kara in moonlight - a personal style blog

The Return

2011-09-27T00:49:00.002-04:00

"So she got up and walked about --
rather stiffly just at first,
as she was afraid that the crown might come off:
but she comforted herself with the thought
that there was nobody to see her,
"and if I really am a Queen," she said,
as she sat down again,
"I shall be able to manage it quite well in time."

Much has changed in these past three weeks. All for the better, I must add. But this is only the beginning of new things. All I can really say is yes, I'm back.

Bittersweet

2011-09-02T17:42:00.000-04:00

The time is coming; it's almost here. Without change, we can't grow. For each ending, there is a new beginning. When a door closes, a window opens. For every bullshit cliche, there is an ounce of truth.

I don't know much, but what I do know is that right now, everything feels bittersweet.

Slow down

2011-08-31T22:58:00.000-04:00

wearing Old Navy jeans, F21 kimono top and tank, Aldo wedges

It's the last week of my summer "vacation" and coincidentally the only full week I've had off this summer. I'm taking this time to sleep in for all the mornings I couldn't; get to the gym for the days I didn't; and take appointments that, well, I was just too lazy to get around to earlier.

The seasons are beginning to change and I like this feeling. I've been pouring over September issues these past few days and the cool wind that's starting to come in has me excited for knits and skirts with tights (dare I say). But while it's still summer, I'll make the best. Cheers to the upcoming (and last) long weekend!

The man, the legend: RIP Jack

2011-08-22T16:53:00.001-04:00

I was in the car on my way to work this morning when I heard it: "Breaking and shocking news: Jack Layton, former leader of the NDP has died in his Toronto home after a long battle with cancer."

Less than a month after stepping down as leader to fight his battle with cancer, today Canadians say good-bye to the man who brought the New Democratic Party of Canada to unprecedented levels of success and elevated Canadian politics into what could be considered a new era of hope. Despite everyone's different feelings about Layton, I write today because I've been on board with Jack since his first federal election as NDP leader in 2004- when I was just 15, and unable to vote. Back then, not many people gave him the credit he deserved. But 3 federal elections later, Canadian politics is a much different story. Jack listened to young Canadians like myself and always approached politics with an optimism that one day his party would get to where Canadians needed it to be- that day was May 2, 2011. That night, as I sat alone in my apartment, tears of joy streamed down my face as I watched Jack take to the podium as the Official Leader of the Opposition. We did it.

It is with sadness, but also with optimism, that I hope all Canadians keep Jack's vision in mind and we continue to move forward as a nation. Jack Layton is a legend in my eyes.

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world." -Jack Layton

every which way

2011-08-08T20:49:00.001-04:00

wearing Old Navy blouse, American Apparel pants, Aldo wedges, Forever21 necklace and sunnies

Every which way: Symbolic not only of my swivelling head in these pictures, but also of my current mindset. Lately, each time I sit down to write an accompaniment to these pictures I feel like all I have to say is something dark, cryptic and most likely cliche. My time for fashion has been significantly decreased (or displaced) this summer and I have realized that though I love dressing up, I would rather spend a little more time enjoying this gorgeous (and oh-so-short) Canadian summer than obsessing over the latest nail colour or skirt trend.

Not to speak ill of fashion at all- my heart still beats for style. I'm just merely s'plain' why I've haven't been around much this days!

Thank you always for taking the time to check in.

Linen on leather

2011-08-02T19:46:00.000-04:00

wearing H&M blouse, necklace, and skirt; Spring heels

With another amazing (and long) weekend behind me, I'm finally starting to realize that August is here. And like any student dreading another fated September, August is the month when one starts to realize that the days and the weeks are getting shorter, there are only a handful of Fridays left to work for, and decisions are about to get more complicated than "sleep-in now?" or "nap later?" (I do both, by the way). But as down as I can let it get me, I need to remember to enjoy how light and easy it is now, and live for every moment I get. (Sometimes that's harder to remember than you think!) ;)

So to keep it upbeat, Happy August!

Summer Stripes

2011-07-25T20:33:00.000-04:00

wearing H&M skirt and belt, American Apparel striped dress, Spring shoes, Forever21 bag

When I feel the need to escape my current reality, I hop on a train and sneak away to the apartment I so dearly admire in the city I so dearly adore. And even though there is no one to welcome me home or meet me at the door, I take solace in the solitude. Sometimes there is nothing better than dancing in your underwear (on 40 degree days), riding the streetcar to your favourite thrift store, walking around your neighbourhood getting deli sandwiches, and even getting impromptu tattoos* - all by yourself.

That's not to say I don't enjoy a little company. In fact, being in great company often makes it harder to go back to being alone ;) I'll make it back to reality; I always do. But in the meantime, there's nothing wrong with enjoying the time I have.

Happy Monday!

*not messin'- new ink on the back of my ankles.

Dress of the Week: Ladylike

2011-07-19T18:44:00.000-04:00

wearing Forever21 dress and sunnies, thrifted belt, Spring shoes

Oh, you know me. Just twirling in my front garden. Every girl does that right? It's amazing what a floral dress and some pink lipstick can do to your mood! I almost forget it was 40 degrees outside. But then I didn't. How are you handling this insane heatwave? All I can say is, thank god for air conditioning!

P.S. Yes, two dresses of the week so far! Maybe I'll make up for all the ones I missed! ;)

Dress of the Week: Typical

2011-07-18T20:27:00.000-04:00

wearing Love21 dress, Report wedges via Winners, H&M necklace

It seems as if I'm going through a creative drought and as a result I can only think one thing when I look at my photos: Typical: Typical stances. Typical grin. Typical tired eyes. Sorry to sound so morose; it's Monday. I'm hoping some inspiration presents itself soon. In the meantime, I'm going to work this all out by pumping iron.

Hoping everyone had a great weekend and a fabulous start to the week!

Dress of the Week: I'm Blue

2011-07-12T11:49:00.000-04:00

wearing Love21 dress, thirfted belt, Spring shoes

Even though I adored being a platinum blonde, I felt it was time for a change. Call it symbolic of how I currently feel. After all, change is good.

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. Mine was, quite possibly, the best yet this summer. A new hairstyle + requisite catch-ups with one of my best gals (luckily a 2-for-1 for me!); sunny walks around Toronto; sangria + board games; GIRL TALK with some great people; a late night stop at the Dance Cave; followed by Sunday brunch, walking, beers and much too overdue catch-ups with another one of my favourite ladies...I couldn't have imagined it better! Now back to the grind...

In the shade.

2011-07-05T21:48:00.000-04:00

wearing H&M, Spring shoes

Photos from Monday. Hoping all you Canadians (and Americans) had an enjoyable long weekend! I spent the weekend at home, the first weekend in over a month (I know, I'm a horrible child). Canada Day was spent poolside soaking up the sun and sharing laughs with my family and seeing Bridesmaids with my big sis (finally!). It was nice to be carefree and forego the stress of rushing for trains and cramming in visits. But alas, I'm excited to be back in Toronto to see Girltalk this weekend. He is one of my favourite artists and I listen to his albums obsessively and from what I've seen, I know he's going to put on an incredible show. On top of that I get to see two of my very best friends. I am the luckiest girl in the world!

Looking forward to Wednesday!

Tuesday.

2011-06-28T21:48:00.000-04:00

wearing H&M pants and tunic, shoes from Winners, thrifted belt

Today was an odd day. Productive, puzzling, and for a second there, problematic. Time is moving so fast that sometimes I need a reminder of which track I'm on. Perhaps I shouldn't be in a rush to get where I'm going. It is, after all, only Tuesday.

Pointdexter

2011-06-27T19:57:00.000-04:00

wearing: H&M shirt, pants and cardigan, American Apparel clutch, shoes from Winners.

I thought I looked rather nerdy in these glasses but on second thought I think this outfit says more "Grandma" than "Pointdexter"...which I'm also fine with. It may be time to switch out the blonde for my natural hair colour though. Hey, it's almost been three months. Time for a change.

Hoping y'all had a fantastic weekend. I most certainly did! Thumbs up for a short work week, Canada.

brb

2011-06-26T23:03:00.000-04:00

Somewhere between convocation, two jobs (heels to steel-toed shoes), two apartments, three cities, and weekend trips to Toronto, the past two weeks have been a little disorderly. Sorry my presence here has been minimized. This upcoming (and short) week promises renewal so I guarantee I'll be back. Thanks for stickin' with me.

Dress of the Week: The Graduate

2011-06-14T18:39:00.001-04:00

I figure I'll kill two birds with one stone here and present to you my dress of the week as well as some highlights from my undergraduate convocation which took place this morning!

Despite having reservations about the day, the ceremony was relatively painless and, dare I say, enjoyable. For those of you who are not Canadian (or are Canadian and live under a rock), Peter Mansbridge - chief correspondent and lead anchor of CBC News - was given with an Honorary Doctor of Laws (...let me rephrase that as....AWESOME ALERT). Peter is a broadcasting legend here in Canada and, as a Communications graduate, having him speak at my convocation was the perfect ending to my chapter at York (...and I totally stepped out of line to shake his hand. It rocked.).

I'm so lucky to have such supportive parents and an amazing family to stand by me today and always. I'm looking forward to hanging up this piece of paper on my newly painted wall, in my now grown-up room. I'm a big kid now!

Congratulations to all graduates!!

P.S. My dress is from Winners

In short

2011-06-07T21:33:00.000-04:00

wearing...Forever21 blouse, thrifted leather skirt (Value Village), Spring booties

It's about 9:30pm and I'm ready for bed so here are a couple of things I wanted to share, in point form:
-Happy Birthday to my amazing mother! While out for dinner, I hand-talked my way into spilling a pop all over the table, my mother and my legs. I'd like to say I was embarrassed but we all found it exceptionally hilarious. This is why I love my family so much.
-I spent this past weekend cottaging for the first time ever! Though it rained we made the best of it and hey, I even caught my first fish! Good friends always equal good times.
-About 16 minutes into my day I realized why you shouldn't wear a leather skirt to the office in June: Humidity = leather shrinkage = hey, look at my butt.
-Lastly, tomorrow my sister and I are going to see NKOTBSB (yes, that's New Kids on the Block and The Backstreet Boys) at the ACC. I'd like to say I've been practicing the hits but who really needs to practice when you already know all the words? Step By Step, baby!!

Hope you all are having a lovely Tuesday!

Hot as...

2011-06-01T21:44:00.000-04:00

wearing: thrifted blouse and skirt (Value Village), Winners heels

Hey Southern Ontario! Did you enjoy the heatwave on Tuesday? All 40 degrees of it?? Considering I spent 98% of my day indoors, I gotta say I quite enjoyed it. Yellow just seemed like an appropriate choice. Mr. Sunshine...welcome back!!

Happy June 1st! :)

Dress of the Week: Straight Up Stolen

2011-05-31T08:36:00.000-04:00

wearing an H&M dress and sleeveless trench, Spring shoes

Ever since seeing Krystal style this lovely H&M dress back in April, I knew I had to give it a spin with the sleeveless trench. Gotta say, I like this colour-blocking trend that's afoot. Had you asked me a year ago, I would have said that I would never wear the colour orange. Now look at me.

Leaving our comfort zones is a good thing. Even if it's just through our clothes :)

I wore a jumpsuit.

2011-05-29T21:32:00.001-04:00

wearing Forever21 jumpsuit and bracelets, thrifted belt and heels from Value Village

Humidity. Toronto. Sunday.

Thus the jumpsuit. I hope y'all had a great weekend. Mine was filled with friends and good times, albeit it was much too short (as always).

tryin' to throw your arms around the world

2011-05-24T18:02:00.001-04:00

wearing: H&M blouse, belt and skirt, Forever 21 necklace, Spring shoes

Nothin' much to say I guess

Just the same as all the rest
Been trying to throw your arms around the world
And a woman needs a man
Like a fish needs a bicycle
When you're tryin' to throw your arms around the world*

*Sometimes you just need a lil' Bono in your day

First.

2011-05-20T22:22:00.002-04:00

It's been a week since my last post and for that I apologize! I've returned to my hometown to work with only a suitcase including 2 pairs of heels, 2 bras, and 15 possible outfits. Priorities ;) In that time I've also decided to renovate my childhood bedroom. I've been sleeping in the company of bunny rabbits in wagons since 1991 and, at 22, I felt it was time for a change! Today, day 4, was spent sanding. We're finally ready for the fun part- painting. Before and after pictures to come :)

wearing: H&M pants and sleeveless trench, Joe Fresh blouse

So I've been busy. Between 9 to 5 and paint samples (not to mention a week of rain!) outfit pictures have been nonexistent. But I realized that I passed my 1st blogi-versary on the 19th so in honour of that, an outfit. As you can tell, it was dark and I was exhausted but here it is! Check out my very first post ever here!!

Much has changed in a year, and I am so glad to say it is all for the better! Maybe it's the blog or just life itself, but I've grown so much in the past year and I've learned to truly love myself for who I am and accept who I'm not. So thank you all so much for taking the time to read and comment!! I am so truly lucky :) No one can get through it all alone and you all help me look forward to each new day!

To another great year of fashion and friends! :)

Thrift Trip

2011-05-11T16:46:00.000-04:00

As my days as an unemployed slacker (though I personally prefer "new graduate" haha) are coming to a close and since the weather has been treating us so well here in Toronto, I thought it was absolutely necessary to get out of the apartment Wednesday! And with many fashion wants on my spring/summer list and little funds to dedicate to shopping, I thought the perfect way to spend the day would be deep in another thrifting adventure.

wearing Winners jeans, H&M blazer, flats and scarf, Forever21 tank, Billabong fedora

I am by no means a thrifting guru (Jen over at my edit takes the crown there ;)) but I am an avid Value Village enthusiast. After hitting the motherload last fall at the Queen East/Leslieville VV and experiencing similar luck a couple of weeks ago at that same location, I decided to check out the Bloor West and Lansdowne location. Arguably 5 times the size of the Leslieville store, the Internetz did not lie- this VV was loaded with goodies!! I did an 1.5h walk around before deciding on some treasures!

Noteworthy purchases:

-wide studded belt at $5.99

-brand new Rinascimento floral coat for $19.99 (retails over $150!)

Happy Thursday!

Walk A Mile In Her Shoes

2011-05-10T17:35:00.000-04:00

Last summer, the organization I worked for began planning it's annual Walk a Mile In Her Shoes Campaign. For anyone unfamiliar with Walk a Mile, it is an event that takes place across North America in different communities where men raise money and literally walk a mile in women's shoes in support of women's rights and ending violence against women. After beginning the organizational process last June then having to leave to return to school, I was very excited to see the end result last Saturday! With over 70 men coming out to march a mile in red heels - including my amazing and supportive father - the morning was a great success!

Violence against women happens in many different forms to many different women all around the world, even still today. Statistically, men are most often the perpetrators. Verbal, physical, sexual, or psychological, it doesn't matter- it's abuse. This issue has become especially close to me in the past year. As women, we have the power to stand up for ourselves and demand change- look how far we've come! To have an event like Walk a Mile where men not only raise money to support women's rights but also come to march one mile in high heels...to me, nothing is more inspiring. To the next generation of feminism!

with my dad :)

Bloggers: Just Like Us!

2011-05-05T15:50:00.000-04:00

wearing: H&M jacket and flats, Forever 21 scarf and purse, Garage jeans

As much as I love planning, styling and shooting fun outfits for my blog, I have to admit that sometimes things aren’t always what they seem- ie, I don’t always wear heels everyday ;) Because of that, and because I often admit to not showcasing what I wear on a daily basis, I thought I would share with you the outfit I put on to get groceries yesterday afternoon because- hey! That’s really me. Shun me from the blogosphere or chase me with pitchforks but flats and jeans are my everyday go-to when skirts and heels aren’t an option. Deciding to do this post made me think of those ridiculous gossip mag articles: “Celebrities! They’re just like us!” showcasing celebrities doing a few measly errands and not wearing ball gowns. I'm by no means anyone important but I confess that sometimes it's hard to admit that I don't wear heels and skirts everyday because I wish I did! So here I am: just me! Take it or leave it ;)

Fashionably Political

2011-05-02T13:29:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday! For myself and fellow Canadians today is a very special Monday because it is the day we elect a representative to become the leader of our country. The last time we had a federal election, only 42% of those eligible to vote did- a 40-year low. As a Canadian, this breaks my heart. We are so lucky to live in a country where we have the opportunity to elect our political representatives and for that we should be standing up for ourselves and be voting.

As someone who takes pictures of myself and posts them on the Internet to express my passion for clothes I realize how easy it is for someone who doesn't know me to judge me at face-value as materialistic and contributing little to society. I also realize that each style blogger and woman out there who does the same thing as me is a multi-talented, independent and smart person who is in control of their life and has the ability to change the world, politically or otherwise. After all, fashion and politics are not mutually exclusive ;)

So today, to all my Canadians, I ask you to take a few minutes to exercise your democratic right to vote and contribute to the future of this amazing country!

wearing: H&M cardigan, Joe Fresh blouse, thrifted skirt from Value Village, Aldo heels