Frances Baker Summer 2012

December 4, 2012November 11, 20144 Comments

I had been anticipating the launch of Frances Baker Summer collection for awhile now. And finally, starting last week and throughout, Josie began revealing pieces from her collection, and oh my, it did not disappoint! With this collection she pretty much summed up how I like to dress in the summer. Something simple, light-weight, but has such lovely details to it that you don’t feel too dressed down. From what I read on her blog, this was her intention, and she executed it perfectly.

Now, I shouldn’t be so cruel and torture myself with summer collections, as it has officially become winter here in Toronto. Our first snow fall was just a few nights ago. I can’t even really foresee myself wearing anything like this for the next coming months, but these photos brighten the dark days here and get me excited about the long-coming summer season. I think maybe my favorite thing about this collection is the 70’s feel. I’m pretty into that right now. The long floral dresses and overall dress really speak to my sensibilities right now. The ruffle details on the longer dresses really add something nice, making them super feminine in the best way possible. I also love all the pieces being paired with clogs – i love clogs – it really adds to the 70’s vibe of the whole collection. All in all, I’d like to get my hands on some of these pieces and make them a part of my summer closet.

Posted by: Alex

Dundurn Castle

November 19, 2012November 11, 2014Leave a comment

Photos by Matt!

Navy Shift Dress: H&M
Mustard Orange Collared Silk Blouse: vintage DKNY
Navy Trapeze Swing Wool Coat: vintage
Black Thigh High Socks: Target
Cork Heeled T-strap Sandals: Bass
Brown Leather Bag: thrifted (in the hallway of my old apartment building)

Recently my boyfriend Matt and I took a day trip to Dundurn Castle in Hamilton. We were passing through on our way back to Toronto from a wonderful time in Niagara Falls (which deserves it’s own post). Matt grew up in Hamilton and told me about this beautiful Castle that he thought would be fun to take a look at.

It was such a strange day. Sunny blue skies, and then down pours on and off all day. Fortunately for us, it immediately stopped raining when we got to the Castle. Just enough time for us to take a peek around before the rain started up again. The Castle was not open to take a look inside, which did slightly disappoint me. But the grounds were beautiful, so it did not bother me too much.

Dundurn Castle built in 1835, belonged to Sir Allan McNab, a lawyer, landowner, railway magnate and Premier of the United Canadas from 1854-1856. The Estate was built around the brick shell of Col. Richard Beasley’s colonial home.The land it is located on is known as Burlington Heights. The British Army, during the War of 1812, established a military post at the site. Sir Allan MacNab later used elements of the post into the construction of Dundurn Castle during the 1830’s. There are some old forts that have now been turned into pretty little gardens. Unfortunately they were locked, so I only got to peek over some fences (which were the same height as me). Had I been a little more adventurous (or wearing different shoes and maybe pants) I would have hopped over.

There was a pretty little back house behind the Castle which interested me the most. Again, it was locked so I could only peer through windows to take a look inside. It looked a little more touristy than I had hoped. You could tell it had been restored from its original condition. It did look old, but not the old I was hoping for.There were more people roaming the grounds than I would have liked. It was difficult to get a nice picture of any of the buildings without having a family, wedding party, or small child in the shot. The rain didn’t keep anyone away that day.

As soon as we got back into the car the rain came pouring down. Matt said it was fate, the sun had been shining just for us.

On the way home Matt and I went to pick up some bagels and pastries to bring home with us. And I had to stop myself from visiting any vintage stores along the way. Which wasn’t too difficult, because I had no intention of being in the rain any longer than was necessary. Once we picked up Gus (my pup) from Meaghan’s, we spent the rest of the evening on the couch watching Reservoir Dogs and eating homemade pizza.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Bye all!

Posted by Alex

Twenty Seven Names

November 13, 2012November 11, 2014Leave a comment

Lately I’ve been really drawn to plainer outfits, maybe a little less frilly, and a little on the darker side. Maybe it’s just the season, or maybe it’s me getting older, and feeling like the way I dress should reflect that a little bit. Whatever the reason, though, labels like Twenty Seven Names just seem, to me, to tie the girly in with the grown up absolutely seamlessly. Pairing sweaters with flouncy full skirts, and making more masculine collared shirts in perfect tiny polka dot prints.

Every single item just looks equal parts pretty and practical, and I’m so happy that they styled the collection with flats, because lately they’re all I’ve been wanting to wear. It helps that each outfit looks easy to layer, making it all perfect for when Canadian Winters make me want to give up on style all together, and just swaddle myself in a blanket for three months. Now, to get my hands on that Crepe Shift Dress…..