Sunny Saturday

Ah sunshine! Such wonderful stuff after all the gloom we've had this week. I am happy to be able to wear this new romper so quickly after purchasing it just yesterday. For a mere $20, how could I say no to such a sweet little strawberry print? Which of course I only now realize I did not photograph up close. Oops... until the next wearing I guess! It was too sunny on my terrace to get decent shots anyway so it'll be a good excuse to wear this again soon.

Romper - Sears

Sandals  - Sears

It's not often I buy new clothes, but I treated myself. The sandals are also new from yesterday, comfy reliable ones in which I hope to be able to trek many summer city sidewalks. I'm going on spontaneous walks on my own again finally... winter had killed that habit but I've got someone to wander around with sometimes now and he's wonderful walking company. It helped remind me I really enjoy it.

Apparently tonight there's going to be a 'super moon'. It's going to be super extra close to the planet, something that happens every 14 months or so. Supposedly it's not going to be an impressive one as super moons go, but it's still going to look much bigger than it usually does. I hope I don't forget to go have a gander! The skies are supposed to be mostly clear, at least.



After he figured out that the chalk wasn't some evil form of punishment for an unknown crime, Caramel decided to join me in the sunshine. He was rolling around happily in the dust, soaking in the warmth and getting all grubby. I don't blame him, it felt so nice. In fact, after I'm done writing this, I'm going back out there to read in the sun for a bit. Then I'm off to my women's tea social for the afternoon. Who knows what adventures the evening will bring me! I hope you're all having a lovely weekend. Cheers!

Stupid Things

Sometimes, I do stupid things. Like spend an entire lovely warm Sunday afternoon indoors doing my taxes. And then nearly sprain my wrist punching my mattress in frustration over said taxes. And then wandering around aimlessly as the sun goes down because I can't just let a whole gorgeous day go by and somehow wind up with a mini Grand-Marnier white chocolate cheesecake in my possession. And then go home and cut my bangs ridunculously short. A final stupid thing with which to end my day.

Dress - Gift from Heather

Belt - Ardene's

Tights - We Love Colours in Ivory

Shoes - Payless

These are my bangs before I cut them ridiculously short, for the record. I won't be able to wear this dress again any time soon; the zip on it died on the day I took these photos. I'll eventually get it replaced, but knowing me, it's going to be a good long time before I get around to acquiring a replacement zipper and bringing it to someone who will change it for me.

If the print of this dress looks familiar, that's because you've seen it before, back when I wore it as a blouse with a skirt over top. I suppose it works out that the dress is unwearable; I need to replace a button on the skirt I like to pair it with as well. My mending pile is growing awkwardly tall again and I'm going to have to attack it sometime soon.

I had a really lovely weekend - apart from the whole tax thing - and spent most of Saturday with friends and family. I got some animal-related tasks done and out of the way too, which was good. I'm keeping very busy lately, and it makes the days go by so quickly. Right now I'm just looking forward to taking my final driving test on Tuesday next week. Once that's done, I can apply to my city's car-share program and hopefully, by then end of May, have access to a vehicle again. I hope you're all having a good Monday. Cheers!

One For Me

I was able to take in this lovely vintage dress, and keep it in my closet. Sadly more than a few of my vintage beauties - skirts and dresses - are just too delicate or complex for me to attempt altering. I'm building up give, thrift and sell piles. What items I do sell (I'll share them with you all first) I won't be trying to profit on, mostly I just want to see them go to someone else who will enjoy them. But unluckily for all of you, I am keeping this gorgeous frock to myself.

Dress - Purchased on Etsy from Sally Jane Vintage

Belt - Ardene's

Shoes - Lulu's

Tights - We Love Colours

You can see how it looked on me before I took it in, in these photos from back in August and these from March. This dress also happens to be the one I wore in my very first outfit post way back in September of 2010. I don't usually wear glasses (I'm a contact lens lover) but I took these photos the evening before wearing the outfit which happened to be on a lazy Sunday, and I didn't think it worth putting my contacts in just for the outfit shots. So imagine me with makeup and no glasses and that's how I look right now.

My weekend plans were rather disrupted, and I neither saw my grandparents or my muffin-baking friend. I still went out dancing with my special someone on Friday though, and had tasty late night pho and spring rolls mmm... My lady friend's theatrical performance on Saturday night was also amazing. Plus I ran into some other friends while walking home and wound up spending the evening listening to old 60's concert recordings and eating delicious carbonara, so I can't complain.

Really, I should be singing my thankfulness. I spent a large chunk of my weekend with someone who showed me more care, tenderness, and genuine affection than anyone has shown me in such a long, long time (years). It's frightening to trust a new person, especially when your previous efforts at trust blew up in your face. I'm not about to give up now though, not when there's so much to gain and nothing to lose. I hope you all have a lovely Monday. Cheers!

Pink Elephants On Parade

I wore this for a coffee date on Sunday. Yes, this is my idea of lazy weekend casual clothing. I'd rather stick my hand in flame than be caught dead outside my apartment in sweat pants, gotta admit. I've often lately been hearing the excuse that it's just easier to pull on some sweat pants/PJ bottoms/old jeans in the morning. I counter this with the fact that it's no more difficult to just... pull on a dress! In fact, it's even easier because with dresses you don't have to worry about matching your top to your bottom. Stop making excuses people, there is no excuse to be a slobby-bobby!

Long-sleeved top - Thrifted from Value Village

Dress - Thrifted from Value Village

Flats - Ardene's

I didn't actually wear the flats out of the apartment but I didn't want to be in my socks and I wasn't about to wear my big winter boots in the apartment. So yeah, flats. It's all about the dress anyway. I am so madly in love with it! I've had it quite a long while but it's only ever really been out dancing with me. It's not exactly everyday work wear, to say the least.



The print is a mad mix of abstract and actual images. There are swirls and spirals, paisley and curlicues, plants and little mushrooms and so many details! Plus the background colour changes from red to pink back and again. It's definitely an eye catcher! I still can't believe my luck at not only finding this dress, but that it fits!

I picked up the pink top on a whim, thinking I'd find something I needed a pink basic top to wear with... I hadn't even been thinking of this dress, but turns out it is the EXACT same shade of pink. And once again, layering erases any modesty issues this big-busted gal might have with spaghetti straps. I'm not a fan of my boobage falling out all over the place, eh?



I've been so busy socially lately that it's kind of blowing my mind. Part of me is in disbelief that I am suddenly a person with an actual active social life and have regular social activities in which to participate. It's funny when things get so good you start wondering if they're actually true.

I spent Tuesday evening with my grandparents, which was lovely. Wednesday was my belly dance class (I'm only a beginner B! My teacher is a nice older lady named Lois Brake) and then I went out for some drinks with some of the ladies and didn't get home until nearly 10PM (pretty sure my cat thinks I'm cheating on him now). This evening I'm heading straight to a wonderful lady friend's after work to cook up some pizza together. (I'm also sneakily picking up some cupcakes and wine for us to snack on too, because that sounds like a good plan to me.)

I've taken the next 3 Fridays off, which is going to be great. Tomorrow I'm heading out for a greasy-spoon breakfast with my grandparents and then we're hitting up the new giant Ikea they recently opened here in Ottawa. Then that night I am bringing my special someone out to Ritual Nights to see how he handles some mad psytrance beats, heh. Saturday involves muffin baking with another girlfriend and that night I'm heading to another friend's solo theatrical performance. BUSY YOU GUYS. But in a totally awesome absolutely fantastic way. So I am happy. And I hope you all are too! Cheers!

Frumpus

I wore this last Friday, an outfit created in a spurt of frustration and annoyance. I am realizing how very few non-maxi anythings I actually own. Nearly every single one of my skirts is a long prairie maxi. It makes it rather difficult to get dressed for work without looking like I should be frolicking in a field of flowers. So I do things like this: hike up my skirt to my armpits and wear it as a midi-skirt under a messily-knotted baggy button-down. 'Cause somehow that made sense at the time.

Button-down - Thrifted from Value Village

Skirt - Thrifted from the Salvation Army

Wool tights - Fanxy Sox

Shoes - Spring

You can see the skirt styled as it's intended, in maxi form, in this outfit from back in August. I actually wear the skirt a lot, but for some reason thought I'd posted it far more recently. Clearly I need to keep tabs on my own past outfits. This is one I won't be repeating, although I will probably attempt something of the same with a few other skirts and shirts eventually.

I am finding so many uses for this mustard blouse, I hadn't realized it would be so versatile. I'd never even noticed that this skirt had so much mustard in the print until I saw it next to the shirt in my closet. I may have shrunk the shirt a smidgen in the wash though; the sleeves feel shorter than I remember, but ah well! As the day progressed, the skirt waist slid down my back and I wound up with a bit of a fish-tail affect going on. I actually quite liked it, especially when walking around with the skirt swishing around my legs.

I don't want to say too much (I'd rather not jinx myself) but I think I may have found someone special. Of course by now I know I get over-excited, and wind up wallowing in disappointment nearly every single time I feel this way but... I see no reason to stop hoping. Actually, I think now is the best time to hope for these things, because I'm more and more aware of how lucky I've been recently. The past few months have gifted me with many new people to love and friends to grow close to and I can finally say I am happy. I like to think it's because I've been trying so hard to give to others - love, friendship, tenderness, an open ear - that the world is just giving back. I guess I'll just have to keep on lovin' and givin' even more to thank the world for the gifts I'm getting! I hope you're all having a lovely week so far. Cheers!

Butter is Better

It's true, take any recipe calling for butter or margarine, and it'll always taste better with butter. I also love the soft yellow colour of butter, and I quickly snatched up this butter-yellow top while thrifting a few weekends ago. I'm so happy because it works perfectly with this particular prairie skirt, which has always been a bit more challenging for me to style.

Top - Thrifted from Value Village

Skirt - Thrifted from Value Village

Tights - Fancy Sox

Shoes - Thrifted from the Salvation Army

The last time this skirt was on the blog was back in September, when I paired it with some paisley print. I know I said I had a hard time styling the skirt, but seriously, that particular paisley, and an old red muscle shirt were literally all I could think of that worked with it. Thank the Thrift Gods for this new top! I really like the satiny crinkle-detail around the  neckline.

This top also seems to be following my movement towards less form-fitting garments. I used to wear skin tight clothing all the time when I was heavier. It was just crucially important that my clothing not be baggy and make it look like I was any fatter than I already was. I suppose my ability to wear loose, flowing items that aren't necessarily form-fitting or figure-flattering is a sign I'm becoming more comfortable with my body and that I have the confidence in myself not to worry about it so much. And people say clothes and style are shallow things, psh!

Can you believe it took me nearly a year and a half to figure out I can take close up shots of my outfits with my tripod? Yes, I am that slow a learner. Ah well! Isn't the print on this skirt amazing?! So many tiny little details and crazy floral things going on.And for once you can see the real colour of these shoes. Now if only I could find another pair in exactly the same shade so I can replace these before I wear them out completely...

I had a wonderful supper with my grandparents and aunt and uncle on Saturday. I'm really looking forward to going up to visit their household in February, plus getting to meet my cousin's little 19 month old son for the first time. Speaking of February, I'm amazed it's right around the corner! I get the feeling I'll turn around and blink and 2012 will be a distant memory. I'm far too aware of time right now; how much of it it takes to accomplish things, and how quickly it goes by when you're trying to hold onto it.

Did you all have a good weekend? I spent most of my Sunday lazing around and not being productive in the least, but I really needed it. I feel so drained lately, pulled in a thousand directions and not quite certain where to point myself. Sometimes it's nice not to point myself anywhere and to simply stay cozy in my rest-nest. Have a lovely Monday everyone, cheers!

The Green Monster

No, not envy! But all the green things in my wardrobe could probably mass together and form some sort of undead closet-beast. So just in case, I let them hang out together in multiples sometimes, to keep them quiet. I'm even wearing matching eyeshadow!

Blouse - Thrifted from Value Village

Skirt - Thrifted from the Salvation Army

Tights - We Love Colours

Shoes - Spring

I hope you all had a really great weekend. Mine was very good, and I got nearly everything on my to-do list done and sorted out. The only hitch was when I tried to sort through my closet. I stood there for a good 10 minutes just pawing through the hangers, but it was just too overwhelming. I didn't know where to start!

Since I can't just give up (seriously, this cannot wait any longer), I've opted for another method of attack. I'll go drawer by drawer, and item-type by item-type. The job will take longer this way, but at least it'll get done! I started by creating a space in a drawer just for my tights alongside my underthings, and probably threw out two dozen holey pairs of socks.

I also went through all my prairie skirts, of which I have at least ten. I'm not quite certain how many exactly, I stopped counting. I almost have more than I can justify having, certainly more than I can wear. But I love them all so much! The whole point of this endeavor is to take a chunk out of my wardrobe though, even if it is a bit painful. I have to remind myself: these are just things, things I don't need.

I'm pretty sure my bangs need a trim now. I'm rather vague on when exactly they reach the point of needing it. They were in my eyes from the get-go so I can't really use that as a method of measurement. It'd be easier if they stopped trying to part all the time. My hair has always parted naturally and cleanly right down the middle, and I've worn it like that for years, but now my bangs are having a hard time getting with the program and leaving that part behind!

Yep, even my coffee mugs are green. I'm holding The Cry of the Go-Away Bird by Andrea Ames. I actually discovered her long ago via her own style blog! She's been writing over at A Cat of Impossible Colour for several years. She has great taste in vintage dresses (pretties from the 50's in particular) and I highly suggest checking out her blog.

I'm heading straight to my grandparents' place after work for dinner this evening, which I am very much looking forward to. I hope you all have a lovely Monday and a great start to the week! Cheers!

Flippant

I am resigned to there always being a flippy cowlick in my bangs. Try as I might, they resist my every attempt at flip-reversal and stubbornly sit there defiantly curling out and away. Ah well... at least it keeps my left eye clear of hair!

Lynx-fang earrings - Purchased from Aranea Designs on Etsy
Necklace - Won from Anika Burke
Top - Old Navy boxing week sale $6

Skirt - Thrifted from Value Village

Shoes - Payless

I'm rather surprised it's taken me this long to post photos of this skirt. I thrifted it quite a while back and I wear it nearly once a week. It's actually one of my favourites now just because of its flow and how it moves. It has lots of flounce! If it's the weekend and I find myself stumped as to what to wear, I often reach for this skirt and a simple comfy top.



These cost me $30 and finally filled the black high-heel gap I had in my wardrobe. I've got a pair of low black wedges but I needed a good ridiculously high tottering pair too! And these fit the bill perfectly, and for a decent price. I just can't justify spending tons of money on shoes anymore. (I'd rather spend it on delectable cheeses, or craft supplies!)

I want to buy used/thrifted or handmade when it comes to what I wear. As much as I may want some of the gorgeous tops, skirts and dresses I see in so many online shops... And as often as I put them in my virtual shopping carts, I just can't do it. I cannot part with my money for those things when I know I can go to the thrift store and (if I'm lucky) find something comparable - or something completely unexpected - that will bring me as much pleasure for way less money.

Of course I'm wearing a new top in these photos, but I only paid $6 for it, which is comparable to a thrift store. I'm totally comfortable shelling out a considerable sum when the item is of high quality though. If I know I'm paying $200 for something that I will still own 5 years from now (my rational on buying expensive winter boots) I can deal with that. But my mall-shopping days are done, methinks.

It's snowing like mad again here, calling for a good 10cm/3" of snow just today. Which is too bad because they just finished clearing the roads and sidewalks near my apartment. I can't wait for Spring! I hope you all have a good Tuesday. Cheers!

Wearing Love

Behold! My bangs! In their full banging glory! My hair is really light and whispy though, so most of the time they're usually flying about as I walk around. But ah well! I dig 'em. I'm even sooort of starting to become fond of the flippy cowlick thing it's got going on sometimes.

Capelet - Gift

Long sleeve top - Old Navy

Dress - Thrifted from Value Village

Flats - Ardene's

Before I say anything else though, I must speak of this capelet! It was made by hand especially for me by my grandfather's wife, Jane. She gifted it to me not long before Christmas. I actually wore this outfit on the Friday I spent with them before New Years, and I've been wearing it a lot around the house. It's so light and soft and snuggly and I love it ever so much.

I can't believe how lucky I was to find this dress! It has the prettiest detail at the gathering point, a sturdy crocheted circle. I just wish I'd thought to take a close-up photo. Another time!

The hairdresser convinced me to add some layers into my hair, and I'm happy I trusted her! I cut a good 4 inches off the back. I really love my long hair, but it had been getting a little too long for me, at least without doing anything to it. I'll be more attentive in my hair-care as it lengthens time this.

I'm having friends over for a sort of potluck brunch on Saturday, which I'm really looking forward to. Our friend Phil is bringing his lady-friend with him and it'll be my first time meeting her, which should be fun. I love meeting new people, especially when I get to feed them tasty foods to help win them over heehee.

It's too bad two of my friends are vegan, and another can't eat gluten. It makes feeding the group a wee bit complicated. Hence the potluck factor, so I'm not completely responsible if anybody starves hah. (Like I'd let that happen, psh!)

Tomorrow I'm going over to my old room mate's place to have dinner with he and his fiance. I find it rather amusing, but I'm realizing that most people with whom I spend my time are at least in their 30's. Mark and Helen are both in their late 30's, and I'm very good friends with a lovely divorced lady in her 40's. And other than 2 of my friends on Saturday, the rest of our gang is all 30 and up.

I really like surrounding myself with smart, experienced people though, and I guess that's part of why my friendships gravitate towards the more mature. I get a little lost in the conversations sometimes, but I usually also walk away with some new knowledge. And what's the point of a relationship if nobody shares or gains anything, right?

It feels like it should be Thursday. Somehow. All the shortened weeks I had over the holidays have me feeling a little kerfuffled. I hope you all have a groovy Tuesday. Cheers!

Looking Back

There are a lot of posts out there lately covering outfits from 2011. I thought about doing this myself, but when I started scrolling through January 2011's posts, I immediately changed my mind. It's funny, because at the time, I was more than happy with those posts. Almost proud of them. Now I cringe at the bad photos and my weird ramblings.

April 22, 2011

I've changed so much in the last year. I consider myself a completely different person. I'd had a sense during the last few years that I wasn't quite as I should be. Like the person I was wasn't who I really was, if that makes any sense. 

 

November 5, 2011

I realize now I was transforming into my true self, like caterpillar to butterfly. I just spent an inordinate amount of time making my cocoon... and then more time inside that cocoon. I like to think that 2012 is the year I unfurl my fresh wings, let them dry and learn to fly as my new self.

June 27, 2011 - August 14, 2011

I dabble in writing now and again (like my failed NaNoWriMo) and often go back to read my older work. I'd like to share a poem with you that I wrote back in February of 2010, nearly two years ago. It's probably far more obvious to me since it's my poem and my life, but reading this now, the links are almost uncanny.

August 12, 2011

Feel the Pull

I want to sit in a sea of pillows and sip tea,

Like some exotic princess of the orient,

Or a chick in a downy feathered nest.

There will be bead hangings in doorways,

And summer breezes flowing through

Open doors and thin billowing curtains.

Yet my dreams of colourful flowing dresses

And long hair that blows in the wind still

Somehow always end up as black denim.

I'm beating my fists against the windows

Of my eyes, trying to set myself free,

But now is not the time for flying.

Still, my soul cracks open my chest,

Letting me feel that ever expansive feeling

Of being connected with all as one.

My mind is capable of more than I know,

And I want to feel it all over again,

With the world flowing through my head.

It's an eternal tug of war behind my ribs,

Desires running wild like headless birds,

And I can't help but wonder, what now?

Yet breathing isn't easy in the city,

So I hold my breath, and drive like mad

With the windows down, come pasture.

Eventually something will change, and the

Fettered desires of my being will be free to dance

With wildflowers and lay in beds of spider silk. 

July 1, 2011

This was written at a time when I was still discovering my style and my sense of self as an individual. I was reading post after post from Heather, Anne, Missa and Milla's blog archives (see, I'd not be me without you blog ladies!) and setting foot on a path to change.

September 15, 2011 - October 5, 2011

If 2010 was the year for my struggle to realize I needed to change, 2011 was the year for that change. Which brings me back to why I don't want to bring back most of my older posts. I don't recognize that person as me anymore, for many reasons.

May 25, 2011 - April 15, 2011

Beyond my internal changes, like beginning to  process new and complex emotions, nurturing friendships and love, and learning to be confident and open, I changed a lot physically too. I've lost a lot of weight. I've changed my hair. I dress differently, because I'm confident enough to do so. But if I dislike those outfits so much, what are these photos? They're the ones I feel resonate "me" the most, either because of what I was wearing or what I was doing or just how I remember feeling that day. Most are from later in the year, unsurprisingly.

November 25, 2011

August 1, 2011

If you've made it this far... yay! Thank you for reading my blog, and thank you to those who take the time to comment. Your words always bring joy into my day. I never figured blogs would be the catalyst for change in my life, but here lies the proof. I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Cheers!

I carry my own sunshine

Usually in clothing form, like this cheerful dress. I actually own two of these All That Jazz dresses now, and in the same size. How lucky is that? I plan on shortening one, so I'll have both a long and mini dress, to give me some options. I'd have often worn this in the summer but it was just too long in the heat. Having a shortened one will be great come the (oh so far away) warm weather.

Dress - Purchased from Reluctant Damsel on Etsy

Wool Tights - Fancy Sox

Shoes - Lulus.com

Necklace - Thrifted from Value Village

I'm so tired today. I was up until about 1am before I finally got to bed. I met a friend for a nice Christmas dinner yesterday, and then she and I did a wee bit of mall shopping. Then late in the evening I met up with another friend who was in town just one day from San Francisco, out on her way to Nova Scotia. I spent a few hours with her and some other great people. But by the time I got home (and discovered my cat had regurgitated semi-digested cat food around the apartment) and took the time to unwind, it was laaate.

I certainly don't regret staying out later on a work night than I usually do though, it was definitely worth it to see my friend. However, I don't think I'll be drinking much wine again any time soon. It did not sit happily in my stomach, to say the least. I did however have an awesome Double Chocolate Cranberry Stout called Winter Beard over dinner which was pretty darned tasty. I might have to pick myself some up for the holidays instead of my usual Guinness.

I really love how my hair looks in this last photo. Which in a way is a shame because my hair won't look like this again for a very long time. That's right... I caved to my impulses and now I've got bangs! Wee! Other than rediscovering my hellishly annoying cowlick, so far so good.

My special someone is coming over for dinner again this evening (hopefully he likes my hair!) and the butterflies in my tummy are having a party over the whole affair. It's just really hard not to put the cart before the horse when the horizon looks so promising. Let's get this show on the road people! Right? Right. Anywho. I hope you're all having a groovy Wednesday. Cheers!

Back in Time

The day I took these outfit photos was also our first day of snow here in Ottawa. Funnily enough, the weather now seems to be going back in time and warming up instead of getting colder like it should be. I'm not complaining though, I like a mild winter thank you very much!

Dress - Gift from Heather

Wool Tights - Fancy Sox

Booties - Thrifted from the Salvation Army

This was another of the awesome things Heather sent me in my birthday package. I love it so much! I'm particularly fond of the sleeves. I own several other dresses of a similar style but they all need to be taken in. I've worn this pretty thing at least once a week since getting it!

Snow! Eek! Hopefully I don't see any more for a while. I have some heavy duty winter boots and an extra warm long coat for when the real cold snap comes down, but I am more than happy if things stay as they are! This chick doesn't mind a green Christmas.

My new terrarium arrived yesterday, and it was in usable shape. It had been crated as an extra measure, on top of being packed with styrofoam. But there was still a crack in it. How ridiculous is that? At least it won't stop me using it though, and my snake boy is happily moved in now. I'll be happier when the old cabinet he was in is gone too. I hope your week is going good. Cheers!