Outfits: Ice Cream

The title of this post doesn't refer to my outfit so much as the occasion on which it was worn.

After slaving for 7 hours on my computer doing prep for my latest show today I made dinner for The Boy and I, then suddenly had an insatiable craving for ice cream.

It's been +40 Celsius with the humidex this week, so I suppose that craving is well warranted.

I changed out of my "work clothes" (jeans and a tee-shirt) into this. The weather won't be this hot for too much longer, so I might as well wear these lovely dresses now before it's time for tights and sweaters.

I love this dress, but am feeling that I need a black woven belt to wear with it instead of this white one -  which is looking very washed out in these photos...still getting the hang of setting my camera properly for the outdoors. Black would be so much better, but I make due with the polka dotted shoes to tie it in. You've gotta work with what you've got. I'm so hard done by, aren't I? lol!!

So, it's back to the grind this week. Emails, piles of paperwork and so much organizing and scheduling.  But it's good. :) It's like going back to school after summer holidays. I'm all jacked up to get prepped and ready for the first day of rehearsal next Monday.

50's Cotton Dress: Vintage Glory

Polka Dotted Bangle: Thrifted

White Woven Belt: Thrifted

Black and White Polka Dotted Shoes: Le Chateau

Trusty Vintage Bamboo Purse: Thrifted

Lisa.xo

Outfits: All My Summer Favourites

If you follow me on Insta you've already had a sneak peek at this outfit yesterday. I had jam packed day!

I met some girlfriends from work (who are both stage managers, like me) for lunch at Rudy's Eat & Drink downtown. When The Boy picked me up he said he was craving Rum Punch from Muddy Water's Riverside Patio, so we had to go! We ran into a friend and spent the rest of the afternoon on the patio taking in the scenery, the sun and sipping on delicious cocktails!

I wasn't into wearing a dress today. I've been really inspired by flowy skirts and crop tops on Pintrest as of late. This is my interpretation. I also left the heels at home because I wanted to keep the look more causal. I'm stoked about this outfit! I want to wear it again before it cools off! It contains all of my new favourite summer pieces: new sandals, new skirt, new purse and new scatter pins!! The top is an oldie, but a goodie from Joe Fresh that I picked up at a thrift store.

After dinner yesterday evening The Boy and I went on a bike ride for an hour. I didn't wear this outfit for the bike ride however...lol! We have a great bike and walking path in our end of the city and we've been trying to get some more exercise into our schedules.

All in all, a summer day well spent!

Vintage Sea Turtle Scatter Pins: Ruby Slipper

Polka Dot Tee: Joe Fresh

Black Silk Skirt: Debbie's Vintage

Sandals: ZigiSoho

Green Leather Purse: Claudia Firenze

Lisa.x

A New Home with Me

Last week I did some thrift shopping with my friend Leyan (she's a thrifting newbie, so I was showing her the ropes!).

It's been a while since I've been (not working in the summer means I have to curb my spending) and naturally, I came home with a few treasures.

We hit up one of the Value Villages in the city (the one on Pembina Hwy for anyone residing in Winnipeg). I think it's one of the best VV's in town. You can usually find very gently used designer clothing for a fraction of the cost and it seems to be riddled with vintage.

That being said, this time around I walked away with only a few small items. I've really been wanting a pair of leopard print flats and there was a pair sitting on the shelf ready and waiting for me!

I also brought home these lovely vintage evening handbags. I'm pretty sure the black one is 40's/50's. I have an abundance of black evening bags, but I love the brass closure and the size. I have a hard time fitting my iPhone in some of my vintage clutches and purses, but this one has room to spare!
The silver one is clearly late 60's/early 70's. I just love it's metal handle. Adorable!

We also hit up Ruby Slipper at it's "new" location on St. Anne's Road. I say "new" because they've been there for a year, but it's on the opposite end of the city from where I live and I am rarely in that area with time to spare for shopping. Last thursday was my first visit since they moved
(Keep an eye here for an update on my Ruby Slipper review! Coming soon!).

There were a few dresses I liked, but not enough to buy. And I was very tempted to take home a shortie mink coat with opera collar, but I wasn't feeling it enough either. Ah well..

I did buy some accessories. Two berets: one cream coloured and one blue (which I forgot to photograph because I already put them away in storage with my other berets).

I brought home this lovely carved celluloid and rhinestone bracelet (the green one was another VV purchase that day). No chips, no missing stones. It's absolutely perfect.

And my favourite purchase of the day (and you thought I couldn't top the bracelet?!). These sea turtle scatter pins.
I only wish they'd photographed better. The blue is so deep and rich in person - like the bottom edge of the largest pin. I adore them!! I can't wait to wear them. :)

So those are the latest finds! What have you brought home recently?

Lisa.xo

Wishlist: Seamed Stockings

I've been coveting seamed stockings as of late. Fall is right around the corner and I'm already thinking of ways to wear fur and keep my legs warm in skirts.

What Katie Did stockings are the right price. I really like the nude stockings with contrast seam.

buy it here

And I know they're not very authentic, but I'm liking the idea of the contrast seamed tights too. No garter belt to deal with.

buy it here

And for a bit more money there's Dita's line with Secrets in Lace.

buy it here

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Blue Streak

The weather in Winnipeg has cooled off early this year and so has my penchant for pink. Back to blues. After cleaning out my collection a bit (both in my hoard and personal wardrobe) I remembered that I have a few neglected dresses. This being one of them. 

It's a mid-century handmade housedress which still bears a few small stains from housecleaning tucked among the pattern. This doesn't bother me a bit - it tells the story of the dress. 

I'm sadly counting down the days until I'm back at work. Two weeks of holidays left. I'm trying to make the most of them and doing some planning for the blog so I don't abandon you all again when I start work (wish me luck!). 

To The Boy: "What do you think I'm doing?! I'm taking blog photos!" Yeesh...

The perfect photobomb. I had my "serious blogger" face on and everything....thanks Dave. lol

50's Cotton House Dress: Ragtime (in Ottawa)

Polka Dot Floral Brooch: Ardene

Vintage Navy Leather Belt: Thrifted

Vintage Tooled Leather Purse: Thrifted, Value Village

Striped Peep Toe Wedges: Forever 21

Lisa.xo

Winnipeg Vintage Reviewed: Debbie's Vintage (at the Johnston Terminal Antique Mall in The Forks)

Debbie's Vintage (in the Johnston Terminal Antique Mall) 25 Forks Market Rd
Facebook
204-947-3952

*** out of 5

Debbie's Vintage does not have a physical storefront, it is a "booth" within the maze that is the Johnston Terminal Antique Mall at the Forks Market in downtown Winnipeg. Debbie emailed me a number of months ago and asked if I could stop by her booth and review her shop. Little did she know I'd already been shopping at her secret spot for a few years now.

Without any knowledge of this shop from an outside source, one may never know of its existence. And this, my dear readers is why I love reviewing local vintage shops. Some are well known, but I am thrilled to be able to share this secret little treasure trove with you all.

Debbie's section of the antique mall is tidy, organized and well kept. It's very easy to shop. Her stock is comprised entirely of women's wear (if there was men's where there, I missed it) from the 40's to modern clothing with a retro flair.

Novice vintage shoppers beware though: there are no sales staff helping with your purchase (the antique mall has staff at the front counter to ring in sales, but they are not familiar with specific dealer stock, unfortunately) and no dressing rooms to try on clothes. So if you are not familiar with labels, construction, sizing and fit you may end up with an 80's dress that looks 50's and not the real deal since Debbie's Vintage carries a very wide range of eras. If this is not a concern for you, then shop with wild abandon!

This being said, Debbie's section of the mall is clearly well curated. Every piece is clean, well kept and in excellent condition. So even if you buy a modern piece, I assure you that it will be in great, wearable, like-new condition (I bought a modern black silk skirt on my last visit and it has been one of the best purchases I've made in ages! I love it!).

Prices in Debbie's shop are reasonable and well within what is expected in the Winnipeg vintage market.

And let me not forget the accessories! Debbie's Vintage has a plethora of beautiful accessories ranging from shoes, hats, purses, costume jewelry and even vintage glasses - most of which are behind glass. Be sure to ask staff at the front desk if you are interested in a closer look. They will be happy to help you.

On this note, if you have a burning question about one of the pieces in the "shop" the staff will typically try and call the seller to see if they are available to chat and answer your question. Debbie also has a Facebook page where I'm sure you could message her if need be.

I would recommend this little "shop" to vintage shoppers with a little more experience under their belts as you are shopping without a safety net. Otherwise, this is a fun, relatively unknown spot tucked in amongst some other beautiful vintage treasures in the heart of one of Winnipeg's best antique malls.

Lisa.xo

Ask Dita Von Teese on xoJane

unsourced via Pintrest

Had to share. I just discovered that Dita is answer reader questions over on xoJane.

Go check it out here.


Lisa.xo

Another Dressing Room Update

This should be one of the last ones. lol! This room is nearly complete.

I've got a curtain to hide the treadmill, a laundry basket and a few more floating shelves to purchase, install and she's done!! :) But I couldn't wait to show you, so here it is!

The gallery wall I hung (with a little help from The Boy - he hung the anchors for the venetian style mirror). I love this. It makes me smile like crazy.

And what it looked liked in previous incarnations.

You can see the old carpet and wall colour really well in this photo. 

And now:

Pretty awesome! :) Lots of elbow grease in this room, but worth every second.


For more photos of the progress on this room click here. 
For Dressing Room inspiration check out my Pintrest board here.


Lisa.xo