Mad Maverick

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 

                         Boy, was it ever hot and humid today! All these layers were most

unnecessary, but after getting dressed I was steadfast in wearing

this outfit (such a lousy idea). So, due to my stubbornness, I sweated

profusely all day. Now that I've painted you a pretty picture of my day...

Lately I've been seeing people rock vests with dresses and I really

like the look of it. My pining has put me in a conundrum however, for

I don't own any vests and I have yet to come across one that suits my

desires. Hah, that's the trouble with thrifting sometimes (or always);

it's a lot of searching and hunting, often through junk, to find the gold.

Then again, that is half the fun. So until I come across a vest that suits

my desires I'll have to make due with what I've got. I rummaged

through my closet and found this; I think it suffices, for now.

I'm excited to show off my latest DIY jewelry project: the leaf bracelet.

Being the hoarder that I am (I prefer to say landfill reducer) I have

a bunch of unwanted jewelry just sitting in my craft box, including

these large leaf tiered earrings. I'm big into studs and had no use for

these, so I took them apart and one of the things I created was this 

bracelet. The leaf only had a hole in one end of it so I had to create a

hole in the other end. I have jewelry bits lying around so I created a

band a finished it off with a lobster claw. I think this has to be, by far, 

my favourite DIY jewelry project to date, I mean you probably

thought the DIY project was the beaded bracelets, nuh-uh! (Yes, I

proudly patted myself on the back after this one)

Outfit

Dress: Thrifted

Bag: H&M

Sweater: Thrifted

Belt: Thrifted

Leaf Bracelet: DIY

Necklaces: Thrifted

Hat: Thrifted

Garnish with Grit

Our laughter falls sparkling 
As the mauve raindrops bright
When they fall through the light
With the briefest delight. 
      Edith Sitwll, The Mauve Summer Rain 

Confidence is a funny thing, isn't it? I absolutely adore this hat; I love

the deep brown colour, the cute bow, the floppiness of it...everything. 

Yet it only gets worn on days I feel comfortable and self-assured (and

when Paul has the day off). What's with that?! I've heard before that

confidence is the best accessory; I'd have to agree with that one. So I

put on some confidence today and wore that beloved hat of mine!

There's just something about a hat that spices up an ensemble, 

wouldn't you agree? Paul and I spent the afternoon sipping ice cold

beverages with friends on a patio under the sun, and I thought this

floppy hat fitted the scene perfectly.  The two of us have been cramming

our schedules with as much friend-time as possible before pursuing this

uprooting move. I'm nervous about that aspect of the move; my ability,

or inability, to make new friends. It's not the same as when I was five,

the age where one could simply walk to the nearest park and join in on

the game of Sand-Man being played. Oh, moving can be daunting can't it?

This outfit to me screams "Autumn!" Although, if it were truly Autumn 

I wouldn't be wearing a t-shirt, flats, and no tights, it would be way 

too chilly for that, I do live in Canada after all. But the colours are 

reminiscent of my favourite season. Do you do that as well? I always 

forget, in my anticipation for the next season, to just live in the moment.

I think it would be quite the shock for me to move to a place in the world 

that doesn't have such defined, distinctive seasons. 

Outfit

Skirt: Thrifted

Top: Thrifted (dress worn as a top)

Bag: Thrifted

Moccasins: Moccasins Canada 

Belt: Thrifted

Hat: Thrifted

Feather Pendent: DIY

Charm Bracelet: Thrifted/DIY

Necklace: c/o Chicwish via Chictopia

DIY SKIRT

       I know I've sung this song before, but I just hate it when something is put away, 
collecting dust. I live downtown as well, which means next to no
closet space (things are fighting for hangers). This poncho was tucked away, ignored. I

was thrilled to find it at a second-hand store, only $3 and such a vibrant print, I couldn't

   say no! However, I've worn it a total of ZERO times. I was nervous doing this project,

 I so very much wanted it to work out and not ruin the fabric. I'm no master at this, 

  and you'd probably be better off following instructions from someone more experienced 

than I, but it shows how almost anything can be revamped to suit your desires! 
(And that even a novice like me can manage a bit of sewing)

1. Materials: Scissors, thread and needle, measuring tape, fabric, safety pins and an elastic waistband.
2. Next I cut the poncho in half. Now I have the front and back of my skirt. 
3. At this point I just played with the material, figuring out what style I wanted and measuring it to my needs. Once I did this I pinned it in place. 
4. A rough idea as to what the finished product will look like. 

1. Sew the fabric to the waistband (the bottom). I bunched mine up a little because I like the look of it and it allows for better stretching when I put it on. 
2. Sew the sides of the skirt. I do everything by hand. It would be much easier, and I'm sure more precise, but I have yet to get the hang of my machine. Repeatedly throughout this project I would put on the skirt to make sure the measurements were correct (pins are your best friend). 
3. Almost done! Well done if I didn't want it to be shorter. 
4. I wanted the skirt to be a tad shorter, especially since the ends reminded me of a throw blanket. I folded where I wanted to the hemline to be and then ironed it (this keeps it in place when sewing, a HUGE help). 

Battle of the Blondes

Look! (high, squeaky voice) I found another painted wall! It seems to be

 quite popular, this outdoor art thing. My switch from an obsession with 

doors to an obsession with wall art couldn't have come at a better time, 

with the whole door shortage in Ottawa and all....Just when I think I've 

exhausted my findings, I'll be out and about and bang! a painted wall. 

I have to text the whereabouts to myself, knowing my sense of direction, 

I would never find the place again! I didn't even know my way around

my university, even in my last year. Getting lost is inevitable for me. 

You know when you have those items of clothing that barely ever see

the light of day and you wonder how they haven't been eaten by moths

by now? And then, once putting one of those poor forgotten things on, 

you exclaim to yourself, "Why, just why, don't I wear this more often?!"?

 That's how I feel every time I wear this top, which has been a total of two 

times. I definitely play favourites with my closet. Honest, without this blog 

 I'd probably be a cartoon character, always wearing the same old thing. 

I'm not sure as to why this top slips my mind when I get dressed in the 

morning, anything with daisies is a winner in my books. I also love anything

in white (despite my inability to keep it clean and stain-free, thank you stain

remover). And, of course, the peplum! I have hips for the first time ever! 

One of the reasons I've been coming across clothing and jewelry that

has been tucked away is because of all the packing for the move. My

home has been turned upside down, it's quite the daunting task! The

last time I moved it was chaotic, rushed, and downright stressful. 

Not this time. Goal: stop being such a procrastinator! I don't want to 

be rushing to the store for packing tape the morning of the move. 

Outfit:

Top (Lulu's, c/o Chicwish)

Skirt (Guess)

Belt (Thrifted)

Sandals (Given to me by my Mom, 

gotta love when things don't fit others!)

Noir et Blanc

So... is there any way I can convince you that Kobe and I
matching was entirely unintentional? I taught him this trick
where he searches among his twenty-some-odd bandannas
and then picks out the one he "wants." The gem of this trick
is that he smells several different ones, making it appear 
as if he's truly contemplating which colour he wants to wear
that day (who knows, maybe he is)! All day I couldn't shake 
this feeling that Paul Rudd and Jason Segel would walk by me
and exclaim, "Look! See, that's a Bowser." 

On one of our excursions around the city, Paul and I came 

across this wall. You can understand my excitement, for I

love a good painted wall! This one is my favourite so far; 

the entire wall is done up with a set of Matryoshka dolls. 

And is this not the best background for a black and white

ensemble?! Before I move away I would like to do a post

featuring each doll, they're awesome!

Last night Paul and I watched a movie in a park. This park, 

an easy five minute walk away, has been hosting movies

on weekend nights all summer long. Situated in the heart

of downtown, surrounded by residential and business 

buildings, with traffic on every side, is located a little

square of green space. There are a few parks in Ottawa

that remind me of the Cremorne or Vauxhall Pleasure 

Gardens that are in London. Yesterday was the final 

movie of the season; I was ecstatic upon my discovery

that Dirty Dancing was scheduled to play! I haven't seen

it in years but in high school I swear I could recite all of 

Baby's lines. It was a lovely summer evening.

Outfit:

Maxi Skirt: Thrifted

Top: Thrifted

Shoes: Spring

Ring: Thrifted

Silver Bracelets: Given as gifts

Belt: Thrifted

Leather Bag: Thrifted

Wayward Wanderings

Everything is kissed and reticulated with sun

Scooped-up and cupped in the open fronts of shops

And bouncing on the traffic that never stops.

       Louis MacNeice- Morning Sun 

I'm starting to get suspicious...It's August and I'm

wearing a dress and a skirt, with flats. This is what

 I remember from past summers: sweating profusely 

from simply standing outside, life and especially

sleep was almost unbearable sans the AC, and my

ensembles were light, uncomplicated and free of

layers. This summer however, I've used the AC only

a handful of times, mostly for relief for Kobe and Marley,

who are burdened with fur. What's going on Mama N.?!

Although, I'm not really complaining, the time in which I

can rock lats without wearing tights with my skirts and

dresses has been lengthened, yay! And above all that, it

is rather pleasant not having my body covered in a layer 

of sweat. It's all pros and cons. 

Whenever I wear knapsacks, especially when paired
 with a girly skirt, I feel as if I'm channeling my inner
little kid. Who am I kidding? I'm always channeling my 
inner five year-old self; she was much more carefree 
and truly knew how to have fun! Speaking of knapsacks...
it's the second summer since graduation and I still feel
as if I should be included in this back to school fever. I 
want to be buying textbooks, taking in that wonderful
new-book smell. Or making my schedule, filling my week
with classes that give meaning to each day. Now all my 
days feel mashed into one giant unanimous day. It doesn't
help that I work from home either. Of course, there are plenty
of good things that come with growing up...such as owning a
dog! That shows how mature I am, right? I mean, he could
die if I didn't fill his bowls with food and water. Alright, I
believe that's enough rambling for today!

Outfit:

Skirt: Thrifted/DIY

Backpack: Garage sale 

Flats: Spring

Pendant: DIY 

Dress worn as Top: American Apparel 

A Day of Difference

Your hands hold roses always in a way that says 
They are not only yours
       Richard Wilbur 

Wearing my hair up is something I usually never do, and boy did I feel uncomfortable! Also, was I ever cold. I never realized how much warmth my hair provided, hah. I wanted to do something different with my hair though, I'm always doing the same thing. However, I neither want to cut nor dye my hair so I'm pretty much left with styling it various ways. I'm surprised my milkmaid braids turned out as well as they did; I'm a complete novice, with an incapability of being creative, when it comes to hair do's. 

I've been spending lots and lots of time with my younger sister lately, getting plenty of doses of each other before I move away. Anyways, the other day she (ever so lovingly) told me that my ring finger accent nail was boring and that I should do a different finger. Needless to say, I listened. A riveting change to get excited about, I know, haha. I love having a sister for this kind of stuff though. I wore my accent nail on my ring finger around my brother for two whole weeks and he said nothing. Well, that's not entirely true. He did ask, "Do you always wear your nails like that?" It was faint interest. That's quite alright though, that's what my sis is here for! 

Shirt: Thrifted

Skirt: DIY

Fringe Leather Bag: Thrifted 

Fringe Sandals: Aldo 

Rock Ring: Thrifted

Just Another Summer Day

Before I go on to discuss anything else, I must ask, is this skirt orange? Sometimes I think it's tawny, other times I think it's downright orange. I can't decide and it's become quite the pressing issue right now. I know I promised bright and colourful summery looks before we transition into Autumn...but I just can't help myself, I'm drawn to the warm colours of Fall like an ant is to a picnic. 

This is now my favourite outfit- for me, the word "favourite" is used loosely, applied to many things, and changes frequently. Seriously though,  this outfit is almost as comfortable as my pajamas and I just adore lace (what could be more sweet and feminine than lace?) And I can wear brown with it, my absolute favourite colour. There I go again, throwing around that word. 

I feel my Nanny deserves a shout out in this post. This wonderful woman has always given me jewelry for gifts, for which I am immensely grateful- I'm like a magpie when it comes shiny things! When I was out east recently, I was given a handful of various pieces to add to my collection- it was as if Christmas came in July! These bell earrings are probably the cutest things I own and this agate pendant was made for me, I want to wear it 

each and every day. 

Outfit:

Skirt: Thrifted

Lace dress worn as top: Thrifted

Bag: Thrifted 

Studded belt: Thrifted

Bell earrings and agate pendant: 

gifts from my Nanny

Pink and Yellow and all things Mellow

Tie the white fillets then about your hair
And think no more of what will come to pass
Than bluebirds that go walking on the grass
And chattering on the air. 
    John Crowe Ransom- Blue Girls 

The past few days have been a bit on the chilly side, which reminds me that

autumn- my favourite season- is just around the corner, patiently waiting its turn. 

In the meantime, I'm going to go all out with summery outfits- for some reason, 

a floral crown seems out of place during the dark and dreary winter months when the

 ground is not sprinkled with colourful  little flowers but instead is suffocated under

 mounds of snow. Or, on the contrary, would a floral crown be a bright pick-me-upper and

make me cheerful when I am surrounded by shades of gray and black? Wait. I'm 

already talking about winter? And I'm not even wearing a floral crown in this post! 

 All I was trying to say is, with last weeks of summer I'm going to be as

 bright and light as I can possibly be!  

I haven't yet found a shade of orange that really suits me, so for now I stick to small

dozes of the colour. I usually think of orange as an autumn colour, but with these yellow

and pink flowers in doesn't look Halloween-ish in the slightest! I'm excited to wear this 

skirt into the late summer too- I have the most absolute best cardigan (to which the bf 

refers to as my grandma sweater) to match with! The two were made for each other.

When life goes your way like that you just have to smile. They say it's the simple things. 

Outfit:

Skirt (Thrifted/DIY)

White top (Thrifted dress)

Leather Fringe Bag (Thrifted)

Fringe Sandals (Aldo)

Butterfly Pendant: Gift from my Nanny 

Being Thrifty: DIY Cork Keychain

Recently I've been searching for DIY projects involving corks- I have a bag of them that just needs to go. And, what better way is there to pass time than making things I don't truly need?  I stumbled upon a wine cork keychain that had the most precious little grape trinket, on Pinterest of course, and it definitely seemed a task I could master. It was super simple to do, and it took less than fifteen minutes! This thing certainly doesn't require many materials either, another bonus. I was lucky to have everything at home, saving myself a trip to the store.  So here is my (sparkling) wine cork keychain, hope you enjoy! 

Materials: 

 1. A wine or sparkling wine cork. I thought the larger cork might be a bit sturdier.

2. A key ring. I just took this one off my original key set, and voila! 

3. A screw eye. A second one is needed if you want to add a trinket at the other end. 

4. (Optional) Trinket.  I chose a sea shell and rope for a beachy-summery feel.