I have a quick review to share with everyone and welcome any and all feedback. I have been a lover of all things Lush for over a decade now. The love affair with their handmade, nearly all organize cosmetics and bath products began with a love of Karma, aka "The scent of Lush."
This perfume is an all vegan mixture of the most amazing scents such as orange blossom, patchouli and overall strong hints of spice and citrus. I used to have to ask anyone I knew going to Toronto to pick me up a bottle, however, I am now lucky enough to have a Lush around the corner.
Although I have nothing bad to say about this scent and its line of fragrance products my issue is with the new manufacturer Gorilla Perfumes, based out of Ireland (I believe). Now, now, there is nothing wrong with the company- they are as fair and ethical as Lush; my issue crops of with the overall intensity of the perfume products since Lush ceased producing them themselves.
I have tried everything from the solid perfume tin (which I believe is no longer manufactured), to the solid perfume stick (meh, the scent fades after about 4 hours), to the mini size limited edition sets (all of them are delicious, some highlighted faves being Breath of God, Lust, and 24/7), even the mini perfume (which although is still an eau de perfume is seemingly not as strong). After trying all of these I still have to stick with the full sized eau de toilette as being the best, most long lasting scent. My biggest complaint overall is simply that since Lush stopped producing perfumes themselves the quality is seemingly not there 100%.
If you know me, I like my perfumes to loud, proud and fierce!
These are simply my opinions and welcome any feedback from anyone else. I realize that Lush products are all individually made from all natural ingredients and therefore some batches may not be as strong as others; however, I have bought many, many bottles of Karma in the last 10 years...
Oh! I must add that Karma Kream NEVER EVER disappoints! My favourite as it is smooth as silk and still holds that delicious scent so strongly all day!
Hi, hi, hi! Hope all is well. It definitely is avec moi! I leave in a couple of hours to lovely Ottawa. Very pumped.
Alright, so I have a few pictures stacking up. I wanted to share a few product reviews I have as well as post a very tiny tutorial on DIP DYING (also known as the thing I am going to do to all my clothes if I am not careful with my obsession!).
I was introduced to this trend a hundred thousand years ago (excuse the hyperbole) by Joe Fresh. Damn Joe, so up on the times. However, in more recent months I have seen this trend pop up on almost every fashion blog, and Romwe. I was super inspired by the amazing Rachel Arielle with her fantastic tutorial on dip dying tights (I am so doing this for fall!).
For my first attempt I simply tried dip dying with bleach on blank jersey fabric.
Needed: * Bleach * Bowl * Garment (remember to slightly dilute your bleach as well)
Technically the first area you dip should come out as your lightest... for some reason that didn't really happen with me.
I prefer the more gradient or ombre look so I added more fabric in stages. I also found it helpful to gather the skirt in a bouquet style before dipping; this led to a more gradual effect.
I really enjoy the finished product. Obviously the longer you leave the fabric in the bleach and the less you dilute it with water, the lighter it becomes. I was rather impatient as I had a fantastic punk rock show to get myself to.
The way the evening went I ended up with zero pictures of me actually wearing the skirt. It was cute. I liked it. I will be dipping some jeans once this absolutely ridiculous heat wave ends (yes, I believe it is going on 2 and a half weeks).
Miss you already.
P.S Isn't my basement such a wonderful example of weird Dexter-esque chic? I know. I especially love my crazy dog lady poster that lovingly hangs above our wash tub.
Bet you thought I gave up on this, eh? eh?! No, no. Just been toying with what exactly I would like to do with this proclaimed internet space. I have really been grappling with content and purpose. The good news is this has led to a great deal of "research" that entails reading lots of awesome blogs, books, and articles. Okay, okay, that is just me saying that I have been doddling AND reading lots of blogs, books, and articles.
I really love the idea of a lifestyle blog rather than a total fashion blog, or home blog, or DIY blog. So, in that vein, you will get a lifestyle- my lifestyle; or at least some type of semblance to my lifestyle.
I have had a difficult time taking "outfit" shots. I am so awkward!! BUT I have been compiling some fabulous finds that I just have to share!!! The best I can do are some basic outfit spreads for you for now.
The following three outfit spreads are very telling of my casual, work, and night time style. My style is extremely eclectic! There are a few bloggers that, when combined, really reflect the looks I love!
Kendi Everyday is a lady I am just so glad I stumbled upon one lovely Canadian winter night! She is so classic, cool, casual, but chic and professional all at the same time! I really enjoy seeing fun, new ways to mix up clothing you can wear in a very professional (conservative) environment-- because that is what I have to do on a daily basis!
Disarming Darling is another blog I truly love. Her Californian style and focus on cruelty free living makes the blog absolutely fantastic! I cannot get enough of the thrifted jewels and duds this girl finds!
A Go-Go is a blog I recently just started following and simply adore. I really love the vintage feel to each outfit!
Now... on with my outfits!
Casual summer-- we are in a heat wave, people! The shirt is sheer so I usually throw a bandeau underneath on the hottest of hot days.
Shit: H&M, Shorts: Ardene, Jewelry: Icings
Work: Now, as I have said, I work in an environment that requires you to, at times, stifle personal style-- or so I thought! It is not impossible to infuse professional style with vintage fanstasticness...I have realized it just takes practice! Ch-ch-check out that amazing coin belt! Thankfully this was found at Westmount's antique sale. Treasures to be found if you are willing to wade through the goods, and the lengthy conversations with vendors!
Silk blouse: Street Vendor, Tank: Bluenotes, Belt: Thrifted, Skirt: Thrifted
Night time: I loooooooove lbd's with any type of boot! I love the mixture of this vintage sequin jacket and the motorcycle boot! y sister thrifted this beauty and thankfully I snatched it off of her! I love love love the detailing!
So there you have it. My first kinda outfit post. I love talking about clothes. Mmmmmmmmmm. Hopefully I can get over my awkwardness and eventually show ya how the clothes look on.
On days like today, and by this I mean shitty days, you really have to step back and ask: why does everyone suck so much?
Okay, okay, perhaps you ask yourself in a more mature and scholarly way... or maybe you don't. Either way, we are all inevitably faced with this question, because we are all inevitably faced with unkind people.
Now, instead of forcing you to trudge through internet complaining (we save that for facebook, don't we?), I have decided to share a story. This story will not be the greatest story ever told; however, it is the nicest story I have. Instead of complaining about the atrocity that is humanity I am choosing to share with you the nicest thing anyone ever did for me.
Last year, during a particularly difficult week at work (I work with people non-stop so when it is hard, it is oh so hard!), I was pretty down. When I say down, I mean genuinely down; everybody kind of notices there isn't that pep in my step, and I just can't be bothered to get dressed (and accessorize, personal blasphemy), rather do anything productive. It was also hard because it was my first Christmas alone without a roommate or family. Now, now don't pity me too much, my family lives up the road and overall everything was still amazing. Regardless, I was excited to get my own little tree, my own Christmas lights, my own decorations. The unfortunate thing was that I literally had zero time to do this. I was at work until the sun rose until far after it set (and this is Canada in Decemeber, which means it set at 3pm). I also had a lot of things going on within my job (that always comes home with me), and complete uncertainty about whether I would have a job the next week. Needless to say I was experiencing typical North American woes-- I feel like this all warrants a "#firstworldproblems" in twitter land.
Anyyyyyways, regardless of how minute the problems seem now, they were epic back then. And everyone knew it. They offered their kindness and sympathies BUT it was my most amazingly righteous mother that did what I believe will go down in history as the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.
I came home. Got through the two outside doors to my little first floor apartment. Immediately I noticed something-- there was an adorable door decoration hanging on number 4, my own door. This was around 7pm, and I hadn't been home since 7 am. I was carrying groceries from the totally overpriced local Metro, but stopped dead when I saw this door hanger. It was a snowman holding a "Welcome" sign. Of course I was so curious. I unlocked the door. To my complete surprise my entire apartment had been decorated with the cutest Christmas decs! There was a little tree (rosemary actually-- herbs make evvvvverything better). There were cute little candle holders. There was even a damn Christmas table runner! (I didn't even know what table runners were, but love love love them now). Not only had she decorated the place adorably, but she also left a "Christmas" bar of chocolate with a bow on it... knowing that during these times, anything sweet helps!
There it is. The nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Amazing, yes? Of course I could do a whole separate blog about how amazing my mother is. She just got herself a laptop, maybe I will share this link with her and she will actually read this. She is really good at forwarding joke emails so following a blog couldn't be far off, right? : )
Overall, when people are cruel, inconsiderate, or uncaring, I try to think of a story that can counterbalance all the shit. This is usually my default. Hopefully all of you have that one story.
And now, to return to my title- I give you my favourite version of "Cruel to be Kind", the 90's female fronted version (note: my favourite version will always be a 90's female fronted version IF there is one).
Weekends have actually been so amazing as of late. School is wrapping up. The weather is pretty much perfect, minus the zombie inducing heat wave we have had. Last night we had a nice thunderstorm (thank you, I do not have to water my thirsty plants now!). My hibiscus bloomed with not one, but two flowers during the course of today. Tonight is filled with parties, drinks, and music... pretty much shaping up to be awesome. Tomorrow is more music, more drinks, and some art. I cannot complain. Well, I can, but I am trying not to! Not when things are seemingly this awesome!
The last few weekends have been spent at local events, mostly put on in some way shape or form through Londonfuse.
I really need to be posting pictures soon. We live in a vain, material
culture... pictures make things more interesting... well , blogs for
sure. I am sorry I am such a mediocre "blogger" at best : )
A few weekends ago we went to the Grickle Grass Festival . It was the absolute best to swig long island iced teas, dance to beats, whilst in my long loved childhood museum exhibits! Regardless of Brady's face- it was a blast! I will do a full post on it when I am less lethargic!
I have lots of ideas for posts coming up... right now I just feel so indebted to my millions of fans (is there an emoticon or symbol for sarcasm? I haven't figured that out yet) to write something! Hence something about my weekend.
(btw, hibiscus flowers make your drinks prettier and more deliciously magical. Proven fact) ((I am also apparently obsessed with hibiscus' in general))
Until then, I bid yous ado and wish you a fantastic weekend! Be kind and stay pretty!
As I stagger my way around Blogger, attempting to figure out what I am doing, I find myself really, truly pondering that exact question- What the hell am I doing?
I am really unsure of the content of this blog, or if I will even care about this continued documentation in a week. Nevertheless, I think I will venture on.
I have a lot to say about fashion, enough to say about art, and a whole load to say about the state of the world. Most likely the blog will entail some outfit posts, along with some photos of amazing vintage purchases from Talize and the like. I hope to discuss amazing cultural events going on within my own city, as well as around Ontario, and most hopefully- beyond!
I will attempt to keep your interest, while also attempting to always use correct grammar and spelling-- one of my blogger pet peeves. Suggestions and corrections are always appreciated.
I have nothing to say that is anymore important than the next person- a thought that often occurs to me while reading other blogs- however, I suppose the big realization was that I actually need to say these aforementioned things.
Perfect, with all that said: I am abbie and this is my blog.
