LOST AND FOUNDIN STOCKHOLM

One of my many reasons for moving to London is to travel other cities in Europe. Traveling isn't something I've done a lot of so I'm excited to finally see more of the world. I went on my first lil trip at the end of October to Stockholm, Sweden. It's somewhere I've always wanted to see but never thought I'd go there so soon. 

The idea came up when I was looking at tour dates for one of my favourite artists, Jorja Smith. She released her first full album, Lost & Found, in June, and it's been on repeat — front to back —ever since. It's rare that I enjoy a full album beginning to end. My attention span mixed with my music taste means I get obsessed with one song or album and play it over and over. I've also watched Jorja take over the R&B music world with this album and knew this first full tour would be something so precious and special. One I couldn't miss. 

Her tour sold out across Europe. Except in one city. Without hesitation, I bought my ticket and booked a flight to Stockholm. 

Stockholm is the first city I'd been to where English wasn't the common language. While I expected to feel quite lost, and I did geographically-speaking, the city felt similar to Canada to me. The fresh air, greenery, open spaces, wider roads, and the people were so friendly. It was comforting to experience a culture so similar yet so far away, especially as I've never been out of Canada for this long. 

Jorja was JUSTTTTTTTTTTT!!! Just just. When she first came on stage, she was a bit shy but had this silent confidence. Her presence was sweet and gentle yet powerful and honest. She sings so effortlessly her lips barely move but her voice travels straight to the soul. She expressed a lot of gratitude to her fans and I adored this about her. 

Not pictured: the fact that I had to spend all day resting and pull myself out of bed to go to the concert. Prior to travelling, I had a cold virus that was lingering for a few weeks and the flight and air pressure made it worse. I spent a lot of time alone in my hotel eating cough drops, popping Swedish medicine tablets, and creating piles of used tissues. I felt this overwhelming sense of being alone and introspective — in a way that wasn't transformational or teaching to me. It was an uncomfortable introspection that made me realize how much people energize me. I truly am an extrovert and in this situation I didn't feel like I could make friends in the little time I spent there, especially not knowing the language. I'm learning that it's okay to feel vulnerable and need people. I'm trying to be more gentle with myself. 

Despite being so ill, I did my best to make the most of my trip and enjoy the quiet moments. Looking back, this trip was more testing, emotional, dark, and deep than I ever expected and I don't hate it. 

I spent my mornings walking around and trying all of the pastries at Vete-Katten — a Stockholm institution. I went shopping of course and have to say I like the fashion sense — potentially more than London — sorry bub. It's minimal but architectural and interesting. They also had very Canada-esque outdoor clothing stores which I found amusing. 

I visited the museum of modern art and ate real Swedish meatballs. I spent an embarrassing amount of time in the grocery store analyzing all the Swedish foods. If you want to learn about culture in a new city, visit the grocery store. Seriously. 

I walked through the downtown core as the light began to dim (around 3 pm) and listened to another one of my favourite artists who happens to be from Stockholm: Veronica Maggio. I remember discovering her music in Canada and only dreaming of visiting Stockholm some day. This was a truly special can't believe this is happening moment. It made me realize that anything I can dream up, I can experience. 

As I was sad to leave and still miss the fresh air, I am glad to be back in my new home. I missed you, London! 

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A Little Bit Closer

Bluesfest is a summer tradition in Ottawa. It's the city's biggest music festival that attracts thousands each year. It's really not what you're thinking though. It's not really a blues- themed music festival because it includes all genres of music from pop to folk, indie to rock and even country. I generally go once or twice during the two week festival each year. It kind of symbolizes the beginning of summer to me. This year my chosen must-see act was Tegan and Sara. I recently became obsessed with their music and once I heard they were coming, I knew I had to go. Their performance was energetic, authentic, and they sounded amazing. I have to say they're so cute. They were really nice and appreciative of their fans. I truly feel like they're so easy-going and fun to be around (like, if we we're friends in RL, you know.)

This is what I wore because the forecast called for rain (which didn't occur!). I wore my new kicks which I recently thrifted along with my F21 jeans which you see me wear all the time, as well as a bright orange tank and a silver necklace. Excuse my 80s windblown hair-do. This look is pretty casual but I wanted to be comfy as well as cover up in case it did rain. 

Pullover: Got it for FREE since it was a BOGO deal, Goodwill. Tank: Joe Fresh, $6. Jeans: Forever 21+, $18. Shoes: BDG, Goodwill, $15. Necklace: gifted. Purse: Value Village, $4. 

Photos by Lisa Kidd.

Necessary ice cream, Tegan and Sara, Jonathan and Me. 

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I'm so tangy people call me Matangi

Where did July go? This month has been full of great concerts and there is one more to come this Monday (stay tuned). This month I saw Solange at Ottawa's Bluesfest (AH-MAZING) and M.I.A. the week after. Such an overload of greatness in two weeks. 

M.I.A. is hands down one of my favourite artists and fashion icons. From her upbeat and original sounds to her bright t-shirts and embellished shorts, I simply adore and look up to this woman. Not only is she a true artist, amazing performer and fashion icon, she is also a human rights activist. She's had a huge impact on my style and inspires me to wear brighter colours, unique pieces and GOLD, GOLD, GOLD!

I've been following her music ever since first hearing her second album, Kala. I instantly loved how different she sounded and loved how weird and quirky she is. Since Kala, M.I.A. released her third album Maya and is working on a fourth as we speak. She recently released two new tracks: "Bring the Noize" and "Only 1 U" which are both amazing and a taste of what's to come on her fourth album, Matangi.

I am blessed to say this was my second time seeing her and it was an unreal experience once again. Her music is so wild, different and fun, making her concerts just that. I loved her outfit and she even told us that her mother made it (HOW CUTE!)

I originally planned on wearing some bright colours but the humidity and heat made me think more wisely. I swear it must've been 40'c because I was melting even in just a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals. The t-shirt and bag are recent thrift finds that I adore. I am loving white right now so I was very happy to find such cool, bright, white pieces.

Have you seen any concerts lately? Tell me in the comments! Also- follow me on Instagram to see more videos and pictures of the concerts: "laurakidd"

Photo by Normand Blouin, Montreal Gazette. Full concert article here.

shirt: lundstrom, value village, $3 shorts: h&m, rikochet resale, $12 purse: goodwill, $6 rings: vinage show, glebe garage sale ($3-5 each)

Beautiful Montreal.

All photos were taken by Rosie Waugh, Michael Tundo, and myself. Photo of M.I.A. credit in caption.

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Stars & Metric

As I mentioned in my last post, I saw Stars and Metric on November 23. I taped parts of the concert and wanted to share the experience with you. This was my first time seeing Stars and I really enjoyed their show. They had a lot of energy and sounded awesome!

If you've been to a Metric concert before, you already know the show is magical. It's such an experience and they really make it all about the audience. No other band in my opinion really makes you feel as though you are a crucial part of their music. And perhaps for some artists, the audience isn't an important piece to their show. 

Metric evokes such emotion and they truly deliver on stage. They've never ever disappointed me and I've seen them four times. 

Stars

Stars lead singer, Amy Millan

Metric lead singer, Emily Haines

All photos and video by me.

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I Can Feel It In My Bones

The title is a lyric from Metric's "Gimme Sympathy" song. Last week, I traveled to Kingston, Ontario (two hours from Ottawa) with some friends to see a Stars and Metric concert.

When deciding what to wear, I immediately knew I had to wear my new leather fringe jacket. Building on that, I pulled out my brown suede skirt and glittery oxford shoes. The outfit was almost perfect but was missing something: a shirt. Suddenly I heard a knock on my door and I was pleased to see Rosie standing there, ready to hit the road. After telling her that I had no clue what shirt to wear, she simply said: "Wear a leopard print top!" 

I was a little hesitant that leopard print was the missing piece to my outfit puzzle (especially since she tells everyone to wear leopard print, regardless if they should) but I tried it anyway. I ended up loving how it looked and I was a bit rattled by how simple my solution was. I suppose sometimes you just need a second brain.

Before the concert, we managed to visit Value Village, meet up with a few other friends and fill up on fajitas and margheritas at Lone Star, all in time for the concert! We sadly didn't have time to visit the new H&M there but we figured having dinner and getting to the concert on time were the top priorities. All this to say I had such a fun mini-road trip!

All pictures taken by Lisa Kidd.

jacket: value village, $18

shirt: forever 21, $13

skirt: value village, $7

shoes: winners, $15

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