I blush really easily? Well imagine how I felt when the charming Paul Melo stopped me on the street and asked to photograph me for his Vancouver fashion blog Style Quotient.
I was nervous, I was flustered, but above all, I was honoured.
I thought I’d leave you with some detail shots. His photo is much better (the man’s a pro). Take a look at it here.
Thank you Paul!
I remember learning about the Hagia Sophia in Art History.
And I use the term “learning” lightly.
Because I really don’t remember anything I was taught about it.
But I do remember looking at a photo of Istanbul’s skyline with the domes of its roof jutting out.
And I remember thinking how incredible it would be to see a city with such a remarkable history.
Such ornate beauty.
It feels nice to scratch something off my bucket list.
And I kinda did. See:
But when I was up in Whistler I also stopped into the amazing vintage shop F as in Frank (which also just opened up in Vancouver on Main and Broadway) and got this vintage Expo 86 t-shirt (I’ve wanted one soooooo bad ever since my brother found one).
What I can’t decide is whether I should chop it up as per my New Kids on the Block t-shirt or leave it pristine.
And then there’s the shirt my husband bought. Which would be a crime to cut up.
K, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. The skirt’s not quite electric blue, it’s maybe a shade or two darker.
It’s vintage and it was long. Like really long. Like flowy, ankle-skimming long. Until I had my way with it.
My belt came from another dress. I rarely wear the belt that a skirt/dress/sweater came with (don’t ask me why). But I will wear that belt with another piece.
The sandals? They’re my sisters. The necklaces? Inspired by Mr. T.
Aaaaaand, in case you missed the After Show on MTV last night, you can watch the show featuring our (ridiculously embarrassing) birthday message for Jessi here. Happy birthday, Jess!
That’s life in sequins.
Found this cardigan at the antique fair where I found my men’s battledress jacket.
My jeans are Rock and Republic, but every time I wear them I think of Mr. Green Jeans. (Did you grow up watching Captain Kangaroo? Was that just a Canadian thing?)
Beezie requested close-ups of these boots (they’re the same ones as in this post, they just don’t slouch as much when I’ve tucked jeans into them). So, my friend, here you go.
Comfiest boots ever.
That’s how we ate our way through Turkey. Then we’d dance (live music filled every restaurant) and drink raki all night (diluted with water).
My favourite dish was a salad made of finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, jalapeños and parsley drizzled in olive oil and a light vinegar. At least that’s what I thought was in it.
We’d drink tea with everything. In the shops. At the Blue Mosque. On the beach. Always with a single cube of sugar (I tried to ween myself off sugar for awhile. But I’m too addicted.)
And eat doners in places that were essentially outdoors, but covered.
We’d sit for hours on the benches in front of the Blue Mosque (which was the highlight of the trip for me) eating fresh watermelon and corn on the cob. Washing it all down with more tea.
I could really go for some of that right about now.
my puppy has, maybe then I could beat him at tug-of-war.
As it stands, I resort to dressing in bright colours to give me a burst of energy on cloudy Vancouver days.
The beautifully multicoloured shirt is Thakoon for Target. (How brilliant are Target’s collaborations? I envy all you Americans who have such easy access to them.)
Love all its colours, but especially love the neon green that’s the exact same shade as Leroy’s favourite (filthy) squeaky toy.
My boots are from Umeboshi. As I type I can hear the baby beast squeaking that cursed frog in the backyard.
In this case, the colour is brown, such a rich, warm netural. And the textures: wood, beads, leather and then some.
The wooden necklace is from a woman’s group church sale (those are the best for finding vintage pieces). And I hate to admit this, but I don’t remember where the other two are from (you know you have too many accessories when…).
The moral of the story is: I like how they all look together. You can get away with layering way more statement pieces when they’re all variations on a theme.
Like my suede vintage belt.
And then I added a splash of red via my favourite eel skin purse with its perfectly 80’s gold chain.
I have quite a collection of eel skin, actually. It’s the softest, most beautiful texture in the world. So in that case, I’ve got many colours, one texture.
After reading the summer playlist compiled by ten thousand things, MC proposed a few additions.
Thought I’d re-post them here because, well, there’s nothing I love more than summery music.
inni mer syngur vitleysingur – sigur ros
and the hazy sea – cymbals eat guitars
me and giuliani down by the school yard (a true story) – !!! (chk chk chk)
collide the tide – chin up chin up
golden age – tv on the radio
multiplication desks – the most serene republic
the view – modest mouse
all my friends – lcd soundsystem
miserabilia – los campesinos!
So long, in fact, that this pink vintage piece was actually supposed to stay a dress (it was a knee-length number originally).
I got a little aggressive with the hemming and this length would be all sorts of inappropriate if I didn’t wear pants underneath.
So now it’s a pretty rad top with bow-tie sleeves.
My vintage clutch is that perfect size — not so big that it loses its elegance, but big enough to hold my wallet and camera and everything else I cart around with me.
Not to mention the fact that it’s got enough razzle dazzle to last a lifetime.