Abbey Karson

January 30th

2012-01-30T21:27:00.000-08:00

I thought I might do a quick sort of update post since I haven't for a little bit.

I've been working more and more on the German course I'm taking. I'm not sure if I've told you all this yet or not, but it's the first of three in the programme. I suppose I'm about half way through it so far. Ich bin bekommen besser bei es.

I finished reading God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens over the weekend and now am on to Paul Martin's autobiography. God Is Not Great is a really, really interesting book and very well written -- I'd definitely recommend it.

Also, this debate with Tony Blair is absolutely worth a look if you're a fan of Hitchens' work. He was so brilliant.

I'm trying to take more photos and am getting a bit better at doing so. I didn't do any outfit posts from mid-October to mid-January and I've had a bit of trouble getting back in the groove of things. I'd been being so lazy, just wearing pullovers and jeans and such all the time. But I wore a dress for the first time in months on Friday, so I think I'm getting the hang of this again! I took some photos of what I wore yesterday, and I'll be posting those in the next couple of days.

Here is a slightly unfocused photo from Friday.

Also, I've been on Twitter a bit more lately. If you're thinking of following me, be forewarned, I tweet mostly about politics and the inane details of my life. But occasionally I might say something half interesting or relevant. Maybe.

Abbey
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Black Lace & Denim

2012-01-29T14:30:00.000-08:00

This is what I wore on Wednesday. After I took these photos, I realised that the outfit I was wearing was something of a cross of this outfit from July 2011 and this one from June 2010. But this is something like the winter edition, with a shirt layered under the lace shirt and dark tights (not unlike the July '10 outfit, but I think you know what I mean!).

The lace shirt and shorts are from thrift shops, and the shirt under the lace shirt is from Sirens. The tights are by Secret, and the heels are an old pair of mum's that she gave to me.

Abbey
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January Snow

2012-01-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

As promised, here are a few photos of the snowfall we got last week. We all like to say it never snows here, but it actually does at some point pretty much every winter. It's a novelty for a day or two, and then everyone gets tired of it and is ready for it to melt away. Which it has by now, and most, if not all of it, is gone. But it was pretty while it lasted.

I love wild rose hips -- they're so neat looking, and the actual roses when in bloom are beautiful!

This is the icicle that was hanging from our eaves troughs drain -- but don't worry, no one got impaled by it, haha.

Yes, it was definitely pretty while it lasted -- but I think I'm more or less ready for spring.

Abbey
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Faux Fur & Red Lips

2012-01-24T15:57:00.000-08:00

This is what I wore on Saturday. I absolutely love these cropped jeans, I can't wait 'til it gets a bit warmer out so I can wear them more often. I think they're just a great, retro style, and so versatile. They can be styled in so many ways, I love it.

I bought my coat with faux fur trim at a thrift shop last autumn, but I've sadly not gotten a lot of wear out of it due to it having been freezing out and the coat having slightly short sleeves. Perhaps I need to find a pair of long gloves to wear with it so I can wear it more often.

Speaking of the cold, it snowed a bunch last week -- I took a few photos and will post them soon!

I bought the white shirt I'm wearing here at a thrift shop, the coat is also from a thrift shop, as mentioned above. I bought the jeans from Forever 21's online shop, as well as my metallic silver nail polish. The heels are a pair I've had for ages that I bought from Suzy Shier. And the little ring on my right hand is from a thrift shop.

Abbey
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Ebaying

2012-01-17T23:25:00.000-08:00

I bought this bodysuit off eBay yesterday. I'd been eyeing it and ones like it for a while now and the shop I bought it from on eBay finally got my size in so I decided I'd go ahead and buy one.

I believe it's a a knock off of this American Apparel bodysuit, but I don't mind that it's only a reproduction -- it cost less and is something I definitely like but won't likely get tonnes and tonnes of wear out of.

The shop I bought it from is called asfashion11, and they have plenty of other cute and inexpensive ladies' clothing!

On one last note, I currently have a bunch of ladies' clothes, shoes, and accessories listed on my own eBay shop. Everything I have listed is ending in roughly 48 hours and I'm always happy to answer any prospective buyers questions!

Abbey
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I never wear flat shoes

2012-01-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

Except I did, on Saturday. I actually can't remember the last time I wore flat shoes of any kind, aside from when I go outside in the garden or for a walk round the neighbourhood (which I do often, but I don't wear flats any other time). But I love these ones, I bought them recently on a Boxing Day sale from Aldo.

They're really comfortable and I love the style. Although, I don't think even they can tempt me away from wearing heels all the time.

The floral print shirt is from a thrift shop, but again I can't remember which. The jeans are from Forever 21, but I bought them online as we don't have an actual shop on the island. And the shoes, as I said above, are from Aldo.

Abbey
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Friday's Look

2012-01-15T10:04:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted a 'look' in several months so I've decided to try and get back into it. This is what I wore on Friday, it's quite simple -- but I've been feeling more attracted to simplicity lately than anything else, really.

My grey shirt is from a thrift shop, I can't recall which one. The shorts are a pair I bought at Stitches ages ago. The tights are by Secret. And the leopard heels are an old favourite pair from Suzy.

Abbey
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Here Today Aragon Tomorrow

2012-01-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

I tried out a new nail polish I got in my stocking at Christmas last month called Here Today Aragon Tomorrow by OPI. It's a really pretty jade colour and it's matte! It's from their Suede Collection -- it doesn't look much like suede to me as it does like a matte, subtly glittery shade of green.

It came with a little tag round the bottle saying it's not as long wearing as regular OPI polishes, but I found it wore for about as long as any of their others that I have. Even though it says not to in order to get the 'suede' look, I think I'll try a top coat over it next time and see how that looks.

Abbey x

Knitted Tights and a Velvet Blazer

2012-01-14T14:18:00.000-08:00

I took these photos a week and half or so ago, I've been meaning to post them but kept getting busy doing other things. They're a little '60s and Edie Sedgwick inspired, but as you can probably tell, not overly so.

I used our (currently very messy) attic as the place to shoot the photos because I thought the messiness of it might make for an interesting background. I think it did -- but that's about all that's good about having such a cluttered space!

Velvet Blazer, $4, Thrift Shop
Knitted Tights, Can't Remember
Platform Heels, $29, Forever 21
Earrings, $3, Ardene

Abbey
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Makeup Tutorial

2012-01-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Last month, I made a two part makeup tutorial and uploaded the videos my channel on YouTube, although I never posted it to my blog. I decided recently to re-do it as I didn't like the ones I had posted. Yesterday I filmed a new one -- and slightly improved one. Here it is.

Products Used

Revlon ColourStay Liquid Foundation in Ivory
L’Oreal Bare Naturale Mineral Consealer in Fair
Maybelline FitMe Pressed Powder in Ivory
Covergirl Blusher in Rose Silk
Mac Eyeshadow in Embark
Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara
Discontinued Maybelline Eyeshadows
MAC Fluidline Eyeliner in Blacktrack
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Very Black
Ardell False Eyelashes in #117
LashGrip Adhesive
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Coral Queen

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Abbey
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Boxing Day Shopping

2012-01-05T16:11:00.000-08:00

I skipped the crowds this, well, last year rather, and did a little Boxing Day shopping online. On Forever 21's online ship, to be precise. I bought a nice blouse, a pair of cropped high waisted jeans, a pair of boots, a bottle of metallic silver nail polish, and a pair of eyelash curlers.

The blouse and jeans have gotten me a bit excited for spring, even though it's still a ways off. Hopefully Victoria gets a real spring this year -- it seemed as though winter lasted 'til May last year!

Abbey
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Retro Glamour

2012-01-05T15:26:00.001-08:00

It's been rather dreary out lately, and how I've been dressing recently has matched the weather quite well. I decided to do a little photo shoot that was something of a tribute to one of my favourite styles. I've been feeling uninspired when it comes to how I dress daily, so I thought I'd do something just for fun, for a change!

'Fifties glamour has always been a huge favourite of mine. I've admired Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Jayne Mansfield, and Audrey Hepburn since I was little. In this photo shoot I decided to try and put my own twist on their retro style that I've always found very inspiring.

Lace bralet, $8, Sirens
Beige cardigan, $1, Beacon Thrfit Shop
Black skirt, $20, Sirens
Pointy heels, $15, Sirens
Vintage ring, $2, Vinnie's Thrift Shop
Rose Passion Rimmel Lipstick
OPI Red nail polish

Abbey
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I'm back (I mean it this time, really)

2012-01-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

It's a bit amusing the last post I wrote in November was titled "Back from an extended break', after having not written for eleven days. And then I took an even more extended break that lasted over a month! Anyways, I'm back now -- and planning on seriously getting back to writing and posting regularly.

I hope you all had a lovely holiday season. Mine was quiet, but nice. But this Christmas I must get my shopping done much earlier! I put it off for far too long this past Christmas.

I did an actual dress-up-for-fun photo shoot on Monday, and will be posting some photos from it later on today. I haven't done one like that since last spring, I'd forgotten how much fun it can be!

I've been growing my fringe out, as you can see in the one photo I'm including in this post above. I cut it a bit a couple of days ago after I'd let it grow for a while, and I think I've decided I'm just going to let it grow out now. It's a nice change, I think.

I've been learning German -- ich bin nicht so gut noch (I am not so good yet), but I'm working on it! I joined Canada's federal Liberal Party, but I haven't got very involved yet. I plan to, though. I've finished secondary school completely, aside from two final exams which I will be writing soon. After I write those, I'm planning to take a medical transcription course. I've yet to decide what to do in university or college.

Abbey
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Back from an extended break

2011-11-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, I'm not sure how to start this post as I've not written anything for a while.

I've been feeling sort of uninspired to write on this blog. In order to get back with it, I'd like to revamp it a bit.

Change up the layout a bit more, the way it is now is mostly temporary. I'm horrid with HTML so that's frustrating when you're trying to redesign things, but I suppose I'll straighten it out somehow.

I may even change the name of my blog, I'm not sure I want it to be my actual name any longer. I'm considering starting to use my first and surnames for my blog, rather than my first and middle names. I'm not sure.

I'd like to change the name of this blog, but two primary things are stopping me from it.

A) it would corrupt any links to my blog that are already posted or bookmarked
B) I have no clue what to re-name it.

I will not be deleting it, promise. But I need to sort it out so I'll have it as I want it, as it hasn't particularly been that way for a while now.

It feels horribly narcissistic to only write about myself all the time, especially since I'm not the sort of person that really enjoys talking about themselves a tonne. But I'm unsure as to what other sorts of posts you guys would like to see, I'd love to know if anyone has any requests or ideas.

Any suggestions are welcome, hope you're all well.

Abbey
xo

AUTUMN AFTERNOON

2011-11-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos I took a few days ago. I love autumn scenery, this is my favourite time of year!

And one of yours truly, it's gotten bloody cold lately, had to break out the winter jacket!

xo

RECENTLY

2011-10-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, sorry for disappearing for a few days there, I've had other non-blogging things eating up all my time!

As I said in my last post, I went to the Sam Roberts Band show in Victoria last Saturday. I've loved their music for ages, so it was wonderful to see them live! The following two (pretty crap) photos I took with my phone whilst the show was going on. They played a fantastic variety of their music, old songs and new. Overall, it was an amazing show and I'm so glad I went!

And here's a quick, recent web cam photo of myself. I feel like I need to do something with my hair lately, but I'm not sure what...

I'll try to get on with posting more often, but I can't promise anything at the moment. Hope you're all well.

xo

I WAS BORN A RESTLESS SOUL

2011-10-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore last Tuesday.

Beige jumper: Seductions
White ring: Claire's
Black denim shorts: Street Wear Society
Black tights: Secret
Black pumps: Forever 21

Last night I went to the Sam Roberts show in Victoria. It was amazing, they put on an incredible live show! I'll post a bit more about it later on.

X

GREY DAYS

2011-10-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

In this outfit: Granny's earrings, scarf borrowed from Mum, second hand gold jumper, second hand black cardigan, second hand high waist shorts, owl ring, Secret black tights, Fioni black boots

This is what I wore a handful of days ago. I love this sparkly gold jumper, it's one of my favourite finds for this autumn. It's cosy and can be worn with so many things. I don't usually go with yellows hues and such, but this is such a neat jumper I didn't mind that it was a colour I don't normally wear!

X

I LOVE THE COLD

2011-10-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

Second-hand shirt / Seductions knitted skirt / Secret raspberry red tights / Forever 21 pumps

This is what I wore yesterday. I love outfits like this for autumn and winter, they're simple and comfortable, but can still be made stylish. I know I keep rattling on about the weather, but honestly, I would miss our cold seasons so much if I lived some place where it stayed mostly warm all year round. By mid-August, I'm usually starting to get restless for some cooler weather, rainy days, and the chance to start wearing some different clothes, and not just the same old same old I've been wearing all summer. It'd drive me nuts if it was still warm here in October!

X

P.S. I've decided to start using slightly larger photos.

CHILLY MORNINGS

2011-10-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Reckon it's not such a great thing this is happening to my windows overnight, every night. The cold weather is most definitely here. Also, ignore my dirty window and sun bleached Hello Kitty window sticker, it's been there for years, hehe.

X

COLD AUTUMN DAYS

2011-10-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore on Friday. I love autumn for a lot of different reasons. Chilly weather, autumn fashion, Halloween, I could go on. If only the West coast had more trees that had leaves that turn beautiful colours like in the East. There's an awful lot of green here all year round, not that green isn't nice!

I don't normally wear scarves, but for this outfit, however, I decided a scarf was definitely needed. And not just for fashion purposes, but because it's bloody cold! I wore my huge oversized cardigan with sparkly silver knitted through it, and paired that with the simple black scarf I borrowed from Mum.

Scarf: Borrowed from Mum
Grey top: Stitches
Black cardigan: Thrift Shop
High Waist Shorts: Thrift Shop
Camera Ring: Aldo
Black Tights: Secret
Black Pumps: Forever 21

Hope you're all having a good Sunday.

X

STRANGE PHENOMENA

2011-10-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

It's gotten so cold here in the past week or so. I don't know if it's this cold in October normally, and I just can't recall it, or if it's unusually chilly. Either way, the bottom line is it's cold, and I love it. We're supposedly going to have a colder and snowier winter than what's normal, which I would like very much, but the weather here is so unpredictable who knows if that will turn out to be true!

This is the outfit I wore Thursday. I decided to dress up a bit more than usual, just for fun. My old grey blazer, black jumper, black high waist shorts, black tights, and my favourite black pumps. I about froze taking those last couple of photos with my blazer off!

I don't usually like tops with high necks, but I really like this one because it's not an overly high neck. It's just right, I think.

Hope you're all doing well.

X

SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT

2011-10-12T14:25:00.001-07:00

This is what I wore today.

Second hand dress shirt from the Salvation Army, my old Mavi jeans, and Forever21 pumps.

X

OVERDRESSED OR OVEREDUCATED

2011-10-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

Second hand dress shirt, blazer, and pumps, and Shank jeans I've had since I was fourteen.

I need to figure out some new places to take photos, I've officially gotten tired of the same old spots I always use. I'll keep using them sometimes, but I need to find some other places, maybe outside... but I'll need to dress a bit warmer in order to do that! Maybe I'll re-arrange the things on my wall for a different look.

I bought these pumps for $8 at the Salvation Army. They've got to be one of my best finds to date, love 'em!

And don't mind the mess on my dresser! I'm in the midst of tidying up and sorting through things.

I think I'm going through a bit of a flux period with my style. I can never decide what to wear or what sort of style I like best. On one hand, I love very ladylike, classic outfits and on the other hand I'm very inspired by Paloma Faith's eccentric style! I think I just need to figure out a way to combine the two.

The title of this post is part of one of my favourite quotes from Oscar Wilde, "You can never be overdressed or overeducated".

AUTUMN SHOPPING

2011-10-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

I went shopping on Saturday morning and bought a few new things. I wasn't sure if I wanted to make a post about it since I hate when people show off, but I asked on Tumblr what anyone thought and a few lovely girls convinced me I should go ahead and do it, so here goes.

I went to Munro's and bought these. The first Harry Potter book (I watched the first film for the first time a few weekends ago and have gotten pulled in!), British Glamour, and Harperland by Lawrence Martin, and the first Harry Potter book.

A fantasy novel, fashion/lifestyle magazine, and a book about politics... whatever you say, you can’t say I’m a girl of limited interests.

I feel a bit spoilt since I'm always hunting about second hand shops and hardly ever buy actual new things!

A few new pairs of tights from The Bay. Mum hates sheers, "they look too dressy!", but I need options other than brights and blacks tights, and since bare legs are not one at this time of the year, these are the next best thing.

Two lacy tops from Costa Blanca on sale for $7 each, they're tight and will be perfect for wearing under cardigans and what not! Love love love them.

Two tops from Sirens for $7 each, they're perfect for under lacey shirts and leotards and things.

Two lace bralets from Sirens for $7 each (it was $7 day, obvs), and they're so pretty.

These two gorgeous jumpers (I hate the word 'sweater' soz) from Sirens. I'd love to wear the red one as a dress, but I think it's a wee bit too short, unfortunately. :(

These two pretty sparkly tops from Sirens.

Two new skirts from Sirens. I've been looking for a nice plain one like the one on the left for ages, it's a little big in the waist, but I can take it in a bit easily. The one on the right is a cable knit skirt, I love it since it's a bit different from what I usually wear.

My babe. Sirens only had extra small and medium and the medium was too big, so it's tiny bit small, but I loooove it.

And this lovely, grey dufflecoat from Sirens for $20. It reminded me of a beautiful coat I'd seen a lovely man wearing a while ago, and it's awful cosy and nice for so cheap.

That's that, and no more shopping for me for a while. I need to start saving more money like I'd been doing, instead of spending it on things instead!

X

FRIDAY'S LOOK

2011-10-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore yesterday.

The jumper and skirt are from thrift shops and the heels are from Winners. The jumper is one of my favourites, ever!

X

WOOL AND LACE

2011-10-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

This is the beautiful sweater my parents gave me for my birthday. I absolutely love it. It's just so pretty, and warm and cosy. Just perfect for autumn and winter weather!

And this arrived in the mail yesterday. I ordered it a little while ago from She Likes Clothing on eBay, and I love it. It's a stunning shade of red, and the lace is really lovely too. It'll be perfect for the Christmas season and all that!

X

POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE

2011-10-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

As I said a couple of posts ago, Mum and I went down to the to the British Columbia Legislature on Monday afternoon to watch the Lieutenant Governor's arrival ceremony. It was actually really worth going to, I think. I'd never been before, nor had Mum, and we both were quite glad we went to this one.

I've always had a bit of a spot for pomp and circumstance, and all that. I'd originally planned to go to the actual Throne Speech and watch that, also, but I'd left it too long and wasn't able to go this time. So, next time, possibly.

This was taken when we first got to the Legislature. There was a modest crowd of people outside, not nearly as big as, say, the Remembrance Day crowd, or the Canada Day crowd, but still big enough. The general point of the entire thing, for those who don't know, is to welcome the Lieutenant Governor. He arrives, does an inspection of the guard, is greeted by the Premier, and then heads inside to read the Speech from the Throne which officially begins the new session of our provincial parliament.

And it was the perfect day for it, really. Cool, but not really, really cold as it was yesterday, and nicely overcast after a rainy morning.

And as usual, at these sort of things, they bring out their cannons and fire blanks. I think I may've, temporarily, gone a little deaf. As did a lot of people in the crowd, haha.

There was one guy shouting and heckling everyone in the ceremony, so that drowned him out a little for a moment. I've no problem with protesting, not at all. But if you're just shouting a bunch of nonsense, and slurring everything you're saying - rethinking your plans a little may be a good idea.

Shortly after that, the Lieutenant Governor (far left) arrived. He first performed the inspection of the guard, and met the Naden Band (who actually did a wonderful job, I've got to say).

Then, he was greeted by our Premier, Christy Clark, and everyone who was attending the actual speech headed inside. Aside, she was actually wearing some very nice pumps from what I could see, looked very fashionable!

Finally, whilst we were leaving Mum papped a quick photo of me, because, well, just because, I guess!

X

SOMEBODY ELSE'S CHILD

2011-10-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore on my birthday.

The jumper, skirt (which is actually a dress), and bag are from thrift shops.
The heels are an old pair from Le Chateau.

X

UPDATE

2011-10-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is what I looked like on my birthday.

I had a very nice birthday on Sunday. It was just a small celebration, but exactly what I wanted!

Yesterday, Mum and I went down to the legislature and watched the Lieutenant Governor's arrival ceremony, I took a few photos + will post them sometime soon. I'd already been considering it, but Mum suggested yesterday that I join one of the provincial parties. For the one I'd join, it's only $5 for people aged fourteen to twenty-five to join, so perhaps I should.

This is what I wore yesterday. Appropriately dressed for where I was going, I think. That blazer is one of my favourite things, I bought it at a 2009 Boxing Day sale for about $10. It's the perfect shade of red.

Now, I need to go and take a few photos for my photography course, but I have no good ideas, so let's hope some come to me once I get started.

X

HELLO OCTOBER

2011-10-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies!

This is what I wore on the Saturday, my first October 2011 look. I wanted to make an outfit around my over the knee socks, and after a bit of trial and error this is what I came up with. My favourite white dress shirt, grey cardigan, black high waist skirt, over the knee socks (with sheer tights), and black platform heels.

I used to adore over the knee socks, and still have a bunch of pairs from when I did, but haven't worn any in ages. It was a little annoying having to pull at them occasionally, but overall it was nice deviation from the usual!

Hope you're all well.

X

GOODBYE SEPTEMBER

2011-09-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

I went downtown this morning, on a bit of a hunt for a recent issue of British Glamour, but to my dismay couldn't find one anywhere. I suppose I'll just phone some shops next week and keep checking until I find a shop that has it!

Whilst downtown I went over to our legislature and actually went inside and walked about for a bit, for the first time! Never have I ever seen such shiny the floors, amazin'. The whole place is just incredibly beautiful, not to mention immaculately clean and shined up. I got to talk to one of the security guards for a moment about attending Question Period or a debate when the MLAs are sitting, and got a bunch of details about how that all works. I'd been curious about going and sitting in the public gallery to observe to the speech from the throne, but you apparently need to contact your MLA about tickets to attend that, and I've left it too long.

However, I'm still planning on going and watching the arrival ceremony of the Lieutenant Governor on Monday, because you needn't tickets to stand outside and observe that. But I do need to make sure to wear shoes without heels. I don't particularly want to be sinking into the ground whilst standing on the lawn! Oh, and I think I've already figured out what to wear, well, partially, anyways. I'll go with my red blazer, and work some sort of outfit 'round that.

My birthday is this Sunday, but I'm not overly excited. I'm not much of a 'birthday person' and I haven't got any big plans, I'm more looking forward to being eighteen than I am about the actual day I turn eighteen, if that makes sense?

And it's so cold tonight I could see my breath. I love this time of the year!

(Maybe this whole 'diary posts' idea isn't that great, is my blithering too boring?!)

X

LEOPARD SOCKS AND PLATFORM HEELS

2011-09-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

It's getting progressively cooler here, but I love it. I've been needing to wear a jacket whenever I go out, and it's getting cold at night. I've been waiting for what seems like ages to start wearing my autumn clothes and start figuring out some nice, warmer outfits! But it's been nice enough to be able to get out for a walk most afternoons, sometimes you just need to wait for a break in the rain.

I bought this jumper a while ago at Stitches, the jeans are from the same place. It's a cheap mall shop, but they have some nice, basic items. I really need to find a new pair of black jeans, though, those are literally falling apart. The platforms are from Forever 21, the socks from Aldo, and the earrings from Ardene.

And I'm particularly loving red lately, and it seems like a good coincidence though, as red is such a nice colour for autumn! I bought a nice dark red velvet blazer from a thrift shop a little while, as well as a very pretty, cherry red high waisted skirt. Will likely be wearing lots of red in the coming months, especially during the holiday season which is only a couple of months away!

X

SLOW AUTUMN DAYS

2011-09-28T11:17:00.001-07:00

This is what I looked like yesterday.

I've been thinking of making my blog a bit more personal, as in writing ,ore short posts about things going on in my life and such. It would have an almost diary-like quality, rather than now when I really only post when I have proper photos of some sort to post. What do any of you think?

X

GOLD EARRINGS, GOLD JUMPER

2011-09-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

I took these photos yesterday, I know I look like an utter knob in the one on the left, however. I think that's the first time I've ever worn a dress shirt under a jumper and I must say, I like it!

We've had a proper stormy day today, blowing and pouring. I love autumn, I've been waiting for what seems like ages for this sort of weather! I was more of a summer girl last year, but this year I'm definitely back in love with our grey, boring weather. And looking forward all my favourite autumn fashions and whatnot.

I've got quite a few things going on right now, and I'm going to try and keep you all up to date! Tomorrow morning, I'm going to get a requisition for a blood test I've been needing to get for a while, and mail something at the post office whilst I'm out.

Hope you're all well,

X

SATURDAY MORNING SHOPPING

2011-09-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

At London Drugs I just picked up a few essential things. A few new tooth brushes since they were on sale, two lip balms since I've almost run out of both of the ones I've been using, and a tube of false eyelash adhesive. It seems I always run out of several things at once!

Then at Shopper's I bought a pack of Shiseido facial cotton for removing eye makeup, and a bag of makeup sponges, as I've almost run out of those, as well. It'd be nice if there was a place in this city where I could get all the drug store-related things I need, it'd save going to two different places.

Then I went over to Winners and had a look round their intimates. I used to shop at La Senza quite often, but it's awfully expensive and I find it hard to find anything I actually like there lately. Winners, on the other hand, has a big selection of all sorts of things and the prices are much more affordable. I found all seven pairs above for roughly $20! Favourite shop.

Before leaving I popped into Ardene and found these three lovely pairs of earrings for $10. I used to shop at Ardene a tonne, I haven't much lately, but they do have a massive selection of accessories. I love fun, big earrings like these, and with a price of about $3 each, it's an awfully good deal.

X

FISHNETS AND RED LIPS

2011-09-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore yesterday. I wanted to wear my 'Mind The Gap' t-shirt, but make it look a more stylish and not just wear it with jeans or something of that sort. I chose the black high waist skirt I bought off eBay recently, my thrifted sparkly blazer, Forever21 patent kitten heels, and fishnet tights as an extra touch.

I need to hem the skirt a little as it's quite long, it doesn't appear so because I'd pulled it up high under the t-shirt. It's so long it would almost work as a dress, haha! Soon it'll be too cold here for fishnets and similar open-knit tights. Something I like to do when it get too cold for them is to wear a pair of skin-tone tights underneath the fishnets. That way you get the best of both, warmth from the skin-tone tights and the style of open-knit tights!

X

DINNER IS SERVED

2011-09-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, sorry for my disappearance recently. I'll try to post more often now, starting with what I had for dinner tonight!

I hadn't had pizza in eons so I thought I'd try making one tonight. I made the crust with one of those just-add-water-pizza-mixes, rather lazy, but I didn't have the time or motivation to make a proper one in the bread-maker. I added cheese, fresh tomato and zucchini, and some dried basil for toppings. It was super easy to make, it took me about a half hour, but that's mostly because I'm slow and sort of tedious when it comes to making food, it probably wouldn't taken even that long for most. And it was completely delicious!

But you can see I'm not always horribly lazy when it comes to making food. Most of the time, yes, I am, but not always! I really should exploit my ability to make decent food more often.

X

CANDY SHOP

2011-09-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

The British Candy Shoppe is a small candy shop in downtown Victoria, it's a sister shop to the English Sweet Shop (also in downtown Victoria).

I love going there because they have everything you could imagine, and it's such a charming little place. I went in this morning with Mum to get a few rock candy stir sticks, but unfortunately they were sold out. Anyways, I managed a couple of decent photos of the shop itself, so not all was lost.

Mind the mess the birds have made. They make a mess of everything, all over. It is Victoria, after all.

What are your favourite little shops?

X

BOOK LOVE

2011-09-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I popped into one of my favourite thrift shops yesterday after going to the post office. A little while ago they moved their book section about a bit and expanded it, I love searching through the shelves and shelves of them because you can always find something interesting. It honestly makes my day when I find books I was already thinking of buying for super cheap prices.

Clockwise from top left: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, Atonement by Ian McEwan, Hell or High Water by Paul Martin, and Trudeau Albums by various authors.

Two novels and two political books for $10. Day made.

I've been reading Edie: American Girl by Jean Stein, I'm almost finished it but I haven't decided which I'll start reading next yet. What good books have you read lately?

X

BEEHIVE HAIR TUTORIAL

2011-09-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

Since I posted some photos of myself with a beehive hairstyle a week or so ago I had a few people ask me to do a tutorial on how I do it, and so here it is!

It's a very fun, simple style and doesn't take long to do at all. And you can make it as messy or neat and polished as you like, which makes it also very versatile!

X

OH, YOU PRETTY THINGS

2011-09-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore on Tuesday.

Granny's Earrings / Beige Lace Shirt - Forever 21 / Blue Lace Bra - Blush / That's Hot! Pink Nail Varnish - OPI / Thrifted Black High Waist Shorts / Black Tights - Secret / Patent Kitten Heels - Forever 21

Autumn is definitely beginning. Today it's raining for the first time in ages and it's getting colder and darker early. I'm not all that sad to see summer end, I'm really looking forward to autumn and winter this year! I love Halloween, cool weather, and Christmas. I almost think I prefer autumn and winter to summer, spring is probably my least favourite season because it's more a continuation of winter for us.

X

PRINCESS DI EYELINER TUTORIAL

2011-09-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was asked by two people on Tumblr if I could make a tutorial on how to do eyeliner similar to that of Princess Diana's in her Panorama interview. I made this quick how-to video, and posted it on my Tumblr, but not on this blog, but I decided today I should post it here, also!

In case you're not familiar with the look I was trying to re-create, here is a still from Princess Di's Panorama interview.

And here is the tutorial!

X

A PHOTO & A GIF

2011-09-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

This is just a recent photo I did on the night I took these photos. The shirt I'm wearing here is one of my absolute favourites, love it!

And a silly .gif I made just for the sake of it.

I have some new outfit photos to post, so I thought I would post these first just since I hadn't yet. Hope you're all well.

X

LOVE OUT OF LUST

2011-09-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore on Wednesday! I wore my cream lace shirt from Suzy and old high waist shorts. I went to the post office so I just tossed on my second hand crocheted cardigan and mum's old cream heels.

I wore the same earrings as I was wearing in my last post, they're an old pair of my grandmum's that I absolutely love. In addition, the pink bra I'm wearing is from La Senza. I don't shop there a lot anymore, but I still have some of my favourite finds from the past!

I'd had to go to the post office to mail something I sold on eBay, and have another weighed to calculate the shipping for it. There were a couple of lovely Australian boys there, but they were so deeply entrenched in their serious postcard writing that I didn't get to speak to either of them, hahah.

And speaking of eBay, I'm going to try and get a few new things listed on my shop, so keep your eye out!

x

8PM ON WEDNESDAY

2011-09-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

I took some photos outside the other night, which is different for me as you all know, so I'm being stupid pointing that out, but oh well. Anyways, here they are!

I was wearing my new $6 trench coat that mum picked up for me a thrift shop. It's just a touch too big, but I love it! And my black hat which I've had for about a year but never worn, I will be wearing it this autumn and winter though as I simply adore it! I don't really know why I never wore it last year, I should have. The earrings used to be my grandmum's and the nail polish colour I'm wearing is called OPI Red, and I think it's going to be my new favourite.

(and yes, I have lipstick on in the last two and not in the first few, wanted to try two slightly different looks!)

X

UNREQUITED LOVE

2011-09-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I wore my pink dress shirt and favourite old jeans. It's odd because I rarely wear pink, yet in the last two outfits I've posted I've been wearing pink shirts. I'm wearing a white shirt today, though.

The shirt is second hand, the jeans are the same $20 jeans I've been wearing since I started secondary school, and the heels are from Forever21!

I've finally gotten 'round to tidying up my bedroom, now for my closet. I've also started packing away some of my most summer-y clothes, I can't wait until it gets a bit cooler and I can start wearing my autumn clothes. Sweaters, coats, boots, gloves, the entire lot!

I have an idea for a photoshoot that I may try tonight, but it has to be at night or else it won't work out how I'm hoping!

x

PINK LACE

2011-09-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

This is the lace shirt I've been mentioning that I bought at a thrift shop for $2. A I said, it's really big on me, but I love it. And I can always take it in a big or belt it in. I think it would also look nice tucked into a pair of high waist shorts or a high waist skirt!

Sorry about the colouring of these photos, it's really not very good.

x

I FOLLOW RIVERS

2011-09-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

This is the simple outfit I wore yesterday. My old pink body and high waist shorts with my leopard print heels. Sort of boring, and the lighting and colouring in these photos is not very good so I apologise for that!

Bodysuits are so easy to wear, and you can wear them with almost anything. Pants, shorts, skirts. They're great for a day when you don't feel like putting a lot of effort into what you're wearing.

And I know, my dresser is such a mess! I'm planning on tidying it all up today.

I also took photos of my new lace shirt yesterday, will post those later on!

x

SATURDAY MORNING

2011-09-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here is how I spent part of my morning yesterday. I went downtown to pick up a couple of magazines I'd had on hold at Chapters, popped into a little thrift shop I'd never been to before and found a pretty lace shirt for $2, and then wandered round the city for a little bit taking photos.

It was about 9.30, and there was hardly anyone out yet, so it was a perfect time to take some photos. I got shouted at by a group of guys outside McDonalds, had an old lady tell me I have "nice legs", and was nearly shat on by a seagull. But, overall, it was still a decent trip, haha.

In this one you can see the harbour at the end of the street, I'll always love living near the water, and if I ever move away I know I'll surely miss it.

This is Government St. It's one of the prettiest in Victoria, I think, and it's home to one of my favourite book shops ever!

This is Bard and Banker at the corner of Government and Fort. It's a Scottish pub and, I think, easily one of the most beautiful buildings in downtown Victoria.

This photo and the next are of a little alley which connects Government and Broad. And at the Broad St. end of the alley there's a little kitchen shop which is absolutely adorable.

This is Victoria's City Hall on Douglas St. I love this building, too. Although, I think it looked nicer before it was painted. But I assume that was done to help keep the bricks it's built out of in place better as it's quite old.

And finally a photo of Broad St., home to several shops of all sorts, and also one of Victoria's television stations, which is directly to the right in the photo below.

I'll try and post a photo of the lace shirt I bought, it's quite big but I think I can either wear it with a belt or take it in a bit. We'll see!

x

I KNOW PLACES

2011-09-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

This is the simple outfit I wore yesterday.

I've had this shirt for a long time but I've hardly ever worn it. It's the prettiest shade of dark blueish purple, but not navy so it still looked all right with my black high waist shorts. I actually just cut those shorts off yesterday, but I still need to hem them properly. They were regular high waist jeans from a thrift shop, I wasn't sure if I wanted to make them into shorts or take in the legs in so they would fit better as pants, but I decided shorts would be better! The heels are from Forever 21.

I went downtown this morning and took my camera, will post a few photos later on!

x

SOMETHING'S ALWAYS WRONG

2011-09-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

Here is what I wore on Wednesday!

I didn't feel much like dressing up so I just tossed on my grey raglan shirt, high waist shorts, and leopard print heels.

I find raglan shirts a bit difficult to style because they have such little structure. But I think they look best with high waist shorts or tights jeans since those two things are form-fitting.

I've had those high waist shorts about two years and they're starting to show their wear after having been worn a zillion times, as are my jeans, which are twice as old. But I keep putting off looking for new ones because shopping for a perfect pair of jeans can be such a nightmare!

x

THINGS ARE GOING TO SLIDE, SLIDE IN ALL DIRECTIONS

2011-09-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore on Sunday.

I bought that shirt at Vinnie's Thirft Shop for a few dollars, and I love it. It has a nautical design embroidered on the placket, I should've taken an up close photo but wasn't thinking, next time I'll try and remember! And paired it with a pair of high waist shorts and my ankle strap heels.

Sorry for not updating more often, have been a bit busy lately, but I'm going to try and get back at it!

X

WEDNESDAY EVENING

2011-08-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

We had the most beautiful sunset last night. The sky was just pure bright pink and mauve, if only we'd get sunsets that pretty more often! I wavered for a moment about whether or not to pop outside and take a photo or two, but I'm happy I did because it was definitely a photo-worthy sight.

And I was heading back to the porch I nearly accidentally stepped on this guy. Neither of us would've been happy if I had!

And finally, this is a unintentionally blurry photo of my room from outside. It's right at the end of the porch which is nice because I can just step outside whenever. And yes, that's my little clothes drying rack sat outside. Classy, I know.

x

TEA FOR ONE

2011-08-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos from yesterday.
Tea on a semi-cool summer day is perfect, but I'm still very much looking forward to this autumn!

Tea cup and saucer courtesy of my mum's lovely collection. They're all so pretty, I want to take photos of all of them!

x

2011-08-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, sorry for my absence recently, but I'm back now! I've been busy and trying to enjoy the last few days of summer whilst working on sorting things out for this autumn.

I decided going to take a second language course. Either French or German, I've yet to decide that. And start looking for work. I think this autumn and winter will be a good one! The weather has been mental lately, pouring with rain and like autumn one day, and then unusually warm the next. But then I suppose that's really just a typical summer in Victoria.

Here are a couple of recent photos taken on Monday.

I wore those orange, retro earrings that used to be my mum's on Monday. I wanted to wear something orange in honour of Jack Layton, the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, who passed away early Monday morning.

I wrote a small tribute post on my Tumblr, here. Although I support another party, I had quite a lot of respect for him, and he'll certainly be missed by many. Rest in peace, Jack.

x

MR. WILLS

2011-08-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

He's the most photogenic cat, he's a sweetheart but he gets into everything. Literally everything. His name really should be Mr. Mayhem.

xxx

BLUEBERRY CRUMB CAKE

2011-08-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

Mum made this delicious vegan crumb cake yesterday with fresh blueberries. You can find the recipe here, amongst a bunch of other vegan, tasty recipes!

It's perfect for a snack with tea, or a dessert cake after dinner, or even maybe breakfast, as I've been known to do, hah. The original recipe uses apples, but we've used apples, raspberries, peaches, and blueberries (not altogether, mind you), and it's turned out perfectly each time!

xxx

SMOKEY EYES AND CHERRY LIPS

2011-08-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

I've been trying out some different makeup looks lately, this is one that I think turned out really quite well! See, I can do proper eye makeup and not just eyeliner! I actually surprised myself a bit, haha.

The products I used are the following, and some are pictured below.

Face & Eyebrows

• Revlon ColourStay Makeup in Ivory (#110)
• Maybelline FitMe Pressed Powder in Ivory (#115)
• L'Oreal True Match Gentle Mineral Concealer in Fair/Light
• Cover Girl Cheekers Blush in Rose Silk (#105)
• MAC Matte Eyeshadow in Embark

Eyes & Lips

• MAC Fluidline Eyeliner in Blacktrack
• L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes in Black (#645)
• Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Very Black
• Ardell Fashion Lashes in #109 & #117
• Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Rose Passion (#160)

Finally, I was making a video, but it ended up as a mess so I made .gif from it.
Like making lemonade from lemons or something of the sort?

xxx

LIVE WITH ME

2011-08-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore on Sunday.

Mum picked up that shirt for me at a charity shop, I completely love it! Paired it with my old high waist shorts and a pair of heels and was set to go!

I went downtown on Sunday to the British Candy Shop, Chapters, and The Market. It was so busy for a Sunday morning! Must have been the Dragon Boat Festival going on, that always seems to get it bumpin'.

And carrying on with our summer-that-wasn't theme, I wore my new coat which I ordered off eBay. I love it and it was a great price for only $13, including postage!

I love the delicate fancy collar on it, it's so cute.

And a closer up photo of the shoes I wore. I bought them back in summer or spring 2009, and they're starting to show their wear. I've worn them so much, I don't know what I'll do when they're completely worn out!

Right before I left I was looking for my camera ring that I usually wear, but couldn't find it, and instead came across this one in my jewellery box. Mum gave it to me at Christmas, it's from Costa Blanca, I believe!

xxx

HOPEFULLY SHE KNOWS NOT TO COME BACK NOW

2011-08-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the things I bought off eBay recently. I wasn't sure if it would be too dressy for me, but I love it!

I bought it from this shop, in a size medium. I normally fit a small, but this dress even though it's a medium, fits like a small to me. And it arrived remarkably fast considering it had to travel almost all the way round the world.

It's a shame summer's almost over since it's such a light weight, summery dress.
But I'm sure I'll still like it and it'll still fit by spring! What do you think?

xxx

THE TRUTH IS SEXY

2011-08-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

Here is what I wore yesterday!

Such a summer-y outfit, isn't it? It matches the weather perfectly! Although, I have to give credit where credit's due, it is rather nice out today.

I'll leave you with the song which the title of this post is from, Teeth by Lady Gaga.

xxx

JUST WATCHIN' LONELY PEOPLE PASSING BY

2011-08-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel so content, but still sometimes so restless. I know I have more reasons to be content than restless when I really think about it properly, though. I've still got a ways to go, but things sort of seem to be starting to fall into place more and more.

I've had a far from typical school life, and teenage life, by and large. But I'd do it all over more or less the same, because I like who I've become and who I'm becoming, and I think my slightly atypical life has shaped me that way. People who do things differently are often made to feel strange about themselves by others who don't understand. But the thing is, I decided a while ago that it didn't matter that much.

It didn't matter if people thought how I did my schooling was weird. It didn't matter if people thought it was strange I didn't like drinking too much or trying drugs and partying. It didn't matter if people thought it was odd that I was more interested in learning and getting to know myself than just going along with what most everyone else I knew was doing.

What mattered was what worked for me, what I enjoyed, and what I wanted to do with my life. I had to live for me, not everyone else who thought I should be doing other things.

I realised basing my worth off what other people thought of me was pointless because other's opinions of you can change in a day. I've found if you base most (if not all) of your self worth off what you think of yourself, and you try to do what makes you feel best about yourself, you have an easier time. If I tried to please everyone I'd spend my life running 'round in circles, never really knowing what it is I want because I would be trying to do everything everyone else wanted!

So what if someone doesn't like my makeup or how I dress? It's how I'm wearing my makeup and dressing, and it hurts no one.

So what if it's "weird" that I'm interested in things much larger than myself and am not only concerned about my own little life? It's what I'm interested in, if I want to be just a little educated on politics, current events, or history, so be it! Again, it hurts no one, so who cares if someone thinks it's strange? Everyone's entitled to their opinions, but I don't have to agree!

So what if I did my schooling an alternative way? It's what worked for me, and I've gotten a pretty good education!

What I think I'm trying to say is that people shouldn't feel that they can't express themselves for fear of judgment from people, because the people that are going to make harsh judgments against you, just because you're being yourself, aren't the most worthwhile people. The ones who can like, love, and accept you for being you, are the most important ones.

You know that Dr. Seuss quote, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ? Yeah, that's more or less what I'm getting at.

Now that I'm almost eighteen, I'm far from an adult, but I've learnt a lot about myself in the past year or so. I've still got a lot to accomplish and work towards, but I feel like I know myself well enough now to manage. I've got a life ahead of me, but I'm not obsessed to rush into things. I'm taking a gap year to get a proper part time job, learn to drive, and figure out just what it is I want to do in post-secondary. It seems a lot of people my age are always talking about their futures now that they've graduated, and that's great, they should talk about whatever, whenever.

But the way I see it is everyone has a future, whether you're eighteen or eighty. And of course I want to make something of myself, and when you're young is usually the time to do it, but I'm not going to stress myself beyond belief about it and rush into things before I know, for sure, that it's the right thing for me. I didn't want to enrol in courses this autumn at university, only to change my mind later on, and know that I'd been unsure from the start. I'd rather start out with some sense of sureness.

I have a feeling I'll get it all figured out, even though I hadn't got all my plans sorted out the day after graduation.

And after that long talk, and before I go, have a picture from yesterday from when I actually bothered with makeup, unlike today. And yes, I have clothes hanging off my curtain rail, what of it? Haha.

xxx

EMBRASSE MOI

2011-08-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, hope your weekends are going well!

I've been baking, cleaning, and do a little shopping over this weekend.

I made a batch of cheese bread sticks with Mum yesterday, I didn't take photos but they look something like this. They're so much nicer than store bought, and actually much more cost efficient. Instead of buying half a dozen for 7$, we can make a dozen and a half for about the same price!

At the end of the week I received all but one of the things I ordered on eBay. Aside from a pair of shoes that were an entire size larger than what I'd ordered, everything was great! And I'll be re-selling the shoes on my eBay, so keep an eye out for those!

I also popped into one of my favourite charity shops after being tipped off that there was a coat that I might like there. It was quite nice, but slightly too big, but I found three cheap, light-weight blazers that I love. I can't go to those places without finding something, neither can my Mum! She's lovely and always browses through the clothes and whatnot when she goes, and sometimes brings me a couple of things back, aw.

I want to take photos of a few of the charity shop and eBay things, but I'm not sure how I'll go about it. Modelling it, on a hanger, laid out on the bed... I can't decide what would work best and take the least effort, haha.

Anyhow, I was fooling 'round with my camera and took this yesterday. It was the only one I actually liked out of the bunch!

I went out this morning and bought three things entirely unrelated to each other. A $5 set of 24 white plastic hangers from Canadian Tire, a packet of new pens from Staples, because all of mine seem to be going dry, and a pair of sheer tights from The Bay. I said they were completely unrelated! Haha.

I plan on going down to ICBC and renewing my learner's driving license this week so I can avoid having it expire in December, and then seriously start practising! I really am going to this time and I'll keep you all tuned up to how it goes!

Now I think I'll go and fix up my nails which are currently in a rough state, and maybe see what's on BBC World News or what docus they're showing on CBC this afternoon.

xxx

THE NEEDLE AND THE DAMAGE DONE

2011-08-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore on Wednesday.

The short sleeve shirt is one I've had for a loooong time, but hadn't worn for ages. Glad it still fits! It's a bit dressy, but I paired it with my usual high waist shorts and simple black heels for a nice summer outfit!

xxx

2011-08-03T18:07:00.000-07:00

I was fiddling 'round with Photoshop yesterday and made this out of one of my favourite quotes and a photo I shot downtown last weekend. It turned out... all right, I think.

xxx

PUT THE BLAME ON MAME, BOYS

2011-08-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

I made this .gif a few days ago, I was feeling particularly inspired after watching the 1946 film, Gilda, starring Rita Hayworth. I definitely recommend it, especially if you're into retro glamour and old films, as I am!

Here's the trailer! I's only about two minutes long, so if you have a couple of minutes to spare, have a look!

xxx

COCONUT AND CRANBERRY COOKIES

2011-08-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

I hadn't done any baking in ages so yesterday I decided I should make a batch of cookies. I chose an old recipe of my great-grandmum's from the early 1900's for coconut and oatmeal cookies, my mum used to make it quite often. I thought I'd give it a try since I know a few other cookie recipes, but had never tried this one. I left them in a minute or two too long, but for a first go, they still turned out pretty well!

The cranberries were an additional touch I decided on, but you can also use raisins (what my mum usually used) or chocolate chips. Also, I made just half the recipe as the full one makes far more cookies than we'd need!

Even though you can just go out buy a bag or box of what ever sort of cookie you want, homemade is just so much better. And I think there's something nice about knowing a few good recipes that you can make yourself, I don't think I'll ever be someone who thinks of themselves as too modern to know how to bake from scratch. I'm a bit lazy about baking and cooking and what not, but I'm trying hard not to be. And it's easier to be motivated when you know you have a good recipe and can make something that will turn out nice!

I'm not exactly a skilled baker, not yet, anyhow. But I can make pretty good vegan chocolate chip cookies and Christmas sugar cookies! And the more practise I do, the better I'll get at it all!

For anyone interested in trying out the recipe themselves, here you are!

Ingredients

1 cup margarine (I substituted Earth Balance vegan margarine)
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup white sugar
1 egg (or 2 yolks)
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup coconut
2 ½ cups rolled oats
½ cup cranberries (you also could use raisins or chocolate chips, or nothing at all as they are good without any extras!)

Method

1. Heat oven to 375° F and grease cookie sheets
2. Cream margarine until fluffy
3. Add sugar and cream again
4. Add egg + vanilla, beat
5. Measure and sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
6. Stir dry ingredients, including coconut, rolled oats, and cranberries (if you wish), into liquid ingredient bowl, stir well
7. Form about 1 tablespoon of dough into small balls and place on cookie sheet
8. Flatten balls with a fork, continuously wetting fork in water to avoid fork sticking to dough
9. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes, until lightly browned
10. Done! As a side note, I made only half the recipe as the full one makes a tonne of cookies, but that just depends on how big of a batch you want!

xxx

SUMMER IN VICTORIA

2011-07-31T14:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Mum and I went for a walk down by the Inner Harbour and British Columbia Legislature.

When going out, I usually take my smaller point and shoot camera, if I take one at all, because it's a hassle to pack round my regular camera. But, yesterday I decided I'd take my regular one because I wanted to try and shoot some nice photos. I'm glad I decided to take it because I'm very happy with the results!

It was tourist-central, even at 11 in the morning, but wandering round this area of town just reminds of how lucky I am to live in such a nice little city right on the water. But enough of the blithering on, it's time to take you all on a little photographic tour!

This is the inner harbour, always full up with people and boats during the summer months. Little water taxis going back and forth, buskers performing on the causeway, and local artisans selling their handmade goods!

All the fancy pants hanging baskets are out in full bloom.

This is one of the drives up to the Legislature. It's one of my favourite buildings, if not my definite favourite. And the grounds all round it are lovely, too.

I can still remember when in my 9th grade Science class I learnt about why the copper tops on the Legislature turned green. It was part of a chemical reaction lesson, if I remember correctly.

We walked up the stairs and passed this door. Typically, I had to pop up the stairs and peer in, was too bright outside to be able to see hardly anything inside, though, haha.

It's a touch embarrassing to admit, but yesterday was the first time I'd ever seen the rose garden in person, and it was just beautiful.

I'd even read articles about provincial politics where it'd been mentioned, but never seen it for myself. Many, many roses of all different colours, but I would have to say I think the light orange coloured ones were my favourites!

Coming back round to the front I stopped and got a shot of the profile of the building, and you can see the small crowd of people waiting to go on a tour of the inside of the Legislature.

And you can see all the little bulbs on the front of the building, which are lit every night, and some red and green ones are added at Christmas. I need to get a few photos of it lit up after dark someday!

We opted out of going on the tour, but I plan to go and sit in the gallery one day next spring when the MLAs are sitting again. Even if I have to go by myself, which I probably will because I know zero other people interested in politics, but I really don't mind.

And who knows, maybe I'll even work there myself one day.

I think when I'm sixty I'll either a) have a respectable haircut and attempt to get elected as an MLA or MP or b) dye my hair lavender as it will finally have lost its pigment and inability to be dyed properly and live on Salt Spring Island and be a gardening fanatic. Ooh, the possibilities.

I thought I'd end our little tour with a photo of our flag blowing in the proper direction, unlike the other one a few photos up!

I'd love to live near this area someday, maybe in one of the adorable little house boats just down the road. I think I could get used to the constant movement and they're just such neat little homes.

So yes, this has been a short tour of the Legislature grounds with a couple of additional photos of the Inner Harbour. I'll have to take more of it next time!

Abbey
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ONE AND ONLY

2011-07-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

I sort of like making .gifs, which is bad because making of .gifs of yourself is probably pretty douchey.

However, I'm waiting impatiently for a couple of things I ordered from eBay, so in an hour or so I'm going to go round and see if anything has shown up in the mail today! Thinking I should take my camera and see if there's anything worth photographing on my walk. And I'm sure there is, I'm not particularly a snob when it comes to taking photos!

Abbey
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I'M AS FREE AS MY HAIR

2011-07-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

I've been asked about my hair several times but never really done a proper post about the products and such I use, so I thought it was about time!

My hair is all my own and natural, I don't use extensions of any sort. I used to sometimes wear colourful clip in extensions when I was fourteen and fifteen, but have grown out of that! The last time I had my hair professionally done was in summer 2009. I trim it and touch up the layers myself, and really, I wouldn't let anyone else do my fringe! I've had far too many mishaps with it in the past and I frankly don't trust anyone to take scissors to it, haha.

I've been asked how long it has taken me to get it the length it's at, and I always find this difficult to answer. Even as a little girl I had long hair, so I've had long hair most of my life. Given that, and that I haven't had a proper (or drastic) hair cut in about two years, it's hard to say how long it's taken. So I can't really properly answer!

I've thought of cutting my hair a bit shorter, but haven't acted on it, yet. I may sometime in the future, but I can't be sure when that will be! I've always loved super light blonde hair, but given my natural colour being so dark it would be near impossible to get a Marilyn Monroe shade of blonde, which is, quite typically because it's unachievable, my favourite!

Anyhow, the two products I use most (and really the only two I use ever) are Joico K-Pak Reconstruct Shampoo and John Freida Luxurious Volume Hair Spray. I don't regularly use a conditioner, and by not regularly, I mean not really ever. And I don't put any other products in my hair aside from those two.

Joico's Reconstruct Shampoo is meant for damaged and treated hair, but I began using it because it was what my mother uses and just continued on with it. I believe it also has somewhat of a conditioning element, which is handy since I don't use conditioner. I like it because it doesn't have an overpowering scent and generally work very well!

I've been using John Freida's Luxurious Volume Hair Spray for a while and do like it, but I wish I could find one that holds just a little better. But I would absolutely reccomend this one, as it holds pretty well, and has an only slight fragrance. It's very important to me that it's not too perfumy as the scents of many hair products give me headaches.

The other three things in the little collage above are the brush, comb, and blow dryer I have and use. A Krest Goldilocks comb, Isinis brush, and the Conair Infiniti my mum and I both use.

If you have any other questions on things I haven't covered here, feel free to put them in the comments I shall reply in the same place!

Abbey
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P.S. How do you find my new background and header? It's a bit more bold than what I usually do, but I think I like it!

MAGNETIC

2011-07-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

I bought this coaster and these three little magnets whilst out shopping for mum's birthday last week.

I love them, and I think the coaster is just stunning!

Abbey
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LOVE IS A LOSING GAME

2011-07-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

Finally, here is the outfit I said I was going to post days ago. A rather simple one, but that's my prerogative lately!

A white shirt and high waist shorts, both second hand, paired with black Secret tights and my new Forever21 heels!

I'd really like to start posting more again, and I think I'll soon be able to! Until then, good day, loves!

Abbey
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RIP AMY

2011-07-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

I was pulling for Amy so much, truly hoping she’d be able to make a come back and amaze the world with her incredible talent. I suppose it could be said, considering her lifestyle, it was likely a matter of time until something tragic happened, but I’m still a bit in shock myself. Gone too soon, indeed.

She was one of my favourite singers ever, and I'd always taken some inspiration from her style. Not only that, she seemed like a genuinely sweet girl, despite her troubles.

Rest in peace, Amy.

MORE LISTINGS

2011-07-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pieces I currently have up for sale on eBay!

Cream cardigan, $6

Purple cardigan, $5

Blue and black dress, $5.50

Will be posting some outfit photos later today, so don't worry, this isn't turning into a "what I'm trying sell at the moment blog"!

Abbey
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IT'S NOT TOO LATE

2011-07-19T17:23:00.000-07:00

I'm wearing shorts today after realising I'd worn dresses everyday for a week. I think that's a new record or something, I probably haven't done such since I was five or six. But summer is my favourite time to wear dresses, so of course I'm taking advantage of it (even if I still need tights half the time).

Here are a few photos (some of which I haven't posted before) from the past month or so. As I said a little bit ago, I've been working on a more feminine style. I think I'm doing all right, so far? Haha.

This is one of the first photos I took that day before realising, "hey, it's actually not that cold, I don't need these!", and ditched them.

This is the same dress I'm wearing in my last outfits photos. But I didn't wear it with the tie belt that day, I think it looks better with it, but I'm not convinced.

This is still one of my favourite outfits from this summer. I think I've had those shorts-that-look-like-a-skirt-but-aren't for about four years now, quite a while, anyhow. Same with the black and white dress in the top photo, I've had it since 2006 if I remember correctly.

And finally a silly shot I took whilst playing round with my camera a couple of weekends ago!

Hope everyone's week is going all right so far!

Abbey
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NEW LISTINGS

2011-07-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

I've just put up a few more things on eBay, here are some photos!

~~Pink and black strapless floral dress, $8~~ / Sold.

Pink and black floral dress, $8

Tie dye halter tunic, $5

Blue and white floral skirt, $6

White, pink, and yellow short shorts, $5

Abbey
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I'M IN NO HURRY

2011-07-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is just going to be a quick little post with some photos of an outfit I wore last week. It's that old dress of mum's I just recently hemmed paired with black tights and my black platforms from Forever21!

Hope you're all doing well this Monday!

Abbey
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LOVE IS WAR

2011-07-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

Here's an outfit I wore in the past week. I'd started out with black tights, too, but once I went outside to take these photos I found it was warmer than I'd thought and was able to forgot them for a change!

I paired an old dress I've had for ages with my black platform heels for a classic, simple outfit.

Shame it's gotten chilly here again, and looks to be staying that way. Perhaps this will be the summer that wasn't? Hopefully not, but I'm beginning to wonder.

Abbey
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I'M ON THE EDGE WITH YOU

2011-07-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

I just listed a few new things to my eBay if anyone cares to have a look.

~~Black and white dotted skirt, $4~~/ Sold.

~~Black and white striped skirt, $4.50~~/ Sold.

~~Asymmetrical leotard, $5~~ / Sold.

~~Eyelet lace halter, 8$~~/ Sold.

White and red sleeveless top, $5

Cartoon t-shirt, $4

Along with those things there are a few more which I've just relisted that I originally put up a month or so ago.

Abbey
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I MIGHT WANNA MARRY YOU ONE DAY

2011-07-15T21:24:00.001-07:00

Here are a few photos I took last weekend, hence the same outfit I was wearing in my last outfit photos. I've been so slow with posting my new photos, trying to get back on top of it!

Please excuse my slightly untidy room, I don't have any excuse for its state other than I've been being lazy! Besides the point, that ironing board seems to have become a permanent fixture in my room.

I finished writing my final maths assignment ever today, now crossing my fingers I get a decent mark! Once I get it back, I can write my final test and job done, thank god. I think I'll frame the course completion certificate when I get it, haha.

I've also relisted a few things on eBay and am thinking of posting a few new things to it, as well. I need to get rid of some of this old stuff that I don't wear anymore!

Abbey
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CORAL QUEEN

2011-07-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

I've had a bunch of people ask me over the past little while what lipstick I wear, and my answer's always the same: Coral Queen (620) by Rimmel London.

It's a lovely red, and actually suits my skin tone, was always hard to find the right shade of red for me, but this one is perfect.

It's part of their Moisture Renew line. I've found it actually does exactly what it's supposed to, it doesn't feel dry whilst you're wearing it and it doesn't seem to dry out my lips at all afterwards! In addition, it's quite inexpensive, and can likely be found at most drug shops since Rimmel is a fairly common brand!

Definitely a favourite of mine!

Abbey
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IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT

2011-07-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

Here's an outfit I wore over the weekend.

My high waist shorts that mum hates and, yes, I still have that striped shirt. I hardly ever throw things away, haha. Paired those with a pair of classic black tights and my favourite heels!

Because I haven't mentioned it for a while, and haven't got it linked to my blog, I have a Tumblr! Follow me if you like! It hasn't a real theme. It's basically a collection of my photos, photos I like, quotes I like, and videos I like, with a few various thoughts tossed in.

I also have a new email address, in case anyone wants to get in touch, it's abbeykarson@hotmail.com. I figured it was about time to rid myself of the email address I'd had since I was fourteen.

And finally, I have a bunch of new photos to post, so look out for those in the coming days!

Hope everyone's week is going well!

Abbey
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SUMMER CLOTHES

2011-07-08T21:10:00.000-07:00

After those couple of nice weather days I decided I'd go up to the attic and bring my summer clothes and whatnot down and put them away in my closet. Even though the nice weather has yet again gone and I'm back to wearing tights and jumpers, all my nice, cool summer things are in my closet waiting for the next burst of warm weather!

It was almost what I'd think is too hot a couple of days ago, and now we're back to 13 degree temperatures at the height of the afternoon! Oh well, it was nice whilst it lasted, and there'll probably be more to come, eventually.

Anyhow, as I was putting away my things I decided to pick out a few favourites to post, so I ironed them all out and got a few photos!

The first is this dress I bought years ago from a charity shop. I never bothered in the past, but it just makes everything look so much nicer! Especially things made of fabric that wrinkles easily like this dress, it makes them look brand new (almost)!

Secondly another dress I bought a few years ago. It's one of my favourites, I love cherry print anything!

And finally, a shirt I bought at a second hand shop last year. I love it, and it looks lovely and a bit retro when paired with high waist shorts!

Abbey
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CONTEMPTUOUS

2011-07-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here is the dress I mentioned in my last post, I wore it yesterday with my cream coloured kitten heels. I just realised both the dress and heels used to be belong to my mum, it was a totally recycled outfit, I suppose!

The weather has been beautiful the past couple of days, I think summer's finally here!
Now let's just hope it stays.

Abbey
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WHENEVER YOU NEED ME

2011-07-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore yesterday. My white dress shirt, and old blue jeans which I've had since ninth grade. And another pair of mum's old heels that used to be my favourite when I was little and played dress up. They seemed so tall at the time! Haha.

It was another nice day out so I decided to take photos outside, bit more challenging than inside where I know how to improve the lighting because I shoot inside all the time. That said, I still like the results!

I finished taking up that old dress of mum's I mentioned yesterday and am wearing it today, think I'll take a few photos of it later on!

And before I go, here is the song the title of this post is from! Whenever You Need Me by Infernal.

Abbey
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DON'T LOOK BACK 'CAUSE YOU JUST LOST YOUR LOVER

2011-07-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore yesterday. Shockingly, I wasn't even freezing since it was actually warmish out, nice for a change!

I bought the dress at a charity shop a few years ago, and wore it with my old leopard print heels. Just a simple, relatively comfortable Sunday outfit.

Yesterday, I lounged round and watched Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Notorious Bettie Page, and then did a bit of ironing and cleaning. Standard Sunday.

Today, I went out and shot some photos outside. I haven't done outfit photos outside since February so I thought it'd be a nice change and the good weather gave me a good opportunity. I hope some of them turned out, I'm yet to look through them!

I learnt today I passed my second to last maths assignment, barely, but I passed it! Which is cause for celebration of some sort, haha. I think later today I'm going to work on taking up a dress that I want to wear tomorrow, it's an old one of mum's and I'll post a photo of it once it's done if it turns out well!

Hope you're all having a good day!

Abbey
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YOU NEVER WILL, YOU NEVER DID

2011-07-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

This was my outfit yesterday.

I've had that pair of shorts that looks like a skirt for years, and I usually end up wearing them about once a year, always in the summer, haha. I bought them at a little charity shop in 2007 or 2008, I can't quite remember.

The shirt is from a charity shop, also. I love it, and it fits perfectly. The shoes are the same ones I was wearing in the last outfit I posted, the old ones of mum's.

Mum pointed out she thinks that a shirt like that might look better with a fitted skirt, since it's quite masculine and the shorts/skirt I wore yesterday is quite feminine. But I like the contrast of the two pieces!

This is the sort of outfit I think I'd wear if I was going to a talk, such as an event to go to and listen to someone speak about world issues and current events. I don't let on much here, but current events, politics, and history all interest me very much! I don't write much about any of those things because this blog is mostly for my photos and fashion and such, and I doubt many of you would be interested in my ramblings on about politics and the like!

Abbey
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HE WHO CONTROLS THE PAST

2011-07-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

I was originally going to save these photos until I'd actually finished 1984, but considering I only have 15 pages to go, I decided I'd post them now. Besides, I was only fooling round with my camera and some jewellery I had sitting on my desk, it's not like these photos have any great meaning.

Even though I'm not quite finished with it, I think I can say that this is one of my favourite books. It was honestly extremely interesting and eye opening, and because I'm terrible at writing reviews for books, music, films, and all the like, that's all I'm going to say. But I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good book to read this summer!

Abbey
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REPULSION

2011-07-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

Here's my outfit from yesterday. If you can believe it, it was literally a $2 outfit. The cardigan and shift dress were both from charity shops at $1 each and the heels were free because they're an old pair of mum's!

The dress was originally longer, but I took it up so it would come just above my knee rather than just below, which is a better length for it, I think.

Yesterday a couple of girlfriends came over for tea, I hadn't seen them in ages so it was a very pleasant time! I watched William and Kate's arrival in Canada yesterday morning on CBC. I love Kate's style, she's just truly lovely. I also watched half of the 1965 film, Repulsion, going to watch the other half today. It's a bit creepy, but Catherine Deneuve is stunningly gorgeous and I love 'sixties fashion!

Finally, today is Canada's 144th birthday, and I'm celebrating by wearing my red and white cherry dress (with black tights, it's so bloody cold) and doing nothing.

Abbey
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BEFORE THE RAIN

2011-06-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

It's been eerily overcast and dark out on several days in the past week or so. It's been a touch warmer, and I actually like overcast days so I'm happy!

I took these photos a few days ago before it started showering, and it was cloudy and rainy yesterday and has been mostly cloudy today. Enough of this moody weather, where's our summer?!

The petals were dropping off this rose yesterday so I cut it off the bush and took it inside, took the already loose petals off and am going to save them. I think I'll do that with as many of this year's roses as I can, I'll keep all the petals in a nice basket or something!

There are two new ones coming up too, one of them has already fully bloomed now since this was a few days ago. It's interesting how the shade of red changes a bit after they bloom, the sun fades it a bit, I suppose.

Finally, this is Jack, I've never posted a photo of him before. Poor boy's only got one eye, but he's the absolute sweetest babe you'd ever meet!

Abbey
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SWEETER THAN HEAVEN AND HOTTER THAN HELL

2011-06-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

After thinking about it yesterday I decided to take some outfit photos, even though, like I said, I wasn't wearing anything too fantastic, hah. I thought about doing some today, also, but I didn't bother with makeup aside from mascara and didn't get round to it, perhaps tomorrow. Which reminds me, I still need to go up to the attic to get the skirt I want to wear tomorrow out of my summer clothes storage bin.

Yesterday I wore my Sidney Centennial t-shirt, my old black jeans, and platforms heels again. And added my old black wayfarers, just for fun though, since it was actually quite overcast yesterday. Typical Victorian weather, and disregard that time I said it was getting warmer here, it's not, not yet anyhow, haha.

I watched two movies today, because I, obviously, had nothing better to do. I watched An Education, which was lovely. Then I watched V For Vendetta tonight, which was truly brilliant. Anyhow, I actually don't think I've ever watched two movies in one day before. I never liked many movies as a kid and have only gotten sort of into watching more lately.

I think I'm going to watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless next! Anyone seen it?

Abbey
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FRAGILE BIRD

2011-06-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

Just as promised, here's an outfit post since I haven't done one in eons! This was yesterday's outfit, I'm just wearing a big t-shirt and jeans t'day.

I wore my long sleeved lace shirt with these high waist shorts which I haven't worn much yet. Both things are second hand, the shirt is from a charity shop and the shorts are from a vintage shop.

Most days it's still too cold here to not wear tights, so I wore a pair of sheer tights for a bit of extra warmth. Amazing how a thin layer of nearly translucent fabric can you keep you that much warmer, haha.

Wore my favourite black platforms from Forever21 and added a little belt which came with a dress from Forever21 for a little extra something. I don't usually wear belts so it was a bit different for me!

I feel inspired to do some outfits photos again today, but since I'm not wearing anything that exciting I don't know if it's worth bothering, but perhaps I will. I'm not sure yet, haha.

Hope you're all having a nice Friday!

Abbey
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SUMMER BREEZE

2011-06-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

More of my aimless photography from yesterday afternoon.

I'm thinking I'll do an outfit post today or tomorrow. I wish it weren't so chilly out today and I could take some outfit photos outside, but alas, my room will have to do for today.

Abbey
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MORE INSPIRATION

2011-06-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

There are so many things that inspire me. Not just typical fashion things, but books, photography of nature, even cute houses and cities or towns. I can get inspiration from almost anywhere, which I feel very lucky to be able to do!

I love photos of lovely small towns like this one in England. Some place where you could go and browse in a bookshop and pop into a small cafe for tea.

I love walking in the relative solitude of a country lane. Listening to the birds chirping and admiring the pretty wild roses which decorate the sides of the street.

I love sitting alone outside on the porch looking over to the city lights in the distance at night listening to the cars on the nearby highway. Unfortunately, I don't have a photo for this one.

All of those things are inspiring, and well, just nice to me. Something quiet and minor, but still nice and enjoyable. But back to the usual topic of this blog, fashion, or rather, style. I thought I would show you all a couple of pieces of clothing which I just absolutely love and find inspiring to my summer style.

As I've said recently, I'm feeling more and more drawn to a more feminine and lady like style. One of the best websites I've found for clothing of this sort is MissSelfridge.com. They have scads of classic blouses and lovely dresses to look through. And although the shipping to Canada would be an absolute no go, it's still fun to look at their online shop and get some inspiration and ideas!

Right now, I love blouses, button down shirts, peter pan collars, and anything in lovely light colours such as cream, peach, or light sea foam blue.

This dress almost epitomises the sort of style I am loving at the moment. It's classic, feminine, and almost a bit granny-ish, if it weren't for the length.

I remember reading in an issue of Cosmopolitan how guys supposedly don't like shirts or dresses with bows on the front, such as this one. But I say, leave it up to the girls, guys. Unless you actually know what you're talking about and not just advocating that all girls wear the most revealing, tacky clothing you possibly could imagine, just leave it to us, please.

As for dresses which are dressier, I love this one. It's nearly the same colour as the dress above, but would be much more suited to wear to a semi-formal occasion. It reminds me a bit of 1960's fashion with it's loose fit and long sleeves. I love the beaded embroidery on the body of the dress, and that it is exclusive to the body and cuffs of the sleeves. It looks nice and delicate and isn't too much which I think it may have been had the entire sleeves been embroidered, also.

This shirt is a very similar style to the first dress above, but because it is obviously shorter in length could be worn with a nice pair of tight jeans or a body hugging pencil skirt. I love the shade of cream it is, one of my favourites colours, that is!

I normally don't like sleeveless shirts with collars, but I just adore this one! I think it's because instead of a traditional collar, it's small and rounded. Peter pan collars like the one this shirt are my favourite, but I've yet to find a nice shirt with this sort of collar. I'd like to find a shirt just like this one, but I'm not sure how likely it is I will. Nevertheless, I'm going to keep looking!

Now, as far as shoes go, I always like something simple and classic which adds to my outfit, but doesn't command all the attention. Which is why I simply love classic heels like these. They're black as black suede comes, have a sensible but still very stylish heel height of about 9.5cm, and they could be worn with jeans and a nice shirt when you're just going out and about or worn with a fancy dress to a cocktail party.

As for jewellery and accessories, I never wear much of either. I like a very simplistic look and I don't like to clutter it up, per se, with jewellery and other accessories. I rarely wear necklaces, but my favourite kind to wear are plain, classic gold chains. They're delicate and nice, and add a little something to your overall look, but at the same time they don't add too much.

And finally, hair inspiration. I would have to say I think my biggest inspiration in that department right now is Brigitte Bardot. Her perfectly backcombed beehives and big hair is truly ideal. I've always loved big hair, and Brigitte's is the perfect example of brilliantly done big hair.

Can't you just imagine wearing a lovely dress, a pair of simple heels and having nicely backcombed hair whilst wandering round a charming little town, browsing through book and charity shops? It would be absolutely ideal to me.

And I know I've been doing a lot of inspiration posts lately and so this may be my last one for a little while. I just felt the need to do one more and share some of my biggest inspiration right now in a more specific way than I have lately.

Hope everyone's having a good day!

Abbey
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MAGAZINE MANIA

2011-06-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

I've gone through more of the magazines I've stored in the attic and got a bunch of new clippings for my collage wall. I stuck them all up yesterday and I think it's beginning to look a lot nicer. Now I just need some smaller clipping for the small bare spots and we'll be almost set!

Abbey
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RED ROSE

2011-06-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

You know the photo of the rose blooming in our garden yesterday? It's fully bloomed now, and two others are coming up, also!

I wonder what the exact type of rose bush this is, I've been searching types of roses online but haven't found anything to match how this one looks. I suppose it really doesn't matter what sort of roses they are because they're lovely regardless!

Abbey
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CLASSIC GLAMOUR

2011-06-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

As I've said before, when I was a little girl I loved Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, and so many others who epitomised classic glamour. I even adored Betty Boop and her red mini dress as red was my favourtie colour when I was little.

They all embodied exactly what I thought I wanted to be when I grew up, which has changed as I've gotten older, but I still admire their style and beauty all the same. I remember dressing up and flitting round our attic in old dresses miles too large for me which had been given to me by my mum or aunts. I'd always dream of how much I would relish in being able to wear whatever in the world I wanted once I was older, and until then, dressing up was the best thing ever.

I also remember how delighted I was to receive a pack of playing cards one Easter with photos of Marilyn Monroe on them, which I still have here in my desk drawer. And how chuffed I was to be given a Betty Boop Christmas ornament at Christmas one year, which I hung in my bedroom and left up year round for years to follow.

But back to present day, I definitely still have my appreciation for retro glamour. I have posters of both Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn up in my bedroom, a calender with Audrey on it by my desk, and a smaller one pinned to my collage wall with Marilyn on it. That said, I'm still always forgetting the date!

I still have some of my old dress up clothes in a bin upstairs, some I still like so much I would wear them if the occasion ever presented itself! What's more, some of them would even actually fit me properly now! That said, even if I haven't a place to wear any of them, I like looking through them from time to time, takes me back to say the very least.

I've always loved this sort of classic glamour, and I still do, it's some of my biggest inspiration to my own personal style and how I dress. There's something about the era of the 50's and 60's that is so obviously special. And it was special in a way that I don't think can be replicated today. And now, just so this post isn't a rambling mess, here are a few of my favourite photos of the lovely ladies I've mentioned above!

Abbey
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LAST DAY OF SPRING

2011-06-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was the final day of spring 2011, in the Northern Hemisphere, anyway. As I've said, slowly the weather is getting nicer, more flowers are blooming in the garden, and everything's just getting more summery, haha.

We have one rose plant in our garden which surprisingly loves where it's growing and gets some lovely roses during the summer. This is the first of 2011, and it has the most beautiful scent!

This is the other end of our garden, I don't know what you call the tree on the left side. It almost looks tropical. But it isn't, I don't think, anyhow.

Don't mind the hose flopped out on the grass, need to make sure everything gets enough water!

I know I keep saying it over and over, but this really is my favourite time of the year as far as how our garden looks. Everything's blooming and lush and lovely.

Abbey
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SUMMER INSPIRATION

2011-06-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

Now that summer is officially here and the weather in Victoria is slowly getting nicer, I think it's time I do a little post about some of my current style inspirations.

In the past couple of weeks I've been posting photos from when I was younger and a bit about how I dressed then, and you've all seen, I'm always slightly altering my style and changing it up a bit to suit how I feel at the time.

Lately I've been feeling drawn to a more feminine and classic look. I've always thought classic glamour was the most beautiful. Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot are all definitely style icons to me! Especially Marilyn, even when I was very little I loved her blonde hair, red lipstick, and glamourous gowns.

Now that I'm a bit older, I don't feel the need to plan my way of dressing round trying to fit in. It's truly freeing as there are no real rules as to what you can or cannot wear. Looking back I really don't understand the fuss over trying to look a certain way which usually ended up looking contrived anyhow! Although, I suppose it's all just part of growing up.

For the last little while I've been just loving button down shirts, classic cardigans, and simple platform heels. I found a lovely, fitted, white button down shirt at a thrift shop not too long ago and it's one of my favourite things right now. Pair it with a pair of tight jeans, black heels, a bit of red lipstick and a messy updo and you're set! Simple, classic, but still charming.

I also love trench coats lately. I have a black one that I've had for years, but I'm still searching for an nice one in a light colour, preferably beige, I think. I don't usually follow trends but I just love a nice trench coat.

Every summer I say I'm going to wear less makeup, or more natural makeup, but I never end up sticking with it. I suppose this is another thing which has been with me for a long time. As a little girl I adored putting on lipstick and eye shadow and parading round with my friends in our little fashion shows. These days, I mostly stick with Amy Winehouse influenced eyeliner and my Rimmel Coral Queen red lipstick, forgoing the blue eye shadow and hot pick blusher, haha.

I'm yet to bring my summer things down from the attic, but I think I will do it either this week or weekend and then I can really begin to dress for summer. I can't wait to actually go through my things which have been packed away for months and see what I have to work with!

Abbey
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