Monthly Archives: July 2011

July 27, 2011 · 9:50 AM

School Bakery & Cafe

I had an awesome and delicious dinner at School Bakery & Cafe the other day thanks to the girls from HUG (The Hip & Urban Girl’s Guide).  They threw their 1 year blog birthday party there and gave dinner for 2 gift cards to those who attended.  Pretty great gift!

I like Liberty Village but I don’t live there, so it’s easy to forget that they have great spots worth going to.  School Bakery & Cafe is definitely one of those spots.  It’s cute, the menu is delicious, and they have a patio that gives off a laid back vibe.

My date and I tried the calamari, jerk shrimp and pineapple, fish tacos, the bahme hang bowl, and the flat n’ chewy ice cream sandwich for desert.  WOW.  That was an amazing dessert.  We decided to walk all the way home to burn some of it off.

They have an amazing brunch menu too.  Check it out in Liberty Village at 70 Fraser St.  You won’t be disappointed.  JD


Outfit details:
Straw hat – Joe Fresh ($10)
Coral t-shirt – H&M ($10)
Striped skirt – Forever 21 ($18)
Nail polish – Mermaid Tears by O.P.I

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July 26, 2011 · 8:04 AM

Mad About Shoes

Sometimes the best part of an outfit are the shoes.  I found this pair at Winners on Bloor and I’m glad I bought them.  I wasn’t sure if I’d wear them enough but I’ve been wearing them quite a bit this summer.  The platform toe makes the 4 inch rise bearable…even though I’m convinced I’ll be in orthopedics in 5 years time.

These pants are by Wilfred from Aritzia and I love wearing them because they’re soft and comfortable.  This top was purchased at a thrift store in Belgium for 4 Euro.  I’m actually wearing it backwards because I didn’t feel like sporting a high neck.  See what it looks like non-backwards here.  Belt is also vintage from my mom’s closet.  JD

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July 25, 2011 · 8:09 AM

Sun Lace and Paper Flowers

Someone told me I looked like Little House on the Prairie in this outfit, but CM stuck up for me and said “no, it’s a 70s inspired look.”  Thanks CM, I think so too.

I love the look of a long 70s inspired maxi dress.  I found this floral one at Forever 21 and was impressed with its quality.  I paired it with my lace vest from H&M ($39), a vintage gold belt ($10), and platform shoes by Top Shop from LAB consignment ($99).

Nail polish is Mint Candy Apply by Essie. JD

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July 22, 2011 · 9:27 AM

White Hot

Toronto is setting record temperatures right now.  We would be the country’s equivalent to Phoenix – hot and the sun is relentless.  This is not a complaint, just a statement.  The weather is amazing.  I kept it cool this day with a white, cotton Zara dress belted with a leopard print skinny belt from H&M.  The Cole Haan shoes I’m wearing have turned out to be my purchase of the summer.  I wear them with pretty much everything and they boost my 5’3 measurements to at least 5’7.  CM

Dress – Zara

Belt – H&M

Necklace – Forever 21

Bag – Aldo

Shoes – Cole Haan

Sunglasses – Ray-Ban

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July 21, 2011 · 8:04 AM

Nude and Glowing

The sun provided a nice glowing backdrop for my nude number yesterday. The last time I wore this H&M skirt I was freezing here. I cringe at the thought of wearing black tights. WORST. What a difference the heat makes.

My necklace is a new/old find from a pop-up vintage sale I came across on the weekend. They were set-up outside of Bates and Dodds Funeral Home at Queen and Strachan. I thought it was odd, but checked it out anyway. The people were nice and the necklace was $5 so I bought it and didn’t let the funeral location bother me…but you could guess what went through my head, no?

Top + Shoes
Face top is by Chole from a UK sample sale.
Platform heels are by Top Shop from LAB Consignment. JD

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July 20, 2011 · 8:14 AM

The Works at The Ten Spot

The amazing staff at The Ten Spot graciously invited us to their Queen street beauty bar to try out their new service “The Works.”

The Works is a manicure + pedicure + facial done all at the same time – in one hour!  Perfect for the busy woman living in the city, who doesn’t have time to sit around waiting for her nails to dry.

The experience was simply amazing.  After a long and tiring day at work, we decompressed in white robes, chose fun polish colours while gossiping and sipping on delicious tea.  A team of four extremely efficient estheticians took us to a peaceful little room and sure enough got all 3 services done in 1 hour. They worked quickly but still maintained a relaxing atmosphere. In fact it was so relaxing CM kept falling asleep! I was enjoying the amazing soundtrack one of the girls created for the service. Music really sets the tone. We were very happy with the end result – our faces felt soft and glowing and our manicure/pedicures were perfect.

Next time you’re feeling the need for a mini makeover but can’t find the time, consider The Works. Go with a girlfriend and treat yourself – you deserve it!

The Ten Spot has two locations – one on Queen West and one on Queen East. Click here for more info.

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July 19, 2011 · 9:22 AM

Yellow Fever

Since taking my hair up a couple notches of blonde (gasp! this isn’t my natural hair colour) my go to colour this summer has been yellow.  I want yellow everything – dresses, shoes, bags, headbands – the whole kit and caboodle.  This shift dress was found recently at Jacob for $40.  Styled with a black belt, beaded necklace and headband for a Mod look.  However, the best accessory is the black Vespa.  Just wish it was mine… CM

Dress – Jacob $40

Belt – Vintage

Shoes – Aldo $49

Sunglasses – Tory Burch, Ilori $67

Bag – Cole Haan

Necklace – Forever 21 $6

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July 18, 2011 · 1:39 PM

Sugar Beach

We’ve been loving the scorching heat that’s graced us this month, but if you live downtown, you know that finding a place to soak up the sun can be difficult.  Toronto definitely has great outdoor spaces – you just have to branch out a bit.  If you’re unfamiliar with Toronto’s beaches, you should check out the Beach City guide from NOW magazine.

One great place to start is Sugar Beach – it’s the whimsical park located at the foot of Lower Jarvis, beside the Redpath sugar factory (hence, Sugar beach).  Some people call it a “fake beach” because you can’t actually go in the water, but they have eye-catching pink umbrellas and Muskoka chairs!  Other perks – they have a splash pad near by and Joe Fresh is a quick 1 minute walk away if you feel like shopping.  It’s a great little escape that you don’t have to go too far for.  JD

Outfit details:
Striped tunic – Joe Fresh ($24)
Straw hat – Kensington Market ($10)
Beach bag – Wal-Mart ($7)
Sunglasses – Winners ($12)

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· 8:05 AM

The Arthur

While walking along College street this weekend, I came across an adorable little store called The Arthur.  They sell antique home decor and unique vintage items that encapsulate little pieces of history.  They opened an online store a year ago and the College street shop opened a month ago.  I just loved it.  It reminded me of The Drake General Store, but much more authentic….and more affordable.  If you’re looking for cute home accents but aren’t the best at antiquing — this is a great place to start.  Check it out at 550 College st (at Euclid).  JD

On the walk back, I fed my summer nostalgia soul by jumping through every sprinkler I came across. The best.

Outfit details:
Jean shorts – Levis 501 from Club Monaco
T-shirt – H&M
Sunglasses – Cheap Monday
Canvas shoes – Payless

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July 15, 2011 · 8:07 AM

New Nautical

So two great things about this outfit.  1) This onesie was lifted from the racks of a Toronto Value Village .  2) Having a  friend (ours is Courtney Draycott) who has an eye to spot such exciting pieces.  I ran around town in this nautical number last Wednesday night, starting at “Terraza di Peroni” held at Malaparte – the roof top at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.  It was my fist time in the building and heading up to the 6th floor patio on a hot summer night allowed for a great introduction.  Peroni was flowing and guess what – the golden beer matched my gold buttons.  Score!  CM

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July 14, 2011 · 8:11 AM

Get Your Shuck On

Do like oysters or do you LOVE oysters?  CM loves them and just recently she told me I don’t appreciate the finer things in life because I only kind of like oysters.  I was a bit offended, but my come back was “that’s not true, I like lobster.”  She quickly dropped it.

In any case, if you’re up for a good oyster party be sure to check out the 23rd Annual Ontario Oyster Festival this Sunday, July 17th at Rodney’s Oyster House.  A $30 ticket gets you two drinks and six oysters or a bowl of chilli.  It also supports Environmental Defense, Canada’s most effective environmental action charity.

Come out and enjoy freshly shucked oysters, live bands, DJs, and a shucking competition where the winner will go on to represent Ontario at the Canadian championships in P.E.I.  For tickets, please call 416-363-8105  or purchase at the gates.  Even begins at 2:00 pm in the alley beside Rodney’s Oyster House at 469 King St. W.  Cheers! JD


Photo Credit: Brad Conrad/Julius Chapple

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July 13, 2011 · 8:02 AM

Baby I’m Burning

I wanted to wear my Joe Fresh maxi dress to work yesterday, but the racer back isn’t office friendly, and it was far too hot for a blazer.  Solution – I threw on my favourite billowy sheer top from H&M.  I kept my top on in the office and ditched it the second I walked outside.

I paired this look with vintage gold accessories and clogs from Banana Republic ($23).  Sunglasses are by Cheap Monday and as my Dad pointed out – they look like John Lennon sunglasses.  I’m really feeling the circular frames this season.  What about you, have you changed up the shape of your eye wear?  JD

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July 12, 2011 · 12:17 PM

Magnetic Magenta

I love this skirt…but sometimes I find it hard to wear.  Its vibrant colour and button applique often make it difficult to pair but yesterday, I made it work with a nude, pleated front blouse.  I love the subtle contrast of the magenta and neutrals and it was perfect for the hot, summer day that wrapped Toronto so snugly.  The skirt was lifted from the sale rack at Anthropolgie on Yorkville Ave at 80% off.  A sweet, summer deal.  CM

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July 11, 2011 · 8:07 AM

Teal Steal

Colourful outfits make me happy.  Sunny days to complement colourful outfits make me even happier.  I forgot I had this ruffle sleeved teal top – it was buried at the bottom of my casual tops drawer.   I got it from Zara on sale for $12.  This coral and white vintage skirt is one of my best finds from a Belgian vintage market (4 Euro), and my purple rose belt came from Glamorous Place $10.  GP was a very random accessories store on Yonge street that no longer exists, but CM and I found a few gems at that place.  I hope you are loving your summer and wearing brightly coloured outfits as much as possible.  JD

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July 8, 2011 · 3:48 PM

Mela – Amazing Little Lunch Spot

We love eating at Mela – it’s one of our favourite lunch spots in Yorkville.   The tag line “Italian Vegetarian Magic” is perfectly true.  Owned by a legit chef straight from Napoli, Italy he creates amazing dishes that are Italian, but vegetarian or vegan.  Today we tried the stuffed pepper, ravioli, eggplant panini, and mushroom potato pie.  We went with a few others – we didn’t eat all of that ourselves!

We always leave feeling satisfied and never gross.  They play good music and it’s cute inside.  Always a pleasurable place to be.  Check it out at 7 Yorkville Ave.  We guarantee you will love it!

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July 6, 2011 · 10:03 AM

Toronto Pride 2011

After spending the last handful of Pride Parade Sunday’s on ground level amongst the 1000′s of sweaty (but fabulous) Torontonian’s and tourists, we upped our game on a friends wrap around balcony overlooking the big show.  With spectacular views of the downtown core and Yonge Street (hurray for the continuous delays of One Bloor!) we rocked our rainbow colours and downed Pride Punch.  I was excited to wear my sequined rainbow dress which I have come to call the Giving Dress.  Seriously though, it is the dress that keeps on giving.  Upon its purchase from 69 Vintage, with plans to wear it to the August 2010 Scissor Sisters concert, I was unsure of its fate – would become a one hit wonder, retiring to my closet post concert?  But alas it came in handy for Booby Ball’s disco themed party and most appropriately, Toronto’s Pride Week.  The dress was a hit amongst party goers and a good ice breaker for new faces.  Happy Pride Toronto.

Amazing view of the parade on Yonge Street and the entire city too!

Colourful gypsy – F21 skirt, Suzy Shier top, FCUK headband, Cheap Monday Sunglasses

Check out more pics on our Facebook page here.

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July 5, 2011 · 8:01 AM

Dolly Would

To kick-off Pride week, we went to the Dakota Tavern for the annual Steers & Queers Pride Party!  It was a tribute to Dolly Parton featuring a variety of acts singing or lip singing to variations of Dolly songs, hosted by a Drag Queen.  Best $6 cover we ever spent.

Everyone in the bar came dressed in country gear and balloons for boobs.  We didn’t know what to expect and regretted our outfits since we had so many other appropriate items we could’ve worn like cowboy boots, hats, and checkered shirts. Next time!

Top from H&M, Bracelet from Banana Republic

One piece cat suit from Esprit, Belt from GAP

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