Reboots

Bek and I wanna get the fashion blog up and running again because we...like fashion. Montreal, and the Plateau where we live in particular is chock full of kitschy and trendy stylish people all over the place. It's inspiring to see so many modes of aesthetic. Personally, I feel inclined to start dressing with personal flair, or at least begin blogging about it again. Hopefully, we'll see more activity in that direction in a little while.

(Maybe not this weekend. We have the Pop Montreal festival to attend. And I have homework. And writings. AND. AND AND AND AND--)

The important part is that we make it more manageable. One of the hardest things about running V is for Velvet before was that it was so time consuming to make outfits in photo shop, hunt down trends and samples, code the HTML for EVERY item we had to link, that sort of thing. It's important that we be consistent, but it's also important for us to have a LIFE... Which is why we moved here in the first place. A changing of the pace so to speak.

Here's a little sample... I can't get the button to work, but if you happen to have a Lookbook account, you can click the pic and be transported. (Ooooooh.)

Also, I got my first piece of Montreal mail yesterday! A little card from my mom, testing the system so to speak. It was written dans tout le Francais, which was some adorably awful French. I later found out Google was responsible for poor translation, so let this be a lesson to you, kids. DIY.

Blehh

I don't even know what to tell you. I've been feeling on/off in rapid succession a LOT lately, it's like... I'll go for a run (my anti-angst) and feel fine for an hour, and the next, dissolve into complete and total bleh. BLEH. It just kind of falls out of your mouth when you say it. It's not even a legitimate feeling. Normally when I get like this I usually attach it to useless whining feelings about "I don't have a life, BOOOOO." But I have been doing some PRETTY FINE SHIZZLE as of late. (That's shit for those of you who just don't. speak. gangster.)

I saw Jo Koy, this AMAZINGLY HILARIOUS comedian last Friday in Toronto and laughed my ASS off. Then, as if that wasn't enough, I was lucky enough to see the Arctic Monkeys and the Black Keys at the ACC in Toronto just this passing Wednesday. Then, thanks to working my ASS off (literally) this week, I shredded off a grand total of 3lbs in one week. Three. Pounds. That my friends, is what we in the biz call KILLING IT UNTIL IT DIES. Needless to say, pleased about that. And uh, Community is back. HELLO, AMAZING?

Now, theoretically, with all this awesome shit in the PAST, I COULD be bummed out because suddenly the future calendar is looking empty. Suddenly, it's St. Patrick's Day and I'm not out getting mega smashed with the masses. (Gee, I'm SO sorry I'll miss the opportunity to watch someone barf green.... Seriously though, I wouldn't mind one or two green beers on a patio right about now. Takers?)

The thing is, I can't even complain about not having stuff to do in the future. The weather has been AMAZING here. March break usually swallows us up with snow but right now it's like spring or summer. I've been running outside every day I can, getting out in the sun, basking in the glow of this sneak preview of summer. Apparently, according to my little Mac widget, it's gonna continue to be amazing too.

Monday, our local cinema is playing the Labyrinth on the big screen, and Wednesday, I have my big coffee seminar debut. (Holyshit.) Plus, I'm still waiting for news back from Concordia, which I think might be the core of my laundry pile of stress. I have a bad feeling. Maybe I'm just trying to have a bad feeling so if I don't get in I can say 'I knew it anyway' and if I do, then I can do the biggest happy dance followed by the biggest monetary and life altering panic attack that I am capable of. (Somebody bring a video camera. It could be youtube worthy.)

Either way. Life has been busy and my weird moods have kept me from blogging and that's how it's going to be, probably, for the next little while. But I'll try and update when I can. So those of you holding your breath and hanging on my every word can relax.

Clothes N' Junk:

OOTD: I heart beat.

Those new sneakers rub my right heel the wrong way but I love them so much, some of it lets me understand women who wear high heels even though it causes them serious physical anguish.

Contrast

I cleaned out my closet/wardrobe today. A little bit. It's hard for me to throw out clothes if they still fit me because I go: WHAT IF I GET THE URGE TO WEAR THIS AND IT'S NOT HERE? WHAT THEN?

Either way: we've been having a go of some awful weather today, freezing rain and power outages, so I thought I might as well do a little spring cleaning and house keeping. I was going through some pants and stuff in my dresser when I found a bunch of pairs of shorts from the summer. To my eyes, they looked kinda big, but I thought maybe I had misjudged them. I'm bad at sizing things up and such.

I posted THIS OUTFIT on July 16th, 2011.


I tried on the shorts again just today.



Uhm. WHAT?

Please note how my legs are literally SQUEEZED into the shorts like Polski-Russian sausage in photo number one, and then note grin on my face in the second picture. I didn't even REALIZE the difference in myself until I put myself in those shorts.

Over Christmas I saw a bunch of my relatives who were all OOOH YOU LOOK SO GOOD and I kinda brushed it off because I didn't even REALIZE what the hell I had done, or what I'm still doing.

I wish I could explain how this feels. It's like disbelief and joy, motivation and...shock. Emotionally, as well as physically. If I wear them, you literally cannot see my ass. They hang off of me. I have to get RID of them now. And I thought I would notice such a drastic change: it's all a matter of perspectives.

It's kind of amazing and freaky, and if anything, it's impressing in me the importance of documenting this asskicking tour de force as I go.

I decided to go ahead and get a Lookbook account. Sometimes, even though I've done it a couple of times by now, I just feel straight up WEIRD posting outfit photos. I know it's my blog and I should be able to do what I want with it but, as someone who does consider themself a writer, I struggle with the idea that the stories behind the outfits should take precedence over the outfits themselves. So hopefully in the future I can find a happy medium between writing and my sartorial pursuits.

Either way-- here we go!

Rooney

I have a giant serious girl-crush on Rooney Mara. I had one before seeing her in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, but after experiencing the film last night for the first time, I have to just say it: I would fully and completely go gay for her. She is brilliant, intense, beautiful and her eyes. Good god, her eyes. So maybe the next time my mom asks me if I'm sure I'm not a lesbian I will have to pause and go, "Oh. Only for Rooney."

The point is: she blew me away. The whole film did. It was fucking SPECTACULAR from every angle and element. I knew it was going to be good: Fincher never lets me down. I walked in with only the knowledge of the story that I had extracted from watching (and drooling over) the trailer. I walked out completely and utterly speechless, mindfucked and wanting more. (Also: I wanted to cut my hair. I've been thinking about doing a Rihanna thing and then casually posting an outfit with this badass and awesome haircut, all casual and cool like. But I am bad at surprises and keeping secrets. So. There you go. I'm thinking about it. Opinions?)



If you don't think there is something fully epic about that, I am sorry. There is something broken inside of you or you're Chuck Norris and aren't impressed by ANYTHING.
The point is, my mind is like a sponge. If I see something AWESOME, if I experience something, if someone in the same room is in a bad mood I feel like I soak it up more than most people might. I woke up this morning feeling like I wanted to be a badass. Which of course is the total and complete opposite of myself. Didn't keep me from trying.

Lisbeth Salander dressed how I wish I could in highschool, but with a ton more style. She makes me want to dress like her NOW. I bought that studded belt last weekend for the shoes I'm reworking but suddenly, this morning, it was my YES moment.

Kacy took these pictures for me. I ran outside to do it myself, but then my camera died. My tripod is finicky. It was cold. The neighbors were staring and I told them I was taking pictures of the trees for a photo essay about why winter sucks. Total badass, right? So I dragged little sis into the cold to take some snaps while I tried to look serious by staring at the ground with the concentration of a telepath unlocking a mind vault. (No, I don't really know what that is either. I just made it up.)


One of the (EVERY)things I loved about Lisbeth's look was the minimal makeup. Her skin was a flawless white palette of monochrome. Some of us would call it the perfect screen tan. I'm working on mine. I used lip balm and a concealer stick-- you can KIND of see it here? I guess?

Everything Except the Boots: Thrifted
Boots: Aldo

I don 't know. Go see the movie. That's all I have to say about that....kind of. Probably. Mostly. I'M GOING TO THE MALL NOW.

Vinyl and SOUL

I’ve been seeking a creative outlet. There’s this need under my skin to get really hands on with some kind of project. Literally, almost anything has entered my mind at least once: from sewing, cooking/baking, writing, refurbishing old furniture... You name it, I’ve probably been considering it.

Blame Nylon. The magazine, not the material. The January 2012 issue has a feature about fashion inspired by the 60s and showcased a TON of 20-something talent. Whenever I see young people accomplishing stuff, my initial reaction is: “COOL!” Followed by a introspection as to what I’ve been doing with myself and my life.

With work, fitness and random commitments (plus the fact that the internet is a black hole that sucks up ALL OF MY TIME) it’s easy to neglect passion and creativity by plugging in.

If there were post-New Years resolutions to be made I would add ‘spend more time with love and art, and less time with Stumble’ to the list, as well as calling myself on my own bullshit. That’s a blog for a different day.
To get creative, I’ve decided to try and paint up a pair of my old canvas high tops, so that will be probably end up posted here. Sometime soon?
I'm also looking for volunteer positions right now, trying to write some blogs for LGBT Youthline, get involved, be informed. I want to take care of the world.

Today, when I was shopping for shoe painting supplies (and taking Kacy shopping for her vegan food stuffs) I was feeling retro. A handful of days ago I inherited a pile of my dad's old vinyls, and I've been listening to Sly and the Family Stone's Greatest hits, daily.
I have a new love, and it's name is vinyl and SOUL. (Ooh. That was the title of the post. Now it's like we're in a bad movie where they use the title in a really dramatic manner. If you've ever seen Face/Off... You know what I mean.) Oh, right. Then I dressed like a hippie for kicks. More 70s than 60s, but it's all good baby.



Oh jeez. Put that away before you hurt somebody.

Vest: Thrifted
Shirt: Thrifted
Pants: Thr-- I'm seeing a pattern here...
Bag: Matt and Nat
Boots: Aldo (On SALE!)

The only thing I have to say about this outfit is that I would like MORE. Next time I'll add a necklace, a couple rings, some sunglasses or something. For now, simplicity works. Also: those pants didn't fit a couple of months ago. SCORE.

QUICKMAS

Just a quick post. I'm writing this because I can't sleep even though it's Christmas day now (technically) and if I sleep morning will come faster! (Deep breath here.) So this is just going to be a wee tiny post. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

(If you don't celebrate Christmas, please take away from those two words all the well wishes and perpetual love you want this time of year! And if you don't want my well wishes and perpetual love, get the hell off my blog.)

I want to talk about my family's Christmas traditions BUT I took pictures which will at least make the content more palatable at a later date, so we can wait for those. In the meantime: OUTFITS.


The best part is, I think everything except the boots, jacket and hat were thrifted for this outfit.
Hat: Zellers (LOL)
Jacket: Fairweather
Boots: Aldo
I wore this to go to a karaoke evening with my friend Justin last Sunday. I had to wait for a little snow fall to wear the hat without looking like a crazy person, but it was WORTH IT.
I sang Somebody To Love by Queen, which I BOMBED hard from nerves. Then I sang Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash, which worked out better. Sometimes when I sing my voice has an old time country June Carter lilt to it, so that one was a little easier.

I dunno if it's fashionable or stylish even, but I like it. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals.

Here's what I put at the VERY VERY TOP OF MY LIST THIS YEAR:

Blue Christmas

With the snow JUST starting to come down in Waterloo, I might not be happy about that cold, but I'm feeling more excitement because of it. I can finally stop dreaming about a white Christmas and get into the spirit of the season.

If that's an excuse to bake cookies, wrap up in huge scarves, sing carols REALLY loudly and watch my favourite Christmas movies on TV, I'm all in. If that means getting to see my friends, get closer with my family and celebrate the one time of year where we actually seem to have traditions, count me in x100.

So if a little cold weather brings me closer to that holiday feeling, let it snow, baby.

The other day, Jill and I tried to bring a little more Christmas to the house. It was like the Life of Wiley pre-Christmas special sitcom. We had talked about just how our sad, single string of Christmas lights was NOT cutting it in terms of spreading holiday cheer. In fact, that lonesome line of coloured bulbs somehow just made us seem more sad about the whole thing.

Jill of course, has two modes: one being ALL-THE-WAY and the other being totally below zero. So she went out to the store and bought 90 bucks worth of Christmas lights, and we tag teamed decorating the outside of our house.
I think we, (she maybe more than I) had epic notions of what the lights would look like. We have a huge pine tree in the front, and in her mind in was filled from top to bottom with white lights, sparkling in the December darkness.

The front of our house has two Roman style columns in the front, and she wanted badly to wrap them in cascades of bright Christmas lights. First, we tried to wrap them, and the cords were not long enough. So we ended up using the column lights on this stumpy pine bush next to the porch that is shaped like the Grimmus. Then it was time to look after the tree.

It took about forty five minutes, an extension ladder, some freezing toes and lots of amputated pine tree twigs, but we finally got the lights up on the tree. By we, I mean I did a little bit, carried a ladder and watched Jill and my dad struggle to get the lights onto the branches high above our heads.

The end result was a little disappointing. It turns out 90 bucks buys you about five strings of Christmas lights. Not when enough to cover half of the GIANT ASS PINE TREE which is actually taller than our house. We managed a zig in the tree, even a ZAG, but it looks like a big S. We decided the S in the lights stands for 'Special' or 'Santa' depending on who you ask. Brilliant.

Maybe next year?

After that, we went out to the mall, but right before then I got Jill to take outfit pictures. You can even see the LITTLE TREE! (Which I now am calling The Grimmus. Forever.) I really like the brown in the boots and the the blue in the rest of the ENSEMBLE. (Fancy ass word, folks.)

Beanie: H&M
Dress: H&M (I bought it for 10 dollars. HOLLAH.)
Scarf: Thrifted
Cardigan: My mom's closet.
Tights: Who cares, they're black tights...
Boots: Aldo

And if you haven't seen it already, I'm still writing for Travis Magazine. Somehow, they think I know things about fashion (or at least STYLE) and continue to let me write my little column- Fashion Friday: Go Elf Yourself!

What are y'all doing to get ready for Christmas?

Rules and Regulations

It feels really good to be back here blogging and having conversations about life with y'all. I do love me some NaNoWriMo, but I had so many ideas and so much happening that it was hard at times to not update to keep my faithful readers in the loop.

FIRST THING'S FIRST, the most exciting news, I got a job as a freelance writer for The Magazine. That's right. I'm about to be paid for writing things. I'm going to cross the line between, "I'm going to be a writer" and "I write for a few magazines." You know how awesome that is? REALLY AWESOME. The fact that it's for kids makes it even more cool. My first assignment is to write a list of the top ten teams of superheroes. How cool is that?! That is the line between pretension and success. Between talking big and playing hard.

SECONDLY, Jill and I have made up a big system to help me get on the physical fitness track. In three weeks of November alone I lost 6lbs! Basically, my secret is every single weight loss tip you've ever heard. I work out a minimum of 3x a week, alternating between running and yoga to keep it interesting. I eat healthy 6 of the 7 days as much as I can, but I have a cheat day/meal once a week. I drink water and snack on veggies and whole grains and blah blah blah. I have weekly weigh ins and we're taking pictures once a month to photograph the process.

Either way. I know you all didn't come here to read about my writing or my goals, you probably came here to check out my sweet style.

So here it is. Recently, I worked for 9 days in a row, but in between, I got to head into Toronto to see some of my friends, FINALLY. It was a night of magic (literally, we went to a charity magic show) and Thai food, and staying up really late only to get up early.
All the outfit photos were taken by my darling friend Josh, who is as excellent a photographer as he is a quoter of things, a finder of good deals and an eater of delicious foods. Thank you Josh!

Blazer: My mom's closet.
Crop Top: Forever 21
Jeans: Forever 21+
Necklace: Forever 21
Boots: Aldo
Bag: Matt and Nat "Karen O" bag

Notes on this outfit:
I know there are certain fashion rules that some people like to abide by. As a current 'plus-sized' or as I say, curvaceous lady, I feel as though sometimes more of these rules are supposed to be applied to my body. Supposed to be are the three key words there.

Among these rules are the idea that I'm not supposed to wear cropped tops or jeans that aren't dark wash. Part of the reason I love outfit (besides James Dean's beautiful face being right next to my boobs) is because it flips the bird to both. I know what my body looks like, and I'm dressing how I want to, not to disguise it.

This is important to me right now because one of the things I've been fighting lately is being able to like myself at the size I am while still being on a self improvement path. It borderlines on hypocritical sometimes... It bothers me to read profiles of people who have lost tons of weight in Women's Health or SELF and they're suddenly buckets happier. I'm sure when I get where I want to be, I'll be happy as hell, but I'm going to still have moments of wobbly insecurity, just like always. This is a band aid fix for confidence. I won't be a gung-ho-calorie-counting-perky-as-hell chick. I will still eat whole eggs instead of just egg whites.

I'm getting really off track here but the point is that...I know I'm not unfortunate. I have lots going for me. (If you're staring at my ass in the second picture instead of reading this, I don't blame you.) But it's hard to find an identity or a home for yourself when you're still traveling down the road.

Sour Grapes

I had to drive out of town to pick up my little sis from school for the weekend. My friend Justin and I ended up meeting for a quick coffee, and I ended up wearing this. I would like to note at the start of my day the bun was more on the top of my head. Either way. FUN.

Right before we left to drive back to Waterloo, I asked Kacy to do me a solid and snap some photos. I seldom wear white, but I think it came together more or less as I envisioned it in my head.



Motorcycle Jacket: PINK
Crop Top: H&M
Jeans: Forever 21+
Combat Boots: Spring
Purse: Matt & Nat

My future goal is to not wear my glasses the next time I happen to take an outfit picture. They are my ultra security blanket. The end.

Orangetober

Shut up, I hate making titles. Welcome, welcome to my half assed attempt at outfit pictures, to flaunt this new jacket. This new, AMAZING, awesome jacket.

Every time Rebekah and I wandered into H&M, I would gaze at it on the way out. Lovingly. Longingly. And when it went on mid-season sale, Rebekah earned the BFF of the year award by surprising me with it as a gift before we went to see 50/50 on Sunday. If I am 49 years old and we are still both single, in a perfect world I will marry her for this, down on one knee with a Tiffany ring in one hand and a bag of sour watermelons in the other.

It's SO COMFORTABLE and very fall-y with gold buttons. Of course, being me, I couldn't just leave it at orange. So I added a red dress and my maroon scarf. Then I had light grey tights and black boots on. When I had dinner with my friend Justin tonight, (goat curry and naan bread for me, NOM NOM NOM!) he told me that he normally doesn't like orange on people, but said I was doing a good job. Rock on, orange jacket. Rock on.

Sooo, the one on the right is a little...
Jacket: H&M
Dress: Topshop (Thrifted!)
Scarf:I have no idea, it's a scarf. I've had it forever!

Don't Stop Me Now

Yesterday was Freddie Mercury's 65th birthday. (Did you see Google's tribute to him?) I fucking love Freddie. I love him. He's one of my heroes, because he was an artist, a dynamo, a showman, and he was bisexual on top of all of it. He shocked the world by announcing he had AIDS and died just over 24 hours later at the age of 45, breaking hearts everywhere. He changed the way people looked at others suffering from AIDS and also homosexuals in general, another political topic near and dear to my heart.
You know how people play the game: if you can meet someone who's already dead, who would it be? Freddie Mercury. I would have loved to see Queen live in concert while he was still alive, so much it hurts me to think about. Unfortunately it's a dream I'll never get to experience until time travel is invented or until they perfect cloning via DNA or maybe never. Happy (belated) birthday Freddie.

I cannot WAIT for the biopic about him starring Sacha Baron Cohen to exist. I know it's only rumored right now but if it ever happens, it will MAKE MY LIFE.

Queen has been a huge influence on my taste in music and me as a person. When I was young, I remember my godfather blasting it as we went cruising in his car. Somebody To Love was and still is the song I listen to when I'm aching and pondering the future man I think I've yet to meet. Don't Stop Me Now is one of my go-to karaoke songs. Fat Bottomed Girls and I Want To Break Free at times feel like personalized anthems. I have not-in-the-near-future plans to get a Queen based tattoo.

This outfit has a little drama with the sequins, a little class with the black, a little badass with the vest, and some antique charm with the bowler. I felt preeettty cool wearing it, pretty unstoppable. Also, yes I am becoming more and more of a dirty hipster by the day. It was 'styled' as they say by Bek, who has a fashion blog which she SHOULD POST IN MORE. She took a look at the stuff I had and like magic, pulled this together like it wasn't no big thang. She's a savvy lady, especially when it comes to fashion.

On the weekend, my-now-ex roommate Allie came down for a visit. Rebekah and I did our best to make her short visit entertaining. We did yoga, read tarot cards, lots of shopping, had awesome dinner with my fam and went out for dessert and coffee at Symposium a very fancy/casual place to go. This is my coffee/dessert outfit. WHEE!

Bowler: H&M (You can buy them RIGHT NOW.)
Vest: Danier Leather/thrifted
Sequined top: Thrifted
Dress-as-skirt: Forever 21
Bag: Matt & Nat

Aztec & Aqua

I have officially started my job at Starbucks! (WOO!) So far it's been a lot of coffee tasting, and trying to learn the secret language of the Barista. I don't speak Starbuckian fluently, not yet anyway. Of course, today was only my second shift. I got up at 5:30 IN THE MORNING to be at work by 6:30. It's a good thing my latest direction is taking me down a road paved with coffee beans or I'd pass right out by the time I got there. I'm enjoying it so far. Also I'm about two shifts away from becoming a coffee snob, too.

I'm really hoping to try and get some creative juice going, to maintain a good writing&blogging schedule while working two jobs at the same time. Oh yes, having a life might be fun too, in there, somewhere. Also naps. Also, running. Good lord, it's no wonder I was forced into using a day planner!

Anyway, my shift was only four hours of training this morning, so I decided to get some errands done at the mall before I punched my daily run right in the FACE. I ended up wearing something that I thought was unusual and bright, so I decided to snap a couple pictures in the name of colour!

This picture reminds me of Yoshi from Super Mario.

Is that crazy?
I started with the pants then pulled on the shirt because of the blue and aqua in the pattern. Keeping with the print, which seems a little outdoorsy, kind of Native American or Aztec, I threw on the boots. Maybe it's not the COOLEST thing I've ever worn, but it's bright and comfy for the errands I had to run today. Plus, I felt good wearing it which is the most important thing. Also, I didn't take a picture of it, but my prized bag ended up with this outfit too, along with some red lipstick and a naked eye. Love it!

Shirt & Jeans: Forever 21
Boots: Chuck Taylor's Converse
Glasses: LOVE

Split Personality

One of the fun things about self improvement is reinventing yourself, and getting to try new things. Whether it's cooking new foods, (That's right! New recipe posts coming soon!) trying a new workout routine, or maybe, trying something in clothing and fashion that you've never tried before. I'm not crazy about posting outfit pictures here. I feel a little self conscious or...I guess the better word is egotistical. Who really CARES what I wear, anyhow? Mostly I do it because I have started to dress more nicely... And it's blogs filled with gorgeous, well dressed fat positive ladies who made me realize it's NEVER too early to embrace yourself.

Since Jill and I have started training harder for our 10K run in October, as I've mentioned, I've been cycling a lot of gym clothes. So it was a proud moment for me to step out in this style. To be a different person from the one I am when I'm IN THE ZONE. The runner and the zen yoga addict. The well dressed girl and the messy artist. The lady and the troublemaker. Be Marie Curie, Daisy Lowe, Rosa Parks and Marie Antoinette. Why the hell not? People are complex, full of contradictions. That's what makes them human. That's what makes them awesome.

Whatever the case, I feel as though it's been such a long time since I've posted one, and that this posting is acceptable, especially because it was partially inspired by one of my fellow bloggers. Laura over at the Blog of Worldly Delights recently posted an outfit where she mixed a striped shirt with a patterned skirt. I was charmed by the look in short order. (I'm plugging her blog for a reason-- you should go check it out, she's quite charming and the layout is, as I say, ADORABO.) Maybe by posting THIS someone else will see it and will go out and try something bold of their own.

Remember, well behaved women rarely make history, and fortune favours the bold!

Mixing patterns is one of the things I've always wanted to have a go at, but I've never had the care to try, or the brass. Well after seeing her post, I was reminded of my urge to play a little game of mix and match. I went into my freshly cleaned closet to see what I might be able to find, and the results were, well, in my personal opinion, a success. I know this because:

A) The stripes made my boobs look bigger. (Always an A+)
B) Rebekah, my fashionista style meter told me I looked cute today. She said that I was, "pulling it off." PROUD MOMENT.


Scared or high? Maybe both.

The second I start making model faces for outfit posts exclusively, please shoot me.
My new hipster gogs. LOVE.
Shirt: Suzy Shier
Cardigan: H&M
Skirt: Joe Fresh
Glasses: LOVE Brand Eyeglasses
Belt: Borrowed

As a random side note: through a series of events, I found a website called My Body Gallery. It allows you to enter your specific height, weight and even body type. THEN it shows you user submitted pictures of REAL women who have the same stats as you. I thought it was pretty cool... One of the things Look Better Naked talks about is how people, specifically women, are so accustomed to hating on themselves. Well... looking at other girls in my weight/height category, I couldn't judge them. I thought a lot of them looked GOOD. It made me think: how do your own biases LITERALLY change the way you see yourself? When people tell you you're beautiful and you don't believe them, is it because you have a seriously distorted POV?

Do you know what you REALLY look like?

Keeping Your Cool

Today was HOT, in climate and on the panic meter. It started off mild. I got up, did some laundry and printed off my resume. Last night, Rebekah and I went thrift shopping and bubble tea-ing, and I discovered that my go-to bubble tea place was hiring. We had been talking about life plans, and while I'm not sure where I'm headed, whether it's Montreal or back to school, I know I'll need money to do it. So the focus is trying to get more work. I decided to apply to the bubble tea place, and went to do it today. I put on a nice floral dress, printed off my paper, touched up my make up and went off to impress.

When I walked in, I was thrilled to see that the girl behind the counter was someone I knew from high school. We had taken vocal classes together and were friendly acquaintances. We chatted amiably and I left with a really good feeling. I was in such a good mood I decided to stop at Starbucks before work. The good mood lasted as I pulled into the parking lot at work, sipping my iced green tea lemonade like everything was going my way! ...Then I realized that I had forgotten my uniform pants at my house. My fifteen-minute-drive-away-house.

After checking the breakroom to see if they had any spare pants (they didn't) I told my manager I was going to be late, sprinted out across the blistering parking lot, hopped in my car and raced home like I was in the Indy 500. Or I would have if I hadn't been stuck behind some guy who thought that MAXIMUM 60 meant GO JUST UNDER 50 KILOMETERS. When he finally went to turn left I turned to see if he was a senior citizen as I blazed by. I locked eyes with a middle aged man, who was glaring at me for making my car have bumsex with his. Sorry buddy.

When I got home I ran inside, accidentally shutting my finger in the front door. As I began to strip off my dress I could feel the pressure in my head rising, my finger throbbing, my nerves fraying. That's when I almost started to cry. Whether it was because I was in pain or because I was stressed about how important it was to get these stupid pants, which REALLY only give me granny bum, I was going to breakdown. Changed, I ran back, and began the race to work.

As I was driving, I thought: calm down. It's JUST work. In 50 years, this won't matter. I thought: keep calm, and carry on. I took a deep breath, my panic temperature went back to zero. It worked. I kept it cool.

Other ways to keep your cool? Wear LESS clothing. I can't seem to avoid layering in the summer, I just like it too much. So I tried to keep them minimalized, but add interest and colour with a vest (thrifted) and a scarf (gift from mama's trip to New Zealand.) Also, I have a really hard time making pleasant, regular person faces when I take these pictures.
Shirt: MODA International
Shorts and Vest: thrifted
Scarf: Gift from NZ
Purse: Gift from EnglandStay cool, kids!

Ballad Of The [Girl] In The Red Shoes

Ten years is a long time. If a wine is ten years old, it's usually considered to be great wine. If a kid is ten years old, they'll never be single digits ever again. If a friendship is ten years and going strong, there's a good chance you've got a friend for life. Yesterday I had the pleasure of seeing my good friend Rebekah of Eden A La Mode graduate from college. We've been friends since the sixth grade, which is about half of our natural lives at this point in time. We went from little girls talking about Lord of the Rings to twenty somethings talking about dreams of living in Montreal, life, love, shoes and things-as-geeky-as-but-not-so-much-Lord-of-the-Rings.

As it happens, her parents are on vacation in the Bahamas right now. When she asked me if I would like to go in one of their places, I was immediately on board. After negotiating for the car we drove out of town and headed for the future. (Mmm, cheesy.) I've never been to a real graduation before Tuesday. I didn't go to my high school one, so it was cool to experience it first hand... You know...before mine...which is tomorrow.

I was proud to be a witness to this once in a lifetime event, the day my best friend left her college days behind her and got to wear an itchy blue robe to celebrate it. I was also very much like a parent, beaming from ear to ear when she accepted her diploma and graduated WITH honours. Then I went back to being a frantic best friend and cheered and screamed like it was my full time job.

We call it the graduate face.

Even though it was Bek's big day and moment, we also managed to snap a few outfit pictures while we were waiting for post-convocation dinner plans to take shape. She was kind enough to take hold charge of the position of photographer, and snapped some good shots despite the fact that I'm awkward and suffer from behin hyper aware when I'm in front of the camera. (Thanks bebe!)

Dress: BCBG Outlet
Necklace, Bracelet and Tights: Forever 21
Bag: Stolen from my mama
Shoes: Local shoe store

Give me my red shoes, I wanna dance!

Sportin' Style

I had to take a few snaps of my outfit for today. I was on my way out the door when I had a flash of inspiration. It was a sudden moment of complete and total EUREKA. So I stopped in mid-step, pivoted and dashed back inside. I grabbed my camera and went to the back deck to take a couple of pictures.... Did I mention that I was on my way to the gym?

Did I also mention I'm a total ham?

I can snap pictures of me making faces at the camera in all kinds of pretty dresses, and that's cool, it's fun, but I'm not always comfortable with it, because it's only half honest.
When it comes down to it, I change outfits twice a day almost every day. This is my OTHER uniform, something I have been, and will be rocking daily for weeks, months and hopefully years to come. Don't worry, I promise I'm not going to go on another I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT rant, I'm here to talk about gym fashion. You know, serious stuff, people! If it's important enough to make it into my everyday life, it's important enough to write about in my blog.

There are four elements to this outfit:
1. The headgear
2. The tee
3. The shorts
4. The shoes

1 & 2.... As I'm sure you can see, I stay awesome at the gym by wearing sunglasses... I also rock them at night and in the bar, like an 80s song AND a douchebag. My hair gets pulled up into a tight bun and my bangs are held back with an elastic headband. Please note how nothing in this outfit is colour coordinated. I did that on purpose, to be ironic, or whatever.

As for the t-shirt.... The Hart Dynasty is a WWE wrestling tag team from Canada. Recently I went through an easy six month phase of being completely obsessed with the drama of pro wrestling. (Side note: RIP Randy Savage.) I know it's all set up, but the athleticism, a sense of showmanship and it's cheesy as hell.... Right up my alley. I only wish I had been into it in the 90s, because apparently that was golden age... Whatever, I still loves me some Miz, some John Morrison and some Daniel Bryan. Dear future employer, stumbling onto this blog.......I have nothing to say at the moment that might salvage your opinion of me. I'll get back to you on this.

You normally don't see this much swagger from someone in biking shorts.

3 & 4... shorts and shoes. The shorts are from Joe Fresh, and I'm pretty sure my mom bought them on sale. I don't even know how to tell you what colour they are. The racing stripes are some washed out pink and the main part is some weird green-grey-concrete tone I've never been able to nail down. I like them because they don't ride up when I'm on a roll. Also, anything equipped with racing stripes gets a thumbs up in my book.

The shoes are white, yellow and black Reeboks. I think I've have them since at least my first year of college... three years ago. I really think they pull the whole look together, don't you? It's like I always say... There's something about a pair of well loved, dirty running shoes that adds a touch of class to the ensemble.

Realistically, this is what I'm wearing when I'm not prancing around in dresses, sandals or skinny jeans. JUST GLAMOROUS. What do y'all rock when you aren't being fabulous citizens of the world?

Oh mother, where art thou?

I know I already made my mother's day post, but I wanted to include some pictures from the big day, because I was so excited about it. My mama doesn't like going to the spa and we weren't sure what to get her for a small gift. I know it's not supposed to be about about buying your mother things, but showing her you appreciate her. My sisters and I ended up taking her out to lunch at a nice local restaurant called Solé. If you happen to live in Waterloo and you're looking for a place with a little class and a tasty lunch, look no further.

It came highly recommended on Urbanspoon, and it didn't disappoint. It was a three course fixed menu, and by the end of it, we were stuffed and happy about it. Mama gets particular about restaurant food, since she likes to cook and feels bad about shelling out cash for something she could make for cheap at home. However, the dishes were nicely plated, and complex enough that you probably COULDN'T make them at home without shelling out tons of cash for different ingredients. (I had braised beef brisket on ciabatta bread with caramelized onions, three year old cheddar and New Orleans style barbecue sauce, WHAT? Insanity.) As you can see, the dessert was beautiful too:

Carrot cake with bourbon caramel sauce.

Taking my mom out to eat was the perfect plan because around the house she does so much of the cooking around the house. We really wanted to treat her to a nice place so she could enjoy very bite without working for it, and without the dishes afterwards!
Since it was a nice place, I dressed up a little, and snapped a few outfit pictures. The red and the blue were opposite and fun to play with, especially with the neutral base of the dress. This outfit was kind of an experiment though, so I'm interested to know what y'all think. I'm not completely sure of it but I acted like I knew what the heck I was doing, and really, confidence is the best accessory, isn't it?

Cardigan & Leggings - H&M
Dress & Gold bracelet - Forever 21
Shoes - Local shoe store
Necklace - Gift from my mother from New Orleans

A Spring Fling

If you read this blog, you know that I don't update as often as I'd like to. Ideally I'd like to post every day, but we all know that doesn't happen. While this isn't a fashion blog, I'm thinking about posting outfits more often because it's fun, it's content, and it'll force me to wear something other than my usual shirt/jeans/scarf.

Once upon a time, this time last year, I attended Sheridan's Media Arts awards, wearing this dress. Then I had a bad summer, gained crazy amounts of weight, and tried the dress on again at Christmas. It didn't fit. Besides the fact that the weight was frustrating, I was upset. If I'm an advocate of anything beyond gay bars and thrift stores, it's making your closet work for you. Buying a dress, even if it's cheap, and then only wearing it once just isn't something I'm down with. (Wedding dresses excluded...)

Flash forward to this Easter. A happy, special occasion to see my mom's side of the family since they were coming to our house for dinner. I was looking for something nice to wear, and I found this in the back of my closet.

I tried it on, and BOOM! Instant confidence boost in the fact that it fit again. I felt a burst of joy and the floral print just yelled SPRING! It was a celebratory mood... They're kinda awkward, because I don't often take outfit pictures... but my little sister was kind enough to try working the camera. My dog Jack came along to show off for the camera too!

I couldn't tell you how much everything cost, it's all stuff I've found over the years. I can however tell you it's not expensive. I got the dress for about 30$ from Winners. The cardigan is Joe, the earrings are from Spring, and the shoes are hand me downs from my older sister.The metallic flats and the pearl earrings dress up an otherwise casual summer dress, without making me feel too fancy. I got lots of compliments from my loved ones, whether because it's well put together or because my family is just used to seeing me dress in a less fanciful fashion, it's hard to say. I'm hoping on the first one. Happy belated chocolate bunny holiday from me, from Jack and whoever else I have the authority to send it from!