Today’s shop update is full of purses and a couple pair of shoes. Things I have had for sometime now, and never quite got around to photographing…until now. The hand bags are so great. A perfect accessory for a night out. Maybe even add a little sparkle to a New Year’s Eve outfit…which is months away, but it’s always good to plan ahead (I should take my own advice). Pop by the shop today, maybe something will catch your eye!

1980’s Buttery Yellow Faux Snake Skin Purse

1980’s Patchwork Pastel Floral Hand Bag

1960’s Ivory Box Style Hand Bag

1970’s Green Suede Bow Detail Shoes 8.5

1960’s Gold Lame & Ivory Heels 6.5

No Trespassing

October 16, 2013November 11, 20145 Comments

Matt and I happened upon an abandoned house on our way to the fort in Niagara on The Lake. Matt was concerned for my safety the whole time, thinking the porch would collapse whilst I was prancing along it. I am less nervous about these things. Maybe that makes me naive. But for whatever reason, probably being a dancer, I have complete trust in my own body. I’m not really afraid to do many things. I’ll happily hop a tall fence without second guessing myself. I’m not afraid to have someone throw me over their head while trying a new lift in rehearsals. I just trust my own body, and it’s ability to sense when something is not right (thus avoid it) and when something will be totally okay. As of yet, I haven’t had anything horrible happen. Never broken a bone…maybe a few pulls here and there (am i jinxing myself?). But my body has remained fairly intact over the years. That’s not to say I don’t occasionally roll over my own feet when walking in heels, or everyone’s favorite tripping up the stairs (oh god, hopefully no one witnessed that!) I’m not clumsy-free, but if dance has brought me anything over the years, it’s self-assurance, and an awareness of my own body, outside of myself (ie, not kicking someone in the face while dancing). So rickety porch, I will chance falling through you, my curiosity cannot be helped when it comes to forgotten spaces, even if it’s a potential death trap.

Niagara On The Lake

October 14, 2013November 11, 20143 Comments

Matt and I spent Thanksgiving at his grand parents home in Niagara on the Lake. Niagara played a central role in the War of 1812, so it goes without saying this town is rich with history. The main strip has many buildings that date back to the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, and although the buildings have been restored, they maintain their history with great pride.

Matt and I did a little walking around by the water, down to the fort, and back to the main strip before dinner. I had never been before, so Matt gave me a nice tour of all the local haunts he and his family frequent when they visit. We stuffed ourselves full of cookies and sweets right before dinner, so you can imagine my stomach was in an uncomfortable almost-barf mode after dinner. But you cannot complain when you are surrounded by family, new traditions and delicious meals.

During our walk to the fort, we happened upon an abandoned house, which is a bloggers gold mine(why is that?!). I decided I would share those photos separately, maybe even tomorrow, so keep an eye out.

I hope everyone is having a lovely Thanksgiving with family and friends. I am away from mine this time around, which is a bit of a sore spot. My grandparents just sold their home, and this will be the last holiday my family will spend there. I feel I am missing out in a big way, but work always makes it difficult for me to make it back to Ottawa for every holiday. However, Matt’s family always welcomes me with open arms, which I am truly grateful for.

Blouse: thrifted Joe Fresh
Skirt: vintage via Common Sort
Purse: vintage via Public Butter
Shoes: Seychelles
Socks: UO

Bits and Bobs

October 9, 2013November 11, 20142 Comments

1. vintage tapestry kitty purse
2. 1930’s Good Housekeeping covers converted into wall hangings & antique oil lamp
3. Gus wearing his annual “don’t eat your skin” outfits
4. vintage illustrations on my walls
5. some new lovely vintage finds – delicate blouses & tartan skirts 4evr, man
6. things on my windowsill
7. amazing 1950’s shoe goodness

The Fortress of Solitude

October 7, 2013November 11, 20142 Comments

I am currently reading The Fortress of Solitude. Matt is something of a librarian to me. He has quite a substantial collection of books, and every time I finish one, I ask his opinion on the next book I should read from his collection. This is a blessing and a curse. Blessing because I always have tons of books at my fingertips, and someone who has great taste to recommend them to me. Curse because I never actually end up buying my own books. So while I have read probably hundreds upon hundreds of novels, I only own about 1-2 single shelves of them. I love books, I wish my apartment was filled from floor to ceiling with them, but I find it hard to cough up the money to buy a book I have already read. There are few books I will read more than once. So it seems unreasonable to purchase a novel I will never end up opening again. It’s silly though, I will purchase knick knacks for my apartment that serve no real purpose other than to decorate my shelves and windowsills. What’s the difference really?

The Fortress of Solitude’s opening is set on Dean St. in Brooklyn. For whatever reason this alleyway brought me there. I could picture this alley being somewhat like Dean St. Filled with children playing with their Spaldeens, and singing songs with subject matter much to mature for their age. A place that may be slum-like in appearance, but is warmed by children’s laughter, and imaginary games.