Honey, start the car!

Vintage Balenciaga clutch, the latest find score from the Village* I tell you, the people of Richmond B.C do not hold onto things for very long... I had to do a double take when I saw the back to back B logo not to mention the price tag - a whopping $24 with an additional 20% off. I deliberated for a whole fraction of a second, I know too long. My guess is late 80's, early 90's definitely pre-Ghesquière but none the less in good condition. Will be taking her out tonight, paint the town red as they say... stay tuned for more outfit posts to come**!!

*as in Value Village

**really, I'm working up to it:)

On a Silver Platter

"Oh my God! Do you know what these are? Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes! I thought these were an urban shoe myth!"

- Carrie Bradshaw

One of my favorite quotes from one of the greatest shows on television. Happy Friday all! I decided to do my usual Saturday visit to the *Village early this week and really glad I did... found this lovely silver tray for an equally lovely price of $9.99 as well as these very adorable ribbon-tie Mary Jane's. Freshly re-soled & made in Spain, they really are in impeccable condition for being second hand. Price Tag: a mere $14.99, how can a girl resist? Hopefully I can get my act together and post an outfit to go with in the near future. Until then, enjoy the view and be inspired.

*as in Value Village

Patent, Pumice & Polish

 

That's right, I used a pumice stone on my patent leather shoes...don't judge, it worked. Let's start from the beginning shall we? The scuffs you see in the upper left photo are, at the very least, 4 year old. I know what you're thinking, how could I treat my shoes like this let alone leave them in this condition?! Trust me I'm a bit appalled and ashamed myself...but I digress, once patent leather gets scuffed it's very difficult to clean let alone remove the unsightly marks; I must have tried a dozen different leather cleaners and polishers to no avail. So I lived with it, ignoring the streak marks as best I could, only letting the shoes come out to play at night in dim settings only... Finally, last night I was tired of being streak marks girl even if it was only in my head so I made a bold move and decided I would scratch the marks off...with a pumice stone. Mind you, I don't recommend anyone do this on colored patent let alone expensive ones (mine were reasonably priced from Zara). So I just carefully chiseled away where the marks were most prominent and although not completely streak-free, the results were better than I imagined. **Note, finish off by polishing any patent with petroleum jelly I.E Vaseline, works like a charm and removed any traces that the surface was even touched by anything abrasive. So there you have it, a bit unorthodox but did the trick.

And now for some Instagram eye candy for your viewing pleasure:

 

Little Nana in her finest.

On another note, two-tone shoes are always a good choice. You can opt for a classic black & white chanel-esque pair like above or play with different color combinations for a fun but chic look.

Live Your Truth: A lifetime resolution

Step One: Position

Step Two: Breathe

Step Three: Keep breathing!

Step Four: Live

"The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers."

Well it's done: an official and permanent reminder to LIVE my truth. It has been quite the journey 2012, let me tell you. Working-quitting, sleeping-traveling, finding-losing, flying-falling, laughing-crying, dancing-singing, screaming-shouting, loving-hating, feeling-living...it goes on.

It's been a roller coaster ride, one which seems to take me through one loop after another, never relenting, pushing me forward to choose a direction which always seems, in my head, to be predetermined by an invisible controller..but I have to remind myself, I am the controller, I am calling the shots and whatever it is I want, really want, the universe; that invisible force will be there conspiring with me. 

I have to thank my tattoo artist, Mr. Jimbo North from Adrenaline Vancity. What a sweet guy, super talented and super fast! Made it quick and as painless as possible. And of course, my two very good friends Linda & Jing for literally standing by and holing my hand through the whole process. Love you guys!

To 2013, I'm not sure I'm ready for you but you're here now and I will take you on one day at time!

They are floating...

Meeting the Sartorialist

This is a late post I realize but better late then never they say. I can finally sit down and re-live my Sartorialist experience:

It all started with me taking the Monday off work to mentally prepare myself (yes, I need a whole day to do this) one must plan logistically when line-ups, big heavy camera's and books are involved.. I wanted to look somewhat interesting, probably men's wear inspired because that's just me, but still feminine and hopefully nonchalantly understated all at the same time! Anyway, after much deliberation switching from skirt to slacks about a trillion times, an outfit was finally picked, pressed and prepped.  I do this to myself too often, hoping that a skirt can outdo a pair of ol' faithful pants on a cold day. Result: I didn't want to be walking on cobblestone in 4 inch heels which the contending skirt required for a complete look, sooo pants it was along with a caramel colored wool blazer, maroon polka-dot sweater layered with a crisp white shirt & collar pin. Not too shabby I don't think, and well, it was me and I was comfortable. *If you're into the below look, it can be easily done with a broach of your choice.

Back to the experience:  Yes, there was a line up but I was 3rd in line so I was pretty safe. What can I say except Scott was a complete gentlemen, spending as much time as he could with each person, signing each and every book and print while posing for a picture or two. I'm not going to lie, I was completely star struck before and after the meeting. We talked about Garance as he signed my book and even gave a short narration of each photo he took of her; where they were and what kind of mood she was in. It was absolutely delightful and of course, almost surreal that these two people that I admire so much from afar are indeed, the sophisticated and lovely people that they are on their blogs. I speak as if Garance Doré herself was present and although not the case, I think Scott could really tell I was smitten over them!! My hope is that one day I'll be walking down Bleeker Street or strolling down Rue Saint-Honoré and there they'll be, or ya' know just her, and I'll have my book handy where I can open it up and she can sign on the same page as the Sartorialist.

Anyhow, enjoy the photos and as always, happy blogging.

Shh...Secret Location

Well, it seems Secret Location is the place to be now for fashion in Vancouver. As you can see above, the Man Repeller aka fashion blogger sensation Leandra Madine, has already graced us with her presence. I completely missed out but rest assured that will not be happening again! No no... Next on the schedule to visit will be the great Scott Schuman of the Sartorialist for a much anticipated and to be perfectly honest, an unexpected book signing. I am still in shock that he will be here in Vancouver, in the flesh! My only other hope is that he casually brings Garance along for the trip! if only!! ahhhh wishful thinking!! I adore the both of them and have the utmost respect and admiration for Mr. Schuman and his work but.. Garance Dore! She really is the epitome of elegance, effortlessness and most important to me, modesty with always a touch of whimsey and purpose to not only her style but her writing and really, her screen presence (as seen in her fabulous "Pardon My French" vlogs.  I think I speak for many people in that she makes us all feel like a close girl friend. I mean, I quite literally ask myself when I'm doing a closet cleanse "would Garance wear this?" and if I can't picture her wearing it, into the Good Will pile it goes! So, I've got exactly a week to put together my outfit for when I meet the Sartorialist!! ahh I've got about a million ideas... one thing's for sure it will have to be Camera friendly as I'll be lugging the ol' Nikon with 10 pound lense in tow. I'll do my best to capture some Vancouver fashion at the event. Until then, as always, happy blogging.