Over All

These camouflage overalls are another find I brought home from Belgium. They appear to be hand made, and there's no telling how old - or new - they are, but I've had a longstanding thing for camouflage, so there was no way I could leave these babies behind.

Overalls - Thrift shop in Brussels, Belgium

Shoes - From my grandmother

I might shorten them in the future, but we'll see. They suit me fine like this for now. I do have to adjust the straps and their button placement but otherwise I'm happy as heck with 'em. I hadn't added any camouflage to my wardrobe in years so I was due, I guess hah. Hope you all have a great weekend. Cheers!

Changing Times

I've noticed the last few months that my taste in blogs has been changing. For a while I was reading a lot of style blogs and fashion blogs, some with more intellectual content than others. Somewhere along the way, I started discovering more blogs about things like self-love, style and feminism, health and exercise and many less 'shallow' subjects. Then at some point, those kind of took over.

Blouse - Thrifted from the Salvation Army

Skirt - Thrifted from Value Village

Boots - Some sports store

I still read my old favourites, as well as some new loves, but I have to admit that I'm losing interest in most others. My list of unread blog posts in Bloglovin is up around 150 and as I scroll through the titles, so few of them pique my interest. I feel a little guilty, because I started following them all for very good reasons. The women are bright, intelligent, creative, stylish, caring, friendly, inspiring... and I can't help but feel like I'm missing out. Yet I still don't read the posts.

I'm no less interested in style - I enjoy clothes now on myself and others more than ever - but I am less interested in the rampant consumerism and commercialism I see everywhere. It's almost impossible to read style blogs without winding up on a clothing website or scrolling through the shoe sales pages somewhere.

It really bothers me seeing young women being sent items from companies, to the point where their outfits are entirely comprised of 'care of' items. Most of them are too young to realize they're being used as free advertising. The pittance spent sending out pairs of shoes or tops saves companies thousands of dollars in formal advertising. And those 16-17-18 year olds have no clue, neither the ones wearing the items, or those happily eating it up and running out to buy more of the same.

Too often I'm also seeing fat-shaming, and an obsession with weight loss, becoming thinner, overly-expensive beauty products and well... just lots of things I disagree with and dislike. I support creativity, stepping outside the box, being a unique individual with different tastes, diversity and an open mind. Go take a stroll through any large mall though, and people look like clones of each other most of the time. I think the kicker is when I see someone wearing an item I was looking at in a store, but dismissed for being cheap, overpriced and mass produced. Moments like those remind me why I thrift and buy vintage.

I guess what I'm getting at with all of this is that, for the most part, I've moved on to another stage in my life, at least blog-wise. I'm more interested in content about emotions, self-love, desires, sex, life challenges, goals, health, exercise, food and eating habits, and things that add to my life. And while it can be nice to get a little outfit inspiration, I'd rather read something that inspires people to do something greater, be it starting to exercise regularly in a healthy manner or to stop thinking negative thoughts about our bodies.

If any of this stuff sounds like something you would like to start reading about (and if you follow Sal's blog, you've probably seen some of these before) here are some of my favourites. I really think any woman can gain from the voices of these strong female writers.

• Medicinal Marzipan
• Head-Heart-Health
• Zoe and the Beatles
• Fit and Feminist
• Roots of She
• Danielle Dowling

I've been putting off going through my blog list and cleaning things up, distinguishing what I really really love from what I just feel meh about. Reading blogs should not be an onerous chore and until I get that done, it's going to feel that way. I really hope some of you do check out these blogs, they shone light on a lot of things for me. I wish you all a super awesome weekend. Cheers!

Nothing New Here

I can proudly say that everything in this outfit (okay, not my skivvies) is either handmade, thrifted or vintage. I absolutely love it when outfits like these come together! You can't just walk into a mall and come out with the making for my outfit, that is not going to happen. Especially not for as little as I paid for everything!

Tunic-top - Thrifted from Value Village

Skirt - Ragtime Vintage

Boots - Thrifted from Value Village

Lynx-fang Earrings - Purchased from Aranea Designs on Etsy

Necklace - Handmade from a dear friend

The funny thing about this skirt is I've had it for years, worn it very often all year round and yet... I don't think I've posted it on the blog. Or if I did, I have completely forgotten when. Nonetheless, I love this skirt, and when I saw its bright floral print next to the tunic in my closet, it was a no-brainer to put them together.

I scored these wicked leather boots for just $8! They are super comfy too, I've already worn them out dancing twice and plan on taking them out again on Friday night. Some of the hooks and holes are rusty, but that's no big deal. And now that it's not absolutely frigid outside, I'll be able to wear these more often without worrying about freezing my toes off!

Someone very dear to me made me this cross and necklace. It's all the more special because it's not something I'd ever have expected them to do, and it was made during a difficult time in both our lives. I don't wear it often - it's rather delicate - but it means a lot to me. Sometimes the simple gifts mean the most.

I've got belly dance class this evening again, and I'm definitely looking forward to hanging out with the ladies afterward. I think I'm actually even getting kind of good at some of the dance moves! When I took classes back in 2007, I decided not to go further on because I felt too uncoordinated and choppy, like my body would never be able to do the moves correctly. Now I keep surprising myself when I do things right and keep up with everyone.

While I really love my more 'put-together' and professional outfits, it's ones like these I love wearing the most. This is how I dress when I'm on my own time. I went dancing in this outfit. It was comfortable and allowed me freedom of movement. I just wish I could dress like this more often. I hope you're all having a good week, mine's going quite well. Cheers!

Glow Worm

This bright yellow sweater really does have an inner glow. Sadly it didn't come across in the photos (seriously, it is actually even brighter in real life). I love my yellow sweater so much though! If it looks familiar for some reason, I was wearing it in the photo with my giant fat cat. The only downside is that it's very thick and very warm, so I can only wear it on particularly cold days, and when I know I will be in cold places.

Sweater - Thrifted from Value Village

Skirt - Yard Sale

Booties - Thrifted from the Salvation Army
Earrings - Friend-to-friend hand me down

Pardon my goofy grin above; the cat was doing something dorky and then the camera beeped at me. The last time I wore this skirt on the blog was way back in May of 2011. I'm pretty certain I've worn it a few times since then, but this low-wear of many of my items is why I really need to do some closet-purging. (Yes, I've still yet to do it, it is painful and I am avoiding it like the plague.)

The funny thing about this skirt is that it's labelled a Medium, but there's enough room for it to be an Extra Large and then some. It has no elastic at all, and I need to hold it up with my elbows as I pull the drawstrings taught or it literally just falls to the ground haha. It's great for hanging off my hip bones in the summer though, and has great movement.

I've given myself the goal of early nights and early mornings this weekend, to try and maximize the amount of things I get done. I've been naturally waking around 9am on weekends lately though, and am comfortable with considering that sleeping in. Am I turning into a true adult now that I appreciate and aim to utilize mornings? Haha... It's just too bad a lot of the things I like doing on weekends involve late nights. Or accidentally turn into late nights

It looks like I'll be attending that crystal bowl performance by myself this evening. I'm trying to build new friendships, but it seems my efforts dash aimlessly upon most people as waves do on rocks. I feel a lot like a child sometimes; nervous, timid, filled with an intense, overwhelming desire to explore and share and be happy and make friends. But most people just give me their glossed-over stranger-smile and fade away, like my bumbling-yet-well-meaning attempts are not worth their time. It's difficult when all your good intentions and desires are treated so cheaply.

I know now not to linger or bother with people who can't bother with me, but it's still frustrating. I'm very grateful for the ever-strengthening circle of family I have around me now, but the love I share with them just drives home to me how badly I want a close circle of friends to love and trust too. I have wonderful friends like Kirsten and Omar who I've learned SO much from, about being kind and curious and tender and loving and what good people are really like, and I need MORE of those people! Too bad it's so hard to root them out from the bad apples...

My weekend is going to be absolutely jam packed with activity, and I cannot wait for the work day to be over so I can get properly started on things. I hope you all have a super groovy weekend too. Cheers!

Over The Rainbow

This outfit felt so marvelously me. The top is actually a dress, another sent to me by the wonderful (soon to be mama!) Heather over at Moonshine Junkyard. I'm surprised I haven't posted photos of this dress sooner, because I've worn it nearly once a week since receiving it. As you can see, the print is rather intense though, so of course logically a bright blue skirt came to mind when I wanted to tone things down haha...

Vintage dress (as blouse) - Gift from Heather

Skirt - Thrifted from the Salvation Army

Tights - Fancy Sox

Shoes - Payless

I've had this skirt for ages but it's another I've rarely worn until recently. I love the colour and the way it moves, but I have to safety pin the gaps between some of the buttons and the colour doesn't mesh with most of my wardrobe. Apparently the skirt has found its style-buddy though, and is now secure in my closet.

I imagine some people would probably choose not to wear this vintage dress. Not because of the print or that it's old or anything, but it has a light barn scent to it. Kind of like old hay and the memory of cattle. I've washed it half a dozen times myself, but once I have it on and it warms up a bit, I can still smell it. Personally, I do not mind at all, I have a few other vintage items that have the same smell. So it sat in a barn or a farmhouse for a while, that just means it's had less wear and will last me even longer!

I'm trying to gather some people together to join me Friday for a live solo musical performance on crystal bowls, accompanied by paiste gongs, a santoor and vibraphone. I mentioned it to some of the ladies in my belly dance class last evening and I think at least one person will be willing. My life feels so full and bustling lately. I'm rarely home in the evenings or even on the weekend anymore. I feel bad about leaving my cat alone so much. He gets to hang out with me all of this evening though, since I've got creature-cage cleaning on the agenda.

Even though I do often feel like I'm running everywhere at a thousand miles an hour to get things done and see all the folks I want to see, I am very thankful. I'm making new friendships, strengthening ones I should have given more attention to long ago, and learning so much about myself in my daily explorations. Things aren't perfect, but that's okay, I'm too busy to notice. Cheers!

The Power of the Dress

For something so simple, dresses are such versatile things. The two dresses I'm wearing in this outfit are a perfect example of just how multipurpose a dress can be. Since I'm not comfortable wearing the black dress by itself at work, I layered it over my snake-print shirt dress. I got modesty with a fun print!

Snake-print dress - Thrifted from Value Village

Black dress - Sears sale, 2008

Shoes - Thrifted from Value Village
Belt - Ardene's

Tights - No idea

Both dresses have been worn many different ways. The black one (originally purchased for my college graduation) was actually the sea backdrop in my Halloween costume. Here's another old outfit with it from nearly a year ago. The shirt-dress has been worn several different ways too. I've worn it as a dress and layered more than once as a top.

Also of note is that this is an outfit I am wearing as I write this. An actual outfit being worn on the day of its posting! That however is only because I took the photos last evening while trying it on. This is also why the shirt buttons are all done up, which I decided today looks better with the top one undone.

I've had these shoes over a year but they're actually horribly uncomfortable for doing much else but sitting. The upper part of the shoe is very stiff and digs right into the top of my foot directly behind my toes every time I take a step. At least they're cute?

It's snowing like mad outside again. And it's not even a pleasant snow, it's the icy kind that stings your face and eyes. Did I ever mention how much I hate winter? Because I really hate winter. I'm supposed to go to my grandparents' for supper after work this evening but if this keeps up - they're calling for freezing rain - we may have to cancel. Once again, I hope the weather is treating you better than me. 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!

Big Blue

Happy Friday everyone! Today's weather was really crappy, freezing rain for the first part, and then tons of snow later in the evening. It's no surprise all I want to do is cozy up in my new favourite sweater. I found it thrifting with my grandparents a few weekends ago. It's handmade, too!

Sweater - Thrifted from Value Village

Slippers - Ardene's

We stumbled upon a few other handmade pieces, but some weren't quite properly constructed. I think someone was learning and decided to donate all their not-quite-right attempts to the thrift store. This was labeled extra large, and it is rather big on me, but it's so cozy I had to take it home.

I'm going out for dinner with my grandparents and aunt and uncle tomorrow evening, to the Fish Market. It's going to be the first time I see my aunt in nearly a decade, so that's more than wonderful. I've already decided to wear my lovely vintage dress from Heather for the occasion.

I've had my future, in terms of work and life, on the mind a lot the last little while. I'm unhappy in my career but I'm struggling at getting out of this stage in my life and moving forward. I'm having a very hard time pinning down a goal to point myself towards. As you can imagine, that can be a little stressful. I'm really looking forward to just surrounding myself with warm, loving, encouraging people tomorrow and getting my mind off it. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. May the weather treat you better than it is me! 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!

Mustard and Fries

I can't be the only one who eats french fries with mustard, right? I used to do that a lot in high school especially, to keep other people from stealing my fries haha... My current favourite mustard thing is this blouse, which I thrifted last Sunday. It had shoulders pads, but I quickly snipped those out. I've been seeing bloggers wearing mustard-everything for ages now. I'd never been super drawn to it but when this shirt appeared for $5, I couldn't argue. I could however, forgo ironing out all the wrinkles, because gravity eventually does that for me.

Blouse - Thrifted from Value Village

Skirt - Thrifted from the Salvation Army

Belt - Ardene's

Tights - Christmas gift

Heels - Lulu's

This outfit feels very early-80's to me. Like I should be running around some old school typewriter-filled office, chasing after my boss with a stack of papers and a coffee. I really love how the bright colour of my skirt looks with the mustard though. Trust me to choose, of all colours possible to pair with mustard, a bright violet.

The above photos prove how bad I am at taking photographs with true colours, and at editing said photos. I don't know what I did to that close up shot but that is definitely not the skirt's true colour. I'm glad I took the photos the night before though, because when I put these tights on again the next day, there were two significantly-sized holes in one leg. Which is weird since I'd never even worn them before trying them on the night before. Ah well!

One of my friends had a pile of jewelery she was trying to give away and I picked up these and another pair of earrings. I'll probably be trying to give away some stuff soon too, or maybe re-sell. I plan on going through my closet and dresser this weekend, including trying everything on to make certain it still fits. I know a lot of my dresses are probably way too big for me now, but I'm really not looking forward to the reality of parting with some of my vintage beauties.

I'm so very happy it's Friday. I plan on spending most of the weekend at home, doing nice relaxing home things. This has been a crazy busy month in general for me. I'm looking forward to baking some mushroom-dill muffins, and finally getting my closet in order. I hope you all have a great weekend too. 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!

The Last

As the title says, these are the last photos of me before I had my bangs. I really like how this sweater is practically the same green as in the skirt. I have to be careful when thrifting though, otherwise my entire wardrobe would be some variation of that shade. It's like my natural instinct is to collect clothes that let me camouflage into the underbrush haha...

Sweater - Thrifted from Value Village

Skirt - Thrifted from the Salvation Army

Tights - We Love Colours

Shoes - Spring

I look forward to the day I can take outfit photos outside again. I hate these indoor shots. The quality is bad, the lighting is bad... bad! I miss natural sunlight, and not worrying about the flash making my tights glow. The only real advantage is the lack of wind. Can't wait for winter to be over and it's barely begun, sigh.

These next two photos are from an outfit that never really happened. But how do I have photos, you ask? Well I picked it all out the night before and tried it on to see if it worked. I decided I liked it, took some shots... And then the next day I wound up staying home sick and the outfit was never actually worn. Which is a good thing because I don't really like it anymore. But here it is anyway!

This week feels interminably long again. I have a thousand things to do in the evenings and it seems like I've never got time to do everything that needs doing. I wind up in bed later than I like most nights just so I can actually have the time to unwind and breathe.

I really want to go through my closet and dresser. I want to empty all my kitchen cupboards and reorganize those. I have a huge pile of small-mending that needs doing. Things I need a big chunk of time to sit down and devote myself to before I feel comfortable getting into them. I'll need to have a home-weekend and get all this done sometime.

I realized yesterday that my apartment lease ends in April, and that means I can move again. And I don't have to stay in Ottawa. Winter always makes me want to run away, but every time I get the urge, it's always stronger. I really love living in the city, but I miss the country. I want a simple life. Simple isn't easy, but it seems a lot better than this. Anyway! I hope you all have a good Wednesday. Cheers!