Girl About O-Town

This time of year, I can’t help but catch shopping fever.  With the September magazines arriving regularly in my mailbox, and my blog reader filled to the brim with 2010 trends, I always seem to find myself making a list of wishes.

Even though the hot weather seems to have returned for now, it is fall after all, and it won’t be long until we’re sporting sweaters and boots.  In order to avoid shopaholic status, I try to stay focused on a few smart pieces that will build on those I’ve purchased in the past.  The idea is to incorporate the trends in a way that will work for the long term.

You too may have noticed a nostalgic return to the subtle and sexy silhouettes of the 50’s and 60’s, a new emphasis on classic colours like camel, and a number of strong references to military chic.   This is great news for those seeking to express individual style, as these solid pieces will serve well over time, but are also easily personalized.  Whether splurging or searching the thrift store racks, why not take this season to stock up on some great basics (other than black)!

So, when I’m out and about with a wee bit of time, here are a few things I hope to find:

1. Michael Kors Houndstooth Wool Sheath, via The Outnet   2. Donna Karan Double-Breasted Pea Coat, via Net-A-Porter 3.  Brompton Hobo, J.Crew  4. Croc Platform Pumps, Talbots

1. Black Sequined Top, Cheap and Chic by Moschino, via the Outnet  2.  Gray Wool-Boucle Pencil Skirt by Moschino, via Net-a-Porter  3. Isharya Moonbeam Chandelier Earrings, via Net-a-Porter  4. Elie Tahari Audrey Boot, via Zappos

1. Plaid Western tunic, Old Navy  2.  Double Studded Belt, J.Crew  3.  Vanessa Ankle Boots by Modern Vintage @ Gravity Pope  4.  Cargo Pants, Joe Fresh

While this girlaboutOtown has been keeping ’summer hours’ in terms of writing, I haven’t slowed down with my blog reading.  I even managed to get through a backlog of pretty picture-filled posts I had been saving up for a treat.  Funny how a week or two at the lake can really refresh…

Anyway, as is usually the case, my more leisurely wandering along the information superhighway led to a host of new discoveries – accompanied of course – by the requisite re-jig of my blog reader.  There is just so much out there to explore in the online universe, I often ramble way off the beaten track.  But when I return to familiar territory, there are always a number of new local destinations to add to the my list of ‘must read’ feeds.

So that you might add them to your blog reader too, here are the latest few:

Ottawa Start Blog – I can’t imagine there is anyone in Ottawa who hasn’t been to OttawaStart, an independently-run website that consolidates community information better than just about anywhere else.  Launched back in the early days of the Internet (1998) by then-student Glen Gower, this site has come a very long way over the years.  From its start as a single page of links to its present day state – with a steady stream of local news, exhaustive list of interesting events, and the blog (beginning in 2006) – OttawaStart has become the one-stop spot for all things Ottawa-related. 

Lately though, the folks at OttawaStart have upped their game even more, by streamlining their design and engaging more actively in Ottawa’s evolving social media scene.  The Ottawa Start Blog is updated quite frequently, and features fun, relevant content that is sure to increase your awareness of what’s happening around town.  With photos, guest bloggers, and a regular round-up of interesting tidbits, this feed has definitely found its groove! 

Oh, and you can find them Twittering too!

Proprpostur -  Holy smokes!  Spencer Edwards is something special.  This young man has some serious sartorial talent, an amazing eye for everyday street style, and an uncanny way with a camera.  Oh, and it seems he’s a student and a dancer too, which suggests to me his future will be very bright indeed.   He seems destined to become an outstanding creative director of some kind, soon.

In response to a very subtle Twitter hint one day, I stopped in to check out his site – Proprpostur – and was spellbound for quite awhile.   This eclectic mix of photographs, fashion, music, musings and inspiration is nothing short of fascinating, and I found myself checking twice to make sure I was really reading someone from around here!   This blog is edgy and urban, but somehow manages to be just a touch nostalgic at the same time.  While Spencer clearly has a healthy respect for history, he is definitely looking forward.   Be warned though, Proprpostur can be addictive.  

You can follow Spencer on Twitter @ProprPostur or subscribe to his Tumblr here.

{Image via  Proprpostur} 

@OttawaStyle – Speaking of style, it seems there is another bright light that has recently begun to burn, this time over at Ottawa Life Magazine.  Fashion & Lifestyle Editor, Alexandra Gunn has taken the place by storm, and this girl has got it going on!  In addition to the blog launched this summer on the Ottawa Life Magazine’s website, she has been firing off a frenzy of fashion news three times a day to a growing number of fans on her new Facebook page.  

Ms. Gunn obviously loves her gig, and is doing everything she can to make a go of it.  She must get every monthly fashion magazine there is  (internationally speaking, of course) and thanks to her generous nature,  followers like me get to see gorgeous editorial spreads, read all about the latest trends and even ask Alex for sartorial advice. 

Find the fabulous Ms. Gunn on Twitter, at @ottawastyle.

{Image via OttawaLifeStyle on Facebook)

While wandering through the Byward Market a few weeks back, the fella and I stumbled upon Funk Your Junk, an eclectic boutique offering an array of found treasures, retro clothing and upcycled pieces.  Unable to resist the appeal of “funky junk”, this girlaboutOtown insisted we stop in to check out the shop, despite the fact it was nearly closing time.

Once inside, we perused the carefully curated collection of clothing, jewellery and shoes, while chatting it up with owners and fellow junk-aholics Henri and Angie.  These are two are super-enthused – to say the least – about their main mission, which is to create smiles and encourage joyful, fashionable reuse.  Oh, and they’re really friendly too!

Not only to they sell their selection of second-hand finds, they also offer an interesting variety of hand-made and repurposed-goods, as well as music from local bands they’ve discovered and feel like sharing with shoppers.  Like any shop of this nature, it may take more than one visit to find just the right thing, but the prices are good and the vibe relaxed enough to encourage your return.  It’s the kind of place you can linger without feeling as though you may have overstayed your welcome.      The real story at Funk Your Junk is behind the scenes though.  These two corporate escapees do more than just sell their wares.  Henri and Angie also round up previously worn suits and other business clothes to share with those who need them most in their Suited for Success program.  Working with the United Way Ottawa to identify beneficiaries for this little bit of extra help, these two store owners show us all just how far a good suit can go.   Read a couple of compelling client testimonials here.

To shop for some stylin’ upcycled goods, or to learn more about how to donate your gently used suits, stop in yourself and say hello at Funk Your Junk, 110 Parent St., at Murray.

Photo of Henri & Angie via Funk Your Junk, shop photos by me.

Just like you, this girlaboutOtown gets a lot of email. 

Barristers insisting I return their communication or risk losing an estate that is my birthright contact me quite frequently, and oddly, I seem to be on a winning streak lately, having won several lotteries as well!  Indeed, the solicitations and requests that arrive in my inbox are often downright outrageous.

That said, I am also the very fortunate recipient of genuine generosity, newsworthy notes, and some really interesting invitations.  These messages are intended to inform me so that I – in turn – might inform you, the real live readers of girlaboutOtown.  Sometimes, I’m organized enough to write up a post in advance, and sometimes I get myself out to an event so I can share the experience, but far too often these interesting invitations just linger in my inbox until they are no longer relevant.

“I should really find a way to post these”, I’ve been thinking to myself, and today I decided to do just that.  While I’ve resisted the notion of becoming a blog that  simply lists events rather than reflects on them, I just can’t be everywhere all of the time.  Also, I can be selective about what gets published.  So, from here on in, when something super sweet or truly special arrives in my inbox, I will do my best to pass it along in a timely manner.

And, it just so happens that a message arrived yesterday that fits this description. 

Doesn’t this sound delightful?

“Voice of the Turtle” just opened at the Studio Theatre in Perth, Ontario (just outside of Ottawa) as part of The Classic Theatre Festival.  It is a beautiful and tender romance set in 1940’s New York, with fabulous music and stylish costumes…

…Perth also makes a lovely day trip; beautiful Stewart Park is perfect for picnics, great restaurants, antique shops, and a farmer’s market on Saturdays. 

What do you think?  Wouldn’t it be great to make the trip, enjoy a gorgeous town and take in some very high caliber professional theatre? 

“Voice of a Turtle” runs August 6 to 29, Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8pm, with Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday matinees at 2pm.  Performances take place at the Studio Theatre at 63 Gore St. E. in Perth.

For more information, visit the Classic Theatre Festival.

{Production photos via The Classic Theatre Festival}

The countdown is on.  Only one more week to wait.

Cherry Pie, Ottawa’s most anticipated networking event for women entrepreneurs, will be upon us again soon.  Next Tuesday, Aug. 17th to be specific.  

This time, the party takes place downtown at the SOMA SPA on Sussex Dr., and one quick peek here suggests this stylish space is sure to be a spectacular venue.  Featuring the products and services of a select group of “Ottawa’s freshest businesswomen”, Cherry Pie isn’t just your average promotional show.  Instead, it’s a frenzy of girly fun, complete with shopping, food and fabulous cocktails.  Consider it more of a ‘free-for-all’ for any female who finds herself somewhere in the process of birthing a business.  Bring your ideas, your calling cards and your friends and be ready to meet your next client or collaborator. 

For those of you who don’t yet know, all it takes is a quick email to organizer extraordinaire Catherine Landry to get on the guest list. 

Contact Catherine at catherineknows@videotron.ca.

When I started writing this, the sun was shining and there was a gentle breeze coming across the lake.  It was almost silent, except for the slight ripples lapping up against the shore, the  creak of the floating dock, and the occasional piercing song of the cicada.  For obvious reasons, I didn’t finish.

A week or so ago, I snuck away from the city to enjoy summer as it is meant to be enjoyed, and I just returned today.  While I did try writing several times,  I was invariably pulled offline – seduced by something simpler (or sweeter).   This year, I savoured every moment at the lake, and as I made my way back, I couldn’t help but ponder what made this trip such a success. 

I suppose it could have been the unexpectedly long stay, or the fabulous weather, or the time I got to spend with loved ones, but really I think there were many more than just a few key ingredients.

So, without further ado, here is my secret recipe for this year’s summer vacation.  Here’s hoping yours turned out as smashing as mine!

• One  bicycle ride around the lake (ok. Just one, I know, but my bum hurt.  There is a reason some seats are more expensive!)
• A stack of of magazines to read
• My statement sun hat
• My suitable swimsuit
• A totally cool tunic topper
• One new tube of glimmery gloss
• Tons of late afternoon dock time 
• At least one super-fun furniture finding mission
• A few of games of tennis
• One finished fall fashion wish list
• A summer blockbuster at the world’s wackiest theatre
• Space to cut & paste my tear sheets outside
• Too many sweet treats to admit
• One fancy grilled salmon on a cedar plank
• Several summer cocktails, including a few Gin & Tonics, Coronas with Lime, and a glass or two of my new favourite, the 2009 Ladybug Rosé by Malivoire.

Image sources: Bike, Tennis Racket, Swimsuit, Statement Sun Hat, Tunic, 2009 Ladybug Rosé, Gin &  Tonic, Corona with Lime, Magazines, Smashbox Lipgloss, Grilled Salmon on a Cedar Plank, and Peach Pie.

I don’t know about you, but summertime makes me hungry. 

The seasonal food is downright fabulous, and I have way too many favourites.  They’re fresh.  They’re sweet.  They’re delicious to eat.   My only problem is knowing when to stop!  

Anyway, in addition to so much good fresh food, summer is definitely the best time to dine al fresco.  Awhile back, while gift shopping for a special occasion, I was delighted to find a gorgeous selection of sophisticated serving ware at none other than Ten Thousand Villages.   Inspired by an old tear sheet I had tucked away, I decided to set myself the perfect summer table, fair trade style.

Can you imagine a dinner outside this divine? 

1. Recycled Glass & Palm Fibre Pitcher  2.  Recycled Glass & Palm Fibre Glasses  3.  Mango Wood Platform Bowl  4.  Ceramic Cream & Sugar Set  5.  Metal Cutwork Candleholder  6.  Block Print Blue Cotton Napkins  7. Daisy & Vine Serving Dish  8. Block Print Blue Cotton Table Cloth