Midi Skirt Trend

Yesterday I wore my high waist midi skirt from Forever 21.  I really love this trend but, it took me a few tries before getting used to it.  I had to play around with extra pieces and accessories to feel satisfied with the whole look.  I paired it with a crop top from American Apparel, lace vest and leather jacket from H&M, a vintage necklace, and shoes from Winners.  I feel very late 1960s in this outfit and I’m excited to style up something similar with my other midi length skirts.  If you haven’t embraced this trend yet, try it out for something fun.

Little Green Dress

I think it’s safe to say this green dress is ‘vintage’ H&M.  I purchased it 6 years ago. WOW.  I still like it.   I’ve worn it dressed-up with tanned legs and black booties, dressed down over leggings and flats, and in between with tights and a cardigan.
I like the look of over the knee socks but only with tights underneath.  I opted for my fish net stockings, but I also like the look with cream coloured tights.  Socks are from American Apparel, booties are from Spring and chambray shirt is from Zara.  Cheers to busting out old finds.  JD

Photography by Tania Alvarez

Light Brite

I thought this light tunnel looked a bit like Light Brite.  I loved that toy.  This type of outfit is good for a night-time event when you want to feel dressed up but comfortable too.  Liquid leggings are from American Apparel, flowy top is from H&M, hat is by Goorin Bros., and boots are Top Shop.  JD

Photography by Silvia Drugea

Kimono Kool

I bought this floral top from Forever 21 recently, and I like how it’s in a category on its own.  It’s not a blazer, not a cardigan, not a silk boyfriend shirt – it’s kind of kimono-esque, but not fully.  It’s a good piece to dress things up.
I paired  it with my long skirt from H&M, crop top from American Apparel, mink collar from 69 Vintage, and vintage gold accessories. JD

Photos by Tania Alvarez

The Ritz Life

After a few days spent surfing in San Diego, I headed back to LA.  In a weird twist of plans, I ended up staying at The Ritz Carlton Marina Del Ray for the rest of my trip.  It was BEYOND bliss!  I took advantage of the lovely pool, ultra soothing hot tub, delicious watermelon water, and the gorgeous surrounding views.  It really is top-notch service that makes all the difference.  The staff at The Ritz were on their game at any given moment.  It was the. best.

I didn’t wear much other than a bathing suit for most of the time, but I decided to pseudo dress-up for this photo.  I wore my purple convertible dress from American Apparel, flowing top from H&M, floppy hat from Urban Outfitters, sunglasses from Forever 21, and sandals from Spring.

On crazy, overwhelming days, I’m going to think back to the moments I spent floating on my back, staring at the palm trees and the moon while night swimming.  Great memories.  JD

Cape Town in Navy

This is my mom’s maternity cape that she wore while she was pregnant with me.  I was a giant baby by the way, coming in at 9 lbs 4 oz…and 1 month overdue.  I love fat babies…maybe I knew I wanted to be one before coming out.

I added this cape to my coat collection because I was inspired by the capes at American Apparel.  I noticed them in the window and suddenly remembered something similar in my mom’s closet.  I called in a panic like I always do when I think something has been given away. It went something like this…

Me: “Mom? Do you still have that cape? Please don’t say you gave it away.”
Mom: “I might have given it to so and so’s daughter when she was pregnant, but it might still be here, let me check.”
Me: “No! you can’t give stuff like that away!”
Mom: “You’re in luck, it’s still in the closet.”

These types of conversations take place every few weeks.  Last week I called asking about my leather backpack that came straight from Italy and the response was “we gave it to a girl in Cuba who really wanted it” – I couldn’t be mad at that one, but damn, kinda wish I still had it.

Also shown:
Domino jeggings ($50) from Lavish and Squalor
Steve Madden espadrilles ($50) Winners
Joe Fresh scarf $16
Angelo Damiano aviators (gifted) aka my grandfather’s sunglasses

JD

The See Through Knit

I found this thin knit at Winners last week and was attracted to its flimsy draped shape, but the fact that it was see-through made me question if I should buy it or not.  But then I had a brilliant idea to buy an ivory lace body suit from American Apparel, and voila it worked.  I paired it with my cargo pants, striped scarf, and amazing clogs from Banana Republic.  I have to thank CM for these shoes because she discovered them first and was nice enough to put a pair on hold for me because I wasn’t in town that day.  Thanks CM!  They are probably the steal of the season coming in at $23!  That’s just incredibly satisfying.  JD

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

The Long Skirt – Finally Found!

I have been on the lookout for a tight long black skirt FOREVER.  On the weekend, my friends’ cousin had just the one I pictured in my mind and she was kind enough to share that it came from H&M (for $49).  I love you H&M, you have almost everything that I’m looking for…thanks for being so reliable!

As in true Julie D’Uva fashion, I had to wear my new purchase immediately so I styled up a look just in time for the H.C. Sanders Launch event at the Thompson Hotel last night.  (H.C. Sanders is a German high-quality bedding company that just opened a Canadian store in Yorkville).

My new skirt is made of a thick spandex material and when I walk, I feel like a mermaid.  For the love of fashion!!
I also wore my American Apparel crop top, H&M moto jacket, H&M lace-up booties, and a selection of chain accessories. Oh, and I topped it off with another chapeau of mine.  This grey fedora came from none other than Goorin Bros.  JD

3-D Floral

I feel as if it has been a long time since I have done an outfit post and this makes me feel bad.  I would have included a punctuation sad face but I know how much it annoys some people and then I would feel worse.  I will keep the punctuation sad faces to myself.  It was a perfect fall day when I wore this American Apparel 3-D Mesh Jumper for the first time.  I have been lusting over it for months and when I received a gift card I ran to the Yorkville location to acquire this beauty. Pants are from Zara and shoes are borrowed. CM

Photos by Brenna Kearns.

A Walk In The Park

I took a stroll through Trinity Bellwoods Park yesterday.  Best park ever!  Toronto has a lot of great parks, but this one is the greatest.  I’ve always lived within walking distance to Trinity Bellwoods so maybe I’m a little biased.
It’s sad that the temperature is dropping but to put a positive spin on it – I’m looking forward to wearing my trench coat and leather leggings.  I always feel like some sort of detective or a James Bond girl when I wear my trench – I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it.  Underneath my trench is a t-shirt from Joe Fresh; denim chambray shirt from Zara; and leather leggings from American Apparel.  My gold necklace came from a Thrift shop in Port Colborne; and this coolio zebra purse came from a vintage clothing sale ($5).  My beloved shoes came from a boutique in France.  Best purchase ever.  I like the wooden soles.  What is your favourite park in the city?  JD

She Was A Day Tripper

There’s no place I’d rather be than at the beach on a hot day.  Fact.  I woke up to the sun beating in my eyes and bolted for the door, making sure not to miss out on another minute of sunshine.  I hate to say this, but the reality is our dear friend Summer is about to leave us, so we have to make the most of it while we can.  I took a little trip down Queen East to The Beaches and relaxed with a few magazines, friends, and an ice cream cone.
I threw on my American Apparel convertible dress – the dress that can be worn 15 different ways.  Christine wore hers here as a halter, but I always wear mine strapless.  I had no time for hair or make-up so I put on my Joe Fresh straw fedora ($10) and my white framed wayfarers from Kensington Market ($5).
The day topped perfection when I spotted a splash pad in the park and ran through to cool off.  I was drenched and as happy as could be.  The best things in life are truly simple :) JD

Queen Fresh

I haven’t gone grocery shopping in about 2 months now which is kinda bad. I’ve been grabbing bites here, there and everywhere as I run from meetings to events to my next adventure – I’m always on the go. I don’t feel too bad when it’s a healthy option but that’s hard to come by. I thought this baby warrior bowl from Fresh on Queen street would’ve made the cut, but it just tasted like grass and rotten tofu. Definitely not as delicious as the Craft Burger I had the other day or the spicy pad thai I tried at Red Room. Don’t get me wrong, Fresh on Queen is amazing and they have a lot of great options, but this one just isn’t the greatest.

I decided to forget about my lunch and do something a little more fulfilling — search for vintage cut-off jean shorts. And guess what? I found them! To be revealed at a later date. This is my strolling the street look. High waist, pleated pants are from Zara, fringe sandals are from Spring Shoes, crop top is from America Apparel – oh yes you read that correctly – CROP TOP! Loving the 90s comeback. My moto-inspired jacket is from H&M, purse was found on the street, sunglasses were my grandpa’s, and my pop of coral light weight scarf is from The Bay, or La Baie if you are French. JD

Into the Blue

Julie and I ventured west of the city to check out a few of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival exhibits.  I wanted to be comfy cozy but still appear festival chic so I threw on my new denim jeggings purchased at Costa Blanca for $10.   As soon as I slipped on a pair of these babies, I knew that my legs would not see a pair of twill jeans until the close of the still young summer.  They are beyond comfortable and feel good to the touch – I am just waiting for the day when I see a girl rocking them at the gym in yoga class or on a treadmill.  My jacket is from Value Village purchased for $8; tank is from American Apparel and necklace is from F21 for $12.  My patent pumps are Steve Madden and I bought them a few years back at an outlet in the states for $50 – nude pumps should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe.

There are countless exhibits and installations in the city of Toronto this month for the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.  It was hard to narrow down what we wanted to see but Roman Elinson’s Snowglobe City collection caught my eye.  My trips down to NYC always include a mission to find a Manhattan snow globe and sadly I have never come across one.  (Seriously if you ever see one pick it up and I would be most happy).  Snowglobe City is a collection of photographs shot with the Lomo Fisheye – a toy camera that uses a plastic wide-angle lens to create a spherical effect.  To my surprise, the majority of pics were taken in NYC so for that short while at the Cream Tangerine Gallery, I had my own NYC snowglobe.  CM