To Be Rotten

I am still packing, and I wrote up a list of things that I need to do before I leave... a list that is quite more extensive than I thought it would be. And the fact that the only thing I have completed so far is finishing The Godfather Pt II can be seen as slightly worrisome. Nonetheless, I have faith in myself. Plus, it's not like I have to sleep tonight.

  Dressed In:

Jacket: I ventured out the day after Boxing Day in search of a new winter coat. Originally, I wanted a plain black jacket that would match everything, unlike the bright red one I previously wore. However, the moment my Mom pointed this one out to me in Anthropologie, I knew that I had to have it. Plus, I'm one of those people who considers leopard print a basic. So no harm, no foul.

Toque: This was bought on Boxing Day from a boutique by my house where they did a 50% off everything. I bought it on a total whim, after trying it on while I was waiting for my sister. My fabulous travel tip is to where one while you are traveling, as they are very good for covering your eyes to sleep or to cry.

Purse: I first noticed this purse at a vintage shop (Decadence) while I was Christmas shopping and, even though I fell in love with it, I didn't purchase it. Which means that when I saw that it was still in the shop three weeks later while I was shopping with my siblings, I knew that it was fate. It's like a Chanel lookalike, preparing me for life when I finally get my hands on a real Chanel bag. Because it's bound to happen.

Scarf: You can't really see my scarf, but it's a forest green circle scarf from American Apparel. Despite the fact that it can apparently be twenty different outfits, I am quite partial to using it as a scarf.

Boots: I bought these boots a year and a half ago from the Doc Martens store in West Ed, and wore them constantly. I even brought them to Europe, and it was in Berlin (while I was quite drunk) that I noticed they were slightly broken. That was halfway through the trip, and I spent the next two and a half months lugging them around, refusing to wear them except for one night in Ios. I only just got them fixed a week ago. But they're pretty much as good as new, and that is all that matters! The day they do die will be a sad one indeed.

My little brother, Sam, took the photos for me and, as you can tell, he is quite artistic. I am going to miss my entire family quite dearly, among other people (Elyse), but I am extremely excited.

Now I should probably get back at my longer than it should be list of things to do. I will try to have a post up from Berlin in the next few weeks.

I'm still coming to terms with the fact that I'm moving to Berlin in 27 days, and am going back and forth between excitement and pure panic. It's quite a crazy thing to do, when one actually thinks about it. I've been trying to throw myself into the German language and crossing my fingers that I will be able to jump right into it once I arrive... it's quite difficult to practice when no one around you knows it. I'm sure my family is becoming a little annoyed with me as I try to translate English phrases into German, but oh well.

As it is Christmas Break, Elyse is back from University and was able to take some photos for me. It's crazy cold (Es ist kalt) outside, so we decided to switch things up and took these photos at Elyse's.

Dressed in:

Blazer: I bought this when I was in Berlin back in April, and figured that now was the perfect time to show it off. It was purchased at Sing Blackbird which was a totally adorable vintage/coffee chop. I am so excited about going back and exploring all of the vintage markets that the city has to offer – none of them matched up with our days when we were there.

Scarf: I got this from the Gap in Victoria while I was visiting Elyse – we actually have matching ones. There was a sale going on, and the scarves were all so amazingly soft, but, as it is the Gap, all of the 'women' ones were extremely colourful... and I'm really not about that life. So Elyse and I opted for two form the men's side. As I was paying, I began chatting with the clerk about the scarf, and she told me how she really wanted to get the same one for her boyfriend. At the end of the transaction, she asked if I wanted a gift receipt, and when I told her no, she reassured me that my boyfriend would totally love it... which proves to be an awkward comment as I have never had one... and wouldn't buy him a dope scarf like this anyways. Sorry brah.

Shirt: You can't really see the shirt that I'm wearing, but it was bought on one of the greatest days of my life from Brandy Melville in Brussels. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure why Elyse and I always refer to this day as perfect, but it kind of was... we had amazing food all day, went to the Horta Museum and Brandy Melville, and ended up at Delirium Bar where I ended up pulling a wax strip off of a man's chest and another guy told Elyse that he really wanted to marry her. It was spectacular and made the two of us completely fall in love with Belgium - as one should.

Skirt: This was bought from Loft 82 on one of the days I was supposed to be Christmas shopping... but I couldn't resist it! It's a black 'vegan-leather' (which is the dumbest way to say faux-leather, but that's ok) skirt that flounces out a bit and is absolutely perfect. I'm really starting to worry a tad about packing everything up for Berlin. I have a huge suitcase (which I am technically getting from Santa) so it shouldn't be too bad... really, I should be worried about when I come back!

I'm definitely going to be using this blog while I'm gone as a way of documenting my adventures, so you all have that excitement to look forward to. I'll also try to get one more outfit in before I end up in another continent... oh goodness!

I have been considering this for a while, and figured why not - all of my friends have gone off for University, and I just really don't want to stay in my hometown making dumb lattes for people... so that is my crazy news!

Dressed in:

Hat: I am so obsessed with this hat, it's hardly even funny. Literally, I have been wearing it at all chances since I got it. The lady across the street from us came over with a bag (and by bag, I mean a monstrous thing) filled to the brim with clothes and accessories. I found a few treasures, including this hat, but my Mom came away with the real prize - a Coach bag. Slightly jealous, but my time for a fabulous bag will come... It must.

Cardigan: I picked this up from Value Village maybe last Halloween... it's actually a school cardigan for a girl's Junior High that I had considered going to back in the day. I didn't realize that though until after I had purchased it and my friend pointed it out. It's insanely warm though, which can be slightly annoying when you aren't in the mood to be sweating like a pig.

Shirt: I got this from a local boutique called Loft 82. Last week, I was making myself a lovely cup of tea, and as I was leaning across the stove to turn the timer on, this shirt managed to touch the hot burner, and actually caught fire! It was all a very exciting time, and I now have a little burn hole in it, but I do think that it just makes me look a little more hardcore Like - don't mess with me.

Skirt: This was bought at Winners... and I honestly don't think that I have any exciting stories about it at all :( Terribly sorry all. I mean, it does have the habit of always running up when I walk... which really sucks. It really, really sucks.

Tights: I got these two years ago as my gift from one of my little cousins in our Christmas exchange. I have managed to not yet get any holes in them... which as I ponder it now, is quite a feat for me. And I've probably just jinxed myself...

Shoes: These are actually my work shoes, which I accidentally wore home yesterday... whoops. I'm not supposed to be wearing them there, as I could spill hot coffee on my feet (which I have - shh), but I figure, since i'm leaving, I'll be able to pull off seven more days with these bad boys. Hopefully I don't scald myself too bad!

Necklace: O. M. G. I just got this in the mail today from Nasty Gal and am blissfully in love. I mean, it is just so trashy fab and amazing. I already never want to take it off. I mean, what more can I say about it? It's completely perfect.

And so that is all I suppose! Of course, I will keep you all updated on my pre-German adventures.

The photos were taken by my little sister Piper, in front of our old couch (which I still love) If anyone in Edmonton is looking for a couch, hit me up.

I've been working full time with a specific goal in mind - I will let you all know once it becomes more specific as I have a huge fear of jinxing myself.  However, if you follow my other blog, mytechnicolorhigh, you may already know. But enough cryptic speak - onto an outfit.

Dressed In:

T-Shirt: I picked this up from H&M right before I left for Europe. It's actually the only completely plain and regular ole t-shirt that I have, and was a huge staple during my last European month when I was sick, and rotated between three outfits. There's a tiny hole in the bottom of it that I am determined to pretend doesn't exist. This shirt has just been through too much to throw out. Like, total sentiment value.

Skirt: This is from a local store called Divine. Even though it's not particularity new, I can't think of any fabulous stories that have happened while wearing it. How awful is that? I suppose I'll just have to wear it constantly until something noteworthy happens in it. I mean, I did beat my younger brother twice at pool last night... but he is twelve...

Shawl?: Goodness, what do I even call what I'm wearing over my shirt? If you can give me a name, please tell me ASAP. I got this from Topshop Oxford Circus, which I think I went to, like, three times in one week back when I was in London. It is literally just like Heaven, I swear to God. If you don't like Topshop then you obviously haven't spent some time at the Oxford Circus location. Ugh, just writing about it makes me wish I was back :(

Belt: I just went back through al of my posts with the assumption that I have worn this belt before. But apparently I haven't, which is quite strange actually. It's back from the hey-days of American Apparel work, and is my obvious go to for breaking up black tops and skirts. Because, frankly, I don't want people complimenting my 'dress' when there are two articles to be considered. 

Shoes: Ugh, so these were super cheap at Urban Outfitters, and I couldn't resist them even though they are actually a half size too big. :( I wore them to High School Graduation, which was a super fun day for me. And when I say super fun, I actually mean that I spent three hours crying and having a panic attack towards my future life. Well, look at where I am now! They used to have a bunch of things to make them fit my feet properly; like soles and back heel supports. However those appear to be missing, and I believe that it is my lovely little sister I can thank for that. Oh deary.

My Momma is to thank for these photos, as Elyse has apparently taken a liking to University.

Well, it is now time for me to take a little nap as I am opening all of this week. Which means that my alarm is going off at 4:45am every morning. It's not cute.

We spent a day in Victoria, and went to the amazing Fernwood Coffee Company. If you're in the area you must go and get a cup of coffee and a lemon bar. I swear, I almost died.

Dressed In:

Jumpsuit: Oh. My. God. I'm currently trying to save my money in order to go traveling again. So with that in mind, you can voice your confusion as to why I would go into the Topshop in Vancouver and then try things on. But how could I not! I have wanted a jumpsuit (deep down) for so long, and this one is one of the most comfortable things ever. I tend to feel as though I am wearing pyjamas when it's on.

Belt: I got this belt ages ago at a pop-up vintage sale next to where I used to work. It's getting a little bit of wear and tear because it's amazingly fabulous, and how could I not constantly wear it? I actually saw a look alike back in Bruges and am kicking myself for not getting it. :(

Shoes: Ah yes, my beloved Converse. These babies got me through Europe and are slowly starting to fall apart (possibly due to the fact that I refuse to untie the shoes when I take them off). It's funny because, for some reason, I really did not want to buy a pair of sneakers to take to Europe. Why? I'm honestly not sure at all, as they quickly have become my favorite shoes that I own. They're the type of shoes that I would buy again once they are no longer wearable.

I feel as though I belong in the trailer for American Hustle (which I am so excited for) in this outfit. Or a nineties rap video...

Once again, we can thank Elyse Gibson (of rapidlyobsessed) for the lovely pics and also for the location. I'd also like to thank her for reminding me about bed bugs after I sat down on the couch. She is off to university in eight days, so I have no idea what I will be doing without her!

Anyways, I think that it's safe to assume you are not reading this to hear all of my woes. So let's bring forth an outfit!

Dressed in:

Tunic: I purchased this last Summer back when I was seemingly rolling in cash from a local designer 'Oak & Fort'. Now I know that I could quickly google this in a matter of milliseconds, but what really is the difference between a tunic and a dress? And is bad that I wear tunics as dresses? But back to the 'tunic'. It really is one of my favorite pieces that I have, essentially because I can wear it whenever. And because it's nice and breezy. I'm definitely feeling that this year. 

Belt: This is from 'Oak & Forts' sister store 'Loft 82'. A store employee actually gave it to me to try on with a dress, and I completely fell in love with it. So I guess that just goes to show my seventeen year old self working in American Apparel that it actually does work when you throw accessories at customers. Who knew. But honestly, I just can't refuse leopard print. I think I could create a complete outfit just of leopard print. And is that actually a bad thing? Also, nine times out of ten I lose this belt in bedroom and don't end up finding it for a week. So it's always a treat to wear it.

Shoes: Ugh, I missed these bad boys so much when I was in Europe. Of course, if I had of been running about for twelve hours seven days a week, I would probably be in a wheelchair by now. Worth it? Possibly. These were bought a year ago from the Dr Marten store. What I love about them is that they are super comfy (for minimal hours on foot) but don't have the 'bulky' look of Dr Martens. 2 chic. I actually had no intent on dropping a hundred dollars on shoes when I entered the store, but what happens at the Dr Marten store stays at the Dr Marten store. So says I.

I have all intents on actually running this blog properly now that I don't have much on my plate anymore. (Did I ever really?) So expect to hear from me way more often. Send me messages! Let's be friends! Myspace? (Jut kidding, I never had that tomfoolishness.)

All photos thanks to Elyse Gibson

Here is the post for the long delayed photos! We should probably all send Elyse a thank you message at her divine blog myrollinglife.tumblr.com. It is too chic.