Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Got Wind?

Why, hello! The inconsistency of my posting makes me pretty much a terrible
blogger, eh. I am happy to say that it's simply just life keeping me busy though.
No matter how many moves I put under my belt, I never cease to forget how
much it entails! One can never find enjoyment in packing, can they? I've also
been having oodles of friend time; in particular, my friend and I have been
frequenting this vegetarian restaurant, the Green Door. It's buffet style - i.e.
positively wonderful to finally have such an array of delicious and healthy goodies!
And since the weather has warmed (for the most part) and people can now enjoy
being outside, it seems like it's time again that the marches and rallies begin. This
makes me really happy. Marches, protests, and rallies are a great way to express
public opinion, cause change, and help us feel the power we have as people!
Tomorrow begins the World Wide March: Waking Up the Masses. Click
here to see if your city is partaking! As Margaret Mead puts it:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change 
the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Although, upon discovering her connections with the CIA and MK ULTRA, 
I'm not sure how that quote is to be read...perhaps I am using it all wrong...
It's been extremely windy lately and since I no longer can depend on my long
jacket to protect me from a Marilyn Monroe incident, I've been reaching for
those body-hugging skirts. Not necessarily my fave, but it's nice not to have to
worry about flashing the masses! I don't quite know what I will do when I move
to a village by the sea, which is needlessly to say, extraordinarily windy! I think
I might start veering towards longer skirts, eliminate the possibility altogether.
And I hope you're not getting sick of these boots yet...they've been my go-to
footwear as of late. I find they give any outfit this perfect rustic laid-back look.
Outfit:
Thrifted // Cardigan
Thrifted // Top
DIY // Necklace (see here)
Thrifted //Wool Vest
Thrifted // Belt 
Guess (oh, so old) // Skirt
Thrifted //Boots

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

T-Time


I am rather exited to discuss this outfit, and aren't I glad to have this outlet? For
I'm sure if I rambled on for five minutes about what I was wearing, the only thing
running through people's minds would be: Lordy, look at that vain Vivian. But
here I can go on and on and you beautiful, supportive woman will encourage me
even more! As you may have heard me say before, I'm definitely a Pinterest user.
It gives you fashion inspiration in an easy to manage and quick to look at way. I
also tend to peruse the internet for inspiration seeing as my job involves me sitting
at home in front of the computer and I barely watch movies and little television
(let's just say people in documentaries about social change and environmentalism
aren't the best to look to for fashion inspiration and I'm not about to dress like a
Games of Thrones extra no matter how much I dig the show). Anyways, so I
came across this French blogger who styled a graphic tee with a plaid skirt and
heels. Now while she may exude the whole effortlessly chic thing as most French
women do, I find I'm channeling more of a playful look.  Appropriate considering
I robbed this shirt from my little brother, You can see the re-working of it here.
Outfit:
Thrifted // Sweater
My brother's (DIY) // T-shirt 
Thrifted // Belt
Jacob (a gift) // Skirt
Thrifted // Wedges

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Sprightly in White

The Dawn was apple-green,
The sky was green wine held up in the sun,
The moon was a golden petal between.

She opened her eyes, and green
They shone, clear like flowers undone
For the first time, now for the first time seen.
   D.H. Lawrence, Green 
Hello and Happy Saturday! I'll keep today's post as light and fluffy as a warm
croissant fresh from the oven since my last post bombarded you with some pretty
heavy stuff. I don't know if it's because I've been excitedly planning my move and
spending ample of time with my friends or if I can attribute this to the weather, but
lately I just feel as if I have a spring in my step. And when you feel like that, well,
the day calls for a happy ensemble - and anything in white makes me happy. I've
been seeing outfits lately that consist of a white skirt and shirt, and instead of
clashing, the pieces worked together in perfect harmony. I'm all for this considering
white is hard to come by in thrift stores and this now doubles my wardrobe of
white ensembles. And today was an ideal day for wearing my grandmother's floral
necklace - for today, it's all about light and happy. Light and happy.
Outfit:
Vintage // My Grandma's Necklace 
Jacob // Shirt
Thrifted/ DIY // Skirt
Thrifted // Boots

Thursday, April 17, 2014

The Page Turner: Detroit, An American Autopsy

Am I ever excited to discuss this book! I know I've said this before, but
Martin ruined reading for me. Since reading the Song of Ice and Fire series
I have found most novels to be unimaginative, uninteresting, and bland. Lately,
I've found myself drawn towards real life stories, for as Mark Twain points
out: "Life is stranger than fiction, but it is because fiction is obliged to
stick to possibilities; Truth isn't."  Me reading this book was almost
inevitable - Paul has a certain affinity for Detroit. His love for the city began
as a child when he would don the Red Wings jersey and cheer for a team
miles from his own home. He recently took a trip to Detroit to see a game
in the Joe Louis Arena before they tear it down. So I've been listening to
the plight of Detroiters (from someone who sincerely believes that Detroit is
a victim) for years. I've also been seriously interested in the world in which
we now live in, a world of financial servitude. This book highlights the affects
of this, for when we live in an age of debt there will be problems. But I write
all this with compassion and love for humanity. If you're like me and you are a
child of knowledge, and want a bit of grit with your truth, then this book if for you!

Reasons to Read Detroit

1. If you're planning a trip to Detroit, this book will give you the
ins and outs of the city. For example, apparently it's not the
best idea to get gas on Gratiot Avenue. 

2. I was not aware that Detroit has such a multi-faceted
entertainment industry. The city offers plenty of things to do,
such as setting vacant houses on fire, urban adventuring,
and murder watching. Bored this weekend? Pack the kids
into that minivan and go watch a planned murder unfold. I
was astounded by all the crime that Detroit witnesses in
a year. In comparison, the city in which I live, Ottawa,
has around 200,000 more people than Detroit, yet in
2013 there were only 9 murders in Ottawa while in
Detroit the numbers were in the 300's. But even my
own city is experiencing an increase in crime, in 2012
we had seven murders. People, beware. I can't imagine
living in a city that murder is a common occurrence. I
even lived in a semi "bad" area of the city when I was in
university (I've witnessed a man beating his wife.  A coke
head tried to break into my friend's house next door via
the balcony because he had mistakenly thought it was his
drug dealer's house, which was the next unit over. And
our building was the target of arson). But that's just baby
talk in comparison to the daily events unfolding in Detroit.

3. If you're a follower of truth, this book is for you. I'm not
sure how much more honest LeDuff could be. Although,
my doubts about the "truthfulness" of our media, including
newspapers, is unwavering. As LeDuff puts it: "I love being a
newsman and I believe in the words carved in the sandstone
parapet of the News building : Troubler of the Public
Conscience. But that ideal had become as ossified as the
statue of Benjamin Franklin up there. From New York to
Los Angeles, American newspapers were yellow and stale
before they even came off the press. Dog-beaten by a dwindling
readership, financial losses and partisan attacks, editors had
stripped them of their personality in an attempt to offend no one.
And so there was no more reason to read them. Safety before
Truth. Grammar over Guts. Winners before Losers.


4.  Despite all the crime, corruption, and evil that exists, not only in
Detroit but everywhere in the world, this book will reinforce the
idea that good does exist. Although, the path of good is not always
the easiest to walk. "When a well-packaged web of lies has been
sold gradually to the masses over generations, the truth will
seem utterly preposterous and its speaker a raving lunatic."
Dresden James

5. Journalists produce great books. This may not be the rule, but the
ones that I've read are wonderful to read. It must be the journalism
background and the use of all their attention-grabbing devices that
make these books captivating page-turners. Another good read to
check out is The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson.

6. (As they say) History often repeats itself. The story of a town or city
booming, gaining wealth, putting itself on the map as an important place,
and then the eventful downfall of that city or town. This usually happens after
the area has been depleted of its natural resources and wealth. New areas
with copious amounts of possible-riches must be sought. People move. 
The once never quiet city has now become a ghost town. Do we hope
that Mother Nature will be able to undue all the damage we have caused or
do we believe the world is large enough for all of our excessive desires?
On a positive note: the beaver, who had not been seen in the Detroit area
for a century, has been spotted once again.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

April is Capricious

The smell
Of recent rain
Hit my nose
Cold
From melting
Winter's grip
     Raymond A. Foss

Spring is as diverse as a Toronto sidewalk. Sunday: thunderstorms. Monday: plus
28. Today: minus 11 and snowy, very snowy. Since I'm a baby (and packed away
all my winter things) I invited a friend over to my place for our coffee date rather
than me braving the weather and going to our usual cafe. As we sipped our steaming
hot coffee (mine seriously cooled by the copious amount of cream I use) I couldn't
help but think the snowy scene outside with its fluffy snowflakes resembled more of
a December day than it did an April day. Do April snowfalls bring May flowers?
 
And to think that just yesterday I stepped out of the house in this! After months of
piling on the layers to walk outside with so little clothing gives me the feeling of being
entirely too exposed. I mean, look at all that skin I'm putting on display! And now it's
two posts in a row that I'm rocking my new wool vest. I don't know how I ever
survived before with a closet deprived of vests. I think it's now my new favourite
thing to layer a bright cardigan underneath my black vest. And just think of all the
layering possibilities this vest provides! A fashion bloggers dream piece really.
Outfit:
Thrifted // Vest
Thrifted // Cardigan
DIY // Necklaces
Thrifted // Satchel 
Handmade // Skirt
Garage Sale // Ring
Thrifted // Wedges

Saturday, April 12, 2014

The Price of Fashion

Hello there! Hope you're having a wonderful Saturday. The spring weather feels as
if it's here to stay! That not only substantially effects my wardrobe, but you will also
witness an insanely elevated mood. But I just can't help myself; the snow has melted
and my world is filled with colour once again.  While I once shielded myself from
the bitter wind, I now turn to the warm breeze with open arms. I am in absolute
love with my job, too. I'm so thankful for a job that allows me to slip away and
enjoy the beautiful weather. For me, that was indeed one of the most dreaded
aspects about working  a regular job; to be cooped inside being denied the out-
doors. It's just Murphy's Law too that it will rain on your day off. I never worry
about that anymore! And I'm positive Kobe has no complaints with that! 
I'm really starting to wish that I had jumped on the bandwagon when combat
boots were in the heyday of their popularity. They are so comfortable and the
perfect boot for those long walks with the dog in unpaved territory, often quite
muddy. Have you seen the documentary (or, constant torturous flashes of cruelty)
Earthlings? I do not recommend it for the faint of heart. For the longest time I
have toyed with the idea of becoming a vegetarian and steering clear of purchasing
leather. After watching this documentary (the entire time crying. No, bawling) I
had no choice but to finally take that plunge into a world of personal protest. I
still strongly believe that as humans it's natural for us to eat meat. I would never
tell a lion that it had to change its diet to a plant based one. There might be some
problems. But where our food comes from is not the quaint little farm that is
shown on the packaging. We are not like the Native Americans who inhabited
this land before us. We do not use the same cows for our leather that we do our
meat. It's unfortunate, but did we really expect more from a world dominated by
corporations? All that being said, I now have pledged to buy only used leather,
from thrift stores and vintage shops. Better in my hands than in a landfill, right?
So I'm glad I bought these boots before this whole no-leather thing and I'm now
I'm wishing I had bought them in every colour at the time!
Outfit:
Thrifted // Wool Vest
Thrifted // Sweater
Vintage Stud Re-Purposed // Necklace
Thrifted // Top
Thrifted // Skirt
Thrifted // Belt
DIY // Leg Warmers
Hush Puppies // Combat Boots

Monday, April 07, 2014

Spring Into Action

Good day! It's finally starting to feel like spring, and I couldn't be happier. It was
wonderful to open up the windows this weekend and allow the breeze to sweep
through the apartment.  I love being able to gallivant about the city and enjoy the
time spent going from shop to shop. I'm glad the weather has improved as well
since I would like to explore my city, especially some places I haven't yet been,
before I leave. For the past year and a half I've lived across the most adorable
cupcake shop and have always eyed their exquisite desserts sitting in the window.
Stepping inside was even more of a delight. With Victorian style tables and
chairs mixed with rustic shelves, and the pleasant aroma of cupcakes baking,
this shop with its old-fashioned charm is the perfect place to treat yourself.
Better yet, this shop is all organic and even caters to the vegans.  I've recently
cut all meat and fish from my diet (protest for way animals are treated), so I've
been trying to immerse myself into that world. If anyone has any delicious recipes,
please do send my way! my goal is to try at least one new recipe a week, which
is definitely an easy enough challenge, if it can be called that.
Since it's been so lovely outside lately (putting aside the snowy Saturday) I wanted
to wear something bright that makes me think of spring. It's hard to let go of that
black though. I find living in a place with very defined seasons creates very defined
seasonal colour palettes. If you're thinking of wearing pastels, neons, or just bright
colours in general in the bleak cold months you can bet you'll be sticking out (which is a
wallflower's nightmare).  But that's all over now! It's time for loud prints and notice
me colours. Just a little less snow on the ground and the floral crowns are coming out!
Outfit:
Thrifted // Cardigan
Winners // Dress
Thrifted // Boots
Thrifted // Boots 
Made by Me // Necklace

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Hibernation is Over

Why, hello! It's been so long I feel as if I should introduce myself once again.
I wasn't expecting to have such a long absence from my blog; I was waiting on
nice weather and, well, it was one hell of a long wait.  Even just several days ago
it was -17. That's a Canadian spring for ya. The sun is now out though and that
icky white stuff is finally disappearing, much to my delight! Perhaps in my past
life I was a bear? But......I'm uber, uber excited to announce that this was
officially my last Ottawa winter! In just a couple of months we will no longer
belong to a bustling city and instead we will live a simpler life in an ocean-side
village (and more importantly, this place has milder winters, for the most part).

As some of you may know, Paul and I have been kind of re-working our lives
in an attempt to be as green as possible (for lack of a better phrase). Sometimes
I find it difficult to be self-sufficient in the heart of the city. I'm excited to be
by my mother as well, who is also on her own quest for a greener life. It's easier
to do so when you have some land to work with. Good-bye tiny apartment living
 (400 sq. feet is a boxed cage, people!) and hello, both living and green space! 
It'll be wonderful for Kobe to have some walks that don't include sidewalks and
he can finally sniff some trees instead of garbage cans. Poor city dogs, eh. And
I'm excited to hear silence again and to see the stars (well, more than a couple).
  Needless to say, I'm stoked and I've got a couple of busy months coming up!
I've discovered something new lately. Vests. Yes, vests. I think I may be behind
on just about everything when it comes to fashion, but better late than never as
 they say! Could there be a more perfect layering piece? Especially on those sunny
days with a biting wind. I made a couple of vests myself out of old sweaters
and blazers, but I'm definitely making a bee-line to the vest section on my next
 shopping outing.  And just when I've acquired a new love for polka dots, my
friend was purging her closet and I was lucky enough to thrift this dress - I
just love the subtle dots and I've certainly been wearing it enough.
Outfit:
Thrifted // Wool Hat
Thrifted/DIY // Wool Vest
GAP // Wool Sweater
DIY // Necklace
My friend // Dress
DIY // Leg Warmers
Soc Moc // Hus Puppies Combat Boots

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