look at what Plan is doing overseas for this campaign here.

So what is Because I Am a Girl all about? It's about harnessing the incredible power that girls and women have here at home and in the developing world to change the future. Imagine a world just a little step closer to equality. I love their message and their call to rally for the rights of our sisters and conversely, all the different ways that the average person can support the campaign from home. The site is packed full of ideas, from fundraising in your community to ways you can donate directly to the cause. For example, you can sponsor a girl for $37 a month. You can donate to the Because I Am a Girl fund, the money which goes to giving girls and their families and communities a better, brighter future. You can give a "Gift of Hope," where your money goes to purchasing any items from a catalogue to benefit girls in need. For example, for $15 you can give the gift of three tiny chicks, who grow into a source of income for women, who sell eggs, breed the chickens and help provide for their families. For $60 you can provide a fuel-efficient stove, for $120 two women can be educated to read and do math! I love their focus on building up women so that an entire community will flourish, by giving them skills, teaching them and giving gifts that bear real results, rather then one time donations that are used up quickly. Calls to mind the saying, "feed a (wo)man a fish, (s)he'll eat for a day. Teach a (wo)man to fish, (s)he'll eat for a lifetime. Their emphasis on future-oriented solutions, sustainability and community allows an entire group of people to rise from oppression and poverty by giving them what they need to make a living and to be safe. See more ways that you can donate here!

I chose the Because I Am a Girl project to donate to because women's rights are so close to my heart. As a teenager I was enraged by the injustices against us, in our own society and in other countries. Subtle and severe. The massive inequality that pervades our world after all this time. I think of the beautiful, strong women out there who are raped, denied access to education, food and clean water, who are trafficked and taken for granted every single day. They hold up a community but nothing is done to help them, and I think of how lucky we are here. We have the option and means to look at our neighbours and lady-pals suffering, and we can reach out to them. Girls rights are human rights.

So guys, if you are as passionate about this as I am, favourite my photo on Chictopia! Or not, what I really want to do here is encourage and inspire you to get involved! Find a charity you love and see what you can do to help. Log into Chictopia, find a person who is supporting your favourite charity and favourite, favourite, favourite! Or create your own entry to donate and inspire other girls to do the same. Do whatever you can to help! We have the power to change the world.

SUNDAY MORNING

2011-11-13T11:02:00.005-05:00

Sundays are lazy days. Even though I have a ridiculous amount of work to do I can't push myself to do anything except eat leftover Halloween chocolate and shop online, apparently. So I thought I would recruit your help and expertise. I'm looking for some new, festive clothes for the lovely month of December. I've scoured Romwe and found two things that I think are perfect, but I can't decide between them. What should I get: this skirt or this dress? Decisions, decisions! Hope everyone's had a good weekend. Normal posting will resume this Tuesday!

REMEMBER

2011-11-11T10:57:00.004-05:00

Red scarf - Vintage
Black swing coat - Vintage
Bag - Romwe
Platforms - Decimal Shoes

My apologies! I broke my blog-every-day-in-November-streak! I debated late last night whether or not to put something up, but I didn't want it to be lousy and half-assed so I didn't post all all. As you know, recent events have left things a little crazy around here so I'm behind in my school work and other projects. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted! And not to worry, I still intend to keep posting very frequently even though I've broken the record. But enough shop talk, because today is Remembrance Day! My outfit is a hommage to this historical day, reminiscent of the red petals of a poppy against a dark sweater. I'm wearing a vintage, 60s style coat and big bouffant hair to match, plus my poppy-red headscarf and poppy-red lips. May we honour and celebrate those who have fought not only in wars, but for our rights and the world we live in today. Let us remember the courageousness of all those involved, of the men and women throughout history who have served their countries in times of war and peace, who lost their lives or were injured, the families and civilians who suffered, and anyone who has made a sacrifice in time of conflict.

Also, I have two special photos to share! On the left is my mom's father, my grandfather, in his military uniform during the 50s (what a handsome lad, no?) and on the right, my grandfather on my dad's side (pictured to the far right with his comrades) during WWII. Immortalized here on my itty bitty blog. Have a wonderful Friday, you guys!

WEDNESDAYS

2011-11-09T08:48:00.006-05:00

Black lace skirt - Vintage
Black lace top - CNE
Lace gloves - Party store
Bow purse - Vintage
White peter pan collar blouse - Vintage
Platforms - Decimal Shoes

My adoration of Peter Pan collars in unconquerable, as is my penchant for dressing up in clothes I find from the little girls section of the thrift store. Hmm. Today I am off to school and then that is exactly what I'm doing, hunting for vintage! It's been a while since I've had time so I'm quite excited.

So today things are gonna get a little serious. I promised some heartfelt story time and this stuff is definitely on my mind. So let us begin. Today I really wanted to discuss something, that is, the nature of blogging and life in general. I've gotten emails and comments about how my life always looks so perfect and beautiful. Allow me to share a personal story with you. As I walked through the forest some time ago, I reached a precipice and stood there in silence. Everything was yellow and orange and brown and the leaves fell from trees slowly like snow. I thought, this is perfect. Earth, the serendipitous act of formation, everything is aligned perfectly as I stand here at this very moment in time. We are all part of its system. We inhale and exhale and we become the trees, we consume their beauty, our hearts beat like drums, in unison we look towards the sky. We live and then we die. Death is natural, sadness is a part of the human condition, but these feelings make us more appreciative of the good things, the amazing things, the grand things and the little things. Our time on this planet is what we make of it. We must enjoy every second and fill ourselves up with love. Bad things happen, but you are still here, alive, blood rushing with the emotions of poets, brains pulsating with the vigor of scientists, lungs heaving as you emerge clean and pure from the oceans of time, heart bursting with the touch of a loved one. I could stand in that forest moved to tears for how much I felt in love with life.

I made this blog to hopefully inspire you, to learn from you and to grow. I am just like you, I feel overwhelmed and in love with vastness and infinity, I am terrified of the things that bring chaos, disorder and pain, and I am not immune to those feelings either. Life can be cruel but it is what we choose to do with it, our choice to push on, that is noble and good. This blog is a facet of my life, as are the events and ephemeral moments captured on camera. But tragedy and deep feeling, the things we have that make us so uniquely human, are as real in my life as they are in anybody else's. No one is perfect, but we all try to make the best of what we have, to feel grateful for the lives we've led and the second chances we've been given. I feel so strongly for those who don't see light anymore, who don't see a point in any of this. I want to show them the trees and help them understand that what feels bad soon shall pass. What feels terrible is no match for the things you see right here, this incredible fortune of living. Right now my family is going through a very difficult ordeal, I hope you guys will keep us in your thoughts. I love them so much and I hope everything falls into place soon. If any of you ever feel depressed, lonely or worried please know that you are not alone. Know that life, though it is sometimes sad, is always beautiful.

ROMWE GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

2011-11-08T18:25:00.005-05:00

_{My Romwe skirt in action!}

Hey guys! Finally, the moment you've all been waiting for! Today I announce the two winners of my Romwe giveaway. First off, I'd like to thank you all for your submissions. I wish there was a way to give you all free stuff for always being so supportive and lovely (indeed, I am going to try!). It really breaks my heart to have to choose only two, randomly no less, but I love you all and am happy I have been given the chance to hold this giveaway at all. Now, without further ado, I present the two winners of my Romwe giveaway (drumroll please!):

Nesha Woolery of Flower Child Vintage and Roos of I Left my Heart in London! Two gorgeous ladies for two gorgeous prizes! I will be in contact with the two of you shortly with more details. YAY! Now, as for the rest of you lovely people, I have another giveaway coming soon. And don't think I've forgotten about you girls who comment every single day. I've got something special planned for the lot of you! Keep your eye out for a very special giveaway this December involving vintage items from my very own collection, PLUS a whole bunch of little things I think you guys will love just in time for the Christmas season. I'd love to have more of you winning things around here, party time blog forever!

AUTUMN IN VOGUE

2011-11-07T17:01:00.007-05:00

Red hat - Vintage
Black Blazer - Secondhand
Sweater - Vintage
Tan gloves - Ardene
Belt - Vintage
Skirt - Vintage
Bag - Romwe
Shoes - Decimal Shoes

Have you noticed that I name all of my outfits something ridiculous? I call this one Russian-40s-ice-queen-straight-out-of-Vogue-travelling-in-New-York-in-autumn. You like? I am loving big skirts right now and elaborate ensembles inspired by period pieces. I think I already mentioned my obsession with 40s/50s style for fall. So good.

So, today is THE VERY LAST DAY TO ENTER MY ROMWE GIVEAWAY! I'll be announcing the winners tomorrow. Do it if you haven't already, geez!

RACY LACY

2011-11-06T15:09:00.005-05:00

Here are some snaps from my shoot yesterday. I might as well tell you now that I am officially collaborating with Vedette Shapewear. Anybody who knows me knows that I love incorporating lingerie into my ensembles as outerwear, especially when the designs are intricate and visually pleasing (think satiny robes and lace). With the right kind of styling, I find that a lot of the things you wouldn't expect to be featured prominently in any outfit, or the things you write off as being too weird or too risque, to be the things that make an outfit memorable and worth wearing. Underwear as outerwear is one of those concepts I love, so I was mega excited when Vedette contacted me. I've never actually owned non-vintage lingerie until they sent me a wonderful, 50s-esque bombshell one piece, which I am wearing in these photos but will reveal in its full glory quite soon. Anyway, just wanted to stop by to share the news. Hope everyone's weekend was fun!

XOXO

2011-11-04T18:23:00.004-04:00

Grey wool blazer with lace and pearl buttons - Vintage
White blouse - Secondhand
Little tie - My brother's closet
Skirt - American Apparel
Bag - Secondhand
Loafers - Vintage

A little school girl style for fall, that's not cliched! Whatever, cliches are cliches for a reason, right? I was originally going to dress like an old-timey-boy-who-rides-horses-and-says-ma'am but then I realized that my head looks small in fedoras and my hair is so big it swallows up all that is good and holy. Needless to say I hated all the photos. So I had to take off all my dude gear and salvage the outfit by trying to be a gossip girl (now that I look at these pictures I kind of like how it turned out, although I think I need to cut my bangs again. I miss my eyebrows.) Anyway, I just finished shooting for the video I told you about yesterday, it involves me being scantily clad/making ridiculous faces/conversing enthusiastically with a stuffed bear. I live a glamorous life.

AN APPLE A DAY

2011-11-04T14:43:00.008-04:00

A little preview of tomorrow's outfit, plus APPLES. We haven't yet made our caramel apples this year but I plan on doing it this weekend- what is fall without caramel apples, right? Tomorrow I am shooting for a very special promo video (coming soon!) for a company I'm collaborating with. I will show you some of the outtakes on Sunday before it is released. Also, this weekend I'm taking my Minolta into the city with me, FINALLY, so I can show you the real excitement and bustle of Toronto.

HOLLYWEIRD

2011-11-03T14:31:00.003-04:00

Headscarf - My sister
Sunglasses - H&M
Sheer Jacket - Vintage
Bra - Vintage
Skirt - Vintage
Bag - Romwe
Shoes - Decimal Shoes

This is just a tad too scandalous for everyday, probably. But I wanted to try something new and sort of ridiculous! I've been looking to the ladies of the 50s for some style inspiration lately and incorporating some of those elements into my style- I love the juxtaposition of modest and cheeky! I tried to balance something glamorous and crazy with a grandma scarf, red lips and retro shades. This was actually really fun to wear even though it's not seasonably appropriate, I must say!

FOREST FAIRY

2011-11-02T12:42:00.005-04:00

On Sunday my sister and I went for an adventure in the nearby forest. We climbed down a hill and made our way to a precipice to enjoy the staggering view, the tall trees and the last of their leaves falling to the ground slowly like fluffy flakes of snow. There were so many brightly coloured leaves underneath our feet, you couldn't even see the ground. It was so dreamy. I think I want to live in the woods one day. Hmm, I guess I should probably get over my fear of bugs first. God you guys, I never want fall to end, it's my favourite season.

Anyway, I'm wearing my gorgeous navy cape from Romwe again and a flower headpiece I made myself. Before I go, I'd like to remind you guys to enter my giveaway if you haven't already, perhaps you may win and then you can pick any beautiful fall clothes of your choosing to roam the woods in!

SUSPENDED

2011-11-01T16:40:00.003-04:00

Pants - Vintage
Peter pan collar shirt - Romwe
Suspenders - Me getting creative with belts because I don't actually own suspenders
Hat - Vintage
Purse - Secondhand
Shoes - Decimal

Here's something vintage menswear inspired to start a new month of posting! Oh November. Is it weird that I'm listening to Christmas music already?

LITTLE RED

2011-10-31T13:01:00.004-04:00

Red cape - Handmade by my sis
Dress - Vintage
Shoes - Decimal
Basket - Lurking around

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY! For your viewing pleasure, my Halloween costume! Little red riding hood! Only with sexier shoes. Actually, I have to be honest here. This is really my sister's costume but I kind of stole it. It's just that she made this incredible cape and knew I had to wear it for my blog. I didn't want to be my boring Halloween self, which is me scarfing down Reese Cups, sitting on the floor with flowers in my hair, occasionally rising from the deepest pits of gluttony to hand out candies to the little ones. Anyway, SORRY ALYSSA. I LOVE YOU. YOU ARE A TOTAL BABE AND I AM NOT - grovels-.

So, in celebration of this glorious holiday, tomorrow is the start of Jessica-blogs-every-day-in-November! That's right folks, I will be showing up on your dashboards every day for an entire thirty days, how fun. I think you guys will like what I have in store: DIY projects and tutorials, photos, day in the life posts, fashion inspiration from everyday ladies and personal stories and anecdotes. I shall not let you down!

So what were you for Halloween this year?

PLAID BOHEMIAN

2011-10-29T14:58:00.003-04:00

Sweater - Vintage
Skirt - American Apparel
Plaid wool cape - Vintage
Brown bag - Romwe
Platforms - Decimal Shoes

There's nothing quite like taking walks on crisp fall mornings. The leaves have changed colour and on those rare days when the sun shines, it's perfect. This big wool cape I found a couple of weeks ago is the perfect companion (I have forgone human relationships for one-sided love affairs with inanimate objects), it's huge and warm like a blanket. Now that I can see my breath in the air it's nice to wear.

So it's Halloween weekend. Yesterday my sister and I had a scary movie night, snuggling in blankets, drinking hot chocolate and watching Sleepy Hollow. Have you guys ever watched it? Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci in period costumes, people. And Christopher Walken as the headless horseman. I think my sister and I have collectively watched it close to a hundred times by now. I remember on family vacations to the US of my youth, watching it as we drove through eerie streets in Salem, the roads empty and silent save for the crackling soundtrack of the film. Pictures of a romantic winter season only fit for a painting. The winter atmosphere kind of made me nostalgic for Canadian winters, which are quite stunning. On New Years Day last year I took a drive up north to a beach and there was three feet of glittering white snow and fog swirling around the coiled and twisted trees, it was like living in a fairytale (SUBTLE HINT ABOUT MY COSTUME HERE). One day this month I'll show you my photos.

Anyway, I must apologize for not ending my Halloween series more officially. I just got too busy to continue, but I hope you all enjoyed my interpretations during October. It's okay, I promise you guys will love my actual costume so much that you will automatically be compelled to forgive me. Also, I hope you all find a moment to enter my giveaway before the deadline. I'm so excited to offer something like this to my readers. It feels like the best way to thank you for your support that I can think of. So do yourself a favour and enter, you never know what kind of luck you'll have!

ROMWE GIVEAWAY!

2011-10-27T13:24:00.008-04:00

Lolita Dress - My very first purchase from Romwe back in September!
Sunglasses - H&M

SO. I have superb news, everyone! Romwe is sponsoring my very first giveaway! I will be choosing two winners to win the grand prize, $80 each to spend on absolutely anything they want from Romwe. HOW EXCITING IS THIS? Have you seen the stuff they have? I die a little inside every time they post something new.

Here's how to enter:

1. Follow me on Google Reader and/or Bloglovin'
2. Make an account on Romwe here. That way you'll already have one if you win, plus you'll have access to all the cool coupon codes I've got.

Also, don't forget to leave me your email address in the comment so I can contact you if you win! Easy as pie.

Wanna know which item I'd love to own? This glorious cape. I'm such a sucker for big, 60s boxy cuts and solid colours. Plus, you all know by now my intense love for capes and faux fur, as I mentioned last post. Anyway, everybody's raving about orange for fall so it seems like the perfect way to incorporate that trend into my wardrobe without being too typical. This piece is a tad off the wall and definitely vibrant, reminds me of something cute and mod that Audrey Hepburn or my girl crush Anna Karina would wear while drinking coffee in a smoky cafe in Paris (IN MY HEAD THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME).

So there you have it! Post away, my friends, you have until November 7th to submit your entries. But not to worry if you aren't one of the winners because here on this blog, EVERYBODY WINS, YO (nothing like unbridled self-satisfaction to start the day), because I've got two new coupon codes, besides the ones I listed here, including the coupon code HLW20 to be used before November 31st for 20% off all Halloween clearance. And, my favourite, a 20% off coupon on anything in store for my readers. The code is 20%off. Good deals all around! The codes can only be used once, but tell your friends and spread the loooove.

AUTUMN COLOURS

2011-10-23T17:33:00.003-04:00

Red sweater - Vintage
White button-up blouse - Thrifted
Brown skirt - Romwe
Black tights - Suzy
Brown pumps - Secondhand Aldo
Brown bag - Romwe

An outfit in fall colours! Red and brown. The skirt is Romwe, as usual (not like you've seen it before) and so is my new BAG! Isn't it splendid? Fall is the best season. I could wax poetic about the trees and the smell of the air for hours but I will spare you the experience. The weather is always great for layering without being too cold, and I can still wear heels (in the winter I must say goodbye to them because snow+ice makes for a potentially devastating moment of mortification via falling) My biggest must-haves this season, I think I might have mentioned them before, are comfy/ugly sweaters, faux fur, hats, hats, hats, tights in different colours and patterns, anything velvet, capes and vintage coats. Also, hot beverages and songs by ladies with husky voices of yesteryear.

I know I promised a fashion week post, and it IS coming, it's just taking longer than expected. It's just that I've put tons of effort into it and I refuse to let it grace this blog until it is a vision of perfection! Hehe. As for my Halloween series, I do have another outfit coming up very soon so don't think I've forgotten about it!

I hope everyone's had a great weekend. I'm in the midst of writing up an application to apply for this amazing fashion writing job this week. Wish me luck!

JE VOIS LA VIE EN ROSE

2011-10-20T12:18:00.005-04:00

PINKY SWEAR

2011-10-17T14:45:00.003-04:00

These are some photo outtakes from a shoot I did last month. I had to share because they are pink, obviously. Anyway, it appears that I am in a major blazer phase right now. It's just that everywhere I go I find incredible blazers and suit jackets. I just found a dusty mauve one with lace sleeves yesterday! LACE SLEEVES! A little conflicting because it's like wearing nothing on your arms and you can feel the treacherous breeze on them destroy your love for the fall season.

So my reading week is officially over, BUT today also happens to be the start of Toronto Fashion Week! Unfortunately I am not a holder of tickets, but I have a really excellent style post coming up on Friday in honor of this special occasion about one of my more personal style icons. I did some serious investigative work on this guys, you're going to love it.

Pink blazer - Vintage
Pink skirt - Vintage
White thigh high stockings - Value Village halloween section
Creme stacked heel booties - Aldo, thrifted

Not entirely sure what I was going for here, 60s real estate agent Barbie? WHATEVER.

ALPHAVILLE

2011-10-14T13:01:00.007-04:00

Baby doll dress - CNE
Peter Pan collar shirt - Vintage
White lacy socks - Romwe

Yay! The third part of my Halloween series is here! Today's outfit was inspired by Natacha von Braun of Godard’s Alphaville. Alphaville is a 1965 black and white film starring Eddie Constantine and Anna Karina. It combines the genres of film noir and dystopian science fiction with its depiction of one Lemmy Caution, a private-eye, who arrives in Alphaville, a futuristic city on another planet. His very American character is at odds with the city's ruler, an evil scientist named Von Braun, who has outlawed love and self-expression. Caution comes to Alphaville in order to destroy the almost-human computer called Alpha 60, designed by von Braun. While on his mission, he meets and falls in love with Von Braun's daughter, Natacha (Anna Karina). Their love becomes the most profound challenge to the computer's control.

I’ve chosen this film because it is one of my favourites in the genre, and a most eerie depiction of an unsettling future. Its cold and steely portrayal of a totalitarian state seems ahead of its time, even though it is simply made, shot without elaborate sets in the modern buildings (then a novelty) of Paris, with improvised dialogue that urges the viewer to explore various philosophical questions about autonomy and government. It is certainly frightening to imagine this 1984-esque end to our own humanity! As for the costume design, it is clear that Natacha's outfit- dark, sombre and solid- is also a statement. Her look is meant to help the viewer visualize a world in which people are "uniformly" clothed with no freedom. Still, perhaps it is Anna's portrayal of Natacha, with her iconic bob with blunt bangs and heavy eye makeup, paired with her 60s-style Peter Pan collared dress, charismatic gestures and heart-breaking admission of being unable to understand the word "love," that makes the character so unforgettable.

To channel Natacha's look, I paired my small baby doll top/dress (okay. Yes, this dress is a top. But it actually used to fit me as a dress. Until I put it in the wash and dryer and it shrunk. Now it is a top again. Sigh.) with a Peter Pan collared shirt, little lacy Romwe socks, black oxfords and a bouffant. Cute and doll-like but also a little severe. Peter pan collars really are such a great neckline embellishment, they add so much interest to a dull (DOLL- see what I did there?) outfit. On a side note, take a look at that amazing coat with the fur trim! Isn't it perfect?

So there you go readers, hope you enjoyed this post. So what have we learned today? Alphaville is a great film, Peter Pan collars are the best thing ever and don't put anything you love in the dryer. The end.

HOME SWEET HOME

2011-10-12T13:02:00.009-04:00

Black shirt- Vintage
Brown Skirt- Romwe
Fur Cape- Vintage
Tights- Vintage
Oxfords- Vintage

Photos in the beautiful sunshine and a much needed life update. With Thanksgiving and a renewed perspective on life, I've been thinking a lot about things- namely, my career. I am going to be twenty in July, which I believe calls for a hideous and life-altering existential crisis. So what else is there to do than launch myself into a bazillion projects? I am working on something mega exciting for my shop. It will be reopening in spring with some big changes, but for now those changes shall be kept secret. So stay tuned, friends. You'll be hearing a lot more about this in the near future. As for what I've been up to lately, I've spent the weekend eating ridiculous amounts of food and not fitting into my clothing, enjoying time with my crazy extended family, lounging around outside under the colourful trees and taking plenty of photographs. I'm in the middle of my university's Reading Week, so I've been working on assignments and studying for exams as well. Things feel busy and chaotic right now but I wouldn't have it any other way.

P.S. Romwe is having an awesome promotion! With the checkout code StreetFashion1, you can save $10 on orders of $50 or more. With the code StreetFashion2, you can save $20 on orders $100 or more. On top of this, shipping is FREE and faster than ever before! Their stuff really is to die for, I've been wearing this adorable skirt nonstop. Go check it out!

THANKSGIVING

2011-10-10T15:15:00.009-04:00

Today is Thanksgiving, so in the spirit of giving thanks I shall share with you what I am most grateful for: I am thankful for my wonderful family, my beautiful mother, the place where I live, the country I live in, the privileges and rights I have, the beauty of nature, the sun in the evening, the different seasons, art, the kindess and motivation in others, the unconditional love of the people I surround myself with, quiet solitude, access to education and healthcare, being able to protest and make choices, having the opportunity to question ideologies and politics, to read and make informed decisions, the insight I have into the world as a woman and human being, film and photography, the way hard work pays off, the strange coincidences that bring people together, my blog and the people I've met because of it, fashion and inspiration from images, artists and muses, bright glimmers of hope on the colder days, warm hands, kissing, food of all kinds and how lucky I am to have it available at all times, water, the successes I've had and even the failures that taught me important life lessons, the wisdom of growing older and the carefreeness of youth, tenderness in fleeting moments, passing glances filled with more meaning than words, movement and the ability to travel, the friends who stick by me even when I don't deserve it, second chances, third chances, fourth chances, beaches and cities and nothingness, the healing powers of time and love, and the wonderfulness of the present.

What are you most thankful for, dear readers?

HEATHERS

2011-10-07T08:44:00.007-04:00

Black blazer - Vintage
Polka dot skirt - Thrifted
Lace gloves - Party store
Bow purse - Vintage

Okay. Another film with Winona. I'm sorry if you hate Winona, even though I think there might be something wrong with you. If you don't like Christian "greetings and salutations" Slater circa 1989 there is no question that there is something wrong with you. That is the basic scientific consensus that puts this issue to bed. Hehe, don't worry friends, I promise that I will choose a SUPER-DEEP-CULTURALLY-SIGNIFICANT film when I'm done dabbling in the terrifying yet delicious world of shoulder pads that are sharp enough to physically injure unsuspecting passersby and crying because I just deleted a memory card's worth of photos accidentally.

So today's film, as part of my Halloween series, is Heathers, a 1989 black comedy starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. Heathers is set at a cliquish high school in Ohio. The most exclusive of those cliques is the Heathers, comprised of the prettiest and most popular girls in town. The group's leader is the manipulative Kim Walker, who orchestrates the humiliation of anyone who fails to meet her standards. Eventually, Heathers member Winona Ryder begins to exhibit a conscience; together with her hardcase boyfriend Christian Slater, Ryder plots to avenge all the unfortunate victims of the group. There is murder, a bomb and a hanging scene involved. Enough said.

So basically, all the Heathers consistently wear blazers, socks and plaid skirts throughout the film- you know, quintessential high school gear right down to the smallest details. As a serious blazer aficionado I knew I had to raid my mother's closet, the holy grail of classy 80s regalia. She has a salmon one, a purple one, even a velvet one (VELVET!) from her heyday. I chose this vintage beauty for its incredible silhouette, kind of vampy, angular and high fashion with a killer waist, balanced by soft white pageant girl detail and a giant bow on the stomach. The skirt was a thrifted find, a cute polka dot mini with tulle overlay. The lace gloves I got at a party store in the summer, the socks I cut myself and the shoes are my trusty lace up booties. The purse is most precious, a vintage velvet camera bag with a bow! Was gonna put on the cockroach killers to match but I figured that then it would be getting too much into costume territory.

When I put the outfit together I couldn't imagine liking it all that much because I hardly ever use the 80s as style inspiration, but I'll admit without hesitation that this outfit tops my list of personal favorites, if that's not too obnoxious of me to say (but I'm a Heather now! With clothing that doubles as a certifiable weapon and a perpetual passive aggressive air of disapproval and an untreated histrionic personality disorder! So I can compliment myself with reckless abandon now!)

_{Glorious screen-caps stolen with love and goodwill from the lovely Fashion Over Reason}

Before I go, I have to get all sincere with you guys. I really want to thank all of my readers, new and old, especially the ones who comment. I love this community of amazing, fashionable people. You are all so supportive. I do read all of your blogs and each one of you is so special and so wonderful. I'm glad we have this platform to get to know each other in ways we might never have without the internet. If you're the strong silent type that reads but prefers lurking in the shadows, I urge you to say hello if you have some time! I promise I won't bite. Tell me a bit about yourself so we can be BFF'S 4EVER AND STUFF. Here's a question for every single one of you on this Friday morning: what is your favorite decade for fashion? I wanna know!

BEETLEJUICE

2011-10-05T08:51:00.007-04:00

So I’ve decided that my blog needs a good series this October. What shall I do for this wonderful month synonymous with colourful trees, caramel apples, hanging ghosts and jack-o-lanterns? Why, logically the only answer to this question is to dress in Halloween themes, of course! So, ladies and ghouls, for the rest of October I will be posting, alongside regular outfit posts, ensembles inspired by characters in spooky films. To begin the series, what better to start than with an ensemble inspired by the kooky Beetlejuice?

Although Tim Burton certainly is not my favourite director, his films are always colourful and visually rich, as are the costumes! Everybody, from Lydia to her stepmom wore at least one insanely ridiculous piece of clothing. Beetlejuice, in case you are not familiar, was made in 1989 and stars Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Wynona Rider and Michael Keaton. The plot revolves around a recently deceased young couple who become ghosts that haunt their former home with the help of an obnoxious, devious “bio-exorcist” named Betelgeuse from the underworld who tries to scare away the new inhabitants permanently. Funny story, my mom and dad went to go see Beetlejuice together on a date back when they were seeing each other in the 80s!

To channel Betelgeuce in time for one of my most favourite holidays, I paired my vintage black and white striped shorts with a white cotton shirt and vintage striped blazer. The sheer thigh high stockings, vintage cage shoes and hat add tons of edge. This outfit is definitely a lot riskier than what I normally wear, if you couldn't tell, but I don't think I would have done Betelgeuce any justice if I'd only gone minimal on the crazy.

RAINY DAY WOMAN

2011-10-02T16:20:00.006-04:00

Headpiece - Vintage
Cape - Romwe
Shorts - Vintage
Stockings - Suzy
Shoes - Vintage

Here is my new blue cape from Romwe! I wear it pretty much everyday. I think it is making me lazy. Oops? The headpiece is my grandmother's. It appears that the cold has suddenly swept in (only momentarily I hope, for it is Thanksgiving this upcoming weekend!), as has the rain, which makes for perfect french vanilla coffee weather. Right?

SWEET DREAMS

2011-09-30T09:56:00.011-04:00

White collared shirt - Thrifted
Creme sweater - Vintage
Pink skirt - Vintage
White lacy socks - Romwe
Creme shoes - Thrifted

I’ve had some wonderful things happen to me lately. First, the ever-so-lovely Breanne of Flattery featured me on her new series “I Love Your Style.” She is amazing and also Canadian, which makes us kindred spirits I do believe! So welcome to all my new readers who found me from her wonderful feature, you are probably all really awesome human beings. I promise I am kind of interesting sometimes and I always have pictures of things, which is fun.

Second on my list of good things to happen (but also not good, for reasons stated below) involves Stylecaster, who chose my photo as one of the winners of their Sebastian style contest in search of, well, hair. Unfortunately my locks are not of the American variety (this is why you read the Terms and Conditions, children), but the wonderful Stylecaster folks still offered me the grand prize, a trip to New York for a photo shoot this week to be featured in the February issue of Nylon mag. This is where I weep- I cannot attend thanks to a serious lack of preparation/funds/functioning passport. I am so heartbroken. Despite the fact that I haven't the slightest clue about real modelling or being cool or what life is like for those over 5’0 tall, I would have loved to go. Distract me with happy things and your love, sweet readers!

On to today's outfit, which is all about dreamy, soft pastels. So here are some photos of yours truly, and also my room! This skirt is a favourite, it's really cute and bouncy, even better in person! The socks are my latest purchase from Romwe. Finally, a pair of genuine little lace socks that I haven't haphazardly constructed myself out of old stockings. Helps that they were super affordable, too.

Now go enjoy your Friday!

CALEDON

2011-09-25T09:57:00.016-04:00

Hello dear readers! Please forgive me for the lack of activity on here the past two weeks. School has begun, as you all know, and with it plenty of work to keep me busy. Once things settle down I promise to get back into the swing of posting regularly. SO. Yesterday I took my camera out with me to my aunt's house. The weather was beautiful, the kind balmy fall day that doesn't really exist here except on those numbered, joyous days when the sun peeks through the clouds and warms your skin just so. We ate dinner and had a bonfire (that's my little-not-so-little-anymore brother Matty pictured, as I stealthily snuck the camera up on him). It was wonderful, plus there is so much prime adventure-having territory around! There are abandoned lots and rows of fields that I can't wait to explore further when it gets a little cooler and the bugs don't jump under my skirt.

BORDEAUX BARDOT

2011-09-17T14:40:00.004-04:00

Black blazer - Thrifted
Blouse with bow tie - H&M
High waist black shorts - American Apparel
Red tights - Suzy
Black lace-up booties - Globo
Bag - Vintage
Glasses - Premature blindness

Today's outfit is kind of academic (I can't resist during the fall!), but I thought my freshly purchased va va voom superhero red tights made it just a little cheeky too, and now I've gone and worn them three days in a row. The top is from H&M but I stole it from my cousin's closet. Just being my good old resourceful self, a petty thief in red tights, hehe. In other news, Halloween is almost a month away, which means almost every store in the city has begun advertising Halloween-themed products despite it still being September. I too must begin scouring thrift stores until I find suitable Hallows Eve regalia! Does anybody know what they're going to be yet? Yesterday we went to go pick up decorations, consisting of a CD with SCARY SOUNDS and some other PG stuff. Really wanted the severed fingers or packaged brain. I may have declared my love for them in the presence of unsuspecting dollar store patrons who glared and shielded their small children from me. Feels like a waste since I didn't get to buy the bloody digits/organs in the end. At night I went to my aunt's house in the country and did some thrifting where the cows do roam and found an incredible vintage striped blazer, three silky shirts, a bag and a little 60s style coat. Happy weekending to all!

GOOD WITCH

2011-09-12T13:52:00.004-04:00

Today I write to you from a super top secret hideout at my university. It's an empty floor with giant windows I found in one of the buildings and I'm the only one here. It's wonderful. To further enhance the theme of perpetual loner misfit I decided to build an ensemble that was a little 70s woodlot hippy, a lot reclusive spiritual lady living in the mountains with wind chimes and potpourri. I combined light and earthy colours, a conservative 1970s linen dress, vintage brown fringe bag, vintage high collared long sleeve blouse, thick knit grey socks and stacked wooden platform sandals. Kind of severe, deceptively innocent, almost religious, and perfect for fall. And to complete this post, the most perfect, eerie early autumn sunset from last week!

I hope everyone is outside enjoying the warmer weather until it's gone for good!

RIOT GRRRL

2011-09-09T18:14:00.006-04:00

Denim jacket - Thrifted
Lace black and white top - Vintage
Striped shorts - Vintage
Brown Boots - Vintage
Brown Bag - Thrifted

I always thought I couldn't pull off denim jackets because they're one of those things you need the right attitude for, you know? But I think I'm slowly learning to make denim a part of my style by pairing it with the right kinds of pieces. It really is trial and error but I would suggest never writing off a garment because it's "not you." Try new things! Experiment and make it yours. Big bulky shoes? Do it. Pointy shoulder pads? Do it. Overalls with ostentatious silver piercings? Okay, don't do that (yes, I found these once at a thrift store and almost considered buying them because they were so bizzarre and hideous). Don't be afraid of what people think! Even just stepping outside your comfort zone in a small way, like wearing a kind of fabric you never considered wearing before, can add a whole new element of creativity and visual interest to your outfit. I decided to pair my denim jacket with a lace top and striped shorts, plus boots and black socks (I think I kind of just wear socks with everything now, not for style reasons but because they prevent my feet from getting all bloody and blistered in all the half-size-too-small vintage shoes I own) for something a little edgier than usual. It felt refreshing to challenge myself to step outside my comfort zone.

Anyway, my first week of school was great. I absolutely love my women's studies class. Just got a whole bunch of amazing feminist lit in the mail yesterday that I've been happily sharing with my sister and devouring for the past 24 hours. I think I'm going to start a links page with my favourite music, film, fashion, lifestyle and feminist blogs. I think you guys would enjoy them! There are so many incredible resources on the internet available to learn new things, it's mind boggling how much we take for granted, how much information is really available at our fingertips that is under-utilized. One of my biggest goals for this year is to watch more films and read more books. I want to know everything about everything! Hold me to it!

FILLE

2011-09-07T09:03:00.010-04:00

Black beret - Ardene
Striped sweater - Thrifted
Black Skirt- American Apparel
Navy bag- Thrifted

As I write this I am at my university, sitting on the floor (so glamorous), waiting for my class to start at 12:30. It's my first day of school! It's cold and cloudy and I'm nervous but I also have good news. I'm a Style Icon candidate on Chictopia! I've a fairly long way to go before I make it to the top three, but it's terribly exciting nonetheless. Anyway, I will leave you today with this outfit, inspired by the romanticized French/Beatnik image. I mean, let's get serious. French ladies probably don't wear berets (dream crushed). Also, I tried to wear my hair parted in the middle like Brigitte Bardot but my bangs are so short that they just look like curtains? And BB was really sexy and immaculate, whereas I just walk into doors and get ice cream on my shirts all the time. It's such a fun outfit to wear during the fall, though! When all else fails, STRIPES and BLACK don't (new motto, you're welcome). If any of you are going back to school, I wish you good luck and I hope you don't trip going up the stairs in your lecture hall! Not that I know anything about that. BYE.

HELLO SEPTEMBER

2011-09-05T10:05:00.011-04:00

Long navy blazer - Vintage
Red wool sweater - Vintage
White collared shirt - Vintage
Light blue striped shorts - Vintage
Navy knee high stockings - My youth
Black lace up booties - Globo
Brown bag - Vintage

School's in! Well, not technically, since there's still two days before I go back. My first class is on Wednesday and I'm very excited about all the fall style possibilities. Chunky knits, wool sweaters, Peter Pan collars, thigh high stockings, tons and tons of hats, vintage coats, browns and neutrals with pops of red, navy and forest green will all be part of my fall repertoire. Everything in this ensemble is vintage except the shoes and navy socks, which were actually my original uniform socks from my awkward, pimple encrusted adolescence in a catholic elementary school. I purchased the bag/briefcase thing during a town-wide midnight madness sale at a thrift store, isn't it a beauty? A well known thrifting secret- the suburbs and rural areas of your city are absolute gold mines for vintage. Less picked over than downtown areas, and cheaper depending on how trendy thrifting is to its residents (and who seriously wants to buy a fuzzy brown coat that smells like old people and a quarter century old smoking habit- besides me- in a place where everyone wears flip flops and pink velour tracksuits anyway?) Also, for your viewing pleasure, another fall outfit! I posted this on Lookbook and Chictopia but I never did a post for it because I didn't really have much to write about. But the internet world seemed to enjoy this one so here you go.

White lace dress/shirt - CNE
Black lace up booties- Globo
Black hat - Vintage

I wore a variation of this outfit to my cousin's 21st birthday party yesterday. There was a barbeque, a brief moment of intense torrential downpour and a late night gas-station run for artery clogging food stuffs. Also, I saw the most beautiful girl EVER so I gawked in an obvious way while fighting the urge to pet her perfect long shiny hair lovingly while also having an existential crisis.

COTTON CANDY

2011-09-03T07:00:00.025-04:00

Today's ensemble, inspired by (as promised!) the CNE! It's no secret that I hold a small obsession with carnivals. The colours, the lights, the costumes, the old-timey atmosphere, all of it a vast wealth of outfit inspiration! But first, a small history lesson: The Canadian National Exhibition, also known as The Ex, is an annual event established in 1879 that takes place at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada during the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day Monday. With an attendance of approximately 1.3 million visitors each season, it is Canada’s largest fair and the fifth largest in North America. The fair itself consists of a variety of pavilions, exhibits, shows, concerts, a farm, horse show, casino, and a large carnival midway with rides, games and food. Needless to say, The Ex has long been a Toronto fixture. My mother has fond memories of her father, my grandfather, taking her there as a little girl, where one could freely purchase delicious 25 cent snacks, play the Birthday Game, see the elephants or take a gander at the freak show.

Fittingly, this little pastel blue floral dress was another one of my most precious finds from the marketplace in one of the pavilions. I paired it with this lacy pink, sheer 50s bedroom jacket I picked up a thrift store a couple months back, and my mother's vintage white and green novelty pearl necklaces, hair bow and lacy pink socks to channel her hazy summer days at The Ex in the 60s! I wanted the outfit to be made totally of light, cotton candy colours and fun, girly pieces.

My personal Ex experience was wonderful. It was fun to explore the grounds, observe all the different people and spectacles, the smell of hotdogs and French fries lingering in the air. We went to the petting zoo of course, and the art pavilion to check out all the nicknacks, antiques, exotic treasures and local artwork. I went to go see the Marilyn Monroe exhibit entitled Marilyn in Canada: A Selection, to see the photos and catch a glimpse of her incredible vintage footwear and lingerie (a frilly romper in mint green! Also, Hugh Hefner's slippers may have made an appearance, though I'm not really sure why?) I also took a look at the much discussed Project Bra exhibit, which was full of decorated brassieres hand-crafted by their owners to reflect their values, lifestyles and senses of humour (though I fear the actual meaning of the showing was lost on majority of the teenage boys in attendance) We also took a look at the Ghosts of the CNE display and watched some performers and musicians.

Now, for some incredible photos of the CNE in its heyday, from the early to mid 20th century, courtesy of the National Post and BlogTO:

Crowds at the manufacturers building.

Oh my god! The old Toronto streetcars!

Freak show.

Midway performers.

Fire diver! WHAT?

Cute boys on bikes.

"Bathing Beauties" from the 20s!

War message!

I am glad to know this existed.

The ladies of that establishment.

Horse show at the grandstand.

Dufferin gates.

Midway game.

Miss Toronto Contest in 1951.

Happy Saturday!

DON'T THINK TWICE

2011-08-31T13:25:00.009-04:00

It was staring to get a little boring around here. Here are some photos for you to take a look at because I'm tired of seeing my face. See more on my tumblr!

PIERROT LE FOU

2011-08-29T18:07:00.004-04:00

Boater hat - Vintage
Striped Sailor Shirt - Vintage
Navy High Waist Pants - Vintage
White mocassins - Vintage

Today I am going to discuss my latest obsession and current fashion inspiration! But first, we must celebrate. This is the longest I've ever had a blog with regularly updated content (a whole two months, how sad) EVER. Lately I've just felt so motivated to post here and share my photos with the good people I've met on the internet. You're all so wonderful and talented that it's impossible NOT to be motivated! So, without further ado, today's outfit inspiration comes from one of my favourite Godard films, Pierrot Le Fou. Made in 1965, Pierrot Le Fou stars the lovely Anna Karina and the always charming Jean Paul Belmondo as Marianne and Ferdinand as they travel France on the run from police, committing crimes and loving/not being able to stand one another/looking beautiful with reckless abandon. The colours and cinematography are striking and Anna wears Godard's trademark red, white and blue almost exclusively. Her style is simple and summery, totally and effortlessly chic. Something you could carry into fall or spring with a good bit of layering. So here I am, channeling Marianne! C'est vrai! I'm wearing vintage everything, including those pesky blue pants I spoke of here, and am currently selling here because the only way I can wear them is if I don't eat anything and I actually really enjoy eating so you do the math.

Now go watch this film if you haven't already! I would definitely recommend it to first time Godard viewers as an introduction to his body of work, since it's one of his more accessible films. This and Breathless should ease you into his more difficult pieces rather nicely. Vas-y!

LOLA

2011-08-28T09:15:00.009-04:00

Blouse -Vintage
Skirt - Romwe
Hat - Vintage
Shoes - Vintage

I think my front door has replaced the usual white sheet for photos and I am fairly satisfied with the outcome! Today is Sunday and I am lounging around the house, rotating between cupboards, couch, and editing photos. Yesterday I went to the CNE, or for those unfamiliar with the quintessentially Canadian annual summer fair, the Ex. But, my dear friends, I have a special post dedicated to this one (with gratuitous descriptions of colours and smells of food) coming soon. Oh yes, I should also mention, I AM ON LOOKBOOK NOW. IT IS TRUE. My latest look can be found here. If any of you fine people also happen to be snazzy Lookbookers, come and be my friend. I am lonely and everyone is so tall and hip.

EAT CAKE

2011-08-25T12:27:00.019-04:00

Pink dress - Romwe
Sweater - Nonna
Bag - Vintage
Shoes - Aldo
Socks - Cut from old tights out of limited personal wealth/crippling desire for cute socks immediately

Here is my outfit on this lovely Thursday! As inspired by preppy school girls and Sophia Coppola films. The dress is my very first purchase from Romwe. Isn't it adorable? It's super high quality with lace and frills all over- everything you could ask for in a dusty pink fairy frock, amirite? Luckily I snatched it up before it sold out BUT there is this blue one that I debated purchasing that is equally as wonderful for you fine folks to take a look at, lest you feel the same about hazy, dreamy films featuring pretty sisters and queens and cake as I. The bag is vintage and the sweater was thieved from my grandmother's closet. The generously high platforms I found on sale at Aldo in July. Can you believe it is nearly September? I'm looking forward to it. This year I'm taking courses in design, visual arts, photography, film and women’s studies to better educate myself in the ways of art and ladies. Also, fall is fun because you can wear coats again and the leaves change colour and all the while you will no longer have to pray vigorously for air conditioning, less runny eyeliner and frozen snacks.

P.S I am on Last.fm now! A million years later! Come say hi to me!

BUSY BEE

2011-08-19T10:07:00.007-04:00

Design is one of my highly employable skills, so post-secondary education tells me, besides having long hair and being able to hike 3.5 miles across grimy Toronto streets in search of highly delicious pizza while feet endured irreversible damage in the form of disconcertingly large blisters that look like extraneous toes emerging from my actual toes (did this two days ago). Anyway, these are some pieces from a book I collaborated on last year. Collage is probably my favourite medium in design. I love sitting on the floor with sticky glue and scissors and a bazillion magazines around me, consuming and regurgitating (do I always have to be so visceral and gross?) and creating something cohesive that I can spill new meaning into.

Today I am running around town with a list of errands, including but not limited to: nutella, bank, thrifting for furniture. Yesterday I cleaned out my closet (hehe) (seriously though this was a daunting task) and found my old Cabbage Patch Kid. Actually, he is my mommy's. He is from 1982 and was given to her by a lovestruck co-worker when she was 20 or so. His head still smells like baby powder and fairy dust and young love, I think. I will photograph my residence one day and you will see him delicately perched on an armoire with a Kodak Brownie next to a pile of shoddily stacked clothing. In other news, I've been updating my shop pretty frequently lately. Today until the end of August I'll be having a summer sale on select items, so check it out for some awesome reduced vintage.

Until next time!

SUMMER DAZE

2011-08-11T10:23:00.018-04:00

A couple of photos for your enjoyment on this Thursday afternoon. I know most of you have seen these pictures before but I thought I'd post some of my favourites to liven this place up a bit! Photography is such a huge part of my life, any blog of mine would be incomplete without it. So, without further ado, my tribute to summer now that the warm beloved days of beach-going, bed-lounging, bonfire-having and travelling are sadly coming to a close. Check out my Tumblr for more!

NEW WAVE

2011-08-09T09:17:00.010-04:00

From left to right:
Size XXS XS 1960s Nautical Navy Blue High Waist Pants
Size M L French New Wave Striped Red and White Blouse
Size S 60s Beautiful Pink Night Gown
Size S M Amazing 60s Jackie O Pink Drop Waist Dress

Finally! A much needed Etsy shop update. I’ve just begun putting up some of my most adored pieces, including the ones seen here, because I am poor and lusting over fall clothes that I cannot afford. My absolute favourite is my red and white striped shirt, with an actual sailor collar! (I promise it will be sans mothball-fragrance once I clean it. Hey guys, is it weird that I actually like the smell of mothballs? It reminds me of my aunt’s cottage in North Bay because she used to put them in the closets and it would stink up the whole house, but I had some priceless childhood memories there so now I am quite fond of the smell.) And those PANTS. I spent a whole 20 minutes maneuvering myself (while crying) on the bed trying to get these babies on but ALAS, they are too small. I envy the super tiny lady person who steals them up. Anyway the weather has been terribly gloomy here but I have some fun posts planned for this week anyway. Rainy day blogging ahead!

START BY WALKING

2011-08-06T09:10:00.010-04:00

Black lace tank top - Hand-me-down
Black lace tulle skirt - Thrifted
Black high waist shorts - American Apparel
Black bandeau bra- Vintage
Black socks - Peds?
Platform sandals - Payless
Sunglasses - H&M
Camera - Minolta x-700

WHOA. PICTURES OUTSIDE! I braved wasps, heat and passive-aggressive neighbourly concern for you fine people, remember that. I wore this yesterday for ice cream and walking around town. Today I am going to a barbecue and trying to finish up my latest roll of film so I can show you the developed results within the next week or so. Happy weekending!

YELLOW ROOM

2011-08-01T20:56:00.012-04:00

Lace shirt - Vintage
High waist shorts - American Apparel

Totally cliche mirror shots before an impromptu photo shoot this afternoon! Unfortunately I didn't take any decent photos of the dress I wore to my cousin's wedding because a) I was too busy trying to get intoxicated and b) failing due to sudden unexplainable introspectiveness and poor bladder control) but I felt obligated to post something else. Sorry I'm so boring! Anyway, the actual photos from this day are coming soon. I hope everyone's weekend was wonderful!

TEEN DREAM

2011-07-29T11:21:00.005-04:00

White mesh top - The Tragic Sense, $50
Brown high waist shorts - Vintage
White socks - Hand-me-downs
Dark brown loafers - Vintage

I've posted this outfit before in different places but I thought I'd do a post on it since it's a variation of my go-to summer ensemble. Today is a lazy day. It's rainy and dark outside so I'm cleaning and organizing the hideous festering piles of clothing that have taken refuge in different corners of my bedroom. Also doing some DIY projects, including a crinoline slip (sister says I look like a puff pastry. I'll take it.) Did some thrifting recently as well. Found an amazing vintage girdle, polka dot tulle skirt, red and white striped sailor shirt and nude t-strap sandals. Also went shoe shopping for actual unused footwear and found the big giant platform heels of my dreams! Happy Friday!

CORAL HEATWAVE

2011-07-28T08:46:00.008-04:00

Bustier- Vintage
Midi skirt- Vintage
Socks- Vintage
Platform sandals- Payless

Greetings from the sweltering North American east coast. Actually, today is cooler and rainy so that statement is not necessarily true but for the previous half of the summer, IT WAS ALL TOO TRUE. So, how, you good people of the internet may ask, do you look more socially acceptable when all you want to do is be naked? I will share with you many years of wisdom- accessorize! Hats, jewelry (even though I am too simple-minded to layer jewelry and therefore own very little) and socks can all make lazy summer outfits less boring.

So what is everyone up to this long weekend? I have a wedding to go to on Sunday. I may take photos of the glorious pink 50s dress I'm wearing -gasp- OUTDOORS (far away from the safe and gentle love of my wrinkly white sheet). I know, right? I didn't even know I existed outside! How can this be? Anyway, have fun and be safe, whatever you're doing this weekend.

BACK IN BLACK

2011-07-25T14:53:00.012-04:00

Hello my long lost blog followers! After much hair-pulling and several late night episodes of self-loathing, I’ve decided to get into blogging again! Okay, I know what you're saying, but hear me out! The reason why I've never been able to keep one blog is because I'm a huge perfectionist, never to be satisfied with any of my work. I delete them in fits of dissatisfaction (purely self-sabotage. Isn't that punishment enough?). Needless to say I've been terribly inconsistent. And I never know if I want to focus more on my photography, or on my personal style, or on recording the events of my daily life. I think now I’m just going to do all three, even if it feels a little like I lack focus. Anyway, I never really express the true gratitude I feel towards my readers and the people who continue to keep up with me despite my spontaneous and ill-fated blogging platform changes. So thank you! In the spirit of giving thanks and/or groveling, here is a photo!

Black blazer - Thrifted
White blouse with bow tie - H&M
Red plaid skirt - Vintage
Lacy thigh highs - Party Market
Perpetual baby face - Mom

This is my take on 80s/90s teen style that’s been all the rage in the fashion blogging world lately. Only, you know, there isn’t really any indication of it being 80s or 90s-inspired at all. I suck. Actually, I’ll have you know that I really wanted to wear my old platforms with this outfit, but sadly I could not locate them. Just one of the many wondrous sartorial blunders of my youth (I think I once wore them with red velvet wide-legged pants? Can anyone I know confirm this?) Anyway, you can expect to see me around here more often now. I am terribly happy to be back, for good this time I hope!