I Wish They all Could Be California Girls

There comes a time every winter when getting dressed becomes so boring and routine it's almost enough to bring tears to my eyes. Lately, everything in my closet seems dull and uninspiring, but adding even a small pop of colour looks oddly out of place in dismal Toronto this month.

 So, to avoid depression as I put together my layered black-upon-grey-upon-nude ensembles each morning, I often daydream of a world where the sun never leaves the sky and shoe choices aren't limited by icy sidewalks.

In this mystical world, I could wear a thin, single layer with no need for a jacket in February. High waisted shorts would be seen year-round without the accompaniment of leggings or nylons, and floral would be as common on people as it is in Monet paintings.  

I call it California.

In an absurdly incorrect order: Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and The Papas (appears twice), stills from the Eva Michon film for Rita Liefhebber Spring 2011 (also appears twice), Pieces from the Peter Som Spring 2011 collection, Anonymous 1960's beach girls (appears MANY times), blue dress by Family Affairs, Sandra Dee as Gidget, Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast, The Beach Boys, California Girl magazine cover, pieces from the Jonathan Saunders Spring 2011 Collection, Johnny Depp and Franka Potente in Blow.

Maybe in a month or so I'll pack up my cats and run away to live in the land of sand and surf.  Till then I'll be California Dreamin'.

Between Shoe and I

From Grannies to Gaultier

I've been rooting for team "granny style" for quite some time now. I have an affinity for peter pan collars paired with flower-embroidered cardigans, what can I say? Sadly I was beginning to feel that no one would ever truly understand my old lady love; with Spring's constant stream of neon and futuristic feel, I began to doubt my passion for mothball scented garments would ever see the light of the runway. 

But then Jean Paul Gaultier's Fall 2011 collection came along. It was love at first sight. 

Models balanced sky-high silvery beehive wigs on their way down the catwalk, weighed down by chunky clip on earrings and pearl necklaces. Many of the prints, such as the yellow silk number pictured below, were made up of tiny cameos, and sparkles snuck their way into a number of the black pieces. Fur, dainty leather gloves, and a designer grocery cart or two completed the look, adding a truly authentic "I raided my grandma's closet today" feel.

 It was wonderfully refreshing, not only because I love the style of those who reside in rocking chairs so much, but because had my Great Grandmother been alive, she would've fought me for one of these pieces. If Jean Paul Gaultier's Fall 2011 garments have the ability to potentially bridge an almost 80 year style gap between then and now, that's something I can't help but admire; it's true timelessness. 

I can't wait to go grey!
But lets keep that just between Shoe and I.

Photos Via Style.com

A Veritable Feast of Vintage

Vintage is without a doubt, the hardest shopping one can do.  Finding the perfect piece in good condition  that actually fits can be frustrating, especially if your store options are limited (as I often find they are in Toronto and Vancouver).

As I peered into the windows of Montreal vintage shops however, I felt my frustration dissolve into excitement. 

There was so much loveliness! I felt like I was living in a dream!

We stayed around the Mile End, an area home to a mismatched combination of hipsters and hasidic jews. The result of these two communities is an overwhelming number of kosher shops alongside cafes with live music and vintage boutiques. Erika, Chad and I spent an entire day sifting through piles of colourful garments all over town, and although I was exhausted by the end of it, I had a fantastic time and found some amazing pieces.  Montreal, I miss you already.

Do you feel like you were there with me?

Shoe and I

You'll Find it's Fine to be Alone.

 This short and sweet post goes out to all you lonely hearts out there.

And lonely feet... and lonely... ears?

 I don't want to discriminate, but mostly this is for hearts.

Maybe this is just me, but for most of my life I've had insecurities about being alone.  Although I've gotten more comfortable with spending time with myself in recent years (an automatic side affect of living alone) I still can't help but feel anxious at the thought of asking for table for one, or making a lone visit to the movie theatre; I start to wonder to myself, don't I have friends?

This cheerful little film snippet offers a new way of looking at being a single wanderer.  A collaboration between filmmaker Andrea Dorfman and songwriter Tanya Davis, It advertises loneliness not as a hardship but as a gift.  After watching it numerous times, I've decided I need to start making plans to take myself out for some alone time, pity-party free. I think maybe we could all use some time with ourselves, don't you?

I hope this quirky clip brings a smile to your face on this gloomy winter's day.

xoxx
Between Shoe and I

Living at Le Cagibi

So Montreal is amazing. Erika and I absolutely adored every second we spent there and are now attempting to learn French so we can move there after school and actually be able to get jobs. Although we had lots of favorite spots (which will be blogged about, don't fret), it seemed to make the most sense to start with Le Cagibi.

Nearly every morning this quaint little hideaway provided me with the best (and biggest) soy lattes I've ever had, with a side of gorgeous mismatched vintage furniture and the scent of delicious vegetarian food in the air.

The music they played varied from indie folk to oldies, but everything I heard there was wonderful, and if I'd had more time I would've made sure to attend one of their late night shows in the back room. The walls were lined with knick-knacks, plants, and local art. The decaying wooden floorboards creaked with the weight of each footstep.

Le Cagibi became a place I could rely on for warmth from the cold, long interrupted conversations, and friendly strangers. It was my maison away from home... wherever home is these days.

More Montreal to come!
Between Shoe and I