Cotte D'Armes.

Cotte D'Armes is a NYC based denim label which has taken residence in the Chinatown Experiment space for most of December. I was invited to the launch of said pop-up shop without prior knowledge of the location or the label, but in the end they made a denim convert out of this faithful frock wearer. There was champy, and treats as well as an amazing soundtrack courtesy of DJ ANA. Mc'Kenneth and I even took a little dance break that night, yet another reason why I love running into to him!

Clarence Ruth is the embodiment of the laid back, structured comfort of his line, which he has been designing for 5 seasons now. Inspired by a military aesthetic, Ruth spoke to the fact that he is a cotte d'armes (coat of arms in English) to his parents, who both had a military background. The pieces are easy to wear, but not without detail and charm. A subtle sense of eclecticism is expressed through slim cuts with drop crotches, a unique fly/button yoke which is all one piece, and the use of leathers and contrasting textiles in addition to the denim. My personal favourite pieces were the button down, collared tees and tops, which lend themselves so wonderfully to curated but unfussy aesthetic. Perfecting androgynous ease, I can only hope that there are great days ahead for this outstanding designer.

Thrifted skirt, belt, coat | UO hat, shoes | Chosen Ones Sale vintage top

Merrymaking.

We had our annual Friends + Family event at Front & Company a little while back, and it was lovely to get to dress up and see some familiar faces shopping (Adam, Emily) as well as my coworkers looking all snazzy. A very fun night indeed (the snap of lovelies in black are my pals Karen and Sonny).

AA 3D floral jumper | Community Thrift and Vintage dress |  

Fast at Jonathan Saunders tights C/O Tights Please UK | Thrifted H&M wedges

Haze.

On this particular day, Kate and I ended up at the Chosen Ones vintage sale at The Waldorf, which is one of my favorite regular Vancouver events. I don't think I've ever walked away empty handed, so many vendors and super reasonable prices, too.


Thrifted blouse | Community Thrift and Vintage dress |
H&M sunglasses | UO wedges

Tell Me, How Do You Do It?

Finding myself in need of creative ways to stay cozy, as there are increasingly colder temperatures with each passing day. Topshop's AW 2012 lookbook has got the ease + warmth vibe downpat. I'm definitely inspired by the laidback 1960s mood with a bit of luxe bohemian touches.

Hope you are having a lovely weekend!

photos from here.

The Wedding Party.

Although I don't buy as many magazines as I once did, I'm still deeply inspired by editorials. The narrative, setting, props (or lack thereof) and of course, wardrobe, hair and makeup culminating in a very specific visual is something that remains a delight to see. Many a daydream of mine has stemmed from gazing at glossies.

I had forgotten about this June 2009 Vogue shoot, but it popped up on my Pinterest and I wanted to share it with all of you. This party looks like quite the perfect nuptials, especially that hot pink dress.

photos found here

Easy Way Out.

Whenever I'm looking to dress with no fuss, I fall back to a palette of black and white. It's so effortless and makes for quick & easy visual impact.

Thrifted blouse, jacket, belt | Re-purposed vintage skirt (previously a dress) | Forever21 spike bracelets

Kork Ease Ava wedges | Gifted sunglasses

A Dream I'm Living In...

These shots are from the day I had an interview for my current job (they might be a smidge overdue, oops). It feels great to finally work in a place where I feel challenged daily and that doesn't stress me out/leave me covered in miscellaneous milk products and sugary syrups. Sometimes, life hands you a nice surprise. Guest appearances by Mitzi, Grace and Kate.

Thrifted blouse, belt, shoes | Hue tights | Forever 21 skirt | H&M sunglasses

And The World Spins Madly On.

You might look at today's outfit and wonder: Lydia? In pants?!? I had swore again most garments with legs (barring rompers and shorts), but working in a clothing store 5 days a week has made me reconsider my wardrobe. Some days end up being far more casual than what I used to typically wear, but it's been nice to get some use out of the vintage tees that I have been collecting.

I was inspired to start looking for pants/jeans again by this outfit of Gabi's. Of course, the first pair of "jeans" I bought after 2.5 years of no pants are bright orange and a little obnoxious. I'm not sure they even count as pants since they are essentially jeggings with real looking pockets... Regardless, I am now trying to get back into the idea of wearing jeans, even though I find it a challenge to style them. I've even bought a pair of dark wash skinnys. Perhaps there will be pants for me after all.

Chosen Ones cardigan | F As In Frank Alley Sale tee | Gap jeans | Front and Co boots
Thrifted umbrella