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 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...

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!)

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