This Family Affairs dress is probably my most go-to easy-peasy dress to wear when I don’t feel like making much of an effort. It’s just one of those dresses that doesn’t need much styling because it’s pretty dead awesome on it’s own – pair it with a fun shoe, a cute hat and you’re good to go, which is exactly what I need lately. With Gus being immobile, it’s sort of consuming my life. I now feel like I have a better understanding what it’s like to look after someone impaired or ill, which is the everyday life of my older brother and parents who look after my autistic nephew Jason. I can’t even come close to comparing my dog to Jason and the things my family goes through with him, but for most of Jason’s life I have not lived in the same city so I only see small doses of my parents/brothers life with him and the things they tell me over the phone. So I get it, but I don’t get it. Going through this with Gus and seeing how all consuming it is – worrying, wanting them to get better, having to help them with everything, keeping an eye on them at all times… it’s given me a better understanding of what my family experiences – there is just not much time to think about yourself. So, thank goodness for easy dresses and thank goodness I have Ryan around so I can step out for a bit and play hopscotch like 4yr old with no cares in the world.
Dress: Family Affairs
Hat: thrifted vintage
Shoes: Nosilla Vintage
Month: June 2015
Doggy Paddle
Days spent at the beach with friends and dogs are always the best of days, even if it’s a less than desirable beach. Although, I will never judge Garbage Beach, it has always been a spot I have enjoyed spending my time…there is nothing to dislike about a secluded beach in Toronto that we can have bonfires at (not legally, but, whatever). So since Meaghan lives just down the road from our fav beachy spot, we headed there on a Sunday to let the dogs have a nice run around and swim, which was definitely not voluntary. All three of them hate swimming, but they needed to be cooled off, so don’t think we are that mean. It was really a nice relaxing afternoon, but now my little Gussy is sick again. If you don’t follow me on instagram (get on that!) then you won’t know yet that Gus is having a rough time. This time he has ataxia. Incase you aren’t familiar with ataxia (I definitely wasn’t), in the simplest terms he has a lack of muscle control in his hind legs during voluntary movements, which means he is unable to walk, or hold himself up. It’s a neurological issue that we are hoping will rectify itself over the next few days or so, but if not, he will likely need surgery. We have to help Gus with everything now. We have to hold his back end up while he eats and drinks, carry him everywhere around the house because he likes being near me at all times and we don’t want him trying to get to me on his own. He needs help outside when doing his business, and it obviously goes without saying he can’t jump on or off anything, so I have to keep a close watch on him so he doesn’t fall off the bed or couch when we are sitting/sleeping. It’s really a nightmare. I don’t mind looking after him in this way (I’d do anything for this dog) but it’s the fact that he has no idea what’s going on that makes me so upset. Imagine spontaneously not being able to move your legs? How absolutely awful would that be?! I’m thankful he is not paralyzed – he still has feeling in his hind legs – but some narrowing in his spine is causing the ataxia. Gah! Poor guy is having such a rough time these days.
Anyways, Please send your well wishes Gus’ way. He’s an amazing little guy that brings a smile to everyones face.
*photos of my by Meaghan
Dress: Family Affairs
ACT THREE. AW ’15 Lookbook
I’m so excited to finally be able to share with you ACT THREE.‘s AW ’15 lookbook that I styled and modelled for back when snow was still very much on the ground (ugh! let’s not even think about that). If you follow me on instagram, then you have already seen images here and there, but if you don’t (you probably should though), then this will all be new to you.
Sarah McGowan, founder and designer of ACT THREE. wanted to create a line of accessible vintage inspired garments for petite women (5’4″ and under) like herself, and so was born Act Three and this adorable collection of varying styles of dresses that I honestly want to own each and every one of. Unfortunately friends, she doesn’t have her own online shop (although maybe one day), but her stockists at the moment will be Victoire and Coal’s Miner’s Daughter and they both have online shops, so be sure to check check check when her pieces are available to nab yourself something.
I really love the black button up with contrasting white collar and the black & white polkadot with a high neck tie. What are you favourites?!
Photographer: Danielle Suzanne
Model, Stylist, Hair/MUA: Alexandra Spence (me, hi!)
Dresses: ACT THREE.
Accessories: stylist own
Would you guys be interested in seeing some extras from this shoot that I loved? We took plenty, and I thought it could be fun to share some that didn’t make the cut. Let me know!
The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room
Last week Meaghan and I headed to the movies to see Aloha. Because Meaghan and I are kind of nerds and like to dress to theme (sort of ) we brought with us Tiki drinks (which Meaghan purchased at Walmart, incase you want your own tiki inspired cups) and dressed in bright, Hawaiian prints. Okay, so my dress is actually a house print, but whatever, we can pretend they are Hawaiian houses…it’s the inspiration that counts here, guys.
I highly suggest next time you see a movie or play (even if it sucks), try to dress to theme. It doesn’t have to be over the top Star Wars, Harry Potter, whatever style, but just a hint of theme, however you see it. It makes getting dressed that much more fun and gets your brain thinking and working.
If you were thinking of going to see Aloha, don’t waste your money or high hopes…if you have read the negative reviews, they are right, which I was hoping was not the case but it is very much the case. This blog is definitely not a movie review blog, but I thought I would mention it because if you are like me and love almost every person in the cast, especially Bradley Cooper ❤ and Bill Murray, you will be sorely disappointed.
Tell me about a time you dressed in theme…a party you went to, a movie you saw, an event you attended…anything!
*photos by Meaghan
Dress c/o Larmoni
Blouse: thrifted vintage
Bow tie: handmade
Boots: Samantha Pleet x Wolverine
White Out
On Saturday, I and some other Toronto bloggers were invited to Diva Girl’s 6 year Anniversary party. The event was held on the rooftop of The Spoke Club, a club I didn’t even know existed until a few days before (I am not a private club type girl), and at request, everyone was decked out in all white attire. Fortunately for me (since I don’t actually own that many all white dresses), I was given this dress from Wanderlust and necklace/clutch (featured in some photos) from Stella and Dot to wear for the duration of the event. At the end of the event, me and some other bloggers were featured in a fashion show to present some pieces by brands and designers who will be collaborating with Diva Girl in the future.
The event was pretty fun, although, if I’m being honest, not really my style. But it was nice to be invited and to meet some other bloggers I had never met before. Spending the day in the sun over looking the city I love so much was pretty awesome as well, although I did get a nasty sunburn on my shoulders, which wasn’t so nice. What a surprise, huh?! The ginger forgot sunscreen and she got burned.
*photos by Meaghan and edited by me
Dress c/o Wanderlust
Shoes: Forever21
Necklace & clutch c/o Stella and Dot (here, here)
Sunglasses: UO
okay andie 
