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

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)

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.

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}

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.

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.

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

The novelty of leaving my job has passed, and the tough slogging early on has begun to bear fruit.  Slowly, the business is starting to take shape and my confidence is growing.  I’ve settled into a comfortable pace, and know now that the downs are always followed by ups.  In fact, they’re usually a sign of an important development!    Obstacles are easier to identify, and increasingly, I find myself able to embrace where I am instead of worry about where I should be.  It’s  not always easy, but being in business has turned out to be both enlightening and deeply rewarding.

Interestingly, as an employee, I was always acutely aware of time.  I could never seem to escape the feeling that I was wasting it working on stuff that was slow to change, and I feared it was going to run out too soon – before I had the time to do what I wanted to do.  I selfishly hoarded those rare spare moments that happened to come my way, and always craved more. 

Now, things are different.  Now, my days are spent productively turning my dreams into reality, and finally, time is on my side.

The past is just the past – savoured instead of squandered – and the present is almost always about  doing what I want to do.  Most significantly though, the future – while impossible to predict – is more markedly under my influence than it has ever been before.   Often, I find myself feeling like I have nothing else but time – and let me tell you – choosing how best to use it can definitely be daunting.  It’s also downright empowering. 

So what does this all of this mean?  Well, for one thing, I’m perceiving progress.  I’m actually going forward instead of spinning my wheels, and I’m having fun.   Living this way is profoundly satisfying rather than selfish, and my happiness begets benefits far beyond the obvious grin I wear so much more than before. Oh, and as if the smile wasn’t enough, this girlaboutOtown is also stopping to smell more roses these days, and enjoying the randomness of life as much as someone pursuing a master plan can!

So, how about a roundup of random stops I’ve made in the last little while?  To smell the roses, of course…

Image source.

Lunch at Absinthe Cafe at 1208 Wellington.  Hot day outdoors, cool indoors.  Stylish surroundings and great service.    Tuna Nicoise.  Simple.  Fresh.  Divinely delish.   Need I say more?

Image via Umi Café.

Iced Tea at the Umi Café at 610 Somerset West.  While I didn’t stay long, I was lucky enough to experience a truly great conversation in this community-oriented coffee house chock full of local character(s).   This is a café that takes culture seriously, and clearly, a place people return to regularly.  Count me in again.

Photos by me.

I went to Ombrella Pizza Cone at 527 Bronson Ave., home of Ottawa’s latest culinary craze, and tried the Pizza Cone.  Yes, I did.  It’s exactly as it sounds.  Call it a snack or make it a meal, but it comes in the form of a cone.  Curious?  Why not stop by and decide for yourself if the Pizza Cone is here to stay… 

Nope.  No new shoes or books or music for me!  Not this year!  Just a beat up rattan love seat  found on Kijiji, my favourite online-classified listing.    What can I say?  It is a perfect fit for the front porch, and will definitely provide a great spot in the shade to read and relax. 

However, as is usually the case with the furniture I rescue, this pretty piece was in desperate shape.  My plan was to put it on the pile in the basement, with the rest of my pipe dreams, and to tackle it at some point in the future when I could find the time.   

Now I know you have heard this before, but it does bear repeating.  My ‘found furniture’ pile in the basement is utterly unruly, and has become a bit of an embarrassment.  The fella has always been patient with me, but has recently expressed a distinct preference for purging instead of purchasing more pieces.  So imagine my surprise when this time, the fella came forward with the different take on the inevitable wait:

“Why don’t we just get it done?” he inquired quite reasonably. “Why drag it downstairs with the rest of the junk, when we might actually enjoy sitting on it out front?”

Well of course, I agreed. He was offering to help me!  Who wouldn’t jump on the opportunity?  We promptly hopped in the car and quickly zipped to over to the fabric store, where we happened upon a selection textiles treated for the out-of-doors. They were even on sale!

Together, we chose the colour and then guessed the amount of fabric we would need. With closing time about to arrive, our decisions were probably made too hastily, but we were determined to “get it done”!  Once home again, we whipped out our scissors and started sewing, emboldened by our new attitude.  Unfortunately, we were forced to stop when the machine broke, but by then we had made plenty of progress.  It was clear we would be sitting and sipping wine soon on our newly revived sofa!   

Anyway, fast forward just a few short weeks.  This girlaboutOtown did get around to fixing the machine and finishing the furniture flip off.   Once the doggie damage and upholstery had been dealt with, the  real fun began!  Sometimes, spending a Saturday spray painting can have smashing results…

BOLO, as its known, is where bloggers step out from behind their screens, take to the stage and read something they’ve written.   While those who blog may share their lives online, getting up in front of a group is another matter, and it’s not for the faint of heart.    I have always admired those who manage to “appear” at ease, and was inspired by those bloggers who braved the crowd last year. 

Organized by Lynn of Turtlehead,  BOLO Round Two takes place tonight at 7pm at Irene’s Pub in the Glebe and features quite the line-up of local interweb enthusiasts.   Lynn even went to so far as to write up several very kind profile posts to preview who we’ll be listening to. 

Aside from the short stint on stage, I’m looking forward to seeing those bloggers I’ve come to know, and to meeting many more.  Blogging has become a big part of my life, and an opportunity hang out and hear the insights and anecdotes of other bloggers can’t be overlooked.

Anyway, the venue is a bigger this year, but I hope the audience remains well behaved.  They were an exceptionally friendly bunch last year, but tonight, there will be more beer.  Wish me luck.