On the first day back at work, I’m considering putting in for Sweat Pay, some kind of bonus for sticking it out in the heat that has soared to plus-33 degrees Celsius.
Humidity and scorching weather notwithstanding, this feather weight maxi dress won’t sweat if, even if the same can’t be said for you. Keep your locks off your shoulders and makeup light and dewy. Look like a breath of fresh air, though you feel quite sure you’ve melted.
Hello first day of the new work year!
I have found a new love. A dance party. Saturday nights at Clinton’s in Toronto, the djs spin oldies from the 50s, 60s and 70s… and I haven’t sweat and smiled that much in AGES.
For a party where everyone in the room feels like friends, with a rock & roll vibe and everyone cutting a rug… faux leather feels just right.
One key piece, the leather pant, provides a slew of options for cool, cool, cool.
Built on one strong piece: the global inspired tunic dress. Hone in on the colour palette: gold, rust and eggplant. Mix boldly. Matte dark lips. Gold toes with one glittering nail on each foot. Repeat for the fingers with dark aubergine/wine coloured tips and one statement gilded digit. I prefer the pinky. Kiss kiss.
Spent yesterday afternoon at brunch with some wonderful friends, great food and good tunes. The bubbly was on ice, as we ate fresh bagels, tropical fruit salad, potato leek and feta torte, crudites and home made hummus. The rest of the day was spent relaxing in the hot tub and pool, celebrating the end of summer and squeezing the last drops out of the warm weather and a weekend with no commitments.
Throw on some 90’s hip hop and indie dance hits and you have the makings of a magical afternoon. Thanks to Jess, Aleks, Liron and Allia for a day of fizzy cocktails and bubbly conversation!
I promise, there is a logical segue here. When you have more than a few things on your day’s To Do list, what you need are versatile pieces that will carry you from one task to the next.
Easy mix and match switch-hitters are a key part of putting together an eclectic style that will be as big a hit at 8 am as they will be at 8 pm, when your day is still going and night life is just winding up. Your clothes need to be chameleons that can work in multiple ways, no one needs an item that only goes with one thing taking up valuable real estate in their closet.
These looks each have at least two pieces that can easily transfer to the next outfit. Swap out #1’s black shoes for the punchy tie-up rust coloured shoes and add a polka dot clutch to wake the more subdued clothes up.
These looks were inspired by my day on Monday when I had to go 16 plus hours without going home with a triathlon of events.
#1: I was called in to do make-up for the VP of a major bank and the CEO of a non-profit, to prep them for their on-camera close-ups. They were shooting video content promoting their partnership and commitment to combating Breast Cancer, so it was important to put these clients at ease and get them ready to pitch this vital fundraising initiative. For me, in addition to being comfortable hauling and setting up equipment, it was necessary to look the part of a pulled-together make-up artist.
#2: Later that afternoon, I had lunch with my wife, walked the city and window shopped. I traded my more professional, structured top for a fun floral shell and cute shoes.
#3: I finished my play day by meeting a friend at a hip little food joint called, appropriately, The Hole in the Wall (Toronto). I traded up one final time (changing in my car) for a flippy skirt to go with (but not quite match) my floral top.
Hole in the Wall, Toronto.
A hidden gem, built between two old buildings, this restaurant is long and narrow … and full of character!
I’ll have to say that this day of clothes hopping was entirely worth it, because after sharing some pinot grigio with my delightful friend, Katherine, and eating the best burger I can remember in a LONG time, the charming server (after overhearing our feminist conversation) dropped off a complimentary chocolate pot de creme and peanut butter dessert, layered decadently in a cute little mason jar and topped with whipped cream.
If I was going to be living it up, I certainly looked the part. Cheers to great causes, great shoes, great food and great company.
————————-
As the evenings cool off, keep rocking those summer prints and throw on a cozy poncho to ward off the chill. Add woven and textural accessories and rough details like raw quartz crystal for a tougher, more rustic edge. As always, shoes you can walk in are a must.
A coy nod to Pretty Little Liars’ character Vivienne Darkbloom, this maxi dress uses a dark backdrop to highlight feminine florals. My favourite fringed black purse and some geometric jewelery add some hard lines to this otherwise soft look. Also taking my new Topshop Mid-heel slingbacks for a spin: heaven! Maybe even throw on a floppy black hat for added mystery and moodiness.
What?! Twice in one day? Yes. This is my 87th entry on the ‘new’ blog. Because one page of ‘what to pack for the cottage’ doesn’t quite cut it, here is the other half of the hit list. Please leave room in your suitcase for: jelly shoes (for water walking and wet feet), a peplum top, sunscreen, bug repellent, striped bikini (a soaked suit is never fun to put back on, so bring a spare), lounge wear like a long tunic and drawstring pants, linen pants, and warm layers for night time by the bonfire.
I used to draw my vacation packing lists (no joke), so I would have a record of what I’d taken in case I lost my suitcase, and because it’s fun to draw, and so I could visualize what I wanted to wear before pulling it all out of the neatly arranged bag.
I’m an organizer to the core, but definitely in need of some time away from the city.
What do you consider a must pack for your vacations?
StyleSaVie 