Plus Sized Pretty

Punny in Pink

2012-01-29T20:23:00.000-08:00

{dress: F21+, headband: Anthro}

Here is a quick little outfit post, while I take a quick little brain break from studying.

I feel like my head is going to explode and i'm only half done what I need for tomorrow.

I even spent my dinner time studying. I ate a stew.

'Cause i'm STEWdious like that.

I just love a bad pun!

And that is probably why no one loves me...

I Want to Dress Like That: Amy Adams in The Muppets

2012-01-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of reasons to love the latest Muppet movie.

Nostalgia: I was raised to believe that The Muppet Christmas Carol is the best adaptation out there of the Dickens classic. This is a belief I still maintain today. "Light the lamp, not the rat!"
A truly lovely musical score. As I was writing this blog post I realized that my favorite songs, "Life's a Happy Song, Me Party, and the Oscar nominated, Muppet or a Man? were written by Bret Mckenzie!
Jason Segel. Who will always be Nick Andopolis to me.
The cameos! Feist and N.P.H. and John Krasinski and Jim Parsons, to name a very few!

And last, but not least, Amy Adam's wardrobe. From her first scene, showing her grade school class how to fix a car (go Amy!) I was absolutely smitten with her adorable, bright, colourful, feminine, vintage inspired wardrobe.

This was one of my favorite outfits of hers. That bright yellow skirt! I love it paired with the red. So bright and colourful!

And you know I am in love with her cat eye frames! And that pattern on the blouse.

Another favorite was this gorgeous teal vintage (looking) dress. The addition of the bright purple belt is a great way to add some colour and fun.

Unfortunately I couldn't find any decent shots of this dress, I just pulled these off a youtube video. This is just such a perfect bright summery dress! I love the coordinating cardigan and belt paired with it.

And then there's the poster outfit, which I found a display picture of.

I just adore that adorable heart blouse and the subtle pattern mix with the skirt. I also wholly endorse a redhead rocking red!

Can I please have her hair, too?

I think my style is already pretty close to this, but I definitely came out of the film inspired to incorporate even more colour, vintage inspired pieces, and belted tucked in full skirts, to my wardrobe.

I can't find any other good photos, but trust me when I say the entire movie she was impeccably styled. I found myself wanting almost every article of clothing she wore!

I also found myself wanting a Jason Segel of my very own. Anyone know where I can get one of those?

Pocket Full of Sunshine

2012-01-23T22:17:00.000-08:00

...I can't help but think it every time I wear this skirt, because it's like wearing a pocket full of sunshine!

Thanks, Easy A.

So I was actually having a rocking day today. I was on fire in class (not literally, just mentally, you know, the good way...), I went for food and froyo with a good friend, and then had some fun at a church thing.

Plus, I looked super cute in my humble opinion.

Then I realize my phone won't let me make calls, call Bell to find out why, or go online to find out why. Thanks, Bell. You are literally useless!

Um...merica?

2012-01-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

Someone today told me I looked like an american flag.

That all I needed from some stars.

Which is not exactly what I was going for...

{skirt: thrifted, sweater: thrifted and altered}

This outfit was just thrown together while I was rushing to get ready and get to church. And I do like it, even though I am Canadian so it feels a bit odd to be dressed like an American flag...

Another thing I love about this outfit is that it is all thrifted!

Now, speaking of thrifting...

I had a little thrifting adventure on the weekend, and I found myself a vintage, mint condition (in the original box) rotary phone!!!

I've been dreaming of one my whole life. I've always loved them and the clicking noise they make as you spin the dial. And they are just so cute. I've always wanted a vibrant colour, but decided this lovely cream phone would do the trick.

But since I don't actually have a landline, I just use it as my apartment buzzer. Now I actually get excited when people come over!!

Rebel, Rebel

2012-01-19T17:38:00.000-08:00

"They" say not to mix brown and navy, brown and black, or navy and black.

I say, watch me.

It feels good being a rebel!

busy, and boring

2012-01-18T23:54:00.000-08:00

School has been crazy! So life is busy.

And cold, and slushy.

It's been "snowing" here. Which really is just slush, as the coldest it has been here is -10.

When Edmonton, my homeland, is -40! Hahaha! I do not miss that place.

Anyways, the slush has given me the perfect opportunity to break out my new hunter boots! I finally splurged and got myself a decent pair of rain boots, since I live in Vancouver, and it kind of rains here a lot. I love them! They are so comfortable and the lace-ups give them more style than the plain pair!

My calves are not all that wide though, so they fit me fine with tights or leggings. Pants, not so much. But then again I try to never wear pants so it's okay. Just a heads up to those with big calves, these might not be the best. The lace-ups are purely cosmetic and they don't allow for more room, which is kind of a bummer, incase I ever do want to wear pants.

2012-01-16T21:24:00.000-08:00

When I was feeling like this outfit didn't have enough colour, all I had to do was reach for my new tights!

These are courtesy of a We Love Colors giveaway from Ashley's blog a while back.

And yes, I was wearing shoes today. I just put them on post-photo. ;)

Nice Neutrals

2012-01-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

Is it strange that I consider this to be a neutral outfit, even though it's all colour? I figure because they are deep shades, that qualifies them as neutral.

That, and I pretty much never wear neutrals. You won't find any browns or khaki in my closet. Deep shades are about as far as I go.

Other than the wrinkles, I think this was a pretty slammin' outfit.

And for reference, the dress I wore under this (very wrinkled) skirt today, I wore almost exactly a year ago! Haha!

Also seeing how much my hair has grown makes me so happy!!!

Favorite Projects of 2011

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

Along with my favorite outfits, I thought i'd include my favorite DIY's of the year as well. This year I feel like I accomplished a lot, so why not brag about it? Hahaha.

By far my proudest project has been working on my sewing. I found a sewing machine at a thrift store (finally!) and set to work. I'm proud to say i've made two (totally wearable!) skirts to date!

I think my favorite piece I worked on was this up-cycled thrifted sweater. I hemmed the sleeves & added the buttons and lace. It might be one of my favorite things to wear in my entire wardrobe!

I'm also quite fond of my Halloween costume this year.

I dressed up as one of my idols, Lucille Ball, and made most of the costume myself! It was fun to research the costume and get everything just right. Even if no one knew who I was.

Speaking of dressing up...I had so much fun putting together an outfit for the premiere of the final installment of Harry Potter. It all started with making a t-shirt, then my obsessive crazy crafter took over and I went with a Luna Lovegood costume.

I'm also pretty thrilled with this dresser my mom and I worked on. We found it at a thrift shop, I fell inlove with the detailing, but hated the colour (a disgusting throw up shade of mauve) so we painted it my favorite colour, bright turquoise! I love it when my mom comes to visit!

While she was here we also re-finished my boring old ikea hutch. We painted it the same turquoise as we may have bought too much paint....(I still have left over...) and put some decorative paper on the drawers.

I also covered some boring magazine holders with more scrapbook paper to make them pretty! (And if you can see, the back of my bookshelf even got painted. Nothing was safe from my mother armed with that turquoise paint!)

And since i'm sharing credit with my mother on the last few, I'll also claim my share of credit for this lovely apron. Really all I did was pick out the fabric and the pattern, and my mom (super seamstress that she is) sewed it all together.

I also helped cut some of the fabric, and kept her company while she sewed...so it was really a team effort. ;)

I also had some fun with chalkboard paint! I made the chalkboard (pictured with the hutch) and I also painted labels on a bunch of glass Ikea jars I scored (for free!) at a set dec sale! (Along with a few I already had...)

I think that's it for my favorites of 2011. It sure is nice to look back and remember i've accomplished these things! I love my new hobbies. I've really only started cultivating my individual craftiness in the last two years. I grew up with the craftiest mother around, who can sew anything, so i've always had the mentality of "we can make/sew/alter that". I do love working on projects with my mother when were together but since we live in different provinces it's been nice to be a little more self sufficient and get some projects done on my own! Like sewing!

Here's to lots more projects for 2012!

sunny days

2012-01-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

I seem to have this thing with the colour yellow and sunny days.

{sweater: the bay, skirt: thrifted}

Yeah, notice how the sky is still grey even on a "sunny day"? that's life in Vancouver.

And I love it.

Also I decided today I definitely love this piece as a skirt, opposed to that one time I wore it as a dress.

Though it does feel odd to not tuck my shirt into a skirt for once!

Here's a sunny tune for your day!

2012-01-10T18:52:00.000-08:00

Today was a rare and wonderful Sunny day in Vancouver.

So I took that joy from the sunshine and channeled it into my outfit!

{cardigan-gap, skirt-additon elle, tights-we love colours}

There's nothing like a pop of colour...

or two.

Pop! Pop!

Lacey Sunday

2012-01-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

Get it? LACEY Sunday? Like lazy Sunday?

I am quite the lover of puns.

{Sad as it is, this is the best shot I got today, despite my closed eyes. haha}

I also love this lace skirt I got from City Chic. And as you can see I really love it with red. ;)

I also love that I feel comfortable rocking such a tight skirt, and not even care about all the disparaging looks I got today. Yay confidence!

As Kenneth Parcell would say, haters to the left!

Favorite Outfits of '11

2012-01-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

I realize this post is a bit tardy (as am I!) but I still wanted to share my favorite outfits from the year.

I always knew I loved polka dots, but seeing that all my favorite outfits feature them really emphasizes that love!

And I just have to include my other favorite garment of the past year, my onesie.

Sadly, Santa did not bring me another this year for Christmas. Apparently "one onsie is more than enough". I beg to differ.

I freaking love my onesie!!!

Blogger on the go!

2012-01-05T18:25:00.001-08:00

Why does the first week of school always feel so busy? It's only been two days and things already seem crazy. But an exciting crazy! The first week of classes just makes me feel so excited for what I get to learn.
I'm such a dork I know!!! Haha, I guess that just means I'm taking the right courses!

So here's another lanes instigram outfit. Better than nothing, right?

Back to the Blog

2012-01-04T21:41:00.000-08:00

And school! Which is why I have an outfit today, finally. I totally slacked over the break. Which makes it a good one.

{top: thrifted, skirt: gap}

{shoes: the bay}

Christmas Time Is Here...

2011-12-18T17:15:00.000-08:00

With Christmas readily approaching, I thought i'd share some of my favourite Christmas songs that get me feelin' festive this time of year.
To be totally honnest I kind of hate a lot of Christmas songs. The one I hate most, being Santa Baby. Who's perverted idea was it to make Santa into a sex fetish? It's creepy and beyond disturbing.
So here's what I listen to, as a pop culture junkie that doesn't really care for most carols...

I grew up on Charlie Brown. Every morning growing up I read my select favourite comic strips from the daily paper, and Charlie Brown was always first. I inherited several Charlie Brown books from the 60's, courtesy of my comic-geek of a father. I love Charlie. His dejected viewpoint is one I empathized with early on. Charlie & co. really epitomize the reality of sadness of life, while somehow remaining light and hopeful. Which is what Christmas always is, at least for me and my family. Sad, while at the same time, light, and a bit hopeful.
I also have a soft spot for Charlie since his Christmas special is one of the very few that actually mentions what Christmas is really all about.
So "Christmas Time is Here" is one of my go-to favorites go get me feeling nostalgic for Christmas.
While I've featured the instrumental version here, the singing version sure is nothing to frown at.

It also serves as not just an idyllic Christmas song, but serves rather well in both film and television. ( I guess it makes sense then, that The Royal Tenenbaums is my favourite movie and Arrested Development is my favourite tv show.)

*Note that this A Fine Frenzy cover is also very, very, lovely.

This is by far, my favourite version of this holiday classic. Connor Oberst's quivering vocals are just so touching and sincere. The melodic piano is the perfect accompaniment. I love myself a good ballad, especially during the holidays. All my friends and family I show this song to say it's "creepy" or "depressing" but I love it.
*Note that She & Him's version also deserves a shout out.

Another melancholic holiday favorite is River. It's a recent favourite, only added in the last year or so- but it's quickly become a favorite. Nothing beats Joni on this one. I love the hint of Jingle Bells at the beginning and the sad hopefulness Joni exudes.

This just may be one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. I love the piano melody paired with Sufjan's beautiful, beautiful, voice.

Despite my seemingly morose musical taste (that i'm not denying I have), I do like some pep here and there.

Such as this lil' number from El Perro del Mar: Oh! What a Christmas.

Speaking of pep, this is one of my favourites from Sufjan. It just perfectly encapsulates the Christmas chaos of the gathered family experience. Yes, I know this makes two Sufjan songs on this list. What can I say. That Christmas album is just plain genius.

The Killers have put out a few Christmas singles, but this one will always be my favorite. It's just so strange and silly. Two of my favourite things in life. And this video is just plain fantastic.

Speaking of silliness, nothing makes me smile like this 80's classic. Perhaps because my sister and I sing it to one another with really silly sing-songy voices, accompanied with dance moves that are just as silly. Plus, I just can't take this George Michael seriously at all.

Speaking of silly Christmas songs, I just love this farce from Love Actually. It's one of my favourite Christmas movies and I thought this bit was hilarious.

And last, but very much not least, I can't forget to mention my ultimate all time favourite Christmas movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas. I just can't get into the season without seeing Jack discover Christmas for the first time.

And I can't forget about the SNL classic, I Wish It Was Christmas Today. Last night's reincarnation on SNL was the epitome of Christmas happiness. However, I can't watch the new one again and again like I want to, because I live in Canada and we can't watch anything on the internet in Canada!!! So if you are lucky and in the states, enjoy.

This one is a new favorite. While it's not exactly celebratory of Christmas, it's hilarious and I freaking love Community. (Though I wasn't a fan of Annie's "christmas" number. After all, ironic sexism is still sexism.)
Excuse me while I go cry at this great shows very unfortunate current predicament.

What gets you in the Christmas spirit?
If you celebrate it, that is.
If Christmas isn't your thing, what to you celebrate?

Back home.

2011-12-17T15:39:00.001-08:00

I'm back in Edmonton! It's so nice to finally be on Christmas break. I forgot my camera cord though, so iPhone to the rescue!
This outfit was born out of the fact that I packed all dirty laundry to come home. Why pay to clean clothes when you can go home and wash them for free?! Luckily I had this shirt stashed here from who knows when. Then i got the skirt from my mom, and The necklace is stolen from the lil'sis. it was a better outfit alternative to wearing my dad's pajamas all day, as I didn't bother bringing those either, since we always get a pair for Christmas. I may seem like a disorganized mess from the outside, but really it's all intentional!
Some of the time...

***edit:

How hilarious is it that I totally repeated the last outfit I posted?!? I didn't even realize it until I reviewed this post on the blog.

I'm just a really big fan of navy stripes, a pencil skirt, and yellow tights!

Proof that I still put on outfits.

2011-12-11T19:41:00.000-08:00

{DIY shirt, Addition Elle Pencil Skirt, We Love Colors tights, Expression shoes}

Gah. Finals. I've pretty much been rolling out of bed past noon, then heading to the library to study until around 10, sometimes midnight, then go home attempt sleep, then wake up and do it all over again.

I haven't really had the time to take decent photos, or post them when I do, (so expect a roundup post soon!) but I did get a photo in today! What an accomplishment! Haha.

I don't mean to brag here, but this is maybe one of my favourite tops i've ever owned, and I re-fashioned it. I got it at a thrift store a while back. It had a 3/4 sleeve, so I hemmed those a bit. Then I got rid of the old buttons (little navy ones that did nothing for the sweater) added some new ones, and added some lace. I got the idea from this old anthropologie sweater. I just love the way the lace works with the stripes.

But what I love even more is that instead of costing $60, this only cost $10! (For all of it, sweater, lace, buttons, and thread.) Boo-yah!

Here's another snapshot for a better idea of the detail. I've worn this several times since I've completed it, mostly with black skinny jeans, but i've never gotten around to posting about it. My bad!

Blogger Party at Spank

2011-12-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday night I had the opportunity to attend a lil' blogger party at Spank, a local clothing boutique. I've been there a few times before, albeit when I was a size 12. It didn't look like there was much to be had for my current size, but I loved looking at all the lovely pieces they had. I even got to meet Sylvia Lee, the designer of their in house brand, Lost and Found. (Which is really so lovely. Some great pieces that I very much want...)

And the jewellery! If my bank account wasn't currently empty i'd have gone home with a necklace.

{me, (obvs), with my friend James, Alex and Paisley of Kenton Magazine, and Sara.}

I thought it'd be a good opportunity to get more involved in the local blogging community. Get myself out there, and hope to not be such a socially awkward disaster (which to be honest, I totally was! haha.) I've never really found any Vancouver-based blogs that really spoke to my asthetic, until recently, when I had a women's study class with Zoe, who talked about her blog, Lion Heart Vintage, and then turned me on to Lydia's blog, Style is Style. (Love those two!)

Then I got to attend this event and meet some more lovely bloggers! I just love Alicia's blog, Alicia Fashionista and Felix's at Yuki and Bee.

Thanks so much to Spank and especially to Talya for inviting me! I had a great time, despite my social awkwardness. (There's a reason I'm always on the internet...haha!)

Penningtons - Styled to Surprise

2011-11-30T22:16:00.000-08:00

As I've mentioned in the past, I consider blogging to be a form of activism. My aim is in getting another fat body out there in the sphere, as a way to show others that you can still love yourself at any size. In particular, I focus on fat acceptance, however I believe every sized body should love themselves. I just happen to be in a fat body, so that's my main focus! Call it a manifesto, if you will.

So that's why i'm excited to talk about this project Penningtons let me know about recently.

I'm delighted a national store is bringing attention to self love and body acceptance. Penningtons is one of the few plus size options we Canadians have, and i'm so excited to see they are becoming an active participant in the fat/body acceptance movement.

What's this campaign all about?

Penningtons turned an ordinary mirror in their Heartland Town Centre location store into something really extraordinary. Upon standing in front of a mirror, shoppers were stunned to see two completely realistic fireman descend from either side of their reflection via incredible, motion-sensored mirror technology. The fun and flirty firemen checked out the shoppers' new Penningtons clothes and performed a charming act for them before disappearing altogether. (from penningtons.com)

While I promote, and firmly believe that body and self acceptance need to come from within, it sure is nice to get a little validation here and there, (which is why I have this blog, of course.) so it's nice to see these women being praised for their looks, when as we know, so much of the world would disparage these women due to their size.

How nice for these women to experience praise rather than hate, that they are finally looked at an appreciated for being as beautiful as they are.

We should never place our self worth on the acceptance of others, but if you get it, it can sure help you in your self acceptance quest.

2011-11-29T11:00:00.000-08:00

In rebranding my blog, I decided to go for a more eclectic vibe. Rather than just share what I wear, I wanted to include other things I am passionate about.

One of those passions, being good food.

I actually used to have a food blog, but it has become sorely neglected, much like a middle child.

So this "rebranding" is my attempt to fix that!

So here's a tasty recipe I came up with recently.

Vegan Tofu Panini on Naan

This is a simple and tasty sandwich, super quick for when you want something hearty and warm and also, did I mention delicious?

You will need, for one substantial sandwich...

1/4 brick of extra firm tofu, drained

A few shakes of liquid smoke

bbq sauce to cover the tofu

1/4 each of red, green, and yellow bell pepper

1/2 small yellow onion

cheese (to make it vegan, use delicious Daiya!!)

2 pieces of naan bread

A day (or a morning) in advance, cut the (drained) tofu into rectangles. Shake some liquid smoke on there, and cover with bbq sauce. Allow to sit in the fridge a few hours or overnight.

To make the sandwich, sauté the onion and peppers in olive oil until soft and browned.

In a separate pan, heat the tofu over medium heat for about a minute or two each side. (Alternately, you can bake the slices in a 350 oven for 15 mins.)

To assemble the panini...

Take one piece of naan, and smother with bbq sauce. Add the tofu slices. Add the saute'd peppers and onions, and the cheese. Take another piece of naan bread, and put it on top. Spread both the outsides of the pieces of naan bread with (vegan) margarine. Grill until nicely toasted and melty. If you don't have a panini press, a George Foreman grill works wonders here. It's what I use!

As you can see this is a super lax recipe. If you have any questions let me know!

So, I went a little scissor happy this weekend...

2011-11-29T00:03:00.000-08:00

And chopped off half my bangs.

Or, fringe, as the english call it.

Which I really think sounds much better.

Anyways. I've always wanted to try the 50's pin up bangs, but i've never had the guts.

I've experimented, but never really gone for it.

But I did like the shorter bangs I rocked on Halloween as Lucy...

So I finally decided to get brave.

And so I snipped, and I snipped.

And then I kept snipping.

Finally, I stopped myself.

And after putting on some time appropriate makeup,

I felt a lot better about the transformation.

It's been four days now and I think i've decided that I like them.

p.s. I'm going for a redheaded Traci Lords in Cry Baby look.

The F-Word

2011-11-26T14:42:00.001-08:00

As some of you may have noticed, I am fat. This blog, after all started out with the name "Plus Sized Pretty". I have been fat, cubby, overweight, obese, big, plus size, whatever you want to call it, since I was a child. I chose to use the term fat to describe myself now because I am just that. I am fat. It is a descriptive physical characteristic and by embracing it I am taking away it's power as an insult.

As a child... that's when all of this started. I never really fit in, starting as young as kindergarden, when I was the "new girl" with that weird religion; but things only got worse once I started gaining weight.

When I was a child and I started becoming noticeably bigger than the other kids my age, my peers let me know this was not acceptable. I was bullied constantly at school. Every day. They let me know I was not accepted. That there was something wrong with me, and that I was unworthy of acceptance.

But it wasn't just at school. It was at church. The kids my age never let me feel the love my religion has to offer, because I felt so hated by those around me. I got it at home. My older brother making fat jokes. My Grandmother bullying me for being fat. My female cousins, close in age and influential, always talking about diets. My Mom, sympathetic and hopeful, telling me that one day, maybe around high school, I would just "thin out", like she did.

Not to mention the countless images from tv shows, movies, magazines, and later, internet, that penetrated my self perception so deeply that I hated myself. Just like everyone else did. When did this self hate start? For me, I remember watching disney movies and noticing my stomach didn't curve inward like the perfect princesses did. But that's just the experience of one individual.

However the problem is so expansive, so ingrained into our everyday society, that my experience is not unique. It is something almost every girl in this society must now go through. The movie Spanglish does an excellent job of portraying this.

Another example of how vindictive and obsessed the generation has become, can be seen in this clip from Weeds. Celia, the mother, is disapproving and downright abusive to her overweight daughter. Now i'm not trying to imply from these clips that it's the mothers that cause daughters to feel terrible about themselves, my own mother has always been loving and supportive of me no matter my size. Rather I am saying that in our society the need to be thin is so ingrained it has found a way into our homes. A perfect example of what I learned in Women's Studies this semester, hegemony. Hegemony is the dominance of one social group over a culture. I think we all know what force it is we face in this culture.
The endless quest for thin.

When I first saw Maggie Goes on a Diet, I immediately closed my browser. I clicked away. I didn't want to see the latest body hate the world was perpetuating on the next generation of teenage girls.

The cover of this book hit all too close to home for me. There have been hundreds of clothes i've bought, that my mother bought for me, that were "motivation" pieces. Items that, while too small, would fit "when I lost weight". After I lost weight, after I could wear those clothes, and then everything else would fall in place. I would have friends at school. Boys would like me. My family would love me more. I would be loved. But of course, these motivation pieces didn't work. Nothing did.

You know what else doesn't work? Hate literature aimed at young girls. The concept of this book is so disgusting I cannot believe it's being published. What kind of a world do we live in where it's acceptable, even encouraged for young girls to be told so blatantly that they can't find friendship and happiness unless they're thin?

This video shows just how explicit this book implies that to be fat is to be unworthy of love, and only when you are thin can you find acceptance.

I mean, the book says it right there. "Playing soccer gave maggie popularity and fame." Not a killer personality or a great attitude, but the fact that she starts to kick a ball around and subsequent weight loss is what she needs to find acceptance.

One of the best parts to this story, is that all of this diet advice to young girls is being told by a fat old white man. Now I am not meaning to disparage him based on the fact that he is fat, rather point out that he really has no place to tell legions of young girls to diet. He doesn't know what it's like to be a girl faced with these pressures. He doesn't know the torment they endure. Rather, as an old white male, he is in the position of power to do the tormenting.

What I propose is that rather than reinforce the hegemonic weight obsession with out society, and allow this to continue on, we instead look to accept rather than assimilate our youth. In turn we can only hope that one day things will finally change.

Change that will garner confident, self respecting girls. Like the ones featured in "Smart Girls at the Party". Of all the girls profiled in this series, there is never any talk of their weight or appearance being what makes them the extraordinary girls they are.

If only we could see a book more like these, found from the blog Red No.3.

One of my goals in this life is to carve out a safe space for girls and women of every kind. To try and put a stop to this kind of thinking. In finding my own self acceptance, I know it is the most important and valuable commodity to have. It's something we all must be equipped with in order to get through this life.

2011-11-14T23:39:00.000-08:00

Today, the sun came out. An extremely rare event here in Vancouver.

So I decided to celebrate by brining sunshine into my outfit.

Also, the fact that I haven't done laundry in a very long time, and the fact that the two shirts i'm wearing were clean, had a big part in the decision.

A blog post in which I make a fool of myself...

2011-11-09T16:05:00.000-08:00

So I rocked this skirt today. It's one of my favorites. I just got it at Thanksgiving when my mom and I found it on sale. I just love a cute thing on sale. Lucky for me, so does my mom.

Other than being insanely cute, part of why I love wearing this skirt is how it moves.

But that's hard to show in a picture.

So I proceeded to make a video...

...because I have no shame apparently.

Okay so I know you still can't tell how cute it is in the video but let's just pretend we can and laugh with me, okay?

Basically when I wear this skirt I feel like i'm in Finding Nemo.

All Quiet on the Blog Front...

2011-11-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the blogging absence! Midterms have been awful this term, I had so much studying to do! One of them was half my grade, while the other, only worth 30% was cumulative. But they are now over! Woo-hoo! Now I only have a few projects before finals in December... oh, student life!

Anyways, on to the clothes! Shall we?

When the lovely Hannah opened up an etsy I just had to take a look. She's got such great style that I knew she would fill her shop with items that were just as cute as what she showcased on her blog. And I was right! As soon as I checked it out I saw the most incredible dress.

So even though as a student I really shouldn't be spending money, I couldn't get this dress out of my mind, and I just had to snatch it up. It was a great deal too, at only $10. I ended up paying closer to $20 since i'm in Canada but that's still a great deal!

The lovely aqua colour, the polka dots.... it's like this dress was made for me.

It's a great length, and roomy, and flowy, so it's incredible comfortable, while still being super stylish. I'm in love with this dress!

And with the addition of my favourite yellow cardigan, it's a match made in heaven.

{don't you just love those polka dots?!?!}

So check out Hanna's store! With her eagle eye for all things cute and great prices you can't go wrong. ;)

-Erin

*Note that this is not a sponsored post. I am just gushing over my new cute dress from a great shop!*

I Love Lucy

2011-10-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

It's time for Halloween!

Since i'm not actually doing anything on Halloween, seeing as I have a midterm at 7pm that day, celebrated last night at the church Halloween dance. I loathe dances but i'll take any excuse to dress up.

I love dressing up for Halloween. I love living in a world of fantasy for a day and emobyding a beloved character, as I tend to always base my costumes off of movie characters. However, this year I branched out and based it off a tv character!

I'm Lucy!

I've got the red hair and vintage sensibility, so I figured i'd put them to good use for an amazing costume! I really must say, I am quite proud of myself. I must sound totally conceded but I am so stoked at how close my costume is.

I based it off of this photo:

And I think I did pretty good!

For the costume I...

Thrifted a dress- it was a wrap dress, so I picked apart the top and sewed it together again, then added the white trim to the sleeves.
I cut the sleeves off an old collared white shirt (in fact the very same one I wore last year!), and slipped it under the dress.
I made a crinoline out of tulle to give the dress some volume.
& I also made the apron.

I used the rag curl method to get her signature curls, and followed this tutorial for the makeup.

The shoes, necklace and earrings were all things I just had in my wardrobe!

Sadly, only three people knew what my costume was. I got one guess that I was Julia Child (which I can see), one guess that I was 'a housewife' (Lucy wasn't just any housewife!) and another that I was Mary Poppins! No idea where that came from. One guy told me "You know you're supposed to dress up, right?" which I took as a compliment, as I often dress in vintage 'housewife' dresses. Another guy told me that even though he didn't know who I was supposed to be, he could tell I put a lot of work into it. Which I also take as a compliment, because dang it, I did! I've put my thrift store sewing machine through the ringer lately.

Time to give it a rest and get back to studying! I can't believe I have two midterms next week!

Happy Halloween!

I'll leave you with some of my favorite Lucy clips. I had never actually seen any of the show until recently, I just knew about her from hearing of her legacy referenced on tv all the time, (something apparently none of my peers ever got since no one knew who I was!).
I just knew I wanted to be her thanks to her look, her legacy, and the fact that she was such a success and paved the way for women in entertainment, from staring in the show to being the first woman to run a major television studio. I love Lucy!

I still wear clothes.

2011-10-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

I just haven't been too good at documenting the fact. Partially because most days are too crazy to get photos and blogging in. Midterm season is upon me, and I am suffering. It'll all be over November 2nd! (My last midterm.) And then before I know it, it'll be finals.... ah the life of a student. I've also been hard at work on my halloween costume, which I can't wait to debut!

And since I'm in my deathly hallows t-shirt and leggings today (until I have to 'actually' get dressed for a meeting at school later...) here is an outfit from last week sometime....I honestly don't remember what day. Haha.

^Those are actually loafers and knee socks, not boots!

So here's a better photo of my lovely loafers. Which are so comfy and cute.

Lately...

2011-10-18T23:07:00.000-07:00

I wore this outfit yesterday. I felt very cute.

With my new cowboy boots.
Which I am so very pleased to have found at Value Village, for only $20.

In other news...

I went to a pumpkin patch this weekend.

It was a bit of a letdown. The people I went with were not having it. Which kind of puts a damper on things.

I am really enjoying the season.

Fall is a really, really, beautiful time.

It's on par with cherry blossom season for me.

Tonight as I got in my car I heard a song on the radio. After hearing "I am not a robot." I decided I needed to know what this song was and how to listen to it again and again.

While in the past i'd have to look up the station online, figure out what show was playing at what time, then subtract 10 minutes from the time my car said the song I liked was playing at, as I set it fast in an effort to be on time more.

But tonight I just opened up a lil' app called SoundHound on my shiny new phone and in seconds I had the name and artist at my fingertips.

This song, along with technology has helped turn a rough day around.

Now I'm off to bed in an effort for tomorrow to be better.

Also, the pumpkin pie blizzard from DQ is quite tasty. Much better than pumpkin pie, but still not as good as a pumpkin spice from starbucks.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life.

2011-10-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

I GOT AN IPHONE!!!

Last night my crappy old phone, a palm pre, committed suicide. Good. Riddance. I hated that thing. Three weeks after I bought it the iPhone was released on my provider. I have been kicking myself for two years for missing out on it.

When the palm suddenly decided to die on me, I went to the nearest Bell store, which just so happened to have iPhones on sale for only $49!!! Only thing is the sale was today, so I had to wait and go with out a phone for a night. It was a harrowing experience. How did we survive before smart phones?!? I've only had one for two years now but I cannot imagine my life without it. Yes, that last statement scares me.

But oh wow is this baby is magical!!!!

I've basically had this goofy smile plastered on my face all day.

I'm already completely and hopelessly OBSESSED with taking photos.

Especially with instigram.

Here's a few favorites from my day:

Delicous vegan burger at loving hut food cart

flowers on the walk home

more plants

cowboy boots I thrifted last night!!

a sidewalk downtown

pretty fall leaves, a rare blue sky

and (in my humble opinion...) the best for last...

I cannot believe I took this picture with a phone.

My favorite app so far is definitely instigram. I'm in love.

What are your favorite apps?

I'm also looking for a cute (and protective) cover so if you have any suggestions, let me know!

Thankful

2011-10-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with this skirt! I have been dreaming of a mustard yellow/chartreuse skirt for years, but I've never found one, or the fabric to make one. That is until my mom and I went thrifting! this was actually a dress but the top was ugly, so we cut in half, added an elastic, and presto! A skirt! For only $7! This was my outfit for Sunday Thanksgiving dinner. Then, for the second dinner (have to have a dinner with both sides of the family!) I decided to wear the acorn dress, since I thought the acorns were perfectly fitting for a fall feast.

This year was the first time i've gone back (to Edmonton) for Thanksgiving since I moved, three years ago. I usually decline the offer to return home for a holiday based around turkey and colonization, but this year I ended up with a 5 day weekend for Thanksgiving so I looked at it more as a simple visit home, with two family dinners to attend.

I made my presence known by preparing a Tofurkey, and informing the table that 45 million turkeys that get slaughtered every year for Thanksgiving alone.

I'm basically this little girl.

Good news is I got three of my family members to try some Tofurkey! (Albeit, only a bite each...) Much better than the usual number, zero!

So in the 'spirit' of thanksgiving, I will say I'm thankful for my wonderful family, and for getting to spend time with them. It was a nice little vacation.

2011-10-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

Today was a really good outfit day.

(Just not a good picture taking day.)

So of course, I turn to you, dear internets, for validation.

And for procrastination.

As I have a paper, due in less than 24 hours.

And a midterm, in less than 48 hours.

On another topic, I look good today. Which presents a certain image. I look like the kind of person that has it together, right?

WRONG. I am just a trickster. My life is a mess. So much so that today I was faced with a dilemma. I had procrastinated doing laundry a bit too long... which meant one thing....

So in the words of my hero, Liz Lemon, I relate the following...

"If you’re running low on laundry, a bathing suit makes perfectly acceptable underwear."

I wholly endorse this.

I also would advise to put potato chips on a sandwich.

Today, I met Douglas Coupland.

2011-09-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

I MET DOUGLAS COUPLAND TODAY!!!!

{Douglas Coupland and I. Brilliant (and Canadian!) author and artist.}

There I was, leaving the library when I pass by two men eating at one of the tables in the atrium. I stop, dead in my tracks because one of them looks a little too familiar. I hesitate, and tell myself not to bother him, just let it be. But I can't. This man has greatly impacted my life and I needed to meet him. So I walked up and awkwardly said "Hi, I think I recognize you...?" to which he kindly replied, "Hm. I don't recognize you, what's your name?" So I told him and told him of how much I adore his books and how much they mean to me, and he was so kind and so gracious. He asked which was my favorite and I told him it was between Eleanor Rigby and The Gum Thief. To which he replied: "I like Gum Thief too". We chatted, he asked about me, I told him the impact of The Gum Thief is what made me finally move to Vancouver. Of course, I asked for a photo. My first attempt at a self shot was horrible as I was shaking, so he asked the man he was with "Would you take a picture of Erin and me?" (Having my hero say my name was an incredible feeling.) So we ended up with a decent photo thanks to him! For some reason at the time I thought since I didn't have a book of his on me, I couldn't ask for an autograph. Now I realize I'M AN IDIOT and why didn't I ask for him to sign a piece of paper? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! Oh well. As he said, "It's a small town, I'm sure we'll meet again."

To which I made things even more awkward and said "I'm just so glad I finally met you, since I moved here i've always hoped i'd run into you! Not that i'm a stalker or anything! Okay, I should go. Sorry to bother you! Thank you! Bye!"

I'm soo smooth.

I'm just so so overjoyed that I actually met my favorite author. His books have had such a huge impact on my life. I connect to all his books but I hold Eleanor Rigby especially dear to my heart. (As I mention here.) It was after reading The Gum Thief that I finally had the gumption to move to Vancouver. Douglas Coupland was raised in Vancouver, and most of his books are set here. In living here i've become even more connected to his stories. For three years, i've always wondered if i'd ever bump into him. If some cosmic force was out there to unite us. And it finally, finally happened! After it happened I went outside and called my house, to tell somebody what happened. My sister answered and I excitedly told her the news while crying tears of joy. This is really one of the best days of my life.

So do yourself a favor and go read one of his books! I highly, highly, recommend Eleanor Rigby (obviously), The Gum Theif, Girlfriend In a Coma, Hey! Nostradamus, Microserfs and JPod are among some of my favorites.

Spinster diary, pt. 1

2011-09-28T23:25:00.000-07:00

This week, in my Sociology of the Family class, we talked about dating and marriage. You know, since those two things are kind of required for a family to form.

So of course, reading chapters on the topic in my textbook, then attending a three hour lecture on the matter, just did wonders for my spinster self-esteem.

Seeing as most nights of my short life have been spent like this.

Incase you can't tell, I am single. I sometimes refer to myself as somewhat of a "mormon spinster" since I am unmarried at, gasp! 22! (I'm really just being facetious, while it may be an oddity in Utah to be unmarried over the age of 20, I live in Canada where we're a little more forgiving.)
However, I haven't dated much, and confession - i've never been in a relationship. The guys at church look at me like I have leprosy, or don't look at me at all, and I haven't found any interest at school. I also don't go out to bars or clubs so how in the heck else am I going to meet someone? So in order to remedy the situation, this summer I ventured into the world of online dating. It's been an... interesting experience.

I've gone on a few dates, with a few guys, who were nice enough, but nothing ever came of them. As of late, I'm torn between wanting to throw in the towel and give up because it's just too hard, and wanting to keep at it, hoping i'll find someone compatible eventually. You see, online dating is very weird. I'll get into this with more detail at some point, but for now, I'm going to showcase just how weird it can be through the use of some ways guys have tried to pick me up.

Here are some of the best of the worst I have received.
Because if I can't laugh at my situation, i'll cry.

First, we have the just plain awkward ones, that I don't even know how to respond to.

Like..."You look like an teacher lol maybe you are an English teacher? :)"
And: "For a first date we could rob a bank together!!!!"

And then there are the creepy gross ones.
That I also don't even know how to respond to.

"Just wondering if you'd be up for a little play wrestling..? I could even let you win dear..."
"seriously we were born to make porn together.....No! what? I must have misread your grin."
"Nice legs. When do they open?"

...and this is why I will forever be single.

LBDD

2011-09-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

{dress: ASOS, belt: H&M. tights: Old Navy}

I lovingly refer to this adorable ASOS Curve dress as an "LB(D)D", meaning "Little Black (Day) Dress". It's always nice to have a go-to garment for when you can't decide what to wear. This one is a great casual option for the classic LBD, a dress for any occasion. One that lends itself nicely to whatever look you are in the mood for.

Today I wanted some pops of colour, so with some bright tights and a bright belt this dress lent it's self nicely to the cause. You can see how i've worn it plain here, and stay tuned for more looks. I have a gaggle of other avenues to take this dress on, in time.

I'm also thrilled that my hair is finally long enough to do the milkmaid braids!

And that my bangs were very cooperative and behaved nicely today.

What would you do?

2011-09-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

I've always had a bit of an activist streak in me. I remember as a kid one year at Thanksgiving dinner, while going around sharing what we were thankful for, I shared I was thankful not to be a turkey. Everyone laughed, but really, I felt from a young age that it didn't seem right for our species to eat another living thing. (Which lead to me being a vegetarian for most of my life.)

But my empathy doesn't end with animals. I feel for anything/anyone that is being victimized. As a teen, I started making these feelings I had known. Once I became a vegetarian officially, I found it easier to start expressing myself. I started slowly, pointing out the problems I encountered. (My family, the usual targets just love it.) I call out any racist, homophobic, and (sometimes) sexist comments. (I find this happens especially with my dad, we argue over politics constantly!) In pointing out the problem, I hope to create a change, and enlighten others. To help my family "see the light". As they are my family though, it is safe to do so. They still have to love me. (They really do. And I love them.) It is a much harder thing to do with strangers.

But I digress. What I am getting at is that since taking more Sociology and Women's Studies courses in college, I have become even more vocal about the wrongs of this world. These classes inspire me to do whatever I can to help create change in the world, so I take whatever opportunity I am dealt.

Weather it be calling out family members, friends, or blogging about experiences I have. Like I am doing today.

The other night, my mom and I were discussing the new Glee premiere. (We are both avid fans of the show.) In discussing the show, my mom asked if I had seen her facebook lately. I hadn't, so she explained to me that one of her 'friends' had commented negatively on my mom's enthusiasm for the premiere. It really upset my mom that this 'friend' was so judgmental and dismissive of my mom because she is a fan of the show. I checked it out, and was appalled and this woman's narrow minded comments. So I told my mom how I felt, and let her know I just couldn't stand by and watch without saying anything. My mom has had 22 years of experience with me, so she gave her blessing, and assured me her and this woman weren't even really that good of friends, so I wouldn't be offending my mom in any way.

The following ensued. (I've blurred out names and photos other than mine in respect to privacy.)

After my last comment, I quickly added a challenge for the woman to explain what 'social agenda' of the shows it was she was referring to. (I just forgot to take a screen cap after I added that.) As you can see, she tried shifting the blame to me, rather than own up to her own discrimination.

Sadly, we'll never get to see what becomes of this. My mom deleted the conversation today after listening to the Glee soundtrack and getting even more upset at this woman's remarks, as she was recalling the glee movie and how they shared so many different stories of teens (of all varieties) finding acceptance through the show. (I just love my mom!) But I hope that by challenging this woman's discrimination, I helped her to maybe open up her mind a bit, to tolerate ideas that may differ from her own.

Like the point this video sets out to make, I am a firm believer that if you see prejudice happening, you should do something about it. It's hard. Im not denying it's a challenge, especially at first. But I can promise you it's so worth it. Because attitudes really can change. I've seen it.

Don't be afraid to act. Be afraid of standing by.

Since I am sick and have no outfits to post...

2011-09-21T22:23:00.000-07:00

Since everyone is doing it...

(And yes, the argument "If everyone jumped off a cliff would you do that too?" holds because I did in fact, jump off a cliff because everyone else was doing it one year at camp. So there.)

A. Age: 22

B. Bed size: Twin.

C. Chore that you hate: all of them!

D. Dogs: Love 'em! I am currently dreaming of owning a corgi one day.

E. Essential start to your day: Hitting the snooze button at least 4 times.

F. Favorite color: Turquoise

G. Gold or Silver: Silver.

H. Height: 5’9”

I. Instruments you play: None, really. I have no musical sensibility. However I have tried to play the piano, the flute, and the guitar.

J. Job title: Student.

K. Kids: would be nice someday.

L. Live: In Vancouver!

M. Mother’s name: Alaine.

N. Nicknames: One friend calls me 'air'.

O. Overnight hospital stays: At least two...

P. Pet peeves: Vancouver drivers, and slow walkers.

Q. Quote from a movie: “I saved Latin, what did you ever do?" -Rushmore

R. Right or left handed: Right handed. Left politically.

S. Siblings: Older brother, younger sister.

U. Underwear: Should be worn at all times.

V. Vegetable you hate: I can't really think of any...I love my veggies!

W. What makes you run late: What doesn't make me run late? I am always late.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Several. Leg, both feet multiple times, arm, back, teeth...i'm sure there's more...

Y. Yummy food that you make: Everything I make is delicious.

Z. Zoo animal: I love the belugas at the aquarium.

Hang tight, dear readers, I am working on some more substantial posts!

2011-09-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

{Dress: Modcloth, necklace: Laura}

Remember how when I found this dress, it was fate? Yeah. It's a pretty special dress. Every time I wear it, the more I love it. The colour, the cut, the style, the length, the fit. It's a perfect dress.

I also think it's quite fitting that while wearing this dress, which Modcloth called "acornucopia", I feel a cornucopia of love every time I wear it.

I sewed a skirt!

2011-09-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

I have finally accomplished a goal I have had in mind for years. To sew something myself! I grew up with a mom who is an amazing seamstress. I'm still lucky enough to have her make things for me today. However, living in a different province means I can only get her help when I'm home on breaks from school. As i'm 22 it's high time I became just a tad bit more self reliant. Plus, I want to work on my sewing skills so that one day when I have a daughter, I can sew her things like my mom sewed for me!

So I set about to make a skirt thanks to this lovely tutorial. (It's funny how I even ended up with similar fabric! I found it in the halloween section at the fabric store!)

I did learn to sew properly once, as a teen. Church activities and one year of Home Ec. taught me the basics, along with my mother who as i've mentioned, rocks at this stuff. But as that was some time ago I am trying to re-teach myself what to do. So even though I was a bit rusty, I have watched enough seasons of Project Runway in my lifetime to figure out how to make it work. (I just had to post that video because season two was the best of all time.)

In the end it only took 6 hours, talking to myself like a crazy person, laughing maniacally when I figured something out, calling my mom every 20 minuets to ask a simple question, freaking out over my "broken" sewing machine (which as it turns out, I kind of forgot to turn on...) and a little help from James to thread the elastic threw and I MADE A FREAKING SKIRT!!!

I am so proud of myself.

And I can't wait to sew more!!

2011-09-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

{shirt: Old Navy, dress: gap}

You know those really annoying kids in elementary school (and jr.high, and high school) that would always answer every question in class and never shut up? Well, that was me today. I couldn't help myself. We were talking about Bridesmaids. Which is kind of my favorite movie ever. I may have seen it four times already. Because my hero Paul Feig directed it. So I just couldn't shut up. Finally, wasting all my time on the internet obsessing over something has payed off scholastically!

I really, really, really, love Women's Studies.

2011-09-11T22:28:00.000-07:00

{top: Urban Outfitters, skirt: Addition Elle, belt: from Italy}

Apologies, apologies, for the terrible flash photography and the crazed look on my face. I kind of woke up at the time I should have left for church, hence the sloppy ugly hair bun and bangs going on. Luckily I've had this outfit idea floating around in my mind grapes for a while so I could just throw on something in a hurry and still look cute. Guess my thinking about clothes 90% of the time really does pay off!

I snapped this photo as soon as I got home, when it was already dark at only 8! It's so sad summer is over. What really sucks is the weather was so crappy all summer but it's only now starting to get nice! It'll be back to constant rain soon enough though, so I am trying to enjoy it while it lasts.

Like last night, when I went to the beach and watched the sunset. It was gorgeous!

Frugal Friday: Green Smoothies for Less Green

2011-09-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

One of the new features of this here blog I am most excited about is called Frugal Friday! I am the worst with money. Well, recently at least. I used to be very good with money. I saved most of what I earned working throughout high school, and for the year I worked full time afterwards. However, when my work life became unstable and I went back to school I got into some major debt. In an effort to remedy this, I have tried different methods to add a little frugality into my life. I hope that by making this a blog feature I will find more creative ways to save!

So here it goes!

One way I have found to save is by making my own green smoothies. I love the ones Whole Foods makes, and often on my way to/from school I will treat myself to one because 'it's so healthy', which is the reason I justify the $8 price tag. They taste wonderful, and are wonderful for you, but they cost a little too much green for a struggling student.

So I started making my own! I always figured this would be an impossible task without a fancy high powered vitamix, which I could never afford as it's about half the price of a semester of tuition!

So I gave into Whole Foods, defeated.

Until I figured out a way to get by...

Previously when I tried to make green smoothies at home, the greens (I favor kale) would get all chunky and not mix properly. I blamed it on a shotty device. (I use a magic bullet for my smoothies.) It took me a while to realize that of course a bullet couldn't do the job of a vitamix, which could blend a bunch of tough ingridients at once. However it is halfway decent at blending smaller quantities of tough ingredients. So I tried that. I threw a handful of kale in at a time, with a little bit of coconut water, and blended until it was smooth.

Works like a charm! If you don't have a bullet, and are using a blender i'd still recommend blending the greens first, as they can be tricky to mix in with the rest.

After the greens are all mixed up, add your frozen fruit.

I like peaches, mango, and banana with kale.

I like using frozen fruit only because you get more fruity goodness that way, and you don't take up space with boring ice that doesn't add anything.

After adding in your frozen fruit, top it up with coconut water, juice, or water (though I find there's something about the coconut water that really makes it special) and blend!

You now have a delicious and beautifully nutritiously green smoothie! I drink these for breakfast almost everyday. They are also great as snacks!

Now, I know to some blending greens into a smoothie may sound a bit odd. I always get weird looks drinking this on the train or in class, but I swear to you that it really is delicious! I love kale, so I don't mind a bit of kale taste, to me it's barely there but I sampled it to some (less adventurous) friends and they said they could taste it. If you are weary of adding greens then start with only a few leaves of greens, and work your way up!

And if the colour is putting you off, try mixing other fruits to get a more desired hue. For this smoothie I got a dark purpleish colour by using a mixed berry blend (cherries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries , and acai). Be warned though that sometimes you may end up with a brown smoothie. But it'll still taste great!

By making these babies at home I know I am taking down the cost. I don't know by how much because I can't do math, but i'm sure it's significant. Even with expensive ingredients, like the coconut water, it doesn't add up to much because I try to buy it on sale. Same goes with the frozen fruit. And I freeze my own bananas, which are always super cheap.

Here's the recipe for the smoothie I featured today:

Tropical Kale Smoothie

serves one

3-4 handfuls of kale (start with one at first if you want to acclimatize to taste)

1 medium banana, frozen

small handful of frozen peaches

small handful of frozen mangoes

liquid to cover fruit. (coconut water, juice, or water)

Add the kale and a splash of liquid to your blender. Blend until smooth. Add your frozen fruit and add liquid until it's even with the fruit. Blend until smooth. Add more water/ fruit to adjust for texture.

And there you go! A great yummy healthy way to satisfy your wallet and your taste buds!

If you try out a green smoothie let me know how you like it!

Summer of '11

2011-09-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

Today in one of my classes, the teacher asked us to go around and say one thing we did this summer. (Yes, I am in college, that's just what you get with a Women's Studies course.) Even though it feels like I didn't actually have a summer, due to both my decision to take a summer semester and the horrid weather we had in Vancouver this year, I did manage to get some good times in. Despite being injured. It's nice to look back and remember those times.

This summer I loved...

good times in the water.

in the lake.

in the ocean.

in the pool.

and out of the water...

reading Harry Potter by the pool.

picnics on the beach.

FACT: I am the best picnic packer ever.

pasta salad, carrots, hummus, strawberries, best ever vegan brownies

BBQ tofu, mashed potatoes, local apricots, watermelon, oranges, and grilled corn on the cob.

going to a drive in.Turns out there is a drive in not too far away from here, it's actually pretty close to the boarder. This year I went and saw X-Men, Bridesmaids, Harry Potter, and Horrible Bosses.

They even have those adorable vintage refreshment cartoons you see in Grease!

time with my mother.

My mom came out to visit me for a whole week! She is the best. I love her a lot.

an out of town excursion.

I went to Portland and Seattle with my good friend, who sadly moved to Alberta at the beginning of the year. I really miss her so it was great to spend a weekend traveling with her!

I even stayed in a hostel for the very first time! And I loved it!

a free concert.

I got to see one of my very favorite artists (Neko Case) for free! I also saw her preform with The New Pornographers. I also discovered a new artist Hannah Georgas who was in the lineup. Yay for Canadian music! Especially when it's free! And in beautiful Stanley Park.

picking fruit.

I found an organic peach farm in the beautiful Okanagan. I was there for a ysa conference and made it a a point to stop by. Peaches are my favorite fruit but contain the most pesticides, so you should always try to eat organic! ;) the actual trip it's self was a nightmare as I had a few of the biggest jerks I have ever encountered (imagine three sexist, egotistical, back seat drivers complaining and criticizing you for over 5 hours straight!) riding in my car with me, but getting to pick peaches was nice!

pinkberry came to Vancouver!

I am a frozen yogurt fiend. I'm completely addicted. Surprisingly, I have only been twice so far! Both times I have been truly amazed by how wonderful this froyo is.

The F Word.

2011-09-06T22:03:00.001-07:00

The following video shows just how explicit this book implies that to be fat is to be unworthy of love, and only when you are thin can you find acceptance.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

2011-09-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

When I started this blog, I wanted it to just be my outfits. A place to share my passion for dressing well with others who would appreciate it, since I feel so out of place in the manner I dress in every day life.

But as I've become more and more obsessed with the blogging world, I've wanted to share more of my life. There are times when I think "I want to blog about this!" but I tell myself I can't, as this is just a blog or outfits. But that's silly. Why not share my other talents and interests? Why censor myself? Why not let this blog change and progress along with me? So it's time for a change.

Not too big of a change though, i'll still be predominately posting outfits. There will just be a few other things i'll be sharing as well. But there will be a few changes...

Starting with the name.

Goodbye Plus Sized Pretty.

Hello, With No Letter On It.

So what's in a name?

If you recognize my name, congratulations, we can instantly be best friends. If not, that's okay. I'll explain it to you.

My favorite author, by far- is Douglas Coupland. He has the incredible ability to create worlds populated by such real characters, characters I can always find myself in, and put them in these extraordinary, out of these world experiences while still making it an undeniable reality.

My favorite of his works is Elanor Rigby. It was one of my early Coupland reads, and it is a book where I have so clearly felt that the character on the page could be me. I always identify a bit with any book I read, (otherwise I put it down, as i'm not interested, as concieded as that might sound) but I really found myself in Liz Dunn's lonely narrative. Liz, (through Douglas), expressed so many of the thoughts and feelings i've experienced but never really been able to put into words. About loneliness. Realizing there was someone else out there who thought and felt the same way I did, it helped me not to feel so alone. Which is one of the great joys of reading.

Reading has always been there to help me not feel alone. Lately, i've found blogging to do that as well. It's near impossible for me to get to know people "out there", where extroverts rule, get the friends, the attention. Get noticed. A shy introvert like me only has the internet to communicate, really, with the exception of the few kindred spirits who bother to break through my barriers of shyness. As nice as it is to come across these people, they are few and far between, so I turn to the internet.

In the year and a half I've actively blogged I've found a great support circle. I've found support in sharing things I haven't told many I know outside the interwebs. I'm thankful for that. It reminds me I have something to share, and people to share it with.

One of my favorite quotes from the book, is

"I feel like that one scrabble tile that has no letter on it". It so perfectly sums up how I, like Liz, feel.

You know how when you're a kid everyone has their "thing"? My best friend danced. My brother played hockey. My sister played soccer, and the trumpet. My cousins all sang and did music and drama.

What did I do? In chronological order... one year of gymnastics, figure skating lessons, two miserable years of soccer (where I was on a boy's team), one day of running club, swimming lessons, one class of irish dance (these two were on the same day, and I broke my foot through doing both.), one year of tap dance, one year of voice lessons, science camp (which is so ridiculous considering my mental block for all science and math things, I just wanted to learn about animals...), another year of tap, two years of volleyball, two years of band, one year of guitar, and then finally, another year of tap. I've never been able to find my "thing". As a kid, or as an adult. My scrabble tile has no letter on it.

And neither does this blog. Instead of just being about my outfits, i'll share recipes, DIY's, design, and witty anecdotes. I'm hoping this will motivate me to be more accountable about all these projects I want to take on so I can actually finish something I start.

So thank you readers, for giving me the support over the past year and a half. I'm glad there are people who have enjoyed my blog, and I hope you will continue to enjoy what I post!

love,

Erin

p.s.
take a look at the new layout, and let me know what you think!

Pretty in Pink

2011-08-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

{dress: F21+, necklace: The Bay, heels: Zellers}

If you read my blog often you'll notice I don't wear pink all that much. I actually had a hard time finding a shirt for Pink Shirt Day back in February.

I used to be convinced I could never wear pink as a redhead. Not only because of that, but because of my pink pink skin. But since i've been spending a little bit more time outside now that school is over I'm getting pretty dark (for me). So I decided to get crazy and wear pink today!

I'm really happy with this outfit. I love the simplicity of a good dress and a statement necklace.

Also, this dress is crazy comfortable but still looks classy. Win!

Not only is the blog title fitting because I am literally, pretty in pink, but It's an homage to one of my all-time favorite movies of the same name. I adore Molly Ringwald and John Hughes, and Pretty in Pink is my second favorite of their collaborations. (Breakfast Club being the first.) Both movies about outsiders, which I very much am in my ward lately. So since I'm an outsider at church, I'm spending my night in, and i think i'll watch one (or both) of these beloved films.

2011-08-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

{dress: thrifted old navy, belt: souvenir from Italy!}

Just a quick lil' update, cause how cute is this flower with this dress? I seriously love it. It just adds instant extra cuteness, which is always a good thing.

And yes, that is Harry Potter on my couch. Now that this semester is over, summer can officially begin! (even though it will only last two weeks...), which for me always means reading at least one Potter book.

What's your summer must do?

2011-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Hey! Look! An outfit!

As I was leaving the house today I thought "I sure do look cute today", so I decided I should blog about it. This is pretty much my summer uniform. T-shirt, flowy skirt, and flip flops (not pictured as I don't like feet.) While i'm trying to enjoy the sunshine that is finally gracing Vancouver with it's presence I find myself yearning for fall. For orange leaves against grey skies, pumpkin flavored everything, and a cool crispness to the air. As soon as we get summer i'm always yearning for fall. Pretty sure i'm crazy. I know once November hits with it's accompanying 40 straight days of rain i'll go back on this wish. I just want to layer! Tights! Socks! Boots! Cardigans! Leggings! Scarves! Hats! Exclamation points!

But I digress. It's summer, even though it doesn't feel like it because I have been in school. School + summer = no fun. I thought i'd be okay with just two English courses, since I love English, but I have not loved English this semester. I'm starting to re-think my English major aspirations because of it...

So with all this stress i've been under, I cope by ripping my nails. Not biting, ripping. I start picking at one end and tear the nail off. I've done it since before I can remember, it's a stress coping thing. So with essays and exams my nails have disappeared. Since it's the end of the semester now, I remedied this with a Groupon and got some fake nails!!

Aren't they pretty? The white part is so big because that's how far down I had torn my nails. It was bad! I've never had fake nails before so it's taken some getting used to, but I like it. They're long and pretty and strong enough that my stress habit of picking away won't ruin them!

Also, there are some exciting changes coming up on this lil blog...stay tuned!

2011-08-02T06:21:00.000-07:00

Once again, I am sorry for being a bad blogger. Life has been ca-ra-zay lately. As I mentioned, last week my mom was here and it was a jam packed week full of projects. My mom is the complete opposite of me in that when she thinks up a project, she does it. Where as I think up a project, then think about it, then think some more, then think and think and think about it and rarely ever get around to doing it. So it was nice to have her here to help me get to work!

Firstly, I apologize for the quality. My SLR is being annoying and not working, so all of these are stolen from my mom's facebook page and were taken with her point and shoot. I'll have better photos of the projects once my camera co-operates!

I wore this out to lunch and then for a stroll on the beach. The lovely flower is a gift from my mom and dad. They were just in Italy! They didn't bring me an Italian husband like I asked, but I do really, really love this flower. I also got some lovely jewlery!

The project i'm most excited about is the vintage dresser we restored. I'm so so in love with it!! We just mozied on into a thrift store one day after a delicious vegetarian brunch and found this baby. We also happened to be in the process of organizing my room so a new dresser was the perfect fix. It was a truly horrid shade when we found it, but it had such great potential. Just look at that detailing! I knew all I would have to do is paint it turquoise to unleash it's true potential.

I am IN LOVE with this colour!!! It could not have turned out more perfect!!

In fact, I love this colour so much, that no surface in my apartment was safe. A foot stool, a shelf, the back of another shelf, and my hutch were our next victims.

I am so in love with the hutch!! We found this great book of scrap paper with such cute patterns! We just sprayed some adhesive on the drawers and stuck on the paper!

I also used the same method to cover some bland white magazine holders from ikea:

Can you tell i'm a vegetarian? I actually had to make a second magazine holder for the rest of my VT issues!

And then we worked on reconfiguring my 'display wall" in my apartment. We were originally going to paint it turquoise (since we bought a gallon of paint, which was waaaay over estimating what we would need!) but my mom decided she didn't want to have to come help me paint it over when I moved out. Fair enough. I'm really happy with my newly configured art wall! The chevron canvas was another project we worked on. I've been wanting to make one for a while but I haaate measuring!! Numbers are my nemesis.

On my mom's last night here I treated her to dinner for her birthday which was on Saturday. We went to a fancy fancy restaurant with amazing views. The food sadly, was anything but amazing. And veerrrry expensive.

such a beautiful view of my city!

I wore my Anthro dress and one of the necklaces my mom brought me from Italy to keep things classy.

Aaaaand, last but not least, here is my beach outfit. I wore my new suit from modcloth and some shorts from f21+ with a flower in my hair.

And yes, if you are reading what time this was posted it is, in-fact, 6:25 as I am typing this. Why am I up so early? I'm not. I just haven't slept. Oh, insomnia! At least I got some decent progress done on an essay. And I think I just may make myself a batch of vegan waffles for breakfast this morning...

I have one more week of classes then I'm DONE! Well, until the fall semester starts up...I also have two essays, and a group presentation to work on so my absence may not be remedied until the end of the craziness that is this final week of school. So once again I am sorry for my absence! Thanks for sticking with me! ;)

hi.

2011-07-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

see this mess behind me? GONE! thanks mom.

Aahh! I've been such a bad blogger. I have had one crazy week! my mom was here and we were so busy! On top of being in school (and having an essay to write), my mom and I refinished a vintage dresser, cleaned and organized my entire room/closet (basically the whole room was like a closet, my clothes were everywhere!!) did 100 loads of laundry (I may've done the whole 'wearing a bathing suit because i haven't done laundry in forever' the day my mom got here....ha!) and painted a few more pieces of furniture, hung things on the wall, went to the beach, and laughed lots and lots. I have the best mom ever. Seriously. My friends have always been jealous of her.

I'll share pictures of the outfits I wore (and my projects!) as soon as she sends me the photos. Lately my camera is being mean and not working all the time. :(

So here's an outfit I wore a little while ago but didn't blog about. I wore it on a date, which was a dud, but the outfit was definitely not.

I have a craaaazy week coming up, but I promise to be better 'round these parts! I haven't been able to read blogs all week. My mom makes me so productive! But I have missed all my blogs. It feels like there is something missing in my empty life...

Which probably means I spend too much time on the interwebs.

Which is the understatement of the century.

2011-07-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

A while back I was honored and excited when City Chic asked me to participate in a "Blogger Look Book" feature. Incase you haven't seen it yet, here it is! Check it out to see me and all the other lovely ladies featured!

To see my post on the look I put together, check it out here!

Mischief Managed

2011-07-15T22:16:00.000-07:00

This is a Harry Potter Post.

(With lots of pictures, taken by my lovely and talented friend, Diana.)

Expecto Patronum!

Last night I went to the midnight premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two.

I have been waiting for this for literally, 10 years. (I didn't get into the books until the movies. Yeah, I'm one of those.)

So with it being the last ever oppurunity of my life to ever see a Harry Potter movie at midnight, and since I didn't get to go last time, I had to make it count.

In the past i've just dressed up as a Ravenclaw, since that's my house. I was all set to do that this time, but then I decided to make a t-shirt instead.

So I started with that. A t-shirt from the craft store, chopped to fit me better and look much nicer.

Deathly Hallows symbol, which is obvious, and Team Severus, which is obvious if you have read the books. (Or have now seen the movie...) I love me some Snape.

So as I was finished the shirt on Wednesday night, I went and wore it to school the next day, (geek pride!), but I wanted to wear it so it would look nice, as opposed to just wearing it with a pair of jeans, which I find to be boring.

As I selected one of my favorite floral skirts to make it more me, I thought to myself "This is a bit Luna Lovegood", and went on with the day.

Then all of Thursday afternoon I was crazy excied mess, and decided a t-shirt just wasn't enough.

I went with the Luna look, and made myself a butterbeer cork necklace (to keep the nargles away), and a pair of derigible plum earrings.

Buterbeer necklace, owl pin, Derigible Plum earring, Ravenclaw nails!

I curled my hair, and picked a pair of bright tights to finish off the Luna look.

I'm pretty proud of how it turned out. Even though I am not a blonde, I still think I made a pretty good Luna. Even though a few people had to ask to make sure I was Luna.

While I usually dress up based on current hair conditions, for Harry Potter, I cannot. Ginny is boring. Don't really want to dress up like Molly, and I have my issues with Lilly.

Luna is one of my favorite characters, and it was fun to dress up as her!

Even though my style isn't all that far off from hers, so it almost didn't feel like dressing up...

With my owl I made at "Build a Bear", named Hedwig, of course.

Of coure, as a hardcore fan, I am sad it's over. Leading up until the movie I would start to tear up at every new clip and video posted. I knew I would be a mess at the show, and I was right. The last half of the movie, the tears would not stop. During one montage of a certain half blood, I was literally shaking, trying to suppress my sobs, tears streaming down my face. So touching. Even more than the book, I dare say.

I don't want to spoil it for anybody though, so I will just say this, BRING TISSUES.

I'm still sad that it's over. Realizing that there will be no more Harry Potter after this. When the seventh book came out, at least there was still movies to look forward to. Now there is nothing.

So I am trying to hold it together.

"It isn't really goodbye, after all."

"Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home."

something wicked this way comes...

2011-07-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a little sneak preview of what I will be rocking at tonight's midnight premiere of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PT.2!!!!

I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO EXCITED!!!!!!

Siriusly. I woke up at 7 this morning (for a 10:30 class) and couldn't get back to sleep, I was so excited. I am counting down the hours (10.5) until finally, I can see DH2.

And yet I am so so so sad at the same time. Every time I watch a new clip, or see a photo of the new movie, I tear up. Yeah. That's right. I admit it. I'm an over-emotional dork.

Tonight will be such a roller coaster of emotions. I can't believe it's over!!!!

Anyways....

I'm not posting a full outfit yet because I have coerced a friend of mine to take some good ones for me! Score! So I will be posting those soon.

Until then, here is a photo from last week.

{dress: old navy, belt: target, flats: payless}

So much better than my usual crooked, poorly lit, awkwardly posed and timed apartment photos, eh?

I'm lucky I have such and awesome and talented friend who is willing to take photos for me!

a lovely crown of curls

2011-07-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

Who else is on Pinterest? I finally got one, and it's kind of taken over my life. I am obsessed with this site. love love love it. So as I was browsing last night, I came across this little tutorial for how to curl your hair with no heat. Since I dye, dry, straighten, and curl my hair on a regular basis, I'm totally willing to try a method that will give me pretty hair without damaging it even further.

And I am so delighted to say it worked!! It totally worked. Really, really, really, worked.

Before:

(just washed hair, blow dried)

After:

Pretty great, right? The best part? It took almost no time whatsoever and no product.

Normally I spent at least half an hour curling my hair, spraying each individual curl in order to get it to hold. But last night, all I did was wrap my hair a in a headband, and go to sleep. This morning, i took the headband out, and played around with my curls until I found a style I liked best.

For a comparison, the photo booth picture was taken just now (almost 4) where as these photos were taken around 9:30. Curls are still very much intact, with only a tiny spritz of hair spray, even though I have been playing with my hair all day (the curls are just so springy!) and even drove around with my windows down.

Colour me impressed.

Anyways, this is what I wore today:

{shirt & skirt: old navy, belt: thrifted}

And yes, sadly I am still a cripple. :(

Find the video tutorial for this hair style here.

Find me on Pinterest here!

And how about another link? Gazel is giving a Canadian a pair of glasses here! Sweet!!

scissor happy

2011-07-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

This morning I chopped up this dress...

{skirt: thrifted altered dress, top: Joe, belt: Target}

And got a skirt out of it!

Kinda like that other time. Okay, it is pretty much the exact same method. Only this elastic waist was much easier to cut close enough to so that I don't even need to sew it down to make a pretty hemline! Score!

I already love this garment 100% better as a skirt. I only wore it a couple times as a dress. Now it'll be a wardrobe staple. Just you wait.

Moral of the story: if you want a lazy skirt like me, just make sure the dress you are sacrificing has an elastic waist. And that you don't care for the top much. Which I didn't, with this dress.

What do you think?

Big improvement?

Am I a little too scissor happy?

Should I chop up all my dresses?

Should I take it easy and maybe not chop up my wardrobe?

Am I a danger to all my dresses?

(ha! ya right, jk about chopping all my dresses up.)

Canady Cane

2011-07-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

When I was little I got really into Canada day. I'd always go all out in red and white.

Then I got older, and got cooler.

Until I got even more cooler when I realized I had a red swimsuit and a white coverup, and could show my Canadian pride in a classy, chic way.

{Land's End swimsuit under a cover up, from Joe.}

So this is what I wore to the beach for a Canada day picnic.

...except I threw on leggings because it was cool and cloudy. The plight of living in Vancouver.

Canada colours = red and white

Candy cane colours = red and white

= CANADY CANE

...get it?

Okay. I am lame.

But Canada isn't.

I frequently talk about how i'd high-tail it to Portland, or San Fran, or NYC, if only an American would marry me (because I totally would) but really, I like it here. And i've been reminded this past week of just how good we Canadians have it.

Case in point:

Tuesday night I took a little trip to the ER. Why? I had a back spasm. I had never had one before, so I had no idea what was happening when I was paralyzed with pain and couldn't move or stop crying for an hour and it hurt to breathe. Good times. Since I do not like writhing around in pain and don't do it often, I called the nurse hotline to see what I should do. They suggested a trip to the ER. So an ambulance was called, and I got to the hospital, where after hours of waiting, they diagnosed a back spasm, pumped me with drugs, and sent me home with a prescription for more drugs. AND IT WAS ALL FREE! Well, I had to pay $3 for the drugs I took home because my dad's plan only covers 80% of medicine, but still. Speaking of free care, all my tests and checks i've had for my foot - those were free too.

Canada, you are awesome.

Even though I complain about our lack of cute, affordable plus sized clothes, and how we don't have Target, or Trader Joes, or cheap movies, or a variety of self serve froyo places, or any of the other wonders of America, I still like it here.

Oh, and lipstick on the beach? Totally acceptable. Because I did it today.

How to look cute on crutches

2011-06-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

{dress and belt are both thrifted}

10:15 AM.

I'm ready for school, and looking cute. I decide to take a photo, and be just a few minuets late for class, because my priorities are clearly in order.

I decide to drive to school, since my foot is still a bit sore from hurting it at some point over the weekend. I don't know how I hurt it, just that it would start to hurt at random intervals. But I ignored it for a few days.

So today after my first class I headed to the library. While walking from my classroom building to the library my foot started to go through a lot of pain. I could still walk, but barely. Once in the library I sat for the next few hours for my break, and went on my way to my next class. After a few steps I could barely walk again. So I decided to check in with the campus doctor and see what was going on.

Then I came out like this.

{somehow my belt migrated upwards during the day...}

I still don't know what's wrong with my foot, because when I went to the x-ray clinic I realized my healthcare card wasn't in my wallet (cause i'm a genius like that) and so now I have to wait until tomorrow to learn of my fate.

I don't even remember at what point over the weekend I hurt my foot. Just that it was sore all weekend. And yet I still walked around the sea wall, went swimming, and played soccer on it.

All I know is that it wasn't because I made bacon in bed.

Crutches are not fun. It took me about 10 minutes to get from my car to my first class, which normally just takes 3 or 4. As a super fast walker I am going insane already.

Adventures of an Awkward Spinster

2011-06-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

{dress: ASOS, belt: Target}

I didn't wear this today.

I wore this on Monday, to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Because I am such a hardcore geek I bought the "Harry Potter Passport" and have seen/will see each Harry Potter in the theatre one last time before the final one comes out.

So I wore this dress, and felt all cute. Which is important for a Monday.

Feeling cute might've been nice today though, too.

Here's why.

Today was a weird day. I got to sleep around 2, woke up at 5, and could not get back to sleep. I have a lot of sleep problems. Usually it's not enough sleep, like last night. But lately it's been sleeping too much, so to all of a sudden go back to getting not enough kinda threw me today. So I wore shorts with leggings (since it was quite chilly today) and a shirt with some avocado on it that I didn't relize was there until I was in the bathroom at school. And I don't even have kids. (In my defense, it was only on the bottom of the shirt, and not really that noticable...) And my hair which I actually had time to curl all nice this morning got warped in the wind and I had to tie my bangs back because they got all gross.

Basically, Erin = a hot mess today.

"Whatever" I told myself, "I'm allowed a schlubby day every once in a while..."

But of course, today, the schlubby day, I had to take my phone in to my provider since it stopped working last night. And guess who is there to help me with such a task? A guy who, legit, was an exact copy of Ryan Gosling. SERIOUSLY?!?!!? THE ONE DAY I LET MYSELF LOOK LIKE CRAP?!?!

As if the day couldn't get any more embarassing, before looking at my phone he asked me a simple question...

No, Ryan Gosling, I did not think to try turning it off an on again. Even though I am freaking obsessed with The IT crowd and hear that little nugget of advice as I re-watch episodes and clips of that show constantly.

So he turned it off an on again and, behold! My phone was saved! My dignity however, was not.

2011-06-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

{shirt: Zellers, tube dress worn as a skirt: Old Navy}

The cool kids call this "colour blocking" which is oh-so cool right now.

Which means I am cool.

But we all knew that already. ;)

the perks of being a spinster

2011-06-20T00:13:00.001-07:00

Part of why I like going home to visit family (other than the visiting family part) is that my mom likes to go shopping. And so do I. My dad does not like it when we shop together, but I sure do.

That is how I got this beauty of a dress. I think what also helped was my little sister was in the process of getting engaged and my mom must've felt sorry for her spinster middle child daughter and took me shopping because of it. At least that's the angle I worked it when she was debating weather or not to buy it for me. "But mom, if Sarah gets married i'll need a dress to wear to her wedding..." Then out came the credit card!

Not only is it the perfect cut and colour, it's freaking comfortable!! I love when I look classy but feel like I am wearing pajamas.

Seriously, this dress is so amazing I really don't need to write anything, right?

But I guess I can mention it's fun to spin in, too.

Want the details? It's the Beverly dress by Heartbreaker Fashion.

Warning: do not click that site if you are like me and have an affinity for vintage dresses and a maxed out credit card. Unless you can use your hopelessly single spinster middle child status guilt to get your mom to buy it for you. Hey, it worked for me...
Now hopefully by the time my sister goes around to actually getting married (in a year, supposedly...) I can talk my mom in to buying me another Heartbreaker dress for the reception...

Swim Suit Up! Again...

2011-06-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

Excuse the crappy mirror phone shot, I was just too excited about my new Modcloth suit to bother with a real photo.

Can I just say...

I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT!

I've been eyeing it for years (years!) but have always been hesitant to order it because buying suits online is scary. (even though it worked out okay before). But this year, when the yearning for a new suit came in, I gave in to the polka dots and finally ordered it.

I am just thrilled with my purchase!

One of my worries is that it would be too low in the back, something i've experience trying on similarly styled suits in store before. But i'm happy to say this one hits the perfect spot on my back! And i've got a long torso!

I can't wait until the ocean gets just a little bit warmer (you hear that sun? SHOW YOURSELF!!) so I can break out this baby on the beach. I'll also try to accost someone to take proper photos of me as well.

I got a size 18, which is roughly what I am. Modcloth recommends to size up but I ordered my true size after reading some of the reviews and doing some measuring.

And if polka dots aren't your thing, the same style comes in lots of other colours and patterns!

2011-06-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

{shirt: The Bay, belt & skirt (was a dress): H&M)

Sorry for such shotty photo quality. My camera was not being kind to me today.

Until I decided to try siting down, which resluted in a much better lit photo that kind of just looks like an awkward school picture.

When taking outfit photos, I basically just play around with settings, pointing the camera at my patio furniture, until I get something decent. Then I set the self timer, snap a few shots, and hope it looks okay. Then when I upload them sometimes I wonder how I ever approved them on my camera.

I need a photog.

Anythings better than having this in the background though, right?

Did you hear about last night's disgrace in Vancouver?

That's the smoke emitting from downtown thanks to the burned cars. this is from my balcony. Last night after my bad afternoon, I went to laugh away my troubles by seeing Bridesmaids. (Which might've been for the third time...) I got home, looked out my window, and saw this. Discusting.

However, incase the news hasn't pointed it out, Vancouver is mostly home to some pretty amazing people. (We're not all rioters and assholes on the train!) By the time I got down there around 12:30, it looked spotless. Which I hope redeems the city I love so much and am fortunate enough to call home just a bit.

...and in other good news, the lovely City Chic is having a crazy good sale right now. So crazy you'd be crazy to not take advantage.

2011-06-15T18:10:00.001-07:00

I really liked my outfit today. Normally i'd photograph it, and ramble on about whatever.
But I don't feel like doing that today.
And this is why. (That link is to my Tumblr, FYI)

So why do I mention this on a style blog?
Because I am a woman.
Most (if not all) of you reading this are women.
And this kind of behavior is unacceptable.

2011-06-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

{shirt: Joe. skirt: Addition Elle}

Oh, my! Not an outfit posted in a week! My bad. Don't worry, I have been wearing clothes, I just haven't been very good at taking pictures of me in them.

I really liked todays outfit because it illustrates two of my favorite things, two rock star wardrobe staples that pack a punch on their own, and only get better when together.

1) A black pencil skirt. Classic. Never fails. I'm in love with this one I got at addition elle recently, because it's stretches. Stretchy waistbands are a girls best friend!

2) Striped shirts. Patterns = interest = good. Bonus points if there is an embellishment. With an embellishment, it doesn't look like you just put on a t-shirt, (which you totally did! You sneaky devil!) so you can get away with being lazy and stylish! Also an embellished striped tee totally justifies your purcahse of yet another striped t-shirt because it's stlightly different then the hundreds you already have.

And it is in my experience that when you have two wonder pieces, it's best to combine them on a morning when you didn't go to bed until 4:30 last night and have no time whatsoever to think in the morning and still want to look and feel cute.

Although my staying up until 4:30 was totally justified. I went to a double feature drive in! It was so much fun. I definitely need to frequent my local drive in more this summer. I had never been to one before. I'm converted now. I love it. It's such a good value too! You pay the price of one movie, and then you can either stay for the the first one or watch the three they show each night. We saw X-Men (loved it) and Bridesmaids (my second time, which caused me to love it even more than the first, which I didn't think was possible), but didn't stay for Scream 4 because I am terrified of everything and cannot watch scary movies. The only downside is the movie theatre is waaay out in the boonies so even when you only watch two movies you don't get home until 3:30. And if you are me and can't get to sleep ever, then you are up even later.

But it's totally worth it.

2011-06-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

{"dress":thrifted, borello: Torrid}

Today was a frightening day. I woke up and my internet didn't work. I figured it was just down and I maybe shouldn't go online anyways. So I left it and went to church. Then when I got home, terror struck. The internet was still down. I had no idea why. It's not like I typed google into google or anything. So I called my provider and tried for 40 minutes to get it working again. No dice. So they scheduled the earliest appointment they had to get it fixed. The earliest appointment was June 16!! I then proceeded to die inside. Then I cheered up my spirits with watching Harry Potter. Once I had finished Harry Potter, I found my internet was working again! Hurrah! Now my life is no longer over.

Moral of the story: I am far too reliant on the internet.

So, onto the outfit. I found this skirt at value village a while back and fell in love with it, of course. Anything with polka-dots immediately owns my heart. So when I was playing around with how to wear it I discovered it could easily be fashioned into a dress by just wearing it up a bit! I love when I get two pieces out of one.

I (heart) ASOS!

2011-06-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

{dress: ASOS, shoes: Zellers, bag: Old Navy, belt: Thrifted}

(click the photo for a better pic of the dress!)

When I saw this dress on ASOS a while back I could not get it off my mind grapes. It haunted me for days and I knew I had to have it. So I may've gone and maxed out my credit card for it...I should feel bad about it. But my love for this dress kind of overwhelms my feelings of guilt....I just had to avoid this from happening all over again. I have a problem....but yes, I am kicking myself because now I see it's on sale!! And my size is still in stock! Ugh. That always happens to me! But I am still super happy I made this purchase.

Although I will say this dress is shorter than anticipated....I really don't get how it can be so short on me. The website says the model is 5"10, and the dress goes down to her knees. I'm only 5"9!! I guess my legs are just that long? I kind of don't mind the shortness though, because I really really love my legs. Haha! I'll get away with it while I can.

I'm so so so in love with this dress. From the photos on ASOS I thought it would be more casual, but the look of the fabric lends it to be a bit fancy as well. I can see wearing it with leggings/tights and flats for a more casual look.

It was my first time ordering from ASOS and I couldn't be happier with my purchases. The quality is good, the fit is perfect, (I'm a US 16 so I went with a UK 20 as the size chart recommends.) and the prices aren't even that terribly expensive. I had always been afraid of shipping, and customs, and exchange rates (oh my!), but it was only $100 for two dresses. Not too shabby, indeed. I'll show off the other dress soon!

2011-06-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

{skirt & belt: thrifted, shirt: urban outfitters}

I bought this skirt a year ago.

I finally wore it today. I have no idea why it took me so long. I just never got around to it. Then I found it again last week, so I plan on making up for lost time by wearing it constantly all summer.

I just got back from a little vacay that was going to be a few days in Seattle, which ended up being a few days in Portland as well. I may've skipped school and mazed out my credit card. But it was so much fun!! I had the best time and will be posting a few outfit photos soon!

A night of Anthro

2011-05-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

A few years back, when I had recently moved to Vancouver, I came across a website for a clothing store This clothing store was Anthropologie. I was instantly smitten with the lovely sophistocated vintage inspired pieces. Not so much with their prices. Since the only Canadian location at that time was Toronto, I decided that when I saved up enough money, i'd take a little trip down to Seattle to do a little shopping.

But I never had enough money. I'm a student, yo! And I somehow resisted ever making a purchase online. Even that time with the bicycle dress, I resisted. (Sometimes, I am practical.) The first time I made it to an actual store was in Edmonton. (Just my luck, they opened a store up in Edmonton after I moved!!) And it was even more wonderful in person.

So I was over the moon when I found out they'd be opening up in Vancouver!!

The grand opening was Friday, but lucky me a friend of mine won tickets to a special even on Saturday night! (A smaller crowd is always a good thing in my world.)

The night was basically just a crowd control shopping event. Which is kind of awesome, because like I mentioned earlier, I'm not a fan of crowds. There was also musical performances and a delicious (and all vegetarian!!) snacky foods provided by Whole Foods. Music, vegetarian food, and gorgeous clothes? Basically a perfect night for Erin.

Of course being a woman of size (haha, I can't believe I just typed that) aka plus size aka fat, Anthro is a bit dicey. They usually only carry up to a size 14. My weight is like a yo-yo. I can be anywhere from a 12 to an 18. Currently i'm a 16/18. So I didn't exactly have high hopes to find much to buy. Which might also be a good thing considering i'm a broke and unemployed college student.
There was also the issue of how i'd get treated. A lot of times I walk into a store and get the stink eye from all the associates. This happened a lot when I was home recently shopping with my (size 4) sister. To some, I don't even deserve to set foot in their stores because of my size. This is why I never set foot in Forever 21 or any other of those stores unless I am shopping with a skinny friend. But I went into Anthro with a positive attitude and that's what I ended up with, a positive experience. All the sales attendants where lovely and accommodating (except for a small issue with belt sizes, which I explain later.) and none of the other customers gave me the "What the hell is the fatty doing here?" look I so often get. Infact, everyone was so lovely and friendly to one another. It was like we were all high on pretty clothes. A few other customers struck up conversation with me, which is not very typical as I am super super shy. I even ran into my neighbor there! Small world.

Onto the clothes!!

First I tried on a lovely white dress. It was a 14 but the cut/fabric had no give. No dice. So I continued browsing. I did notice a few tops here and there that came in XL and looked like they'd fit, but they were all too expensive to bother trying on. Since I'm poor I only wanted to try on things i'd love enough to buy.

Then this lovely salmon/coraly dress caught my eye. I've been into this colour for a while now, and it looked flowy enough to fit. And it did!

But I felt it needed a belt.

So the sales girl fetched me some belts. In size small and medium.

...um seriously? Does she not see what i've got going on here?! So that's why I look like an amputee in the nect photo. I am holding the belt together at the back since I didn't bother asking her for a large. I also didn't bother correcting her when she heard my name as "Anna" so I was Anna for the rest of the night. Awwwwwkward.

Anyways, I liked the dress much better belted. Basically I was just in love with the colour. I was set on buying it until a lovely floral number caught my eye. And it was even cheaper!

I decided I liked this one much better. I love the fit (it has a tie in the back for some waist definition, the pattern (very Monet looking), and the weight of the fabic (light and perfect for summer!). And did I mention it was way cheaper?! I can't wait to wear this all summer long!!

And then as I was on my way to pay for my new purchase, this lovely headband caught my eye! (That's how they get you!) It was just too gorgeous to pass up so...I gave in and bought it. I adore the colour and beadwork. It was definitely pricey ($40!) But I will wear the heck out of it I am sure.

Basically, I am still a lover of Anthro just as much as ever. And i'd like to encourage others out there who may be afraid to go check it out because of their size. It may not be a great experience (I've got some rude looks at the Edmonton location when i've been there) but it may also be a good one. And you just might find something that fits that you love!

2011-05-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

{cardi & tank: old navy, skirt: addition elle}

In trying to be a more organized, punctual person, I try to have an outfit in mind for the next day. When I am really on top of things, I even lay out said outfit. I did that last night. Which means I should've been on time for class today.

Then mother nature threw me a curve ball. It was sunny. Which I was thrilled over, of course. Then kinda annoyed because I had to ditch the cardigan, leggings, skirt, and boots I had put together the night before. And then thrilled again because IT WAS SUNNY!!!!

So after riffling through my clothes, I put together a near replicate of Sundays outfit, well, just the cardi and tank. But instead of the black pencil skirt, heels, and curly hair with a flower I went with on sunday (can't you just picture it? Good. Because I didn't take a photo.) Today I went for a a jean skirt, flats, and a pony tail since I had no time for hair.

Then I made a yummy sweet and sour tofu stir fry for dinner. Which I posted here. Yes, I have a food blog that I often neglect. Much like parents are to a middle child...

Just the beginning...

2011-05-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

Today was a wonderful day. Why? The sun came out!! That might not seem like that big a big deal to most, but when you live in Vancouver, it really is. The entire city changes with a glimpse of the sun. All of a sudden people are friendlier, more hopeful. There is a spring in everyone's step all of a sudden.

I spent my day soaking up the sun, walking around my lovely neighborhood, snapping photos of cherry blossoms before they vanish. They are truly the most beautiful sight I have ever laid eyes on.

Then I went to a friends party, which was a barbeque. So I decided to throw on something that felt summery and barbequey. Yes, this is pretty much my easter outfit repeated with different jeans and a belt...but everyone's guilty of that so... whatevs.

I did mix things up just a bit with this hair piece which I like to break out in the summer. A dear friend of mine from California brought it for me from down there. And I love it! It's got peacock feathers which are my absolute favorite.

I can't wait for more days like today. Sunshine, and time outdoors. So wonderful!

2011-05-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love this elephant necklace? No? Then go see Water For Elephants. I dare you not to love elephants after that.

Another day, another outift. Look forward to more of these because the new semester started up. School = a reason to get dressed in the morning. Which is kind of why my posts were lacking in the last few weeks I had off. But now I have returned to school, where I re-learn what a preposition is. I'm only in my second year of college. No big deal or anything. Not that we were learning abut prepositions per se, it was that my teacher had a joke about such and had the good sense to remind us all what they are because only two people could recall what it was off the top of their heads.

Which means I really need to brush up on my School House Rock.

My first year college English course I took last January had weekly grammar quizzes, which I studied for with S.H.R. Thanks to Mr.Morton, I rocked the quiz on subject/predicates.

No shame.

I love my mom

2011-05-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

As we all know today is mothers day. To celebrate, since I am away from my mother, I decided to break out a new skirt she made me while I was home recently.

I commissioned my mom once again (remember the dress?) to help me make some things I had in mind for a while now. The first was a skirt. We went shopping and found this lovely yellow flower print. We picked out a pattern, and within a day we had made a brand new gorgeous, perfectly fitted, custom skirt. Of course by "we made", I mean I cut out the fabric while she sewed away. The woman has got some serious skills. I'm in love with my new skirt!!

I'm also in love with my new necklace. It's a knock off of an Anthro necklace from over a year ago, that I had admired, but since it was cray expensive I didn't buy it. Now much later, I picked up a replicate at The Bay on sale for only $12!

And as if it wasn't enough to make me a skirt, she also made me an adorable apron!! I have been wanting to make an apron for a while now, so when we were out shopping I found this incredible vintage inspired print by Amy Butler. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my apron. I kind of want to wear it out in public it's so cute. But that may look a little crazy...so I just wear it around my apartment. And every time I regret not buying more fabric to make a dress out of it.

Now allow me to gush about my mom a little bit. She's the best. I know everybody says that about their moms, but with my mom it's totally true. My sister and I both notice the same problem of having friends be jealous of how awesome she is. She's sweet, and caring, and hilarious, and talented, and kind, and has sacrificed so much for her children, especially me. Like letting me live in Vancouver on her dime. Pretty sweet, right? So even though she gave me terrible (truly, truly, terrible) vision, and weird ugly feet, with almost no baby toe, (which I just realized I have now exposed in that apron photo! Ahhh!) she has always given me, and continues to give me her constant support, in every way. Not just temporally, but emotionally, and spiritually. I have always known she has loved me with all her heart. I joke around that I'm her favorite, but really, she loves all her children this much. (But I'm still totally her favorite.) She's incredible and such a wonderful example to me. I'm so glad to have her as my mom.

2011-04-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

{chambray: F21+, dress: Target}

I wanted to wear this dress the other day, but I didn't just want to throw on a cardigan again. Even though I love that look, I wanted something different. But with limited options with me since i'm still on "vacation" in Edmonton, I got a little creative and tied up the chambray over top.

City Chic

2011-04-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I screamed like a little school girl upon opening my email. City Chic had contacted me to put together a look for their Blogger look book feature for their website. Honored and excited, I set to work.

I immediately fell in love with their lace pieces, and decided to go all out and combine lace and lace. A faux-pas? Possibly. Do I care? No. If Lady GaGa can do it, why can't I?

With just these two pieces I put together three (slightly varied) looks. First, I added a cardigan for a more conservative look.

Then I went with what I had originally planned, the lace on lace look.

And for good measure, my lil' sister (my photog) suggested I un-tuck the shirt.

Not bad either, though I am always wary of an un-tucked shirt into a skirt....it just feels wrong some how..

I am IN LOVE with these pieces, and can't wait to wear them a million other ways. They are both quality pieces, and have a good stretch, which makes them so comfortable. For referance, i'm generally a size 16/18 and fit nicely into the XS.
The only downside is that if you are ordering from Canada, try not to be too excited about receiving them right away. It takes a while for them to ship. Just remember, good things come to those who wait!

I love City Chic!

skirting the issue

2011-04-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Remember this dress? Well, now it's a skirt.

Since I have other floral dresses I decided to sacrifice this one and make a floral skirt! All I had to do was cut it in half. I'll hem it of course, but I am still in the process of pestering my mom to bring out her sewing machine so I can do so. It was super easy to do and ready to wear right away thanks to the elastic waist on it. Easiest. DIY. Ever.

{"skirt" and belt: H&M, t-shirt: Zellers, cardi and leggings: Old Navy, flats: payless}

And the best part? This is just one of many ways I plan on wearing my new skirt.

2011-04-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

{top: old navy, jeggings: target}

Easter with my fam is very, very casual. All holidays are. Christmas is usually a lil' bit dressier but the rest of the holidays are jeans and t-shirt affairs. So while I wanted to dress up and wear a gorgeous new pencil skirt I got, jeggings are atually the more appropriate choice for my family.

But it won't be when I have a family. We will dress up and have an all vegetarian feast. I am so different from my family in every way sometimes i'm convinced i'm an alien.

And since my lil' sister loves doing my hairs, she did a fishtail braid for me which I have always adored but cannot master on my own. Thanks sis!

Happy Easter everyone!!

2011-04-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

What's even better than a long weekend?

How 'bout 30% off at City Chic? I am drooling over their new Pretty in Prints line. These lovely floral prints are the perfect thing for spring! Hurry and hop over quick like a bunny to take advantage of the discount, It's only valid until midnight tomorrow!

sister stripes

2011-04-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

{shirt: Joe, skirt: Gap, belt:?}

This is what I wore today to hang with my lil' sister. She took me out for lunch and gave me a tour of her school (she's in music at the University of Alberta) and we had a nice sister time. then I did some shopping with my mom (picked up an adorable vintage inspired dress that I cannot wait to wear on Sunday!) and then I made dinner for the family (as I often do when I am home) and we all went to my lil' sister's band concert. I love vacation.

While my mom and I were shopping someone in the store told me "I really really love that outfit!" Which is always nice to hear.

I do really love this top.

2011-04-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

{cardi: Plenty, blouse: Zellers, shoes: payless, skirt: my mom}

Here is yesterday's outfit. Since today is strictly a "sit around in your pajamas and read and go on the internet" kind of vacation day. AKA, the best kind of vacation day. ;)

Any Canadians out there been to Zellers recently? Every now and then they get really cute stuff! This blouse being amoung other lovely lovely things. I was good and only bought this one though.

Speaking of the internet, how great is Tumblr? I'm on there so come say hi. ;)