OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS: A LOVE STORY

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Embracing Canadian Winter

My hands are quite icy while writing this post! Winter is in full swing and this is about the time I'd usually pull out my long list of complaints. I'm choosing not to be that person, at least if I can help it! Complaining is such a natural tendency when something isn't ideal but I'm trying to challenge my urges so I can have a more peaceful mind about it. I mean, I do live in Canada, it's about time I begin embracing all that it is - flaws and all. Maybe Winter isn't so bad. Yes it's cold, but there are worse things. 

Learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations is something I've been trying to hone lately. If we know that what we focus on grows, why do we sometimes tend to focus on only the bad? Or cold, in my instance. When I'm in an uncomfortable situation, I've been trying to raise the little voice in my head that has the power to say "you know what, this is not pleasant, but that's ok." Even something as simple as that actually makes me feel better about it. And since what we focus on grows, I'm going to focus on palm trees and sand. I'll let you know if I end up on a beach!

I'm starting my Kundalini yoga teacher training this weekend. I'm sooo excited to embark on what I imagine will be an incredible journey. And I'm taking you with me. I'm going to be blogging about my yogi adventures! Maybe that's what I'll call it: Yogi Adventures. 

So, here is me embracing Winter. Fashion definitely helps!

Speaking of fashion, another way to embrace Winter is to force yourself out of the house, put some lipstick on, and head to an event in your city. I'm really looking forward to Capital Catwalk on January 30. Ottawa doesn't host too many fashion shows so when one occurs, I'm on it! If you're in Ottawa or even Montreal, it will definitely be worth the drive. Get your tickets here.

PHOTOS BY ROSIE.

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The Fashion Kidd x The Outfit Repeater Thrifted Clothing Swap

One of the reasons I started my blog was because I was so inspired by the blogs I followed. I feel like I'm friends with the people behind my favourite blogs. I've got to virtually meet so many cool people all around the world! While we may never meet in person, I still feel connected to their lives. 

When I first started my blog, I often wondered whether anyone was visiting or enjoying my posts. I'm grateful to have family and friends who read my blog however, I can't explain how good it feels when a complete stranger does too. 

Early in my blogging days, I came across the lovely Hannah Rupp of The Outfit Repeater, a self-proclaimed re-incarnation of an 80s valley girl (and I can vouch for that!). She was one of the first strangers to comment on my blog and now I truly feel like we're friends. She's hilarious and sassy but so kind and down-to-earth. We share a deep love for thrifting. Just when I begin to think I'm up on my thrift game, I visit Hannah's blog to be reminded of reality. Scroll to the bottom of her outfit posts and check out JUST how thrifty she is. I'm talking skirts for $1.50, shirts for $0.50! Definition of thrift right there. 

Since we've been blogger buddies for a few years now, we decided to test out how well we knew each other's style and went thrifting for each other. It's like having a pen pal but you also get clothes! Hannah picked out this awesome blazer for me. I think she must've known that blazers are my favourite article of clothing ever. This paisley print is just so fall and can go with so many different things. The flowy material makes it a more casual piece but the print allows for me to dress it up or down. Thank you so much, Hannah, for sending me this. I'll love it forever not just because it's beautiful but because it came from you! 

Shopping for Hannah was so effortless and fun for me! I was on the look out for something 80s and I found the perfect piece. I absolutely adore how she styled it! The piece and her hair are a match made in pink heaven. Head over to her blog to witness the magic! 

Do yourself a favour and go check out her blog for some thrifty outfit inspiration. You also have to check out her YouTube channel because she's so funny! Actually just go follow all of her social media. You're welcome. 

Blazer: You guessed it! Thanks Hannah. Shirt: Gifted. Skirt: Zara, $30. Shoes: Office, $120. Necklace: Grandma's. Coat: Glebe Garage Sale, $25. 

PHOTOS BY ROSIE.

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End of Summer Reflections + Greekfest

There's something about summer and Greekfest that just makes me want to wear white! All white. 

This outfit is also inspired by new frames. My sister spotted them first and showed them to me. I fell in love. The rest is history! 

You might notice I look a little bare. I couldn't wear many accessories since all of mine are currently packed up in boxes! I move to a new apartment this weekend and I'm so excited. It's really all about the little things. It has a storage room and a dishwasher. A cheaper and better laundry room. I could go on but I won't bore you! 

Summer is coming to an end but I'm just grateful of all the wonderful experiences I've had this season. I spent a lot of time outdoors, riding my bike, swimming, and running. 

How will you remember this summer?  

Top: Value Village, $2. Skirt: Zara, $30. Sandals: Joe Fresh, $10. Purse: Value Village, $4. Glasses: Clearly.

PHOTOS BY LISA KIDD

Greekfest celebrates Greek culture with live music and performances, delicious food, and unique vendors. 

Greek Supreme Fries. Topped with feta, oregano, salt, and tzatziki!!

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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

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VISITING THE ZOO!

Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! 

Me and my sister Lisa went to the zoo a few weeks ago and I made a little video to wrap up our day! We didn't get to see everything but definitely all of the highlights. For anyone curious, this is the Toronto Zoo in Canada. 

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ALL OF THE COLOURS.

 I wore this to work and then for an evening stroll to the beach. I picked up this dress during the Winter with plans of wearing it this season. I had actually forgotten about it until I saw it in my summer clothing bag. It's so comfortable and the colours are beautiful. Dresses like this are such an easy way to stand out without putting in any effort. 

I'm so grateful to live just minutes away from nature. Going for a walk or run is much easier when you can feast your eyes on beautiful surroundings. 

Dress: Value Village, $8. Purse: Value Village, $6. Necklace: Aldo, $7. Sandals: Gap, $14. 

PHOTOS BY LISA KIDD

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Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show - Spring 2015

Last Sunday was spent at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show. It's essentially a HUGE room filled with vintage clothing vendors. I think it's the biggest in Canada. They seemed to have a few new vendors this time around and each vendor switched up their stock from the last show. It's not only a shopping event but also a time to catch up with some of the vendors and a chance to be around people who share the same adoration and passion for vintage clothing.

I fell in love with two purses, check them out below. The bucket bag was one of the first things I saw and I couldn't get it out of my head. It's so sparkly and was very clean on the inside. I thought it would add a nice touch and some dimension to any outfit. The second purse is such a treasure. I almost walked right past it but I saw it in the corner of my eye and had to have it! 

Getting dressed for the show is always a major part of the fun! My steamer died last week so I had to choose something that wouldn't require any ironing. I recently picked up this suit and paired it with some light blue heels to make it more spring-y. They weren't the best shoe selection for shopping but I did almost make it the whole show in them! 

Suit: Vintage, The Royal's Thrift Store, $2.50. Heels: Spring, $12.50. Purse: Value Village, $4. Top: Value Village, $5. Necklace: Value Village, $1. Headscarf: Value Village, $3. 

    

   

photos by Michael Tundo and myself. 

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Spring Has Actually Sprung

Spring just makes me so happy. Those first few days of warm weather are bliss. This season reminds me of two things: biking and the vintage show! I love dusting off my bike and taking my first ride of the season. I just need a new bell and basket and my bike is all set. 

The Ottawa Clothing Vintage Show is this weekend! I can't believe how quickly it came up. I'm so excited to see what I'll find this time around. I've been to the show many times before but it's always a new experience. If you're in the Ottawa area, I encourage you to check it out this Sunday from 10-5 pm. Get a discount coupon here! 

Photos by Lisa Kidd.

Jacket: $9, Value Village. Shirt: $10, Primark, Leggings: $16, Winners. Boots: $180, Dr. Martens, London UK.

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Sugar Shack

Welcome to Spring in Canada. Yes, there's still snow. Yes, it is cold. But! There's fresh maple syrup at this time of year. You heard right! There are these very Canadian looking cabins called Sugar Shacks where they make maple syrup out of the sap from the trees. I snapped a few photos of the trees collecting sap so you can see for yourself. I have to admit I totally thought the trees just leaked maple syrup into the buckets until my sister who spawned this trip explained that the trees create sap and the sap is then used to make maple syrup when boiled and mixed with sugar. 

Canadians put maple syrup on pretty much everything. At least that's what TV might tell you. From a true Canadian, I can tell you we sure do love our maple syrup. Most of us just put it on breakfast foods like pancakes, waffles, and bacon (the BEST). I've also seen it used in baking, as a sweetener for coffee or tea, and Starbucks has now taken to the trend and created Maple Macchiatos and other drinks of the sort. 

My sister and I happened to go on the day of the Maple Festival and got free brunch. There was live music and activities for kids. There were also a few food trucks (including a poutine truck). This was just an all around very Canadian festival. As we ventured to the Sugar Shack, we stopped for some Maple Taffy (maple syrup on snow), and then bought some of the freshly bottled syrup. 

I guess I should say something about my outfit. This jacket was a score at Value Village. It's by Bristol (very expensive Montreal brand), but since it smelled sooooo bad, it was priced at $13. I hand washed it and left it on my balcony for days. Then I left it hanging in my closet for months. And bam! It finally smells like a leather jacket and the smell is bearable enough to wear! Can my fellow thrifters relate? 

Jacket: Bristol, Value Village, $13. Jeans: Nine West, Value Village, $8. Boots: New Look, $40. Scarf: American Apparel, $20. Sunglasses: Camden Market, London UK, $6. 

Photos by Lisa Kidd and myself. 

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