Blog is Back!

'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!

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!!!

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!