Happy "Be whatever you wanna be" Day

Although Im not wearing a scary outfit this Halloween (actually I rarely do).. (I usually like to channel some other era altogether....this hallows eve im a 20s showgirl :P)...Just thought I'd share it with you... I could not actually go out anywhere (due to my crazy school schedule)...but I still dressed up (even if it was just to give out some candy!). I love the thought of having one day where you can dress up as anything you want- be anything you want sans judgment...For those of you that have been reading my blog from the start....this was the dress I picked up at a thrift store and was super excited about (its actually pretty old and the crystals on it are GORGEOUS....all hand placed!). I bought it for $20 and it still had the original price on it (probably from some vintage/costume shop for $200!)...The hat is from Salvation Army and cost me $3. It all just went together so well =) Back to work!
Hope you guys enjoyed yourselves and partied it up on my behalf! ;)

Find your Zen Place

So the start of a stressful day turned out to be somewhat "de-stressing" as le BF picked me up for an early morning breakfast. Of course it started off with a nice cup of joe at Aris place (a nice home style breakie spot). We both have a ton to do with mid-terms and essays and for my seminar presentation thats worth a nice chunk of my mark!....ugghh....anyways..the lake is always a nice place to be early in the morn to "Zen-out"......
Would not want stress overload (although I think I might be beyond that point and I know im not the only one!) ...that would just mean increased cortisol levels which could potentially cause serious neurogenesis in the hippocampus of my brain......so yea...Think Zen....and now its back to the books....mmm and that lake in the last pic with all the algal growth....yummy huh?! haha.....

p.s. I found a vintage Thierry Mugler blazer while out thrifting...can't wait to show it to you (its a tad big but hey....i'll make do)!

Bat wing sweater: Wilfred

Skirt: Wilfred

Shirt: Thrifted

Tights: Winners

Bag: B Makowsky

Bracelet: Thrifted

Blogger Breakfast

As with any normal day it started off with coffee and breakfast...one special difference was about THIS day was that it was not with my lonesome while pouring over my study notes.....but with four other fellow fashion/style bloggers... and it all happened downtown Toronto at the Bloor Street Diner (pricey but highly recommended for a special occasion!)...Topics of conversation varied all over the table from Toronto Fashion Week to future plans/endeavors...there was never a dull moment or a loss for words (esp. because most of us were meeting for the first time). It's kind of like a first date...there is anticipation, a bit of nervousness but once the ball gets rolling its all downhill from there :P (and thats a good thing!).
Bottom pic from left to right or....Blondest to Darkest...:

S from http://modern-guilt.blogspot.com/
Me =)
Danielle from http://finalfashion.ca/
Marta from http://withlovegabrielle.blogspot.com/
Anthea from http://clotheslinefinds.blogspot.com/

Special Thank you to Anthea who organized this (and came ALL the way from BC! You rock girl)

Lagerfeld....take me to Dubai!

Take me to a place wear I do not need to dress like a pretty bear (when its summer I want fall...when its winter I miss summer...its a love hate thing :P)...take me to a place where there is water that has actual fish in it and not just zebra mussels loaded with toxins (cough cough...Lake Ontario)....actually Mr. Lagerfeld....how about you invite me to one of your "invitation-only" homes in Dubai?!
Ok seriously...I should not complain about being cold until it actually begins to snow...which it looks like that could be happening in the very near future! At least I could make good use of my pretty "bear" clothes :P

On a side note: I will be posting pictures soon from a Bloggers Breakfast Meet that happened here in Downtown Toronto this week (five of us in total)! Probably in a couple days...maybe tomorrow....exciting and loads of fun but I wont write anything else until I post the pictures

Oh and second pic- thats my "im trying so hard to look like im trying hard" pose :P

Have a great week peeps
XXX
Love you all <3

Jacket: Faux fur- Vintage
Leggings: H&M
Leggings UNDER the lace: AA
Shirt: F21
Batwing Sweater: Wilfred
Boots: Winners
Studded Belt: Betsey Johnson

My little Whities

Yep the socks! They are a great way to keep on wearing those in-between-the-season shoes (ok these are not really in between ...theyre totally summer...). Here is to my special reader who likes white socks ;)....oh and please...disregard the nasty rootage I have growing ...as you all know (I sound like a broken record)..i've been super busy (and kind of sick still) which means hairdresser is not the top priority but Oh I can't wait to sit back and relax and let "Chantelle" work her magic! Im debating whether I should grow my hair again or cut it a tad shorter like before....hmm we'll see....the pics are in doors again for the past few days due to: 1) Ive been getting home really late so its too dark to take pics outside 2) I've been getting up really early which means its too dark to take pics outside 3) my brother is ALSO sick and 4) Le BF is crazy busy with clients and keeping up with school......which leaves me to my tri-pod ;)....yeaaaa!!

Time to get back to that Physio.... and red bull............................................................................................................................................................

Skirt: Wilfred

Top: American Apparel

Socks: Wal Mart (my secret fave place...:P)

Studded leather Cuff: Thrifted
Bag: B Makowsky

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Back to Black

Ok so How nervous do I look in that first pic?! Haha.....thats me during exams...constantly biting...I didn't forget about you guys though and can't wait to get back to my "normal life" which may take a while....ugghh....the thigh highs were busted out today because they are flat making them awesome for walking and fur lined and super warm..Toronto is getting an early glimpse of winter this year...good thing I have about 3 new coats :P!....not that anybody really needs that many but then again....who needs much of anything...its the "satisfaction" in knowing I have variation to choose...and am fortunate enough to be able to do so....anyways....im not going to get all philosophical here BUT I warn you that you may be seeing me wearing RED soon...I dont wear it often...I feel "inspired" by my physiology class in which I am bombarded with pics of red blood cells/respiratory system....it just reminded me how MUCH I have been neglecting the reds in my closet :P.....XXX

Shirt: AA Raglen in Large Leggings: AA tricot

Boots: Vintage

Scarf: Vintage Hermes

Bag: 85th Ed Gucci

Mondays....not Fundays

My Mondays are usually my least creative outfits because I must dress "extra-comfortable" as I am at school for what feels like endless hours....thats when I prefer flats....especially boots with this chilly weather (I have a sweater..I just took it off for a brief moment :P...its my slouchy batwing sweater by Wilfred)...well I must get back to studying physiology....another exam coming up...:s...can't wait for the craziness to end...I feel bad for my BF who has to "put-up" with me during these crazy stress times....I can get cranky under pressure and...and the added caffeine jolts every few hours combined with red bull probably don't help (I would not recommend trying that combo guys!)....

Shirt: Habitual

Leggings: AA

Boots: Steve Madden

Purse: Gucci

Happy Birthday to the Love of my Life

So here is the jacket I mentioned a few posts back that I bought at the Toronto Clothing Show from one of the vintage stands (Girls Night Out to be exact) for a whole $10! well then $25 to dry clean but still a bargain and very luxe looking...it has a blue belt but I added the Michael Kors studded one just for fun....I actually dont really like blue but for some reason I was drawn to this one (prob the price that swayed me )...well as the title mentions...I would like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my other "half"...he's a big boy now at 23...:P...I think he reads most of my posts so hopefully he will catch this shout out....! I know my eyes are kind of hidden...but I like it like that.. ;)
Going out to Dinner now and I should be responding to comments this weekend..again..swamped..as I know most of you are!
xxx

Jacket: Vintage
Hat: Vintage
Jeans: Marciano
Belt: Michael Kors
Bag: Winners
Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden (theyre brown....they look black in the pics)

Re-coopin'

Sorry I've been all m.i.a these past few days...I've been sick AND studying for two exams (which I just finished a few hours ago)...so its been pretty hectic! Well.....that plaid i've been mentioning...well here it is...I was out thrifting a short while ago and came upon this in the men's section (size small) and for $7 it was ALL mine....the picture really does not do it justice and its so roomy, cozy, and warm...next up...book an appointment at the hairdresser....its looking quite shabby :s... off to drink a warm chamomile tea .... ;)

Sweater: Vintage
Black Tank: Wilfred
Leggings: Givenchy
Skirt (that you cant see): F21
Bag: Vintage Chanel
Boots: Winners

Happy Thanksgiving

Sick or not.....exams no exams....Thanksgiving is something I CANNOT miss...My whole family gets together and we all go for a traditional lunch....its always nice considering I come from a pretty huge family (so its hard to get everyone together,....and when we do...its always memorable!)...Soooo....here's the outfit I chose....the barette was under that hat...so thought i'd let you have a little peek :P...it really sparkles in the sunlight...or so my brother kept telling me...apparently its distracting! I thought the HAT was more of a distraction....haha
P.s. Thanks for all the comments on the previous post....Im thinking #2...my original gut instinct ...You guys are Bomb!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hat: Vintage (I took it off inside of course :P)
Dress: H&M
Leggings: H&M
Bracelet: Gift form mama
Necklace: its actually a belt and 5 years old...cant remember from where!
Shoes: Colin Stuart
Clutch: Vintage
Barette: Vintage

p.s. The plaid is coming soon...could not debut today as it was much too casual to wear for Thanksgiving ...hmmm Im thinking tomorrow? and yes, I realize the lighting/shodowing in that first pic looks a little creepy....it had to do...as I accidentally deleted the other =(...
XXX

Guys I need your help!!

This....... Or this.....

I can't seem to decide....The first pair would be more practical I guess and will probably save me from some serious nerve damage....but the second pair...mmm sexxxxy....

AND hope to get an outfit post to you between tomorrow and monday (sorry...I just updated this...(for ppl who might be checking back for tonights post...I am actually not feeling great so it ain't gonna happen tonight)....it involves PLAID.....as seen on practically ALL the runways this fall...think Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana , Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and the list can go on....well my plaid is of course....Vintage...so hope to debut it later....I really do love it and can't wait to show you guys! It would go well with one of these pairs of boots ;)

Photo cred: Aldoshoes.com

8 pm UPDATE: sorry I know I said I would do an outfit post but im actually not feeling too great which is not good considering I have two exams in a few days =(...Hopefully between tomorrow/monday

xxx

Vintage Style Article in Flare Mag

This is a Canadian Magazine and one the many faves I subscribe to....there was an aritcle on vintage shopping and lists many of the places (most higher end and very selective) you can check out here in Canada...

***Click on it to enlarge and read the article ***

Article is from the new 2008 November Edition (just got it in the mail today and since I love thrifting/vintage shopping....just thought I might share it with you guys =)

Bleached....

AND no...not just my hair ...but my jeans..to get that acid wash look we all know I love to death (and that my BF seems to hate...well and many others for that matter but that OBVIOUSLY won't stop me from rockin' them). Drip some bleach on the jeans in the tub...squish 'em around and let them soak ..I must have been using some crusty bleach because it took me an hour to see any color change and it was pretty minimal....I made these A WHILE ago and decided to actually try wearing them (I pictured them a little different in my head...I swear ..it was the bleach :P)...They are $3 jeans I picked up at Goodwill (they were black, now more grey) so I figured it'd be a cheap little DIY/Thrill... so I present you with my jeans ...well and my boots...that I found for $15 last fall ....marked down from $400

xxx

Ashleigh

Shirt: AA Raglan Large

Bodysuit: Gildamarx

Jeans: DIY - actual jeans are thrifted

Leather Bag: Thrifted

Boots: Winners

P.s. Next post....I have some color coming your way ...another one of my exciting vintage finds :P

Baby Love

So aside from the fact that Im totally biased in lovin' this Harajuku Lovers perfume collection because im a doll collector and its just oh so hard to resist these little lovlies.....in terms of the scents...def not love at first sniff for all of them and my faves were by far Baby, Music and Love (im partial to powdery scents though so you should sniff 'em yourself to check out which will work best with your style, personality, preferences)...Thanks to Matchstick for introducing me to the wonderful world of Harajuku and sending me these wonderful samples.... I will be burning yet another hole in my pocket as I make my way to shoppers to pick up a little Baby ;).....ummm and G in the middle? See that little paper doll? I want her outfit....pronto...

What are your thoughts on these fragrances?

Click on this link if you don't mind fillin' out a quick little survey....

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=AKExmizGfIj_2fFjBIV6lqDw_3d_3d

AND don't forget to check back later.....should have another outfit post coming your way =)

xxx

AND if you want your own samples..... there is an exclusive online offer for Harajuku Lovers Fragrance samples. Sign-up at www.fatalattractiontocutesample.com.

Peek-A-BoO

The energy this morning was seriously lacking and I needed some sort of hard core double expresso shot- studying, school, work is really taking a toll on me. Sad to say, but my caffeine fix..or anticipation... is what got my as$ out of bed today! In regards to last night, I spent much of my time studying BUT found a wee bit of time to take a hot bath and just relax for an hour in my "seaweed bath" with my magazines...above water of course :P (I used a Lush bathbomb- google it- theyre awesome and worth every penny!). They do make a bit of a mess in the tub. What do YOU guys do to just chill out when you are feeling a bit frazzled?

Outfit:

Jacket: TRF

Pinstriped Shirt: Thrifted

Leggings: Winners

Leopard leggings: Winners (they are UNDER the black ones im wearing...peeking through)

Necklace: Vintage

Bag: B Makowsky

Shoes: ID Browns

p.s. I realize I look sad in the 2nd pic- I think its because it was taken BEFORE the java fix :P

AND don't mind the knarly feet...I need a pedicure..but you know..its winter :s...

p.p.s. I will ALWAYS post answers to anonynous questions in my comments section so don't forget to check back OR just email me if you have a very specific question and I will get back to you!

Getting down to Business

Tonight was Nuit Blanche (art festival going on downtown) and I was amazed to see a surprising amount of people riding bicycles in full blown bunny suits (think a Mascot suit- very large!). So I have now put that on my "to-do" list...let you guys know how it goes :P....Holla at my Toronto peeps...Let me know if any of you went ! As per todays ....or "yesterdays" outfit...here it is...
And by the time I wake up and look to blogger again...I will have my Starbucks on hand and reading your updates...
And TONS of studying (hence the "getting down to business" title :P)
For now....
Sweet Dreams
=)

Shirt: Vintage (off the shoulder, can't tell from the pics)
Jacket: Vintage
Jeans: Marciano
Clutch and Necklace: Vintage
Shoes: JC

Bloglovin'

This site is awesome and lets you manage all your fave blogs =) Its EXTREMELY easy to sign up...

You can find my site on there too at:
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogg/194210/rantings-of-a-fashion-addict

Click on it peeps!
AND ...thanks Ashleigh (...from "I am Ashleigh") she originally mentioned the site and if it were not for her..I would not have known about it :P

In regards to the pic I posted here....call me crazy....well maybe this is new info to some of you guys too but...This is Kate Lanphear (senior fashion editor at US Elle)...my "Mystery lady" that kept poppin' up all over the place...I think im in love...

photo cred: http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg37/rock-the-trend/lanphearleatherjacket.jpg

One Hundred

The weather is quickly getting colder and colder which means I need to start busting out the jackets- faux fur, vintage fur, leather ..you name it! Which also means, I made a pitstop at my local dry cleaners to clean the vintage fur collar coat I just bought at the Toronto Clothing Show and the faux fur Simpson's coat I talked about in a previous post...can't wait to show you guys. Oh and one thing I feel I should make clear...Although I would never go out to purchase a real fur coat new (for obvious reasons), I do not mind purchasing vintage coats circulating in the market already .... personal preferance/moral thing I guess. Different strokes for different folks (I can't believe I actually wrote that!..). Now back to dry cleaning...I am in quite the conundrum as I pay more to DRY CLEAN my clothes than I actually PAY for the clothes! Its the sequins that get me...specialty cleaning...oh and I have a confession to make: I have a "thing" for sparkly granny sweaters...I.e. The one im wearing in the pics...

Jacket: Vintage (via The Clothing Show)

Sweater: Vintage

Leggings: AA tricot

Shoes: Vintage -Loren Sandler

p.s. Yay to post 100!......thanks guys again...for reading and sticking with me...Love you guys <3

xxx

Ashleigh

The Mean Reds

It was COLD today --or shall I say tonight upon returning home from evening classes. After class I swiped on some red rimmel lipstick (i've tried many and I swear this one is my fave-its almost like a gloss, or at least feels like it... and its cheap!). AND like I said...this raglan shirt will be worn to pieces because its so freakin' comfortable and the boots----there are no words that can describe my <3 love for them. I think I need detox---I have officially "overdosed" on coffee...so much that my hand jitters when I write notes....:s...must stop.....now...well at least i'll have no problem staying up into the wee hours of the night studying :P

Shirt: AA raglan (Large)
Leggings: AA Tricot
Boots: Vintage
Purse: Vintage Gucci
Bodysuit (underneath): AA bodysuit

P.s. Sorry you can't see the purse better- it really is great- there's always next time!
and as for the title...yess...I love Audrey...although I swear....at least not yet (maybe after exams)...no mean reds :P