Getting cozy

Merino wool from Mcmullin Fibre Co.

While the weather is still not calling for cozier apparel any time soon, when I came across an unfinished scarf from the winter time, I was compelled to search for patterns for new projects as the temperatures start to cool down. Headbands, slippers, and slouchy hats have been on my radar the last couple of days, along with some pretty wool I've been scoping out on etsy. I love the colours above, but before I start anything new I have to finish that winter scarf I've put on hiatus. for now, here are some I have bookmarked for the future.

braided headband pattern here

High-waisted knit shorts tutorial here

Knit slippers here

Slouchy hat pattern on Ravelry.com here

Mittens that fold back into fingerless gloves pattern here

I only taught myself how to knit just last year. It's super easy, and I taught myself just by using Youtube videos. Here are some that I used to get started:

1, 2

Seeing Red

 Even though I'm not ready to give up on bare legs just yet, it feels like everyone, including me, has denim on their minds. I've been seeing tons of coloured/printed jeans everywhere, denim shirts, shorts, new denim collections coming out, and tons of denim DIYs (I have one I'll be posting soon!). When I went out with my mom yesterday, I didn't have the intention of buying jeans, but when I saw these on super sale, I couldn't help it. Bright red, skinny, and coated, basically not my style at all,  but a picture of Rumi from Fashion Toast had me thinking I could pull it off without veering too far from my usual aesthetic. Until the temperature drops, though, I'll keep gathering inspiration. Here are some things I could see myself wearing on cooler days to come.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
*unfortunately, #'s 4 and 5 were found on tumblr so I dont have a link. If you know where they are from please let me know!

How to be alone DIY

A little while ago I posted this video. Its a song/poem about how to be alone, and was what inspired me to add "take myself out on a date" to my summer checklist. Until this point, I was a little weary of doing this, and was pretty sure it wouldn't happen until an argument at home had me picking up my bag, my camera, and walking towards the bus stop. I decided I was going downtown, by myself, and would spend most of my day there.

This probably doesn't seem like a big deal, but I'm a compulsive planner. I like to have things organized and figured out before I do them, so setting off downtown by myself when I had originally planned to do other things was a pretty big leap for me. I sat on the bus, staring at my bus ticket, trying to decide if I should get off, take a northbound bus back home. I stayed on though, all the way to the subway and into the downtown core.

awesome floral cowboy shirt I found at "Used" on Queen West

At first I was a little on edge. Queen St. West was busy, and the crowds of people made me a little nervous. But as I travelled further away from the busy core of Queen Street and further West, there were less people. Here I found little treasure troves of vintage stores I had never been to before, and immediately fell into the calming ease of sorting through racks of clothing. Shopping by myself is something I'm used to, and something lots of other people are used to as well, so I didn't feel strange doing this. It was only when I saw a nice little patio with one small, free table outside, that I realized I was hungry, thirsty, and would have to go eat something alone.

Mill Street Lemon Tea Beer and avocado and brie sandwich at Java

I've never eaten at a sit-down restaurant alone before. I've eaten by myself lots of times, but this time felt a little different. There was something about being asked "For how many?", and telling them "just me," that seemed funny, but I went for it anyways. I ordered Mill Street's Lemon Tea Beer and an avocado and brie sandwich and enjoyed people watching and listening to the flow of conversation around me. In the end, I finished up, walked around a little more, and then headed home.

 For me, this day was about a couple of things. One, it showed that I didn't need to have a plan to have fun, but also, I don't need to have other people to have a good day. Other people find me good company, so why shouldnt I? Now I can cross it off my checklist, and maybe try it out again sometime.

Have a lovely Sunday everyone!

Join the club

Whenever I walk by Club Monaco I become overwhelmed by the urge to want to grab their mannikins and bolt. I don't think I've ever bought anything from them, but I constantly admire the pretty clothes in their windows and occasionally walk in to browse. This would seem like a sort of self-punishment, but It's more for inspiration- I can usually recreate their looks with stuff I have, of with items from cheaper places. Looking through their June-July lookbooks makes me just want to float in drapey dresses and shorts all summer, especially as the weather starts to heat up again. These are some things I'd like, if I was willing to spend the money. So I'll have to recreate it myself somehow.

Crayon Houses

I love houses in crayon colours. primary colours and different pastels.  I went to Woodbine beach in Toronto with some friends yesterday, and the houses by the water were so fun! I wish I had taken pictures but was nervous to bring my DSLR to the beach (sand gets into everything, doesn't it!)

I've compiled some colourful house inspiration. I feel like beach houses always have the most ridiculous colours, and I wish it was more acceptable to just go and paint my house pastel pink or blue. Seeing as I don't have the money to move to the beach, I'll just look at these pretty houses and channel the colours into my warddrobe instead!

Have a beautiful Sunday!

Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Happy Days

 

I'm in the middle of exams right now and have been pretty stressed out and tired. I decided to go for a walk by the lake today and remind myself of some things that make me happy. It's so easy to get closed up in what is making us feel less than great, so I try to pick one thing I want to do for myself every day, to feel a little better and to remind myself that I'm worth the time! Blogging has been one of those things for me over the past couple of weeks, but going for walks, watching a favourite TV show (Man Men!), knitting, doing some yoga or going for a run also make my day! And of course, there are the obligatory material things that make me smile as well!

 

 Mint nail polish with sparkly ring fingers has definitely brightened up my day. Sparkles and glitter always have a way of making me feel happier. This sparkly nailpolish I have on top looks like a disco in a class jar. It's wonderful.

 Both these shoes, and the fact that it was warm enough today to wear them are also making me happy. It was nice to take a break today and get outside, and it was even nicer to be greeted with some warmer weather before the rain came down later this afternoon!

 Despite myself, I really love when things match. I received the bracelet as a belated birthday present and was extremely pleased when I realized it matched my rose gold watch. I ware them together all the time now!

 It was nice to wear some makeup today! I haven't been anywhere except my bed, the gym, or an exam room this week, so to put on mascara and lipstick felt nice. I put my hair up with this scarf while studying, and really liked how it looked.

 Looking at pictures of my dog Theo never fails to make me happy. See you in 10 days buddy!

 Looking forward to getting outside more. This is a winter picture, but it reminds me of home and how in just a little over a week I'll be out of stress mode and ready for studying! For now, I have to get back to it, but happy Monday everyone!