Window Shopping ~ Pea Green

shirt | jacket | pants | boots

I've been really enjoying monochromatic outfits lately - AND this pea green tone. I desperately want to find some thrifted pants (in my size) in this really subtle and calming colour. So, here's a bit of online window shopping daydreaming and some sweet Etsy finds. Look how cozy that jacket is! Here in Toronto we completely skipped jean-jacket season and moved directly to cozy winter jackets (no parkas quite yet though). This jacket looks like it'd be the exact amount of cozy I need in the grey terrible weather we've been having. Trying to stay positive in gloomy grey weather is so tough! Fun colours for outfits help a little.

xo Katia

Window Shopping: A Warm Vacation

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

I have a confession: I've not been living in the moment in the present much lately. I've been daydreaming non stop about a family vacation we just booked to Aruba! It's several weeks away but I. Can't. Stop. Thinking. About. It.

Tonight it is snowing steadily and romantically, but I'm having a hard time feeling the magic and charm of Toronto's millionth winter wonderland appearance. The weather has me feeling some real S.A.D. feelings. Also, last week was a hard week, if you follow me on instagram you'll know that someone I was very close to at work, one of my friends with dementia, passed away. This is an inherent part of my work with persons with dementia, and it is always sad, but this particular one has hit me hard. I'm fine, and happy to have known her and spent so much wonderful time with her. But I've definitely been enjoying a bit of escapism by envisioning the trip to Aruba.

Of course, part of that day dream is all the fabulous beach and summer wear I'll be able to adorn myself with! Ahh, how I miss light fabrics and the freedom from layers. I miss feeling the breeze on my skin and actually enjoying it. I miss the warm sun. This window shopping outfit features two of my favourite online shops as of late: Hackwith Design House and Boheme Goods, handmade and vintage goodies respectively. I can't get enough of their pieces and finds.

Lately I've been really into beige and off-white. Something cloudy and dreamy about it, so even though I'm headed somewhere tropical I'm imagining lots of warm, light, breezy, airy tones. With a punch of orange/red, though! As with the little de tails on this adorable straw market bag. I've already bought myself a new bathing suit and I'm trying to limit myself to that one purchase for the month (an amendment on my year of thrift routine), so for now, just day dreaming and window shopping.

Have any of you been to Aruba? Any recommendations for things to see/do?
xx

Window Shopping: Gold Statement Earrings

1. Fierce Deer | 2. Natalie Catalina | 3. Gibson Vintage Shop | 4. The Galvanic Flea | 5. Bario Neal

I went through a minimalist jewellery phase, where all I wanted were little studs in geometric shapes or cool designs. Always simple; understated. Somehow in the last six months or so, I've become absolutely enamoured with gold statement earrings! Earrings with cool shapes that are relatively simple in that they are for the most part, just gold. No gems, no tassels, no colours. Just engraved and/or uniquely shaped gold metal.

Here are a few of my favourites from some online window shopping. Some vintage, some handmade!

It's funny to reflect on my own "jewellery evolution". I also had a silver phase where I was soooo not into gold. I found it tacky and not good for me. I feel the exact opposite now! While I still like silver, I find I much prefer the warmth of gold.

How about you, are you more of a silver or gold kind of person?

Window Shopping || 19

(Jacket: Loose Goods | Horse Leg Necklace: Story Book Vintage | Sunflower Shirt: Pastel Fox | Plaid Linen Trouser: Morphew |  Snakeskin booties: Teybelo)

Yesterday, because the sun was out, I wandered to a few shops near my place. I went into my favourite thrift store here and bought some white plaid/grid cotton comfy pants, and though they are definitely not as structured or "nice" as the ones pictured here, I am really daydreaming about how I'd like to style them this summer! Perhaps for casual beach days or wandering around the city in the sun... ahhhh..

Also, how bizzare-o and awesome is the horse leg necklace? I am about THIS close to not just window-shopping it and actually snatching it up.... it's just too cool. Basically everything about this outfit is something I wish I could throw on TODAY! I've been aching to be rid of my winter boots and wear something cuter, like these snake skin booties. Or all-gold metallic booties. Something a little fun and wild!

As usual I am daydreaming about spring and summer. Can you tell? We got another heavy dose of snow this past weekend and I am trying so hard to be positive and not bitter about the weather, since it's inescapable, but DANG I am so done with the cold! What's the weather like in your neck of the woods?

Window Shopping || 18

(Cropped furry sweater: Shop at Milky, Pearlescent Vegan leather backpack: Golden Ponies, Otono Caramel Necklace: Sew A Song, Venus Head Planter: Brooklyn Global, Black Faded Levi's: Better Stay Together)

I'm at a strange intersection in my fashion choices that tends to happen yearly, mid-winter for me. I start feeling a little encumbered by big sweaters, giant lumpy parkas, and smelly winter boots (gotta work on that...). I want to experiment a bit with my outfits, pull out my summer pants, be a little wild. But then I look outside, see the foot-deep snow and trees bending in the bitter wind, and I just want to snuggle up with as many layers as I possibly can. Do you guys ever experience this? Is it purely a Canadian cold winter kind of experience?

Recently I found some beautiful shoes at a thrift store and have brought them to my school office so that I can feel a little bit nicer when I'm indoors on campus. This has been nice - they're Clarks ;)

I really want to share some outfit photos with these good thrift finds, but I just haven't had time. This term is kicking my butt with heavy duty theory-based assignments, and tons of TA work! I love it all - but it leaves less time for prancing around and snapping shots. So meanwhile, I will share these lil mood board window shopping outfits with you all, and I will find solace in the warmth of my marshmallow-style parka.

What have you seen in your window shopping lately? Anything you're eyeballing?


ps. I'm aware that venus head planter isn't really wear-able... but I got one that is quite similar recently and am super stoked on it!

Window Shopping || 18

Labyrinth Pendant: Mimosa | Embroidered Ankle Boot: Pastel Fox | Gingham Mini Dress: Loose Goods

It's officially FALL! I have mixed feelings about saying goodbye to an amazing summer and the warm sunshine on my skin, but I also really love the coziness of fall, and subsequently the fashion which I spoke a bit about in last year's "Year of Thrift Fall Update" post! I've been resisting the urge to shop at all, thrift or no thrift, trying to save my money as much as I can now that I'm not working as much. But my new apartment has several, fabulous looking thrift shops within walking distance.... uhm. SO dangerous, but I have yet to succumb to the urge. Check back with me in a month and we'll see if that's changed!

I've been admiring Mimosa's jewellery for maybe a few years now - and this labyrinth pendant is just 100% up my alley. Circles anyone !?(I love circles) It's also all about the small details for me these days; simple and unusual jewellery, little unique touches like the embroidery on these ankle boots, all to compliment a simpler "base" outfit. My wardrobe selection for school has proven to be "capsule" wardrobe style - few items, versatility, lots of neutrals and comfy favourites. It's been really nice to limit myself, I'm actually impressed by how little I miss my clothes back home. As such my jewellery collection has been important to me - though it is also minimal. I have about 3 necklaces, two rings, and 5 pairs of earrings with me.

Who would have ever thought I'd be little miss minimal with my fashion? Who are we kidding though... I'll probably dive headfirst back into my "at-home" wardrobe this weekend when I go back for work.... ha! But it's nice to know I can do it and not hate it.

What's on your fall wishlist?

Window Shopping || 17

(Silkscreen Lobster Halter top: Hanmattan | Handmade Oxford Flats: Imelda Shoes | Cropped Wide-Legged Pants: Persephone Vintage)

I am in a serious window-shopping mood lately (and on occasion, real shopping!). It's partly due to all the summer styles emerging, and partly due to having finished a big mural job and having a little bit of spending money to use. I've also come to some realizations about my style, which often happens to me at the junction of seasons. 

My collection of "summer pants" are patterned, wide-legged, flowy, mostly loose fitting garments. I don't love wearing shorts and I don't love dresses and skirts. These flowy summer pants are something I've discovered in the last few years and developed a nice collection of. That being said - I also tend to buy patterned flowy tops. I'm all about the patterns. But these two sets of garment types don't really go together, so I've decided to try and part with one set. That would be the tops - because my pants are truly my favourite. So I'm on the hunt for neutral, nice-fitting summer tops!

This Lobster Twin top is suuuuuper cool.  I recently watched The Lobster by Yorgos Lanthimos and it was an astounding and weird film. I loved it! And I've had lobsters on the mind ever since (not because there are actual lobsters in the film - it's all very avante garde and symbolic), so I love this pair of lobsters. There's a myth that lobsters mate for life, which is a romantic notion for sure. Apparently it is just a myth though, and that they actually just have spats of periodic monogamy after a female lobster has molten and hasn't fully formed their new shell. Fun fact of the day! You're welcome.

I really like the pairing of the sage green of these pants with the coral red of the lobster detail. And of course some beautiful, classy black shoes to round it off. I like to keep things simple for summer. Shirt, pants, shoes (and covert panties I guess). The necessities only.

What style or garment have you been coveting lately?

xo 

Window Shopping || 16

(Handcrafted Leather Flat: Sevilla Smith | Classic 90's Denim Jacket: Loose Goods| 
White Fringe Crop Top: Persephone Vintage | Enamel Pins: Ann Somers)

The funny thing about spring in Canada is that it snowed yesterday and I'm still wearing my winter jacket. HA! Hilarious. I also like to blame this weather for all my ailments; currently a terrible sore throat and ache-y muscles that are keeping me from work. Ugh! Bring on the sunshine, please!

Anyway, I'm excited to bring out my denim jacket again. Especially now that enamel pins are SO in. I also happen to know some real cool artists making really cool pins out of their artwork. Bonus. These artichoke and brussels sprout plant pins are by my dear friend and talented artist Ann Somers. I'm totally obsessed and love that the brussels sprout plant kind of looks like a palm tree. This doesn't really count as window shopping for me since I own the artichoke one already... but I am eyeballing the other one to match...

I've been practically drooling on my phone ever since finding Sevilla Smith's instagram account. Her handcrafted shoes are the epitome of chic and effortless and everything about them makes them tickles my fancy. From her various 'neutral' shades to patterns to reptile textures, they really speak to me, and I love seeing shoe makers rockin' it in a market of fast fashion shoes that, let's admit it, are total crap.

Isn't this fringe top dreamy? I just imagine wearing it and dancing or swinging in the sunshine and letting the fringe wiggle with me. A happy, summer-y thought!


What are you lusting over lately?

Window Shopping || 15

(Handwoven Scarf: Pidge Pidge | Black Heeled Loafers: Night After Night | Embroidered Button-Up Blouse: Windy Peak Vintage | Paint By Numbers Watch: 10North Creative)

Things are getting cold and subsequently cozy around here! This morning I woke up to frost outside and a super windy trek to an appointment. So of course my turtle neck and coziest sweater and biggest scarf came along for the day, and I braved this premature winter weather. Guh!

So logically, my instinct is to eyeball little booties and big scarves online.

This scarf by Pidge Pidge is so autumn-y, with its earthy warm colours and volume! Mmm! I'm a really big fan of all the scarves by Pidge Pidge; their colour combos are all really eye catching and fabulous.

Sometimes in the professional world or in interviews or other situations where pulling out your phone is a big ol' no-no, I find myself wishing for a watch to check the time. I have one that is super chunky and white and funky, and I think I'd be more likely to wear a watch if I also had one that was a little more discreet, but still cool, like this Paint by Numbers watch, or any of the 10North Creative watches, really.

What have you been lusting over lately?

Window Shopping || 14

(Vintage Men's Ankle Boots: 86Vintage | Aurora Fringe Bag: Native Rainbow | Canyon Girl Mini Dress: Gypsan | Diamond Bend Cuff Bracelet: Diament Designs)

I've been trying to find more shops that actually focus on sustainability- not just 'vintage/second hand' fashion. Even though I'm all for that (obviously), it's really nice to find people that are making an EXTRA effort by selling their handmade goods and choosing their materials from sustainable, cruelty-free sources.

So I was happy to find Native Rainbow's Etsy shop this week. Their bags are beautiful, organic, made with materials sourced from the states, and I love what Lizzie, who runs the shop and makes the goods, has to say on her about page:

"As human beings, it is up to us to make a conscious effort to make positive changes in this world. I will stand up for animals for as long as I'm breathing.
I give a percentage of my yearly sales to various animal charities. My ultimate goal is to establish enough growth to fund a fully-functional non-profit animal sanctuary on my farm to give safe haven to any animal in need. " 

 I'd say that's a pretty sweet mission statement.

The dress in this also comes from a store I admire. Gypsan is a company that gives 5% of their net profits to charity as well, and are also trying to have all their clothing made in the United States. 

Though I don't personally live in the States, I understand that these companies are doing so because there is more assurance that the workplace they are sourcing from is following human rights and environmental laws and the fact that people care and are making conscious decisions to have their clothing created in ethical environments is something I can really get behind!

 Do you have a favourite ethical brand/company that is making great efforts to take care of our world?

Window Shopping || 13

(Cactus Flower Tote Bag: Idiopix | Vintage Wolf Eye Denim Jacket: Windy Peak Vintage | Black Suede Skirt: Token | Jasper Round Bead Necklace: Sew a Song)

Now that jacket and boot season is creeping up on us here, with a more-present breeze and chillier mornings, I've found myself on a slight western magic-desert-woman kick again when it comes to style! I crave my denim shirts and leather details, little booties, gold details. I love warm weather for comfort and sunshine, but I have to say fall is my favourite season for fashion! I'm very excited to put my collection of light jackets to good use while I can!

This tote-bag from Idiopix is something I may actually invest in for myself (I have such an affinity for retro illustrations of plants and such!), and the necklaces from Sew a Song make me think of little moons which I just LOVE. Two really good new shop finds!

What have you been lusting over lately?

xo

Window Shopping || 12

Indigo Hand Woven Scarf:  Honest Alchemy | Crop Top: MillaLoop Vintage | Black Marble Clutch: Scout & Catalogue | Vintage High Waisted Jeans: Skinny & Bernie 

I am very excited to share this Honest Alchemy Scarf as part of a window shopping outfit this week! I can't even remember how I stumbled upon the Honest Alchemy etsy store but I am so glad that I did. Here's a snippet off the shop description to explain why:

"Honest Alchemy is a sustainable textile and accessory design company that uses 100% natural fibers and plant-based pigments. Handmade by Philadelphia-based artist Elizabeth McTear, each piece is made with a deliberate consideration for tradition and timeless style."

Sustainability? Handmade? All Natural? Textiles? Timeless style? It's like this little description was written exactly to appeal to me! Good stuff, Ms. McTear. This is one of those window shopping moments where I'd seriously consider buying something from Honest Alchemy (They have fabulous wall hangings/weavings too! Ah!) and if it were a fabulous scarf like this I would style it like so! Letting the scarf be the statement, and letting the the clutch act as a nice texture balance.

Have you something on your mind you've been wanting to purchase lately?


Ps. Can you tell I am going through another tie-dye style phase? My fella and I just did tie-dye again last week and decided to do some fabric this time! I'm using some of it for a birth-banner for my cousin's baby. I used an olive green dye and it's looking very fun in the background of the project. Yay!

Window Shopping || 11

Trousers: Bless That Dress | Wool Crop Top: Better Stay Together | Black Cage Sandals: Cali Vintage 415 | Necklace: Diament Jewelry

I have been applying to some office jobs recently, which has me daydreaming about office-casual outfits! In particular - nice shoes! I find nice shoes especially difficult in summer time. Sandals can look way too casual way too easily, but sometimes with the summer heat they're the only comfortable thing. 

I find jewellery is a fun way to both gussy up an outfit and give it a little bit of personalty! I love the little landscape on this necklace - it's the perfect, subtle, sunshine-y vignette to liven up an all-neutral outfit.


What items have you been daydreaming about lately?

xo

Window Shopping || 10

Patterned Playsuit: Nadinoo | Aquamarine Moon Drop Necklace: Foxtail Boutique |  Slouchy Light Pink Cardigan: Chic Vintage Hawaii | Chanel Logo Ankle Boots: James Rowland Shop

Happy July, everyone! I know we're about a week into it, but it's exciting to be in full-swing summer mode (if only the weather would keep up...).  To be fair, I've started breaking out the shorts again and we had a very sunny weekend, just in time for some outdoor concerts and hang outs, so that's been fun!

I'm totally in love with this 'Fine day Playsuit' from Nadinoo. Their "The Good Life" collection is full of the most summer-y, fun patterns and I just love the teal and pink colour combination of this particular one.

So I rolled with those colours for the rest of the outfit. I always love the look of bold, coloured shoes, but I have found myself straying away from them and going neutral - to try and be more functional and have shoes that will match everything I own. These little booties have me daydreaming about expanding my shoe colour range though... I think they'd pop perfectly with this kind of outfit!


Do you have any bold, coloured shoes? How do you style them?

 

Window Shopping || 09

Lena Dunham Birthday Suit Shirt: Clashist // Grey Tweed Trouser: Trashy Vintage // Natural Cowhide Sandals: Golden Ponies // Protective Hand Ring: Datter Industries

So many cool things going on with this window shopping outfit!

First, let's talk about this Lena Dunham Birthday Suit shirt. Is this not the best pattern ever? I love the orange/red accent colour and all these fabulous Lena nudes. I'd be so happy to channel the ever-confident, fabulous Lena by wearing this shirt!

I'm also so glad to have found Datter Industries on etsy! They have little hand necklaces too... basically a must-have for me (can you tell I like hands?). I kind of want every single piece of jewellery they've got on there. Watch out, bank account...

Golden Ponies shoes are also pretty badass. Handmade, some natural leather, some vegan products. A nice mixture for everyone! Plus I love the way these sandals look - I'm still trying to force myself to break away from my all-black-everthing mode! Especially since it's finally warm and lovely here now, when it's not raining anyway.

What's on your wishlist right now?

Window Shopping || 8

Lace Shirt: Bird On A Wire Vintage | Glitter Necklace: Each To Own | Waxed Canvas Tote: Barnacle Bags | Patterned Harem Pants: Gypsan

In summertime, I try my best to break away from jeans. But shorts aren't always my jam. They ride up, they sometimes show off things I'd rather not show off, and I just generally find pants more comfortable. With that in mind, I keep an eye out for lighter, softer pants that don't look like pajamas! It's a hard balance, and patterns on pants can often be a bit overbearing. I think these ones from Gypsan are really lovely and look super duper comfortable.

I would pair patterned pants with a simple top, with a little lace detailing, a neutral bag, and a little glitzy necklace just to add a little pizzazz to an otherwise very neutral outfit!


Is there anything on your wishlist lately?

Window Shopping || 7

Conch Shell Necklace: Dreams By The Sea | Embroidered Tunic: Trashy Vintage | Mint Floral Shorts: Zvedzdana Vintage | Socks: Medium Rare

This outfit is so summer-y!  It makes me think of eating popsicles from the icecream truck at the beach (because that's tradition, no beach trip is complete without an icy treat!)

I've been really trying to lighten up my clothing lately; more florals, more pastels, more colours. It's hard though, with my thrifting rules and budget, to use what I have and not splurge on a full new summer-y wardrobe! That's the whole point of this window shopping series though - some make believe shopping and imaginative outfit making, haha.

How great are those socks?

I have a funny thing with socks - I don't love them. I don't like wearing them. But my feet get cold and then I get cold and that's an issue! So I buy funky, funny socks. This pair is so fun; the colours, the abstract designs, the patterns. Perfect!

What Spring clothing are you lusting over lately?

Window Shopping || 6

Floral Dress: Lucy Blue Vintage | Tribal Turquoise Necklace: Jessamity | White Mary Jane Shoes: James Rowland Shop

I don't wear as much floral anymore, but I used to be absolutely floral obsessed - I probably would have bought this light blue, adorable vintage dress in a heartbeat if highschool me saw it! I still have the very first shirt I ever thrifted back in Grade 10 or so. Surprise, it's floral! Maybe I'll include it in an outfit post soon.

Spring has me dreaming of florals and cute dresses again - gone are the days where I am restricted to darks and pants (I still wear them, but at least I have options!). We've had blue skies and sunshine this last week and I have been over the moon about it! I even broke out my cute little summer loafers from Paris for a celebratory dinner last night. My best friend Kami and I have both finished our undergrads and we thought it was worth dedicating a nice dinner and movie date night to. We had dinner on a patio, which got chilly when the sun went down, but it was nice while it lasted!

Has spring arrived around your part of town? I suspect the answer will be yes; Canada seems to be late to the game this year.

xo

Window Shopping || 5

Scarf: Bohem | Tanktop: Mother's Daughter | Skirt: Vaux Vintage | Necklace: Prairie Oats

It's that awkward time of year where the weather can't make up its mind - leaving us to fend for ourselves when the temperatures switch dramatically from morning to afternoon and big interior spaces like school haven't quite figured out what the heck to do with the thermostat yet. I approach this issue with layers. Lots, and lots of removable layers.

This scarf from Bohem is something I've had my eye on for a while and I think would be the perfect 'transition' scarf for seasons. Bohem seems like a really great company - the couple who run it have a really cool story about constant travel and making things together, isn't that the dream? My kind of folks! As I read their little story I got visions of myself backpacking across Europe with my fella... oh wait! That's in a month! AH.

---

On a side note: just last night I finished my last two thesis paintings - holy goats, is it ever a strange feeling to be DONE my thesis! Well, the main body of work anyway. I still have to spend the rest of today scanning every bit of process work from the entire year and compiling it into a pretty little PDF. And then there's the big ol' grad show at the end of April. But you know, close enough to done! So now I can daydream freely of my upcoming travels in May. I'll be visiting some friends and cities in Europe and it's going to be such an adventure - I can't wait!


What are you looking forward to in the next few months?
xo

ps. The Giveaway winner was announced on Saturday! Check it out!

Window Shopping || 4

Necklace: Moorea Seal | Short-Sleeve Top: Hackwith Design | Pleated Trousers and Ankle Boots: Vaux Vintage

I've been dreaming about white-on-white-on-white outfits lately. Something to do with longing for summer, for days when I can wear my pants without getting slush spatters up the back of my legs, for days when I can lounge outside in airy clothes and just enjoy the sunshine.

This necklace is a part of Moorea Seal's non-profit category and a certain percentage of proceeds go to Women's causes. Which I think is pretty fantastic!  Especially when so many of the products in this portion of the site are so beautiful too!

I've been pretty down in the dumps lately, mostly because of the crazy cold and feeling stuck in the house because of it. Major cabin fever and frustration. It's been helping me to dream about sunshine and warm weather, and my travels in May! I'm going to Europe with my fella and I get to see one of my best friends in Scotland, and I'm so so excited. It takes happy thoughts to get through this weather!

What happy thoughts are helping you get through this long long winter? Or are you lucky enough to be somewhere warm!?

xo