style of destruction...

Prior to this summer, I had never bought an article of clothing that already came with holes or tears in it. And usually, when I had a piece that developed a hole, it was time to say fair well to that shirt or pair of pants. I've seen plenty of destroyed denim in my day but never tried on a pair until my IT! boyfriend jeans. I fell in love with them for their cool, casual, and comfy appeal.

But then I did something I never thought you'd ever find me of all people doing. I tried on a black tee that already looked like a cat had brutalized it. And I loved it. I've always try to be so well put together and matchy-matchy but one thing that the world fashion has taught me, is that you don't always have to follow rules so rigidly: try new things, be creative, try something a little out of your own norm.

When I first saw the Alternative Apparel shredded v-neck tee in Je Suis Prest earlier this summer, I really didn't think it was for me. Then, sometime later, I spotted Urban Revision's artsy form of the stredded tee on Breakfast at Sak's blog, and it gave me a new perspective. It's edgy: it makes me feel a little rocker-estque.

The Outfit:

• 
  
  Black destroyed tee- Alternative Apparel- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Aug '10)
• 
  
  Skinny jeans- Nissi- Pseudio (SJ, April '10)
• 
  
  Hooded cardigan- American Eagle (SJ, Sept '09)
• 
  
  Necklace- H&M (Toronto, Dec '08)
• 
  
  Sandals- Clarks- Winners (April '10)

That night we were heading out to the boonies to a party at my friend Shauna's (complete with fireworks!) 

What are your thoughts, would you buy a pre-destroyed item of clothing? Or is it just not for you?

no need to sacrifice comfort for style!

Let's face it. We can't be fashionistas everyday- common it's reality. Flip open a gossip rag while waiting in line at the grocery store....even the celebs who can afford make-up artists to make them look flawless and stylists to pull an outfit for them are real people too. We all have those days where we don't have the energy or just don't have anywhere in particular we need to be. I am not going to deny that you are very likely to run into me in the grocery store, the drug store, Walmart, or Starbucks in a pair of yoga pants and a hoodie (I own 10 hoodies- all in different colours). Mine you, on the other hand, there's no need to look like a disaster either. (At least make sure what you pick up off the floor is clean before putting it on, put your hair up or put a brush through it, and wipe off last night's make-up- this being the bare minimum.)

The reason I'm speaking of the low maintenaince, low profile look is because there are many days where I would just be more comfortable in a pair of my Lululemon cropped yoga pants rather than pulling on a tighter pair of jeans. Last Saturday I just discovered the alternative that won't sacrifice ultimate comfort, but allows you to still put together an outfit you can wear to a social outting.

My new favourite denim: the boyfriend jeans. I know, I know...this is a trend I'm a little behind on, but I tyically like my pants form fitting. Many things are on sale right now from the spring and summer stock (25-25% off!) at Je Suis Prest Boutique. I grabbed a few pair of sale jeans, deciding that I'd really like to try to destroyed denim. I loved a skinny jean that didn't fit me quite right, but when I pulled on the boyfriend jeans for the first time, I wasn't sure of the fit. Thanks to Joy & Meg at JSP who talked me through the process and how they fit! I decided this is something good that I've been missing out on!

The Outfit:

• 
  
  Destroyed boyfriend jeans- !iT Jeans- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Aug '10)
• 
  
  Black v-neck tee- American Eagle (SJ, Spring '09)
• 
  
  Black leather cuff- H&M men's accessories (Dartmouth, July '10)
• 
  
  Straw fedora- Urban Outfitters (Montreal, June '10)
• 
  
  Sandals- Clarks- Winners (SJ, April '10)
• 
  
  Key necklace- Charm Diamond Center (SJ, May '10)

I wore this outfit out ot my parents' house for a late lunch to celebrate my sister's birthday. Older people don't seem to understand why we like to buy our clothes with holes already in them and therefore I got a bit of grief for it. But hey, they also don't understand why I'd fork almost $100 dollars for a pair of jeans! Probably a good thing I didn't tell my family I actually spent money on a t-shirt with holes in it too (also from JSP)? I thought my parents might become concerned their daughter couldn't afford to feed herself if I showed up with both items on at once!  

100 days of summer...

I feel that, inevitably, we only have so many days left on the calendar to enjoy our short shorts ladies (before we have to throw a pair of tights on under them). The sun may still be hot and the daylight hours long, but  many signs are rushing at us to tell us fall is coming despite the fact that there is officially more than a month left of summer before we can actually start calling it autumn. This post is to celebrate 100 posts on my blog as well as my favourite season. May we hold onto the warm evenings, bright sun rays, green lush scenery, and sand between our toes as long as mother nature will allow!

The Outfit:

1. Blue tank- Free People- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, March '10)
2. Grey tank- RW & Co. (SJ, Sept '08)
3. Jean shorts- American Eagle (ordered online, Sept '09)
4. Sandals- Clarks- Winners (SJ, April '10)
5. Grey ponytail scarf- Coach (Toronto, May '09)
6. Heart locket- Splurge (Halifax, May '08)
7. Silver flower earrings- Made By Sam (gift from Jaclyn, July '10)

This sunny summer Sunday we sipped on steaming lattes from Starbucks (say that 10 times fast). Caffeinated beverages in hand (or cup holder) we cruised uptown Saint John and then Millidgeville for a Sunday drive. We stopped for photos at Tucker Park.

I really love these earrings Jaclyn gave me for my birthday last month. I wear studs all the time, so these were perfect. They are by an etsy artist...I've browsed etsy shops when I click on links leading me to their doorstep, but I really need to take the time to really get to know what great finds are out there! What's your favourite esty site(s)?

Here's to the next 100 posts!

Thank you for reading!

Tomorrow: check back to hear about some beauty deals you will not want to miss out on!

J'adore faire du shopping...

Translation: I love shopping! The last couple of times that I have been in Montreal for a concert has always included some dedicated time for browsing the shops along St. Catherine's Street...block upon block of trendy stores. It may be a bit of a workout on my Visa card, but it also takes a toll on the body after a full day of scanning racks, trying on pieces, and carrying shopping bags. (I kid you not, I had a limp our second day in the city because my right hip was very sore!)

I photo-logged some of my favourite stores that we entered, meeting the standard bilingual greeting "bonjour, hello". Out retail exploration included, but was not limited to, the following stores:

No shopping marathon can begin without a stop at Starbucks for fuel in the form of caffeine. However, I promise our plans did include other activities outside of shopping. The second day we strolled through Old Montreal on the cobblestone streets taking in the scenery and visiting the little shops (ok..so there was some shopping).

The Outfit

1. 
   
   "The Greatest City" t-shirt- American Eagle (SJ, April '10)
2. 
   
   Cropped bottoms- Lululemon (Montreal, June '10)
3. 
   
   Sandals- Clarks- Winners (SJ, April '10)
4. 
   
   Ostrich print purse- Guess- Walsh Lugguage (SJ, Feb '09)
5. 
   
   Longer necklace- H&M (Toronto, Dec '08)
6. 
   
   Key necklace- Charm Diamond Center (SJ, May '10)
7. 
   
   Feather earrings- Little Burgundy (Montreal, June '10)

to market, to market...

I've taken the title of this post from a season 6 episode of Sex and the City, except where Carrie went to the stock market, I went to the Kingston Market on the penisula today. However, last night I did have a bit of a Sex and the City night last night- dinner and cocktails with 3 girl friends.This morning it was a country drive for Katie, Erin, Nancy and I on our way to the market.

Emu anyone?

Stands of organic veggies...

Fresh cut flowers and hand picked berries...

Pretty little frocks and hand sewn pillows...

Home-made jam and jellies...

Flavourful wines...

(I bought a bottle of raspberry)

Tastey samples...

Live music...

Busy crowds...

Hand made soaps

Lovely earrings...

(adored the funky feather ones)

Cooked foods of all varieties...

Delicious cheesecake...

(don't touch, this one is all mine!)

The adventure continues with checking out swimming holes...

...and waterfalls!

And last but not least, there was a road side stop to visit some alpacas!

Today's Outfit

(nothing particuarly fancy)

1. 
   
   top- Odd Molly Uncorporated- Wildflower (Halifax, May '07)
2. 
   
   bermuda shorts- American Eagle (May '08)
3. 
   
   sandals- Clarks- Winners (Spring ;10)
4. 
   
   purse- Guess- Walsh Lugguage (Feb '09)
5. 
   
   sunglasses- Michael Kors- TJMaxx (April '09)
6. 
   
   ring- received at Marielle's bachelorette last weekend

I've loved the top above since I bought it (which is good, considering the price tag that had been attached to it). I was watching MTV's Downtown Girls (one of my guilty pleasures) and during one particular episode I saw Klo wearing the same top! (Please excuse the blurriness of the still-frame.)

Well this was a fairly lengthy post. Today's follow up activities to the market and penisula sights will be a drop in at a family reunion as well as toasting a beer (or a glass of raspberry wine) to a friend's new apartment later this evening! Hope you all have a lovely Saturday eve!