f r a n t i c d r e a m s

Winter Florals

2012-01-18T19:02:00.007-05:00

Eighteen days into the year, and its still above zero... This is unreal! I hope you're all enjoying the beginning of 2012! It almost feels like spring here in Toronto, and what do you do when the weather is cooperating? Use the time to bring all your "winter un-friendly" outfits out from the back of your closet, of course.

I snapped 2 quick photos of what I wore this afternoon, before my camera completely died. *SIGH* Now I must say, I've never been a fan of floral print, but I've also never given it a chance; So when Dream Diva was kind enough to send me a few pieces, I promised myself I would try these shorts. I mean, they are just to pretty to keep packed away, am I right?

Shorts C/O Dream Diva | Sweater Dorothy Perkins | Jacket & Belt GAP | Necklace Aldo

NYE Sneak Peak

2011-12-31T17:27:00.008-05:00

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! I cannot believe this year is already over. It seems like the older you get, the faster these years pass you by! I am spending NYE with a few of my close friends, and since I will not be bringing my camera, I thought I'd snap a few shots of my outfit for tonight. It's -3° here, so the goodness of this dress will be covered in boots and a jacket, but you get the feel of the outfit, right? What are you all doing tonight? Whatever it is, I hope you all have a safe NYE and an amazing start to your new year.

Dress F21 | Earrings & Clutch ASOS

The Dreaded Bikini

2011-12-27T17:58:00.017-05:00

I am back from spending my Christmas break in Jamaica, now let's cut to the chase: I'm fat and I'm wearing a Bikini, and thanks to Gabi, I found the perfect one. This Figleaves bikini has got to be the best bathing suit I have ever owned. I'm a pretty plain girl (don't laugh, it's true!) and I usually don't go for prints, but I figured "I'll be half naked anyways, why not!"

Now you may or may not have noticed that my body contains rolls, flab and cellulite, and I'm sure this bothers some people, but to be honest, I don't care! If the sight of my body disgusts people, that's not my issue. I've spent my whole life learning to love my body for what it is, and now that I do, nothing, certainly not a bathing suit, is going to change that! I hope you all had wonderful holiday's and I'll be back soon with a post about my trip. :)

Bikini Figleaves | Shirt Dorothy Perkins | Glasses ASOS

Spots & Stripes

2011-12-11T17:35:00.016-05:00

Jacket Old Navy | Shirt ASOS Men | Velvet Tights Torrid | Bag & Glasses eBay | Scarf Aldo | Shoes BFT

It's exam week and I'm sick... That pretty much explains the lack of updates! I've realized that when I don't feel like posing for outfit photos, my face looks like I'm ready to kill someone. (One of the many flaws of having chronic bitch face!)

Now, if you follow me on twitter, you're aware that I have not been Torrid's biggest fan. My reasoning? Well... shipping is expensive (40$ to Canada!) a lot of there clothing isn't my style, and the fit has been extremely hit and miss for me in the past, but I finally sucked it up, and ordered a few things on cyber Monday. I must say, these tights are pretty amazing, and I am happy with everything else I received. I'm a happy shopper again Torrid, thank you.

As for the lack of winter attire, it still isn't below zero here in Toronto! It snowed once, and we never saw it again. I'm trying to abuse the warm-ish weather while we still have it!

Christmas Wishlist 2011

2011-12-07T21:19:00.011-05:00

It's that time of year again guys... Time to hang those glittery decorations from everything possible, increase your Starbucks intake because of their pretty holiday cups, and clear out your bank account for the ones you love... It's Christmas time!

Now, I can't say that I'm really into the Christmas spirit this year and I'm almost positive it's because I will be spending my Christmas day on a beach in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. As amazing as that will be, it's pretty difficult to drink apple cider and frolic in fresh snow while on a sun kissed beach... (I'm seriously not complaining, I'm just saying it can't happen!) The trip in itself is a gift, but here is a list of things I'd like for Christmas anyways!

1. Dannijo - $318 Sinatra Bib Necklace
2. Zana Bayne - $200 Hex Harness
3. Fig Leaves - $66 Bikini Set (Not Shown Above)
4. Tokidoki - $20 Prisma Lip Gloss
5. Boutique 9 - $170 'Demarko' Bootie

6. Thabto $22 Knuckle Duster Mug
7. Hips & Curves $7.95 Cuban Heel Thigh Highs
8. Herringbone Bags - $190 Fuchsia Clutch
9. Michael Kors - $255 Black Out Chronograph Watch
10. EOS - $3.25 Honeysuckle Honeydew Organic Lip Balm

Instagram

2011-11-27T18:28:00.006-05:00

Almost everyone with access to the internet has seen an Instagram photo, and let me just say that I am beyond obsessed with this app! Now for those of you who don't know what Instagram is, it's a photo-taking and photo-sharing app for iPhone (and iPad for the fancy few.) It's pretty much twitter through photos, minus the 140 characters. There are a number of cute filters and effects that make snapping cellphone photos, a bit more luxurious. Here are a few photos that I've posted over my short time using the app, and if you have an account, feel free to follow me at @_franceta.

Don't Be So Ashamed...

2011-11-21T16:55:00.017-05:00

Cape ASOS | Shirt Old Navy| Pants Evans | Boots Blowfish | Bag eBay | Necklace Forever21

I, am, alive... Sort of. School has been crazy, but amazing. Blah blah blah, that old story! I pretty much dress like a bum when school gets crazy, thus the lack of updates, but as soon as I figure out the daylight savings timing for taking photos, I'll be back in business. I love this cape more than anyone will ever understand. Its pretty much the most amazing thing I've ever bought for under $15. Thank God for ASOS mid-season sales.

P.S. "Take Care" has not been turned off since the leak a couple of weeks ago. Clearly I bought the album despite the leak (PROOF!) but honestly, it's that amazing. Not a single bad song. Good job Drake!

All In The Spirit Of Halloween...I Think.

2011-10-31T18:37:00.005-04:00

Jacket Old Navy | Leather Vest (Under) Forever21 | Skirt Gisela Ramirez | Dress DIY | Scarf AA

I'm about to head out for some much needed Halloween fun, and by "fun" I mean robbing my little cousins of their favorite candy and claiming it as my own. I don't really know if this is in the spirit of Halloween, or if my inner goth has been suppressed for too long, but this is what happened.

Oh, let me officially go on the record and say that Martha Stewart's Onyx Craft Glitter is single-handedly the best thing that has ever happened to my nails. Yes, it feels a bit like sand paper, and yes, I put a run in my pantyhose this morning with my glittery nail, but it's kind of worth it... *shrug* Anyways, let me proceed with my evening of treat snatching,

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Puffer

2011-10-23T16:55:00.007-04:00

Vest & Sweater Old Navy | Pants Evans | Shoes 80%20 | Bag eBay | Watch Michael Kors | Hat H&M

It's been raining and windy for the last few weeks here in Toronto, forcing me to wear boots, thick scarves & trench coats for protection, but this weekend has been nothing short of beautiful. A cool breeze and warm sunshine all day, perfect layering weather. I bought this amazing puffer vest from Old Navy last week. They are doing a fabulous job of clearing out my bank account and leaving me beyond broke. Their basics right now are flawless, and on sale! ( the word "sale" pretty much justifies any purchase for me these days...)

I've also been DYING to wear these wedges from 80%20. I bought them at a moment of weakness while on my "shopping ban" and realized they weren't as practical as I convinced myself they'd be. *rolls eyes because I never officially STARTED the shopping ban, but whatever!* The patterned 4" heel gives my boring outfits a little personality, I'll keep them!

Leather And Neon

2011-10-16T18:01:00.018-04:00

Sweater Dorothy Perkins | Jacket GAP | Leather Skirt Leather Cult | Shoes Barefoot Tess | Necklaces Aldo, Forever21, DIY | Bag Cambridge Satchel Company
IT WASN'T A SCAM SITE, THE SKIRT IS ALIVE! You already know what I'm going to say... Go buy this freaking skirt. Hands down, this is my favorite clothing item that I've ever purchased. Now, you're all thinking "but Franceta, you say that about everything you buy..." and you would be 100% right (I even said this about the neon bag in these photos!) but this pretty much takes the cake... the crown, the throne... it's just amazing.

This has become an "everyday outfit" for me. A knit sweater, black bottoms, a chunky necklace, one of my 4 trench coats and a colourful bag. There is really only one reason for this... I'm lazy and it's simple, that's it! I'd like to pretend I'm this trend savvy girl and that I was going for the "neon look" but I truly just love this colour, and try to incorporate it into my outfits, daily. It's going to suck when the trend dies and my love for the colour remains... *sigh*

Fall Purchases: Plain and Simple

2011-09-30T21:08:00.012-04:00

I've been doing an unhealthy amount of shopping over the last few weeks (I'm totally blaming ASOS and their 50% off sale for pushing me over the edge), and thought I'd share a few items out of the dozens I've actually bought. Did you really expect anything more than the basics from me? I didn't think so! I've tried to fight this urge for minimalist perfection, but always succumb to the beige coloured, stripe filled, black leathery goodness of plain pieces. I've decided to stop fighting this battle and just accept that I have boring wants!

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1. Pleated Leather Skirt - Custom made from leathercult.com 2. Keyhole Sunglasses - eBay 3. Rope Necklace - Dorothy Perkins
4. Metal Tip Clutch - ASOS 5. Cut Out Oxford Heels - Barefoottess.com 6. Striped Shirt - ASOS (Men's Range) 7. Skinny Belt - ASOS Curve
8. Button Down Shirt Dress - Dorothy Perkins 9. Oversized Knit Sweater - Dorothy Perkins 10. Over The Knee Leather Boots - Blowfish
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I was in desperate need of leather goods, so much so that I scoured the depths of the internet to find this beauty. To be honest, I'm thinking this site is a scam site, but my desperation left me vulnerable to taking that risk. I screamed when I found a pleated leather skirt, for under a hundred dollars, custom made to my size... I just had to take the risk. *shakes head into a faceplam* To be quite honest, everything purchased after this skirt was bought to be worn with it... Can you fall in love with an item of clothing you've never met? Lets hope I'm not left disappointed like the many times before, and if I am, I also bought this ASOS Curve Suede Drapey Skirt to cry myself to sleep with, so all will be well!

Say Hello, Then Say Farewell To The Places You Know

2011-09-26T16:56:00.022-04:00

Sweater Old Navy | Stripe Shirt Forever 21 | Pants Torrid | Necklace Aldo | Bag Dorothy Perkins | Shoes BFT

A few of you have emailed me about the virus page that was appearing when you tried to view this blog; from what I can tell, Google has cleared up this issue, so hopefully everything is back to normal. Thank you to those of you who noticed and informed me about this issue!

I'm about to head out for a bite to eat with some old friends and I thought I'd snap a few photos for you guys before doing so. Honestly, today I went to school in a completely different outfit, and came home to change... I'm such a imposter sometimes. I'm sure if anyone ever recognized me from this blog, they would think I was a complete fraud, lol.

Can I just take a moment to say that this shirt is single-handedly the best thing I have EVER found in a forever 21 store. Every time I wear it, I get a bunch of complements, but also a hand full of creeps staring straight into my cleavage... I guess you can't win them all. *shrug*

I Was Just Totally Clueless

2011-09-20T17:49:00.008-04:00

Sweater & Skirt H&M | Button Down Old Navy | Necklace & Bag Aldo | Boots Doc Martin

The whole button down shirt under a sweater thing, has some how become my "go to look" over the last few weeks. This combo reminds me a lot of Alicia Silverstone's character Cher Horowitz in Clueless, but with a personal twist (the doc martins, of course!) I have to admit, though she wore every pastel colour known to man, she was always polished and slightly overdressed... Two things I'm trying to apply to my daily dressing regiment.

I've found that fashion students tend to overdress on a daily basis, and somewhere in the sea of sky-high heels, make-up, and perfectly primped hair, I'm trying to keep my integrity and stay true to my own personal style. So far, I'm succeeding, lets hope this continues throughout the year. Anyways, I can almost guarantee that you'll all be sick of me wearing variations of this outfit by the time fall is finished. :)

Back to School

2011-09-18T23:40:00.011-04:00

As you can tell from my lack of posts, I went back to school. On September 6th, I started my two year fashion design program. Now normally, I'm very good at multitasking whatever life throws at me, but this time, not so much. Being out of school for a year has made my time management & organizational skills, rusty. Thus, putting blogging on a back burner. I hope to get a few outfit posts up soon, update you guys on a few of my projects, but for now, here are some shots of my fresh (and overly expensive) school supplies.

It's A Chartreuse Addiction

2011-08-26T20:45:00.012-04:00

Skirt DIY | Top Joe Fresh | Necklace Aldo | Earrings Forever21 | Shoes BFT
Oh Chartreuse, how I love you. You make me smile on gloomy days. You make my love for black, okay. What would I do without you? I'd be lost in a sea of neutrals, without a splash of color to use. People think I'm crazy for you, and they're right, I'm obsessed. *sigh* I love you Chartreuse, don't ever leave me.

My ode to Chartreuse aside, I couldn't find the neon yellow skirt of my dreams anywhere, so I made one. Bought this fabric for something around $2, and a piece of elastic for ¢50... If that wasn't a bargain, I don't care to know what is! I fell in love with this Joe Fresh shirt as well. The sequin polka-dot's give some interest to what normally would have been an extremely boring outfit.

P.S. I need some new heels, I know, don't remind me!

Minor Details

2011-08-24T11:16:00.008-04:00

You may or may not know that I moved recently... Well, not recently, but about 5 months ago. Before moving I had all of these crazy plans and wild aspirations for this new room (exibit a of the madness!) and since then I've really done nothing to improve the state of my living space... Truth be told, up until last week, I was pretty much living out of boxes & suitcases. Now that my summer job has come to an end, I have a few weeks left before school to get myself in order. I took my first 3 days off to organize my closet, declutter my space and add a few minor details so that I feel at home for the time being.

I found this skull piggy bank at Urban Outfitters for $15, and thought it was perfect, aside from the color. As soon as the wind dies down in Toronto, I will be spray painting it black... Black just seems more striking, more dramatic on top of a pile of light colored magazines. A black skull just seems more, me.

I guess I have a lot of clothing. I never realized how much of it I actually had before this week, and this is AFTER trashing 1/3 of it! I kept what I liked, what still fit, and what I could see myself wearing in the future. It took me a few days to let go of those jeans that wouldn't button, that dress that wouldn't zip or those shoes that were falling apart, but I did it. I've almost forgotten about them... almost lol.

I Tie My Hands Up To A Chair So I Don't Fall That Way.

2011-08-19T18:54:00.011-04:00

Shorts ASOS curve | Top GAP | Belt Evans | Shoes Blowfish | Bag eBay
Sorry for the hiatus guys! Life is kind of amazing off the internet and I forget to carry my camera anywhere... oops! I always said, when you're truly having fun you don't need to capture it on film. ANYWAYS, it's still hot, I still don't want to wear clothing, I'm pretty much over summer! I'm sure that when fall hits we'll all be begging for some summer heat again, but for now, bring on the cold dammit! I miss my leather and scarves. *sigh*

Oh, and if you haven't read my spastic 14-year-old self tweeting yet, I was featured alongside some lovely ladies in the September issue of Teen Vogue. I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you, old and new, for your support and kind words. I am extremely grateful to have such kind readers!

Knotted Details

2011-08-13T21:55:00.008-04:00

While spending countless hours browsing tumblr at 3:00am, I came across this photo of a Hermès scarf, knotted, as a necklace. Now, it may have been the sleep deprivation, but I'm pretty sure I got more excited then I probably should have about this idea. Needless to say, I have now turned all of my head scarves into necklaces. By no means is this my idea, but I received a large volume of emails asking how I did this so neatly, so I thought I'd show you.

Lay a square silk or thin polyester scarf flat on the floor/bed/table. Take two opposing corners and fold them into the middle of the square like so. Continue to fold the scarf inwards until you are left with a narrow strip of fabric.

Start knotting the strip, making sure each knot is a few inches away from the previous one. I found that when I tried to pick up the scarf, the folded pieces would fall apart, so I left it on the floor, folding the section I wanted to knot, and I found this easier. Remember to leave enough of the scarf un-knotted on either side to tie around your neck

Personally, I like to wear my scarf with 3 knots but you can add as many or as few knows as you'd like. For a single knot minimalist version, only tie one knot in the middle of your scarf. There you have it, a simple way to wear your scarves as necklaces.

Sheer Shirts & Short Skirts

2011-07-26T18:27:00.013-04:00

Shirt Evans | Skirt DIY | Necklace F21 | Shoes BFT | Bag eBay | Lipstick Covergirl "Eternal"
I have a problem that I really don't want to admit. *dramatic pause*... I dress inappropriately sometimes. *sigh* There, I said it. I dress over the top, more then I'd like to admit. I don't even remember where I went, I'm sure it was the supermarket or something of that sort, but it wasn't of significance, and this is what I wore LOL. I overdress constantly and I get weird looks for it. *shrug* What can you do, right!?

Lipstick Perfection

2011-07-25T17:04:00.006-04:00

I kind of suck at "photography" but I had to snap a few shots of these beauties before I completly demolished them with usage (As you can see, I couldn't resist trying them out as soon as I got home!) Covergirl's new line of Lip Perfection Lipstick is honestly just that, perfection! The shades, the texture and the overall quality of this lipstick is to die for. I HIGHLY recommend you try this line before you go running to MAC for that new shade you've been searching for... You won't be disappointed.

Blue

2011-07-21T21:51:00.004-04:00

Dress ASOS curve | Scarf H&M | Necklace Thrift | Shoes BFT | Bag eBay

Day 5 of the extreme heat wave we're having in Toronto, and I'm so over humidity, and I'm ready to move to the north pole!

I always lean towards the preppy end of my wardrobe during the hot months, mainly because the fabrics are light, the hemlines are short and doesn't require a lot of effort to look flirty & adorable lol. Now, I usually really hate empire waist dresses because they are expected to be worn by fat girls to accentuate the waist, blah blah blah, but I took a chance and ordered this cobalt blue swing dress from ASOS. I don't love it, but I'm giving the silhouette a try.

I also came across a photo (probably on tumblr> of a woman wearing her Hermes scarf as a necklace and I just had to give it a try... I kind of love it, I will defiantly be trying this with all of my scarfs.

Since I Can't Be Naked...

2011-07-15T19:08:00.005-04:00

Crop Top H&M | High Waist Shorts DIY | Necklace Aldo | Shoes Blowfish | Bag Gift

Hot is not a good enough word to describe Toronto right now. It's sticky, its muggy, its blazing, it's just... HOT. I've had a hard time with getting dressed for this weather mainly because I don't want to wear anything! I want to stand in front of my AC, completely naked, and not move. So, since I can't be naked, here are a few shots of what I wore today. P.S. Crop tops & short shorts have OFFICIALLY taken over my closet.

Gypsy Alter Ego

2011-07-01T20:11:00.010-04:00

Mid Skirt & KO Rebecca Minkoff Bag eBay | T-shirt Hanes' | Necklace Aldo | Oxfords Jeffrey Campbell | Head Scarf H&M
2 years later, I've purchased my first chiffon skirt. I really did not want to pay $66 for an American Apparel one, so I didn't... I searched the depths of eBay for this one and grabbed it on sale for $30. Franceta - 1, American Apparel - 0. Anyways, I'm really into this gypsy alter ego I have. I'm sure you've all picked up on her, she comes out every now and again with a head tie, chiffon top or fur accessory (mainly during summer months when the flowy fabric is much needed!) I think I'll name her something ridiculously bohemian one of these days, any suggestions lol.

Oh, and Happy Canada Day, Eh!

Double Take: Red Denim

2011-06-30T20:13:00.005-04:00

For months I've been searching for the prefect red jeans. Back in the day I owned a pair of Torrid's blood red Tripp skinny jeans, but threw them away because they were falling apart at the seams. Then, like a shinning beckon of hope, ASOS saved me with these red skinny jeans. Though I have not actually received them yet, due to the Canadian postage strike, *rolls eyes* I look forward to ripping them out of the shinny, grey ASOS packaging when they arrive. Here are a few plans I have for these bright beauties:

I found the perfect striped tank at my local GAP outlet store and I grabbed 4 of them. When I like something, I will defiantly stock up for the future! I've said before how much I love red & aqua together, and paired with the simple stripe, I think this will make for a bold, casual look.

The amazing thing about blogging is the friends you make, and I really lucked out in this department. Jeniese of The Jenesaisquoi saw that I was searching for a sequin shirt in one of my posts, and when she ran into one on sale she grabbed it for me! I cannot even express how thoughtful that was of her, she saved me once again! When I receive both items, I will defiantly be wearing them out for a night on the town. I just need to find some basic accessories to complete the look.

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P.S. The winner of the ASOS shorts giveaway is Nicole of Saucy F Baby. Congratulations Nicole! Thank you everyone for entering, stay tuned for another giveaway soon.

Grey Skies & Muted Tones

2011-06-11T17:00:00.001-04:00

Skirt H&M | Shirt Dorthy Perkins | Necklace Aldo | Flats BFT | Bag & Glasses eBay | Watch Michael Kors

Grey skies lurk over Toronto today, and my outfit is a reflection. I've claimed to hate pastels in the past, but I realized I've never ACTUALLY tried them out. Now that I have, they aren't half bad lol. They pair perfectly with my recent obsession for everything rose gold, and since I refuse to take this Michael Kors watch off, I should get used to the muted tones.