Don’t ask me why I bundled up with a blazer and dress shirt on a day hotter than Kenya. Actually I ditched the blazer and unbuttoned the top button, but still – it was a bit ridiculous. I saw my white jeans sitting on a pile of jeans and got the urge to wear them. My jeans are from Joe Fresh ($29), red checker top is from Value Village, blazer is from Zara, shoes are from Winners, and purse is from Cole Haan. New summer rule for me – no. more. pants! JD
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Filed under Places To Go, Style
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
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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
Canadian tuxedo, double denim, forever in blue jeans is what I’ll be. Oh Neil Diamond, click here for the tune. I used to rock out to that as a kid. With my dad. In the car. Keep listening, it gets good when he belts out.
Here I’m wearing my most comfortable pair of jeggings by Canadian label – Domino. I paired it with my denim shirt from Zara, and nubuck boots from Cole Haan. Giant scarf is from H&M, leather gloves from Winners, and my parka is by Talula Babaton from Aritzia (old). Have a wonderful weekend wearing blue jeans! JD
Photography by Tania Alvarez
This pleated skirt from Zara is delicate and silky smooth. I love the colours and pattern. I paired it with my silky smooth boyfriend shirt from Joe Fresh, a wardrobe staple! Wool tights are from Winners, booties are by Cole Haan, and my parka is an old favourite by Talula Babaton that I got at Artizia many moons ago. Head band is from H&M. Enjoy your coffee break today. JD
Photography by Tania Alvarez
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I just love being casual! It makes me so happy. For a city stroll in the sun the other day, I wore my Second Denim Yoga Jeans in black. They’re comfortable but not bummy. The best. I also wore my fringe top from Urban Outfitters, denim shirt from Zara, and vintage finishing touches – Cowgirl boots from a Thrift store in Port Colborne ($10), cashmere touque from my dad, and aviator sunglasses from my grandpa…they’re from the 70s and I love them. Hope you’ve been enjoying the sunshine and strolling around. I can’t get enough. JD
Photos by DT
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This girly brocade dress is from Zara. It makes me feel a bit like Betty Draper. It’s a sleeveless number, but to make it a bit more wearable I added a simple black cardigan from the Gap. Gold belt is from Print Fine Vintage on College street, and my bag is a vintage coach purse that I picked up from a vintage pop-up sale, also on College street. It was $5! To stick with the girly theme, I added not one but two flower corsage. Cognac booties are from Capezio (old). JD
Photography by Silvia Drugea
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Sometimes I look at my own blog for outfit inspiration. I wasn’t sure what to wear this morning so I took a look at what I was wearing this time last year, and voila, I’m happy with this outfit still.
It’s good to keep inventory of what you have and remember the outfits you’ve already styled so you can get dressed in a flash on days when there’s simply no time. On a side note, I cannot believe it’s already March!! Hopefully spring-like weather will begin sooner than later. Happy Friday! JD
Outfit details: H&M Sweater, Zara skirt, Handmade hat from The Hack, Vintage accessories and hat, Cole Haan boots.
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CM looking fab in her H&M leopard coat on Bloor St. I love her boots as well – they’re from Zara.
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I have to credit Christine for this outfit. On Monday she wore a cream coloured skirt and a denim bow top. When I looked in my closet yesterday morning I saw a cream coloured skirt and blue bow top. Thanks for the inspiration! My newest purchase here is my green anorak coat from M for Mendocino. It was a steal at $99, and the perfect coat to go with practically everything. JD
Outfit details:
Skirt – Zara
Top – Joe Fresh
Coat – M for Mendocino
Scarf – H&M
Bag – Cole Haan
Belt – Vintage GAP (I’m talking 10 years old, I bought it in University)
Boots – Vintage
Filed under Style
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
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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I found this fun skirt at a vintage market in Belgium last summer for the market price of 4 euro! Definitely one of my best finds to date. The vibrant coral colour and crisp pleats pleasantly remind me of a lamp shade from the 80s.
I paired my market skirt with a lovely silk blouse I picked up from H&M last week. It’s very billowy and exactly what I was looking for.
My navy blazer is from Zara and it’s that soft jersey material that makes it comfortable to wear all day long.
Lace-up booties are from Spring and grey socks are from Legs Beautiful. JD
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I’m really liking my new sand coloured jacket from H&M ($69). It’s part cotton and part leather (leather parts include shoulders, elbow patches and around the wrists). I think it will be a good alternative to my black moto jacket this summer.
I paired it with pleated pants from Zara, burgundy belt from Joe Fresh, and striped top from Simons in Montreal. Love that store. Can’t wait till it gets to Toronto! JD
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While washing my face yesterday morning, I didn’t mind the giant bun and hairband look I had going on so I decided to stick with the hair do but make it a little more polished for work.
Because my hair was so big, I decided to wear something tame. I wore my classic white button down shirt by Hugo Boss with my Joe Fresh paper bag princess skirt, aka my staple piece for Spring/Summer. I’m quite happy to finally start wearing it!
Also shown: headband from Winners, lace-up booties from Spring, trench coat from Zara. JD
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I’m a list maker. I make lists on absolutely everything like movies to see, music to download, and my personal fave – “Julie’s wish list” – which mainly includes certain items of clothing, boots, and big-ticket items like a new computer, an amazing camera, and a Smythe blazer. I find it’s a good way to target my real wants and not overspend on random things. It’s sort of a ranking or priority list that helps me weed out things I don’t need. It works, so I’ll continue shopping this way.
Combat boots have been on my wish list since Jan. 2010 when I talked about them here. I tried finding a vintage pair but had no luck, and I also kept my eye out for sales at Capezio and Urban Outfitters. I can’t wear them to work, so I didn’t want to spend a lot. They went on sale for $77 at Urban Outfitters, so I finally bought them. They’re a bit too crisp looking right now, but after some weekend wear, they’ll be better. What’s at the top of your wish list? JD
Rest of outfit:
* Leather vest from Bungalow West (Kensington Market) $20
* Nude top from H&M $34
* Denim shirt from Zara $40
* Liquid leggings from American Apparel $44
* Floral purse from the Thrift store in Port Colborne $2
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There’s nothing wrong with wearing the same outfit over and over. Sure it can get tedious, but if you find little ways to switch things up it won’t feel so monotonous….and then you’ll have more to splurge on something bigger….like that trip to Paris or Stockholm you’ve been day dreaming about.
I was loving my grey H&M cropped sweater so much I bought it in cream as well. Here’s the same outfit twice with a few minor adjustments.
* Black booties (Spring $29) instead of brown boots
* Maroon belt (Joe Fresh $14) instead of brown belt
* Vintage silk shirt in navy(Stylist yard sale $5)
* Skinny wool pants (Zara $52)
* Hair down vs. hair up changes it too
What city would you fly off to today if money wasn’t an issue? Pick just one! JD
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My only NYC regret was not taking back Steve Madden’s ANNIE booties. Luckily I found a similar pair from Aldo that (most importantly) give me the some height boost to my 5’3 frame. They most definitely ARE NOT snow friendly so the race to wear them is on. Hopefully the snow stays away much like it did last year. Skiers and snowboarders, stop complaining and head further north. You really don’t have to go that far – just let me wear my darn booties.
The rest of my outfit:
Jacket – Zara
Belt – Club Monaco
Headband – H&M
Leggings – American Apparel
Filed under Style
I am loving the 90′s inspiration with fashion these days. Long skirts, crop tops, nudes, high waist pants. I love it all. I found this cropped sweater at H&M for $29 and I think I’m going to wear it a lot this winter. I liked it so much, I went back and bought it in cream too. It will go great with high waist skirts and pants, and it’s really warm too. Fashion and function – a winning team.
I paired it with my wool pants from Zara ($52), lace-up boots from H&M ($69), and cashmere scarf by Arnold Brant (gift). JD
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SevenDollarPants