Wrapped Like a Present

DSC_1914I can’t believe Christmas is over and it’s nearly the New Year! I hope all those that celebrated or got some time off had a wonderful holiday – mine was just what I needed. I tried my best to give myself a few days off from blogging and anything blog related so I could enjoy time with family (Ryan’s) and friends, which I think is quite important to do from time to time. Blogging can really bleed into your everyday life, it’s sometimes hard to tell yourself that you don’t need to document absolutely everything that happens.

I wore this dress for Christmas dinner, and while it isn’t in traditional Christmas hues I think it was the perfect holiday dress. I liken it to a present with it’s rich metallic taffeta skirt and velvet bodice adorned with two sweet bows on the shoulder straps. But, the real star of the show here are my new boots. I’m pretty darn excited about these babies! They were a Christmas gift from Ryan. I had been wanting the Arc Boots by Samantha Pleet since they first came out a few years ago, and now I own them in the most beautiful marmalade colour. I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot of them here.

What did you guys do the for the holidays? Did you receive any gifts you are super excited about?! Spend time with people you don’t get to see often? I’d love to hear.

*photos by Ryan

DSC_1904DSC_1903DSC_1909DSC_1905DSC_1915DSC_1910DSC_1917Dress: Vintage via Common Sort
Coat: Vintage via Gisela and Zoe
Boots: Arc Boots by Samantha Pleet x Wolverine
Tights: old pair of ballet tights

A Very Merry Christmas

Processed with VSCOcam with g3 presetMerry Christmas/Happy Holidays my dear friends! It’s a bit of a strange/sad Christmas for me, as this is the first Christmas in my 26 years that I am not with my family. Last night was odd because every Christmas Eve my mother and I sit down to watch A Christmas Carol together – not being able to do that made me really miss her. I’m currently in Barrie with Ryan’s family for the holidays. There is no snow here, which also sort of feels like a first – I can’t remember the last time we didn’t have snow for Christmas.

Anyways, I should be off! I desperately need coffee and should probably actually give myself  a break for the next few days. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas or Holidays or Festivus, et. al.

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buck + coppice

DSC_1852Being a candle enthusiast, I’ve made candles dozens of time before but they never really smell the way I want…meaning they don’t really smell much at all. So when I find handmade candles, I’m always quite impressed when the scent is comparative to big brand store candles, only it’s so much more special because someone has handcrafted each candle themselves, perfecting the product with love and care, in a way that only locally handmade products can be – there is just no comparison.

Brennan Michael is a new line of handmade candles made right here in Toronto. They have just released their first scent, buck + coppice which I can honestly say smells amazing. It’s the perfect candle for these cold days spent indoors. Brennan is an old pal of mine – I met him when I first moved to Toronto around 7 years ago. While we haven’t kept in touch very well, he did reach out to me when he had released his first scent to see if I’d like to give it a try. Of course I said a big ol’ yes and thought it would be fun to style the candle for some holiday-esque photos.

You can find Brennan Michael candles stocked in a few stores here in Toronto, and for those far from Toronto, you can buy online as well.

Merry Christmas Eve friends!

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Discovering Vintage

I had briefly mentioned last week that recently I was approached by StyleKick to be in a video for their YouTube channel. I spent the afternoon at Cabaret Vintage a couple Fridays ago with SK’s fashion editor Gabrielle and fashion photographer Celia making this fun little video. I’m so happy with how it turned out and I hope you guys enjoy it.

Holly Jolly

DSC_1753I thought since Christmas is right around the corner I’d put together a little holiday-inspired outfit. I feel like Mrs. Claus or a little elf, which is fun and fitting for the season. I likely won’t be wearing this outfit for the holidays, though. I don’t normally wear something that feels over the top Christmasy (red and white is just so obvious). Last year I had a lovely white chiffon dress and the year before it was a velvet emerald green shift dress. I’ve got, I think, the most perfect dress for the holidays this year, although I’ve had this dress since last February so I’ve become a little less enamored by it. I’ve got some Christmas shopping to do this evening, so I’m sure you’ll find me in one of my favorite vintage shops in between present-buying to see if I can find something I love. Vintage shops are the best place to find holiday dresses…you never know what you will come across and it’s usually bloody amazing.

DSC_1757DSC_1769DSC_1743DSC_1761DSC_1778DSC_1748DSC_1764DSC_1745DSC_1775Blouse: H&M
Beaded shirt c/o Ellen Face Vintage
Skirt: thirfted
Belt: thrifted
Tights: UO
Beret: vintage
Shoes: Seychelles