Cat Tatts

Librarians love cats - I think this is a given. I am certainly no exception, and while I don't actually own a cat at the moment (trying not to fulfill the single cat-lady librarian stereotype), I do love them.  When I discovered these incredibly adorable tattoos by illustrator Harriet Gray I could not have been more excited to try them out.

They're just like the fake tattoos you used as a kid - slip off the transparent film, stick them where you want them to go, moisten (in my case with a wet facecloth) and you're done! So far I've had more than a few comments about them from folk I've seen on my travels around town today who thought they were real. I might be a cat-crazy lady (hopefully not a crazy cat lady!), but I'm not sure I'd permanently tattoo them to my wrists!

If you want your own cat tatts - or any other lovely illustrations of the non-tattoo variety, do check out Harriet's shop, or her official website! 

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Sunday Snaps v. 7: Fall Colours

Autumn is one of my very favourite times of year. Crisp fresh air, beautiful colours, cozy sweaters, tights and hot chocolates make for the perfect season in my opinion. I absolutely love the changing colours of the leaves and this year on PEI they have been the most beautiful that I can remember in quite some time. Reds, yellows, oranges and even pinks are fluttering through the Acadian forest (eh Rose?) and each leaf seems lovelier than the last.

To give you a peek into my fall, I've shared a few autumnal photos that I snapped this month and initially shared over on instagram (find me @lotsixtyfive). They don't give the full range of beautiful colours of trees, flowers, and skies seen around this island in the past few weeks, but they do give a good idea!

Hope you've all had a lovely weekend!

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Lot 65 X Nancy Thomas Photography: In Borden

Peplum Blouse: Asos Jeans: Old Navy Shoes: Aldo  Bag: Clutch Culture  Necklace: Spike the Punch

This past weekend I was absolutely delighted to collaborate with a photographer (and friend!) who lives and works on the Island - the talented Nancy of Nancy Thomas Photography. We had the most beautiful weather, and travelled to some of my favourite spots to snap some outfit photos. 

First stop? The Confederation Bridge! There's a little park where you can look out over the water where the bridge stretches out toward New Brunswick, and since I discovered it (only just this summer!) I thought it would be a great place to shoot an outfit post.

 Up until now, I've done all my outfit posts on a self-timer, and would spend ages trying to get just the right shot. I was both excited and nervous to let an actual photographer take my photos - but as part of this whole Style Blogging for Confidence project of mine, I thought it'd be a good way to get out of my comfort zone and also feature some local photographic talent! Lucky for me, Nancy was a ton of fun to work with and she managed to get some great shots while also sharing lots of laughs, in this case about the crazy peplums that kept getting carried away in the wind. 

I could not have had a better time - and have to send out a big thank you to Nancy for being a true professional in addition to being super fun to hang out with on a lovely fall day! 

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Sarah Stevenson Spring 2013

In the midst of all the shows happening live and in person during Toronto Fashion Week (TFW), one of my absolute favourite Toronto fashion (and textile) designers, Sarah Stevenson, has released a lookbook showcasing her latest offering for spring. I've been a huge fan of her work since I saw her debut collection, and was lucky enough to see her S/S 2012 installation at TFW in person. Each season I'm excited to see what's coming next, and this season was no different.

When I took a look at her latest collection for Spring 2013, I was immediately struck by the change in the style of prints. Where in previous collections they often had the floral inspiration I always love, this time round there was a distinct Moroccan vibe and I think it worked beautifully, especially when contrasted on a stark white background. The classic feminine shapes I've come to love were present, and there are many pieces that I would love to wear, especially the printed sheer blouse or the fabulous white dress (second from bottom) that is an instant classic.

These looks are a few of my favourites, but you can check out the whole (gorgeous!) collection on Sarah's website, here.

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Almost-Birthday Wishes

From left: Cocoon Coat - J. Crew; Prada Cat-Eye Sunnies; Michael Kors Watch; Asos Jewelled Flower Necklace; Asos Jewelled Cuffs; Modern Vice Benni Boots; Chloé Eau de Parfum; Modcloth Lilac Bag; Frankie Magazine; and Happy Birthday Polish by Deborah Lippman.

Since it so happens that I have an imminent October birthday, I thought it justifiable to share my wishlist replete with a few things I've been loving over the last little while. It's pretty clear to anyone who knows me that I have an ongoing love for bright colours (esp. jewel tones!) and sparkle - which I think is pretty obvious with my choices here!

I haven't got much planned other than dinner with my family - I am generally not a fan of a big b-day celebration. It's been a bit of a rough 2012, so I'm hopeful that this year my birthday will mark a fresh start with bigger and better things on the horizon.

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TFW: Early Favourites

Chloé Comme Parris

Toronto Fashion week(s) is a little confusing this year - the were the shOws, The Collections, and of course the regular  fashion week offerings, and a couple of pre-official-fashion week shows. All in all a bit of a mish-mash of fashion happening in Toronto, but in spite of the chaotic scheduling, there have been some great collections presented thus far. 

Chloé Comme Parris

Almost unfailingly the darlings of Toronto Fashion Week, sister duo Chloé and Parris Gordon of Chloé Comme Parris pulled out another great show this season. I loved the soft subtle colours and prints, the easy wearable separates, and a killer soft pink leather jacket (above center). I could easily imagine spending dreamy summer days in almost all of their looks - one of my favourites, for sure.

Jean-Pierre Braganza

Jean-Pierre Braganza presented his collection as part of The shOws, and his bold, graphic print and edgy urban-cool shapes were right up my alley. The stand-out (in my opinion at least)? The baby-blue biker vest. Win.

Tanya Taylor

Tanya Taylor is still pretty new on the scene in Toronto, but she's another new addition to my list of designers to watch. I admittedly always look for florals at springtime. Call me cliché, but I love them. And Tanya Taylor totally provided in such a fantastic way. I loved the feminine shapes, with modern cutouts, not to mention some fantastic 60's-esque floral prints, some of which had me thinking of wallpaper, but in the best way. Instant cult item? The floral print bomber (above, far right). 

Jeremy Laing

Although his aesthetic is not one that I personally gravitate to and wear regularly (a little too edgy and modern for me) - I was still majorly impressed with the collection from Jeremy Laing. Like many shows from the many recent international runway shows, all white looks played a role here, but there was a wider array of, well, non-colours. Namely black, grey, metallic, and a little graphic print. The layering was expert, and the sporty details were fantastic Highlight: Tear-aways! Did you guys love those as much as I did in the 90's? Well they're back! And so much better! 

If you check out the complete collections from these designers as well as the full slate of shows in Toronto, FashionMagazine.com is my go to. They post fantastic photos of each look from every show, and for those of us outside TO, it's a no-brainer for keeping up with the fashion week action.

All photos by Jenna Marie Wakani & Steve Alkok for Fashion Magazine

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From the Streets of Paris

Photo by Kuba Dabrowski

This street style shot snapped outside the shows in Paris is pretty much everything I love in a look. Great leather bag, perfect loafers, a fabulous print and a major skirt moment. Add a book? Officially won over.

Full disclosure: While attending both Ottawa and Toronto Fashion Weeks past, I totally packed a book in my bag for something to do between shows. I think that memory is a large part of what also drew me to this look.

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Music Monday: King Charles

I will unashamedly admit that I have spent an embarrassingly large amount of time dancing around my room, kitchen and let's face it, entire house to this song over the last week. SO FUN. I realized after a quick youtube search that there was in fact a music video for it (= win) and was simultaneously creeped out and intrigued by the rather eccentric fellow behind my current favourite tune. Strange, but in a good way. 

My advice? Have a listen and be prepared to dance like no one is watching (and if you're like me, legitimately hope that no one actually is).

Happy Monday!

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Vaudeville & Burlesque

Although summer is over and the chill winds of almost-winter are blowing, I can't help but be enamoured by this lovely S/S 2012 lookbook from Vaudeville & Burlesque. Soft muted colours, sweet prints, and feminine shapes. Add books into the mix and it pretty much covers everything that I love. Beauty.

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Reading in Style v. 5

It's taken me a little while to gather up enough bookish posts to put together a Reading in Style post, but I think when you discover the stylish ladies who make up this latest instalment you'll agree it's been worth the wait!

Isabelle of La Vie C'est Yeye

First up, Isabelle of La Vie C'est Yeye. She's a fellow Canadian, calling Montreal home and has a lovely blog filled with her own unique (and understandably) vintage heavy personal style, which I love. She also has her own equally lovely shop which has tempted me more than once.

Vickie of Adventures in Fashion

Vickie of Adventures in Fashion is an Edmonton-based personal style blogger who I discovered via Fashion Canada's Style Panel. I am always excited to discover new (and great!) Canadian style blogs, and Vickie certainly doesn't disappoint. My favourite part of her above look (other than the book, of course) is the fantastic Cambridge Satchel in green, which I've been wanting for ages. Love it.

Annalise and Jennifer of The Hummingbird Girls

Although The Hummingbird Girls is a relatively new addition to my list of blogs to follow, I was pretty much instantly smitten with their consistently lovely vintage inspired style which is very much in line with my own sartorial preferences. I immediately loved this editorial-style shoot that combines a gypsy-bohemian look with a pile of brightly coloured tomes. Pretty much perfection.

Courtney of Sartorial Sidelines

Courtney's blog, Sartorial Sidelines, is another new discovery of mine. I definitely have to give Courtney some major props, since as an Ivy League  PhD graduate, not only is she stylish, she has some serious smarts. I admit to a dorky swoon when I saw her photos set near one of my favourite library relics - the card catalogue! Not to mention getting a peek inside of one of Yale's beautiful libraries: wow! Definitely a spot I'd like to visit at some point.

Jessica Silversaga

Jessica's blog is full of the absolutely dreamy photography that I adore, in addition to beautiful vintage, decor, and personal style posts. Many of her posts find their way into my inspiration folder, and this one was no exception. It's well worth checking out her blog - if you're anything like me you certainly won't be disappointed. Bonus? She has translations of all of her posts to help out those of us who don't speak/read Swedish!

Rebecca of The Clothes Horse

Rebecca of The Clothes Horse was probably one of my first discoveries when I initially became interested and intrigued by the world of personal style and fashion blogs. She was an immediate favourite, and continues to be one of my top reads to this day. I am consistently a fan of her pretty and playful style, and when I saw this perfect post set in a local library, I knew I had to share it!

Would you like to be featured in my next Reading in Style post? If you've got a bookishly stylish look/post to share, send it my way! rebecca (at) lotsixtyfive (dot) com!

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Ivy League

Flipping through the most recent edition of Flare magazine, I was immediately inspired by this bookish editorial shot by Andrew Soule. I admittedly always lean towards these types of looks every fall, there's something so appealing about cozy knits, tweeds, turtlenecks and sweaters that I always fall for no matter the over-arching fall trends - these are classic looks that I consistently go back to, and it's a look captured here exactly as I would most ideally imagine it. 

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On Thanksgiving

For those of us in Canada, it's Thanksgiving weekend, and it couldn't be a more beautiful one, at least here on PEI. Sunny days with crisp breezes in the air and the fall leaves slowly beginning to show their colour. Especially with family around, and a sweet niece and nephew to cuddle with, there is plenty to be thankful for. 

Although I'm in a bit of limbo in terms of where I might be living, working, and what I'll be doing in the coming months, in spite of the uncertainty I still definitely have things in my life that are worth giving thanks for. And in the spirit of the season, I thought I'd share a few of those here. 

I'm thankful for:

Dear friends who are so supportive and fun and just plain wonderful, even if most of them live far away (and even more thankful for visits!).

Two beautiful nieces and two sweet nephews. 

My loving family, spread out though some of us may be.

Home, and this island, which is more beautiful than anywhere else.

This space where I can share thoughts with a community, and have a creative outlet that people are willing to engage with - thank you!

The possibility of new adventures.

For moments of fun and laughter.

And most importantly for life everyday, no matter the ups and downs, the twist and turns. In spite of the uncertainty, there is beauty to be found daily.

Wishing all my fellow Canadians the happiest of Thanksgivings. xo

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Island Snapshots v. 2: Ship to Shore

I've been offline for much of this week as I was lucky to have two lovely friends come visit from Ottawa, and we spent our days wandering along deserted beaches (we consistently had them all to ourselves which was wonderful), wading through lapping (albeit chilly) waves and enjoying the peaceful serenity of the Island's sprawling shorelines. If you are following me on instagram (@ lotsixtyfive) you will have seen a sneak peek of some of our adventures.

Cliffs at Canoe Cove

At the harbour in North Rustico

I loved the colours of this boat. And also its name - "Aqua-Net"

Along the trails of Greenwich National Park

A lone lobster trap washed up on the beach at Greenwich

We also drove through rolling hills and along country dirt roads looking for new places to explore. I don't think I ever tire of showing people around PEI, it is so beautiful! Even though I am used to the stunning views that can be found around every corner, it's still such a neat experience to hear the gasps and see the delighted faces of my visiting friends who are discovering a new favourite spot or re-discovering an old favourite. I thought I'd share a couple of videos and photos taken with my phone (camera still broken = sadface) from our adventures on the roads to give you a sense of PEI in the early fall.

My friend Joe and I! As for the outfit, well, clearly I was going for comfort over style.

French River

Left: My shadow on the beach Right: Joe and Lisa climbed to the top of the lookout over Greenwich National Park

After giving tours of the island to a myriad of guests this summer, I think I can officially say I'm pretty much a pro at figuring out lots of interesting spots to visit and sights to see on PEI, even in the off season! Looking for some PEI travel tips? Definitely feel free to shoot me an email and I'd certainly be happy to help as much as I can. And if I haven't convinced you of the beauty of my beloved isle, you can take a peek at a second video featuring the beaches both at Thunder Cove as well as at Greenwich National Park here. Love.

Sunset from the Beach at Thunder Cove

We'll be celebrating this year's Thanksgiving out at the cottage, and I very much look forward to what will most likely be a last visit before we officially close it all up for winter. Hoping all of you fellow Canadians have a lovely and very happy holiday weekend!

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