Colourful Prints

Canada celebrated her 143rd birthday yesterday. Happy belated Canada day to my Canadian guests. It was a fun day spent at  my friend's backyard taking in the lovely weather barbecuing while sipping on some cool lemonade, and eating to my hearts content. I loved every minute of it.

I spent a huge chunk of today watching both football games out on the patio with bigger fanatics than I. Was so pleased to see the Netherlands beat out Brazil (sorry to the Brazilian supporters). I just think the unexpected adds a little extra spice to the games. No? And besides,  I think other teams deserve a chance too.

On the way back, we walked past stretches of beautifully painted walls. I thought it a perfect opportunity for photos.

blouse: h&m; shorts: f 21; boots: ms. selfridge; bag: mum's oldie

I'm so knackered right now I can barely type. I'll be sitting out on the balcony with a chilled smoothie and a good book (currently reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini); where I'd possibly end up taking a quick snooze.

Any plans for the weekend? Catch you later.

Bisous,

Abs

La Belle Époque

The period from between 1895 and 1914 was referred to as La Belle Époque by the French. Known as the Edwardian era in Britain, it was an epoch of beautiful clothes...among other things of course. Why the history lesson? Well, when I spotted the blouse I'm wearing in the shop, that's exactly what popped into my head. I was reminded of the Gibson Girl, and a look consisting of embroidered blouses and full, long skirts (see below).

image credit: costumes.org

 

 blouse: vintage; shorts: f21; belt: zara; bag: ms. selfridge; loafers: some random shop (but topshop does a similar pair here)

I love the detailing along the neck and across the arms, the semi-puffy sleeves, chiffon material, and the nude colour...perfect for my summer wardrobe. All I needed to complete my "Gibson Girl" look was a tie/scarf, full maxi skirt, a hat, and a hand-held fan. There's a lot I'm missing there. Luckily for me, this is neither the 19th Century, nor a fancy dress party (sorry people). I decided to pair the blouse with a pair of denim shorts and fringed loafers. It was sunny and beautiful outside, and anything else would have resulted in some kind of individually-experienced-heat-wave.

Marc Jacobs was inspired by the Gibson Girl for his Spring 2009 ready to wear collection (top row). John Galliano also played with the look for his Spring 2010 couture show in Paris (bottom row).

 image credit: style.com, W magazine, bellajuliet

Care to opine on the look? Do you think it's something you'll be trying out anytime soon? Halloween is a while away, but a costume idea perhaps? 

I'll be watching Twilight: Eclipse tonight. It's finally out in Toronto, and yes I'm a huge fan (guilty pleasure). Has anyone seen the movie yet?

Bisous, 

Abs

Village of Hazelton

The official 'sister & me' day. We engaged in one of my favourite past times- people watching, while having a lovely 3 hour lunch (yes, we like to completely digest our food and get crazy hungry even before leaving the restaurant) on a very sunny terrace. Then it was off to shopping for randoms, the bookshop, and of course stopping  off for some apple and cinnamon pie with a nice cup of tea. 

dress- vintage, shoes- aldo, jewellery- thrifted/h&m

I am wearing this vintage dress I bought a little while back from 69 Vintage. I love the shapes that immediately got me thinking of fiery dragons for reasons unknown. I decided to pair it with leggings since I felt it a tad too short; and was not too trusting of the wind. Surprisingly enough, the dress remained faithful and stayed defiant against the gusts of wind that were looking to shame me. Ha! Might wear it again sans the leggings.


Hope you are all having a pleasant weekend!

Bisous,

Abs 

All The World's A Stage

You know you are a dedicated fan of music festivals when neither the smog-filled downtown core, the constant shoving nor the stench of sweat combined with alcohol and body odour, can keep you at bay. Such was the atmosphere in Toronto yesterday as crowds gathered for the North by Northeast Festival. Blimey, I salute the lot of you!

Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of a good party, and an even bigger fan of good music; but I just could not stomach it. In all my two minutes of being there, I was elbowed, shoved around and inhibited from taking one quarter-decent photo as my hands were forced to stay at attention on either side due to the lack of space (barely enough to breathe). Needless to say, I left shortly after and headed to the relatively quiet Annual Taste of Little Italy. I caught up with the Brazil vs. Cote D'Ivoire game, ate some great food and had some good laughs.

And there was music at the Taste of Little Italy. This artist Dr. Draw (http://www.myspace.com/doctordraw) is, in my opinion, very talented and unique in the way he fuses classical music with rock, electronica and pop. Beautifully crafted.

I'm off to watch one of my faves-Marion Cotillard- in Jeux d'enfants; even as I try to fall asleep (It's past midnight in Toronto).

Bisous,

Abs