MacBook I’m in Love

The moment I was waiting for finally arrived.  Last night I got my MacBook and it was love at first sight.  I opened the box and squealed with excitement at its shiny newness.  I literally screamed and threw my arms up in the air as if I won a prize.  Some girls get excited over rings, buying a house, or having a bridal shower, but I get excited over new technology.  This is a new thing for me, and next week comes the iPhone.  Hands up!  My new love for Apple reminds me of the commercial where the girls scream over the walk-in closet and the guys scream at the walk-in beer fridge.  I love that commercial.  I’d be over the moon with a giant California closet too…but that’s another story.  Here’s me and my boy Mac. JD

Oh Tom

“You have to be passionate, you have to be engaged, and you have to be contributing to the world.” ~ Tom Ford

Little Black Work Dress

I would like to make this post short and sweet and my time to take pics yesterday was short and sweet.  I ran from work to dinner in Cabbagetown for a farewell dinner for my friend Ashleigh.  She is moving to Vancouver – GIANT SAD FACE INSERTED HERE.  Anyway, I am wearing my little black work dress by MICHAEL Michael Kors.  It is the new basic in my wardrobe and I know I will wear it more than I should – it is just too comfortable.   My dress is accompanied by a Forever 21 necklace, joe Fresh patent belt, H&M tights and shoes from Aldo. CM

Earth Hour

Did anyone do anything interesting during Earth Hour?  I went to a friend’s house for sushi and snacks by candle light.  It was pretty romantic.  Last year I lit a candle for 5 minutes just for a blog post (here), but this year I stuck it out for the full hour.  I liked it.  People should try to do things by candle light more often.  It’s just better.  JD

The lovely KK and Bon Ton

5 Hour Brunch at Lakeview

Hello blog friends, we miss you.  This weekend we went to a pre-Juno party at The Spoke Club and had so much fun that the next day we were only capable of going for brunch.  It was one of those great brunch days that make you realize how much you love living in a bustling, vibrant city.  We sat by the window and got an amazing dose of vitamin D to the point where we were sweating and had to remove our boots and some clothes.  We were there for 5 hours.  We practically moved in.  Some of the things we consumed were the turbo breakfast, French toast, apricot beer, mimosas, lots of water, and a vanilla banana peanut butter milkshake. Delicioso.
Here are some shots from the party and brunch:

 

Denim On Denim…

Is a Canadian Tuxedo!  The myth is true – Canadians do wear denim tops paired with jeans.  Well… some of them.  A male coworker of mine did it last Friday and he looked amazing.  Later that night, my friends and I headed to The Comrad in Leslieville where our server was wearing her Canadian Tuxedo.  We had a fantastic talk about the look and why we love it.  Who knew that such fashion statements could make such great conversation with strangers?

I wore my denim outfit with (what I think is the best colour to pair denim) a camel coat.   This jacket is the oldest piece I am wearing. It was purchased nine years ago from a Mendocino Boxing Day sale for $100. I was excited when camel made a comeback last fall and I was able to take it out from the back of my closet.

Faux Vintage

This vintage looking sweater isn’t vintage – it’s actually from Forever 21 but gets mistaken for a handmade sweater quite often.  My wool skirt is from Costa Blanca ($10), but don’t go looking for it – I bought it in grade 10.  True story.  How it’s lasted this long, I have no idea.  My belt is an 80s classic from my mom, and leather boots are by Cole Haan. JD

 

First Day Out

Last Sunday, when we sprung forward for Daylight Savings Time, I was able to leave the house in this light jacket for the first time in months.  It was an H&M purchase and it did me well on this cooler day.  Worn with a boyfriend shirt, leopard belt and scarf from H&M, leggings from American Apparel and wedges from Aldo.  CM

Combat Boots At Last

I’m a list maker.  I make lists on absolutely everything like movies to see, music to download, and my personal fave – “Julie’s wish list” – which mainly includes certain items of clothing, boots, and big-ticket items like a new computer, an amazing camera, and a Smythe blazer.  I find it’s a good way to target my real wants and not overspend on random things.  It’s sort of a ranking or priority list that helps me weed out things I don’t need.  It works, so I’ll continue shopping this way.

Combat boots have been on my wish list since Jan. 2010 when I talked about them here.  I tried finding a vintage pair but had no luck, and I also kept my eye out for sales at Capezio and Urban Outfitters.  I can’t wear them to work, so I didn’t want to spend a lot.  They went on sale for $77 at Urban Outfitters, so I finally bought them.  They’re a bit too crisp looking right now, but after some weekend wear, they’ll be better.  What’s at the top of your wish list? JD

Rest of outfit:
* Leather vest from Bungalow West (Kensington Market) $20
* Nude top from H&M $34
* Denim shirt from Zara $40
* Liquid leggings from American Apparel $44
* Floral purse from the Thrift store in Port Colborne $2

Motivating Factor

Last night Julie and I attended the stylish networking event Sweet Talk put on by the Women in Leadership Foundation.   It was a successful, sold out evening and we met so many great new friends.  More importantly, we had a number of readers approach us – thanks so much for coming over to introduce yourself!  We loved your comments, feedback and kind words and you motivated us into being better bloggers.  We are going to work hard to return to blogging everyday and to be honest, we miss it as much as you seem to.

This is what I wore to last nights event.  JD and I ran there from work  so yes, this can also be considered a work outfit post.  Striped shirt is Joe Fresh, skirt from H&M, necklace from Forever 21, tights by Hue and boots from Cole Haan.  CM

Exciting Things – Style and Music

Two exciting things we learned yesterday 1) TOP SHOP is finally coming to Canada.  Yes, we know there’s a little Top Shop boutique in Jonathon & Olivia, but that’s just a tease, we want the full-fledged thing.  Thanks to The Bay, they are opening shops inside their stores, as well as stand alone stores beginning Fall 2011!!  Can’t wait!!

2) In the music world, we’re excited that Stevie Nicks is releasing a new album on May 3rd!!!!! Can’t wait!! Secret Love is her first single, and the album is called In Your Dreams.  She’s simply amazing.  JD

Urban Knit Turban

I finally got the Urban Knit Turban I’ve been searching for!  It’s not officially called that, but I think it’s the perfect name.  I didn’t actually find it myself.  The stylish Tiyana Grulovic, Fashion Editor for the Globe and Mail was kind of enough to share her find with me.

It’s from an awesome boutique in Vancouver called The Hach (pronounced hawk, not hatch).  I sent BFF to get it for me and had her mail it over. Thanks Christina!  Best part – it was on sale for $12.  It can be worn as a turban or backwards as a slouchy hat. JD

Rest of my outfit:
New skirt from Zara $49
Cropped sweater from H&M $29
Vintage purse from the Port Colborne Thrift Shop $2

Sweet Talk

Hello Readers!  Next Thursday, March 10th, Julie and I will be heading over to Cossette agency for a women’s networking event.  The focus of the evening will be dressing for work in an attractive and economic fashion (pun intended).  Considering half of our outfit posts are shot Monday through Friday in our work-wear, this is right up our alley!  Hosted by the Women in Leadership Foundation, the event will be a great opportunity to meet new women in Toronto.  For more information click here.  Also, if you see us there, make sure you say hello!  CM

Can’t Stop Listening – Arcade Fire

I’ve been listening to Arcade Fire all winter long and can’t stop.  Obsessed doesn’t even describe how much I love this band.  You know how most albums have songs you don’t care for so you skip to the ones you like?  Arcade Fire requires no skipping whatsoever.  I listen to all three of their albums back to back, cover to cover, and every song is amazing.  Their albums include Funeral, Neon Bible, and The Suburbs.  I was over the moon happy when they recently won the Grammy for album of the year (The Suburbs).  Well deserved. Real music.  Real talent.

I really, really want to see them in concert but their only Canadian concert this summer is in Moncton.  Shocked they don’t have a show in Toronto or Montreal (where they live).  If I had to narrow down my favourite Arcade Fire song it would have to be Rococo.  Especially at 1 minute, 45 seconds.  Best part ever.  Take a listen, I hope it makes your day like it makes mine.  JD

Two of the seven band members – Win and Regine (they’re married and started the band in Montreal)

They play rare instruments for a rock band including the cello, xylophone, glockenspiel, harp, mandolin, accordion, French horn, and hurdy-gurdy.  I’m not making this up – check out their Wiki page here.  Happy listening!

Feet First

Some days I start my mornings building my outfit from the shoes up.  I found these clogs at Banana Republic a couple weeks ago and they were screaming for me to wear them.  These work-perfect shoes were marked down to $21 and I bought three pairs!  One for myself, one for Julie and another for my sister.  I paired them with a Liz Claiborne jacket from The Bay, H&M t-shirt, Forever 21 necklace and a camel skirt from Zara.