Outfit of the Day: At the Cafe Again...

Hey Everyone,

So you already know that I tend to spend a lot of time in cafes. It might be less clear why. Well, I am working on my PhD at the moment, and I honestly find cafes among the easiest places in which to do research and write.

I get a lot of quizzical looks when I tell people this, but it really works for me. It gives me a reason to wake up, eat breakfast, shower, and get ready for the day, when if I planned to spend my whole day at home, I'd probably have none of that stuff done by noon. I also see others in a similar situation at the cafe, and I feel a quiet but discernable sense of camraderie with these fellow writers and readers. There's a certain appeal about working amongst others. I know I am not alone, and if I let my eyes wander from my screen or page for too long, I can be sure that one of these kindred spirits will shame me back into focus with their own prying and distracted eyes.

There is also an endless supply of caffeinated beverages just waiting for me to order them, giving me that 3pm boost that I always so desperately need. There is no tv, couch - or worse yet - bed, to draw me into hours of procrastination that will ultimately lead to an all-nighter or a missed deadline. So the cafe is a warm place of solace for readers and writers to gather and work, drink coffee and think. And for that reason it will always be one of my favourite places - either to study, write, or pass a Sunday morning with The New York Times style section. Baristas - you have no idea how appreciated you are!

I tried a new cafe in Toronto, and I absolutely love it, despite the fact that it's almost always absolutely full of patrons (and there are many good reasons why). Peter took these pictures of me at Crema (the Junction location) in Toronto. Such excellent coffee, atmosphere, and the best chocolate almond croissant you've ever had.

I got this amazing (yes - shoulder-padded, deal with it!) dress at Goodwill for $4. The boots are c/o Torrid, the leggings and bracelets are F21+, and the scrabble piece necklace (which spells out LOVE) is from ASOS.

Another couple of fun new things to show you: my "new" (another $4 Goodwill score) bright blue coat, and my closet jewelry organizer. Peter was tired of untangling all my necklaces all the time (I do NOT have the patience for that kind of thing!), so I've been looking for something like this for ages. I found one by Umbra, which was featured in January's Vogue, that was shaped like a little black dress, but it was $25, and didn't have as many pockets as this one that I ended up with. I found it at Wal-Mart in the jewelry section amongst the 50% off stocking stuffers and I was ecstatic. Each one was $7, so I bought two, because I have quite a bit of jewelry! I am so pleased with them. No more tangles, and now I can find everything so easily - no more burrowing through my jewelry box for that matching earring that can't be located anywhere when I'm already running 15 minutes late. It makes it easier to co-ordinate jewelry choices with clothing as well. Big time saver! If you can't tell, I'm really excited about organization, lol. Anyway, just thought I'd share that fun stuff with you!

What I'm Wearing... (or OOTD)

Hey Everyone!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I haven't decided yet what I'm wearing today, but if it's anything good, I'll be sure to post it. I'm sure it will involve something green...   =D

I wore this outfit to my brother-in-law's 30th birthday party. Hope you enjoy!

Skirt, bolero, and leggings - Forever 21 +/Necklace - Tartx Designs (a present from the bf =D)/Shoes - American Eagle brand from Payless/Earrings - Plain studs I've had for ages/T-shirt - Dots/Hat - Ardene

The necklace features an image of Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII's ill-fated wives. I really like historically inspired stuff. If you've ever watched the show Ugly Betty, you might recognize the "B" necklace that she wears in this picture of Anne Boleyn. It was a very famous piece of historical jewellery and you can purchase replicas all over the place now. You can even get it made with your own initial.

I really like the skirt because floral patterns are very trendy this season. When I was over in England and Ireland last summer, it was everywhere. It seems like we're a bit behind here... When I look at the UK sites now, it seems to be all about the Aztec prints (which I must say I'm not a huge fan of), so maybe that's next summer's thing for North America. That's my style forecast for today! What do you all think?

I Got My Hair Done!

Hey Guys!

As you'll see over time with this blog, I am a huge bargain hunter! I got a new 'do at this fantastic place called Marca College. There are 4 locations all over the GTA and all the services are done by students at a really significant discount. I had my hair dyed and dried and styled. I left having spent only $30! I love getting deals like this. The service was really good, but make sure you have plenty of time if you're going because the students take their time to make sure they're doing a good job! I had my hair dyed black with a tint of blue. I think the next time I might have a bit more blue put in. I'd love to know what you all think!