a far off place

the weather here lately has not been cooperative for taking outfit photos, or any outdoor excursions at all for that matter. we've had three snowstorms this week, and it looks like they'll just keep on coming. in lieu of real-life outfit posts, I thought I'd share a few looks inspired by better weather and more interesting days.

it's no secret that I've got a serious and constant case of wanderlust. couple that with my compulsive shopping addiction, and planning a vacation wardrobe becomes the perfect down-time activity! I put together a list of a few far-off places I'm longing to see, and the fantasy outfits to accompany them. it's a way to indulge both my habits without spending any money... and hopefully giving you lovely readers some slightly interesting content in the meantime.

I've always loved the Olympics, and it kinda killed me when they were in Canada and I couldn't go; Vancouver is far far away, guys! so me and my travel buddy Caitlin made a pact to save up and go to the summer Olympics in Rio in 2014. I'm so excited to finally see the games, and South America too!

1. Rio is known for funky fashion and showing some skin; an 80s-inspired dress goes with everything. // Modcloth.

2. sun protection and style! // Modcloth.

3. a bright, fun bikini is a must-have. // American Eagle.

4. bold shades to match your bold beach wear. //Urban Outfitters.

5. sassy heels brighten up a simple summer outfit. //Modcloth.

6. a cool tote (if there is such a thing) is essential for carrying around beach goodies all day long. never know when you'll need 'em! //Out of Print.

7. Brazilian-esque bling to bring the whole look together. //Modcloth.

I have Olympic fever! I'd love to check out the next winter Olympics in Korea, too. winter has the more fun events, after all... and visiting Asia for the first time would be a bonus!

1. I'm not sure how cold winter's get in Korea, but I assume a coat will be necessary. //Mango.

2. I have Olympic fever and plaid fever. I'm riddled with fun diseases! //Dorothy Perkins.

3. my cute winter boots can be slightly heeled since most event-watching is done in a seated position. #active. //Lulu's.

4. mixing winter prints is cozy and cute! //She Piner.

5. I may be confusing this with Japan, but Koreans love cats, right? well, either way, I do. //Ebay.

a trip to anywhere in Thailand sounds amazing; gorgeous architecture, secluded beaches, and elephants galore! GALORE, people. I would love to take an elephant trek through the luscious jungle and check out a hidden temple or ancient ruins. Thailand sounds so exotic and beautiful.

1. a wide-brimmed hat is boho chic and functional. //Urban Outfitters.

2. bright, opulent jewellery for a bright, opulent country. //Kei Jewellery.

3. a light pashmina keeps you warm under starry nights, and also covers you up in case of religious site restrictions. //Topshop.

4. this breezy maxi dress has the perfect jewel-toned print to wear to markets and beaches. //Ruche.

5. simple sandals are best in hot, humid weather. //Seychelles.

Brandon and I were headed to Stockholm a couple summers ago but our plans changed quickly. ever since I've really wanted to plan another trip there. it sounds so hip and trendy, but still steeped in fascinating history. apparently there are hot air balloon rides and amazing baked goods!

1. a quirky tee seems in keeping with Stockholm's fashionable, yet casual vibe. //Modcloth.

2. a flowy skirt adds femininity to a t-shirt. I love the juxtaposition of girly and casual for a trendy city. //Topshop.

3. this shark tooth necklace is just so cool! //Kei Jewellery.

4. I want to visit Stockholm in the summer, so a light jacket should keep me warm. //Modcloth.

5. a fun coral bag brings out the accent colours in the skirt while holding tourist essentials like camera lenses, guide books, and local goodies! //Modcloth.

6. I love these ankle boots, and they go perfectly with my Stockholm look. //Sam Edelman. 

a few friends of mine have been to Turkey and their travel pictures make me jealous. Istanbul is European elegance meets Middle-Eastern exoticism, a combination that really appeals to me; it seems like Marrakech, but with beaches. what's not to love about that?

1. maxi dresses are made for warm weather site seeing. //Modcloth.

2. a fringed kimono makes a great accessory and a cute beach cover-up. //Topshop.

3. nothing says Middle East style like gold footwear. //Seychelles. 

4. a gold leaf crown adds a little more sparkle to a dark, sultry outfit. //Noaki.

5. I'll take any excuse to get an adorable retro bikini to wear oceanside. //Modcloth.

where would you like to travel next?

♥ & wander.

*all travel photos found on google.

she came back wearing a smile

I don't know if I've mentioned this yet... except that I totally have because I don't think I've ever been  so excited for something in my life... but this weekend I get to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers!! IN REAL LIFE.
this is a big deal, guys.
I'm kinda in love with this band.

naturally, after recovering from the euphoric blackout that followed the purchasing of the tickets, the only dilemma I encountered was figuring out what to wear.

as you can probably tell if you frequent this blog at all, my everyday dress is not exactly appropriate for rock concerts or anything of the night-life persuasion. I'm very much a girly-girl when it comes to clothes. but I can't really go to huge outdoor concert in a vintage dress and ballet flats, can I? probably not.
so I spent a good amount of time pondering outdoor concert-appropriate ensembles, and this is what I've come up with so far.

1. ax paris // 2. h&m // 3. jeffrey campbell

my first instinct was to get cute with it and play up this season's vegetable trend at the same time; wear something with red hot chilli peppers on it. guys, aren't I clever? but maybe hundreds of other girls are thinking the same thing.

1. topshop // 2. modcloth // 3. new look

then I figured I'd go a little more edgy/cool with some leather and a studded shirt, paired with the coolest boots I've ever seen in my life. but I don't really own anything like this... and I'm guessing there will already be an overload of denim in attendance. so on to the next idea!

1. topshop // 2. modcloth // 3. new look

this is more my style. pretty, yet casual dress with a pair of boho-chic boots. but then again, who wants to wear white on a soccer pitch in northern England? probably not I.

1. h&m // 2. modcloth // 3. zara

you can't go to an outdoor rock show without the whole "festival" trend popping into mind, and this skirt definitely says festival. or maybe it says "cowgirl"... either way, while I love a good fox t-shirt, I'm not sure suede fringe is the look I'm going for. 

1. topshop // 2. koi story // 3. seychelles

this look is my version of rock-chick meets feminine flapper. the cut-offs are trendy and cool, but the pretty teal colour goes nicely with the delicate cami. add silver-tasseled sandals and you've got a fresh take on a classic outfit. now if only I had a pair of shorts...

...while I love all these ideas, I found a version that works best for me and is most similar to the first outfit. I'm fairly certain it's what I'll be wearing on the (second) happiest day of my life.

dressing for concerts is hard!
any other ideas on what I could wear?

♥

playing: adventures of raindance maggie - red hot chili peppers

you got your reasons

well I know I'm becoming quite the blog slacker, but I promise I have good excuses!
biggest one being, I'm not feeling well. sickness and working 9 hour days (yes, I'm a big baby, 9 hours is a lot) make me generally exhausted.

since I'm at a lack for new photos & creativity I thought I'd share you some of my favourite looks from other lovelies. some of the pictures are from older posts, but they're still fabulously pretty. I'm sure they will keep you inspired in my absence!

adore these two looks from girl in closet- tights & polka dots & smashing heels! 

delightfully tacky has a new hair style(!) but the same effortlessly cool style. & this autumn picture is one of my most favourite of hers; just stunning. 

keiko lynn is a genius with neutrals (and has perfect hair).

love the hats & boots Valentine busts out in winter months- and those colours are gorgeous!

kendi everyday is teaching me to love bright colours again! this outfit is fantastic.

some adorable Disney princess-inspired artwork found on pinterest (although I will gently point out that Anastasia is not Disney...) which one would you be? Pocahontas was always my favourite but I think I like Aurora's look the best!

and with that, I leave you to go indulge in some buckley's and an early bedtime. hope you all had a lovely weekend! 

♥

playing: Brando on guitar

the girl on tv

before I bombard you with photos from my Ireland trip, I'll continue with this little Mad Men series of mine.

next on the list is spunky Peggy Olson. Peggy often gets overshadowed in the style department by Joan and Betty, but besides being a fantastic character, she is, as Don once said, "cute as a button."

Peggy shares Joan's professional style with less sass. she's more reserved in her fashion choices and doesn't seem as concerned with appearances as most of the women on the show, but nonetheless has a style all her own. 

Peggy is the character that has the most variety in her outfits. she goes from fitted silhouettes and plaid to bright colours and full skirts. her style is simple, but feminine, almost girly. think ascot blouses, pleats, and buttons.

I think you can attribute Peggy's mish-mash style to the conflict between her feminine self and her career ambitions. not uncommon for a gal of her era, I'm sure. whether in the office or out with friends she has a look that is accessible and adorable. 

Elizabeth Moss isn't exactly known as a fashion icon, but you'll find she always looks as fabulous as her Mad Men costars. in fact, her style choices echo Christina Hendricks'; flattering fits, classic looks, and effortless poise. but she's no copy cat fashionista. Elizabeth favours flowy dresses and fabrics and a slightly more contemporary look off-camera. 

I personally think Peggy/Elizabeth is an attractive lady. she's not the standard, generic hottie, but she has incredibly striking features and makes great fashion choices. she is consistent and unique, and I think that makes her an inspiration for those of us who feel like we get outshone by the Joans and Bettys of the world.

see? adorable. 

here are some Peggy-approved pieces you can make your own. 

obviously Modcloth is a great source for any vintage style.

a cute, girly dress from Etsy for summertime Peggys!

you can find a lot of pussy-bow blouses at New Look right now. this one is a particularly pretty shade.

Asos has some gorgeous midi skirts, like this fun little number. pair them with the pussy-bow blouses and you'll be the office cutie. 

and that's it for Peggy! next up is Betty, the classic 60s housewife. stay tuned!

playing: rangers- a fine frenzy

who's that lady...

I just recently finished watching all four seasons of Mad Men. yes, I know what you're thinking- what took me so long? well, sufficient to say I am now obsessed. I have a love/hate relationship with Don Draper and, based on knowledge acquired from other tv shows,  believe him to be a sociopath.

but that's not what I want to talk about.

I want to talk about the ladies! the ridiculously beautiful, endlessly stylish array of ladies. I had no idea that the 60s were my favourite fashion decade till now. pencil skirts, gorgeous florals, petticoats, pumps and super-flattering silhouettes; what's not to love!

I've decided to do a little Mad Men feature for the next couple of days. just a little post on each girl's style, and later I'll post my own recreations of their looks.

first up is my new personal style inspiration- Joan Holloway.

Joan is the office hottie. not hard to understand, right? she's got a killer bod and a keen fashion sense. and I'm not about to write a character sketch, but I love how feisty and in charge she really is. which is awesome for a woman in the 60s.

her style is classic office vixen; pencil skirts, modest necklines (to balance her va-va-voom at work, I assume), bright colours, and cuts that flatter her figure.

I want this chick's wardrobe. I'm even tempted to go out and find a little gold pen to wear around my neck.
I have no idea how she gets that amazing hair, though. I mean other than the hair stylists on the show.

and in real life, Christina Hendricks is just as classy and stunning. she always manages to find flattering, feminine, and sexy dresses that show off her great personal style. obviously she's one of hollywood's more buxom ladies, but she always carries herself tastefully and with grace.

one of my favourite things about Joan/Christina is what she's done for tv body image. she made the standard skinny girl look like old news! she's a full-figured gal, and everyone can see that she's stunning.

I'm sure most girls struggle with weight/body issues at some point in life, and recently I've been really conscious of mine. but I read somewhere that Christina Hendricks is a US size 14, and that made me feel fantastic. not like, "ooh, I'm smaller than her," but that she's a total hottie with a atypical celebrity body type. how could anyone look at her and ever think being a size 2 would be prettier?

she's gorgeous, stylish, and inspirational.

here are some ways to dress like her!

Modcloth of course has some great Joan-esque dresses, including this red one from Pinup Couture. you can find other gorgeous & playful retro dresses at their website, pinupgirlclothing.com

I recently discovered shebycindy.com, where you can find these exact Joan Holloway outfits! a bit pricey, but totally worth it. 

last but not least, Bettie Page makes beautiful vintage-inspired dresses. you can find them at bettiepageclothing.com, and Modcloth also carries the brand.

and of course don't forget etsy! I've got my eye on a few Joan dresses. hopefully they won't get snatched up before I get my first paycheck...

all this Joan talk makes me want to work at an office instead. 

♥

playing: diamonds on the insidee- Ben Harper