Monthly Archives: June 2012

June 29, 2012 · 8:10 AM

Inspired By Festival Season

Yesterday I read an article about (music) festival attire in Fashion magazine and the image of Kate Moss wearing a vest and jean shorts with hunter wellies re-struck a cord.  I remember when that shot surfaced and I loved it.  Kate Moss truly is THE ultimate trend setter of our generation.  I pulled out my black vest from H&M and paired it with my Levi’s cut-offs, a silver necklace, and a pair of combat boots for my version of Kate’s look.  I also layered my lace body suit from American Apparel beneath it and added a belt from Joe Fresh.  Looking forward to the next concert I go to this summer!

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June 28, 2012 · 8:10 AM

What to Pack: Traveling Shoes

In the past two days, two people asked me for advice on what to pack for a city vacation.  Having been in the midst of making my own packing lists for upcoming trips, I was excited to jump on the suggestion train.  I’ll start with footwear for this post.  I’m a firm believer that you have to be comfortable – especially when traveling, but you also want to look stylish.  Every time I go on a trip my Dad asks his famous question “did you pack your running shoes?”  I always respond with “no Dad, I have to look good.”  I can’t be seen wearing my Nike Airs with a skirt.  Can you imagine? The very thought makes me shudder.  So what shoes should you pack for a vacation?

I suggest packing canvas lace-up shoes in white or black, a pair of Bob’s in red or navy for a colour option, leather sandals with a tiny wedge for dressing up a bit, and a pair of fun flip-flops, in case you take a day trip to the city beach.  You can pack your runners if you plan to go running but for the city, opt for any of these comfortable options…

Lacoste sandal jelly thong – better than the standard shape of a flip flop, comfortable, and available in fun colours

Bob’s soft canvas slip on flats by Skechers $38 – feels like slippers, and Tom’s but half the price

White canvas shoes with laces removed.  These can be found anywhere from Ardene to H&M, Joe Fresh, and Payless. You shouldn’t pay more than $20

ShoeMint leather sandals with a tiny wedge – perfect for walking around and for a night out on the town

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June 25, 2012 · 9:23 AM

Moonrise Kingdom

I saw Moonrise Kingdom the other day and can’t say enough good things about it.  Written and directed by Wes Anderson (who also did The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited), it’s about two rebellious 12 year-olds who fall in love and run away which sparks a search party to go after them.  It’s set in the summer of 1965 on an island off the coast of New England.  It’s an adorable story with a quirky sense of humour.  It has a stacked cast, and feels very much like a play.  The most incredible thing about it is the attention to detail and how everything is so perfectly shot.  The sets, props, wardrobe, everything is so meticulous and amazing.  I love 1960s style so I was ooing and awing at everything.  The colours are amazing too.  Some people criticize that it’s too perfect and a distraction, but I really appreciated it.  You have to see it to judge for yourself.  Definitely worth seeing in the theatre.  JD

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June 22, 2012 · 8:10 AM

Life is Beautiful

Extreme humidity is something I love.  The hotter the better.  But it also means I’ve given up on my hair.  There’s absolutely no way I can have my spaghetti hair draped along my neck. I. will. die. I keep wearing it in a high top bun – so high that it looks like a little hat on top of my head….like one of those fascinators.
Yesterday I found myself in a full H&M look – I didn’t mean to, it just happened.  Skirt, t-shirt, belt, and jacket are all from H&M.  Funny how that happens.  Booties are oldies from Capezio, and my purse is from Cole Haan. PS – I loved this wall I stumbled upon.  Life should always be pretty. JD

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June 21, 2012 · 7:54 AM

Value Village Finds: White Leather Shoes

Shopping at Value Village aka VV Boutique is always better outside of the city, so I went on a mission and hit up VV north and south of the city.  I found some pretty sweet stuff.  My favourite find was a pair of never-been-worn white leather shoes.  Love them!! They have a perforated pattern pattered and are lace-up.  I also found this floral and lace swing top that I belted with a vintage gold belt I already owned.  I’m also wearing my yoga jeans by Second Denim that I can’t get enough of.  Sunglasses are from Opticianado – the coolest sunglasses store in town.  JD

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June 18, 2012 · 8:08 AM

The Roxton

It’s evident by now I simply love hidden gems.  While The Roxton is not exactly hidden, it’s definitely a gem.  Located on Harboard St. near Ossingotn, it’s a perfect size spot with a street-side patio and a cozy, eclectic inside.  I think the building used to be part house, part wine making place.  I’m not exactly sure, but there’s an old sign that suggests it.  There isn’t a sign that says The Roxton, or if there is one – it’s very small and discreet, hence – the hidden part.  I went for drinks recently and enjoyed the patio first and when it became a bit chilly, we sat inside.  The service was spectacular for such a small little place.  The servers were friendly and on it.  In addition to good music, a great atmosphere, and a delicious menu, they have a games list which was unexpected and fun.  We played Connect Four while sipping our cocktails…a funny mix of childhood and mature-hood.  Even though I’ve only been here once, I keep suggesting it to people and will definitely be back.  It’s a great date place and good for a group of friends too.  Best of both worlds.  Check it out at 379 Harbord St.  JD

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June 15, 2012 · 8:00 AM

City Island Hopping

Nikki was in town for a visit to Toronto, check out her post from the Island.  It’s one of my favourite things about this city.

Sometimes it takes living in another city to really appreciate the little things Toronto has to offer. One of those little things being Toronto Island. We all have memories of petting goats or taking the ferry, but I have not been in over ten years. I was in town with my English man in tow and we decided to rent bicycles on a random week-day to see the city from another angle. We rode around all three islands and even perved on the nude beach! Have you ever seen the residential area of Ward’s Island? Whimsical, is the only word to describe it. How do I get on that property ladder? I wore a dress/belt combo from none other than the Value Village. Shoes were second-hand brand new from Monsoon in the UK.

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June 14, 2012 · 8:10 AM

Midi Skirt Trend

Yesterday I wore my high waist midi skirt from Forever 21.  I really love this trend but, it took me a few tries before getting used to it.  I had to play around with extra pieces and accessories to feel satisfied with the whole look.  I paired it with a crop top from American Apparel, lace vest and leather jacket from H&M, a vintage necklace, and shoes from Winners.  I feel very late 1960s in this outfit and I’m excited to style up something similar with my other midi length skirts.  If you haven’t embraced this trend yet, try it out for something fun.

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June 13, 2012 · 8:10 AM

Shoes of Summer – ShoeMint

Do you love shoes?  Of course you do!  Do you covet Rachel Bilson’s style? yep, I do too.  If you haven’t heard of ShoeMint, you’ll want to know.  It’s a unique online shoe shopping experience that’s a collaboration with the ever so fashionable Rachel Bilson, celeb stylist Nicole Chavez, and shoe legend Steve Madden.

To become a member, go to ShoeMint.com and take the style quiz so they can get to know your unique style. From there, each month a new collection is released and members receive new styles in their online showrooms. You choose the style you love for $79.98 (free shipping) and if you don’t find a pair you like, skip the month.

I was stoked to receive these awesome sandals and I’ve been wearing them almost every weekend.  I love that they have a tiny wedge rise because full flats are painful on my tootsers.  I think it’s because I have a crazy high arch.  I’m so excited to see next month’s collection from ShoeMint.  There’s nothing more satisfying than a new pair of shoes.

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June 11, 2012 · 10:24 AM

Dutch Dreams Cafe

I first learned about Dutch Dreams cafe from Breakfast Television, but I never knew exactly where it was.  After a stroll through Wynchwood barns and down St. Clair West, we stumbled upon this eclectic building that looked like a fun house.  It was the famous ice cream shop – Dutch Dreams!  It’s a family run place that has been serving homemade ice cream for 25 years.  You can’t help but feel like a kid inside this place – there are streamers, toys, candies, so many different types of ice cream and they top each cone off with fruit and whip cream.  It’s truly decadent.  Put this place on your ice cream hit list, it’s a gem.  You can find it at 78 Vaughan Road, just north of St Clair St West. JD

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June 8, 2012 · 8:10 AM

The Oxley Pub

Where is your go-to spot for after work drinks?  Mine changes depending on season and what’s new, and right now I’m loving The Oxley on Yorkville Ave.  My friends and I were hoping to keep this spot a secret but Toronto Life and BlogTO blabbed about it, so now everyone knows about this gem.  I love everything about it – from the green wood paneling, to the mismatched china and chairs, the stellar back patio, delicious fish and chips, and the best part of all – the adorable powder room on the 2nd floor.  You have to see it in real life to know what I’m talking about.  Check it out at 121 Yorkville Ave. You will not be disappointed!  JD

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June 6, 2012 · 10:09 AM

Pho Real

I have a slight obsession with Vietnamese food.  I can legitimately eat it everyday.  My favourite Pho go-to spot in the city is Golden Turtle on Ossington, but there are so many other good ones I frequent on College, Dundas, and Spadina – I don’t even know what they’re all called.  But I decided to bust out a recipe and attempt making it myself.  I’m no culinary genius but I didn’t do so bad.  I followed this recipe and voila! It was satisfying and tasty, but I do love me some  Golden Turtle. Especially #80.  Can’t wait for my next bowl. JD

See ya soon GT

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June 5, 2012 · 8:10 AM

Segment on CHCH Morning Live

Last month I did my first TV appearance talking about finding your personal style on CHCH Morning Live.  It was exciting and nerving all at the same time.  I had a lot of fun prepping for it and was happy I didn’t mess up my words!  The video was streamed on their website but the link was down until now – hence the month delay. Take a peak here…

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June 4, 2012 · 8:10 AM

Steam Whistle Unsigned

On Friday night I went to Steam Whistle for their Unsigned indie music series.  They’ve been doing this event for the past 5 years and it’s pretty awesome.  For $5 cover you get to see a few amazing bands play at the brewrey’s Roundhouse that haven’t been signed to a record label…yet.  This time it was Cai.ro, The Wilderness of Manitoba, and Amos the Transparent.  They were all great but I particularly loved The Wilderness of Manitoba.  They had such a good sound and stage presence.  It’s a cool event definitely worth checking out and a sweet venue too.

Amos The Transparent

Pretty CN Tower

I didn’t get an outfit pic, but I wore leathery leggings, white t-shirt, chambray shirt, and my leather moto jacket.  Kinda like this outfit here. It’s my standard go-to.  JD

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June 1, 2012 · 8:10 AM

The Burger’s Priest + The Beaches

I live in the West end so it’s rare that I venture out to the far land of The Beaches, but I decided to bike over to The Burger’s Priest.  Finally.  I’ve seen one too many Facebook statuses about this amazing burger.  A big line-up greeted me out the door of a tiny burger joint, and inside a crew of boys cooked up burger after burger.  I liked the blaring rock music, and the priest details like crosses and a confessional booth partition between customer and meat.  Perhaps we’re supposed to feel guilty for such an indulgence?  I think not.  The burger did not disappoint but I have to admit I thought it was going to be bigger!  I was pretty hungry after the long bike ride and the burger was actually quite tiny.  But I confess: I ordered the basic cheese burger.  You have to order the priest or double burger for a big ordeal.
There aren’t tables inside The Burger’s Priest so I took my little burg and fries down to the Beach.  I normally really like ‘the beaches’ but this particular day was insanely busy.  It was filled with non-locals, and endless carts selling cotton candy and peanuts.  It felt more like the CNE and that ain’t cool.  I’ll only go back when it’s dead.  Looking back on my pictures, I’m craving hard.  Why are burgers so good?! JD

I liked these kites.

Speaking of double burgers, this is one of my favourite scenes from Good Will Hunting. ‘Chuck I had a double burger. I know what you ordered, I was there!’

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