LAURA KIDD: england

14.9.15

Smiley 50s Housewife

My sister told me I looked like a 50s housewife in this outfit. As much as that can be a very classy look, I can't help but laugh! If you know me, you'd know I'm near opposite to wanting to be a house wife. Women have so many opportunities today than in the 50s when all they could amount to is cooking and cleaning for their husband and children. Not that those experiences aren't profound and life changing too, I just feel so lucky and blessed to be living in a free country with so many golden opportunities and I want to experience as much of that as I can. I just want to live a life true to myself, help others, and keep dreaming big.

This dress was the only thrifted piece of clothing I bought in England last summer. I didn't adore it at first but couldn't leave the country without something thrifted! While packing up my clothes this summer, I came across it and almost gave it away. I just couldn't. The granny inside of me needed it.

It's one of those pieces that doesn't look good on the hanger. You might even mistake it for a table cloth at a quick glance! Once I tried it on again, I remembered that I actually love the fit.

I wore this to meet up with Rosie and grab some bday balloons. I'm now a 24 year old!!! It feels weird to say but I do enjoy aging. I find it classy. Aging means that I've survived another year and I'm grateful to have had so many beautiful experiences. I'm reading Oprah Winfrey's book right now, yes me, I'm reading!! And in her gratitude chapter, she talks about aging and how it's actually such a wonderful thing. I completely agree. So many children and teenagers don't live to see 24 because of illnesses, accidents, and suicide. So who am I to moan and groan that I'm OLD?! I won't.

I've also been a follower of Advanced Style for some time now and that blog has truly changed what aging will look like for me. I WILL be an Advanced Style lady someday and I'm looking forward to it.

Dress: Thrift store in England, $10. Necklace & Earrings: Joe Fresh, $4-6 each. Backpack: Giant Tiger, $20. Similar here. Shoes: JuJu, Little Burgundy, $40. Similar here.

PHOTOS BY ROSIE.

~squiggle~

As an avid thrift shopper, I rarely lust over designer brands. While I love fashion designers and their clothes, I simply don't have the means to afford them and I don't see the point in spending tonnes of money on clothes when I can find equally as great ones in the thrift shop.

However, that being said, there is one designer and store that has my heart. Her name is Vivienne Westwood. She is truly amazing. She's been designing since the 80s and to this day continues to come up with the most outrageous and intricate clothing. Her very first shop still stands in London, UK, and is called "World's End" after renaming it every week before settling on that. My dream of visiting her store was realized last summer on my trip to England. I only spent two days in London but made sure I visited her shop. It was small yet cozy and bursting with personality. Her mannequins were dressed to the nines and I was completely overwhelmed with emotion. I knew I wanted to purchase something to commemorate my visit and to treat myself. Money wasn't a thing, I just wanted something I would love and cherish forever. The shirt I'm wearing below is what I ended up choosing. My logical self immediately thought that I should buy a bag, wallet, or jewelry, but my gut screamed clothing. The squiggle print was invented in the 80s for her pirate collection, one that she is famous for. This print screams Vivienne to me. I wanted something that I would feel like I was wearing one of her pieces without being flashy with a logo or emblem. Her clothes truly speak for themselves and make people think. This shirt seems simple until you realize all of the unique details. The print, the cut, and how she put them all together is what drew me into this top. I literally thought for a split two seconds about purchasing and the next thing I knew, I was in a cab with a Vivienne bag in hand, on the way to the London Eye. And that's how it happened, folks!

I try to wear this shirt at least once a month because I would hate to be one of those people who save good China for fancy occasions. If something was expensive, all the more reason to wear it more often to get your money's worth. This shirt simply makes me happy and for that reason I will show it some love! The running shoes are a recent thrift treasure as they were brand new with tags! They're one of the comfiest shoes I own and have become my new favourites at the gym.

Shirt: Vivienne Westwood , World's End (I couldn't find a link but you can find some on eBay and in her stores), Jeans: F21+, $18. Shoes: Adidas, Value Village, $23. Purse: Winners, $26. Ring: Camden Market, London, UK.

Photos by Lisa Kidd.

England Part 6: Afternoon Tea & a Wedding

My last days in England were bitter sweet but full of excitement. They were spent shopping, eating carbs, having afternoon tea, and ended with one of the major reasons we traveled there in the first place: to see Jonathan's cousin Ben get married. I absolutely loved my outfit for the wedding. It was carefully crafted before I left and was pulled together with the help of friends. Rosie found me the skirt at The Bay and Aurelia let me borrow her sequin top. The two were a match made in heaven and I loved how everything looked together. The wedding itself was beautiful. The food was delicious and the live band rocked. I also got to meet a lot of Jonathan's relatives, who were super kind and welcoming. It's fun having conversations about the differences/similarities in our countries. The day after the wedding we all met up for lunch and then returned home to pack everything up. Getting all my purchases into my suitcase was challenging but I was pleasantly surprised when everything fit and was in the allotted weight. I already miss being there so much but am already planning (in my head) to go back.

How is September almost already done? The chilly air has arrived in Canada but only in the morning it seems. I keep reminding myself that this weather now is 100x better than Winter so I'm trying to be very grateful and soak up the sun before it's gonzo. How's your pre-fall?

CARBS.

CARBS FILLED WITH MORE CARBS. That meringue came home with me.

Proper afternoon tea. AH-MAZING.

Real scones, jam, and clotted cream. First time ever trying clotted cream, it was delish.

Because you needed a close up. You can blame me if you eat scones tonight.

Live band at tea. SO lovely.

Shirt: Borrowed from Aurelia (she got it at Urban Outfitters Renewal). Skirt: Lord & Taylor, The Bay, $29. Shoes: Spring: $22. Clutch: Primark, 8 pds. Headband/scrunchie: Ardene, $4.

Lovey.

This room was transformed two more times after the ceremony- so impressive! I love the look of it.

Pimms.

One happy lady. Pictures by Jonathan Lindsay and me.

England - Part 5: An Outfit Post

While in England, I tried to dress up as much as possible while still being comfortable enough to walk the hills and cobblestone streets which I'm soooo not used to. At first I thought, I could NEVER wear heels in this city, I'd fall! I had to try it though (not the falling part). I did pretty good! I wore this to run a few errands and do a bit of shopping. Everything I'm wearing I bought in England because I realized when I got there that I didn't really bring much to wear. This was probably a good thing since fitting everything in my suitcase in the end was a puzzle. I think I have one more post on England to wrap up my trip and then I'll do a video to show you everything I bought!

How's your September so far? It's toats my fave month ever.

I faintly remember how much everything was but it was also in pounds so I'm going to save myself the headache and leave the prices out. Plz forgive me! Shirt and Shoes: New Look. Jeggings and Necklace: H&M. Rings: Camden Market.

Photos by Jonathan Lindsay.

England - Part 4: Last Day in London

I'm now back home in Canada. This is the first time I've had the opportunity to make a new post! Here's a recap of our last day in London:

Plans for our last day in London included visiting my favourite designer's original shop, World's End (Vivienne Westwood), and then meeting up with Jonathan's family to go on the London Eye and sight see a little bit. We got up, had breakfast, and hopped in a cab to World's End. I have dreamed of this store for years and never imagined I would actually get to go. As the cab pulled up, it was like walking into a dream. It was so unreal, I can't describe it. We walked in and were greeted by the three sales people. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. All the mannequins were dressed in complete Vivienne style and everything I had watched on T.V., online, and in magazines was in front of my eyes. It's one thing to watch a fashion show and another to actually see and touch the clothes. I knew I couldn't leave without buying something so I sifted through each item. I was close to buying a gold necklace with her logo on it when I succumbed to the shirt that caught my attention from the second I walked in. I quickly tried it on and without a doubt purchased it. I'll show you in a blog post in the near future. It's quirky and fun and SO Vivienne. I'll treasure it forever.

We hopped in another cab, got our stuff from the hotel, and rode to Paddington station to meet up with his family. We then took the underground to the London Eye which is basically a huge ferris wheel near Big Ben that has little domes that hold up to 25 people. The wheel slowly goes up and gives you the best view of London. I thought it would be scary since I'm scared of heights but since it moves so slowly, I felt ok! I got to see the entire city from the top and it was beautiful. We also got lucky with a sunny day.

After the Eye we got some food and walked past Big Ben. We then ventured over to the beautiful Tower Bridge and off to a pub for dinner before heading back to Bath. All in all, I ADORED London but definitely didn't spend enough time there. I know I'll be going back there one day. There is just so much to see and do!

the dream.

The Eye.

What a view!

The Eye from afar.

Big Ben.

Tower Bridge.

England - Part 3: London Day 1-2

London was definitely one of the highlights of my whole trip. It's been a dream of mine to visit London and especially shop in Camden Town. We spent two nights and three days just Jonathan and I. Day one consisted of a train ride into the city, relaxing in our hotel room, and visiting the Camden Lock market (not sure if that's what it's called). The view from our terrace was beautiful. You could see the canal, all the little food market stations, and Camden high street. At night, we'd hear live music coming from the 'night market'.

I absolutely loved the entire area of Camden. It was lively, eclectic, and grungy in a really good way. I felt as though I could go there everyday and still see something new each time. The next day was dedicated to shopping and exploring. We started with the markets, went back to our hotel to drop off all our purchases, then headed back out to Camden high street for more shopping. We visited the famous Camden Market and then the shops along the street. I had to visit the Dr. Martens store. I've been wanting new boots for over a year now and was hoping to find a really unique pair that suited me. I ended up finding the PERFECT pair. They're called "vintage daisy" (VINTAGE + DAISY = ME!). I love the psychedelic flowers. I had never seen this pattern before and the salesperson said they were new.

Our last day in London was spent at Vivienne Westwood and going on the Eye, visiting Big Ben and going over Tower Bridge, stay tuned for pics in my next post. Hope you're all enjoying the end of summer!