RIng in the New

NYE










"What better occasion than New Year’s Eve to drape yourself in gold and silver lamé? Bedeck yourself in jewels: sparkle, and shine."
            - Nina Garcia       


Although I am admittedly being a bit of a homebody for New Year's festivities this evening, I thought I'd take Nina's advice and put together some idealized inspiration (LOTS of sparkle, you hear?) for a fabulous NYE ensemble (or two). These dresses by one of my favourite designers, Malene Birger, are exactly what I'd want to put on if I was heading out for a night on the town this New Year's instead of my actual quiet night in.



New Year











I've gotta say 2011, you've been a pretty swell year. Great job, fun city to live in, fabulous friends - what more could a girl ask for? Although I know much more goodness awaits in 2012, so bring on the New Year!

Hope you all have a fantastic and absolutely happy night - see you all in January!

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Pretty Books


Although the tiny space of my current bachelor apartment doesn't allow for a lot of space for storage of any kind, let alone enough to house any of my numerous books (most of which are currently hiding in a certain PEI basement - thanks Mom & Dad), the perfect home library space is something that this librarian has been dreaming of for ages - makes sense right? Especially when you see cozy and pretty spaces such as the one above, or any of these or these, it's hard not to daydream a little.

Everyman's Pocket Poetry
Until I'm more settled and have my own space to finally set up a cozy home reading space, I'm content to simply purchase those items which will fill my shelves - the pretty books! I do find that books have become a bit of a design tool only - with etsy shops selling stacks of "vintage books", or designers using colourful books to provide a certain type of look that someone wants on their shelves. Personally, although I do love the aesthetic value of a book, but I also definitely want my own collection to contain items I actually am interested to read.

Penguin Hardcover Classics
 Luckily for people like me, a few different publishers are coming out with some seriously lovely looking books that also have content which a former English major and current Librarian like me will want to read and re-read. Beautiful AND smart? Yes please.

Vintage 21 - Random House
Although I have yet to add any of these lovely little tomes to my ever-growing collection of books, many of these titles would make great additions to my eventual home library, in addition to filling out my future bookshelves quite nicely. 
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Merry Christmas!

Here

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

- Isaiah 9:6



A couple of years ago I sang in a choir, and at Christmas-time we performed Handel's Messiah, which I loved. This is one of the most beautiful pieces that I utterly enjoyed singing, and it continues to be one of my favourites from the whole of the Messiah.

Here and Here
Today I am happily at home celebrating with my family, watching my sweet niece and nephew enjoy Christmas (aren't the holidays always happier with children about?) and revelling in how wonderful it is to be home on my beloved Island.

On such a festive day I thought I would take a chance to share a few of my favourite Christmas tunes and some of my Christmas-y inspiration with all of you.


I have listened to this tune sung by Nana Mouskouri every year since I can remember at Christmas, it is most definitely a favourite carol at our house.

Here and Here
I plan to spend the afternoon reading new books to my nephew, watching my favourite Christmas movie - The Muppet Christmas Carol, playing some carols on the piano and hopefully working on a puzzle with my family while sipping peppermint tea and hot chocolate.

What are some of your favourite Christmas day activities?


I don't think that this wonderful tune from The Pogues needs any introduction! It is another old favourite of mine - such a classic!


I hope your holidays are filled with joy and wonderful new memories with friends and families!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! 

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Where The Heart Is

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Here


Here
I'm leaving Ottawa today to head home to my beloved Prince Edward Island where my heart is happiest, and where family and friends will be waiting. I can't wait to settle in, sit by the fire, and share the joy of the Christmas season with my parents, my sisters and most especially my sweet niece and nephew who will be smothered in hugs the whole time I'm home, to be sure.

For those of you who are also travelling over the roads or through the air - I wish you all a safe journey! And to everyone else? I hope you have a wonderfully happy holiday weekend.

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Christmas Dress

Christmas Dress









I may be one of the only ones who puts together an outfit for the annual Christmas church service, but in my family we make a tradition of going to a service either on Christmas Eve, or this year, Christmas day.  I like to be festive for the holiday (hence my red dress and green bag)  but also keep things relatively simple and modest.  Here is what I plan on wearing this weekend  - most of these items (save the lanvin pearl cuff and the 3.1 Phillip Lim bag), or similar ones are already in my wardrobe, so I'll be packing them in my suitcase when I head off to PEI on Friday in preparation for the celebration.

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Let's Read

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Here

Freshly added to the list of art I plan to add to my growing collection are these book-themed prints from Rosie Music. She also makes sweaters from her prints, and I am admittedly tempted to pick up one of those too, not gonna lie.

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Glacial Glamour


I subscribe to a number of fashion magazines, most of which are Canadian and one of my favourites is  Flare, not just for the fact that it often showcases great Canadian style and designers, but also for some consistently great editorials, but this one from their December issue has been one of the best, in my opinion.


This wintry spread featured Korean model Hyoni Kang shot by Chris Nicholls, and styled by Flare's Fashion Director Elizabeth Cabral. There is just something so striking about these looks, even more so when juxtaposed on the sublime beauty of the mountain range - lovely.


Some of my favourite pieces from Fall 2011 were styled into the shoot - including the gorgeous plaid Thakoon parka that made my fantasy-wishlist as soon as it walked the runway, along with one of the gowns from Rodarte's prairie-inspired collection.


All that being said, I have to admit that I'm a bit of a sucker for horses featured in editorials, or just anywhere - they are so beautiful! And one of my favourite animals (other than manatees), so of course I had to share.


In other news? One week from today I will be home on PEI for the holidays! The countdown is on!


Photos via Fashion Gone Rogue

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Christmas Pins


As Christmas draws nearer, I thought I might share a few of the Christmas-y images that have been inspiring me of late. I tend to be drawn to old-fashioned and traditional decorations rather than glitzy modern ones - although I admit a little sparkle goes a long way for this girl!



Those of you following me on Pinterest may have seen a few of these images before (and you can see the rest here), but hopefully you can forgive me re-posting them here.  My apartment is extremely sparse as far as decorations go (I plead the excuse that I will be travelling home to PEI next week for the holidays), but if I was decorating for the holidays here in Ottawa, these would be a few of the decorations I'd hope to deck my humble halls with.

How are you decorating over this Christmas?

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Music Monday: A Boney M Christmas


I feel like every family has traditional Christmas music that they listen to over the holidays, and so I thought over the weeks leading up to Christmas I would share mine. The above song is from Boney M's Christmas album, which I fondly recall listening to with my family every year. It's a bit cheesy, but also fabulous. What was more wonderful was discovering this ridiculous but awesome video for one of their Christmas classics, Mary's Boy Child.

I've got to give some props to my friend Catie who was crucial in the discovery of this video, and also a part of the inspiration to share with you all, after she so kindly posted it on my fb wall.

What are your favourite Christmas songs?

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Dress to Kill



As soon as I saw this stunning editorial (via Fashion Gone Rogue) I had to share. Shot for Dress to Kill's winter issue by Max Abadian, it features Ottawa-based model, Herieth Paul (who you may remember me posting about here). 


I am always delighted to see this hometown girl featured anywhere from the runways in Ottawa, Toronto, or New York City to editorials and more - She is a total beauty whose star is most definitely still on the rise.


Check out the rest of this flawless editorial here.
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Cover Art


L'Infinito
 It's been a while since one of my more decidedly book-related posts, but whenI discovered the amazing art of Philip Smith via a post by Elle Magazine on exceptional design of all kinds (worth checking out, by the way), I knew I had to share it. As soon as I saw the beautiful book cover they showcased, I had to learn more and immediately sought out his website, where I eagerly flipped through the images of his amazing creations.
Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm

I really can't get over the amazing detail - every inch has something special and interesting to look at, be it a texture, colour, or picture within a picture. Each cover is such an interesting (not to mention beautiful) representation of the story found within its pages.


Finnigan's Wake


At the library I work at, we actually have our own bindery where a number of the volumes that are included in our collection are made by hand. When I started here, I took a tour of the bindery where our bookbinders showed us and told us about their process - from the unique papers and leathers that make up the binding to the gold leaf letters hand-pressed onto the spine of each volume. Needless to say, I was pretty impressed. After that experience, I can only imagine the expert hand and time it must have taken to bring each of these beautiful bindings to life.

The Four Gospels

These four covers were a few of my favourites, but if you are interested in seeing more, take a look at this gallery of book covers by Philip Smith here.


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Fair Isle

Fair Isle



I've always associated the Fair Isle (or in this case Fair Isle inspired) sweater with winter - with sleigh rides, ski hills, hot chocolate and cozy nights by the fire. I'm not sure if that's what the folk who have been knitting these beauties for centuries had in mind for their sweaters, but I like to think so.

The traditional Fair Isle style has been cropping up more than usual lately, perhaps brought back to the forefront by D&G's wintry wonderland of a Fall 2010 collection. If the designer versions are your cup of tea, you can find a good selection here, but I for one am happy to find that my go-to shop, Joe Fresh has a number of Fair Isle-inspired sweaters among their offerings for winter (my choice? Probably the red one, left). I'm looking forward to picking one up and wearing it while sipping cocoa by the fireplace at home over the holidays.


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Show a Little Love

Not too long ago the lovely Leah of Little Red Purse featured Lot 65 along with a few other blogs who all have a smaller following but were, as she kindly thought, worth checking out. Although I appreciate (but tend not to pass on) blog awards, I do think this kind of showing support for fellow bloggers in an online community plays a big part of what motivates me to continue to enjoy blogging so much. Based on Leah's lovely feature, I was inspired to share a few of my favourite Canadian blogs that you may not have discovered yet that are well worth a follow.


First among these is obviously Leah herself! I first came across her blog after she left the sweetest comment on one of my posts about resolutions for the year, and I'm so glad I did. She posts on personal style - although since she's getting married in a few short months you'll find some wedding inspired posts on her blog as well. I sadly didn't get the chance to meet her at LG Fashion week this fall, but hoping to next time round - she is a total sweetheart! Leah and I have actually traded buttons for the month too - be sure to check her out!


Danielle of Denj is a name you may have come across before (particularly here during my most recent giveaway!). Not only does this lovely lady have impeccable style, but she also makes absolutely beautiful silk scarves and bracelets. I have one already (with another on order!) and get constant compliments whenever I wear it (check out her shop here). We had a brief chat when I was last in Toronto and I can tell you - she is lovely! Hoping that she Leah and I can have a blogger shopping trip next time I'm in town.


Sarah of Girl Crush is based in Vancouver although she's a transplant from here in Ontario. I discovered her blog through Danielle of Denj and totally relate to her classically pretty aesthetic. In addition to discovering Sarah's personal style- you'll also find her favourite recipes, which the baker in me definitely enjoys too! Take a look, you won't be disappointed.


You may remember Kristin of Doll Parade from her guest post that she contributed while I was sunning myself on the shores of North Carolina this past spring. She's a fellow Maritimer and is one of a growing number of fantastic bloggers based out of New Brunswick. She has a fantastic and constantly inspiring fashion sense, and in addition to sharing her personal style incorporates beautifully photographed details of her daily life into Love Chronicles each week - a favourite feature of mine.


Moving back out west, I have to mention Ashley of Lions Lace Lattes. Not only is she seriously smart (Psych and neuroscience anyone?), but she also happens to have a fabulous sense of style, and frequently showcases the beauty of a province I (sadly) have never seen in magnificent settings for her photos.


Last but certainly not least on my list of blogs worth checking out is another New Brunswick blogger who I've relatively recently discovered (via her friends Kristin and Kate), Candice of Brilliant Sugar. She's new to the blogging scene, but even since her debut has consistently been one of my favourite reads. This is partly due to  her simple but always chic style, but also due to her decidedly yummy recipes that she frequently shares. One I definitely want to try? These tasty-looking cupcakes!

I hope that you show these ladies a little love - check out their blogs and see what you think! They are all well worth following along, in my humble opinion.

P.S. If you have any recommendations for new blogs to check out, I'm all ears! I'm always looking for new sources of inspiration!

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