The Head Scarf

scarf {Winners, I think} - dress {Target} - sunnies {Urban Outfitters} - sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21}

Let's talk about the head scarf for a minute. I'll be real honest here folks and admit that I needed to wash my hair. Instead of doing that, though, I decided to try out tying a scarf around my head like a karate kid hippy (both names that I was called throughout the day). I should rewind for a hot second and tell you that I totally completely ripped this look off of my bestie, Sasha Rae. She wore it (under the same circumstances, I should add) last weekend in Vancouver. If people's lack of commentary about the scarf is any indication of who wore it best, than I am in trouble. The commentary wasn't negative, in fact it definitely had positive undertones and top notes, but the main theme had sort of a confused yet amused vibe. I have never worn a piece of clothing that has garnered this much attention before. I was offered scarves by two sales people in two separate stores, one of which was a bookstore and every person who saw me mentioned it, pointed at it or made a joke about it within minutes, often seconds, of seeing me. 

People's reaction to the head scarf was definitely much stronger than I ever anticipated and while I had thought that I might feel self conscious about it, I decided to own it instead. I really enjoyed wearing it and basking in the little alter-ego that it created for me. I also have to say that as a bangs girl for many consecutive years, it was a welcome relief from what usually happens in the summer (read: sweaty brow).

j.

Holiday Leather

This is the very first appearance, or debut if you will, of my thrifted leather skirt. I didn't think I was going to be able to wear this treasure until NYC. But we had a "pretend" Christmas dinner with some family last night, and who doesn't bust out their leather skirt for family functions?

Are you dying to know where I am in these photos? Check out the set-up below. Just a little sneaky photo magic from my soon-to-be-sister-in-law. And some seriously calculated cropping.

fuschia top and rock ring {Urban Outfitters} - leather skirt {Victoria vintage fair} - black boots {Payless}

I was feeling a touch hardcore in the leather skirt and pointy boots. Not that there's anything wrong with that. There's a time and a place for hardcore. Maybe just not at your Aunt's house. So, to balance out the badass in me, I paired the skirt with this overly feminine, delicate and, most importantly, loose top. I completed the look by creating soft waves in my hair. I hope I achieved the perfect balance of hard and soft.

j.

Just Rocks

I had a difficult time deciding upon a name for this post. I had many ideas. All of them with one thing in common. The word rocks. Black, Blue and Rock. Cobalt Rocks. I Love Rocks. Love Rocks. Then I thought, just rocks. And so I took my thought quite literally and ended up at just that. Just what, you ask? Just Rocks!

(haven't you been paying attention?)

cobalt blue blazer {Banana Republic} - black & white geometric tunic {Mexx} - black leggings {Aritzia} -

black biker boots {Paradise Boutique} - bracelet {Palm Desert street market} - rock ring {Urban Outfitters}

Clearly I am out of the nerd closet after declaring my unhealthy obsession love for rocks above. So I might as well continue with this (surprisingly not) embarassing confession. Because I really do love them. I suppose you could say I collect rocks. It's my favorite thing to do at the beach. Or anywhere else rocks can be found. Such as, rivers, forests, even parking lots. Most of my friends know of my fondness for rocks. So being the gems that they are, they will often keep their eyes open for any treasures they know I would love. Sasha once brought me back a rock she found in Nicaragua. It was, and still is to this day, the most beautiful rock I have ever seen. It is rectangular in shape and no bigger than an eraser. It is so smooth to the touch and even creamier to the eye. It has the most magical pattern of vivid orange and creamy white swirling around each other to create the most pleasing marbled effect. I will show it to you one day. Obviously I still have it. Along with many other beautiful rocks. It's just that they are still in their box. Because they made the move, of course. What? Doesn't everyone have a box full of rocks when they move?

Anyways. Needless to say, but I'll do it just for kicks, when I saw this ring in Urban Outfitters I just had to make it mine. It was more than I usually spend on a single item. But it is a double ring. And I've wanted one of these for a long time. And this one has rocks on it!!!

2 finger holes + 3 rocks = 1 kicka** ring = Merry Christmas to me!

Do you also buy yourself Christmas presents? (please tell me I'm not the only one!)

j.

Industrial Chic

I really don't have a lot to say tonight. I went in to the office with my parents today because I had to use their fax machine. While I was there, I decided I should take advantage of the empty offices and the stairwell. Because indoor photoshoot locations are hard to come by. Not that the following photos are going to blow you away with their gorgeous green tile and orange-y brown linoleum. But I did the best I could with what I had. Cut me some slack friends!

I bought this really cool necklace at the street market in Palm Desert. It's possibilities are endless. That burgundy sweater you see is also a Palm purchase.

necklace {Palm Desert street market} - burgundy sweater {Ann Taylor Loft} - white belt {Uniqlo} - grey and black checked pants {Mexx} -

oxford shoes {Jeffrey Campbell via Winners}

In case any of you were paying attention yesterday (haha, as if!), my Zumba class was cancelled. So I was saved from complete and utter humiliation. Until next week anyways. Somehow though, my Mom and I were roped into going to the 6:30 workout class that my soon-to-be-sister-in-law teaches on Fridays. That's 6:30 in the morning. That hour is unacceptable for most things in life. Especially exercise.

I better get to bed!

j.

Winter Wish List

1. Blue suede studded loafers {Loeffler Randall}. Blue suede shoes. Bedazzled blue suede shoes. Need I say more?
2. I love me a little cape. Particularly this little plaid number {Dorothy Perkins}. Who else loves that it is perfectly acceptable for grown women to wear capes? Like we're super heros. Because let's face it. Most of us are.
3. Sexy. Nerd. Glasses. It's inappropriate to feel this way toward an accessory. And even more inappropriate to blog about it. But I do. And I just did. Moving on...
4. I am not only bursting with excitement at the plethora of possible post titles that this particular item will come with. I also happen to think fur vests look kinda badass. In a 1920's kind of way. This one will be mine {BB Dakota Janika via Urban Outfitters}.
5. I need (and I really mean need, not want) a pair of everyday winter shoes. But they have to be comfortable. And stylish (obvi). And go with everything. I'm sorta in love with these ankle booties {J Crew}. But the over-indulgent shopaholic with no limits in me wants a pair in each color. Sort of defeats the purpose of an everyday shoe...
6. I know it's very trendy right now. Which I kind of hate. But I can't help but love anything aztec. Seriously love. Like this beautiful sweater {BB Dakota via Polyvore}. That I would do slightly frowned upon things for.
7. I dare you to find something more festive than metallic finger nails. I dare you.

This post took an obscene amount of time. Obscene. It was supposed to be Saturday's post. Oh well. It was so much fun to put together my winter wish list. And I could have made it ten times longer. But I practiced restraint. Barely.

What are you asking for this holiday season?

j.

Beads & Buns

Today was a lazy day. As opposed to the rigorously exhausting days preceding this one. I am trying to leave the house each day. At least once. Dream big. I know. Today was no exception. I met my friend, Mr. Chiu, downtown for a chai tea latte. Mr. Chiu was a student at that school I worked at for the past two years. He is one of those inspiring young people I blabbed about here. Now he has graduated. He goes to UVic. My old stomping grounds. He is wise beyond his years. He has a maturity that most grown men do not reach in their lifetime. He is a good friend. He even snapped a couple photos of me. The ones against the red wall.

colorful bead necklace {market, Alberta} - white tee {American Apparel} - grey crocheted vest {Uniqlo, NYC} -

black denim skinnies {Old Navy} - tan riding-inspired boots {The Bay}

Who else has noticed my obession for alliteration? Fell asleep during that English class? (Dictionary.com is my BFF).

What a Wonderful Wednesday! (Sorry, couldn't help myself.)

j.

Cottage Country Chic

So. This unemployment business is tough work. Today, I cancelled most of my utilities for when I leave the Island at the end of November. Shaw kept me on hold for 30 minutes. Blast. But I was able to cancel my hydro online while I waited. That's multi-tasking folks. Next. I put hot curlers in my hair. Why you ask? Because I had the time. Sadly the curls fell right out. In fact they hardly even passed for soft waves by the time I took these photos. Didn't phase me though. Hard to get upset when you curled your hair for absolutely no reason. None at all.

I ran a few errands around downtown Victoria. Got myself a chai tea latte in Fisherman's Wharf. And scouted photoshoot locations reminiscent of country cottages.

I got dressed this morning while the curlers were still in my hair. I really thought I was going to have big, voluminous curls. Farrah Fawcett style. And so I was drawn to this green plaid retro-inspired shift dress. Add a slouchy crocheted grandma sweater. Call it an outfit. Sadly the hair didn't quite live up to my expectations. Oh well. There's always tomorrow.

 lemon drop earrings {Etsy} - peach cobbler cashmere scarf {gift} -

white crocheted sweater {H&M} -green plaid dress {Paradise Clothing} -

earthy pearls {Hawaii} - jade bracelet, wooden bangle & black, white & leather cuff {gift} -

brown knee socks & tan riding-inspired boots {The Bay}

I'm still undecided on the medley of wrist goodies. Too much? Or just enough? Meh. I rocked them either way. 

j.

Friendship Bracelet Bling

Happy Monday Friends!

This is my last week of work. It is bittersweet. I'm sad to leave a lot of great people. But I am excited for my new adventure. Speaking of that. I have applied to Parsons (my dream school) for the Fashion Marketing Program. I am waiting to hear if I am accepted. Gulp. Fingers crossed. If (when) I get in, the program would start at the end of January.

I have to move out of my condo by the end of November.

My Parents (whom I love very much) are going to be in Palm Springs at the end of November. I may have weasled my way into their trip. Score. I already have SO many outfit photos planned. OMG. And the shopping. So much shopping. Just wait.

From there, I will fly back to Calgary (my hometown) with the rents. For a month. With not a whole lot going on. I may go mental. Be warned. But I have a fun project planned. Involving photos. Past photos. Just wait.

Then. And it pains me to tell you this, it really does. The whole fam (I'm talking, parents, bro and girlfriend and grandparents) is hopping on a plane on Christmas Eve. Where are we going you ask? Sigh. Don't say I didn't warn you. We are going to Hawaii. Kauai to be exact. Aka paradise. And this part hurts me more than it hurts you, it really does. For 2 weeks! Tough life. I know. Spoiled rotten. I know. Best parents in the world. I know.

By the time I'm done frolicking around vacation destinations it will be the beginning of January. At which point I will head to NYC. To live. And go to school. I just have to get in to Parsons. I have to. I will. I will. I will.

Anyways. Last weekend I made some "bling"ed out friendship bracelets. Courtesy of Honestly...WTF. One of my daily blog reads. Check out the post that gave me my inspiration. The bracelets were a success. They inspired my outfit for the next work day. I chose to focus on accessories. And lots of em. I kept my outfit simple. Black and white. With killer shoes. Literally. Couldn't feel my feet by the end of the day. But it was worth it. For the outfit. For the sake of style. This was the first time I layered necklaces. I was pleased with the aethestic. I think it helped that I kept my actual clothing really plain.

                                      white button-up {Old Navy} - bronze skinny belt {Old Navy} - black pants {Suzy Shier} -

                                      oxford heels {Winners} - white pearl necklace {gift} - black pearls {hawaii} -

                                      rhinestone & chain necklace {Smart Set} - bracelet bling {DIY}

What do you think?

j.