LAURA KIDD: blogger

11.8.15

pinstripe 70s vibe

The thought of getting dressed in the morning has always motivated me to go to school or work. College is when I began really experimenting with clothing and it was the driving force waking me up from bed at 6 am. I loved school and I love my job now but sometimes I need a little help getting excited to get out of bed and on with my day. Dressing just does that for me.

I wanted to share another work outfit with you. One of my favourite things to do is get dressed for work. Every morning is a fresh slate and I can look completely different from the previous day. These days it feels like anything goes for workwear but I know some workplaces have rules. I work in a hospital in a corporate environment so I try not to show too much skin but I don't hold back my personal style. Some days I'll wear a blouse and pants like below but other days it might be a shift dress and kimono or maxi skirt and beaded top. My colleagues have said: "You just never know what you'll turn around the corner wearing!"

On this very hot and humid day I grabbed an iced green tea with mint.

Blouse: Joe Fresh: $7. Pants: Value Village, $6. Shoes: Franco Sarto at The Bay, $50. Purse: Valentina, $26. Sunnies: $10, Camden Market London. Headband: Forever 21, $5.

PHOTOS BY LISA KIDD

BYE BYE 2014!

Just before it becomes 2015, I wanted to reflect a little bit and I've also rounded up 10 of my favourite outfits of 2014. This year definitely had it's challenges but that also meant that I learned and grew a lot. I was fortunate to have many new experiences and finally hopped on a plane for the first time ever. I overcame many fears and was able to have the courage to ask for help when I needed it. I've learned a lot about myself this year. Most importantly that I will never dye my hair brown again.

I am soooo looking forward to 2015. I love a fresh start. There will be a new set of challenges and adventures to come in 2015 and I can't wait to see what will happen. Happy New Year! Stay safe and don't drink and drive. If you're in Ottawa (Canada), take advantage of Operation Red Nose (free rides) or if you're anywhere else in the world, please phone a friend, call a cab, take a bus, or even walk! It's better than risking it.

Thanks to all my fabulous readers for showing your support of my blog this year. I truly do it purely because I enjoy it and it's become a hobby for me. Thanks to my blogger friends for welcoming me into the fashion blogging community with open arms. Part of blogging is commenting and supporting other bloggers. This year I've gotten to chat with some pretty awesome ladies around the world who share the same love of fashion and thrifting that I do. That's pretty awesome if you ask me! To my blogger friends: I love checking your blogs to see what you've been up to and most importantly what you're wearing! Keep it up because I really enjoy viewing your blogs as much as I love updating mine.

I wish you all the best in 2015 and hope it brings you everything you hope for and more!

From left: Keeping Things Groovy, Knits for Spring?, Carnivale, Colour Me Wild, I Think I'm Turning Japanese,

From left: Afternoon Tea & A Wedding, MODern, 90s Two-Piece, Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show, Camel Coat/Grunge Boots

I Don't Think You're Ready For This Jelly

I wore this last weekend for a little thrifting. It was half off day for super savers club members (it's basically a free card you can order) and it was the day before their general half off day for everyone so my fellow thrifters and I had to get in there before it was all picked over. I didn't find as many things as usual but I'm pretty satisfied with the things I found. I think I'll do a new haul video since I haven't done one in forever so I can show you what I got! I adore my new jelly sandals. As a 90s kid, I can definitely recall having a pink sparkly pair so you bet I'm over the moon over the fact that their back in style! I've been on the hunt for some comfy flat sandals and these definitely do the trick. They take some getting used to because they're so SQUISHY and jelly but they are very comfy.

The weather lately (well besides today) has been an absolute dream. You know how much I love the sun and I've been truly trying to soak up every ounce. How's your summer so far?

Bodysuit: Forever 21+, $12. Shorts: Forever 21+, $27. Jellies: JuJu, Little Burgundy, $36. Purse: Value Village, $4.

Photos taken by Lisa Kidd.

Antique Show Snaps

Last Sunday I spent my afternoon at the Antique Show with my mom. We had a blast sifting through all of the antiques. I always love seeing the furniture, oddities, and jewellery. You just never know what you'll find at the show and you're guaranteed a one-of-a-kind piece. I bought two necklaces and one ring, see below.

I'm so relieved and excited that Spring is finally here! I'm happy to report that I haven't worn my coat two days this week. Feeling the sun on my face truly does lift my mood and makes me feel warm and fuzzy. I'm really looking forward to Summer, you?

All I have of my outfit. Taken by my mom :)

I believe this was $8

$10

REMINDER: ottawa vintage clothing show this weekend!

This weekend is the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show. It's quite possibly my favourite day of the year. If you'e a vintage lover or collector, you absolutely have to drop by this Sunday from 10-5 pm at the Convention Centre. Tickets are $10 and can purchase them at the door. See you there?

Carnivale

When I first started my blog, I had a few outfits in mind that I knew I wanted to show you and this blazer was definitely on that list. What's funny is this is literally the first time many of you see this blazer. I've had it for years and it's safe to say it's my favourite. It's been named by friends as my hussel blazer because it reminds them of music artist M.I.A. and her song Hussel. It also fits me at virtually any size. The garment itself is a size 4 but it fits me anywhere between an 8 and 16. Sorry to be corny but it literally resembles the sisterhood of the traveling pants. It just magically always fits. This is part of the reason I invest in so many blazers. Not only are they classic, they're flexible. Do you have a garment that fits you at every size?

I tend to wear it on special occasions so when I was invited to attend a Carnivale-themed fundraising event in support of mental health, I knew exactly what to wear. The event featured a magician, slam poet, and improv group. It was put on by the PR students at Algonquin College so I wanted to show my support of the program that changed my life and also a cause that touches my heart.

blazer: alfred sung, value village, $4. top: value village, $6. leggings: american apparel, $40. boots: forever 21, $22. headscarf: value village, $1. bracelets: value village, $2, aldo, $3. bag: valentina, winners, $26. earrings: aldo, borrowed from Lisa.

Photos taken by Lisa Kidd.

Knits for Spring?

As you may have heard from us Canadians, winter just isn't seeming to go away any time soon. We had about a week of sunshine and +3s and now we're back to mountains of snow and -10c. This sweater dress has been a true comfort all season. I bought it at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show for $25 (haggled from $40) since it had a stain on it. Lucky for me, the stain did come out and I know I didn't waste my money. I get so many compliments on it and it's one of my most comfy ensembles. I feel weird if I don't wear red lip stick with it so I always do. I wore this for a day of shopping with Rosie. Speaking of shopping, the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show is back April 13 at the Convention Centre and you KNOW I'll be there! If you live in the area, I encourage you to come check it out!

Dress: Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show, $25. Purse: Value Village, $6. Necklace: Material Girl, $10. Boots: Forever 21, $25. Rings: Value Village, $4. The Bay, $8.

Photos by Rosie Waugh.

Sun on my face.

Things are truly looking up weather-wise. Yesterday it was 3 degrees and I actually felt the sun on my face. I went downtown with my sister and while she went to the art gallery for an assignment, I shopped. I mainly stayed in The Bay but also ventured into Zara. I didn't have any luck finding shoes or clothes but I did pick up a gold daisy necklace and a new ring. When all else fails, you can never have too many accessories right? Then we met up and went on a search for her new pair of Vans (she buys a new black pair every year).
My outfit was inspired by the fact that it was actually sunny out and I could wear a lighter jacket (although I was sweating profusely in the mall). I got this coat in a thrift store for $3. It's kinda matted and flimsy but I think that's why I love it. That and it's leopard and furry. I'm so excited for Spring dressing. I'll feel less like I'm wearing a uniform and more like I can express myself freely. I like wearing a different jacket and shoes everyday.

Coat: Bibles for Missions, $3. Dress: Gap, Rikochet Resale, $20. Tights: Mark's thermal, $20. Boots: Forever 21, $22. Gloves: Bentley, $6. Ring: Vintage Clothing Show, $10. Purse: Value Village, $4.

Material Girl, The Bay, $10.

Expression, The Bay. $5.99.

Photos by Lisa Kidd & myself.

Orange you glad you came to the Pride Parade

Last Sunday began with banana french toast, then to the Pride Parade and ended with pasta, espresso and Ikea- and all those fun events required a fun outfit!
My outfit is probably one of my simplest looks. I don't tend to do simple but by pairing three bold pieces, I still felt like my old busy self. The hair style was inspired by a street style look I saw last week on one of my favourite blogs, hel-looks. With short hair, I found that I really missed having a bun on top of my head so this look allowed me to have that.
The Pride parade was a sea of rainbows, glitter, and dancing fruit apparently (Loblaws float). It was my first time going and the atmosphere was simply awesome. After Pride, me and my friends decided to keep the party going by heading to Ikea. There I found almost everything I needed for my new apartment and a few extra goodies too!