No Trespassing

October 16, 2013November 11, 20145 Comments

Matt and I happened upon an abandoned house on our way to the fort in Niagara on The Lake. Matt was concerned for my safety the whole time, thinking the porch would collapse whilst I was prancing along it. I am less nervous about these things. Maybe that makes me naive. But for whatever reason, probably being a dancer, I have complete trust in my own body. I’m not really afraid to do many things. I’ll happily hop a tall fence without second guessing myself. I’m not afraid to have someone throw me over their head while trying a new lift in rehearsals. I just trust my own body, and it’s ability to sense when something is not right (thus avoid it) and when something will be totally okay. As of yet, I haven’t had anything horrible happen. Never broken a bone…maybe a few pulls here and there (am i jinxing myself?). But my body has remained fairly intact over the years. That’s not to say I don’t occasionally roll over my own feet when walking in heels, or everyone’s favorite tripping up the stairs (oh god, hopefully no one witnessed that!) I’m not clumsy-free, but if dance has brought me anything over the years, it’s self-assurance, and an awareness of my own body, outside of myself (ie, not kicking someone in the face while dancing). So rickety porch, I will chance falling through you, my curiosity cannot be helped when it comes to forgotten spaces, even if it’s a potential death trap.

Niagara On The Lake

October 14, 2013November 11, 20143 Comments

Matt and I spent Thanksgiving at his grand parents home in Niagara on the Lake. Niagara played a central role in the War of 1812, so it goes without saying this town is rich with history. The main strip has many buildings that date back to the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, and although the buildings have been restored, they maintain their history with great pride.

Matt and I did a little walking around by the water, down to the fort, and back to the main strip before dinner. I had never been before, so Matt gave me a nice tour of all the local haunts he and his family frequent when they visit. We stuffed ourselves full of cookies and sweets right before dinner, so you can imagine my stomach was in an uncomfortable almost-barf mode after dinner. But you cannot complain when you are surrounded by family, new traditions and delicious meals.

During our walk to the fort, we happened upon an abandoned house, which is a bloggers gold mine(why is that?!). I decided I would share those photos separately, maybe even tomorrow, so keep an eye out.

I hope everyone is having a lovely Thanksgiving with family and friends. I am away from mine this time around, which is a bit of a sore spot. My grandparents just sold their home, and this will be the last holiday my family will spend there. I feel I am missing out in a big way, but work always makes it difficult for me to make it back to Ottawa for every holiday. However, Matt’s family always welcomes me with open arms, which I am truly grateful for.

Blouse: thrifted Joe Fresh
Skirt: vintage via Common Sort
Purse: vintage via Public Butter
Shoes: Seychelles
Socks: UO

The Fortress of Solitude

October 7, 2013November 11, 20142 Comments

I am currently reading The Fortress of Solitude. Matt is something of a librarian to me. He has quite a substantial collection of books, and every time I finish one, I ask his opinion on the next book I should read from his collection. This is a blessing and a curse. Blessing because I always have tons of books at my fingertips, and someone who has great taste to recommend them to me. Curse because I never actually end up buying my own books. So while I have read probably hundreds upon hundreds of novels, I only own about 1-2 single shelves of them. I love books, I wish my apartment was filled from floor to ceiling with them, but I find it hard to cough up the money to buy a book I have already read. There are few books I will read more than once. So it seems unreasonable to purchase a novel I will never end up opening again. It’s silly though, I will purchase knick knacks for my apartment that serve no real purpose other than to decorate my shelves and windowsills. What’s the difference really?

The Fortress of Solitude’s opening is set on Dean St. in Brooklyn. For whatever reason this alleyway brought me there. I could picture this alley being somewhat like Dean St. Filled with children playing with their Spaldeens, and singing songs with subject matter much to mature for their age. A place that may be slum-like in appearance, but is warmed by children’s laughter, and imaginary games.

Shirt: Larkspur
Skort: Larkpur
Cardigan: thrifted vintage
Socks: Matts
Shoes: Seychelles
Bow Tie: TLO

Bonjour! Un Shop Update

October 3, 2013November 11, 20142 Comments

1….1970’s Rust High Waisted A-Line Skirt (S/M)

It feels like every time I take listing photos for the shop, a thunderstorm rolls in. What is this curse? So once again, the lighting in these photos leaves much to be desired. But what can a girl do? These are the woes of a girl who cannot afford a shop studio just yet, and thus, lovely natural light can be few and far between when the sun does not hit my apartment windows quite right (or at all). Anyways!! This week I have two very lovely skirts! The polka dot baby was actually from my very own wardrobe, but I decided to let her go. She deserves a lot more wear than I was giving her. Oh, and then these adorable 1960’s powder pink ruffle bloomers! Eep! So darling. They need a good vintage negligee loving home. As does the robe. I love this robe, I do. But my hoarding of robes needs to come to an end (it won’t though).

I hope everyone has a very lovely Thursday! Come virtually visit the shop today. Maybe something will catch your eye!

2….1960’s Olive Green Floral Embroidered Knit Cardigan (S/M)

3….1970’s Navy & Polka Dot Nautical High Waisted Skirt (S/M)

4….1960’s Powder Pink Ruffle Bloomers (S)

5….1960’s Pale Pink Sheer Lace House Coat (one size fits all)

Dream baby got me dreaming sweet dreams

September 23, 2013November 11, 20141 Comment

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I have a thing for vintage nightgowns, house coats…anything sleep oriented really, I just cannot get enough of it. I own waaaaay too many nightgowns and house coats, like an unnecessary amount. If I’m thrifting for the shop (which happens often), and I see a vintage nightgown, there is no hesitation in throwing it into the cart, and continuing on without batting an eyelash. It’s all in the details for me. There is something about nightgowns that you just can’t find in a dress – the adorable collars, lace detailing, fabric covered buttons, bell sleeves, ribbon ties (generally one, if not all, can be found on a vintage nightgown). There is an ethereal quality to them that just makes me feel my best.

It’s not a new idea to throw a skirt over a dress, and call it a blouse. I am not the pioneer of this idea. But it only occurred to me recently that if I couldn’t wear a nightgown outside on it’s own, I could throw a skirt over it, and the end result being a sweet little blouse (and no one has any idea that I rolled out of bed, and just put a skirt on top of what I was already wearing). C’est magnifique.

I would also like to mention finding this fascinator was a very pleasant surprise. It has the most amazing crochet flowers with three tiny rhinestones on the top layer. It came from this awesome vintage/antique store in Ithaca (the name fails me now, unfortunately). The shop owner was so sweet, and had a keen eye for such delicate and unique pieces. I struggled for a bit between this fascinator and some kewpie dolls with handmade clothing. Gah! I (obviously) ended up choosing the former, but it was a difficult decision, believe you me.

And my Seychelles! I cannot take my feet out of them. I have this obsession with finding the perfect Mary Janes, but to no avail. When I saw these lil’ guys they were so darn close to what I was looking for, I just decided to buy them. My search for the perfect Mary Janes is still not over, but these will certainly do for now.