It's Gonna Be A Scorcher, Today!

Call me crazy, (and some friends do), but when the mercury rises so do my spirits. I've found myself gleefully declaring "it is a scorcher today" more days than not lately. But Darlings, it's not always fun and games when you're dealing with good old Mr. Sunshine, especially when you've set out without your sunscreen and your winter skin borders on translucent. That's the sit ch I found myself in while strolling through Kensington Market last Sunday,and a quick call to mom confirmed what I had feared: an estimated 7 minutes of sun exposure and I'd be scorched right to a crisp.

So like a good girl I crossed to the shady side of the street, and that's where I found Kathleen!! Amid a sea of sweaty tanks and cut-off shorts she was like a breath of fresh air in this adorable navy blue dress ordered online from Nasty Gal. Are those white tigers printed on her dress, you ask. Why yes I think they are, I excitedly reply. The collar of the dress and light blue Keds keep the look sweet, while the sheer fabric and short length keep things breezy! She makes this look her own with a skinny brown belt and an oversize bag (to bring home lots of treasures). You may be wondering how a gal can manage to look so classy on such a sweltering day in the city? It may have something to do with the fact that our girl is one smart cookie; she just graduated law school!! Nice one Kathleen (props)!! And so my friends, this story ends happily. I found Kathleen and her friend Carli (more on her soon) and walked away burn free. It must be a summertime miracle!

This is How We Do It

When Montell Jordan sang out “this is how we do it” way back in ’95 he wasn’t referring to this look… but anyhow, I am! Party people it sure ain’t ’95 but this is how we do it. This is how we do a cream lace mini dress and look like a dream. Start with a beautifully structured lace number that fits in all the right places and is a bit cheeky… without being literally cheeky (if you catch my drift). If it’s the long legged look you’re going for, then throw on a pair of neutral heals- this is key. Keep the accessories simple and modern to maintain a retro vibe without looking like you're sporting a costume. The gold bangles and beautiful blue clutch Becky is wearing are spot on, of course!

When I stopped Becky mid-stride in Kensington Market last week she was in a bit of a rush. She had a full night ahead after all, with stops at events for Luminato and North By Northeast. So I didn’t get the full rundown on the look. But this is a ‘fit that pretty much speaks for itself. Before she ran off she told me that the dress is from the dreamy boutique called Bicyclette on Queen West. Seems as though I'm going to have head down there soon to pick up a dress, then "I'll tip up my cup, and throw my hands up... designated driver took the keys to my truck." Thanks Becky, hope you weren't too late on my account!

Iceland Fashion Part Three: Mitchell Stafiej

Some things are a long time coming, but when the time is right, they happen in a flash. Volcanoes are like this! So are trips and friendships. For our third installment of Iceland street fashion meet Mitchell Stafiej! Mitch is a fellow Iceland dreamer whose big trip came to fruition at the same time as ours (hell to the yeah)! We formed an instant bond at the airport while trying to figure out how to change our Canadian dolla-dollas into some sweet Icelandic kronur and board a bus bound for Reykjavik! Cool times when you’re workin' with zero hours of sleep from the flight over beside a very memorable seat mate next to Becky and I. Once we hit Reykjavik the three of us, along with a couple of wicked travel friends we made along the way, tore up the town under the light of the 24 hour sun.

Mitch isn't exactly from Iceland although I know he'll live there one day soon. And he sure was a hit with the Icelanders with that red hair and signature green cap. He sports a green and yellow flannel shirt, perhaps in a nod to his home town of Montreal (perhaps I just made that up) and gray cords, which is the perfect thing to wear there in June. Mitch finishes the look with a pair of Converse, mismatched laces and a camera - obviously the best accessory of all! In addition to being awesome Mitch is also a filmmaker and blogger, click here and you'll be inspired! So my Dears it has been a year since this trip and I've likely been caught in a time warp since then. That's the only way I can figure it! Another volcano has erupted in Iceland but to me this feels fresh as an Icelandic glacier. Thanks Mitch!

Iceland Fashion Part Two: Elin Ey

I've said it before, and I'll say it again my Darlings, I heart Iceland! So much so that tonight we bring you part two of our three part Iceland Street Fashion series. Yippee! Meet the talented, stylish, beautiful and oh so cool Icelandic singer/ songwriter Elin Ey!

It was our last night in Iceland and I really shouldn't have been that surprised. This magical island holds infinite opportunities for falling backwards into the most awe-inspiring situations. Heck, we'd been doing it all trip long, witnessing boiling hot water shooting up from the earth to the sky (Geysers!); cascading waterfalls in the countryside and black sand beaches along the coast; volcanic ash floating through the air of Reykjavik, shrouding it like smog over Toronto. But still, after following our travel friends to an open mike night at club Jacobsen on a complete whim I sat there listening to Elin singing and thought, Damn this is so cool.

And Kiddos, so is that outfit! Elin was so gracious, chatting with us after her set about her music and her outfit. Turns out she was a few weeks away from taking her songs state- side with a trip to New York and California. I'm sure she was a big hit there too, since it takes special coolness to pull off a metallic jacket with purple pants and suspenders... and this looks rad, major respect! Check out the beautiful video for her song Soulslot ( bonus: see if you can spot something familiar at the 2 minute 13 second mark) and in true Iceland style, she will not disappoint! Elin said that she was glad she had dressed up that night and I'm forever glad that we showed up! Thanks Elin!

Iceland Fashion Part One: La Lopapeysa

My Lovelies, It’s been too long! We’ve been on hiatus here at DYF, but like the spring I couldn’t stay away forever. And as of today we’re both back, Happy Spring!

In a thrilling deviation, today I bring you the first of three Icelandic street fashion posts! Say What? You read right. This past June my Bestie and I took off across the Atlantic to the magical island of Iceland, after dreaming of it for about the past decade. Baby-Dolls, it did not disappoint! Traveling through the countryside was like moving through a dreamscape where one moment you are in the English countryside and the next you’re on the surface of the Moon. *Sigh*.

The tiny capital of Reykjavik was a dream of the fashion variety. The people were stunningly beautiful (think: descendant from Vikings) and their outfits were out -of -hand cool (take me back). It must be in the water because everyone looked rad.

This mother and daughter stole my heart with their beautifully layered ensembles in dreamy shades of gray. Our communication wasn’t 100%, but when I pulled out my camera and said “fashion blog” we were speakin’ the same language. The youngster wears an Icelandic Lopapeysa, a traditional wool sweater seen on women, children and men. I’ve been loving life in my Lopapeysa, but alas (and with luck) soon Toronto will be far too hot for such things… any moment now...

Blog is Back!

Here Comes the Sun ( de do de de)

I can't deny it, a couple in love is a beautiful thing, but a couple with style, well shoot, that's twice as nice! Friends, meet Linda & Jason, my very first couple-o-style here at Dig Your 'Fit, and aren't they something to see?

The vibe was electric in Kensington Market on this Sunday. Folks were laughing and smiling and I even caught some people straight-up dancing on the sidewalks. Crazy pills? Nope. It was just the first sunny weekend we'd seen here in months. And I do mean months ( please note: some people may actually have been on crazy-pills, though I can't be sure).

These two came walking by and straight away I dug their fits and I dug their vibe.Let's start with Linda.

I love this look. It's like one part 1940s pin-up cute meets two parts 1970s laid-back cool. It works! She's a gal who knows what she likes when she sees it, and when she sees it, she often buys it! Good thing her apartment features, wait for it... 4 closets (say what?!!). Her beautiful coat comes from Black Market. High- waisted jeans are Urban Outfitters. Shoes? Value Village. The look wouldn't be complete without the help of these fierce H&M leopard print gloves. Me-ooow! And what's that cool looking thing standing beside her? That's her beau Jason...but I don't know where she found him!

I'm thinking Jason may be one of those guys who just garbs some clothes, throws them on and Bob's your uncle, he's out the door looking rad as rad can be. sigh. His boots are from Zara. The skinny jeans are from Urban Outfitters while his jacket, top, scarf and hat are all H&M. His gray cardigan belongs to a friend and his rosary necklace was picked up somewhere in Kensignton Market. And Jason's adorable accent? Well that's from Ireland!! You can't see it, it's a little harder to acquire, but it never hurts the look.

Thanks you two!!!

Lights, Camera, It's Vanessa!

There comes a time during a Toronto winter when looking out the window in the morning is like Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates; you just don't know what the h -e- double- hockey -sticks you're gonna get. Baby-dolls, this is that time. It may not always taste good, but you're gonna have to get dressed anyway. The question is, what do we wear ? I say, try something like this.

On this day, it was fog and Vanessa, a hair stylist at Yorkville's Earth Salon, brightened up the Annex in this hot number. Inspired by fashionistas on the edge like Agyness Deyn and Alexa Chung, V owns the look like only she can. Doc's are most defiantly back (in case you didn't get the memo). Vanessa picked hers up secondhand in Kensington Market along with her leather jacket and shades. She purchased her zippered acid wash skinny jeans at Urban Outfitters while the Balinese scarf is a souvenir from her travels in Australia. Her hat and zip-up, both by Element, are "borrowed" from her roommate who represents the brand. ( It just so happens that one of my BFFs and my favorite artist Juliana Neufeld is the first Canadian Advocate for Element and you can check out that awesomeness by clicking here) Represent.

In driving school they said never to shine your brights in the fog. But who cares, we were on foot and some people just can't help but shine (even while hungover). She's not famous, but I'm thinking she's a star. Thanks Vanessa!

Dig This: Rachel McAdams on Vogue

'Exciting' and 'cover of Vogue' haven't been terms I've used together in the same sentence lately, unforch. But doesn't our home girl Rachel McAdams look hot rocking the Jan 2010 cover of Vogue. So exciting!! Shot by The Prince of Natural Light himself (and one of my very fave fashion photogs), Mario Testino she's the picture of silver screen sophistication. But don't fret my pets, we haven't lost this one to the glitz of faraway places; Rachel knows where she's from, in fact, she still lives here! Don't her eyes just twinkle with that particular Ontario Girl charm (It's a thing you just can't fake, trust).

The article was rad too. Reading it made me excited for the things to come: lady- like silhouettes for spring 2010 (get pumped for the corset top!) and sunny walks in Kensington Market, where if I'm lucky one day maybe I'll run into the girl herself and turn this into a street-style post...

Until that day my friends, we'll have to settle for an article and a couple of photographs. If you missed the issue on newsstands you can check them out by clicking here!

'Make Mine a White Russian'

Happy New Year! This is it Kiddos, this is the big one, it's 2010 (rejoice!) and it's going to rock our socks!

(Confession: I took this photo back in late '09 but it's such a great look that I didn't think you'd mind.)
When I spotted Marina and her awesome ensemble on Queen West the temps were downright frigid. She didn't seem to mind. I think it was the fur hat. Could it be that mother has been right all along... that a properly covered head actually does equal a warm body? Well my loves, this ain't your mama's hat (but could be your Great Auntie Franny's)! The hat's a throw- back and the look is fresh as snow.

I'm loving this mix of the bold (fur hat!), with the subtle (well cut coat, shoes, Acme brand jeans), with the dark (the colour black). It's is not unlike that other mix of bold, subtle and dark... The White Russian!!! Vodka, milk and coffee liqueur? I say, why not!? And while it's unlikely that while ringing in new year any of you uttered the words ' yo Barkeep, make mine a White Russian' maybe you should have, because like Marina's fur hat it can warm a girl up and get her through this crazy thing called winter. Well done Marina and cheers to the new year!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas my little Elves! Silk stockings, killer heals, and Santa? A no fail look for the naughty and the nice (...but mostly just the naughty). Hope the holiday finds you merrily dressing it up and living it up! xoxoxoxoxox A.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Yes my Bunnies, it's that time of year again I'm afraid. The time of year when we bid a tearful goodbye to Chic Fall Layering and say hello to its cousin Wacky Winter Bundling. It can a be confusing and painful time but it need not be ugly! To get through it we must act in the way that we would when our own crazy cousin comes to town uninvited; cringe a little on the inside, briefly consider an escape route and then slap on a smile and act as if we're loving it.

It was a downright nippy day on Queen West when I took this photo. My hands may have been like ice but my heart warmed when I spotted the likes of Jillian walking to work in her wintery best. This outfit is such a gloriously rad collision of prints, textures and shapes. Girlfriend's look is seriously on fire.

I'm just two ticks away from renaming this blog www.I Bought My Outfit at Value Village.com/ And I Still Look Better Than Ya'll. Jill's fabulous printed jacket, lace-up booties and toasty leopard- print earmuffs were all found at the VV. Her skinny black jeans come courtesy of American Apparel and her scarf is straight-up Burberry! Shopping second hand is not only an avenue of style for Jillian but also part a personal philosophy. She feels that plenty of clothes and things exist already in our world and tries to recycles the best of the old when possible rather than always going in for the new! To this I say: Rock On!!

P.S. Earmuffs are Back!!!

A for Ainslie, I for Inspire

One of the things I love about this city (and this life) is that sometimes out of the gray comes something so fresh and beautiful that you can't help but feel inspired. And Darlings, I'm not talking about the Starbucks gingerbread latte (so maybe I am, a little bit). No, I'm talking about this deliciously coordinated ensemble that makes me want to turn my face skyward and say 'thank you fashion Gods, thank you!'

Ainslie was out talking, walking and sipping coffee with her friend Jessica (please see post below) in the Annex when I stopped her to ask just how she came to look so cool. Her answer dear friends, may surprise you too. She came to look this way by scouring the racks at her trusty neighbourhood Value Village to find this sweet striped top, great mini skirt, and killer lace up shoes. She threw on a sassy belt from Zara, a wonderful tube scarf from H&M (one of which I'll have to pick up ASAP) and topped it all off with a glorious red vintage London Fog coat!

We may not all have such a great eye for pulling a look from vintage threads (don't I wish), but darn it, we can still try! Ainslie, your name is tricky to spell, but your outfit is simply w-i-c-k-e-d!

Paint It Black

A wise man once noted that it seems in the future, human kind will eventually convert to wearing a single uniform (assuming, of course, that the future will look like it does on t.v.). And while for some of you this statement may seem dismal I say , not necessarily so! Perk up Chickadees, the future will not be grim, but it just might be wearing black.

I hereby nominate this look, as modeled by Jessica, to be the uniform of the future! While the bottom half of the uniform has long been agreed upon; we're definitely going with boots over leggings, the top half had yet to be resolved... until now. Let's just say it: this jacket is spectacular! The cut is so beautiful and flattering while the pocket and shoulder details (a big story this fall) are downright adorable. Completing this look is a delicious Marc by Marc Jacobs black leather satchel, which unfortunately can't be seen clearly in the photo but can be checked out by clicking here.

Jessica, a Women and Gender student at U of T, loves to shop vintage as much as she loves to wear black (a lot!). Jessica has found that the best vintage clothing comes from New York City and her killer jacket is no exception! I photographed Jess while she was out for a coffee and a stroll in The Annex with her equally stylish friend Ainslie, who will be featured in a later post (cuz I've learned that the stylish often roll in pairs.) Thank you Jessica!

I Want a Sunday Kind of Look

They say that breaking up is hard to do.  And my darlings, we know how true it is.  And yet, I've always been more inclined to say that waking up is hard to do (I for one, am not the biggest fan).  But there are a few things that can get me right out of bed early on a Sunday morn: bacon & eggs, good friends and the possibility of a really, really rad outfit (hey, I'm no Linda Evangelista)! Dang, I should have bought that lotto ticket because lady luck was on my side this Sunday when I got all three in one go! I stalked down Mitch and his killer look at brunch in Mirvish Village. 

Friends, this is what I like to call a Sunday Kind of Look; It's a look that lasts past Saturday night. It's easy to look sexy in the dark of the bar (three drinks in and everyone looks fly).   But it takes extra special styling skills to bust out an outfit of this caliber in natural light, before noon on a Sunday. No I wasn't at church, but can I get an 'Amen'? (Amen!)

Mitch only had a quick second so I don't have the details of his 'fit.  But he was so sweet he even posed for me on both sides of the street for the different lighting.  Amazing. Thanks Mitch!!

Big White Tent? Heels so High They Might Kill Ya? P.E.T.A? It Must be LG Toronto Fashion Week!!

So It’s Fashion Week in Toronto and you didn’t get invited to any of the events? Well buck up Sweetheart, neither did I! But that didn’t stop me from pacing back and forth in front of the big white tent like a fashion- crazed lunatic with a camera. Oh no it didn’t.

The looks coming down the runway inside were all Spring/ Summer 2010 but outside in Liberty Village last night the weather was still Fall‘09. And as Toronto’s fashion elite rushed into the warmth of the venue I witness some of the wobbliest walking I’ve ever seen. If being seen at Fashion Week doesn’t bring out that extra inch of high heel in a gal, baby nothing will!

Many a polished look passed me by while I lurked outside, but I like a little edge. And then, up walked Alisa. While making her way backstage this model has so much edge she could keep Gillette in business. Her look is mighty fierce but her shopping philosophy is down to earth. The boots are from Urban Planet. The tights, jacket and bag are hot finds from Winners, while the ultra mini-dress comes from Costa Blanca. She’s a girl who loves to add drama and ummph to all her outfits. Alisa, I admire your boldness, but mostly I just admire your legs. Well girls, maybe next lifetime.

Alisa walked in the Bustle (designed by Project Runway Canada judge Shawn Hewson) show last night.

Check her out on the runway in the turquoise bikini!

And for a special treat click on the last runway picture (mom, this means you!)

DO WE DIG? Duck Shoes Edition

 

Now, I know that nothing pleases a Hipster more than busting out an ironic choice of shoe, but my lovelies, are we ready for the second coming of... The Duck Shoe? 

I was wandering past Town Shoes in the Eaton Center yesterday on my lunch when the soft gleam of a certain familiar plastic caught my eye. ' Say What?? Are those Duck Shoes?????' And indeed they were, in a choice of three classic colours. 

Yes, I use to own at least one pair. And yes, so did the rest of my family (Dad might still). And yes, it was 1991  and we did live in the Maritimes.  But no, we weren't featured in the Land's End catalog that year sadly, but thank you for asking! And I hadn't seen a real live pair since. 

We've witnessed the rise of the 'weather shoe'.  These days fashionistas are just praying for the rain so they can step out in their Hunter Wellies. And when the weather drops enough (heaven help us) sure, you'll see me in my Sorels on a Sunday afternoon. We're lovin' it, we're feeling hip while feeling dry. Are Duck Shoes the next step? Without yet having seen anyone sporting these little slip -on wonders on the streets of Toronto looking cool, or otherwise, I'm wondering, Duck Shoes: DO WE DIG?

Red Is Best.

Kathy Stinson once said: Red Is Best, and honey, it still is! It's the colour of rage, the colour of love, and the colour that brightened up an otherwise dull day in October when it came walking towards me in cardigan form. I found Sam doing some vegetable shopping in Kensington Market the day after Nuit Blanche. This OCAD student had been up all night participating in a group performance piece and was probably looking to blend in with the peppers, but I couldn’t miss him!

In this outfit Sam manages to look both cozy and hip with a little dash of sexy, a tough combo I've been trying to pull off for the last decade. Inspired by interesting colour and shape he works the look in his fave sweater (from Value Village) in his fave shade, natch. The scarf was stolen from mom, and the trench was stolen from a friend's ex boyfriend (and that's where all of our best clothes come from, no?). The jeans are Levi's with a self styled rip and the shoes are Adidas with killer gold details. Since we're on to details, a special shout out goes to Sam's rad hair, recently cut at W on Queen St. Wicked.

Just Throw Her on a Catwalk and Call Her Heather Marks*

(* Is it me, or does Beatrix here remind you of Canadian model Heather Marks?)

It was over to Queen West for me yesterday where spotting a well-dressed hipster is as sure as the winter is long.  About to start her shift at American Apparel, Beatrix, also a fashion student, makes looking fab seem so easy you almost want to hate her for it. But don’t even think about it honey, because she’s clearly such a doll!

The top, skirt, and tights, all American Apparel, are dandy but I think the jacket and boots are out of sight! And where did they come from you ask? The former is from Value Village and the latter, mom’s closet where Beatrix finds many a wearable garment and much of her fashion inspiration.

I asked Beatrix what her fave piece in the store is lately and she said it would have to be the Disco Pant (as seen here) Wowzers! If you do choose to squeeze into these hot little numbers (and maybe I will) ladies: Boom! Prepare to turn some heads like our gal Bea!

Frockin' it into Fall: Dresses From Day to Evening in Yorkville

If you say we really have to start dressing for the crisp fall weather, then gals, let’s do it right! It was back to Yorkville for me last night where the drinks may cost a fortune but the looks are… priceless.

It was a spoil of fashion riches as the film set flocked to the ‘Ville to see and be seen in their TIFF best. While undeniably polished all the looks tonight reflect the joyous ease of throwing on a frock for fall and going about your day, no matter what adventures you may have (or celebs you may spot).

Lien & Jo

Christina

Kristen & Courtney