Canadian Camouflage Part 1

I just returned from a week in Canada where I was one of the chaperones for a high school music tour and it was quite the experience. Taking teenagers anywhere is an undertaking, but taking 90 teenagers out of the country is a whole new deal. Nevertheless we survived and I am happy to be back in my own bed.  I am excited to talk about fashion abroad.  Thanks to my life as a musician I have had the chance to travel quite a bit both across the US and internationally. I was determined not to look too much like a tourist this trip so the next few posts will feature tourist-practical and yet local-friendly outfits I came up with based on my observations. First, a few ground rules.


How to Appear like a Tourist
Wear jeans, tennis shoes, and lots of color. Make sure to wear a backpack and hold a map and camera in your hand at all times. A baseball cap is a nice touch. Look confused. Ask Canadians if they speak English.


How to Appear like a Local
Wear lots of black and gray. Limit your colorful items to no more than two, but preferably just one. For example, a colored rain coat. Or a red purse and a colorful scarf. Wear comfortable yet fashionable walking shoes.  Comfort is key (Yippee!) with both clothes and shoes. Assume everyone speaks both French and English. You avoid the risk of looking like a poser when you reply "Bonjour!" and then the Canadian rattles off in French and you look stupid.


We spent most of the trip in Montreal but our one day in Quebec City, three hours north, made the whole trip worth it. I know you shouldn't start with dessert but I'm dying to share the photos from this incredible city. The historical sites and the French charm made us all feel like we were in Europe. We were enchanted by the shops with their beautiful window displays and the brick streets that led us up the mountain to the Chateau Frontenac, the castle-looking structure barely visible in the background.

I'm a huge fan of the movie Chocolat so naturally I had to pose outside of this chocolaterie. A little about the outfit: My favorite jeans, black lace-up walking shoes which are typical if you're not wearing boots (I've had those shoes since high school!), a comfy yet dressy Kenneth Cole coat from my cousin, a scarf, and black designer shades ($6 at Ross). 

An example of the window displays. Yes, this does involve color so I'm sure in the warm weather months, color is more acceptable. I LOVE the cape and how it could brighten up an all black ensemble.

Another fancily decorated boutique with a classic nautical dress in the entryway. 

Too cool for school. (Me and my handsome brother.)

More pictures of Canada and Euro-inspired fashion coming soon. I developed a cold and have graduate exams this week so I have to hit the books. Au Revoir!

Bohemia Lane

Everyone goes through fashion phases but the phase that keeps coming back for me is the hippy look. Although I think high fashion calls it the Bohemian look. Works for me.  Hippies and Bohemians are associated with a carefree, independent spirit; someone who can be soft and romantic one minute and feisty and unshakable the next. I've been told I should work more on acting Bohemian rather than just putting on the costume. I agree. Hopefully that spirit will work its way into my skin. (More on clothes and self-image in a future post.)

Here are three outfits I've worn lately that incorporate Bohemian elements into everyday, wearable looks that won't have people pointing peace-sign fingers.  It may be subtle, but compared to the mainstream fashion statements out there, I do consider these ensembles reasonably Bohemian.

LOOK #1: The Cold Weather Hippy

Shirt: JC Penney (I love the detailing in the neckline and the way the shirt flows so I don't have to have perfect posture every second. This is one reason I love hippy shirts.)
Belt: Can't remember. Jeans: Ross, Socks: My mom's circa 1979, Boots: Macy's

LOOK #2: The Workplace Hippy

My attempt at bringing Bohemia to work although my students informed me I looked Japanese. (I'll take that as a compliment.) The fitted shirt balances out the wide leg pants and thanks to the detailing in the shirt, it remains interesting with or without the necklace. Hopefully this outfit will please those that tell me I wear too much black and not enough color. :-)
Shirt: Forever 21 (Hand-me-down), Pants: New York & Company (Hand-me-down)
Necklace: *cough*.....Wal-Mart. A completely lucky freak purchase.
Sandals: Rack Room Shoes

LOOK #3: The Weekend Urban Hippy

I take no credit for this ensemble. My friend, Heyni, whom I mentioned in a recent post, put this one together for me. Shirt: $7 at Plato's Closet, Belt: JCPenney, Tights: Hand-me-down, Sandals: Rack Room Shoes

What Can Brown Do For You?

I was recently given a pair of beautiful brown sling-back shoes from a family friend. These are my first brown dress shoes and I was anxious to coordinate some outfits. But my wardrobe revolves around black so I needed the help of an expert. Enter my college roommate, Heyni, who was here for the weekend. She took a look at my closet and within minutes had put these two outfits together for me.  It turns out I can wear brown and I had what I needed hidden in my closet the whole time. Thank you, Heyni!

Left Photo

ALL articles of clothing are hand-me-downs from friends.

Right Photo

Necklace: World Market, Shirt: Old Navy, Belt: Thrifted, Skirt: Hand-me-down from a friend

Nifty Thrifting Part 1

How could I have forgotten how fantastic thrift stores are?  My mom sent me thrifting the other day to look for something for my cousin and I was in awe. Yes, I bought TWO items but again this was part of the stipulations for my vow so I do not feel guilty. Especially considering the two items.

The first item is this American Eagle shirt which was $3.50 at Goodwill.  I love the Bohemian-style crocheted neckline. 

 This New York & Company blazer in the photo on the right was $5.  I took an identical Forever 21 blazer I had that had gotten too small and sold it at Plato’s closet for $4.90. So I basically broke even and have a fabulous new blazer that goes with everything.  I already had this burgundy purse is by Etienne Aigner and I can only imagine how much it retailed for.  (I got it for 25 cents!)

The outfit on the left has several thrifted items. The brown leather purse was 25 cents, as was the belt. The Hollister jeans were $10. In case you’re curious, the shirt is from Forever 21 and the shoes are Sperry Top Siders, which I’ve been wearing for years, which makes me cooler than the groupies.  :-)

I encourage you to start scouting out your local thrift stores. Some will be better than others. If you live in or near the city, you have a greater chance of finding brand names. Ask about return/exchange policies. If there is an “all sales final” policy you want to know.  Goodwill allows one exchange per month.  When you are thrifting, make sure to check the item thoroughly. I recently found a green belt I absolutely loved until my dad pointed out that the buckle was rusting.  I will say this: it is hard to go thrifting if you need something specific. But if you just have the urge to shop and have time to dig, then go for it and of course…share your success stories!