Long Time No See!

Thank you all for bearing with my radio silence this year. I am literally and figuratively in a different place than I was when I last posted in February. I haven't been ready to write anything here until now.

Since I last posted I have become single, I started a new phase in my career, I've moved downtown and got rid of my car!

After 8 1/2 years and a lot of thought and heartache I decided to leave The Boy in May. It's complicated (as all breakups are), but it was a difficult decision that I needed to make for my own happiness. It's been a really tough summer as I've transitioned to being single for the first time in almost a decade. But it was the right choice and ultimately I am happier.

I have a new job! Those of you who follow me on Instagram will know that I am no longer stage managing. I am now the General Manager for Shakespeare in the Ruins! I love my new job and couldn't be happier to be in this next phase of my career.

Soooo.....that's primarily what's been occupying my mind, heart, body and soul since we last spoke. My entire life is different. It's both exciting and frightening.

Truth be told I'm ready to leave this blog behind me with so many other things this year. But don't worry...I am working on a brand new blog with a slightly shifted focus which I am planning on launching in early October. I will announce my new blog here when that happens, but if you're interested in what I'm up to day to day I'm still posting regularly on Instagram, so follow me there. :)


Thanks for sticking around guys! I've missed blogging. See you soon.
Lisa.xo

Evolution

Hi Folks! Sorry for the radio silence. Life has been full of surprises and curve balls since we rang in the new year.

Amidst my hectic life I've been thinking heavily about this blog: where it's been, what I want out of it and what I want it to be in the future. The truth is I'm a bit disillusioned with blogging as of late, so I'm taking some time to re-evaluate what I want to bring to this space. I'm definitely not quitting blogging, but I feel like my blog needs a facelift.

So bear with me and keep your eyes peeled for some changes around here in the near future.


Much love,
Lisa. xo

New Headshot

Even when you work backstage in theatre you need a headshot. After using a headshot that doesn't look like me now for too many years I finally got new ones taken last weekend (in my old headshot I'm 25, blonde and don't have bangs. Check out this post and scroll down to see it).


Voila!

Love it. I couldn't be happier with it. :)


Lisa.xo

For Fun: My Old Apartment

Nothing like starting off a year by looking back...

I was sifting through my pictures and found these photos from my old apartment and I thought it would be fun to share!

My family moved around a lot when I was young. I've lived in many houses and have discovered that wherever you nest will be home. I lived in this apartment for 5 years. Other than the house I grew up in where my family settled for most of my life and the house The Boy and I live in now, this is the place I've lived the longest. I lived here in university, through the most major break-up in my life, I lived here when I met The Boy.
I lived here with my ex (the major break-up), I had room-mates in this apartment and I lived alone. This place saw me through a lot of major moments in my life.


The photos are a little grainy. I took them with my old flip phone.

My dining room. I loved it. My apartment was very girly. 

The living didn't always have two couches in it. The red couch used to be centered on the back wall under the picture. I took these pictures when I was looking for someone to sublet after we bought our house. The sectional was being kept so it could go in the house we live in now (it's since been replace by our leather sofa and it now lives in The Boy's workshop in the basement). 

My very cute 60's gallery style kitchen. This kitchen had more storage than the one in my current house if you can believe it. 

This place floods me with memories..the good, the bad and the ugly.

I wish I had a picture of my bathroom and my office. My office was really nothing special, but my bathroom had pink tile, walls and floor and a turquoise toilet, sink and tub. In fact it looked a lot like this:

source

Is it just me, or was anyone else singing the Barenaked Ladies song "Old Apartment" when they read the title of this post? 

Enjoy! Now you can sing this in your head all day with me! lol!

Lisa.xo

Wishlist: Matching Separates

I'm swooning over separates these days. Something like this would be perfect for our trip to Hawaii. I can't resist the allure of a matching skirt and blouse set. It's the best of both worlds: wear it as a dress (my favourite) or wear them separately! I'd get so much wear out of a set like that.


I love this sunny yellow 50's set. The cutouts on the blouse are really sweet.

buy it here!

There is something about this print I really love. It's very versatile - the cut is summery, but the print is dark enough it could be worn layered in the fall or winter.

buy it here!

Oh, if only this beauty was in my size…there is nothing I don't love about this set. The colour, the cut, the print…all amazing!

buy it here!

I'm really drawn to the embroidered pussy willows on this set and the pockets on the skirt. Wouldn't it be so cute with a straw bag, big sunglasses and a pair of sandals in the summer? 

buy it here!

Lisa.xo

Outfits: New Years Eve

The Boy and I spent New Years Eve with a small group of friends. We had a few drinks (I'm thankfully not hung over as I write this. Just a faint throb in my head. Nothing coffee and breakfast won't cure), we ate some delicious food and ended the night with a game of Cards Against Humanity.

I knew it was going to be a more casual evening, but I still wanted to wear something festive. For a girl who is attracted to sparkly things like a magpie I really don't have too many dressy separates. Then I remembered that I bought this tank from Value Village during Halloween this year. It's a bit like beaded chain mail. The entire tank except for the straps is beaded with a lining behind it. I paid under $7 for it because it was on the costume rack. I'm very sure a similar tank at a retailer would be close to $100. It's a very well made piece of clothing and I'm happy to have found it.

Vintage Rhinestone Earrings: thrifted

Black Bolero with Rhinestone Clasp: Laura Petites

Beaded Tank Top: thrifted, Value Village

Black High-waisted Skinny Jeans: Forever21

Vintage Rhinestone Bracelet: thrifted

Black Ankle Boots: George

I am very happy to welcome 2015. I'm eager for a few fresh starts in some areas of my life. 2014 wasn't all bad, but I'm glad it's over. There are some exciting things on the horizon both in my professional and personal life and I'm looking forward to them. 

Lisa.xo

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015!!

source

Happy New Year!

The Boy and I are having a low key evening spent with friends. 

January 1st is our eight year anniversary. Eight years! Where does the time go? 

Thank you all so much for taking time out of your busy lives to pop into my little corner of the internet and see what I'm up to. Thank you for your comments and emails. I look forward to them every time I post - they really mean so much to me. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year and I wish you all the best for 2015. 

Lisa.xo

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.

original post

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

original post

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

original post

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!

original post

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



Lisa.xo

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2014!

source

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:

original post

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.

original post

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.

original post

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. 

original post

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!!!!!!

source

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.

source

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