Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween

I'm sitting at home because I had to come home from work early to be here for a man coming to fix something. Luckily while he was here it stopped raining so I could get photos of my Halloween outfit!

I'm the only one in my office who even slightly dressed up. I'm a "skeleton" of sorts. I was going to wear all my clothes with skulls on it but that ended up being way too much stuff to I pared it down to this.



I broke my other glasses on the weekend. Luckily I have this other pair.

Cardigan: Betsey Johnson (last worn here)
Dress: from Crimson and Clover (last worn here)
Leggings: Black Milk (last worn here)
Booties: Fly London (last worn here)

I was kicking myself for not wearing my Steve Madden skull shoes though. Should have been a no brainer to pick them out.























The back is the best part of this cardigan. I <3 it so hard.

The dress isn't "skeletony" but it is kind of gothic looking.

My jewelry is also skully and Halloweenie.


The earrings and necklace with the charms on it are Missy Industries, the ring is a crow claw that I got on Etsy and the Lily Munster necklace was made by my friend.


Bonus outtake photo where my EYES ARE HUGE!

Off to get my glasses fixed!




Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Witch boots

I'm back after a short hiatus. It kind of looked like I was celebrating 1 year of blogging and then closing up shop. Sorry about that.

I hope everyone on the east coast is safe and not suffering too much under the wrath of the storm Sandy. I've lived through 1 hurricane (Juan) and 1 tropical storm (Igor) and I know how unpredictable and scary they can be. You really can't predict what they will do.

Since tomorrow is my favourite holiday, I thought I'd finally wear my "vintage" Fluevog swordfish boots. I posted these on the Fluevog Facebook page asking them if they could tell me anything else about them.



 I think these look like boots a witch (as in cartoon/caricatureish) would wear. Like Witchy poo from H.R. Pufnstuf.



 Damn those Kroft brothers must have been on some very very bad hallucinogenic drugs.



Cardigan: Club Monaco (worn numerous times)
Top: Anthropologie
Skirt: Krista Larsen (last worn here)
Boots: Fluevog Swordfish ? via Etsy


Here's a better look at the top. I like that it's plain but has gathers which give some visual interest. Or something like that.

Happy Halloween!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Happy Blogaversary to Me!

One year ago today I started this blog. It was conceived a month earlier when I jokingly came up with the name in a conversation on Facebook about an outfit that I had posted.

A lot has changed in my life in the last year - many things that I don't feel comfortable mentioning on the blog -  but I can say that looking back at earlier posts makes me realize how much happier I am now.  My clothing choices has also changed since I've been able to see what does and doesn't work on my body. I've also become more comfortable in front of the camera, more confident, which has translated over to my real life.


Take this dress. I bought it 4 years ago and it didn't really fit. It does now that I've lost a bit of weight.

Dress: anthropologie
Tights: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Fluevog Mini | Gorgeous (last worn here)

Also, I wouldn't have felt comfortable wearing a dress this "short" a year ago. Now, this dress feels positively modest to me.



I also probably wouldn't have done all these butt photos a year ago. Then again,  I might not have worn these tights either.

I'm changing in so many ways and I'm quite excited to see what the next year holds for me.

A lot of things are still very up in the air and unknown but I'm happy to see where my future and my shoes, will take me.

Thanks everyone for coming along with me for the ride.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

In exploitations name we must be working for the skin trade


I'm presently cooking 2 lbs of bacon for a work breakfast tomorrow. My entire house smells like heaven. I cannot guarantee that all the bacon will make it to work though. I may have to fight the cats for it. Maybe a big breakfast will make start my day off well so I have a better day tomorrow than I had today.

I was dressed rather fabulously though. And I do have a huge smile on my face.


Dress: Bryn Walker from Cha Cha Palace in Winnipeg (last worn here)
Tie Belt: Store in Winnipeg (last worn here)
Boots: Fluevog Baroque | Velasquez (last worn here)

I'm smiling because my coworker who were setting up our lunch room for tomorrow's breakfast were supervising my photo shoot and were making me laugh.

When I set up to do my butt shot I got photobombed (or photobummed).


They were having a rather heated discussion about setting up the tables and one of them said "three bureaucrats trying to make a decision" and I said "No, your problem is that it's three men".  Wakka wakka!

Luckily they love me so all was forgiven and they joined me in my photo.


Then since I'm their boss for the next two weeks, I kicked them out so I could get my final photo in peace.

Sometimes work can get overwhelming but when you have good people to work with it's all the more bearable.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Art Deco

I've been wearing a lot of black and red lately. Maybe because it matches my hair? Or because those are my favourite colours?



Cardigan: Pretty Things Boutique
Dress: brand unknown from Crimson and Clover
Skirt: Knit by me
Tights: Hue from Sock it to Ya
Shoes: Fluevog Wonders | Ayers (last worn here)

I got this dress a few weeks ago at Crimson and Clover (mostly) Consignment Boutique. I really like the art deco design on it. It's short though so I put my knit lacy skirt underneath it.



Not sure what I'm looking at. Maybe I'm praying?

I have to wear a cardigan with it because the top of the dress tends to gape at the neckline so I have to cover up for modesty.


It does have a nice pattern on it doesn't it?

It's kind of velvety too. I like how the sleeves are gathered on the top.


And LOOK! Tuxedo stripes on my tights! Silver tuxedo stripes!

Monday, October 22, 2012

I pull my shirt off and pray


Today was the last time I will wear this shirt.



Blouse: Club Monaco (last worn here)
Belt: All Saints (last worn here)
Skirt: Luna Luz from Crimson and Clover (last worn here)
Shoes: Fluevog Presence | Impel (last worn here)

I had to throw this blouse out because it was ripped. I got it at Club Monaco last year on sale so I got a lot of use out of it for the price.

I'll have to try to find another cream blouse t replace this one.

This is the second wearing of this skirt that I got from Crimson and Clover. I like that it's so adjustable though I'm not sure what I would be like if I didn't tie up the ties that make it all bunchy at the bottom




Ok, that's it! Not much more to say. It was a regular Monday.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Wicked Witch of the East and Bowling for Critters

Today was a lovely warm day. So warm I didn't even both wearing a coat.


Blouse: People's Market via ASOS
T-shirt: Old Navy
Skants: Melow par Melissa Bolduc from the Workshop (last worn here)
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Steve Madden (last worn here)

I was a little worried that these tights would be a little too Wicked Witch of the East but what the hell. And low and behold, didn't our server at breakfast say that exact thing to me. Stripey!

Today I spent most of my day doing laundry, cleaning and getting caught up on Boardwalk Empire. Such a good show and such gorgeous clothing.



As promised, here's what I wore to Bowling for Critters last night. It was quite a blast. First they allow dogs to bowl and second, pitchers of beer were only $12.00! Good beer too, not crap beer.

I was definitely overdressed but had lots of fun bowling in this flouncy outfit.

Here are two videos. One of the bowling dogs - oh so cute! - and one of me bowling courtesy of my friend Anita.

Black and red seem to be a theme this weekend.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Keep being awesome

Today I had a little "lie in" and didn't get up until after 11. I love doing that on the weekend. I should clarify that I was up around 6 to feed the monsters but then I went back to bed, slept a little longer, surfed the internet, read a bit, and finally got up when my desire for tea outweighed my need to be in bed.


I got up and went to my usual place for breakfast and then ran a few errands.

Cardigan: Pretty Things Boutique (last worn here)
Dress: anthropologie in Charlotte NC (last worn here)
Tights: ?
Shoes: Fluevog Presence | Impulse (last worn here)

At my breakfast place, I know most of the staff but there was a new young guy there today. I was sitting drinking my tea and he came up to me and said "I love those stockings."  Took me a little by surprise but no biggie.

He came back later and said "like your hair, I like your tattoos, I like everything about you. why don't I know people like you?"

o_O

I was quite flattered but if I'd told the owner she probably wouldn't have tolerated that type of behaviour.

Then when I left he said "keep being awesome!" Welll ok then!

 

Tonight I'm going bowling! It's a charity event for an animal shelter called Bowling for Critters. The let dogs bowl! I'm going to get terribly overdressed and drink in the bowling alley. Should be fun!

Friday, October 19, 2012

New Romantic looking for the TV sound (switch it off)

My coworker looked at me in this outfit today and said "You aren't as coordinated as you usually are". I was CRUSHED. I CRIED. (ok, not really)

I think I'm totally coordinated and even if I'm not, I'm wearing the prettiest shoes in the entire world.


Blouse: Vero Moda
Skirt: Chalet (last worn here)
Shoes: Nine West (from Coal Miner's Daughter in Toronto)

I saw a photo of these shoes on a blog a few months ago and I pined them into my Pinterest shoe board. Alas, these shoes are from a few seasons ago and not easy to find

A friend of mine let me know that there was a pair of them in a clothing store in Toronto. I talked to the store and they were my size so I bought them and my friend mailed them to me. They arrived yesterday and they are as gorgeous as I envisioned.



Such pretty Maryjane straps. Spectator like toes and pretty floral cutouts. I'm becoming more girly in my 40s than I have been in earlier life and I think I like it.

They are so pretty. So, so pretty. And not entirely uncomfortable.

It's good to have friends in other cities who are fans of shoes. Did I say friends? I meant enablers.

Happy Friday!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Flounce!

This outfit came from the very far recesses of my brain. I haven't worn this skirt in about 3 years because it's a cat hair magnet and it's been hiding in the bottom of my ironing pile but I recently IRONED ALL THE THINGS and rediscovered it. I put it on this morning, added the white skirt underneath, and VOILA! FLOUNCE.




Cardigan: Joe Fresh (worn all the time)
T-shirt: Lilith (last worn here)
Belt: Le Chateau
Skirt: Mexx
Underskirt: Smart Set
Tights: ?
Shoes: Aldo





I don't often wear stilettos, let alone wear stilettos to work, but I thought these looked the best with this outfit.



I went to the SA-LON after work and had my hair coloured and cut. My hair is coloured quite a bit darker than it's natural colour (as you can guess by my eyebrows) so it's a long visit. Luckily they give us wine and there was a dog there tonight. It's always a fun time.

Now I'm off to dinner with some girlfriends....



 .... so I'm going to flounce right outta here. Toodles!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

This space left intentionally blank

As of tomorrow, I'm back to being the Acting Director at work. REIGN OF TERROR 2012 continues! BWAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA

Really, I'm not a tyrant or mean or an evil boss. I try to be the boss I want to have.


Jacket: Jennifer Glasgow from The Workshop in Ottawa
Dress: Rosa Icelandic Design from Reykjavik (last worn here)
Tights: Also bought in Reykjavik
Boots: Fluevog Presence | Intuit (last worn here)

This outfit is a little more "boss" like, at least on the top. The bottom is more "party"or "happy fun times".



I undid one of the closures for this photo. Not sure if it was a good idea since this might look a little bit "maternity". 

I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow which is good since I'm giving a presentation on Friday afternoon. I'll be all freshly coiffed and confident. I should probably decide what I'm going to wear for that.



The back has nice detailing too. Jennifer Glasgow is an independent designer from Montreal. I'd never heard of her before I went to The Workshop in Ottawa but since then I've drooled over a number of pieces on her website. Her liberal use of pockets is especially appealing.

All of these back photos make it look like I'm slouching but I can assure you that I'm standing up very straight.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Up the Oiseau


Early blog today because I'm home from work waiting for my new mattress to be delivered. The one I've been sleeping on is 15 years old so it was definitely time to upgrade. The delivery guys said they would be here between 11-2. It's after 12 now and no sign of them yet.

I got to work at 8 this morning so I took my photos right away so I took an outerwear shot.







Shirt: Papillion (last worn here)
Scarf as sash: ?
Pants: Lilith (last worn here)
Shoes: BC Footwear (last worn here)

I'm not sure I really like these shoes. They may end up in my consignment pile. They aren't as cute as I had hoped - they just seem clunky.

I've noticed that a lot of things that are in style right now are very "little girl-ish". Looking at Modcloth and Ruche and some other online stores, all the dresses are short with Peter Pan collars or cutesie patterns. I don't mind dressing like that sometimes but it seems like a lot of the style blogs are overwhelmed with those clothes. Maybe I'm reading the wrong blogs?



Look! I'm standing a different way (hand still on hip). None of these photos makes me love these shoes. I do love this blouse though.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Miss Mary Mac, all dressed in black

I bought this dress a few years ago in San Francisco and this is only the second time I've worn it. That's just wrong.

You know what else is wrong? I'm wearing the same top that I wore last Thursday! What is wrong with me?


Oh, I think I need a haircut.

Top: Dynamite (last worn last Thursday)
Dress: Judy Tampa
Belt: Noujica from The Workshop in Ottawa
Shoes: Fluevog Wonders | Ayers (last worn here)

Adding this belt to this dress makes it look like a Smoking Lily dress.





Today after work I went over to my friends house for dinner and to watch the last two episodes of Season 3 of Downton Abbey. Talk about DRAMA! So heartrendingly good. 

I seem to have embraced the shorter length of skirt/dress. I've been feeling more confident about myself and my body image lately. I chalk it up to some positive changes in my life. I'm happy.

To my fellow bloggers, I'm way behind in reading posts. I hope to get caught up and back to commenting soon. Sorry for the radio silence.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Sunday rainy Sunday

I was out doing Nocturne viewing last night until almost 11 so I didn't get to bed until after midnight which is way past my bedtime. Hence, I can hardly keep my eyes open in this first photo.


Top: Trina Turk (from NYC)
Belt: Club Monaco
Skirt: Trapper Jane (last worn here)
Tights: Anna Sui (last worn here)
Boots: Fly London (from Crimson and Clover)

I have no idea why I bought this top. I rarely wear anything resembling a polo shirt plus it's bright orange and PINK. I guess I knew I was going to buy these tights 2 years later.

This skirt was a smidge too tight when I bought it but is a perfect fit now. Yay for weight loss!

This is the first opportunity I've had to wear these boots that I bought in June. Buttony, wedgey, orangey. Fun.

You'd think that I might have something special to go to by putting this uber coordinated outfit together but I'm just heading out to by kitty litter and to have tea with two friends. That's it!

Saucy minx hiking up my skirt. FRESH!

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Back in the groove

Ok, after yesterday's miss, I think today I'm back into my groove. Could I be any more colourful?


Sweater: Smart Set
Dress: Desigual (last worn here)
Tights: Hue
Boots: Fluevog Hope | Desire (last worn here)

It's a little cold here today but sunny. I had a few plans today but I ended up staying home and de-cluttering and putting out my Halloween decorations. Halloween is the best holiday of the year!




As I mentioned earlier, I'm going out to Nocture: Art at Night with my friend S. I might need something warmer than this though. Certainly a warmer sweater.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend so far. I hope it's as colourful as mine has been.


Friday, October 12, 2012

Fab or Fug?


I think I'm falling out of love with this tunic. Or maybe it's just because it doesn't really work with this combination. The tunic is very stiff while the skirt is very soft and has a nice flow and drape.


Tunic: americanretro from Crimson and Clover (last worn here)
Skirt: H&M
Boots: bought in Las Vegas (last worn here)

I bought this skirt to wear to one of the Duran Duran shows that were cancelled.  This is the first time I've worn it. It fits better now that I've lost about 10 lbs.

I think I know a top that would be better with this skirt so I'll give this sort of look another try.

All summer I looked for a maxi dress  with a similar print on it as this skirt. I was unsuccessful so this skirt was a close second choice.

Tomorrow night my friend S and I are going to be partaking in Nocturne. Should be a fun night of art and culture (and probably alcohol).

Oh, I have a tattoo consultation later this month.  After I got my cat/boot tattoo I said "no more". Clearly I don't listen to myself very closely.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Turning into shades of grey, go darker everyday

Last year in the peak of the "nude shoe" trend, I bought a pair of nude wedges. I wore them once and consigned them. To me, nude shoes are boring and if you've been reading this blog for a while you will know that I don't do boring shoes. So when I saw these shoes, which are mostly a nude colour, I debated whether to get them. The heels were awfully appealing but I wasn't sure if they were interesting enough to overcome the "nudeness".


Top: Dynamite (white one worn here)
Tank: Envy
Skirt: Desigual
Shoes: J Shoes

I thought this shirt was ok with this skirt because the scalloped edging looks a little like the bottom of the flowers and there's grey accents in the skirt.  It's not really a great match but I felt nice.


And as with most Desigual items, the back is different from the front of the skirt.

and OOOoooo....what's with the shoes? Those aren't boring old nude shoes!








The back has a patchwork covered heel. Crazy! Here's a link to them on the j Shoes store if you're interested. Pretty.







Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Army majors pull a mean cool truth they're lying by the swimming pool

I have to start this post with the shoes because of the marvelous fabulousity of them.  Even their name is fabulous.

Fluevog Queen Transcendent Jody Elizabeth





Is that heel not a work of art?  Looks like furniture!

That's it. I'm done. I don't need to buy anymore shoes ever again. Ever. *

When I saw these in the Fluevog Fall preview I swooned. It was love. We were meant to be.

What does one wear with such beautiful things?





Jacket: Le Chateau outlet store
T-shirt: ?
Skants: Melow par Melissa Bolduc from the Workshop

I call these "pants" SKANTS (skirt/pants). I've worn these 4 times since buying them and I love them! They are short pants with two overlaying panels that are like a skirt.

I like how the split in the jacket is similar to the shape made by the overlapping skirt parts.

Sorry about the bitch face. I had a bit of a frustrating day.



And the jacket has a military feel. I only paid $20 for it - well worth it I think. It's starting to get cooler now so this jacket will probably be worn a lot this winter.