Rock Out

I just finished packing up……J and I are going away for the long weekend to a cottage that we rented along with some friends. It will be a weekend of relaxing away from the city, technology etc….well maybe not all technology because I'm pretty sure we will have a TV and Blackberries…but you know what I mean :P…I feel super white so we will see how that fares out in a bikini! Hopefully it doesn't rain…the weather has been so crazy unpredictable.

As you can see, I could not wait to wear the Zara booties! This outfit is a little predictable (unlike the freaking weather) with the chain, the lamé, the studs and the plaid. But nonetheless its a look that I love and its easy to put together, especially in a rush!

P.S I have entered a contest with ELLE Canada and made it to the top twelve (with your support!) so please vote….you can vote ONCE PER DAY here : http://www.summerstyle.ellecanada.com/vote

Thanks again for your unbelievable support…and remember…I will be having three giveaways on my blog if I win which will include vintage items as well as some new stuff!

shirt: UB, leggings: AA , bag: Gucci, shoes: Zara, Necklace: Tiffany (gift)

Elle Canada Contest Top Twelve—> Need your help!

So with your help and support I have made it to the top twelve….voting is until August 12 and you can vote once per day…so please do!

Remember, if I win we kind of all win BECAUSE I will be doing a crazy giveaway on this blog…well a first, second and third prize for you guys which will include some of my fave things (new and stuff you can only find here in Canada) along with many vintage and thrifted finds because well…you all know how much I love it…so I want to share that with you all…

You can register and vote once per day by signing up and clicking : http://www.summerstyle.ellecanada.com/vote

And the Winner is…

Damsels (Nadia and Laritza) from We Were Damsels blog!!! Congrats….you guys have a won a pair of jeans from Chick downtown.com…..I have to email them with your information so please email me your mailing address and size to fashionaddict2008@hotmail.com ....so excited to see you wear the jeans!

These shots were taken with John downtown today near the Eaton Center…they were playing a video outside the hard rock cafe for all to watch….there were people break dancing outside…always a lot going on…..we truly are lucky to live in such a wonderful city (well minus all the garbage right now….yes, the strike is still on)…

This is a very simple and casual look that I opted for today… I had a lot to do including finally getting my hair done…The pants and top were thrifted…I could not ask for more comfortable dress pants…I really don't have enough pairs …

Pants: Talulah (thrifted), shirt: Thrifted, Necklace: Tiffany, Belt: Bluenotes, Shoes: Old Navy, Bag: B Makowsky, Bracelet: Vintage

p.s. Found another CRAZY dress while out thrifting by the brand Religion. Its silk, its super flowing and has multiple metal chains around the neckline...if I have time, hopefully I can show you all tomorrow...it was a whole $7 and im sure it was well over $200 new thats for sure....

We Leave Fingerprints

I had wanted this shirt from H&M before and just didn't feel like spending $35 on something I could probably make with a thrifted sweater…BUT back when H&M was having their clearance sale I picked this up for $5 and it was in my size…last one! Love when that happens…I will admit it IS tough to wear because it does not really slouch properly and if you wear it with pants or leggings it just hangs….I think I like it sort of tucked in or with a belt….J took these pictures last weekend and I just forgot to show you guys!!

Well….I'm super tired from work today and had to deal with a lot of “interesting” little situations……honestly, I think Mondays are cursed for me….I'm off to walk my little Maxie and grab a cup of coffee on the way (my dog for those who are new to my blog :P) ….its my down time….de-stress and relax…then maybe organize my room because I'm starting to have little mountains of clothes piling up in the corners …I really need to jut take a moment and chill from all the rush and hurry in my life….I think a lavender vanilla bath will be calling my name later on tonight…and maybe renew my magazine subscriptions…they are pretty much all expiring in a month :s….

Shirt/dress: H&M, Shorts: Thrifted, Boots: Vintage, Bag: Vintage, Belt: ??, Bracelet: Thrifted

P.s. Chick Downtown give-away winner will be posted tomorrow!!

Makeup: What I have been into lately

 

I am a product junkie and go through makeup “phases”…I have a few staples which I cannot live without and that I have been using forever which are black eyeliner, mascara and a little bronzer. The brand or formula may vary, but my vanity must always have these makeup products stocked!  Lately, I have been really into my MAC blacktrack fluidline…especially for nights out because it will STAY PUT forever and not smudge all over the place at the end of the night! I have also been alternating between my Pulse Perfection mascara and my all time fave which is L'Oreal Voluminous….My favourite black stick eyeliner is my Annabelle smooth liner…only available in Canada I think…if I do another giveaway on my blog it will include this baby ;)

Holy Grail facewash is my Body Shop Tea Tree Oil face wash that is almost finished (must invest in another bottle…it has lasted me about 1/2 a year) and my Olay eye wrinkle cream (pretty much any of the Olay wrinkle creams…as long as it is not a gel).

My foundation has been used sparingly….a teeny dab of my MAC studio sculpt mixed with some lotion or my Revlon Color stay in Sand beige which I think is a foundation that I will keep buying time and time again once this bottle is up…pressed powder to set (occasionally)

My flat Kabuki brush by Quo has been great for blending out bronzer or even blush.

Lastly, I cannot express my love for Stila eye shadow! I got this quad because they were having a 24 karat palette special for $13  so I thought I would try it…they are very pigmented and go on so smooth with little fall out. I love them and have been using them A LOT lately….especially with the darker colour in the crease or outer corners of my eye…paired with MAC lipstick in Myth if I use bolder colours in my eyes…

Well…its a Sunday…so you all know what that means…relaxing with my nice mug of coffee…catch up on my magazine subscriptions and write in my notebook a little…did I ever tell you guys that one of my little pleasures is a fresh clean hardcover notebook? I have journals and diary’s that date back to when I was 4 years old…

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend….I will be posting the contest winner for the Chick downtown contest next week!

A New Addition to the Family

My new babies! (From Zara; Special Edition).

My girl Carina and I went for coffee, talked about our futures as recent grads etc ..and of course….shopped! :P….we passed by Zara and this was the first, last and only thing that caught my eye….and i'm glad it did!

P.s. I am off to Niagara tomorrow with my girlfriends …back soon!!

False Truths

  

When I was younger I had always liked going to Garage sales and rummaging on the weekends. Then summer would be over and those little weekend hunts would also end….until I discovered thrift shops! I never understood why some people were so ashamed or scared of saying the liked to thrift shop….actually I remember being told by others that I shouldn't tell people where I found my unique vintage pieces…I should just let them wonder…why? I’m not embarrassed, ashamed or trying to hide or even pretend that the awesome vintage Gucci bag I was wearing was found at some high end consignment shop etc etc…I promote being thrifty…and more so, I value a bargain…and am proud of it! It’s not even that….I enjoy the hunt as I have said many times before….it is not because I do not have money, cannot afford to buy new things (because you all know very well I do that as well :P) …I feel that there is a common misconception that the general public has towards people who thrift shop or buy things second hand (I actually did a field research project on shopping and consumption in my final year of university and loved it!)…the social dynamics of a thrift store setting are very interesting if you take the time to step outside yourself and examine it (I may not agree with some of the opinions some of my friends/colleagues might have regarding buying second hand…but I can understand their point of view…or at least try to)….shopping and consumption is very much an expression of social identity and individuals try to manage impressions in different ways…….I am comfortable with myself and the person that I am. I hold my Value Village bag proudly! Had this conversation with a couple of friends and just thought I'd share…

On to the outfit now…..these pants were another thrift find of course…$4….I could not wait to try them on and see how I would wear them…a little harder than anticipated but I think I might try a plain tee or waist skimming long sleeve shirt….we’ll see…I need to play around with it more….I also think I like them better a little rolled up…they are the most comfortable pants I have EVER tried on…better than tights and I'm not exaggerating

Pants: Thrifted , Bodysuit: AA, Crop top: Talulah, Shoes: Stuart Weitzman, Bag: Vintage Chanel, Sunnies: Ray ban

And then I saw you…

After work I passed by Value Village to just browse around…because well…if you go once a month…sorry, you miss out on half the treasures…like I have said before…you need to be patient, you need to go often and most importantly…you need to love the thrill of the hunt! This bag was on the floor amongst a bunch of cheap looking plastic purses that looked like they had been through hell and back…right away it had caught my eye…Gorgeous worn in leather and the cutest little print (the interior is in EXCELLENT condition! It is vintage and the leather looks quite aged…I am surprised at the condition of this bag..). It was $5.99…I really could not wait to show you guys…I was not going to do a post but I really could not wait :P….well I’m off to watch season one of True Blood dudes…

xox

oh and I got a pair of vintage high waist shorts for $3 ;)

The things we never had

Cleaning up after other people make a mess= not fun! Well part of this Sunday consisted of just that….one of my grandpapa’s renters moved out after 5 years of renting and this man lived in utter filth! It’s funny because some of the people we see everyday, who look so prim and proper can lead a sort of “double life”…to me personal hygiene and general cleanliness in all aspects of life… is just as important as looking good… this house had not been cleaned in 5 years (that is not an exaggeration in the least bit)….it was newly renovated…it now looks like a dump…we went through tons of bottles of bleach, Lysol, you name it….its still not clean, it will take about three full days…we took turns scrubbing down all the wood trims, floors etc and once my “shift” was done, J and I went for some iced coffee, passed by H&M to get him a couple shirts, played some volleyball because I need some serious practice and then picked up my little cousin to watch a movie =)….it was a busy day and needless to say, I don't have the extensions post yet but I will do that for you guys…I need to buy some more thread and clips….

Lately I have been into loose T’s and searching for cool prints in the men’s section…I got this shirt for $2 at Value Village and basically cut off the neck part, shredded it a little near the neckline and then sewed the sleeves for a rolled-up look that stayed put…The tank underneath was a shredded DIY Hanes (or fruit of the loom? cant remember) shirt a-la-Camille …a very relaxed Sunday look…

The bag is a recent find from Urban Behaviour…surprise! My first purse that I have ever bought from there….there was an immediate attraction to this humungous patched up piece that words cant describe :P…and guess what? It was on sale for $15! Hope you all had a great weekend….Mondays are always a beast….

Pants: Vintage , Shirt: Thrifted DIY, Bag: Urban Behaviour, Glasses: Ray Ban, Shoes: Vintage, Bracelet: Thrifted

P.s. Total cost of this outfit including accessories and shoes(minus the Ray Ban’s ) = $30 ;)....AND thanks again for your support regarding the Elle Canada contest...if you have not commented, check it out by Clicking Here!.... If I win I will be doing a give-away as a little thank you to you guys... of many thrifted/vintage items and a few new things to throw in that pot (stuff that you can only find here in Canada)! ...

My life is an Organized Mess

Hey guys! Its barely 9am right now and I couldn't really sleep in (even though I tried really hard to :P)…I started to organize my room and fell in love with the little trinkets and jewellery on my shelves all over again…I have to really go through it all as this is only one quarter of my collection (I have accumulated a lot of vintage jewellery, jewellery from grams and from friends). Storage becomes an issue, they get all tangled up…so I have to come up with creative ways to display it and do it in a way that I have easy access to it (because then I just forget what I have). P.s. If you look at the last picture…the handsome fellow in that picture frame was my grandfather when he was in the army…I guess you can see why I have such a fascination with James Dean..I always thought he resembled him! He really was a handsome fellow….he tells me stories about his younger days and I am ALWAYS eager to hear them…I still have a tape I made when I was younger that included me interviewing him and asking him bunches of questions…I keep it in a special box I have of family heirlooms and pictures of my great great grandparents….Maybe I will show you one day…

Well I am off as I can hear mama calling me in the background and asking me why I'm not dressed for breakfast yet! haha…….I'm off to Tim Horton's for some coffee

Also thank you to all my readers who commented on yesterdays post! I am really lucky to have gotten to know a little bit about all of you! You guys are the sweetest and I really appreciated each and every comment that you left me! I responded to most of the comments =)

I will be back later on hopefully with an outfit post (maybe the extensions tutorial if I have time….it is in the works :P) for you guys! This was just a little “good morning” post :P

I want to know a little bit about you!!

To all my anonymous readers and readers who never comment....I would LOVE to know who you are! Just tell me a little bit about yourself...anything really.... Its just nice to know who is reading my blog and get to know YOU guys a little =)


I will have an outfit post for your guys tomorrow because its Sunday...that means relaxing with J, breakfast and maybe some downtown strolling...

Also, I have not responded in my thread to some of the comments (many posts ago) so if you have questions, shoot them to me now and I will respond in this post (comments section)!

also, dont forget about THIS contest that im hosting with Chickdowntown as it will be ending soon! Who wouldnt want a chance to win a free pair of jeans?! Contest closes July 21...

The Day Before You Made the Earth Smile

Just wanted to shout out a little HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my girl Anne! Tomorrow she will be 24 years old…which means Celebration time, party time, and lots of cake and goodies!! Hopefully I can get my hair/roots done soon so I can quit looking so tragic…haha….soon enough, its just making the move to book that appointment on my next day off which are usually filled with running errands and other fun little chores :s….On to this outfit: As you can see, the extensions are in again…I really love them, its just annoying because they are clip ins, you have to be careful not to let the wind blow your hair all over the place or else you can TELL they are extensions….and that's not pretty….then again, neither is waiting over a year for your hair to grow a few inches….frustrating! I liked it while it lasted, now its that in-between phase that I hate…

The pants were bought at H&M during their sale for $15 down from $60 I think? Pretty sweet deal and the vest from Aritzia at last years sale….I have also come to the conclusion that I like Forever 21’s plain white tees better than AA (I am wearing it in this pic)….they are comfier and a hell of a lot cheaper at $5! I got a size medium for a looser fit.

Don't forget guys to check out the contest I entered with Elle Canada! As mentioned, I will be treating you guys to a few awesome giveaways if I win...because it would def be with the help of all you guys (probably thrifted/vintage stuff and some items that you can only purchase here in Canada;)….just CLICK HERE to comment! I would greatly appreciate it…

I also want to let you all know that I read ALL of your comments and do check out your blogs even though I may not always comment back! Love you all <3

Pants: H&M, Shirt: F21, Bag: Winners, Bracelets: Coach and Vintage, Shoes: Old Navy, Vest: TNA, Necklace: Tiffany, Sunnies: Ray Ban

Blown Away

Anything look different about these pictures?…. I'm wearing my new extensions… they honestly cost next to nothing…you all know how much I love a good bargain! I like having the option of being able to put them in when I want my hair to feel fuller and obviously longer ;)….I might do a little tutorial on how I make my extensions in an upcoming post….its really easy and basically anyone who can hold a needle and thread …. can do this. I actually blow dried my hair today just in case you were wondering why it didn't look so gnarly …haha…and this skirt was something mama was going to give away so I quickly reclaimed it as my own! This summer I'm really loving the idea of long skirts and maxi dresses …especially in white … P.s. This belt is love, it has Cheetahs that wrap around your waist AND it can double as a necklace…I will show you guys soon! It was $3 from Value Village.

Well dudes, I'm off to watch season 1 of True Blood …. my friend gave me a copy as a little belated birthday present …..and possibly finish reading Eclipse …I got the last hardcover copy of Breaking Dawn at Wal Mart for 25% off….so I'm excited to speed through the third book to get to it!

Shirt: American Apparel, Skirt: mama’s from the early 90s, Belt: Vintage, Bag: Winners, Earrings and bracelets: Vintage , Shoes: JC

P.S. Thanks for all your support in regards to the contest I entered with Elle Canada! If you have not left a comment, drop me a little hello by Clicking HERE , Here and Here!

xox

We made you

Here it is….the gorgeous vest that I got on sale at Holt Renfrew for a ridiculous price…it was the last one and has a little pen mark at the back but doesn't bother me at all ;)….it has the perfect slouch factor …its soft and adjustable- Tons of little straps to pull to create new looks! Today I have just been reorganizing my room (too much clutter in my life…so getting rid of it) and putting stuff I don't need into boxes. I also have a TON of notes and books to go through from my undergrad….you know, all that physio and micro and macro molecular good stuff :P…. I am attached to most of it so I cant throw away ALL of my notes …I would say its a productive day off…not a whole lot of fun but productive nonetheless. Later on will be a treat out with the girlies....we are meeting up for some coffee and ice cream....mmm mint choc chip! I also might be sewing some extensions later on..I buy the hair and make them myself…so easy and so much cheaper. The human hair usually costs about $40 depending where you buy it, then the clips are about fifty cents….sew them in and away you go. It is just hard to match my blonde hair so I might just do two tone…for fun…clip them in whenever I want ….my hair is taking WAY too long to grow already

I really like this outfit (super comfy). These shots were actually taken yesterday as J and I went for an early breakfast ..and then out and about the town ;)

Vest: Isaac Sellam, Shirt: Bebe ($7 on sale from $33), Shorts: Thrifted, Bodysuit: AA, Shoes: Chloe, Bag: Nicole Miller (thrifted), Necklace: Tiffany (grad gift from the mama)

P.S. Don't forget to comment for this contest I entered by Clicking Here and Here! Would love your support! and as I previously mentioned…. if I win I will be having a crazy give away which will include a lot of thrifted/vintage items and a few newer pieces =) …to thank you all obviously :P

As for the Pulse Perfection Mascara by Maybelline review:

I like the fact that it is great for everyday use as it gives a more natural look, I like that it "wiggles" the base of my lashes apart to get them really separated to avoid a clumped up look...I dont like that I have to keep holding down the button to get it to vibrate (wish it had a little switch). I would recommend it for everyday use if you dont mind tingling fingers but not if you are looking for a more dramatic look... you can get coupons HERE for $5 off!

xxx

UFC

Hey dudes! Today the day started off waking up to the sound of rain and thunder at about 9am which was ….awesome…have I ever told you guys how much I love the sound of thunder?! well….that mixed in with being inside all warm and cozy with my big mug of coffee beats any other boring old sunny summer Saturday :P…. These shots are not from today, they were taken a couple days ago with J when we were out and about just before dinner…I thought I would share my sheer top with lace bra look (tad risqué….but I like it). This was the bra that I picked up on sale at Aritzia and the lace top was one of my recent Value Village finds for $4. It was in the XL section…I shop in that section a lot for looser fitting tops….I don't judge by the tags  (xs-xl….if it looks good, ill take it!). My godmother and I, along with the mama..met up for lunch and a little shopping for my girl Anne’s birthday … we had a good time as usual and I picked up a CRAZZZZZY vest that I cannot wait to show you guys….it could double as a top and a dress and was marked down from $1,500 to a ridiculous price of less than the cost of a silk shirt…It was still in the double digits…I will tell you that much!….can’t wait to show you guys….Later on had met with some friends to watch the UFC fight…I didn't have high expectations but you know what..I LOVED it and look forward to the next one ;) …add in some chips and dip and I'm there ;)

I will also have a little mini review for you guys on a Mascara that was sent to me by Cameron and Matchstick…it is the new Pulse Perfection Mascara….will hopefully have that up tomorrow!

Hope your weekend is going well!

Bag: Vintage, Shirt: Thrifted, Bra: Talulah, Tights: AA, Necklace and Shoes: H&M

Just to let you all know ……this is NOT me…

Remember back when I posted this makeup post which was WAY before my “impersonator” took it…..you can click HERE to check it out …..well the writer of the blog ALL ABOUT ASHLEIGH has been stealing my pictures and refuses to take them down. She just started writing as of June 2009 and mine has been around over a year. She has stolen pictures from my site posted BEFORE hers even started! She has now added comment moderation on her site so that I cannot message her.

You guys remember what she is claiming to be her Sunday Photo Shoot? Click HERE to check mine out ….She has taken many of my photos and this is wrong…I do not understand why anyone would want to be someone they are not….why anyone would want to be a FAKE…She has even gone so far as to plagiarize much of my writings and even steal my dogs photo (Maxie the Pooch). Thank you to the blogger that pointed this out to me!

I am just frustrated and upset so I thought I would let my readers know…..just a little venting…..

Also, her site is about food….as you all know….I am not the greatest cook BUT thanks to her blog HAVE found some awesome cooking sites that I might be able to use! So there is a silver lining….

While the Sky falls

I had wanted these jeans from UB previously but thought they were a tad pricey…Anne and I were just browsing around and saw that UB was having a sale…50% off and then an extra 25% off the lowest price…so I ended up getting these for $20…They are super tight and a tad low but I like them like that and it makes them different from any jeans that I have….We had our usual morning coffees and then watched My Sisters Keeper today…we both cried like little babies….it was a very touching movie…and to be honest, its hard to make me cry during a movie…this movie really got me all teared up…

Also, I am really attached to this floral bag….its more of a travel carry all bag however, I think I might just keep using it as a purse…a big old huge purse that can fit my life in it….haha….the handles are the perfect size so that it fits comfortably on my shoulders… you will be seeing more of it!

Dinner at J's house and off to watch One Tree Hill....I have been addicted to this show lately....

Shirt: Thrifted; Jeans: UB; Belt: Bluenotes; Bag: Vintage; Shoes: JC; necklace: H&M; Sunnies: Ray Ban

Today’s Little Treasures

Its Wednesday so what does that mean? 20% off for students and my favourite day to shop around at Value Village! I found some practical and cute things like a pair of plain denim skinny jeans that fit me perfectly, a sheer white flowing top which is a size large but I like it that way ;) ….I plan on wearing it with my lace bra that I showed you guys back when I purchased a few things at Aritzia on sale….and I picked up that Vintage floral Carry-all bag. It will be perfect for weekend getaway’s and only cost me $3. If you guys remember this post, then you will remember I picked up this fringe suede top which I don't know what I will do with yet …and that structured vintage leather purse with a beautiful gold clasp (it was priced quite high but the cashier gave it to me for $2.99!…sweet)…I will show you guys the silence and noise dress from UO hopefully soon....this weather has just been so unpredictable! Hot sun then cold and raining.....Just thought I would show you guys since I did not really have an outfit post for you today….crazy day at work and yucky weather :s

Thanks for all your support and if you have not checked it out….drop me a comment/hello in this contest I have entered….would LOVE your support….Click Here ….and Here!

P.s. I just recently received copies of these lovely photos from a shoot that one of my best girls Anne Marie was involved in. Her very talented sister Patricia coordinated it all …from organizing the shoot to doing the funky hair look….it was a “medusa” inspired look and I think she did an AWESOME job….well I'm off to see these two girlies tomorrow….Anne and I have a busy, fun filled day off!

xox

GiveAway with Chickdowntown.com

Hey guys! This is your chance to pick up an awesome pair of CURRENT/ELLIOTT Skinny jeans in Cloud Wash Destroyed denim (valued at $254) for FREE!!

One of the requirements however is that you must reside in the United States (I know..sucks for us Canadians!!). Sorry to all my international readers….

I was excited to get the opportunity to be involved in one of Chickdowntown's give aways as ive heard great things and Chickdowntown.com honestly has so much to choose from...everything from vintage clothing to awesome shoes. This site is raging with many new designers like Yumi Kim who is very much inspired by floral and vintage prints, and Mystique (you know how much I love these types of sandals..remind me of my JC glads). One of my particular faves is the Sachiko Cream Okeefe Top ;)

What to do to Win??

- You must be a follower(because I obviously want to give this to my regular readers whom I love very much :P) and obviously reside in the USA which I had mentioned ….. just leave me a comment about your favourite pair of jeans (where did you find them? why are they special, how do they make you feel etc…be creative!). ..To my Anonymous readers please leave your email!

P.s. Don't forget to check out Amy, the owner of chickdowntown.com on facebook here and on Twitter here. She loves to give away free gift cards and other cool stuff ;)

Contest closes in two weeks!!

Don’t waste a Minute

Passed by Urban Outfitters today and got a silence and noise dress on sale for $23 marked down from $70….show you guys soon! Downtown is my fave place to be…if I could find an affordable condo downtown by my school that would be a dream! Then again, it would probably just be more temptation to shop and spend all my extra cash money at Starbucks and Tims…..

P.s. I am on book three…..reading Eclipse now….so glad I caved and bought the series….Thanks to all of you who recommended it and just pushed me that much closer to giving it a chance :P

P.P.S …..I will also be having a giveaway soon with Chicdowntown for a pair of Current/Elliott jeans..I am warning you….they are HOTTTTT….as in bleached and ripped type of hot!!!! So check back for that…..

This Outfit: Leather Skirt: Vintage, Crop top: Talulah, Purse: Vintage Gucci, Shoes: Colin Stuart

Thanks for all your support and comments...if you have not already commented, you can check out the contest I entered by Clicking Here and Here.

Thrifting: It takes Time, Patience and a Fun Attitude

As you all know, my favourite place to thrift is Value Village, so much so that they should hire me as their spokesperson for all the free advertising I do for them :P….haha…Everything is neatly organized (except on sale days, its a ZOO!) by size and colour and I find that it is generally a "cleaner” atmosphere than Goodwill or Salvation Army for example, (I do occasionally go to those thrift shops too…just not as often) .

I usually start off in the purse/shoe section because I'm always paranoid that someone else might get there 2 minutes before and snag the perfect dream shoe or bag that might have otherwise been mine..had I been there 2 minutes earlier….

I always dress in clothes that will allow me to easily try items on. I prefer tights because its easy for me to put on shoes and boots without exposing my bare skin before I clean them. I always wear nylons or tights or bring a pair in my bag when I plan on thrifting.

When searching for items I keep in mind:

1. is it my size? If not, do I love it so much that I would go so far as to alter it? Will it be worth it cost wise?

2. Is the fabric quality good? Is it stained or damaged. I usually leave these items BUT if it is a simple stain that would come out in the wash or could be bleached I do not mind. I always ask for a discount though, they will usually give it to you!

3. Shop on Wednesdays (Students get 20% off..at least here in Canada) or spend some time with Grams and go on Tuesday which is the seniors discount. My gram loves searching through old treasures and its a great way to bond.

4. Do I need it is the ultimate question. Technically i don't really need anything so the real question should be is it unique to anything I own? Sure, it might only be $5 but trust me, it adds up at the cash and you also need to think of storage and closet space.

5. If you are small, check out the kids section! You would not believe how many cute things I have found there…actually the dress I am wearing in this post is from the Kids section.

6. This does not have to do with thrifting in a store per say …but guys, its summer time! Check out Garage Sales! What better way to spend a day looking for cute pieces than out in this beautiful summer weather with a nice coffee and maybe a loved one…walking around and searching for some sweet deals…

I will be doing a post on my fave shops on Queen here in Toronto soon however, that is AFTER I have been there a few more times this summer, so I can actually write down the names of the places :P ….

XOX

P.s. I had to take a shot in the wedding section….you know, some love from your “bride-to-be”" ….

Elle Canada Contest

Hey guys!

I have entered a contest with Elle Canada and would LOVE your support!

so please stop by and drop me a quick little hello =)


Click Here to check it out!

and here!

p.s. If I am the lucky winner I will celebrate with you guys with a surprise give-away ...and it will be a good one.....ok enough with the shameless bribery :P ...they talley up the views and # of comments and then there will be voting for the top 12

I will have a new post for you guys tomorrow - a thrifting post that J and I put together
XOX

ALSO I feel as though I need to explain this because certain indivuals, well one individual thinks that different spelling to the same names constitutes as being FAKE. So I thought I would let you all know in case I get other rude and unecessary comments that have nothing to do with the material I put out (which does take a lot of time and effort) ...my legally spelled name is Ashley however I prefer the spelling Ashleigh as I have here on my blog. My blog is MY creative outlet. There. I hope that is satisfactory.

and to everyone else who took the time to check it out...THANKS! It really means so much to me =)
Love you guys

Feeling the Sun

After a hard day of work and a venti coffee to fuel the day (its Friday so I treat myself to Starbs ;) J and I went thrifting and took some photos for the blog…This really is something we both bond over, he loves photography and I love fashion and putting together a shoot/outfit so we really do make a great team….I am lucky to have such a supportive and creative friend and lover (ok enough ranting about love…haha). I will be doing a post on what I look for when I thrift as per many of your requests soon …hopefully on the weekend so look out for that =)

lately I have also been giving my studded booties a lot more love…they have been super neglected…well….off to go watch a movie….and thanks to L (thanks for emailing me!) I'm going out to buy “"Bringing home the Birkin” book as a fun read ….let me know if you guys have any great books to recommend!

Shirt: AA, Shorts: thrifted, Chain Belt: ??, Tights: Winners, necklace: HM, Sunnies: Ray Ban , Bag: Gap

Lately

Queen St: My favourite place to shop come summer time…..I love the little “people” hanging off the wall of the store…Just outside of Aritzia on Queen ….J took some paparazzi shots of Anne and I…haha…I will be doing a post of my fave places to shop soon and how to spot out deals, what to buy and what not to buy when thrifting ….

Let me know if you guys have any post suggestions or things you want me to talk about ;) …..also, some of you commented about my diet in the previous post….and to be honest, I just walk around a lot…dont have a car and try to eat healthy…..the key word is “try” …oh and I drink a lot of coffee….;P….haha

Shirt: AA, Sweater: Wilfred, Shorts: Thrifted, Shoes: Steve Madden, Belt: Vintage, Purse: Vintage, Sunnies: Ray Ban

Love the ones who love you back

Today was a nice day that J and I spent with our friends Anne and Frank….we went around downtown looking for the perfect ice cream spot … we relaxed, laughed and ate….the perfect day off…we passed by Queen St and I just remembered why I love downtown so much…all the perfect vintage shops (just a little overpriced most of the time…but hey, you have to pay for perfectly selected items that are vintage and in your size! the hardest part which is searching is done for you..)

Skirt: Wilfred (bought on sale at Aritzia) , Shoes: Colin Stuart, Shirt: Talulah, Necklace: Tiffany , Bag: Vintage, Sunnies: Ray Ban