Online Gems

So I realize money does not buy happiness but oh the things I would buy if I had more of it. Most people know that I am a jewelery addict. I spend far too much time looking at jewelery only to realize I really can't justify buying most of it. For almost any accessory I say the more extravagant, the better!--- which usually means my taste ends up costing quite the pretty penny. My biggest weakness is rings! I swoon at the sight of a huge statement ring, or a double or triple fingered ring-- some people call them tacky-- but there can never be quite enough embellishments!
I thought I would give you a look at some of the things I've found online and kept my eye on lately!

Earrings:
I actually keep things pretty simple when it comes to earrings. My hair is down most of the time so earrings kind of get lost behind all of the curls.

So this is called an ear cuff. I'm not sure if I'd actually wear one but I thought I'd show you guys and see what you think?!


These are the 'I Ain't Lion Earrings' from Modcloth.com-- My dad used to call me lion because of my mane of red curls so I've always had a soft spot for them. Plus these are just so regal!


These are from a really cute website called Spottedmoth.com that Thea showed me. Maybe these go back to my love for The Little Mermaid.


Bracelets:
I recently started wearing bracelets again when I found a vintage gold charm bracelet of my moms-- I broke one of the charms and now I can't wear it for fear I'll break more. Now I'm on the look out for a similar one.

Combine my new love for charm bracelets with my love of the preppy-style crests and you've got a winner!


I just think this fox is so cute and unique!


Talk about a splurge and a half-- This vintage Chanel bracelet is $1,267.14!!


Necklaces:
I find necklaces kinda awkward to wear because sometimes when they go over top of my shirt I feel like a grandma-- does anyone else have this problem? So the necklace either has to be super long or shorter than the top of my shirt.
If I could get away with it I would love to wear more necklaces like this one:
This is called a 'Cross Harness' and I think its soo cool that it wraps around the body. Micalla (at Ottawa Fashion Week) had some amazing pieces that almost looked like tops in their own right!


Possibly my favourite necklace EVER! I've thought about making it but I dont think my craft skills are up to par-- I've had my eye on it for a couple years but just cant justify it.


Rings:
Rings are by far my favourite! These are just a couple cool examples (the list could seriously go on and on and on... and on!)

This one screams Lady Gaga (well subtle Lady Gaga anyways) Its a hinged metal armour ring and its wicked!


This is a Juicy Couture cluster ring with pearls-- its so pretty and feminine but is still a nice big size.


I want a link ring sooo badly!!!


This is the 'One in a Million' Ring from Modcloth-- Its like 300$ but its soo cool. I wonder if it would stay on well?


Other:
I am in love with this removable epaulette brooch I found on ASOS.com-- I am addicted to epaulettes on my tops and this is a genius idea because you can add it to every top! Good thing I don't own it because I'd be tempted to do just that!


I think its a good thing I'm not rich because this would be NECESSARY for my Lady Gaga costume--- Its $422! Buying this for cheap is silly.. buying it for that much is a crime!

Aimee told me that I could do anything with my day off except online shop and write on my blog-- I found a way of doing both! oops! If I could find a job doing this, oh the happy girl I'd be!

Melody made me Smokin!

Working at HUSH means that I not only get to meet lots of really cool people on a regular basis, but it also means I get a lot of amazing and fun opportunities! Yesterday was no exception!!
Melody is a freelance makeup artist who has been a part of several HUSH events and workshops. She is also a beauty expert for Rogers Daytime TV and does regular segments on their show. This week she was showing the viewers how to do Metallic Smoky Eyes (aka combining the metallic trend that is so hot and popular right now with the more classic Smoky eyes). So lucky me, I got to play model for the morning and get my make up done for the day!

We got to the studio early so that Melody could prep my face for TV. She 'smokified' one of my eyes and left the other one so she could show everyone on the air.

Melody and I right before the show. One eye down, one to go!

Then right before we went on air, Melody stuck a white adhesive pad under my eye. I am completely blanking on what these are called because I lovingly referred to them as eye bibs and neglected to remember their original name-- shameful I know! Basically they stick out so they are a little plate under your eye, so when the dark makeup is applied, none of it gets all over your face-- eliminating a mess and saving time!!

I sat between Melody and TL (the spunky and amazing co-host of Rogers Daytime), so that Melody could apply the makeup and show everyone how the Smoky eye is done. The coolest part was that instead of using a gray tone (which is what I think of when I think smoky eye), she used bronze and gold metallic tones-- which I love!! Those go much better with my skin tone and hair colour anyways, plus it adds an interesting element and something different!


The segment was almost 10minutes and yet at the end of it I could have sworn it was under five-- it went by super super quickly!!
I enjoyed every minute of it and loved what Melody did! She is one of those people that just exudes confidence and you can tell she's comfortable in her skin, which is so refreshing! Now that she's done my make up once, I'm not sure how I will ever leave my house in the morning without her. I loved my accented eyes -- obviously-- but funnily enough my absolute favourite part was the evenness of my skin tone. It's a good day if I put concealer under my eyes, but she used foundation, concealer, eye primer and even under eye brightener! It takes longer but I think its worth it-- I think there may be a new convert to the makeup world!


Here is a link to Melody's blog and the products that she used on my eyes:
Melody & Jezebel: Metallic Smoky Eyes w/ Urban Decay, NYX & E.L.F.

I even scored mascara out of it--> New 'Hyperlash' by Smashbox-- try it you'll love it!!
Thanks so much Melody, I had a blast!!
-B

Always a Bridesmaid...

Nowadays when a bride asks someone to be her bridesmaid, it usually involves helping out with wedding prep., maybe planning a party or two and wearing a dress that matches the tablecloths.

These are all harmless things so naturally the friend accepts without putting much thought into it. What she fails to consider are the century old superstitions that come along with the role of the Bridesmaid and the risks that they involve.
There has been evidence of the role of the bridesmaid for thousands of years. According to pagan folklore, the original purpose of bridesmaid's was to confuse evil spirits from bringing bad luck to the bride on her wedding day. Despite this risk, these bridesmaid's viewed their position as an honour because of the protection they were bringing their friend by putting themselves in danger of bad luck.
And yet since that time the role has completely shifted.
This brings to mind the old adage 'Three Times a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride'. It is possible that this phrase came from the fact that putting yourself in that dangerous position three times, ultimately jeopardizes your own chances at a happy marriage.

As well, part of what it means to be a Bridesmaid is to get all dressed up and put on display. During the sixteenth century, it was believed that if no one thought you were desirable after looking your best at three different weddings, you'd have no chance of ever marrying!
The phrase has now come to refer to someone who often gets second place but can never quite win, leaving single women all over to feel like they can never quite measure up. Thus, the risk of being a bridesmaid has switched from a physical risk to risking your social status and possibly self esteem! Other silly myths and superstitions have come around to compensate for this: If a single woman catches the bouquet, she will be the next to marry. If a bridesmaid sleeps with a piece of wedding cake under her pillow she will dream about her future husband.


The reason I've been thinking about this at all is because I, myself have been a bridesmaid three times and I am coming up on my fourth time with Aimee's wedding.

My first time as a bridesmaid was in 2004, when I was16 for my oldest sister Andrea and her husband Max. (Apparently during a time before digital cameras were invented. Read: No picture of me in the gorgeous Navy full length dress I wore)

My second time as a bridesmaid was in 2008 for my best friend Angela.

Another risk is that Brides may do things like this!


My third time as a bridesmaid was this past summer for my best friend Marieve.

Me, Marieve, Meredith and Jessica.

Can you tell that I completely adored these outfits?! A skirt is revolutionary as an amazing bridesmaid outfit!! Love!

All were gorgeous weddings and I have been very lucky to have had nice bridesmaid dresses/outfits!
Now that its my fourth time being a bridesmaid, a new adage comes to mind "ALWAYS a bridesmaid, never a bride". This saying has been around since the middle of the 19th century. People have sung about it, written about it and even used it in advertising campaigns!

In 1927, Listerine benefited from single women wanting to get married by telling them the reason they weren't married was because of Chronic Halitosis (a word the company made up!) --- a.k.a women were single because of bad breath!



One ad specifically geared towards weddings was of a woman named Edna.

"Edna's case was really a pathetic one. Like every woman, her primary ambition was to marry. Most of the girls of her set were married-- or about to be. Yet not one possessed more grace or charm or loveliness than she.
And as her birthdays crept gradually toward that tragic thirty-mark, marriage seemed farther from her life than ever. She was often a bridesmaid but never a bride.
* * *
That's the insidious thing about halitosis (unpleasant breath). You, yourself, rarely know when you have it. And even your closest friends won't tell you. "

I feel like I could write a-whole-nother blog about that ad: Women's primary ambition is marriage, the tragic thirty-mark.. Sounds eerily familiar! Good thing Listerine will solve all of these problems!

Now does this mean that since I have been a bridesmaid three times that I am entirely without hope of ever marrying?
Luckily for me, apparently there is a twist to the old three times a bridesmaid, never a bride--- If a woman is a bridesmaid seven times, she will marry very happily! (Or is it 27 times?) I guess I will have to find some more friends! ;)

Besides the wonderful ladies that I have had the honour of 'maiding to' are definitely all worth any risks that may come my way as a result!
-B

The Fashion Keeper: Glamorous night at Hush Clothes

Hey Guys!
I guest starred on a local Ottawa Blog and so I thought I'd share it with you!
She is super sweet and she wrote all about HUSH's latest Holiday Party--- with pictures (including one of me!)
I put my value village dress to good use that night.. and luckily it came bedazzled so I didnt even have to add the details.. just a few safety pins and voila!
The Fashion Keeper: Glamorous night at Hush Clothes

I saw the night through a different set of eyes since I was working the party. The store was jam packed and crazy busy all night! There were a bunch of HUSH regulars so it was super fun to get to catch up with everyone and a couple of girls I know even showed up. Free manicures, Free makeup, Free treats-- 20% off discounts! Its probably a good thing I was working to keep me from buying anything!! I hope we do it again next year because it was a hit!!

-B

Friends are the Bacon Bits in the Salad Bowl of Life

Although its true that my culinary skills are still far from boast-worthy, I do want to provide you all with a recipe!

-- A recipe for the Best Girls Night-in Ever! --

(This is where you all breath in a sigh of relief that I am not going to spend the rest of my blog explaining how to make PB&J sandwiches and juice-- When making a meal for guests my roommates put me in charge of the juice! Its a big responsibility but I'm pretty much a pro now!)
Ingredients:

1) For the main dish: A Chick Flick


We chose Definetly, Maybe.. but feel free to substitute with Sleepless in Seattle, or the Proposal.

2) Side Dishes: Pizza and S'mores


In order for true bonding to occur, there must be ample amounts of delicious food! We chose Pizza, Doritos and S'mores!



Now the secret to this recipe is all in the presentation. A fire is necessary for atmosphere and make sure everything is served wearing-- what else?!-- but the comfiest of Onesies!!




Finally, the absolute most important ingredient -- the only one you actually need-- is a best friend to share it all with!! (awwwwww!!)

Love you Brynnie!!

-B

JC, How I love thee!!

I had originally intended to make one giant blog cataloging all of the ridiculous and gorgeous shoes I have come across this past year. But when I actually sat down to write it I realized, "What the heck do you write about in a shoe blog?". Other than listing picture after picture of shoes, I didn't know what to do. Instead, I have decided to separate the pictures into smaller entries.

Now the ONLY place any shoe blog can start is with Jeffrey Campbell.
Last summer I was browsing shoes on Modcloth.com and came across the most beautiful pair of white flats. I basically stared at them for two months, didn't buy them and now that I can no longer find them, I really wish I had bought them in the first place. Ever since then, Jeffrey Campbell has been a tease. Very few of his shoes I can actually see myself wearing, but I still continue to dream. He is like that unattainable boy you secretly know isn't right for you but you just can't help but wish it could magically work out. ... yes I am still talking about shoes!

These are the JC boots that I am currently craving! They are the kind of shoes that you change your wardrobe for!


Wedges, clogs, platforms and boots are favourites of the Jeffrey Campbell name. He is known for unique details and chunky heels.


Wedges!


These are the ever so popular Lita platforms


Hello Boots!


This one is called the Unicorn Princess Heel
One day I will be brave enough--- rich enough-- to incorporate these gorgeous works of art into my everyday!

Hope you enjoyed a sneak peak into my Jeffrey Campbell love affair!
-B

Havana Cafe

A couple days ago, I spent the morning working at a brand new cafe on Bank St. called Havana Cafe and Catering. This was my very first time in a work setting that was a kitchen environment and I loved it--- I realize that most of you reading this are thinking that it was one of my first times in any kitchen, or at least one without a microwave! I was only at the store for a few hours; I ran errands, helped prepare sandwiches and gave samples out to people walking by on the street. I worked all morning with the chef, who is a super sweet, talented Cuban man that makes hilarious jokes in the same tone as if he were just telling me to pass him the salt-- they are so subtle and unexpected that they catch you off guard and make you laugh even harder! He introduced me to each of the items on the menu--- translation I spent the entire shift eating delicious Cuban food!! Seriously I was stuffed for the rest of the day!

We started with what he calls Mojito Lemonade, which is lemonade that I ground mint leaves into, leaving the lemonade with a minty kick. Then we put together some beef sandwiches, which I worried would be too hot for me when I added spicy peppers but somehow it just added delicious flavour without being painful for me to eat. It was fun making them. He asked me if I had ever made a sandwich before, and I wasnt sure how to answer. Sure I have made PB&J sandwiches before, but somehow I don't think that's what he meant! Embarrassingly later on, I had to ask how to cut the buns properly--- I know how I would cut a bun, but I was worried my bun cutting skills wouldn't meet his standards so I figured I should ask first before making a fool out of myself by doing it wrong.. I think what I realized is that I made a fool out of myself either way!
I went outside for part of the day to give out samples of Yuca. Yuca is from the potato family, it is cut up into strips like French fries and deep fried. It comes with a garlic/lime sauce. It was fun getting people to try it out on the street because most people, including myself, had never heard of it before.

I have a serious thing for fries-- french fries, sweet potato fries, you name it and I'm hooked.. well Yuca fries are at the top of my current list!

I also gave out samples of the Classic Cuban sandwich, which is my favourite! It is served grilled and the pickle gives it great flavour-- my mouth is watering just thinking about it.. I've been continuously craving it ever since!


Lastly, I tried a beef, vegetable and rice soup. The soup was really good but sadly I am the wimpiest of Canadians when it comes to spicy foods! My eyes started watering and I couldnt stop coughing! Try explaining to a Cuban that something is too spicy! He kept saying over and over, 'Its not too spicy'.. I am sure he is right for about 99% of the population but lets be honest, too much pepper is spicy for me!!

In a lot of ways, putting me and kitchen in a sentence feels like an oxymoron-- knives freak me out, I seem to burn myself at every opportunity and I'm not lying when I admit that I had to ask someone a few months ago how to use a kettle. On the other hand, there is something very empowering and creative about making food. As I watched the chef meticulously arrange things on the plate, it was obvious that he looks at food almost as an art. He is proud of what he has made.. and believe me I've tasted it, he should be proud! Who knows, maybe if I put some time and effort into it- or my microwave suddenly breaks- I will find my inner chef!

-B

P.S.
Havana Cafe
1200 Bank St.
Mon-Fri 10am-7pm
Sat 10am-5pm
Seriously go check it out-- Prices are just as good as the food!

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Ottawa Fashion Week

Anyone who spent much time with me in the past couple weeks knows about the excitement- bordering on obsession- that I had with Fashion Week. First of all, the fact that Ottawa has such an event in the first place is exciting and shows how far the city has come in the fashion world, even just over the past few years. Not to mention the fact that it was held at the National Gallery-- hello glitz and glam! The Gallery itself is an architectural masterpiece and the catwalk looked amazing surrounded by windows on all sides showing the Ottawa river and parliament in the distance. This seasons show was especially exciting because my fabulously talented boss, Alison Hughes, was chosen as head stylist for the event-- what an honour!! She is amazing at everything she does and has a great eye for styling, so naturally I knew the end result of the show couldn't fail to impress!
The show started a week earlier for me this year because Ali asked me to help out at the model fitting the weekend before. Picture a hundred models, designers and clothes all piled into the LOFT hair salon downtown-- it was craziness! Fittings for each of the shows were going on simultaneously. The volunteers were amazing at making sure each of the models was in the right place at the right time! I spent most of the morning with a camera taking head shots of the models and then photographing models in the outfits we had chosen for them. I also helped fit models, which basically involves going through the runway outfits and choosing which ones go on which models, making sure they fit and look good. Before the end of the day I helped manage the male model casting call--- hello hot male models! All in all the day was so much fun and as an added bonus I got a sneak peak at all the clothes before they hit the runway!
After the fitting, Friday couldn't come fast enough as I was even more excited for all of the fashion shows. Since HUSH sponsored Fashion week this year, the HUSH girls were all given VIP seats, along with awesome swag bags that night!! We had front row seats for the shows that night and oooeh and awwed at gorgeous jewellery pieces by Micalla, and the awesome animal-inspired hair for the Goldenfish swimwear show. It was so much fun getting dressed up and as an added bonus Ali gave us a sneak peak of backstage.

Me and Jared-- Front Row! woo!

For me, the absolute best part of the night came right at the end. Leading up to Fashion week I was most excited about Adrian Wu showing his line. For those who don't know, Adrian Wu is a 20 year old genius designer from Toronto who is wonderfully talented and is on the verge of making it super big! Anyways, as we were chatting with Ali backstage, Adrian Wu, in a fabulous knitted floor length Camel-coloured dress, walked up. I seriously need to work on my tact. In situations like these you always hope that you will act cool and collected just as if you were meeting anyone else. Unfortunately, this is me we are talking about, I turn red at the drop of a hat. This instance was no exception, and the calm cool exterior I so desperately wanted, I failed at considerably. I was so surprised/shocked/excited to see him that the first thing I said (picture this in a 'he is dreamy' kind of tone) was "Oh! Adrian Wu". I'm really hoping he didn't hear that part, although I dont think its physically possible to stand 3 feet away from someone and not hear them exclaim your name! Anyways, Ali introduced us, I turned bright red and giggled uncontrollably (Remembering this is both making me very happy and horribly embarrassed all at the same time), we shook hands and I walked on air for the rest of the night!!
Now, if this were my Work Bestie's blog, I would tell you all about how amazing Saturday was because I got to hang out with Jessica Biffi and Adrian Wu all day by helping with their fittings. Sadly for me, that was Thea's day and not mine. Jared and I did go to a couple shows that night though and luckily I had my camera! Jana Hanzel's designs were flawless and were right in step with the 'ladylike ultra feminine' trend that is popular right now. My favourite part of her show were the gorgeous hats that I wish I was brave enough to wear in the spring time. (I'm really tall and feel like hats, especially big statement hats, just make me look like the Statue of Liberty!)




Judy Designs line was edgy and raw. The part of me that is obsessed with studs and motorcycle boots loved every minute of it!


Right before Judy Designs show, Adrian Wu and Jessica Biffi showed up at the end of the runway. Spurred on by Jared I went and asked to have my picture taken with Adrian! Seriously that man makes my heart beat soo fast-- I'll let you decide whether I'm talking about Jared or Adrian! ;)



All in all Ottawa Fashion Week was everything I hoped for and more! I had so much fun dressing up and checking out other peoples outfits! I think I could have gone by myself and entertained myself people watching the whole time! Whoever says that Ottawa Fashion doesn't exist seriously needs to rethink their stance.. we are a growing force and after the success of this years Fashion Week putting us on the map, it can only keep getting bigger and better!

Spins and Needles

Attention all thrift store junkies and craftionistas (ya I'm pretty sure I made that one up!) On Friday night I went to an Ottawa event called Spins and Needles and absolutely had a blast because it combines two things I love--- shopping for clothes and altering clothes!

Basically the event is a huge clothing swap, where everyone brings at least one bag full of clothes and gets to go through huge piles in search of a new item that they will wear! I went with a co-worker and a few of her friends. We spent the first 45mins or so going through the huge piles, trying stuff on and socializing with other people. It was a little overwhelming because there were tons of people all trying to get at the same things at the same time--- luckily there were no fights (I really thought there would be)! I tended to shy away from the big crowds. If you think of lions eating a carcass, I was more like the bird that comes and takes a few bites and runs away. It was a little intimidating, I felt bad since no matter where you are, you are always in someones way! I spent quite a bit of the time telling people what I thought of the outfits they had created, or whether or not the shirt they had found fit-- basically it was like working but not getting paid. Those who know me know that I love my job so obviously I loved every second of it! I found an amazing Beaver vest (and by Beaver think little boy scouts rather than actual Beaver fur). The problem was that it was for a 10 year old boy and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get it to work on me. I tried to convince a smaller girl how cool it was but she didn't seem quite convinced! During the whole night there was a live DJ, hence the 'spins' part of the title, so it created a fun atmosphere!

This picture does not do the crowd justice because this is much later in the night when it had died down considerably.

After the swapping had died down a bit (I say a bit because people continued to arrive throughout the night so there were always piles of clothes and people going through them), tables were laid out with sewing machines, beads, fabric, stenciling supplies- you name it!- for people to use to alter their clothing. I spent the next two hours sewing on sequins and fake pearls to the shoulder of a purple turtleneck that I had scored from the pile. Seriously I have a new found respect for any type of beading or sequins on clothing because it was so tedious and time consuming. I had originally planned on sewing both shoulders but given how long it takes, I settled for an asymmetrical look instead.
Throughout the night I met lots of new really nice and cool people. Everyone was extremely open to meeting new people and I even had a few people recognize me from HUSH. The girls I went with all stenciled awesome designs onto shirts they had found. By the end I think people were going through the clothing pile just looking for anything that they could tear apart and alter!
Clive Doucet, who is running for mayor, even made an appearance which impressed me, even though he didnt seem too interested in going through the mens pile and sewing a couple buttons.

This is the girls (Rachel, Emma and Ruby) getting their stencils ready! Ruby even made me a shirt with a bright pink bulldozer on it!
All in all I really had a great time and am looking forward to the next night, scheduled for the end of November!! Let me know if anyone wants to join!
-B