Summer starts here

Skirt - H&M (seen here); shirt - Sparkle and Fade; bra - Aritzia; jacket - Gap; boots - vintage; clutch - Aldo; sunnies - H&M; rings - NastyGal, random vendor; nail polish - Sally Hansen

jeans - BDG; bag - Lulu; hait - vintage (mine)

After weeks of stress, packing, living out of a suitcase, and then a few days wandering in the woods (more on that later), I finally feel like pulling together cute outfits. And shopping... there's been a lot of that lately.

I bought this shirt on sale this weekend at Urban Outfitters -- I predict it will be my go-to top this summer. Even though it's black!

Take Me by the Hand

My little sister bought this jacket at Value Village and quickly decided she didn't want it -- so she gave it to me! I love it, I wear it all the time.

This bag was an impulse buy at a Tegan and Sarah concert last year, and I love it. It's the perfect size for carrying everything I need, and it slides easily over my shoulder. I pretty much take it anywhere and everywhere*.

Well, folks, it's down to my hell week. I'm not sure how much you'll hear from me this week, what with trying to pull together my first issue of this, and an academic journal, and my papers and exams! I'm tired just thinking about it.

*Tegan and Sarah fans! That's two references to the same song in one post. Impressed?

Doubled Scarf

scarves: Roots and consignment | blazer: Topshop (thanks mom!) | tshirt: American Apparel | Clutch: Coach | nail polish: Revlon (but I hate the consistency)

This is the doubled-scarf look I've mentioned previously. Isn't it grand? So cozy. So much scarf. So ideal. I like the hint of pattern with a contrasting colour.

This clutch is a Coach bag from my mother. I love love love it. I used it so much I started to worry I'd get sick of it, so we're taking a break now. But isn't it lovely?

Some Sequins in the Afternoon

Skirt: Mikkat Market | Bag: Eddie Baur (consignment) | bracelet: gifts | Shirt, jacket, shoes, belt, rings, scarf, brooch : thrifted

I bought this skirt online from Mikkat Market ( LOVE this store! ) but had to get a different size... so now I finally have it! I have been dying for a sequin skirt, and with this one the price was right. I wanted to wear it in the day time, with more casual pieces. Phil helped me pick this outfit out! I just picked the skirt. He's got the flair for fashion! We were out on a date when he took these...

EK

What is actual is only for one time

scarf (as turband): vintage | shirt: vintage Levi 's | sweater: Silence+Noise

jeans: Cheap Mondays | shoes: the Aldo ones I wanted forever and got for Christmas!

So, I look a little tired in these photos. I didn't realize until right now, putting them together. I haven't exactly been giving myself much time to sleep... and it's been getting harder and harder to get out of bed in the morning.

So I love this outfit. It feels very me - I didn't feel I was "putting it on", or trying something not me. At the same time, it felt new for me. It popped into my head as I was falling asleep the other night and quickly jumped up to put everything on the same hangar. I was in such a rush today I just grabbed it and went! I also ended up wearing this shoes for only the second time ever (the first was NYE!). I will be wearing them more.

Tonight I'm catching up with a friend, then heading out for Old School Hip Hop Night at Tribeca with Uncle Fester! And then maybe I'll let my bones sleep in...

Big Red Scarf

I am loving big scarves this week. Slash this forever. I wore two scarves as one yesterday - it was so huge! Loved it. I didn't get to snap a pic... next time.

Jean Shirt!

shirt: vintage, my mom's |skirt: American Apparel | bag: Spotted Moth | tights: Zellers

My mom sent me a fantastic care package last week, and she remembered my hunt for a denim shirt. She found this one while cleaning out a closet - it's so comfy! Even though it needs some mending, I had to wear it the next day. My mom also gave me the gold and green ring so I guess this outfit is dedicated to my mom.

Broaching Brooches

Cape: Novelti | Dress: H&M | Tights: Gap | Brooch and belt: vintage | Boots: from my riding days

Sorry... I love puns...

When I was at home I stopped by my favourite consignment clothing store in Ottawa (www.clothessecret.com) and found this fantastic cape (boiled wool, never worn) and a couple of brooches! I've never worn brooches before, at all, but I found two I loved and decided to give this a try. What do you think? I can't wait to show you the other one I got, it's so Art Deco (my favourite thing).

It continues to rain here... rain rain rain. Anyone want to send me those rain boots I want?

Long Skirt and a Short Jacket

Jacket - Gap Kids | Dress (as a skirt) - Matty M (consignment) | T-shirt - Urban Outfitters | Belt - vintage | Slippers - Target | Ring - via NastyGal | Headband - Ardene's

Today was one of those days where I put on one outfit and changed pieces until I was wearing a totally different outfit. I like playing around with this dress and wearing it as a skirt. I always get compliments which doesn't hurt!

I had a lot of fun at the fair this weekend, seeing chicks hatch and horses pull weights, and giant pumpkins. It was a whirlwind trip but such a breath of fresh air. New Brunswick smells so good!

Fall Air

Dress - H&M | Jacket - Gap Kids | Scarf - bought on a trip to France | Booties - Aldo | Bag/belt/earrings - vintage

It's definitely getting crisp in Halifax! Today was my first day of the season in tights. I was sad to cover up against the crisp air, but as soon as I put them on I remembered how great tights are. Instant bruise-cover! And I feel cozier.

I also broke out my new H&M shirtdress (impulse buy win). It was previously on here as a cardigan (here).

I'm pulling out the woolies now, so you'll see them soon, and even my new fall coat! (I showed it to my friend Sarah, and she loved it, so I can say reviews have been favourable).

Last Work Week

Dress: , shirt dress (worn as a cardigan): H&M, earrings: Ardene's, shoes: consignment, no label

I turned the camera on my equally stylish sister. She is way photogenic, don't you think?

She is a posing queen.

I emulated her style...

Tomorrow the boyfriend comes back to town, bringing 14 months of long distance dating to an end. We'll be touring around Ottawa, seeing a show at Stratford, doing lots of fun things. I've shopped up a storm recently, it seems, so I'll have to take lots of pictures. (Thanks in advance, sister!)

Jeans + Scarf

This scarf is my most favourite scarf (and I have loads of them!). It came into my life at a Value Village a few years ago. My bohemienne of a friend convinced me I'd find tons of fantastic things there, which I did not. I bought a few other things, but the only thing I still own is this scarf. It came with a whole outfit, which I didn't buy, but managed to get it on its own. It's been through a lot - almost lost it a few times, worn it more ways than I can count, gotten various things on it which I have lovingly hand-washed out - and it's my favourite.

Do you have favourite scarves? Or favourite other items of clothing?

Photos: by my sister
Scarf: Value Village, no tag
Cardigan: consignment, no tag
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Shoes: from DSW
Top: Aritzia
Ring: from a consignment store in Halifax