old spaghetti factory

There's a restaurant in downtown Toronto called the Old Spaghetti Factory that I remember going to maybe once or twice when I was quite young, but didn't go back again until I met Rob. Every time Rob's mom comes to visit, we go to the Old Spaghetti Factory (and they have GF pasta!), so it's become a bit of a tradition over the past few years.

                       

 Vintage jacket and Cartier bag.

 Dress from H&M. Vintage wedge sandals.

 Vintage cameo earrings.

 Vintage belt

Ring from Aldo.

how to: dairy maid braids

I was asked how I did my hair in my recent outfit post (polka dots and melon lips). To be honest, I don't know if this is the "real" way to do dairy maid braids (if there is a real way?), but I saw someone with this beautiful hairstyle, and decided to try it out on my own. It basically only requires three steps and is pretty quick and easy to do, which is a plus for someone who always hits the snooze button on the alarm one too many times (this girl right here).

This hairstyle is perfect for the summer weather when wearing long hair down is just too hot. So not only is it functional, it's also pretty! Hopefully this little tutorial inspires you to try out dairy maid braids for yourself!

weekend review

This weekend was a great one for me. It's been a long time since I've had a weekend that has left me feeling so creative and productive. I find it all too easy to just be lazy on the weekend, and while sometimes that is essential, it's nice to be able to get some things checked off my to-do list.

On Saturday I spent the day with my roommate. We've only been living together for about two months, but are often so busy that we see each other in passing, so we decided that a little quality time was needed. We started the day by heading off to a little cafe down the street called The Hub. I think this is now going to be our coffee shop

And lucky for me they have Gluten-Free cookies (yeeyee!)

Next we made the trek up to Michael's to buy cross stitching supplies. I've been wanting to take up cross stitching and embroidery for a few months now, but it's so hard to find a place downtown that sells the materials. I tried cross stitching once when I was about 11 or 12 with a little kit, but I don't think I had the patience or appreciation for things like that when I was that age. At Michael's we picked up a really lovely little cross stitching book with some beautiful patterns, and all the little supplies needed. The only complication was finding the actual fabric (how do you have all the supplies except for the most important?!). So we had to swing by Fabric Land. I still wasn't able to find the right fabric, but we found something that we could work with anyway.

 The colours for my pattern.

Sarah cutting the material.

The cross stitch book and my project so far. I'll show the finished product once I'm done!

I honestly spent wayyyy too much time on this cross stitch, and ended up staying in on a Saturday night to work on it, but it was so enjoyable and relaxing that I couldn't put it down!

Sunday started out with this lovely treat:

 A raspberry, blackberry, and banana smoothie with yogurt and honey!

The rest of the day was spent with my boy (aka. getting him to help me with blog photos. Thanks love!). I was able to just relax and enjoy the sunshine!

And one more thing that I did this weekend....created a Facebook page for this here blog! Please like my page here! I will soon have a button on the sidebar, but for now you can access it through the previous link.

Well, that's it for my weekend recap. What did you get up to this weekend? Any fun little projects?

polka dots and melon lips

This sunny amazing weather has me in the best mood! I hope that wherever you are, you are getting some amazing weather as well! The sun and warmth has me dragging Rob out more than usual for outfit photos, but I think he secretly enjoys it :)

 H&M polka dot peplum top.

 Joe Fresh lipstick in Melon and dairy maid braids.

 Marie Antoinette necklace from Rob. Doesn't he have great taste?

 Clutch gifted from my sister, Aldo ring, and Joe Fresh nail polish in Bumbleberry.

 American Apparel pants.

 Shoes are Forever 21.

And then things got silly...

It's not often that I really love trends that are in stores, but this whole peplum this is fabulous! What do you think? Love it or hate it?

toronto fashion week 2012: joe fresh

Last week I attended the Joe Fresh show at Toronto Fashion Week, and it was amazing! It definitely exceeded my expectations. I seriously cannot wait for their fall collection to come out! The runway show was so colourful and had a 1960's esthetic, which I of course loved from the very first moment!

Quick shots of what I wore and the ladies I went with.

And now for some of my favourite pieces!

I seriously want allll of these! I love the retro feel, and some of the classic silhouettes. I also love the use of hounds-tooth. All-in-all the Joe Fresh Fall/Winter show was a pretty big hit...and the best part...everything is affordable :)

*Photos via  Joe Fresh

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Oh and by the way, I forgot to mention in yesterday's post that La Quaintrelle is offering you, my dear reader, 15% off on any purchase in the online shop! Just use the following link when checking out: http://www.laquaintrelle.ca?code=delicious

la quaintrelle

I recently discovered a little online store based out in the east coast (Nova Scotia to be exact), and fell in love with some of the sweet styles in the shop (they also have a physical store in Nova Scotia). I did an interview with owner Meghan Finney, in order to learn more about this delightful Canadian shop (visit here).

 Shop Proprietress, Meghan

What does La Quaintrelle mean?

A quaintrelle is defined as “a woman who emphasizes a life of passion expressed through personal style, leisurely pastimes, charm, and cultivation of life’s pleasures.” The best thing about a “quaintrelle” is that any woman is able to be one. I believe that creating personal style is much more important, and true to one’s self, than attempting to, perhaps, conform to a latest trend, magazine spread, or what’s on a big-box mannequin.
La Quaintrelle focuses on this idea of personal style, and each item is hand-picked so that they are unique in design and have some feature that is “enchanting”, whether it’s the fabric, buttons or belt detail. They’re chosen this way because I believe each and every one that’s selected is a something that helps someone better express who they are and feel comfortable while doing so. It’s very interesting, and fulfilling, to see people of very different backgrounds, sizes, tastes and ages come into the shop and find something they love and that speaks to them.

How did La Quaintrelle begin? What was your inspiration?

The idea of La Quaintrelle came to fruition from my own difficulty in finding clothes that I really liked and wanted to wear. I was often unable to find anything at a mall or outlet store that I felt fit my personal style, and I soon began looking elsewhere – online, family closets, and vintage stores – for pieces to incorporate into my wardrobe. I soon realized that this was an opportunity. It was an opportunity to help others with the same problem and to infuse something new and different into the local market. 
 

What’s your favourite fashion era?

My favourite era lies between the late 40s, into the 50s. I like the 40s’ structure in coats, suits and blouses, but I also love the fun and flirty that came in the 50s in skirts and dresses.

What are your goals for your shop/what would you like to see happen in the next few years?

2012 has been pretty exciting so far! I’m excited every day, of course, to watch the business grow. I am working with a few brides-to-be on their weddings in 2012. I will also be partnering with a few local businesses for several events this spring. A line expansion may also be in store for La Quaintrelle in 2012.

On top of La Quaintrelle, I work full-time in public relations. I also love living an active lifestyle and find myself training for various running races. I’m looking at completing my first marathon in Fall 2012! When I layer on quality time spent with family, friends and my boyfriend, the hours tick away pretty quickly! I tend to pile a lot on the plate, but luckily, it hasn’t toppled over yet. :)

Of course, my biggest dream is to have the shop grow and grow and grow. It has already expanded much faster than anticipated, but if I could eventually work La Quaintrelle full time it would be lovely! I say bring it on. :)

What is a go-to piece that you think every girl should have in her closet?

A pop of red – red shoes, red leather gloves, red lipstick – whatever you please! (though not all at the same time)  Red is always in style, and you can instantly, and effortlessly, turn an ordinary outfit fun with just a slight hint of bright red! Plus, I think it gives you a extra boost of confidence - and sass. :)

How do you select items for your shop (what is your process etc)?

La Quaintrelle focuses on this idea of personal style, and each item is hand-picked so that they are unique in design and have some feature that is “enchanting”, whether it’s the fabric, buttons or belt detail. They’re chosen this way because I believe each and every one that’s selected is a something that helps someone better express who they are and feel comfortable while doing so. It’s very interesting, and fulfilling, to see people of very different backgrounds, sizes, tastes and ages come into the shop and find something they love and that speaks to them.

Are there any spring trends that you love/are going to incorporate in your shop?

There’s a wide range of influences in our upcoming pieces – from gardens, cottage, natural history, handmade, and designer vintage. Keeping in mind our focus on personal style, rather than fashion, we’re taking these themes and incorporating them into what our customers love to see. Lately, we’ve introduced longer lengths and conservative chic.

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 Thanks so much for Meghan, for sharing a bit about your adorable little shop! I'm excited to see it grow! 

And from now until April 19th, you can receive a 15% discount with the following link: http://www.laquaintrelle.ca/?code=delicious

Make sure to visit the online store at www.laquaintrelle.ca and to like the shop on their facebook page here!

three things: guilty pleasures

I've decided to start doing posts every once in awhile called "three things", in which I share three things about myself. This first edition is about three of my top guilty pleasures. These are things I am a little ashamed of loving, but can't get enough of none-the-less.

1. The top drawer of  my bedside table is full of wordsearch puzzle books.

I have a bit of a problem and have a few too many word search puzzles books. But I love them. It's one of my truly nerdy hobbies. I feel like I've really accomplished something when I finish a puzzle, and it helps me to "exercise my brain" a bit. This is really something that I hate to admit that I love, because I think some people already have enough of an impression that I am really an 80 year-old in a 27 year-old's body. This will just serve to confirm that.

2. I watch terrible romantic comedies.

Honestly, 9 times out of 10 I will choose a rom com over any other genre of movie. It's terrible, but I can't help myself. When I watch a chick flick I know exactly what to expect. I know that there will be some kind of love triangle or romantic struggle, a quirky best friend, and some really fun girlie fashion. And in the end everything wraps up nicely and everyone is happy. It's a complete escape from reality. When I've had a long day, usually I just want to watch switch off, relax, and watch a rom com...because my brain will not have to work to understand what's happening (please don't judge me).

3. I sometimes read fluffy girl books.

I tend to read about 3 to 4 books at a time (I need some variety, and really, there are just too many good books out there), and inevitably there will usually be at least one fluffy girl book in there. This can range from adult fiction (like the Shopaholic series), to teen/young-adult fiction (ie. TWILIGHT!!!!). I will usually get these books from the library, because I am too embarrassed to have them included in my personal book collection. But I will not stop reading these books, not ever. (Note: the above book is NOT a recommendation. I LOVED Sweet Valley growing up, and this was a recent release of an update 10 years later. It was greatly disappointing.)

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On another note, you may have noticed the exceptional quality of my photos in this post. That's because I bought this yesterday!

I've wanted a nice Canon for yeeeaaarrrsss, and finally decided to take the plunge (but got it for a nice little deal through Kijiji...basically brand new!).

pink at sunset

Now that we've changed our clocks over for daylight savings, I get to actually catch a bit of the sunset now. It's so hard leaving work at 5:30 and having it be dark already. Just think of all the sunsets that we miss! But now that it gets dark later, I find that I can see bits of the sun setting amongst all the skyscrapers. And I love when the pinks and oranges reflect off of all the buildings downtown.

There's something a little magical and romantic about that time of evening, and it makes me want to wear something a little romantic.

The Cadence Harmony pleated dress from Ruche. (And apparently I have deer legs...)

I love the collar and little pink buttons on this dress!

Pretty pink pleats.

Velvet hairband from Accessorize. Lipstick is Girl About Town by MAC.

 I call these my "peasant shoes".

Have you seen any good sunsets lately?

a shout out

Just popping in for a quick hello, and to mention that you should check out Hopeless Notebook by Heather, a blog that I am sponsoring this month. She has posted a little interview with me here, so go on over and take a look!

Hope your Wednesday is treating you well! I

a last salute to winter

I see some very hopeful signs of spring (not to mention that this afternoon is supposed to be +17!), but there are a few lingering "wintery" days. And it's this time of year when it's chilly in the mornings so I bundle up, but by the time I'm leaving work I have to shed all those layers!

So here is my last salute to winter! It's been great, but it's time to say goodbye! And what better way than with one of my favourite winter dresses, which is certainly not suitable for summer weather (ie. is it 100% wool AND lined).

 Wool hounds-tooth vintage dress.

 

 Red 1980's blazer

 Handmade necklace RB bought me in Vancouver.

 Vintage leather belt

 I love the little buttons all the way up the back of this dress.

The only thing about winter ending that makes me sad, is having to put this dress away in my closet until the cold weather again.

AND IN OTHER EXCITING NEWS!

I am going to be an auntie for the first time! I'm sooo excited for the wee one to come in August, so I can spoil him/her with lots of adorable little outfits!