Seven Dollar Pants

Day Trippin’ – Wine Country Ontario

SevenDollarPants — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:52:33 +0000

To escape the city this past weekend, the bf and I took our bikes on the GO train and headed to St. Catharines. After 2 bike malfunctions and a few wrong turns, we made it to the first winery called 13th Street Winery. It’s a beautiful and homey place with a bakery too! From there we went down the road to Creekside Estate Winery for another tasting on their rustic outdoor patio. We then stumbled upon an amazing cheese store called Upper Canada Cheese, where we hung out eating cheese and drinking vino on picnic tables. We then headed a bit further into Jordan Village to stroll Main street and checked out Cave Springs winery. It was an amazing city escape and felt like we were on vacation. There’s so much do and see in wine country and biking around Niagara in general. Definitely worth the day trip! JD

13th Street Winery

Outfit for wine touring – H&M Dress + comfortable shoes c/o Skechers

Creekside Estate Winery

Upper Canada Cheese Company

Cheese made in house

Cave Springs Winery

Tagged: 13th Street Winery, Cave Springs Winery, Creekside Estate Winery, Day Trip Niagara, GO Train to Niagara, H&M, Jordan Village, Sketchers Bobs shoes, Upper Canada Cheese Company, Wine Country Ontario

TO Contributor: Lindsay 1

SevenDollarPants — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:32:51 +0000

It’s contributor Friday! Here’s a blog post from Toronto based Lindsay…

It’s finally time! This week I officially packed up all my winter knits and did a wardrobe change over. I unpacked my favourite summer pieces that have been hiding in Rubbermaid containers under my bed. Do you do that too? It’s almost like getting a new wardrobe without the investment. I was pleasantly surprised to find some things I completely forgot I owned. I found a sweet red floral romper, a couple of white dresses, and this sleeveless blouse I thought had pulled a disappearing act but alas it was just tucked away waiting for the sun.

Outfit details: top – H&M, skirt – F21, silver/black wrap bracelet – Topshop, stacked rings – Philistine, purse – Rebecca Minkoff, boots – vintage from in Austin, TX. LB

Tagged: F21, Forever 21, Lindsay on Seven Dollar Pants, Philstine, Rebecca Minkoff, SevenDollarPants, Top Shop, Vintage boots

Pink Lady

SevenDollarPants — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:15:34 +0000

Speaking of leopard print tights (in my previous post), here I am wearing them again with a charcoal coloured angle cut skirt from Zara and bright pink blazer from Zara as well. Boots are from Top Shop, and I finished the look off with a vintage belt and necklace.
My sunglasses are a new and exciting addition to my eyewear collection. I have never owned proper sunglasses because I could never decide what to get, and I’ve always been too afraid of breaking or losing them. This pair is from an AMAZING eyewear store called Opticianado located in the Junction. They specialize in iconic unused vintage eyewear (mine), as well as contemporary independent designers. They have such a unique selection that definitely stands out from all the others. Check it out at 2919 Dundas St. W. JD

Photography by Tania Alvarez

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Anything Goes Vintage Store, H&M, Joe Fresh, Opticianado Eyewear, Opticianado Toronto Eyewear, SevenDollarPants, Top Shop, Toronto Style Blogger, Vintage Belt, Vintage Necklace, Zara

Floral and Leopard

SevenDollarPants — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:16:49 +0000

I was pumped to see that Renee of Eat.Live.Shop showed an outfit of mine on her floral and leopard print story yesterday. I absolutely love her blog and find her DIY projects so inspiring. I used to do a ton of crafts as a kid and over the years it dwindled, but looking at her stuff makes me want to start back up. The funny part about my floral and leopard outfit is I didn’t even realize I was mixing the two patterns until after the shoot. I just grabbed a pair of grey tights to go under my jean shorts, and they just happened to be leopard print. I’d like to try an extreme version of the two patterns like Atlantic-Pacific, pictured beside me. Mixing patterns and prints makes dressing a lot more fun. JD

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Eat.Live.Shop, Floral and Leopard, Seven Dollar Pants Blog, SevenDollarPants

Picnic In The City

SevenDollarPants — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:14:37 +0000

When the weather is nice, people are nice. It’s amazing what the sun and outdoors can do for us. On the weekend I had a picnic outside complete with checkered table cloth, meat, cheese, bread, vino, olives, brussel sprouts, green beans, and ice cream for dessert. There are so many great restaurants and patios to go to in the city, but entertaining at home is just as satisfying…especially when the table looks pretty. JD

Blazing vitamin D

A floppy hat works for a picnic (H&M)

Art Direction Perfection by DT

Tagged: @JulieDUva, H&M, Picnic Entertaining Ideas, Picnic In The City, Picnic Menu, Seven Dollar Pants, SevenDollarPants

UK Contributor: Nikki 2

SevenDollarPants — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:10:21 +0000

It’s contributor day!! Check out Nikki’s second post…

I have an aunt who once modeled in NYC and tells a story of dating Chris De Burgh, and every time I wear this dress I think of her (que: Lady in Red). The song was actually written about his wife, who is not my aunt, but hey ho. When I first saw these Kurt Geiger ‘dalmation’ boots online, I had to sanity check myself to make sure I was a) able to pull them off and b) that I hadn’t been living in London too long. The fashion here can sometimes blow my mind with what goes with what, and it’s easy to go crazy because some people look genuinely crazy. Anything goes, I’ve come to realize. I thought I would wear them with only neutrals and basics, but I have worn them with coloured jeans/polka dot tights and today with my red Zara dress. It has been raining for 6 weeks straight now so I’m not oft without my umbrella, which is from Italy. I couldn’t resist doing a Mary Poppins jump from a log with my umbrella (which hurt my ankles when I hit the concrete). All in the name of fashion! N

Photos by Anna Rake

Tagged: Zara

Barque Smokehouse

SevenDollarPants — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:21:13 +0000

Recently I went to Barque Smokehouse on Roncy. Everyone has been ranting and raving about this place for a long time, I had to check it out for myself. To my surprise it was packed on a rainy Monday night and I had to wait 30 minutes for my table even though I had a reservation. Madness. But good madness, it means the city is alive.
As you could guess, the menu is all about meat and BBQ. I’m not a heavy meat-eater but I definitely enjoyed the selection of ribs, lamb, and chicken. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to try the brisket because they ran out….30 minutes before we got our table! That was a bummer because if we were seated on time we would have made it for the brisket. I’ll just have to go back. Check out Barque at 299 Roncesvalles Ave. You won’t be disappointed. JD

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Barque BBQ Smokehouse Toronto, Barque Smokehouse, Barque Toronto, SevenDollarPants, Toronto Style Blogger

About Face: The Supermodels, Then and Now

SevenDollarPants — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:02:39 +0000

I absolutely love Toronto’s Hot Docs Festival – North America’s largest documentary festival. We’re so lucky. I went to see the HBO documentary About Face: The Supermodels, Then and Now – a film that features the legendary models from the 1940s through the 1980s. Featuring Isabella Rossellini, Jerry Hall, Beverly Johnson, Christie Brinkley and more, they reflect on their experiences of working in an industry built on beauty, and how the perception of beauty has changed over the years. Some of the women had plastic surgery and many are still working models to this day. They loved the independence a career in modelling gave them, but they also felt very insecure as their looks were critiqued every day. I loved this film and how charming and candid the women were. It was interesting to hear what went on behind the camera and in their minds. I highly recommend it….check out the trailer below. JD

Tagged: @JulieDUva, About Face, About Face: The Supermodels, HBO Documentary, Hot Docs, SevenDollarPants, Then and Now, Toronto Style Blogger

Polka Dot Grunge

SevenDollarPants — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:01:10 +0000

I bought this cute polka dot dress from H&M last week. It’s feminine and girly but I decided to make it casual with combat boots and a leather jacket. This look is more me and I was able to ride my bike around town with ease. I loved this random alley we stumbled upon. It reminded me of Brooklyn, or a set for West Side Story. Hope you enjoyed your weekend! JD

Photos by DT

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Combat Boots, H&M, Seven Dollar Pants, SevenDollarPants, Toronto Style Blogger, Urban Outfitters

Key Style Pieces for Spring

SevenDollarPants — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:40:00 +0000

I recently wrote an article for The Burlington Post (HER section) on key style pieces for Spring. If you want to add a few new things to your wardrobe to keep your look current, check out my suggestions…

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Seven Dollar Pants, Toronto Style Blogger

Little Green Dress

SevenDollarPants — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:00:46 +0000

I think it’s safe to say this green dress is ‘vintage’ H&M. I purchased it 6 years ago. WOW. I still like it. I’ve worn it dressed-up with tanned legs and black booties, dressed down over leggings and flats, and in between with tights and a cardigan.
I like the look of over the knee socks but only with tights underneath. I opted for my fish net stockings, but I also like the look with cream coloured tights. Socks are from American Apparel, booties are from Spring and chambray shirt is from Zara. Cheers to busting out old finds. JD

Photography by Tania Alvarez

Tagged: @JulieDUva, American Apparel, H&M, Seven Dollar Pants, SevenDollarPants, Spring shoes, Toronto Style Blog, Vintage H&M, Zara

The Corsage Project

SevenDollarPants — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:04:18 +0000

Where did the week go? Insane how time flies. Last weekend I volunteered at an awesome charity event called The Corsage Project. It was created 12 years ago to help young women in financial need attend their prom by providing them with a new dress, shoes, accessories, and a mini makeover – all free of charge.
My role for the day was personal shopper, which naturally I loved. I helped girls navigate through the sea of dresses and helped them piece their entire prom look together. It was a fun experience all 285 girls left with smiling faces. It brought back good memories of my prom and I considered sharing photos, BUT I’ll save that for another time. For now I’ll show you shots of the event. JD

The event took place at the Toronto Reference Library
All of the donated dresses were brand new with tags still on

Great selection of new shoes

Shiny and shimmery

This was my favourite dress from FCUK. If I was going to prom, I would’ve picked this!

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Seven Dollar Pants, SevenDollarPants, The Corsage Project, The Corsage Project Toronto, Toronto Style Blog

PIOLA Toronto

SevenDollarPants — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:58:23 +0000

When I first saw PIOLA restaurant I was actually in Mexico. The sign looked familiar and sure enough, Toronto had just opened one up too on Queen West. Piola is a casual pizzeria with locations around the globe serving thin crust pizza over a rotating stone oven, as well as pasta, and delicious desserts. It’s a welcoming neighbourhood spot that hosts local events like the Monday night mixer, and it’s family friendly too.
I tried the burrata pizza because that’s my favourite type of cheese, and my friend had the salami and arugula pizza. They were both delicious. For dessert we tried the pana cotta and tiramisu. Craving……

The next night I was inspired to make my own pizza…..

I lied, my man friend made the pizza. He also art directed this photo. Thnx DT!

Tagged: @JulieDUva, PIOLA Toronto, Seven Dollar Pants, Toronto Pizzeria, Toronto Style Blog

Level 99 in Mandarin

SevenDollarPants — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:40:17 +0000

I’m on a coloured jeans kick. Here are my mandarin coloured jeans by Level 99. These are the Janice ultra skinny but they sit a shorter on the ankle than the argon green pair. I threw on my chambray shirt from Zara, striped scarf from H&M, and Cole Haan booties. I love adding a splash of colour on my legs – the look can be styled in so many ways. Also my blue bracelets are care of JewelMint! Exclusive jewelry pieces designed by Kate Bothworth and her stylist…check it out. JD

Blue bracelets care of JewelMint

Photography by DT

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Janice Ultra Skinny by Level 99, Level 99 in Mandarin colour, Level 99 Jeans, Level 99 USA, Seven Dollar Pants, SevenDollarPants, Toronto Style Blog

Level 99 Jeans

SevenDollarPants — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:20:42 +0000

Coloured jeans are one of my top must have items for the Spring/Summer season. I fell in love with the fit and shades of Level 99 jeans. This particular pair is the Janice ultra skinny in argon green. I absolutely love how fresh they are. They have just the right amount of stretch and snug. You can find them at Anthropologie (78 Yorkville Ave). I paired them with my floral blouse and moto jacket from H&M, and Cole Haan booties. The random garage seemed to match too. JD

Photography by DT

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Cole Haan, H&M, Level 99 Jeans, Level 99 USA, Leven 99 jeans in argon green, Seven Dollar Pants, SevenDollarPants

Ici Bistro

SevenDollarPants — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:08:36 +0000

I went to Ici Bistro on Harbord street a few days ago for a lovely birthday dinner. It’s a tiny little gem that serves French fare…or what foodies call cuisine nouveau classique. The food is melt in your mouth delicious, and you can see the chef cooking in the open kitchen. We chose the tapas route and selected smaller plates to share so we could try more. It’s a fine dining experience with top-notch service, but it’s not stuffy – the atmosphere is lively yet relaxing. Enroute magazine voted Ici Bistro as one of Canada’s top 10 restaurants last fall. I would totally recommend this spot, but make your reservation in advance, the 24-seat bistro fills up fast and months in advance. Happy weekend! JD

538 Manning (at Harbord St.)

Lobster Bisque

Seared scallop, king crab, and poached lobster

Tiny Tim size dessert = no guilt

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Enroute Magazine, Ici Bistro Toronto, Ici Restaurant, Seven Dollar Pants

UK Contributor: Nikki 1

SevenDollarPants — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:25:20 +0000

Check out my British contributor – Nikki’s first post…..

When people ask me what I miss most about home, I inevitably say Taco Bell (miss you 7 layer burrito). But what I really miss are the Value Villages North of the 401. The gems that haven’t been ransacked by the youths of tomorrow. I found these pants at the Steeles Avenue West VV, for $7. A steal on Steeles! My top is from Ports 1961 (from Goodwill).
In London, there aren’t large second-hand Value Village type establishments, but rather boutique type ‘charity shops’. I’ve found that many natives frown upon shopping at charity shops, but ask me if I care! Nope!
My brand-new never-worn Zara shoes, were £5.00 at the FARA charity shop (money from purchases made go to Romanian orphanages) in my neighbourhood in SW London. My necklace was a gift, and sunglasses are from Accessorize (UK equivalent to Claire’s). Enjoy! NA

Photography by Anna Rake

Tagged: Goodwill, Nikki on SevenDollarPants, Ports 1961, Seven Pound Trousers, Taco Bell, Value Village, Zara Thrifted

The Floral Blazer

SevenDollarPants — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:10:51 +0000

The floral blazer is one of my top must haves for the spring season. I was on the hunt for the perfect floral blazer for quite some time and finally approved of this one the moment I saw it on Aritzia’s website. It was a birthday gift to myself. I paired it with my Levi’s cut offs, grey tights from Joe Fresh, and a basic white t-shirt from Zara. Cole Haan shoes and a black vintage purse complete the look. I hope to get a lot of wear out of this one. JD

Photography by Tania Alvarez

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Aritzia, Cole Haan, Floral Blazer from Aritzia, Joe Fresh, Levi's Cut-Offs, Levis, SevenDollarPants, Toronto Style Blog, Zara

Floral Explosion

SevenDollarPants — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:47:45 +0000

I’ve been gravitating towards floral print items for the past couple seasons now, and I’ve gathered quite the collection. My newest addition is this sheer floral top from H&M. I paired it with pleated shorts from H&M as well. Shoes are by Cole Haan, and my bag and necklace are vintage finds. Happy long weekend! JD

Photography by Tania Alvarez

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Cole Haan, Floral Blouse, H&M, Pleated Shorts, SevenDollarPants, Toronto Style Blogger, Vintage Accessories

Singing In The Hail

SevenDollarPants — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:01:51 +0000

I had planned a blog shoot on Sunday and wasn’t going to let a little rain or hail stop me. It was a bit ridiculous and cold, but it still worked! I always tend to wear this knit dress when it rains, I don’t know why, but it’s just my go-to rain dress. It’s from Joe Fresh and it’s still in excellent condition despite how many times I’ve worn it. Solid purchase.
My denim shirt and trench coat are from Zara, weather proof boots are from Cole Haan, and my favourite umbrella is by Fulton. It reminds me of walks home from elementary school, I had one just like it. JD

Photography by Tania Alvarez

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Cole Haan, Fulton Umbrellas, Joe Fresh, SevenDollarPants, Toronto Style Blog, Zara

UK Contributor: Nikki

SevenDollarPants — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:28:20 +0000

I’m VERY excited to announce a new British contributor to SDP. Everyone meet Nikki! She hails from Toronto but lives in the UK and has great thrifty style. She’ll be contributing twice a month to give us a taste of her personal London style. Her first post is coming soon. Stay tuned…

PS – I’m also in the midst of a new design but you’ll have to bear with me while I figure out the techy stuff. New logo is up on my Facebook page and Twitter, check it out, I’m pretty excited! JD

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Nikki on SevenDollarPants, Toronto Style Blog

Lumberjacket

SevenDollarPants — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 04:01:28 +0000

Spent the day strolling the ocean in sunny BC! These pictures were taken in Kitsilano beach and I definitely look like a lumberjack. Denim shirt from Zara, puffy vest from Joe Fresh, and plaid jacket from Aritzia. It’s not as warm as the heat wave in Toronto, but the sight of mountains makes up for it. Enjoy your weekend! JD

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Aritzia, Beautiful BC, Joe Fresh, Kitsilano Beach BC, Seven Dollar Pants, Toronto Style Blog, Zara

Brunello Cucinelli Inspired

SevenDollarPants — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:09:23 +0000

One of my all time favourite designers is Brunello Cucinelli. He’s from Italy and I had the opportunity of meeting him a few years ago. Brunello began his collection in the 1970s with coloured cashmere sweaters and now he has a full men’s and women’s collections sold in boutiques and high-end retailers across the world.
The feel of the fabrics are true luxury and the look is effortless European cool. Some say it’s a European version of Ralph Lauren, and I can see that, but it’s better. I forgot to mention, it costs a fortune!!
I was inspired to dress in my best Brunello on a budget look the other day and here’s what I came up with. Tan pants from Aritza, a white dress shirt, navy blazer from Zara, a grey scarf from H&M, and my all-time favourite vest from Joe Fresh. On sale now for $10 (no joke). I also wore lace-up booties from Spring, my vintage Coach bag, and my old man hat from Kensington Market. Voila! JD

Photos by DT

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Aritzia, Brunello Cucinelli, Brunello Cucinelli Inspiration, Brunello on a Budget, H&M, Inspired by Brunello Cucinelli, Joe Fresh, SevenDollarPants, Spring shoes, Toronto Style Blog, Vintage Coach Bag, Zara

No Jacket Required

SevenDollarPants — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:38:15 +0000

I’m LOVING this crazy warm weather. I can’t believe it’s March and I’ve been leaving the house sans jacket. Even this outfit had too many layers for our rising temps.
I’m wearing a vintage skirt I picked up in Belgium for 4 Euro, layered with a denim shirt from Zara, cropped sweater from H&M, cream tights, and my vintage Coach bag ($5). Booties are from Spring. Hope you’re making the most of this weather, enjoy it while it’s here. JD

Photos by DT

Tagged: @JulieDUva, H&M, SevenDollarPants, Spring shoes, Toronto Style Blog, Vintage Coach Purse, Vintage Skirt, Zara

Date Night On Roncey

SevenDollarPants — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:58:22 +0000

The Toronto restaurant scene is all about meat and comfort food these days and so many new places keep popping up. On the weekend I went to Hopgoods Foodliner for dinner and The Ace for drinks – both on Roncesvalles. I never go out on Roncesvalles so I felt like a tourist in my own city, which was part of the fun.
The menu at Hopgoods is East Coast comfort food, based on the chef’s Halifax upbringing. It was a busy little place with good music and a small, to-the-point menu. We tried the mini donair which was delicious, the famous hot crab dip (a recipe passed down from the chef’s grandma), and the sweetbread stew.
Too full for dessert, but not too full for a cocktail, we went a few doors to The Ace. I absolutely loved the vibe and will definitely go back for dinner or brunch. It’s a cool diner style gem of a place. I highly recommend! JD

Tagged: @JulieDUva, Date Night On Roncesvalles, Hopgoods Foodliner, Roncesvalles Toronto, SevenDollarPants, The Ace