J. Loves {Her} Style: Braided 90's

Meet Kiki. She's from Israel and I love her style. Read on to find out why!

So, yes this is the Kiki I often talk about. This is the Kiki I live with. This is the Kiki who takes ALL of my outfit photos. This is my New York bestie. I turned the tables on her today when I told her I loved her style and wanted to take a photo of her. (She was secretly over the moon excited, pretty sure...)

She found it funny that I chose this outfit to feature because she thought it was rather simple. I think that's why I loved it so much. She put this outfit together with a theme in mind - chanelling the 90's - and we all know I love me a good theme. From her vintage denim jacket to her gold hoop earrings, Kiki was a vision from twenty years ago.

I wish I took a close up of her hair because it really was impressive. Two side braids connecting at the back into a beautiful braided bun. Simply gorgeous!

Thanks to Kiki for always being so patient behind the camera and a big thanks for finally stepping in front of it.

j.

Blazers & Loafers Beautiful

Hi friends. It feels like I haven't done a bona fide outfit post in a while. You recall my phobia of tripod swiping thiefs, don't you? Well, there's that. And the fact that I am in school. What?! I didn't just move to NYC to shop everyday and roam the streets taking photos. Oh well. The past few days have been beautiful here. I'm talking blazers and loafers beautiful. No coat needed. Spring, is that you? {Quick sidebar to brag tell you all that my blazer was thrifted a while back in Victoria and is real deal vintage. 100% wool. Made in Canada. Fits me like a glove. Cost less than my starbucks.}

I was assigned a group project for Marketing and as it turns out my friend, Sesame, is in that class and we were able to pick our own groups. We, along with one other girl, have to write a marketing plan for Abercrombie & Fitch either advising them or not to break into the plus-sized juniors market. Sort of a delicate subject. Sort of controversial. Sort of love it. For our first group meeting we decided to go visit the A&F flagship store on 5th Avenue. Have you ever been into one of their stores!? It was like entering another universe. Or "trendy" downtown club. Complete with half-naked men boys standing at the door waiting to be photographed with barely definitely not legal girls as they enter the store. And we mustn't forget the dancing sales girls on every level. All five of them. Yes, there were five levels. I have never actually shopped at an A&F store before, probably because it would be too big a blow to my self-esteem when their largest size stops halfway up my...what are those things called again...oh right, thighs! All jokes aside, yes they have very small sizing standards but, do they ever know how to merchandise (fancy word for display...yes I'm showing off my school smarts here) their clothing. Never have skinny jeans, cut-off shorts and primary colored polo tees looked so appealing. Each wall was like a rainbow of collared cotton. Unfortunately, the pretty colors were not enough to distract me from the pounding music they had playing. While I am the first to admit that I am an old lady at heart, I really think everyone would agree with me that they need to turn that bass down a few notches. This is a clothing store people, not a nightclub. I really think someone ought to tell those poor dancing sales girls...

cranberry & grey houndstooth blazer {thrifted via VV Boutique} - floral tank {Old Navy} - fringe necklace {Aerie} -

rock ring {Urban Outfitters} - dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - tan leather loafers {thrifted Zara via Housing Works}

After we were done checking out all five levels and had definitely filled our quota of dancing sales girls, we booked it out of there. We took advantage of the warm weather, stopping to take photos as we found our way to a cute little swedish cafe. It was an entertaining afternoon, to say the least. Thanks to Sesame for being my photographer so that my paranoia could remain safely in check, for at least a little bit longer.

One more thing! In case you can't get enough of me (haha...) my roomie interviewed me about my style for one of her classes and you can read it here. She thought she was imposing when she asked me to answer a few questions one night...little did she know I live for questionnaires, surveys, forms etc. Ya, I'm a weirdo, I know.

j.

Nautically Color Blocked

What an experience the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference (IFBcon) was on Wednesday. It was a day full of learning, networking and making new friends. After stressing for a few days on what one should wear to a fashion blogging conference I settled on this outfit because I think it spoke to my aesthetic (this girl loves her stripes) by having elements of old and new. It also had some whimsical, or should I say quirky, elements - and for those that know me well, know that this speaks pretty well to my personality. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit intimidated going into this by myself. One may think that a room full of such fashionable ladies (and gents...but mostly ladies) has the potential for some judge judies (new term but you get where I'm going), but I was delighted to find out that everyone there was very friendly, welcoming and, more than anything, inspiring.

 

The set-up of the conference was four sets of panels. The panels were made up of a mix of established bloggers and industry professionals and each spoke to a specific topic. My favorite panel of the day was the last one - Making your Blog Irresistable. All of the experts had insightful, helpful and encouraging things to say. I think the two main things I took away from the conference were that, although many bloggers have the goal of turning blogging into their career, I don't think I do. Obviously I'm still the new kid on the blogging block so anything can happen, but I think I see this little guy as a hobby and perhaps more of a stepping stone to my career - whatever that may be! It was mentioned a few times throughout the day that a blog is the new resume. Next, I learned that I really need to buckle down and learn how to be a proficient tweeter because Twitter is basically the bloggers way to network in the 21st century.

So I just have to take a brief moment to brag gush about the awesome swag bag attendees received. It was chocked full of ah-may-zing goodies from the sponsors. Zoya nail polish, Glamour magazine, Lifebooker gift card and a Bauble Bar gem, to name just a few. One of the highlights for this bauble hoarder was obviously the piece of jewlery from Bauble Bar. Seeing several different items being opened, it was like Christmas morning opening that shiny black box to see what lay inside for me. I could not be happier with my jewel-toned bracelet. And as if that wasn't enough, they're asking us to tweet them a photo of how we style the piece for a chance to win a gift certificate for even more baubles!

 

I lucked out and sat beside a real sweetheart. She is also a newbie to the blogging world and I think she has just the neatest blog. It's called The Little Things (Check her out! You won't regret it.) and is about how you can transform an outfit (or apartment) with the right accessories (ie. the little things). Cute, right? Anyways, she was of course wearing one of the cooler pieces of jewlery I have ever seen. Something I have never seen before and now want for myself. Her nails weren't half bad either!

blue & white striped blazer {vintage Liz Claiborne via Brooklyn Flea} - birdcage necklace & scrabble ring {Brooklyn Flea} -

gold cuff {thrifted from VV Boutique} - tan ruffle tank {The Gap} - navy blue skirt {Loft} - purple tights {Hue} -

 beige suede wedge booties {Dolce Vita via Century 21} - navy purse {Matt & Nat}

Well, I think that about does it for now. I went away with a few new ideas for this wee little blog here and I'm happy to say that one of them is already in the works. All I'll say is I'm thinking of adding a weekly feature so check back this weekend because I'll have the first edition up. And I'm so excited for it so I hope you will be too!

Thanks IFB, it really was a day to remember!

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.

Vintage Plaid Meet Bicycle Tee

Remember when I bragged about this thrifted blazer being the perfect fit? You should. It was only yesterday. Well I thought I better put it into an outfit right away. I am all about separates. I hardly ever wear a matching suit. I hardly wear suits at all. But you get the idea.

Sasha Rae and I went for a walk along the ocean. In November I might add. And I'm leaving this place why? Anyways. It did cool off quickly as the sun set. But check out that sunset. It looks like the sky is on fire.

peach cobbler cashmere scarf {gift} - birdie necklace {gift, Violette Veldor} - button earrings {handmade} -

vintage plaid blazer {thrifted} - bicycle tee {Ricki's) - green suede purse {Esprit} - dark denim skinnies {Jacob} -

 brown peter pan boots {Aldo}

I feel an addiction forming. The best kind of addiction. A shopping addiction. But I already have one of those. What am I blabbing about then? A thrifting addiction. A shopping specialization addiction. The worst kind of best addicition. Awesome.

j.

Thrifted Thursday

Hello again friends. It's been a while. I know. But it's hard to blog about style when you've been wearing fuchsia sweatpants for the past 3 days. Trust me. Not a pretty picture.

I've had a very productive week on the selling stuff and sorting front though. But I did promise you all a post a while back about these two thrifted pretties.

        

                

You will all notice the handy little "before" tags on these photos. You probably think the "after" photos are below. Don't you? Oh dear. This is awkward. There are no "after" photos....not yet anyways. Consider this a sneak peek. A preview. Although I must say that I don't think either of these pieces need much alteration. Let's break it down. (MC Hammer is now going through my head. And now probably yours. You're welcome.)

Thrifted Item: Cranberry Plaid Suit

Made in: Great Britan

Made of: 100% Lambswool

Bought from: Value Village (VV Boutique, if you will)

For: $9.99 (BOTH items!!!)

What can can I possibly do to make it even more FAB, you ask? To the Blazer? Nothing. Not a single thing. It fits like a glove. Thank you very much. And to the Skirt? I say shorten it. To the top of the pleats. Make it a high-waisted mini. My only concern is the proportion. But I think it will look better. It's a lot of plaid right now. A whole lotta plaid. 

Next!

Thrifted Item: Navy Blue Sailor Dress

Made in: Japan (guess based on language of tags)

Made of: 90% Acrylic, 10% Wool (tag was in Japanese...another perk of working at a boarding school)

Bought from: VV Boutique

For: $9.99

This little treasure only needs a few minor nips and tucks to make it suitable for the 21st century. So what am I going to do to the length? Nothing. Come on. Who do you think I am? What about that fit? A little nipping required through the waist. Easy fix. (Although I may still wait for my Nana's assistance...). Good plan. Just in case. The collar has got to go. Trust me. It will look way better. Way. And last but not least. The sleeves. I'm thinking shorten. Either 3/4 length. Or short-sleeved.

What do you think I should (or shouldn't!) do to these two thrifted gems?

j.

Before & After: Vintage Polka-Stars

Please don't hate me. I am totally copping out with this post. This is a little vintage re-work project I did back in September. I came across this red silk skirt and matching top with tiny white stars all over it at a local consignment store. 100% silk. Early 80's. Tiny stars all over a (floor length) skirt and button-up shirt (with shoulder pads). What wasn't to love? The ladies in the consignment store were skeptical, at best. I told them to use their imagination. After a few nips here and a couple tucks there, I was confident I would have something worth saving. I left all excitedly. Went home, got out the sewing machine. A couple hours later. Voila!

(I was so excited with my first vintage re-work but had no one to share my success with.  So I went back to the consignment store where I had bought the outfit. The ladies nearly lost it. Whether that was due to my inspiring vision and (slightly maniacal) dedication to seeing said vision through to the finish or them taking pity on the crazy girl with nothing better to do than come back to the store for the second time that day...one will never tell.)

 I liked that by adding the thick belt it made the two pieces look like one. A cute little polka-star dress.

I recently bought two new vintage pieces that need a little "finessing". Stay tuned!

j.

Western Frills vs. Combat Cool

Happy weekend friends!

Sasha Rae and I spent another Saturday together (as per usual). We used to have Sand too until she moved to New Brunswick for a real (big kid) job a couple months ago. Ky completes our foursome but currently spends her days in Toronto. When I leave the Island at the end of November, it will be the first time in 8 years that the four of us have each been living in different locations. Gross.

The four of us met in first year university. We were all from out of town (and different towns at that: Toronto, Calgary, Fernie and Horsefly). We all lived in Rez. We all lived in the same building. On the same floor. I met Sand first, on the very first night (my 18th birthday, in fact). She was looking for a party. It was my birthday. It was love at first sight. Ky arrived a couple days late. In the middle of the night (classic Ky). Loudly. She was my next-door neighbour. Did I mention Ky is loud? It's funny but I don't actually remember meeting Sasha. However, it happened and Sash and I were basically inseparable for the rest of the year (and several more to follow). I do recall seeing Sasha before meeting her and thinking she was pretty and that I wanted to be her friend. Creepy. But true.

The four of us are as different as different can be. We like different things. We all studied completely different things in school and we all have a different career (or plan for a career). Each one of our personalities is completely unique. Odds were certainly against the four of us females to get along so well and bond so strongly. But we did. Anyways, the four of us became great friends. We moved off campus together and lived in a house together for several more years. We have travelled together. We grew up together. We became family. I am thankful for each one of my ladies and am so happy that we have maintained our friendship so well over the past 8 years.

                                                                      

Back to Saturday. It's mid-October but it was beautiful out. Thank-you Victoria. Sasha and I decided to go for a photo walk because we were both wearing cute outfits. I have named my look Western Frills and I think Sasha looks Combat Cool. We walked around Moss Street Market and looked for eye-catching backdrops for our photos while we weaved our way through the character homes and still bountiful, sun-thirsty gardens of Fairfield.

I'll break down our outfits for you. Because you're all dying to know (obviously). Sasha is wearing a beautiful scarf (likely from one of her many travels), her new vintage Levi's denim jacket (re-worked courtesy of yours truly) and her forest green combat boots (from Decade).

I am donning thrifted blue beads from ages ago, a blue striped, ruffle shirt and skinny jeans (from Jacob), brown jacket (from Aritzia) and tan, riding-inspired boots (from The Bay).

This black cat followed us for blocks. Sasha loved it (of course). I did not (allergic). The cat loved me (of course). Some may think a black cat crossing their path numerous times is a bad omen. We thought of that too. We decided this time it was a sign of good luck, if anything. And we were pretty scientific when coming to that conclusion so we figure we're fine.  Sasha gave me a piece of advice today that I am going to hold on to. She told me to "be bold". She was referring to my blogging and photography. But I think it applies to many different aspects of my life. It is something I strive to be but am not quite. Something I will work on. One of my mantras.

How did you spend your Saturday?

j.