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!

The End of Summer in Kensington or Jumpsuits Done Right

I know that any good fashionista lives for fall, but I have to confess: summer just really is my season.   And great outfits like this one help me to hang on just a bit little longer!

When Samantha came walking down the sidewalk in Kensington Market on Sunday, I thought, hell yes!  Now here is a jumpsuit done right  (and trust, we’ve all seen at least one go wrong this summer).  Good fit? Check!  Cool print?  Check!  Almost looks like a dress so you are not quite sure if it even really is a jumpsuit? Check and check.

You’ll never believe the killer deals Samantha scored on her accessories.   The sunglasses come courtesy of Claire’s, yes that Claire’s, for $3.  And the shoes were purchased during some sort of a crazy 4 pairs for $20 sale at Payless!   Word.

A special thank you to Samantha for being my very first subject!