November 10, 2015

i see you




I'm blind as a bat, it's a fact.  Most days I wear contacts simply for their convenience, so when I do wear eyeglasses I want them to be fun and accessorize my outfit.

It should be no surprise that I'm inspired by vintage frames.  I bought my first pair of cat-eyed, silver etched frames when I was about 15 years old. At the time I didn't even need to wear glasses.  Funny thing is, I have never been able to get rid of them.  I guess they sort of symbolize the beginning of my love for vintage.

Recently, I have been on the hunt for a new pair of frames.  The last pair I purchased were a pair of gold metal over-sized frames, so this time around I wanted to find something completely different.  I was looking online for inspiration when I came across the company, Warby Parker.  

When I visited their site,  it was their philosophy that first appealed to me before I even had a chance to look through their catalogue; to offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price while leading the way for socially conscious businesses.

The company's founders felt that consumers should be able to purchase well-made, fashion forward eyewear and not be left for broke! And if that wasn't enough, Warby Parker has partnered with non-profits like VisionSpring to ensure that for every pair of glasses sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need.  I love that, looking good and feeling good!

After exercising all of my strength to bypass their sunglasses collection, I headed to eyewear and their latest Winter 2015 Collection.  

Here are the contenders: 


'The Baker' from the Winter 2015 Collection


The shape of the frame is what first appealed to me about the 'The Baker'.  While I love a heavy thick frame, they usually don't suit my face.  I have a narrow face with deep set eyes and freckles.  In other words, there is already a lot going on and to add a dark heavy frame to the mix just becomes too much.  The problem is, I really love a dark heavy frame.
Because this frame houses a larger lens in proportion to the frame, it gives off the illusion of being heavy without crowding my face. I also love the warm tones that will add as contrast to my mostly black wardrobe :)


Then I found 'The Chelsea' and fell in love <3.

 'The Chelsea" from the Winter 2015 Collection


I have tried clear frames on before, and while you would think they would disappear on most faces, they stand out and look kind of strange on mine.   Blush clear frames however, are much softer on my face and achieve the look I want, while remaining flattering.  These frames also have a 60's feel to them that I think would work great with both the vintage and modern clothes in my closet.  I have been eyeing (pun intended) this colour frame for a while now but haven't been able to find the right shape for me.  The Chelsea frame is ideal and unlike anything I have ever worn before.  Yes!  I think we have a winner...what do you think?



For a more about  Warby Parker, visit here



August 29, 2015

something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue




I love it when you find a garment that is so versatile that you could wear it everyday and never wear it the same way twice!




I found these coveralls on a whim, perfectly distressed with no need for alterations.  Sometimes a find takes a little of vision to make it right, but these had a mind all their own.




Whether it was a fashion show, alpaca farm or blog shoot, worn with sneakers, a designer bag or stacked jewels, they just work!  I just can't get enough. xx






something old-coveralls, something new-shoes, something borrowed-clutch, something blue-sunnies!




Coveralls (vintage, Mama Loves You, Toronto, ON). Shoes (Zara). Sunglasses (market find). Tapestry clutch (Antik Bantik). Necklaces (Afghan necklace-Mama Loves You; Pendant necklace, vintage; Multi-strand beaded necklace (F21; Afghan necklace worn on wrist-Mama Loves You).


Photos Renza

July 01, 2015

how to wear a one-piece jumpsuit on those hot summer days





I love the idea of a one-piece jumpsuit, but during the summer months it can be too warm, and you may just want to show a little more skin. No problem, toss on a tank or your favourite crop top, tie the sleeves of the jumpsuit around your waist or let them hang from your hips. Instantly you have a completely different look sure to keep you both feeling and looking cool.








Flight suit (second-hand, Lost & Found Vintage, Royal Oak, MI). T-shirt (Vera Moda). Bowling shoes (vintage, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON). Sheriff pin (vintage, Jones & Company, Windsor, ON). JFK pin (vintage, Royal Oak, MI). Turquoise rings (gifts). Bracelets (Giles & Brother, J. Crew, Courage My Love). Afghan Cuff (Mama Loves You, Toronto, ON).














Photos A Mingay

June 20, 2015

steve's place - detroit mi










I was reminded of a shoot that we did last year (that for whatever reason I never posted), upon hearing the news that Steve, owner of the famous 'Steve's Place' in Detroit, MI. was not in good health.
It was just after 11am on a Sunday in a deserted downtown Detroit when we walked into the bar to find Steve and his wife Sophie sitting in the back.   My friend Cathy and I ordered a couple of Pabst Blue Ribbon bottles (when in Rome) and struck up an easy conversation with Steve.  He offered us a shot of schnapps, on the house (may I remind you it was 11am :) to drink with our beer. I had heard from friends that this was a regular thing for Steve to do and because it seemed like it would have been offensive to turn him down, we accepted.
Steve was quite smitten with the photo shoot, even standing in a few of the shots.  A downtown fixture for over 40 years, I am sure Steve has seen his share of events.  Not sure a photo shoot for a vintage fashion blog was on the list before this day, so my heart smiles as I wish for comfort to you Steve.  xx















Photos C Miller

June 12, 2015

my resort 2016 gold stars



Hands down my favourite collection in years. Every piece was magic at Gucci.  
Bravo Alessando Michele!

 You had me at the dress, then I saw the boots and lost my mind; J.W. Anderson

The perfect mini dress has always made me feel taller than I really am; Fendi

The ideal white boot at Costume National

Show me some poppies and I instantly fall in love; Stella McCartney

 Volume that makes a statement but remains feminine at Rosie Assoulin

Athletic socks and a string bikini necklace at MM6 Maison Margiela. Inspired. 
And who knew a band-aid could look so chic?

A fresh twist on a classic at J.W. Anderson

Being that the 70's are my favourite decade for dresses, Lanvin was A+ in my book.

 Dress + Black + Volume = Love at Cynthia Rowley

When shoes are this beautiful, they don't have to be practical; Altuzarra

Photos Style.com