The Importance of Being Pantsless

Pants. Who needs 'em? Okay, okay, odds are there is an indecent-exposure-thwarting something-something under these oversized sweaters, wee little shorts perhaps or a suggestion of a skirt, but then again, maybe not. I've been known to rock a dress or two that my friends have would certainly classified in the "sweater" category, so who am I to judge? Besides, it's certainly one way to cope with transitional summer-to-fall weather...

images via columbine smille, elle street chic, stockholm streetstyle & altamira nyc

Versace x H&M

More sneak peeks of the upcoming Versace/H&M collab have surfaced, this time in Vogue Russia. While I never rarely brave the crowds I do usually swing by H&M post-mayhem to see if the leftovers/returns tickle my fancy. While not ecstatic, I'm a little intrigued by what the collection has to offer, particularly the gold jewelry and the bright little mini shift dresses. But most of all I just want Abbey Lee's hair. What do you think of what we've seen so far?

images via nitro:licious

Coup d'Coeur

I don't work in the best neighborhood. Truth be told I've had to side-step syringes littering the street on more than one occasion. That's what makes finding an oasis like De farine et d'eau fraîche so incredibly wonderful. If I walk up Amherst street about a block or so, there nestled among the vintage furniture shops (also definitely worth a look) is the most adorable little jewel of a bakery that feels like my own personal little slice of heaven whenever I go there. (And nary a crackhead to be found).

Lunch! Half a grilled cheese sandwich and broccoli soup.

Topped off with a delicious organic latte for the road.

I've tried most of the sandwiches: the grilled steak, pear and gorgonzola panini is also a must try.

The homemade caramels are absolutely delicious, my favorites so far are

the fleur de sel and chocolate chipotle.

The gorgeous little cakes start at 60$ a pop but one look at how exquisitely crafted they are almost makes it seem like a bargain. I don't know if I'd have the heart to slice into one though.

I am head over heels in love with the fresh, whimsical design of this enchanting little bakery.

The design was done by Montreal-based Surface 3.

Next stop: Wonderland.

De farine et d'eau fraîche

1701 rue Amherst

Five Phenomenal (yet totally do-able) DIY Projects

First off, let's get something straight: I am not a DIYer. Unless you count adding truffle oil to my microwave popcorn (I'm fancy like that) or assembling (not hacking) anything and everything from Ikea. The arrival of fall, however, leaves me wanting to make over my space as much as my wardrobe. But my budget? Minimal at best. Maybe I'll try one or more of these… perhaps a hybrid of #2 and #5? And I'm absolutely d y i n g over that fire pit, perfect for the little balcony just off my living room, provided I don't inadvertently set it on fire. Let me know if you try any of these.

DIY personal fire pit via The Art of Doing Stuff

DIY floor cushion via Living With Punks (this one's intended for kids but it can certainly be super-sized)

Nautical-chic DIY rope mirror via Apartment Therapy

DIY wood stump coffee tables via Thrifty and Chic

DIY block-printed chevron fabric via Design Sponge

Streetstyle Round-Up: Blanc Slate

Wear white after Labour Day? Damn straight you should!

images via loulou magazine, the sartorialist, the fashion spot, vanessa jackman, fashionologie & stockholm street style

He-he-hello-ooo!

Ah, Party Girl. I Netflixed this the other day because the beat up VHS copy I had flew up to the great Blockbuster in the sky... and I loved this film as much upon the 87th viewing as I did the very first time.

If you haven't seen this (for shame!) then you must ask yourself: Do I loves myself some Parker Posey? Do I have a deep appreciation for falafels with hot sauce, the Dewey Decimal System and 90s house music?  Do I truly feel in my heart of hearts I should have been born a drag queen? (Oh wait, is that just me?)

 Regardless, for now, let's revel in Mary's style spectrum from lady-like to totally bonkers and everything in between:

“I would like a nice, powerful, mind-altering substance, preferably something that will make my unborn children grow gills.”

images via here and here

Tuft Love

I. Die.
I just finished watching this weeks' episode of The Rachel Zoe Project and would have much prefered to spend less time with Kim Kardashian and her texting addiction and more time shopping in that super fun furniture store with Jeremiah. I just about dropped the jar of Nutella (don't judge me) when I saw that blue velvet tufted sofa. If wanting a living room that looks like an "80s porn set" is wrong, then I don't wanna be right. Behold: some tuft-y goodness from Room Service:

The heart-stopping sofa in question.

The same sofa in a safer beige linen offset by some super sexy styling.

Glam. Rock n Roll. Perfection. Gimme.

No thank you. I have enough trouble getting out of bed as it is.

Alright. You, I'll get out of bed for. You can be my new favorite Netflix & Nutella spot.

My 8 year old self would be very disappointed if these chairs didn't get to join the party too.

Okay, okay, I pretty much like anything tufted. Add some nailhead trim to it and I'm a goner.

Paint It Black

It's interesting how for most of us black is our sartorial security blanket, the no-brainer go-to options in our closet that never steer us wrong when in doubt. And yet we tend to shy away from the colour in our homes. What's considered playing it safe when it comes to our wardrobes is regarded as this huge risk when it comes to interiors.

Well I'm over it. There are so many inspiring images of gorgeous black rooms floating around that the whole idea that black will make your room look small and depressing is less than convincing. And while my apartment is tiny it's full of light. I'll start small. One living room wall and the wall behind my bed. Stay tuned...

For now, check out some of these rooms and try to resist running off to the paint store...

 

images via emmas designblogg, apartment therapy, desire to inspire, style files