Overall Apearance

August 12, 2014November 11, 2014Leave a comment

Sometimes the thrifting gods shine down on you and you find a piece that is in brand spanking new condition and fits you almost perfectly. That’s what this overalls/pinafore/jumper was for me. I generally thrift only for the shop, but when I find a piece that is not vintage but suits my taste, I pick it up for myself. And save for the few times it needed adjusting while out and about (pinafores tend not to stay in one place, and the skirt likes to hike up a bit – eep!), it’s one of my favourite things in my closet right now. After Gertie’s passing, I’m going to be honest, it was hard for me to care even slightly about the way I looked. I left the house very little, and when I did it was a ‘no make up, normcore’ situation. Which is fine on others, but it’s just not for me. One of the best things I could do for myself was do my usual makeup routine and wear things that made me feel good, and leave the house, even if it was for a short period of time. Clothing has a way of making you feel better, a way of making you feel like everything is normal. And during times of grieving, life can often feel like you are just passing through it, completely unmindful. But clothes can make you feel a part of it all – “I feel like shit, but gosh, you would never know, cause I’m wearing this sassy pinafore and my shoes are RED, and we are discussing the relationship between Beyonce and Jay-Z, which I normally wouldn’t care about, but it is a mindless subject” But I digress… I won’t pretend every day gets easier when you lose someone you love. Everyday is just different – some harder than others. Keeping my mind focused on my art, on the loves in my life that are still here, and on the clothes that bring a smile to my face are just a few of the ways I keep myself feeling like me.

On a separate note, Ryan and I are looking for a new place to live. My wee bachelor is just not enough space for the two of us, and it pains me to leave this place that has been my home for almost 3 years now, but this year has been about changes. I don’t know how many of my readers are Torontonians, but if you come across a cool place, let a girl know! We found a dream place, but it got snatched away from us quite quickly. So we are still on the lookout.

*photos by Ryan

Pinafore & tote: thrifted

Dress worn as shirt: H&M

Shoes: Seychelles

Marilyn Monroe Moments

July 2, 2014November 11, 2014Leave a comment

This dress was a mistake for weather as humid and windy as it was yesterday. When I bought this dress I specifically thought it would be a nice summery dress because of how light-weight and airy it feels, but I was wrong. I always forget Toronto doesn’t really get dry heat. It’s a sticky, humid, ‘sweat between your butt cheeks’ type heat that can only really be fought by leaving as much skin exposed as possible (danger to fare-skinned folk). I was indeed correct about how light-weight it is though. It’s the type of light-weight that if there is any gust of wind, a few people are going to get a flash of your buns, so it was really not ideal for me to wear this dress while taking photos so close to the beach. Think of the infamous Marilyn Monroe ‘Seven Year Itch’ scene, but way less sexy and charming. Needless to say, I was panicked to get home after taking these photos. I spent the remainder of this day in a lace short-sleeve button up and high waisted denim shorts (and no socks! it’s amazing how much warmer you feel with socks on). I do love this dress though. I’m a huge fan of stripes (typical.), but this may very well be the only striped item I own these days. In my goth days I rocked a pair of Beetlejuice pants, but they are no more, and may they rest in peace.

Dress: thrifted Zara
Fascinator: vintage shop in Ithaca
Socks: AA
Shoes: Seychelles

Forgotten treasures

May 5, 2014November 11, 20142 Comments

I am in a bit of a rut when it comes to dressing myself as of late. Owning your own shop (ps, online should be back in action in the next little while) generally means you forget to buy things for yourself (at least, for me), so after some time your closet starts to feel boring ’cause everything has been worn to death. A lot of the things I buy for the shop I would wear myself, but not all, either because of fit or it’s just not my style. So while I do get new clothes often, it never really feels like mine and I only get to wear them for a short time. I try not to become attached to something I plan to sell in the shop. All that to say, it’s nice when you go through your own closet and pull something out you haven’t worn in a loooong time, and you are able to look at it with fresh eyes. This trench and these sunglasses are a good example of that. I’ve had bangs since I was 14 yrs old, but I did go through a phase – I think when I started this blog actually – where I was growing them out. I bought these sunglasses around that time. I’ve shared them on the blog a few summers back, but when I saw the images, I hated the way they looked. However, wearing them while I have bangs, I kind of love. They now look right to me, and I’m sure they will get a lot of use this summer. The trench I’ve had for I can’t even remember how many years. I wore it to death when I first got it, and then grew tired of it. Yesterday was the perfect weather for a light jacket, and it caught my eye while I was choosing a coat for the day. I put it on and it just made sense to me. I now rememver why I held onto it for so many years. These are the reasons I will forever be a hoarder of clothing. I hate the idea of getting rid of something and then wishing you had never done so a few months, or even years down the road.

Coat: H&M (years ago)
Blouse & blouse: thrifted vintage
Belt: thrifted
Sunglasses: UO
Socks: Target
Shoes: Seychelles

Oy Vey Soleil

January 13, 2014November 11, 20142 Comments

It has finally been mild enough to venture outdoors to snap some photos. For the past few weeks I’ve been avoiding the outdoors at all costs. When there are weather alerts for extreme cold, aka you could get frost bite on exposed skin within five minutes (wtf?!), it’s just really not something I’m willing to risk. I will happily sit indoors, eating pizza (i have a problem), under blankets, re-watching episodes of Breaking Bad and googling questionable things. I am at that point in winter where I’m just ready for it to be over. All the exciting parts of this chilly season are over, and I’m ready to suit up in my hiking uniform and explore the outdoors with the sun actually producing warmth.

Okay, whining aside, I did a little interview and hair tutorial over at Cut Out + Keep. You should check it out! I hope you all had a lovely weekend. Mine was quite restful, although today it really feels like I could use some more (and she whines again). Happy Monday, stay warm (depending where you are).

Blouse: vintage via Public Butter
Skirt: thrifted J.Crew
Coat: thrifted H&M
Belt: thrifted
Scottish tam: vintage shop in Almont,ON.
Boots: Topshop
Tights: Joe Fresh

New Threads at Larkspur

September 5, 2013November 11, 2014Leave a comment

1. 1960’s Tartan Wool Skort (S/M)

Okay, so I kind of lied last shop update when I said that was it for my Summer-ish items. While thrifting in NY State I happened upon far too many delightful items that I just couldn’t pass up, regardless of the changing season. And you know, sometimes I feel there are many pieces that transition nicely into many seasons (even if it’s robin egg blue!) Styling is the key. Anyways! I’ve got a bit of both this shop update. The Fall skirts are ever so lovely. I’m sure they would love to find a new home. Although I’m happy to keep them company in the mean time. Pop by the shop to check these new babies out!

PS – I apologize for the horrid lighting in most of these photos. I use natural light, and a lovely thunderstorm rolled in in the midst of photo taking. So thank you, mother nature.

2. 1950’s Robin Egg Blue Cropped Shirt (S)3. 1970’s Novelty Print Collared Maxi Dress (S)4. 1970’s Paisley Pastel Ascot Blouse (M)5. 1950’s Robin Egg Blue High Waisted Bloomers/Shorts (S)6. 1970’s High Waisted Tartan Maxi Skirt (S/M)