This makes me smile. I’d love to do a shoot here dressed up in something very feminine and proper like a Betty Draper dress. JD
Toronto’s Booming Vintage Scene
I love this video the BBC did on Toronto’s competitive vintage scene. It’s true, we have so many unique and amazing vintage stores that make this city a great one. Every store has a different vibe and every item has a story. It’s like going into Mr. Dress-up’s tickle trunk every time you step into another store. No matter how old I get, I don’t think I’ll ever get over the thrill of the find.
Check out the video by clicking here. JD
69 Vintage (Queen West)
Filed under Things I Love
Comfortably Dressed Up
Whenever I’m asked how to define my style, I say “comfortably dressed up.” This outfit is a perfect example of that. It’s dressy because I’m wearing a dress and mink collar, but comfortable with wool tights and flat boots.
I bought this dress at H&M and it’s another versatile piece that can be worn year round with the right accessories.
The rest of my outfit…
Green anorak jacket – M for Mendocino
Beret – Joe Fresh
Mink collar – 69 Vintage
Purse – Vintage Coach
Tights – Winners
Boots – Cole Haan
Photography by Silvia Drugea
Filed under Style
Versatile Skylark
I bought this floral top at an amazing store called Skylark on Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice. If I owned a store, it would be very much like this one. It’s part vintage, part local and established designers and exactly my kind of style. I could have bought everything in there. I’ve worn this top with jeans, jean shorts, green cargos, grey harem pants, and now with my yellow skirt. I love buying something so versatile. My skirt and purse are from Forever 21, belt and necklace are vintage, and lace-up heels are Cole Haan. JD
Photography by Silvia Drugea
Filed under Style
Kimono Kool
I bought this floral top from Forever 21 recently, and I like how it’s in a category on its own. It’s not a blazer, not a cardigan, not a silk boyfriend shirt – it’s kind of kimono-esque, but not fully. It’s a good piece to dress things up.
I paired it with my long skirt from H&M, crop top from American Apparel, mink collar from 69 Vintage, and vintage gold accessories. JD
Photos by Tania Alvarez
Filed under Style
Polka Dot Explosion
This look was inspired by a picture I saw of Alexa Chung. She didn’t have all the polka dots going on, but it was the same idea – camel colour cardigan, jean shorts and tights. I love finding a picture of an outfit I dig and realizing I have all similar pieces in my closet. If you want a different feel to your weekend wear, switch to jean shorts and tights instead of wearing jeans all the time. Actually, I used to hate this look but it grew on me. It’s fun to try different things with your wardrobe, so why not?
Outfit details:
Cut-off jean shorts – Levi’s
Maroon belt – Joe Fresh
Polka dot top – Winners
Cardigan – Forever 21
Lace-up booties – Cole Haan
Fur collar – taken from my parka
Tights – H&M
Hat – Goorin Bros.
Purse – Vintage
Photos by Tania Alvarez
Filed under Style
Movie Night: The Wackness
As some of you know, I’m the queen of making lists. I pretty much organize my entire life by making lists, and I couldn’t get by without them. I have a “movies I need to watch” list and last night I finally got around to watching The Wackness. It’s been on my list since 2008. It’s a cute movie about a lonely teenager named Luke Shapiro who spends his last summer before university selling weed throughout New York City, trading it with his unorthodox psychotherapist for treatment, while having a crush on his stepdaughter.
Two best things about this movie – it’s set in 1994 and there are so many 90s throwbacks, and 2) the soundtrack is AWESOME. I need to buy it on iTunes right after I finish writing this blog post.
If you’re a geek like me and make movie lists, add this one to it – it’s good. JD
Here’s the trailer…
Filed under Things I Love
Eskimo Chic
Should CM purchase this coat? It’s from Zara. Thoughts? Advice? Thanks!
Filed under Style
Cape Weather And A Buttery Bag
We’ve been lucky to have fall jacket weather this season. My favourite. Sometimes fall is just as cold as winter and I feel like I wear my winter coat for 8 months. Thank you nature for the mildness.
I’ve been wearing my navy cape a lot and my buttery leather bag. This jacket was my mom’s maternity cape that she wore when she was pregnant with me 30 years ago. I like the shape of it and how it hangs over my non-pregnant body. I added the fur collar that I took from one of my parkas.
Other items:
Headband and Boots – H&M
Harem pants – Forever 21
Purple gloves – Joe Fresh
Bag – Cole Haan
Someone’s Excited
If you didn’t know, CM is obsessed with Christmas. She’s been listening to Christmas songs for 2 weeks already.
Filed under Uncategorized
Songs With Soul
If you read the About section on this blog, I say I love songs with soul. I recently discovered Alex Clare and he has lots of it. He’s rad. He’s a British singer-songwriter composer from London, UK and his debut album was released this past July.
Side note – isn’t it weird when someone with a thick British accent doesn’t sound like they have a thick British accent when singing a song? This will forever baffle me. Take a listen to these tracks….
Caroline
Damn Your Eyes
When Doves Cry
Filed under Things I Love
Top Shop Personal Shopping
Do you ever wish you could get someone to put amazing outfits together for you without having to pay for such a service? If so, you’re in luck. If you didn’t know, Top Shop at Yorkdale has a personal shopping service that’s free of charge and it just so happens that their amazing personal shopper is a friend of mine. Meet Lindsay Bell. She has an impressive background in fashion, a wicked eye for detail, and puts outfits together so effortlessly, you’ll forget how difficult is. I caught up with Lindsay in the personal shopping suite and asked her a few questions….take a look-see. JD
Q&A with Lindsay Bell
JD How would you describe your style?
LB Modern vintage with a boho rock n’ roll edge. I can’t live without my leather biker jacket and a pair of vintage boots.
JD What are your favourite trends of the Fall/Winter season?
LB There are too many trends to choose from. I’m a firm believer in creating your own trend. All you have to do is pick something you love and wear it with confidence. But as a shoe gal, I would say don’t forget your platforms!
JD How should we dress for a holiday party in December if we want to look stylish and pretty?
LB I always start with shoes as they are my biggest vice! You can tell a lot about a person by their shoes. For a holiday party, I would wear a platform ankle boot, tights, and high waist velvet shorts with a glitzy embellished blouse. Velvet is a great holiday fabric because it’s always rich in texture and colour. Throw on a blazer and you’re good to go!
JD What are the different types of looks you can style up?
LB Styling a look is about listening to the needs of the person you’re working with. The key to being a successful stylist is to not impose your own style on others. I can style anything you want according to your needs, but I’m good at business casual with a unique or creative edge, bohemian chic or grungy glam. However, I’m not tied to those, they just resonate with me.
JD What’s a good gift we can buy our best friend or sister for the holidays?
LB A good statement necklace can go a long way. It doesn’t have to be a huge investment and can easily complete an outfit. And who wouldn’t want the gift of that finishing touch?
JD Thanks Lindsay! How can people get in touch with you to make an appointment?
LB You can call me directly at 416-789-8666 or email me at topshoppersonalshopping@hbc.com
Filed under Places I Go, Style, Things I Love
Double Double
If you have a packed calendar filled with a lot of social outings, it’s hard to have a new outfit every time. Sometimes you have to double up, but a few simple layering pieces and accessories can help tweak your outfit accordingly. For example, I wore the same dress to two different events, but made it look slightly different by adding a few things. At Paws for the Cause I wore black booties and a leather jacket with a long cream dress. For the Grace Kelly event I wore the same dress sans jacket, with cream heels, and added a flower to the shoulder. Voila! A different vibe for a different party. Don’t be afraid to double up. JD
Paws for the Cause. Photo by Phil Birnbaum
Grace Kelly Opening Night. Photo by CM
Filed under Style
The Man Repeller
Last night I attended Holt Renfrew’s Man Repeller event. I’ve been a fan of The Man Repeller blog for quite some time so it was a real pleasure meeting Leandra Medine. Leandra’s blog concept is simple and awesome – it’s about women dressing in trends they love, but men hate. Such garments include (but are not limited to): harem pants, boyfriend jeans, shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs.
I can definitely relate to the concept because I have been known to wear such items. I’m an experienced man repeller. I should also add hats, flats, and baggy tops to her definition. Leandra said “it’s not really about repelling men, you’re dressing to make yourself happy….and if it repels a man, that’s most likely not the man for you.” Tru dat. Love your style. JD
Having fun with fellow fashion friend Alexa
Having a chat with blogger Jay Strut
Stef and Erin from The Coveteur looking fine
Filed under Events
Stretching The Summer Wardrobe
I normally wear this dress in the summer with bare legs and boots of some sort, like I showed you here. But I noticed I’m short on dresses from constantly cleaning out my closet, so I decided to turn my summer floral dress into a fall outfit by adding a white button down shirt, black cardigan, and black tights. My belt is vintage, and it’s so tight it feels like a seat belt….in a good way. My bag and shoes are Cole Haan. The heel is sky-high and sadly I can only last 2 hours max. Lastly my green anorak jacket is from M for Mendocino. I want my next floral dress to be midi length, but can’t seem to find a good one. Let me know if you see one anywhere. Thanks. JD
Filed under Style
Favourite Loop
Sunday’s weather was THE BEST. I hope everyone was outside to enjoy it. I did my favourite loop — a stroll down Ossington, Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods Park, and Kensignton Market. Stopping in and out of stores and coffee shops along the way, finishing with a few groceries in Kensington. Something sad to report – Badlands Vintage on Ossington closed, you know the one with the huge downstairs. Sad to see it go.
I finally went into the newish vintage store called Used at Queen and Spadina. The name is pretty awesome because most people use nicer words like “vintage” or “thrifted” but guess what? It’s used! It was pretty decent, and the prices were normal. There’s nothing I hate more than expensive vintage…unless it’s a designer dress of some sort. I will make an exception when I find my perfect Betty Draper dress. I know exactly what it should look like – just haven’t found it yet. JD
Trinity Bellwoods Park
I never knew Cabaret had a basement. Loved this bar/mannequin.
Random Fox head
Fierce
Filed under Places I Go
Wow Finally
Just saw this on my walk, College Street is finally getting a LCBO. WOW. This street has been lacking a liquor store for far too long. Glad to see they are putting that building to use, it was vacant forever. That is all. JD
Filed under Random
Afternoon Nosh On College
Saturday afternoon snack: black cod sandwich from The Fish Store on College St. I love this place! JD
Filed under Places I Go
In The Navy
CM in a navy trench by Michael Kors, a lovely knit scarf from Club Monaco. Boots and herringbone bag from Cole Haan.
Filed under Uncategorized
Grace Kelly: An Exhibition
Last night CM and I had the pleasure of attending the opening night gala of Grace Kelly: From Movie Star To Princess – the exhibit at TIFF Bell Lightbox. It was stunning, and I absolutely hate when people use that word, but it was. It was also lovely, elegant, feminine, and beautiful. Those words work too. It definitely inspired me to bring out my girly side a bit more often. I love dressing like a man repeller, but pretty is pretty and will never die.
We saw Grace Kelly’s iconic wardrobe from her wedding gown, hats and shoes to her Kelly bag and every day dresses. There were letters and telegrams, photographs, magazine covers, and ever her Oscar! She was truly made of style and grace and looked so perfect and pretty in every shot.
The royals from Monaco were there – Price Albert II and Princess Charlene. We saw them on their way out with their entourage following behind, so that was cool too.
The Grace Kelly exhibit is on until January 22nd, so be sure to check it out. JD
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco
Racoon Hat Couple
This couple was loving life in their matching racoon hats. I wonder if they’re tourists trying to be all Canadiana. I also wonder if they felt me behind them taking a pic. JD
Filed under Random
SevenDollarPants
