Black Sheer

If you follow my blog, you know I’m all about a deal and I find great pieces in random places.  This high low dress top was found at Spoof on Queen St. for $18.  I actually cannot stand that store, but I saw it in the window and knew it had great potential.  I paired it with a striped lycra skirt from Forever 21, a chunky necklace from Anthropologie, vintage clutch, and I think I can say vintage gold shoes – I bought them 12 years ago at the Galleria mall in Buffalo. Yes. I’m making the executive decision that they are indeed vintage. JD

Photography by Tania Alvarez

Circle Skirt and Big Shoulders

While I’d rather be pool side in a bathing suit today, I had to get dressed for work.  It’s hard to dress appropriate for an office while being comfortable in this crazy heat.  I opted for a flowy circle skirt from Forever 21 ($18), and a grey v-neck t-shirt with big shoulders – also from F21 ($13).  I accessorized with vintage  green earrings ($3), a gold belt ($10), and my clogs from Banana Republic ($23).  I get so satisfied when my entire outfit costs less than $100.  If Supermarket Sweep came back in the form of shopping for clothes instead of groceries, I think I’d rock it.

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.

TO Contributor: Lindsay 1

It’s contributor Friday! Here’s a blog post from Toronto based Lindsay…

It’s finally time! This week I officially packed up all my winter knits and did a wardrobe change over. I unpacked my favourite summer pieces that have been hiding in Rubbermaid containers under my bed. Do you do that too? It’s almost like getting a new wardrobe without the investment. I was pleasantly surprised to find some things I completely forgot I owned. I found a sweet red floral romper, a couple of white dresses, and this sleeveless blouse I thought had pulled a disappearing act but alas it was just tucked away waiting for the sun.

Outfit details: top – H&M, skirt – F21, silver/black wrap bracelet – Topshop, stacked rings – Philistine, purse – Rebecca Minkoff, boots – vintage from in Austin, TX. LB

Canadian Guard – Girl Version

Where has this week gone?!? 2012 seems to be flying at warp speed these days.  It’s all good in the hood.  I’ve been busy working and playing in the snow.  This is my most recent hat purchase from The Hudson’s Bay Company, and as my mom pointed out – it looks like a Canadian Guard hat.  It really does, see here.

I’m also wearing a yellow silk shirt from Forever 21, Lace vest from H&M, Domino jeans, and my leopard print boots from Top Shop. Enjoy your weekend!! JD

Photos by Tania Alvarez

Red Velvet

I’m really into the peter pan collar trend.  I bought this dress because I liked the crochet collar and I’m on the hunt for removeable collars that I can add to other outfits.  My dress and sunglasses are from Forever 21, jacket and shoes are from Winners.  The cupcakes I’m eating are from The Wedding Cake Shoppe on College.  They were delicious.  JD

p.s – I’m wearing sunglasses inside because I thought I had tired eyes.
p.p.s – My rings are vintage.

Photos by Tania Alvarez

Versatile Skylark

I bought this floral top at an amazing store called Skylark on Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice.  If I owned a store, it would be very much like this one.  It’s part vintage, part local and established designers and exactly my kind of style.  I could have bought everything in there.  I’ve worn this top with jeans, jean shorts, green cargos, grey harem pants, and now with my yellow skirt.  I love buying something so versatile. My skirt and purse are from Forever 21, belt and necklace are vintage, and lace-up heels are Cole Haan. 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

Polka Dot Explosion

This look was inspired by a picture I saw of Alexa Chung.  She didn’t have all the polka dots going on, but it was the same idea – camel colour cardigan, jean shorts and tights.  I love finding a picture of an outfit I dig and realizing I have all similar pieces in my closet.  If you want a different feel to your weekend wear, switch to jean shorts and tights instead of wearing jeans all the time.  Actually, I used to hate this look but it grew on me.  It’s fun to try different things with your wardrobe, so why not?

Outfit details:
Cut-off jean shorts – Levi’s
Maroon belt – Joe Fresh
Polka dot top – Winners
Cardigan – Forever 21
Lace-up booties – Cole Haan
Fur collar – taken from my parka
Tights – H&M
Hat – Goorin Bros.
Purse – Vintage

Photos by Tania Alvarez

Cape Weather And A Buttery Bag

We’ve been lucky to have fall jacket weather this season.  My favourite.  Sometimes fall is just as cold as winter and I feel like I wear my winter coat for 8 months.  Thank you nature for the mildness.
I’ve been wearing my navy cape a lot and my buttery leather bag.  This jacket was my mom’s maternity cape that she wore when she was pregnant with me 30 years ago.  I like the shape of it and how it hangs over my non-pregnant body.  I added the fur collar that I took from one of my parkas.

Other items:
Headband and Boots – H&M
Harem pants – Forever 21
Purple gloves – Joe Fresh
Bag – Cole Haan

Thanks For The Wise Words

Spotted at Forever 21, Yonge & Dundas Square.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Great words to live by. JD

Up On The Roof

We haven’t done a Friday post in a while, so it feels kinda funny, but feels good too. I don’t want this summer-time weather to leave us…it makes outside outfit shoots a real pleasure.
I bought this long pleated skirt from H&M at the start of the spring season and always paired it with a plain white t-shirt, but then I saw a girl wearing it with a leopard top and it inspired me to pair my tribal top with it (bought at Forever 21). I like it much better than the white and it worked well with my black fedora (by Goorin Bros.), Cheap Monday sunglasses, and chunky heels by Top Shop (from LAB Consignment). Have an amazing day! 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

Stolen Crop Top

I’ve been on vacation in sunny California for the past few days, loving life, taking it all in.  I spent a few days in LA and now I’m in San Diego.

I felt very Kelly Kapowski in this outfit yesterday.  I stole this Esprit crop top from my cousin back in ’94.  It accidentally ended up in my suitcase after a vacation we took together, so I just decided not to give it back.  Every time she came to my house, I would hide it.  I never even wore it, I just wanted to have it.  Sorry Camille!

My vintage Levi’s jean shorts are from Penny Arcade; gold belt is from Print Fine Vintage; sunglasses are from Forever 21; and my new floppy hat is by Goorin Bros from Urban Outfitters.  JD

School Bakery & Cafe

I had an awesome and delicious dinner at School Bakery & Cafe the other day thanks to the girls from HUG (The Hip & Urban Girl’s Guide).  They threw their 1 year blog birthday party there and gave dinner for 2 gift cards to those who attended.  Pretty great gift!

I like Liberty Village but I don’t live there, so it’s easy to forget that they have great spots worth going to.  School Bakery & Cafe is definitely one of those spots.  It’s cute, the menu is delicious, and they have a patio that gives off a laid back vibe.

My date and I tried the calamari, jerk shrimp and pineapple, fish tacos, the bahme hang bowl, and the flat n’ chewy ice cream sandwich for desert.  WOW.  That was an amazing dessert.  We decided to walk all the way home to burn some of it off.

They have an amazing brunch menu too.  Check it out in Liberty Village at 70 Fraser St.  You won’t be disappointed.  JD

Outfit details:
Straw hat – Joe Fresh ($10)
Coral t-shirt – H&M ($10)
Striped skirt – Forever 21 ($18)
Nail polish – Mermaid Tears by O.P.I

Sun Lace and Paper Flowers

Someone told me I looked like Little House on the Prairie in this outfit, but CM stuck up for me and said “no, it’s a 70s inspired look.”  Thanks CM, I think so too.

I love the look of a long 70s inspired maxi dress.  I found this floral one at Forever 21 and was impressed with its quality.  I paired it with my lace vest from H&M ($39), a vintage gold belt ($10), and platform shoes by Top Shop from LAB consignment ($99).

Nail polish is Mint Candy Apply by Essie. JD

Toronto Pride 2011

After spending the last handful of Pride Parade Sunday’s on ground level amongst the 1000’s of sweaty (but fabulous) Torontonian’s and tourists, we upped our game on a friends wrap around balcony overlooking the big show.  With spectacular views of the downtown core and Yonge Street (hurray for the continuous delays of One Bloor!) we rocked our rainbow colours and downed Pride Punch.  I was excited to wear my sequined rainbow dress which I have come to call the Giving Dress.  Seriously though, it is the dress that keeps on giving.  Upon its purchase from 69 Vintage, with plans to wear it to the August 2010 Scissor Sisters concert, I was unsure of its fate – would become a one hit wonder, retiring to my closet post concert?  But alas it came in handy for Booby Ball’s disco themed party and most appropriately, Toronto’s Pride Week.  The dress was a hit amongst party goers and a good ice breaker for new faces.  Happy Pride Toronto.

Amazing view of the parade on Yonge Street and the entire city too!

Colourful gypsy – F21 skirt, Suzy Shier top, FCUK headband, Cheap Monday Sunglasses

Check out more pics on our Facebook page here.

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

 

70s Inspired Winter Look

It’s truly hard getting decent outfits together when it’s freezing outside.  It’s so easy to fall into a hibernation rut and hide under giant sweaters and really ugly jogging pants.  I know because I do it too.  But I also think it’s important to give yourself little make-overs and buy something new to wear to brighten your days.

This look is a bit 70s with my floral top (Forever 21), knit vest (Urban Outfitters), and my hair parted down the middle. My Vince riding pants aren’t so 70s, but they’re warm so they are a staple for me this season.

Hope you’re staying fashionably warm today! JD

Fall into Winter

The cold arrived in Toronto this weekend and gone are the days where we can leave our homes hat and mitt free.  I walked out of my apartment last Saturday wearing my leather jacket but had to run back inside to do a quick change – it was chilly!  I threw on my $35 H&M shearling lined (faux) jacket and this cashmere fisherman’s touque.  I love the simplicity of the touque and I think that it finishes the look.  Jeans are from Uniqlo, ballet flats are Cole Haan, shirt is Forever 21 and sunglasses are Joe Fresh.  CM

Wild Thang You Make Everything

I bought this wild looking blazer from H&M about 2 months ago and was waiting for a party night to wear it, but then I thought what the heck, why not wear it during the day?  After all, I dress according to mood and it suited me just fine. Btw, it was only $24!

I paired it with a basic black T-shirt, black jeans, boots, and my latest pair of sunglasses from Gant by Michael Bastian.  Check out their website to see gorgeous videos under the “some memories last forever” tab.  Speaking of videos – new vlog at the bottom of this post.  JD xx

Change of Colour

The chino boyfriend trouser is a big look this fall season but with me NOT being a size 2 it has been hard to find a good pair that I feel comfortable in.  I swear you not I have probably tried on 20 different pairs of the low-rise,pleated pant with no success.  Until I came across these at Zara.  I like where they sit on my lady lumps (hips) and love the tapered leg.  They were $45 and feel more like a sweat pant then a trouser – double score!  On this day I went for a more classic look with a cropped jean jacket from H&M; $20, and a white t-shirt from The Bay; $20.  Hat is from Zara, bag is Forever 21, sunnies are from Kensington and shoes are Aldo.  CM

Forever 21 Onesie

I found this versatile onesie at Forever 21 in NYC last fall while CM and I were power shopping on Broadway.  We both agreed we wouldn’t waste precious New York time in chain stores that we already have access to, but Forever 21 was the only exception because it’s just so much better in the states.  I went to the one at Yonge and Dundas square the other day and there was NOTHING good!  Anyway I like that this onesie is strapless, pleated and balloons at the ankle.  I can wear it conservatively with a blazer like so, or in a dressy way sans blazer.  I paired it with my grey blazer from Zara, lace-up booties from Spring, and a collection of vintage necklaces from my mammy and grandmammy.  My shiny yellow clutch is from the Gap and was a gift from my cousin who inspired our blog name – see story here.  I’ve been getting a lot of compliments on my double ring, or brass knuckles as I like to refer to it as.  Surprisingly it’s from Costa Blanca ($9), and my dad-style watch is by Casio found in Paris.

Zebra Purse

I walked out my door the other day and this woman was setting up a small table of vintage accessories to sell.  Two purses caught my eye within seconds and when she said $5 each – I said “I’ll take both of them please.”  And off I trotted to the grocery store with an extra bounce in my step.  The purse shown here is leather and zebra fur and it reminds me of the Deena & Ozzy Pony purse from Urban Outfitters.  The other purse is a small leather messenger style, and I’ll show that in a later post.  I’m also wearing a skirt as a dress from Club Monaco with a Forever 21 belt and a vintage necklace I got from a market in Belgium.  Are you going to incorporate animal print to your Fall wardrobe?  JD

27 Dresses?

I have had one busy summer.  Approximately seven-million wedding invitations (real number is seven) have come my way and all are taking place within three months of each other.  Two were this past weekend.  The first was for my Western University roommate Liz.  She married her macho man Jeff at the Miller Lash House at U of T Scarborough.  The grounds were stunning and Liz, being a wedding planner, planned and executed the most beautiful wedding.  I wore this dress that I found at The Bay.  It was 70% off for $36.  My bag is an old sale purchase from Banana Republic, wedges are from Pegabo, and necklace was borrowed from my friend T.

The following day the gorgeous Courtney married her math professor beau at Grace Restaurant on College Street.  It was the ultimate city wedding and tres chic.  She requested that her closest friends wear white – what a confident bride!  I wore this dress that I purchased at Lolita when I was a student in London, ON.  Those who went to Western or grew up London know that Lolita is the go to shop on Richmond street.   I decided to give the dress a boho look with big gold earrings from Forever 21 ($6) and strappy leather wedges from Aldo ($90).   Purse is a Cole Haan sample sale purchase.

Today I am off to Ottawa for another wedding…and no, my dress for this one isn’t floral print.  Stay tuned! CM