Bright and Shiny Lights

October 10, 20166 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving my Canadian Pals

This time last year I was going through a lot of changes – My ex and I broke up, I moved out of our place and I was temporarily living in my friends spare bedroom waiting to move into my new place. While all of that sounds pretty shit, it really wasn’t so bad. There were so many things that felt like a fresh start and a chance to make things better and different for myself. Now I am sat here, after almost a year, on a couch I bought for myself only a few weeks ago (ya, finally!), in an apartment filled with things I love, and I can’t help but feel content. While the bad was right bad, which at times felt insurmountable, I remember believing there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, that over-used, cheese saying, but those were the perfect words for it. I felt trapped for awhile, unsure of what was the right decision, but I knew that on the other side of this mess, that when I did find a way out, there would be a little bit more light each day.

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I’m not going to pretend things are all hunky dory (what am I 80?) everyday, because they aren’t, but I have a whole lot to be thankful for everyday. So it’s fitting that today is Canadian Thanksgiving, seems like the right day to be counting the things in my life that are shiny and bright and give me light, each and everyday.

What are you thankful for?

-WHAT I WORE-
Top: CS | Trousers c/o Miss Patina | Shoes: Dr. Martens | Backpack: vintage Liz Claiborne via CS
Larkspur Vintage | Bright and Shiny Lights

A Perfect Match

September 28, 20165 Comments

in miss patina

I’ve avoided midi length anything for what feels like ages. I used to absolutely love midi skirts and dresses (any of you that have followed me since the start know this), but at some point minis called to me more and then any time I tried something longer I didn’t like how it looked. So when I decided on this dress I wasn’t really sure how I would feel in it. Aesthetically, and in theory, it’s everything I like in a dress – 70s inspired, a beautiful colour with a fun (matchstick) print, high gathered neckline, pleated voile sleeve cuffs and a flowing skirt – but while it may sound appealing, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will actually be something I am happy and comfortable in. However, I took a chance on it for whatever reason (well actually, for the reasons I listed above) and after twirling about in this fluttery number, I am absolutely sold.

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Sometimes shooting can be aggravating and I walk away dissatisfied. Other times it feels fresh and inspired and I walk away feeling like I made something I am proud of. For this set it was the latter. Naturally I can thank myself for that, but I think it’s also due in part to the dress. Clothes often have this magical way of bringing a part of yourself to the surface that sometimes feels tucked away.

-WHAT I WORE-
Dress c/o Miss Patina | Hat & Belt: vintage | Boots: Zara via CS
Larkspur Vintage | A Perfect Match

One Woman’s Trash…

September 20, 20162 Comments

Baby’s first denim jacket!

One of the things I love about my day job as a second-hand clothing buyer is having amazing – sometimes one of a kind – clothes fall into my lap, figuratively and quite literally. Take for example this vintage Wrangler denim jacket and page boy hat; two pieces I knew I would like in my closet after seeing others wear similar ones, but pieces I would likely never actively seek out on my own. Thing is, neither of these things are essentials (is anything other than one of something ever essential though?), so they become something left to fate…if I happen upon it one day, certainly I’ll purchase it (as long as it’s not too expensive), but if I don’t, that’s okay. However, I am damn pleased these two came into my life, especially this denim jacket. I love this jacket! Love it. To be honest, I’ve never even owned a denim jacket. I’ve tried on my fair share of them in my life, but I never truly fancied any…until this one. The second I saw this one, before even trying it on, I knew it was what I had been holding out for – the indigo colour, the 70s cut (to the best of my knowledge it is from the 70s), the slightly worn, however sturdy denim…it’s just the best. I hope to be able to carry it with me throughout my life, so it kind of baffles my mind that someone decided to give it away. But as they say…one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure and whatnot.

Outfit: Up Tha Punx

October 12, 20159 Comments

I’ve owned this faux leather jacket for about 7 years now. I used to wear it religiously, but when my style took a more soft turn, it ended up in the back of my closet (or packed in a box, rather). I’ve never been able to get rid of it though, just the same as I have never been able to get rid of my jean vest that I had cut the sleeves off of and then had my boyfriend at the time draw on the back of. They are both sentimental pieces and the only remaining items from my punk/goth days. I knew that even if I wasn’t really wearing this jacket, I would want to hold onto it. I’m telling you, finding a moto jacket like this was not easy, and it still feels just as relevant as it did back then, so I’m glad it has stayed with me all these years. I can’t say I’ll be pulling it out of my closet a ton this Fall, because it does feel very much like my former self, that of which I don’t really identify with anymore, but it was nice to bring one of my more sentimental pieces out of the darkness and share it with you guys.
Jacket: H&M (old)
Blouse: vintage via Penny Arcade
Skirt: vintage via Odd Finds
Shoes: Sylvie and Shimmy
Bow tie: handmade

A Cloudy Accessory

June 30, 201513 Comments

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