DIY: Shoulder Cut-out

image credit: pixie market via knight cat

I first spotted the shoulder cut-out detail on the Acne Amon printed chiffon blouse. Ever since, I've pretty much had cutouts on the brain really. That is, until I saw this studded collar shoulder cut-out shirt (such a mouthful no?) which sent bells a-ringing in my head. Although I prefer the shoulders on the Amon, the studded collar sure adds a lot of character.

I'm a wham bam thank you m'am kind of girl and try to look for DIYs that are on the same wavelength. Nitty gritty, down and dirty? Not really for me. Easy peasy lemon squeezy? We're in business. And it looks to me like I just found my next little side project.  All I need are some studs, a pair of scissors and a collared shirt. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out. Of course, if you happen to beat me to it, pray share.

Hope you're all faring well this week. Talk soon!

Bisous,

Abi

Ruffles Have Ridges

Hey crisps/chips lovers, I'm not talking about the Frito-Lay's slogan for crisps here. Casual and floppy, crisp and tailored; from fluttering frills to pleating, draping and twisting, ruffles have apparently been detailed on garments since as far back as the Victorian and Edwardian era (think high necklines decorated with lace ruffles or shirt sleeves with ruffle trimmings). Although my love for ruffles goes as far back as this time period, it wasn't until Alber Elbaz went on a ruffle-craze in the Lanvin Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection that I began to fully appreciate it. And now, I can't seem to get enough as this and this would testify.

I got this blouse from H&M a while back and recently discovered it wasn't lost like I had thought, only hiding out in the back of my wardrobe. The blouse is like a story of boy meets girl, edwardian meets modern, happy meets sad (that last one is not necessarily true, just in for kicks). I love the way the ruffles and silk fabric add a subtle and unapologetic feminine touch to what might otherwise have been bland shirt.

Paired with a bandage skirt thrown together by my cousin in less than 5 minutes. The only thing? I wasn't pre-warned that this fabric hates being anyhwere below your mid-thighs and would only let you know this by riding up to unwelcomed heights (thankfully, no indecent exposure here...maybe next time).

So, are you a fan of ruffles then? No hun, not the crisps....

Happy Tuesday everybody!

Bisous,

Abs

Out of the Jungle and Into the City

Animal prints will forever be classic. Personally, I find that it can either be pleasantly pleasing or a tragic disaster; and boy, have I had/seen my share. I chose to go back to the roots with this leopard print turtle neck. I found it at a vintage boutique in Camden a while back and thought I couldn't possibly go astray with this one. You might be thinking turtle neck at the peak of the summer? But I assure you it's a light velvet fabric that transitions easily through the seasons, and I would be adding more layers to this right on into Fall.

top: vintage; shorts: Boutique Jacob/DIY; belt: River Island

 

I am highly tempted to hop on the midnight train to Montreal for the Osheaga Festival Musique et Arts. They've got the likes of Metric, Keane, K'naan and Robyn lined up. But then I'll be cheating on Toronto, and missing all the fun events taking place this weekend. We've got another long weekend here, and although I have no idea as to why, I am definitely not complaining. We are at the peak of the summer, and there is no time like now to hit the beach, take in some live music, sit out on the patio sipping fruity drinks or spend countless hours at a vintage sale. If you happen to be in the Toronto area this weekend, there is the monthly Chosen Ones Vintage Sale at 107 Shaw Gallery on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-6pm. I've been meaning to go head down these past couple of months, but was always caught up in other things. Hopefully it works out for me this weekend.

What do you think of animal prints? Yay or Nay?

What are your plans for the weekend friends? Pray tell.....whatever you do, hope you remain safe!

Bisous,

Abs

Gender Defiant

 top: mum's oldie; hat: vintage; jeans: diy; shoes: aldo; bangle: h & m; watch: guess

The last thing I want to wear during the summer months are jeans that hug my legs and make it difficult for them to breath. That's where boyfriend jeans come into play. Baggy but not buoffant, they are a comfortable substitute for skinnies, and a nice replacement for cutoffs. I paired them with this top I snagged from my mum's closet a while ago. I love the black rosebuds against the white background.

I'll be taking in some music at the International Jazz Fest. Have a great weekend everyone!

Bisous,

Abs