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.

         -Henry David Thoreau, American Essayist, Poet & Philosopher

This quote is in part the inspiration behind my blog.

Two years ago, this girlaboutOtown wrote her first post after going out with a few very good girlfriends to see Sex and the City, The Movie on opening night.   I mused about the supply of and demand for cool in Canada’s capital city, and concluded that Ottawa women were more than capable of supplying some serious style.  It was a shot in the dark – quite literally – and I had no idea where it would all lead.

At the time, I had decided to blog because I needed a creative outlet, and because I wasn’t convinced that my life here in OTown was all that it could be.   Along the road to responsible adulthood, I had missed a few steps, and I guess I was desperately seeking something new.  Among other things, I found myself day dreaming regularly about nights out at the theatre, restaurant meals and swanky parties – and I wondered whether I ever stood a chance.  Perhaps this girlaboutOtown was under the influence of too many magazines, but I was bored – in a city famous for being boring. 

So, I set out to make change for myself – by noting it around me.  While I felt far from courageous, I made it my mission to find others who were.  I went out of my way to do things I hadn’t done, and whenever I encountered fun, fashion or a fresh attitude, I’d share it in writing with the few of you who were following.   At first, it was hard, but very soon I found myself celebrating the very same city I had once berated, and all because of this blog.

Fast forward to now.  OTown is a-Twitter with talk of  last night’s advanced screening of Sex and the City 2.  Despite a few offers to attend, this girlaboutOtown was otherwise occupied at an event I never would have even known about way back when I was bitter and bored.  Here I was on a Wednesday night, decked out in my finest for an evening of genuine glamour, followed by low-key (but lovely) dinner for two on Preston Street.  Who could have imagined!?

While hordes of women whooped it up all over town, the fella and I “dressed to intrigue” at a downtown viewing of Halston Heritage 2010 Spring Collection, available in Canada only at The Bay.  Halston Heritage is a new diffusion clothing line from Halston, founded by legendary American fashion designer  Roy Halston Frowick.  Famous for glamour, sex- appeal and ease,  Halston clothes are synonymous with the iconic looks of the 1970’s.

Halston circa 1977, via Media Bistro

The Heritage Collection – launched under the direction of Chief Creative Officer Sarah Jessica Parker – offers a contemporary take on these classic 70’s styles.  The shapes in this latest collection are fluid, the lines soft, the colours clear and they drape effortlessly.  And, of course, one or two pieces do make an appearance in the latest Sex and the City 2 movie, which opens in theatres everywhere today.  

If you – like me – missed the movie last night, and have imagined life a little bit less boring, why not plan to go out next Thursday, June 3 for an evening of glitzy do-gooding?  Girls all over Ottawa will be getting together in support of the Weekend to End Women’s Cancer, and as usual, supplying more than their fair share of style.  Maybe I’ll see you there…

Wendy was a marvel!  We all sought her wise counsel, and she offered all kinds of amazing insight and interesting options to help each of us dress our best.  I’m still hearing how she managed to enlighten many of you, and how easy she was to work with, so a big thank you goes to Wendy too. 

Anyway, the next afternoon Wendy also came over to my house to provide a bit more of her most welcome advice.  Together, we “Shopped my Closet”, and assembled all sorts of new outfits from stuff I was already storing in my wardrobe.  With skill and sensitivity, Wendy pulled out pieces I would never have put together, and then suggested I try them on for size.  Sure enough, these clever combinations were definitely successful, and all of sudden I was seeing possibilities I had previously missed.  Talk about cheap and chic!

Wendy’s highly strategic system builds from the bottom up and incorporates the separates you already own to suit a variety of professional or social settings.  By mixing in layers and adding shoes and accessories, the ensembles she created will carry me stress free for way more than 30 days!  I confess too, that we only touched on a small corner of my closet, focusing most on spring and summer wear.  There is still plenty of room to explore.  Best of all, Wendy trained my eye to see my most flattering shapes, recommended a few alterations, and left behind a set of  ’style instructions’  so I can be super-smart the next time I go shopping.

Speaking of which…

It seems that my current selection of outfits – enhanced of course by the additional options suggested by Wendy- is sufficient.  So, if I were to need an excuse to go searching through the stores, there are apparently a few gaps in my wardrobe that could use filling.  Specifically, I’m suffering from a shortage of boring.  Who knew? Basics like loose and less casual layering pieces or solid colour shoes are absent from the assortment of clothes I’ve accumulated, so if I should find myself at the mall, I’m to focus on a few bits and pieces like these… 

TOPS: Silk-satin blouse by Fendi via The Outnet.com, Jersey Cowl Neck via Old Navy, Grecian Jersey Top via Old Navy, Ruffle Blouse by Anna Molinari via The Outnet.com.

SHOES:  Navy Patent Spectator Pumps by Kate Spade via Zappos Couture, Nude leather pumps by Christian Louboutin via Net-a-Porter, Faux Snakeskin by Calvin Klein via Gravity Pope, Nude Mary Jane Pumps by Kenneth Cole via Gravity Pope.

If you haven’t been paying attention, you might have missed Ottawa’s fledgling fashion scene.  Still in its infancy, and not without a few growing pains, a dedicated few remain determined to put OTown squarely on the style map.  While we do still have some sorting out to do, these local fashion weeks (there are two?!) give designers a chance to showcase their work to potential buyers, while stylists and models hone their skills, and organizers do their damndest to deliver popular and professional events.  All of this topped off by a bunch of evening after parties, what is not to like about some hometown glamour and fun?

I, for one, am holding out hope that our fashion folk succeed, since we’ll be needing a serious dose of style to go with our newfound swagger!   

Top photos via Jana  Hanzel, and bottom photos via Rachel Sin from previous collections.

In the line-up are Ottawa-area designers:

• Karine Eyamie, the designer behind the Mizdragonfly line of vintage-chic handmade jewelry that has been spotted on some of Canada’s classiest red carpets.
• Jana Hanzel who graduated from Richard Robinson’s Academy of Fashion Design in 2008, and who continues her association as a teacher.
• Architect Rachel Sin who considers fashion design an additional channel for her creativity, and whose pieces are available in Ottawa at Schad on Sussex Dr. 

For more information about the schedule or to purchase tickets , visit the Ottawa Fashion Week live site here.

First, the floors.  Phew.  Shiny, white, marble floors.  Whoa!

Then, the layout.  Opened way up on the lower floor, the flow is just plain better for those who need to circulate (ie: staff), and enhances the view through the space. 

Finally of course, the furniture.  In addition to the cutting edge in contemporary design, many of the  most recognizable modern classics (real and/or reproduction) including my favourite the Eames lounge chair, the neat Nelson bench, and the timeless Saarinen tulip table were on display, for customers who need to touch, see and try before they buy.  Oh, and it looks like there may be a few things on sale…

Thanks to @JenniferCross of Phillip Van Leeuwen for her kind invitation, to Samantha @starfishevents for taking care of the details, and to Shakira @LittleCakes bakery for the sublime carrot cupcake with cream cheese icing!

Yup.  It’s true, from time to time I too fall victim to Friday afternoon fun and frivolity. 

Today, it was fashion news from my inbox that got the better of me.  “Final Sale!” it declared from J.Crew, so I stopped in to take a quick look…

Window-shopping only for this bootstrapping businessperson, but what is the harm in a little wishful thinking? 

Besides, a few beautiful basics like these would be a wise investment, wouldn’t they?

Stretch Wool Olive Dress, Perfect Pencil Skirt,  Wool Cashmere Station Coat, Tulle Tiered Blouse, Cashmere V-Neck Sweater  and Joley Pearlized Patent Peep-Toes.

This is not the first time I’ve been enlisted as her style coach, but it is the first time she’s been in the market for maternity clothes, so of course I was glad to go along.  Those days are long past for me, but having been through the experience, the thought of going with her to help was definitely worth a giggle.  

You see, this very smart and sophisticated friend of mine is still just a wee bit in denial.  She – like me back when – can’t quite fathom life with a little one, nor can she imagine her circumference in just a few short months from now!  At this stage though, it’s just one step at a time, and her regular clothes just weren’t cutting it anymore. 

After a week of missed connections, this was the message I received last Friday in my inbox.  I quote:

“I don’t want to harass you about shopping, but I am going to have to put
something on my body soon.”

If these aren’t the words of someone ready to spend, I don’t know what are!

Back in my day, all of seven years ago, there weren’t any options at all.   I had a “big” job and needed to look professional, but the best I could do were some mail order Gap pants, a few good quality men’s button-downs from the thrift store, and a blazer or two left wide open in a feeble attempt to tame the unavoidable tent effect.  According to witnesses at the time, I somehow managed to pull it off with “a glow”, but trust me when I say it wasn’t much fun getting dressed every day.

Fast forward to this past weekend.  WOW!

With one swift Internet search, we turned up a variety of maternity shopping options, but none so sweet as HauteMama.   This Canadian online retailer offers wonderful, wearable and stylish apparel for those currently expecting, and caters to local customers with a by-appointment-only boutique located in Kanata.  Established four years ago (yup, you do the math) by mother-daughter team Suzanne and Shannon, HauteMama is exactly the kind of place to take the uninitiated for their first foray.  

Suzanne’s patient good humour, her stellar sensitivity and her undeniable expertise made for a fabulously fun experience.  The store provided an excellent selection of both casual and professional clothes, even some at sale price, so my friend finished all her shopping in one fell swoop.  Success!  She has happily reported since, and I quote:

“By the way, I have the purple shirt with jacket and wide leg pants on today. I look really, really good!”

I’m pretty sure you can appreciate the feeling, pregnant or not! 

To shop online or to book an appointment, visit HauteMama.

HauteMama is moderate to expensive, and carries maternity clothing from BOOB, Hatch Maternity, and  MoodyMamas among others.

Photos by Nathasha Moine, via HauteMama.

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t lack imagination.  In my wildest dreams, I would be driving a vintage Mustang convertible (in biodiesel, of course).    The top would be down, the seats would be back, and the wind would be whipping through my hair.  There would be no trash pile in the back seat, no toys floating freely on the floor, and snow tires would not be necessary at all.

Image source

Alas, real life requires a more practical approach, and I’m currently in the market for a new car.  This means I must take time away from more pleasurable pursuits to compare features, count beans, and test drive.  Yuck. 

The heap I drive now was acquired when I wasn’t sure what the future held, and when the lowest price was my law.  They were tricky times, and I chose cheap.  I know better now, because I’ve spent more time at the gas pump than any one person should, and because the car’s maker narrowly escaped a bitter end earlier this year.  Lucky for me it’s a low-interest lease, so back to the lot it goes…

This time around, I would like to do better.  This time around, fuel efficiency comes first and quality counts, despite my deep-seated resentment regarding the expense.  Such careful assessment is onerous though, because I am also considering the personal statement a car makes.  Rightly or wrongly, I realize now assumptions are made, and this girlaboutOtown want to make sure she’s saying something as smart as it is sassy.

Having tried a few cars in the compact category in an effort to find the right fit, nothing so far has met my not-so-crazy criteria.  Am I asking too much to be in the market for:

• extremely good gas mileage,
• reliability & longevity, 
• value retention,
• attractive design,
• sufficient space for found furniture,
• fun to drive; and 
• a reasonable price?

Oh, and don’t forget the tunes, of course!

I suppose the same could be said of me.   I need to make mistakes in order to learn lessons, and the bigger the mistake the more important the lesson.  I never seem to know when I’m making them, but every one has led me somewhere better.  

This is why I have begun to appreciate my mistakes.  Rather than resist their repercussions, I try to embrace each one as an enlightening opportunity to delve deeper, understand better and move myself forward.  The tough part of course, is surviving the initial sting!

Rewind to last week’s lighting class.  The assignment was to put together a lighting plan for a beautiful new build in the country, and to identify ambient, task and accent sources.  Our intrepid instructor, a stickler for smart switching, was clear on his instructions.   “Consider the effect of the light first”, he said astutely, “and worry about the look of the fixture later”.

So, what did I do?  I got carried away.  I whipped off a plan I thought was wonderful, and went too quickly through the details.  I was whisked away by my imagination, dove right into the decorating, and didn’t heed the wise advice of the lighting specialist. 

Alabaster Rocks! Dakota Two Tier Chandelier by Justice Design, via Lumens.com.

Fast forward to presentation time.  With fancy pictures and a pleasant smile, I set about describing my stunning design vision.  I elaborated on the site, expounded about the fictitious clients, and explained to my entire class that as a decorator, “I just couldn’t overlook the chance to make a stylish statement” with a striking light.

Well, talk about a sting!

My plan featured a few beautiful and very bold statements, but I had failed to check on the effect of the light!  I had selected five fabulous looking chandeliers for the dramatic space, each requiring twenty-one (yup, that’s 21) 60 Watt bulbs, and created nothing less than a fantastic fire hazard.  I had been hoping to achieve an attractive homey glow, but instead designed the world’s best decorated grow house, complete with coordinating fixtures for every room…

Lesson learned.  Logged in.  Locked up.

DESIGN IS IN THE DETAILS.

Then, I knew.  Now?  I understand!

For lovely lighting right here in Ottawa, check out these local sources:

Lola & Gigi is a Toronto-based web boutique that caters to women sized 12 and above.  Launched in 2007 by Laura Caravaggio, who was frustrated with the fashion options available for curvy women, Lola & Gigi has been generating buzz ever since.  Caravaggio’s collection of quality designer clothing has been featured on the pages of People, Glow and Lou Lou magazines and has been handpicked to flatter curvaceous figures. 

So, if you want to feel fabulous no matter what your shape or size, why not stop in and see if you can find that perfect pair of jeans, some work wear, or even a great new dress?

Check out Lola & Gigi to RSVP, and see for yourself if any of Caravaggio’s  designer clothing would be suitable for you!