I picked up two patio sets for a steal; end of summer clearance had a set of bistro tables and chairs on sale for $179, marked down from $400… then at 50% off again. So, I bought two. Then I imagined myself transported back to the Mediterranean. Wishful thinking. But with colours and textures like these, dreaming is easy.
A classic bold poppy print
Rifle paper makes beautiful stationary. Turns out they also make lovely patterned garment collaborations. The proof is in the petals.
Real-way; this look is a total stunner with sunnies and stack heels.
This is the dress I came home with on an accidental spree.
I have 12 years worth of journals from Rifle Paper, which we used as guest books for the wedding. Guests left us sweet notes, and each table had a book that will correspond to our upcoming anniversaries. We will read their messages as the years unfold.
So, naturally, I was tickled when I found the same print from our wedding books in wearable form!
Love notes: Dear Rifle Paper. Thanks for the memories. xo A
It’s paper doll time. With skirts and crop tops. I love this look. With a few pieces of statement jewellery. High waisted, pattern clashing… all my favourite details.
Today, again… a summer dress, with a big woolly cardigan sweater, platform black boots from Topshop, a belt, a sweater printed woven purse. Warm and cozy. With my new Maybelline Lip Blur (just one of the MANY awesome products I got by redeeming $170 worth of Shoppers Optimum points. Seriously… free products when you use their loyalty card). Kiss kiss!
On a chilly Friday night, after a long week of going out every evening, we had the chance to go see our friend’s band, Cairo, play at the Royal Ontario Museum. The ROM opens its doors for evenings of live music, food and drink, all whilst enjoying the fossils, gems and artifacts, where people come to see and be seen with the art and culture from seven until the wee hours.
The ROM’s historic building
Staircases encircle pieces of the past. This Totem Pole soars to 4 storeys.
Date night (with awesome guestlist – Thanks, Caitlin!).
Lit up for a night of exploring.
The DJ preps the crowd – Sanga Genesis.
Food stations, bars and a maze of flavours to experience were all interwoven with the exhibits.
In the band’s green room, someone had left their skeletons out.
Just hanging out with the zebra – my fave animal.
The bison is faux-chewing, while the rest of us are doing the real thing.
Our talented friend plays electric violin and adds her dreamy voice to the sound of Cairo, which is consequently – one of the most attractive bands I’ve ever laid eyes on. Their music filled the space and drew a crowd, and was followed by diverse acts such as DJ Sanga Genesis (clever!) who spun tracks that had our booties shaking, and downstairs in the main hall (beneath the brontosaurus skeleton) there was a live brass oldies band, Oldies 990.
Cutting the rug with Caitlin
Cairo takes the stage
A beautiful sonic moment
“With You” – just released in music video form. Chills.
Food included naan and butter chicken wraps, deconstructed sushi (served ironically beneath manatee and sharks in the sea life display area), mac ‘n cheese sandwiches, ostrich burger, beet burger, Indian tacos… and a whole host of other incredible nibbles. If you can get out to the ROM this fall/winter to soak up some of this fun… do it!
The space was filled with people, but the sheer expanse of the floor plan allowed us all to mingle and move freely.
Sushi served under the sea… creatures.
In his best party lighting.
Oldies 990 on the stage. We were cutting a rug and making new friends.
The crowd was loving the dance floor
Mac n’ cheese sandwich.
Great views.
Allia admiring the crystals.
New digital touch screens allow you to get more info on each of the specimen.
Or you could play Indiana Jones and take photos (sponsored by Ford) of yourself all decked out for adventure.
Check out Cairo’s new video… it’s a good one!
Outfit of the day: striped dress, picked up for a mere $10 because the strap was broken. Good thing I can use a needle and thread. 
Wore this comfy number when we were out checking the local real estate. It was house fore-play. One day we will live in a detached home. One day we will have a garage. One day we will no longer have to pay condo fees for things like garbage bags. Salivate, salivate.
Earlier this year, one of my very favourite people moved to Fergus; so on one weekend, as the air became crisp and the nights got cooler, we went up to visit. Our dinner and slumber party was perfect parts small town pace and good friend hangout.
Bonfires and smores, enjoyed in the backyard, which has a firepit and faces undeveloped farmland.
Ladder-ball and bean bag toss. All the good, clean fun you could ask for. With ample heckling.
Weird and wonderful terrarium house-warming gifts. I’m bringing her some tiny animals (to replace the gnomes, which she finds disturbingly creepy).
Visiting the neighbours’ horse-dog.
Rewind, back to the construction of our games.
Feline friends.
You can’t go to a small town and not stop at the local chip wagon for hot dogs and fries!
Bye bye, Fergus. Bye bye, summer.
Variety is the spice… and the meat and potatoes of life. Unless you’re vegan. I love a good basic that can go a few ways. My moss coloured cropped culottes are a good bet for a spring, summer or fall outfit. Styled with a cute flowy top, with embellished neckline and some sweet footwear for height, or flats for comfort, this is an easy way to look pulled together… while wearing an elastic waist.
Buttoned Up. Pared Down. by jc-alison featuring a mini purse
When the weather gets chilly, take those summer prints and layer them with chunky knits, or a blazer. Add warm leggings and a flat, tall boot. If you’re feeling extra extra… add a hat.
StyleSaVie 