GROWN WOMAN // evidently, it seems this is where I am in my life. A grown ass woman. I have fallen off the social map. completely … and you you know what? thats a-okay.

There used to be a time (not to long ago) where my priorities surrounded my blog, my business and driving myself to be the best me on the interweb … only … I wasn’t the best me in real life; so why try so hard (unbenounced to myself at the time).

In September, as you may or may not recall, I travelled to Portugal and Spain with my man friend. While I was there I made a monumental decision to quit my job and venture down an insane path. I took a gigantic leap of faith and put all my eggs, shoes, clothes, and vintage thrifted goodness in one pretty little wicker-fucking-basket.

If you ask anyone who knows me personally they will undoubtedly admit that I am the most impulsive and impatient person. To me, I have found a way to balance the two and make it not such a bad combo … but it leads me down paths left, right and centre going a million miles a minute and at times, I sink before anyone really notices I started swimming. (holy analogies!!!)

To be frank. I am not afraid of anything … which means I rarely do something and think about the consequences. Quitting my job in Europe does seem insane … but I assure you … I thought about it long and hard.

I am now working for an amazing agency focusing on an amazing brand. I work with inspiring, hilarious and dirty minded individuals who are incredibly talented at what they do in the workforce. I took a gigantic leap of faith and it paid off (thank goodness, because I’d be pretty fucked).

My point is. I am a grown woman. My blog used to fulfill the down time I possessed, and the priorities I had set, but all that has shifted, greatly … monumentally actually.

And you know what … it feels so good. So good to of had big dreams and to finally be living them. So good to set new goals and see where I end up. At the end of the day, I wish nothing but the same for you.

So this isn’t goodbye, but it is a final notice … it’s a letter letting you know that this blog started for me, and always stayed true to me. I never sold my blog out for advertising or to another brand … I blog because in 10 years it will be pretty sweet to look back at all the ridiculously fucking ugly things I wore and looked damn good in, and I will continue to do so … when I want to.

SCARF: Vintage // Kilt Worn As A Scarf
CAPE: Vintage // Little Boys Blue Cape
DRESS: Vintage // Striped Primary Coloured 1950′s Dress
HAT: Vintage // Mink Hat
SHOES: Blue Croc Mary-Janes

 beyonce // grown woman

I’m not sure what exactly comes to your mind when I say the words Canadian Tuxedo but I can assure you, it probably isn’t a literal red and white outfit … you probably envision a denim-on-denim disaster … and true enough, that too would fly – but when MasterCard asked me to show my Canadian Tuxedo I decided to give it my all with the red and white … well oxblood red anyway.

I had a blast shopping along West Queen West for Stylicity; and I managed to snag a few amazing items on my way; there is nothing I love more than an outfit that simply falls together … and with this I couldn’t be more thankful.

Do you have what it takes? Show me your Canadian Tuxedo!

FUR: Black Fur Vest // Cabaret Vintage
SHIRT: Men’s White Crew Neck // Ben Sherman
PANTS: Oxblood Red Tuxedo Pant // Wilfred Aritzia
HAT: Grey Felt // Vintage
SHOES: Black Velvet // 69 Vintage

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POLKA-POLKA-POLKA-DOTS! As of late, I have been obsessed with pattern. Maybe it’s because pattern seems to take the suck out of my Monday’s … or maybe it’s because I finally have an excuse to mix and match without being compared to the crazy cat lady, in either case; I’ve been a little obsessed with pattern as of late.

Nothing gets me more excited than autumn in our city. Toronto is one of the few cities that has two seasons … snow and hot … but if we are lucky, and mother nature allows it, we are blessed with crisp mornings and slow colour defying leaves.

This past Saturday I scooped my mum up and took her for a morning out on the town. With Stylicity and World MasterCard Fashion Week kicking off, it seemed only fitting we start our morning out at The Gladstone Hotel for a delicious (and sparkling) brunch. We hit up some old favourites like Cabaret Vintage, Ben Sherman, Fashionably Yours and some new like Spectacle, Sauvage, and Leigh & Harlow.

For those new readers Stylicity is an amazing program run by MasterCard where they partner with local Toronto merchants and online retailers to bring you exclusive offers and discounts when you shop with your MasterCard … seems kind of amazing right? – duh.

So if you’ve followed my blog for one hundred years; you will know that I am a huge West of Queen West leach. I say leach because I do not categorize myself as hipster enough to be seen there, but I do consider myself content enough to leach off of the real cool kids of the wicked west. You know I love my vintage, designer and leather goods … not to mention the fabulous men’s stores to sneak into to buy the gifts for the man friend.

I doodled a map above for you to follow along the places I visited this weekend with mum, next weekend I will re-visit some favourites and maybe even get my hair did (because we all know I need it … hush you).

I hope you all enjoy Stylicty this season as much as I am, and I hope you manage to get a head start on your holiday shopping … if not for loved ones; than for yourself … after all, you’re the best gift of all my little reader, you.

HAT: Black Felt Hat // Vintage
SWEATER: Mustard Honey Comb // J.CREW
PANTS: Polka Dot Trouser // F21
SHOES: Gold Cap Toe // Pour La Victoire

HAPPY THURSDAY (yah, I know it’s friday)it has been THREE whole weeks since I have had the balls to post something on here. I know, I know, I say the same darn thing over and over again … I’m busy – yadda yadda – but this time it is the truth!

I officially started a new job, which is amazing and terrifying all at the same time. I am working for someone who I had been bugging to work for since I graduated school … timing was never right, and finally the client he presented to me, the team he introduced me to, and the timing just worked out … so whilst I was away in Portugal … I quit my beloved startup.

But no bridges are burnt, my love still beats for them, new opportunities stretch you creatively and I am blessed beyond belief to be where I stand today, but it would mean nothing if I didn’t acknowledge where I’ve been.

I want you to take a look at your life; so many of my blogger friends have re-vamped, said good-bye and even taken on new paths. I want you to look at where you stand, of course there will be aspects you wish you could do better, but truly dig deep, and figure out how you can be better.

Everything you dream about for yourself is possible. Are you ready?

  
SWEATER: Black Scoop Neck // Club Monaco
SKIRT: Caramel Pleat A-Line // Vintage 
BRACELET: Gold Snake Wrap Belt // Vintage
BOOTS: Black Booties // Target 

 in the valley below // peaches

This post is so personal to me, mostly because it was taken on such a magnificent evening while in Lisbon, Portugal – but really; honestly – because it was shot by the love of my life. I have mentioned a couple of times that I primarily shoot my own blog posts (with a tri-pod and hand control remote no less!); and while I take so much pride in doing it myself, I had a moment of clarity when the boyfriend offered to snap a few.

And you know what; he did such a good job! I felt extremely vulnerable … I think it even shows in some of the pictures.

The light was perfect, and the streets were just beginning to buzz with the locals gearing up for dinner. This was shot at the apartment we rented; which was incredibly stunning and perfect for just us two.

Lisbon stole my heart, and I will forever be attached to Portugal. There are no words that can encourage you to visit; the one thing I can tell you, is love will find you in Portugal … and when it does – be ready for it, for it will sweep you off your feet.

This post marks a new transition; as chapters are ending in my life and once again, new ones starting. I am so excited to share with you the new things happening in my life! Next weeks post is sure to be a goodie.

DRESS: The Carrie Bradshaw Oscar De La Renta // Boohoo Canada
SHOES: Nude Stilettos // Boohoo Canada

I never would of thought I’d be blogging from Portugal.Yet, here I am. 8 AM, dedicated.

I have this horrible habit of not “turning off” when on vacation. It could be driven by my insane ADD or simply that I feel like I might miss out on something if I don’t check in.

In any case, all habits will cease by Saturday, as the third leg of our trip begins and I will be S.O.L when it comes to my urge to connect. I feel as though I can justify this post though, as its early and I honestly can’t sleep.

Portugal is amazing. Full stop. If you can’t tell by the above photos – everything here is picturesque. The lifestyle is so different here, family, love, food & vino. The boyfriends family (some who we visited while here) are amazing. The love – well, that’s obvious. The food is to die for, fresh fish every night. Hand picked fruit from the garden every morning. The most delicious and creamiest of cheeses on a charcuterie board for breakfast, and the vino, well … Just keeps flowing.

Today marks day 5! We have 3 more days in Lisbon (the city centre of Portugal), and then we are off to the algarve, which is one of the worlds top most exquisite beach destinations. We are taking two days to scoot to Spain and then we will make our way back home.

So far this trip has been unbelievable. I can honestly say that I’m in love. Head over heels in love.

Another day another dollar. (Not quite.)

Fifteen days until I embark on (what I am calling) the trip that will change my life. In case you’ve managed to ignore my daily countdown – I am off to Portugal and Spain at the end of August … and until then – I have packed my calendar so full of social events that I know, without a doubt – that these fifteen days will fly by.

This weekend I am off to the cottage with my lady loves, we are kicking it old school with mixed tapes, sleeping bags and (hopefully) the occasional s’more … only better – because there will be booze involved.

That’s the thing about being an adult, you can still take your fancy to childish behaviour with a drink in hand. God bless America. (I mean – Canada).

Life is at a cross roads (yet again) and new things are on the horizon. I am hoping my trip to Europe will re-ignite that spark that led me to begin blogging in the first place, and lend itself useful to hopefully, re-ignite my creative passion. I’ve been feeling strained and drained recently to tell you the truth.

This past long weekend I hit up The Grove Music Fest (which is Toronto’s answer to Coachella – no really – same organizers). I was a guest of the greatness that is Free People and even rocked these pants on their behalf. It is safe to say that Toronto has launched something sort of amazing – and it’s about fucking time we had a legit music festival. So next year, I expect you ALL to be there … ok?

HAT: Vintage Felt
SUNGLASSES: Ray-Ban Aviators
TOP: Classic Crop // Boohoo
PANTS: Floria Pleat Pant // Free People
SHOES: Pointy Toe Metal Cap // Ardene

 Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe // Kendrick Lamar

Wine country. Say it with me. Wiiiiiinnnnneeeeeee Country. Every spring I am completely jealous of my friends who live in Cape Cod, or – better yet – who get to visit the cape. Instagram swarms with images from Martha’s Vineyard and I am reminded that the bitter bliss of Canada only has a short window for warm weather, thus warm enough weather to visit our vineyards.

Niagara is beautiful in the summer. Full stop. It is just a shame when it is swarmed with tourists, so last Friday the man friend and I decided to skip town and head out for a weekend of bliss before the tourists took over. A couple of wine tours later, Kendall was day drunk. Win!

Speaking of winning, this upcoming (long) weekend! I will be at The Grove Music Festival, and you know how much I love great music so although this is THE weekend for music – from Lollapalooza in Chi town to Osheaga in Montreal, I am choosing to stay in the city and keep some fun here with Free People!

If you’re in Toronto this weekend, come by the festival and visit me and the crochet beauties at Free People! We will be the hippies swaying to wicked tunes.

HAT: Stolen from my BFF // Bebe
TOP: Stripped Tee // Free People
DRESS: Orange Crush Maxi // BooHoo
SHOES: Alligator Leather // The Gap

 Royals // by Lorde

A very quick post to say heeeeelllllooooo! I am off on a mini stay-cation this weekend and today, aka Thirsty Thursday is really my friday as I am off tomorrow.

Sometimes you just need a mini break to get refreshed. This mini break couldn’t come at a better time, with Portugal and Spain only a month away (OMG!!) this seemed like the perfect time to take a breather.

While rumour has it the weather isn’t set to be so great, the man friend and I are going to make the best of it. I have the biggest bag of marshmallows waiting for me when I get home … and even if rain puts a damper on our campfire … who says I can’t roast marshmallows indoors … (says the girl who once had a massive apartment fire).

I hope you manage to sneak away this weekend (or next – being the long weekend and all) but if you are in the city, come with me to The Grove Music Festival! I am so happy to tell you that I’ve teamed up with Free People and I want YOU to come with me to this amazing festival happening August 3rd in Toronto! >> ENTER HERE! <<

This romper was once-upon-a-time my mum’s … like all good things on this blog, so was the hat. I know readers tell me all the time how lucky I am that my mum and grandmother took such great care of their clothing, and kept them for me. Trust me, I know how lucky I am. This romper is an all time favourite, it is perfect for the beach or those incredibly sweltering hot days in the city that I call home.

HAT: Vintage
JUMPER: Vintage // Hawaiian Punch Romper
SHOES: Boohoo Sandals // Nude Sling Back

I can’t lie. When Alex from I’m a little contacted me to join in on the glittery-girly-soiree that was Christmas in July, I just about burst with excitement. Not just because I was getting to hang out with my blogging lovers but because it gave us all a chance to relax, be girly and DIY the shit out of summer inspired Christmas stockings.

                         Myself, Crystal, Tara, Justine, Alex, Stephanie, Nicole

We ate (gluten free!) bonbon’s from Tori’s Bakeshop, sipped on cocoa soy milk and got our craft on. Tiffany Pratt, who is a real life mermaid and stylist headed up our crafty session with Alex’s vision and they exploded glitter and charm into this styled event. Tiff also saved my soul and ass … aka helped me every second … on my stocking design. As you can tell … I clearly found my floral rhythm.

Sometime’s it’s just nice to get together with a bunch of girls and have a glitter bombed Christmas in July fiesta. Big thanks to all the girls, Alex & Tiff you two are divine and your vision was the tits. Loads of love to Roy, the only male invited, who own’s one of my favourite thrift shops in the beaches called The Salvage Shop, Tori’s Bakeshop provided all of the yummy treats, Blush and Bloom provided all the flowers and the ever so talented Alex Neary captured the event in these amazing photographs.

I hope you’re not dying in this heat wave, but if you are – I encourage you to have your own party with your girlfriends, make crafts and sip some wobbly pops.