2014: A Year in Review

I'm doing my year in review post a bit different this year as well. Instead of chronically every month and highlighting important posts like I usually do, I'm highlighting my favourite posts from the year just like I did with my outfit roundup yesterday.


By far, my favourite posts of the year are my Thrifting Tips series. I worked incredibly hard on them and am very proud of how they turned out.

1. Where to Start

2. Finding the Good Stuff

3. Finding Vintage

4. Caring for your Finds

5. Wearing Vintage

This year I was interviewed by Shaw TV about thrifting and my blog which was very exciting!




After living in our house for 5 years, I finally got the courage to tackle the enormous job of painting our kitchen in April. Another 6 months down the line and we're almost ready to knock the wall down between the living room and the kitchen. Like I said, things happen slowly in this house.

for the record, we have put the outlet covers on. this is just an old photo. 

We had a new addition to the family in June. We rescued Chopper. He's about the sweetest dog you could ever meet. Him and Dave love each other and we can't imagine life without him. 

In November I cut about a foot off of my long, long hair. I loved my long hair, but I can't believe I didn't cut it sooner.  

I really hate to be a downer on the blog, but it's been a tough year. I feel very tired. Even after 5 weeks off. I overloaded on work this year - I felt like I couldn't help it - so many projects and opportunities knocked on my door and I was compelled to say yes to most of them. I don't regret working so much...I really did learn a lot and some very exciting doors have been opened as a result, but I think I'm going to be more mindful in the coming year what I say yes to. 

On top of which my personal life has been really stressful this year. I don't really know what to say about this here, except that in some ways my life has been in limbo. This combined with too much work has kept me from blogging or too tired to care about a lot of things - like Halloween costumes (we didn't dress up this year) or Christmas (confession: I never put up our tree or decorations...couldn't be bothered). 

The good news is that I believe things are getting better. I can see some light at the end of the tunnel. I have work to do - both in my professional and personal life. No New Years Resolutions this year  (not even anti-resolutions) ...just the promise to myself that I will be mindful of my spiritual well being, my personal happiness and above all: keep it simple. 

Check out previous year in review posts from 2013, 2012 & 2011.


Lisa.xo

2014 Outfits

For the last few years I've done a round up of my favourite outfit posts from each month. It's been a bit of an erratic year for blogging, so instead here are my favourite looks from the entire year.

Here they are, in no particular order:



This look pretty much sums up my style these days. Casual, with a hint of retro.

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My birthday outfit, featuring my amazing Jenny skirt in Burlesque print from Pinup Girl Clothing.

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Easily my favourite outfit of the summer, inspired by my Miss L Fire Bluebird sandals.

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And finally, one of my most recent posts featuring one of my newest acquisitions for my vintage dress collection. I've decided I'm wearing this outfit to the opening of my next show in January. Can't wait!

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Check out my other outfit roundups from 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010! (phew!)



Lisa.xo

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2014!

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Merry Christmas!

I hope you have a wonderful day filled with laughter, family and good food. 

Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Marilyn in Glasses

Marilyn Monroe in How to Marry a Millionaire

Proof that glasses can be sexy.


Lisa.xo

How to Have Great Style on a Budget

I often get complimented on my outfits and my style. I take great pride in the fact that I am able to look stylish and put together for next to nothing.

You don't have to spend tons of money to have great style - no matter what your style is. I work in theatre and despite the fact that I have a very enviable wardrobe, in reality I have a very limited budget for clothes. About 85% of my wardrobe is bought second hand, either from a thrift store, Etsy or a local vintage shop. 75-80% of what I buy second hand is cheaper than you would pay for a similar item at the mall.  The other 15% of what I buy is new and about 5% of that is expensive investment pieces or something special I can't live without.

Looking great on a budget is about having an intimate knowledge about your personal style. This is key to finding killer second hand pieces that fit seamlessly into your wardrobe. . It's taken a lot of trial and error, but I now know what I like and over the years have come to know what will be worth spending money on for my wardrobe- whether it's $5 or $500.

If you're still figuring out what your personal style is start a Pintrest board with looks that inspire you  (or go old school and rip out pages from a magazine and tape them to your wall) . What do they have in common? Go shopping and find similar pieces (Check out this post for tips on turning those inspiration photos into outfits from your closet).
Now is the time to experiment and thrift shopping for your wardrobe is a great way to test out a look with little investment. Make mistakes and take risks in your wardrobe. It's just fashion, not brain surgery. But no matter what, wear what makes you feel amazing. No matter how much you paid for what you have on your body that feeling will shine through and make you look incredible. Confidence is the best accessory (did I just write that?! how cheesy..lol). But seriously. It's true.

I'm a huge advocate for second hand shopping, but the key to having style is to mix it up and pair thrifted items with new ones. Retailers like Joe Fresh, Forever 21, Zara, Winners and Marshals all offer great clothes at incredible prices.

Accessories. Invest in them. The right accessories - new or second hand - can elevate an outfit instantaneously.

If you are going to spend money on anything in your closet, make it a great, functional purse you can use every day of the year that matches most of your wardrobe. I bought mine at Winners for $150 a year and a half ago. It's Italian leather, I still love it and use it almost every day. And it still looks like new. Worth every penny. Here it is:

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Please don't forget about hair and makeup. This is the icing on the cake of your look. Learn how to do your hair and apply makeup in a way that makes you look and feel amazing. I am a firm believer that great hair and makeup and some eye-catching accessories can elevate jeans and a t-shirt into something you could wear anywhere these days.




Here are a couple of outfits from past posts with a mix of thrifted and new items. I've broken down what I paid for each item and where I got them.


This is a great fall look. I wore it out to run errands, but it could easily translate to an office setting, or a date. The sweater is cashmere from Club Monaco, but I found it at a thrift store. The skirt is vintage. It's is wool and is lined. I always look for luxe fabrics in good shape when shopping second hand.

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Sweater: $7 @ thrift store

Flower Brooch: $1 @ Ricki's sample sale

Belt: $10 @ retailer

Skirt: $5 @ thrift store

Shoes: $20 @ retailer

OUTFIT TOTAL: $43

Here is a summer look that I love. The dress is vintage. I bought it on a sale rack at a vintage shop because there were a few popped seams here and there. Nothing my sewing machine couldn't fix. The bag was a bargain at a thrift shop on a sale day. It was also in need of some love. I had to stitch one side of it back together with some twine. Good as new. I'm pretty handy with a needle and thread, so I'm never afraid to take home something which needs a bit of work. Experience has taught me what I can fix and what I can't.

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Vintage Dress: $15 @ vintage shop

Flower Brooch: $1 @ thrift store
Belt: came with another dress
Bag: 50 cents @ thrift store
Shoes: $9 @ thrift store
OUTFIT TOTAL: $25.50

And a winter look. The coat was a thrift store purchase. The leopard print skinnies were from a retailer. I watched them diligently until they went on sale and snapped them up from their online store. 

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Beret: $4 @ thrift store

Scarf: $10 @ retailer

Coat: $17 @ thrift store

Leather Gloves: free - a gift

Pants: $20 @ online retailer

Boots: $20 @ retailer

Purse: $7 @ thrift store

OUTFIT TOTAL: $78

For more thrift shopping advice check out these thrifting tips I posted earlier this year.


AND Here are two articles I love with some great advice on style:

• 50 Fashion Rules to Break
• 7 Reasons Why You Don't Need Money to Be Stylish

Lisa.xo

Friday Link Love #15

• Now that my hair is shorter I've been curling it almost every day, but I use hot sticks to style my hair because I don't like sleeping on pin curls. Regardless, I couldn't help but share these incredible posts from Lavender & Twill on Pin Curling: 

               - Basics of Pin Curls

               - The Curl Brush Out & Styling (totally applicable to hot stick sets like mine)

• This vintage dress on The Vintage Valley has me seriously swooning. 

• I used to think feminist was a dirty word. Recently, I've started to change my mind. The pinup and rockabilly culture weigh in. Read a great interview at The Rockabilly Socialite and this fabulous post at A Little Pin Up Every Day. 
• Fun! 100 Years of Beauty in 1 Minute.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Lisa.xo

Outfits: New Old Dress. Had to Have It (as usual...)

Does anyone else find Christmas shopping difficult? I mean, of course it is. But I mean specifically fighting the urge to buy yourself presents? Especially the kind that no one else will buy you. 

Like this dress. 

I was in the Exchange doing some Christmas shopping with Daphne from Vixage. We stopped at the Exchange Uporium. Patti Henderson - curator and owner of WildWoodRose Vintage - has her stuff there. Deadly. 

So I'm perusing her racks and I see this dress. I knew immediately without trying it on that I had to have it.   ...I'm so weak...

Decision made when I put it on and it fit like it was made for me. damn. 

I also bought a gift for a gift exchange while there, so at least there's that lol!

Black is hard to photograph with my point and shoot camera, but I'm hoping you can see the asymmetrical peplum/draped panel on the back. Also has three covered buttons at the nape of the neck. 

After I took the last bunch of photos I decided I needed more accessories, so I grabbed this hat and clutch. I'm in love. 

Please tell me I'm not the only one who buys themselves things while Christmas shopping. I've got four more gifts to buy and then I can stay away from the stores. Now I just need to find somewhere to wear this dress. 

Vintage Black Straw Tilt Hat: thrifted, Value Village

40's Black Crepe Dress: WildWoodRose Vintage via The Exchange Uporium

Vintage Rhinestone Bracelet: thrifted, Value Village

Vintage Celluloid and Rhinestone Bracelet: Ruby Slipper

Vintage Embroidered Rose Clutch: thrifted, Salvation Army

Black Mary Janes: Forever 21

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Looking a Little Christmas-y

I had a meeting with some fellow Shakespeare in the Ruins ensemble members (after 3 years of stage managing for them they asked me to be a member this summer!).  I've been dressing so casually lately I felt really dressed up in this outfit. 

Once I was out I realized how Christmas-y this outfit is with the green and the rhinestones on the sweater. I'm ok with it though. It's subtle. 

 

I love this sweater. I bought it for $5 at Value Village. I nearly fell over when I plucked it off the rack. It's a combination of my favourite things: black and sparkly. And can we talk about my slip for a moment? I know it might be a bit hard to see in that last photo, but the green polka dots on it are an exact match to my skirt. Match made in vintage heaven. 

Black 50's Rhinestone Studded Sweater: Value Village

Vintage Rhinestone Brooch: Vintage Glory

Black Patent Belt: Le Chateau (came with a top)

Green Vintage Skirt: Ragpickers

Vintage Green Polka Dotted Slip: Vintage Glory

Black Tights: Ricki's

Black Ankle Boots: George

Best Vintage Purse Ever: Value Village

Lisa.xo

Aloha!

So the exciting news 'round these parts is that The Boy and I are headed to Hawaii for two weeks in March!! EEEEEEEeeeee!!!!!!

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I'm so freakin excited!! I've always wanted to go to Hawaii. The Boy has been a few times long before we started dating. His family has a timeshare a few blocks from Waikiki Beach. Through a series of events (which I won't bore you with) this trip came up at an affordable cost, so we jumped at the chance to go.

As I said a few weeks ago, life has been stressful. In fact 2014 has felt like a tough year in many ways. So we really need this vacation. Get away, relax, explore another part of the world and spend some time together. Thank you to everyone who commented on that post and sent me their love and support. It meant a lot to me. And for those of you who are probably curious, things are slowly turning for the better. Slow, but steady. 

As you can imagine, My A-type personality has been scouring the internets for packing tips, sights to see and, naturally, been debating whether I will purchase myself a vintage Hawaiian or tiki print dress on etsy before we leave....I've always wanted one...what better excuse?!

In anticipation for my trip I'm planning a series of posts dedicated to the mid-century history/obsession with Hawaii, packing tips and capsules for the vintage girl (I couldn't find ONE online!), some vintage and antique shops I plan on visiting along with some other fun posts.



Have you ever been to Hawaii? Do you have any packing tips for vintage girls? 



Lisa.xo

Outfit: Leopard Print Cardigan

I haven't been wearing a lot of skirts and dresses this fall/winter. My outfits have consisted of skinny jeans, a tee, blouse or sweater of some kind and a cardigan with vintage accessories. 

If you thought that in order to have vintage, rockabilly or pinup style you have to wear a dress or skirt, please let me prove you wrong this winter. I don't even wear high waisted pants most days. Frankly, I find them uncomfortable. They cut into my stomach when I sit. 

And for fun. Here are the pups, getting my my way while I try and set up for outfit pics lol. 

Leopard Print Cardigan: Joe Fresh

Black Tee: Forever21- thrifted

Vintage Mink Brooch: Value Village

Black Patent Belt: Laura

Black Cuff Bracelet: Le Chateau

Black Skinny Jeans: Forever21

Black Boots: George

Lisa.xo

New Haircut!

After a lot of talk I finally did it. I cut my hair. And not just a trim. I cut about a foot off. It was getting really long, if you remember.

This photo of Gretchen Mol in The Notorious Betty Page was my inspiration. I knew I wanted to keep my bangs, but it was time to lose some length.

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Here's my version.

The best part is that I have a fabulous new hairdresser. Winnipeg's premier rockabilly and vintage hairstylist Kelly O. Her and I totally clicked. I adore her. AND she made my hair look freakin awesome!! My bangs have never been better behaved. 

If you insta, follow her @hairbymisskellyo. If you want to book an appointment she's at Salon One 11. 

I thought I would, but I don't even miss my super long hair. It wouldn't hold a curl and was nothing but straight and long. Now that my hair is much shorter (in comparison!) I've been curling it every day. Plus it looks and feels so much healthier.

Leopard Print Cardigan: Joe Fresh

Black Tee: Forever21 - thrifted

Vintage Mink Brooch: Value Village

Lisa.xo

Friday Link Love #14

I was hoping to post an outfit today, but I've found myself cuddled up on the couch casually surfing the internet in an oversized sweater, hair in a bun and no makeup.

So instead, I'll kick off my return to blogging with some link love and share my finds with you today.

• I really love street style fashion. Even if it's not vintage. I love seeing what everyday people want to wear every day. Hel Looks is a great site from Helsinki with an array of eclectic looks. 
• The Sartorialist reminds us why fashion is more than just what's on the outside. 
• Do you follow Joanna over at Dividing Vintage Moments? She's come up with this incredible idea that I'm thrilled to be taking part of: The Sisterhood of the Vintage Dress. I think I'm receiving the dress around April 2015, but in the meantime go check out how other bloggers have styled it.  
• This is my new favourite breakfast: Cheddar Apple Handpies.

• I recently bought a short vintage mink coat and I've been scouring Pintrest for outfit inspiration. I really love fur paired with casual clothes. This look is almost perfect (just imagine it with retro hair and red lips. yup. looks pretty good):

Have a great weekend!

Lisa.xo

Two Months Later..

So I guess I needed more than a month.

I took this one morning a month ago before work on our front lawn. 

I've been struggling to write this post...I really don't like getting super personal on the blog. But I will tell you that on top of being very tired from overworking myself this year, the last two months have had personal stresses that I have been trying to deal with. I'm not out of the woods yet, but I'm in a much better place than I was a week ago. That's really all I can ask for right now.

Sorry this post is so vague...I really wanted to stop in and say I'm still here and ready to start blogging again, but also give you some - however lame it is - explanation for my extended absence.

I'm off work until the New Year now, so expect to see my face some more 'round these part. I missed you guys!

Lisa.xo

See You in a Month!

I'm still alive and well! I seem to have inadvertently taken a little blog break in the last few weeks. Work. Again. You know the story.

I'm actually tired of shopping. Seriously.  (photo source)

Just to give you a flavour of my life right now, my weeks are playing out like this:

Sunday: Two show day for Cock & Bull (I'm home before 10pm thankfully)
Monday: Shopping for TV series from 9-5 (day off from Cock & Bull)
Tuesday: Shopping 9-5. Drive to the venue. Prep & Performance for Cock & Bull 5:30 - 10:30pm. Drive home, write show report, do show laundry. Fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow (12-12:30ish).
Wednesday: Repeat of Tuesday
Thursday: Repeat
Friday: Repeat
Saturday: Morning & Day off. Performance for Cock & Bull in the evening.


My next ACTUAL day off is October 5th. And on the 6th I start prep for my next stage managing job (while working my last week shopping for the TV series). I'm already running on empty...I've discovered I'm now too old to work two jobs at the same time. This may very well be the last time I do this to myself....always gotta learn the hard way, don't I?!


So I'm officially calling it a mini blog break and I'll see you fine folks in about a month when I've recuperated.


I'm posting regularly (almost daily) on Instagram if you miss my face. I miss you guys, but I've got nothing else to give right now...


Lisa.xo

Keeping Busy with Work (as usual..)

Sorry for the radio silence folks! Work and life has kept me away from the computer for the last week or so.

These are what my days are looking like as of late:

photo snagged from my Instagram account

I've been stationed behind my prompt book calling cues as we have our dress rehearsals for Theatre by the River's production of Mike Bartlett's COCK and BULL.

And we open this Saturday!!

Plus I start another job buying costumes tomorrow for a Canadian sketch comedy series being shot in Winnipeg right now...life is gonna get a bit busier...ah!

If you live in Winnipeg, come see COCK and BULL. They are amazing shows that I am incredibly proud to be a part of.
For more info and to buy tickets go here.

Sooo...things might be staying a little quiet around these parts for the next week or two...if you miss me you can always stalk follow me on Instagram in the meantime.


Lisa.xo

Wishlist: Dita Von Teese Black Dahlia Balconette Bra, Panties & Garter

After too many years, Dita's lingerie is finally available to ship to Canada.

I am lusting after the Black Dahlia Balconette Bra, Panties & matching Garter.

It's naught and nice...perfect combo.

buy them here!

Have you bought any of Dita's lingerie? How do you like it?

Lisa.xo

Friday Link Love #13 (Lucky 13!!)

• This intriguing article about How Women use Style to Compete with One Another from The Cut. 
• If you love healthy, delicious food on a budget (we're talking $4 a day!!), check out this free downloadable cookbook 'Good and Cheap' by Leane Brown. 
• This incredible picture of Elizabeth Taylor. Her photos make me want to chop all my hair off! Check out this link for 32 stunning photos of her. 

• Two new-to-me blogs I can't get enough of right now:

Chicago Chic

AND

Junebugs and Georgia Peaches: The Adventures of Modern June Cleaver and Amelia Jetson

• These incredible dioramas called MINIMIAM of miniature people in a world with giant food.  

Lisa.xo

Winnipeg Vintage Reviewed: The Ruby Slipper Vintage & Trendy Consignment - St. Anne's Road Location

The Ruby Slipper Vintage Vintage & Trendy Consignment 370 St. Anne's Road
Facebook
204-257-3949

*** out of 5

The sign outside of Ruby Slipper's St. Anne's Road location reads: "The Ruby Slipper Vintage & Trendy Consignment". When the store was located on Sargent Avenue it was called "The Ruby Slipper Vintage Shoppe". The subtle change in name, in my opinion, is no coincidence. There is a significant increase in the percentage of modern and designer consignment for sale versus vintage for sale at their newer location (the shop moved about a year and a half from the time this post was published).

This is not to say that there is no vintage available. Most of the clothing I spied while sifting through the racks hailed from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Good news for you if you love the fashions from these eras. If you adore the 40's and 50's, like I do, or even earlier eras, then Ruby Slipper may disappoint. The shop does seem to get older pieces in occasionally - as always, the trick is to know when to shop at Ruby. Following them on Facebook is the best way to snag the best vintage. The shop still updates their page frequently with photos of new items, sales and other goings on.

The new store is brightly painted and has great natural light. They have much more retail floor space than the Sargent store, so the stock doesn't seem to be rotated seasonally anymore - there was a rack of fur coats for sale when I went in July. The pile of shoes is still there (if you've been to Ruby before, you know what I mean) and their selection of vintage jewelry is still very impressive. 

So if you're into used modern designer duds or "newer" vintage Ruby Slipper is the place for you. If older vintage fashions get your heart racing then this shop might not make the top spot on your shopping rounds - check Facebook first before making the trek to St. Anne's Road.


See the Sargent Avenue location review here.


UPDATE: My spies tell me that Ruby Slipper is for sale. If you're interested check out their ad on Kijiji.



Lisa.xo 

Inspiration: Micheline Pitt

Model, makeup artist and production manager at Pinup Girl Clothing - Micheline Pitt.
I love this lady's edgy, pinup style. I have a serious girl-crush on her.

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Lisa.xo

Outfits: Navy and Black Totally Go Together

I threw this outfit together today. I had some errands to run in the afternoon and rehearsal this evening. I have been wearing dresses all week, but wanted to put on something a little more casual. Plus, I wanted to wear my new Miss L Fire Bluebird Sandals (!!). Yup. I bought them. No. Regrets.

I bought this navy blouse at a sample sale way back when I worked at Ricki's. I have worn it less than 10 times since then, but for some reason I never want to get rid of it when I'm culling my wardrobe. It never fails, I put it on and I remember how much I love it.

And I must mention my sailor shorts as well. I have been on the hunt for a pair of navy or black sailor shorts for years now, but I have A) been too cheap to pull the trigger on an expensive pair online B) haven't been able to find a pair with the right rise in a local retail store. This summer, as usual, Value Village came to the rescue and I bought these shorts there. And I paid $3 for them!!! You heard me. Patience and persistance paid off as usual and I got a very nice pair of sailor shorts at the thrift store for less than a Starbuck's coffee!! I had to replace one button and take them in at the back, but that took very little time. I've worn these shorts SOO many times this summer. They just seem to go with everything.

Navy Atomic Print Blouse: Ricki's

White Flower Brooch: Ricki's

Vintage Metalwork Butterfly Brooch: Etsy . The Paris Carousel

Black Sailor Shorts: Thrifted

Black Metal Bracelet: Le Chateau

Bluebird Sandals: Miss L Fire

Vintage Straw Purse: Thrifted

Cat Eye Sunglasses: Rhymes with Orange

Lisa.xo