I’m not sure when, but at some point I became incredibly disinterested in jewelry. I used to always pick up fun pieces while shopping, but much like my interest in purses began to wane, so did my interest in jewelry. What was once an affinity to big, colourful rings and necklaces with eye catching pendants, I slowly opted for no necklaces (bow ties instead) and very simple, plain rings. I used to let jewelry be the statement piece of my outfit (i mean, bondage necklaces…pretty hard to not let it be the star of the show), but now I much prefer understated pieces, only noticeable when you take a closer look. So I guess it would seem odd that I would own a novelty ring by Good After Nine in the shape of a unicorn. But, it’s fun, and it feels inline with my current aesthetic; eye-catching, cute, but not overpoweringly so. As for my necklace from Happiness Boutique, it’s dainty and subdued, just the way I like it. I’ve also always loved skeleton keys, so having one adorned around my neck with a simple heart pendant hovering above is just the type of necklace I’d be happy to wear everyday. Life has felt so new and refreshing lately, but also grounded in finding my old self, and I think my style has been reflecting my current state of mind; a knowing comfort in what I love, but a little more carefree and a desire to be truly rid of self-imposed style expectations.
Initially I was hesitant to pick something from Happiness Boutique – knowing my fickle attitude towards jewelry – but I quickly realized there is something for everyone (even me!), and to boot, they offer free shipping (also super fast), a customer reward program and you can enter their bi-monthly giveaway; who doesn’t like perks like that?!
Blouse, skirt & belt: thrifted
Coat: vintage via Gisela & Zoe
Hat: H&M (similar)
Boots: Topshop (similar, similar)
Ring c/o Good After Nine
Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Tag: H&M
Outfit: Carnival Colours
I was pretty darn excited to stumble across the CNE while it was being set up for the annual carnival/exhibition/fun starting Aug. 21st. I assumed you would not be allowed on the grounds during this time, but after noticing the gate wide open, families at the playground nearby and people just passing through to get from A to B, I quickly realized I could actually photograph there without trespassing and with little disturbance. I have photographed at the CNE before, but this was while it was already well underway, and every shot was filled with people in the background; carnivals are always so pretty to shoot at, but it’s hard to make it seem like no one is around (which is only really a problem if you are a fashion blogger). It felt so special to be able to wander and photograph in what felt like an abandoned carnival, getting to see the structures sitting humbly before they are flashing their bright lights, with people waiting in anticipation and the buzzing of delight (or fear) heard all around. I’m unsure when they will be closing the grounds to the public (without a pass), but I’m hoping I can pop by again sometime this week as I only wandered a small area of the park, and I’d love to see more of the park in all it’s quiet, colourful glory.
Dress worn as shirt: H&M (old)
Skirt: thrifted
Scarf: vintage
Pink & aqua rings c/o Pastel Dress Party
Shoes: H&M (old)
A Cloudy Accessory
Gus came back home from his surgery on Sunday, and boy has it been difficult. With back surgery, for the first 4-6 weeks they are not allowed to jump on and off furniture, go on walks longer than 5 minutes, do stairs, he needs strict cage rest when I am not watching, no playing, no sleeping in our bed (that is impossible, so I have taken to sleeping on the couch and him right next to me on a doggy bed)…just no fun what so ever. If you know Gus, you know that’s difficult to control. At 5 yrs, this little guy still seems like a puppy, both in behaviour and appearance. One would think it would be easy to keep him quiet because he would be painful and exhausted from surgery, but that is not the case here (dogs aren’t big babies like humans). Granted, he is on a slew of painkillers, but honestly, aside from his ataxic walking (and the giant Frankenstein incision on his back), you would have no idea he underwent back surgery less than a week ago. I’ve always felt my little cloud is the toughest little Bichon around, one of the very reasons he is so loveable.
All that to say, the little cloud is doing well, but he still walks pretty badly. The neurologist said that should continue to improve, but whether he fully gets back to normal is hard to say. We will be crossing our fingers (and so should you). As you can see, he came with us to take some pictures yesterday because I didn’t want to leave him alone at home. But he always makes any photo better with his adorable manner, so no one is complaining here. And thank you again to everyone who has donated and sent us loving messages. It means so much to me, you have no idea. My GoFundMe page is still up as we haven’t reached the goal, so if you feel at all inclined to help out, your kindness will not go unnoticed.
*photos by Ryan
Trousers: H&M
Blouse: thrifted
Shoes: Seychelles
Purse: vintage via Public Butter
Hair bow: Into The Woods instagram sale
To Market, To Market
After all the craziness with little Gus (he’s back home and doing better now btw, slowly but surely), I desperately needed to get out of the house for a bit of gal time with Meaghan. Because Gus requires meds and to eat every couple hours I couldn’t be out for too long, but I still managed to get away for a few to take a stroll with Meg and her pups, and wander over to Echo Beach where they were holding the Junction Flea. While Meg and I both kept ourselves from buying anything substantial, we did each get a mini popsicle and met the cutest dachshund puppy ever (how do things that small exist, and why can’t I have them all!?). A short but fun excursion and I’m looking forward to life getting back to normal.
Side note: what do you guys think of my bangs side swept? They are a bit long right now so I wanted to get them out of my eyes, but I’m kind of liking the look.
*photos of me by Meaghan and edited by me
Blouse, shawl, purse: H&M (old)
Skirt & hat: vintage
Shoes: Seychelles
Them Jeans
If you had told me a year ago that I would purchase a pair of high waisted flared denim jeans, I would have laughed in your face. Yet, here I am, with a pair of high waisted flared jeans, and I’m loving them. When I bought them, I wasn’t really sure if it would end up being a wasteful purchase. I have a tendency to want to try new styles, only to find I feel totally uncomfortable and never end up wearing them. This is usually only the case with pants. It’s really just personal insecurities that make me dislike pants – my legs are too short, they look thick in pants (or in my own candid words, like sausages), I feel too masculine…silly things really. It’s not that these pants don’t make me feel that way…they still do at times, but I like them regardless, because they feel vintage, because they are so flippin versatile, because I can style them in a truly feminine way and because not having too worry about your dress/skirt blowing up in the wind is an amazing feeling. You probably won’t catch me wearing pants all the time, I’m still a dress/skirt girl to the very end (ride or die), but I like that I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and giving a little nod to the 70s, and an even bigger nod to Bridgitte Bardot with this hairstyle and oversized bow tie.
Blouse & coat: thrifted
Pants: H&M
Bow tie: TLO
Boots: Samantha Pleet x Wolverine
okay andie 
