Here, for you, are a few of the latest and greatest to check out…

Adorn Inc. – Adorn Inc., is a delightful blog done by local freelance writer April Overall. Sharing mostly images and inspiration, April comes across some of the most pleasing pictures and products out there on the Internet.

Thriftkitty – This recent addition to Ottawa’s blogging scene offers readers quirky, crafty insight into the joys and triumphs of thrift shopping right here at home and out there on the Information Superhighway. With passion and zeal, Thriftkitty occasionally reveals her secrets and steals, but given her intermittent posts – this girlaboutOtown suspects she would rather be shopping!

OttawaDiva – This brand new blog – started just in the last week or so – has been brought to life based on the notion that Ottawa needs to embrace bolder attitude. Brace yourself. The Ottawa Diva does not mince words.

Apartment613 – Also new to Ottawa’s burgeoning blog scene, Apartment 613 is a very clever, very cool site covering everything from neighbourhoods and city news to books and brunch. Regularly updated, and featuring a handy weekly wrap up, this one site is definitely worth watching.

Spins and Needles –Ottawa’s creative types have been convening regularly at The Spins & Needles Craft and DJ night since 2005. This convergence of craft and community is always enjoyably enhanced with spun sounds and spirits. Now, the “crafty half” of Spins and Needles – co-founder Melanie Yugo, shares some “spin off stuff” with readers of her recently started blog.

Designing Ottawa – Maria Cook from the Ottawa Citizen is to be commended. Finally, someone is talking about architecture, public space and urban design with insight and intelligence that applies right here in Ottawa.  If you were following the Lansdowne Park/Kanata Soccer Stadium debate, you should not have missed Maria’s contribution.

Modern Ottawa – Launched just since January, interior designer Marie-Judith Jean-Louis’s blog about local modern design is definitely something different for Ottawa. Take a peek inside some of the city’s most contemporary spaces, learn about the fundamentals of urban design, or even consider some of her constructive – but kind – criticism of Ottawa’s most recent Home and Garden Show.

Design Ties – Kelly, of Jax Decor & Design in Ottawa, and her co-conspirator Victoria of EdinDesign Interiors in New Westminister, B.C., are each building business in the design field. Blogging about all things home & garden related with enthusiasm and energy, it is nice to see some more local content in the design and decorating domain.

Whimsy.  Wit.   Style.   All in a trip to the thrift shop…

When the time is right, these babies are going to meet a can of glossy white spray paint, inspired by a few pricier versions below.  

Owl lamps from Urban Outfitters & Anthropologie.

This has taken me awhile, it’s true.  It may even have taken me too long, but what the heck.  It was fun.  I took some time and really thought about it a lot.  Turns out, I had a really tough time narrowing it down. 

So, to those of my fellow bloggers on the list below, no rush…it’s tougher than it looks! 

Decorate it Darling

ThriftKitty

Youth League and the Spies

Victoire

Lake Jane

Ottawa Arts Blog

1.  Lists:

I love lists.  I am constantly making them.  It’s almost as if they’re my most effective means of self-expression. They’re quick and easy to do, they don’t need to be perfect and they provide a sense of deep satisfaction – both in writing them and in crossing them off!  I make them on the back of envelopes, on the refrigerator, on multicolored sticky notes, and in my head.  Actually, I am almost always making a list of some kind in my head, or trying desperately to remember to add whatever item or task  to a list I already have underway.  My mother often refers to the notebooks she totes as her “brains”.  It seems I’ve inherited this same approach…

I’ve kept journals, sketchbooks and agendas for years, but now I rely exclusively on my Moleskine, which travels with me everywhere I go. 

Anyway, my lists have most definitely served me well over time, as I’ve kept track of much more than just my daily “to do’s”.  In fact, they’ve truly helped me to be less reactive and more focused on what’s important for moving myself forward. 

My fella once referred to the constant whirl inside my head as a “beautiful storm”, which was profoundly flattering, and even a bit romantic.  I do try to remember his kind characterization, especially in my more scatterbrained moments, as it does provide me a wee bit of relief.  Instead of feeling like a complete freak, I end up feeling more like a creative genius with an endearing intellectual habit.  This can be quite comforting at times….

Other than groceries, the following is a partial list of the lists I maintain:

1. -To do – today, this week, this weekend, this month and this year….
2. -Ideas & plans  – including blog posts, creative projects and entrepreneurial directions
3. -Things to learn
4. -Experiences I want to have
5. -Places to see
6. -My favourite things
7. -Stuff to acquire – including furniture, clothing, household goods, and jewellery
8. -TV shows I would love to “pitch” if I had time
9. -Dream vacations
10. -Thoughtful gift ideas for those I love
11. -Shopping excursions – locally and beyond
12. -”Must Do” decorating
13. -”Aspire To” decorating
14. -Internet stops to make
15. -Movies to see
16. -Books to read
17. -Personal improvement objectives
18. -Why I’m grateful
19. -Things I want my daughter to know
20. -Wardrobe basics still outstanding
21. -Things to make time for
22. -Lists I need to make

(you get the idea…)

2. My Green Machine:

I don’t know how I would survive without my laptop.

Eighteen months ago, I finally decided to equip myself at home.  Prior to then, I had been more or less happy with a museum artifact for a home computer supplied by my employer for use on those few “work at home” days when productivity took precedent over my presence.  I would  bank online or surf only when necessary, and I viewed myself as a bit of a technophobe.  Interestingly, I was also feeling restless and uneasy about the direction my life was headed in.

Then, I heard leading social media marketer Mitch Joel of Twist Image at a conference.  I heard him loud and clear.  “The future is now!”  he said emphatically, and I was convinced.  After listening to him speak about the emergence of Web 2.0, I immediately left the building and went directly to inquire about the purchase of a laptop.  Looking back, this was a pivotal moment, and it precipitated a giant leap forward for me.  It was then that I realized the awesome enabling potential of the Internet. 

Shortly thereafter, I was the proud owner of a shiny new Dell – with a long list (as per above) of things I wanted to learn specific to the digital world.  In fact, my New Year’s resolution just last year was to sign up for Facebook, and then find out more about Flickr, Blurb, Etsy and E-Bay.

Anyway, it wasn’t long before the my laptop, the Internet and Google helped to transform both my outlook and my life.  I know it sounds dramatic, but if you consider that I have been blogging since June, I’m quite proud of the accomplishment. 

Once logged on, a world of possibility was revealed to me and I began to see paths and opportunities I hadn’t previously noticed.  To start, I signed up for a reader, uncovered a community of like-minded individuals, learned about blogging, and began to feel empowered.  Each step forward I took, I was confronted by obstacles – both real and perceived – and each and every time, a resolution could be found online.  By tapping into forums, by searching Google, or even by reading personal development blogs, my learning and development was fast, furious and undeniable.  Google became my catalogue for the Universe.  I could shop for, look at or learn whatever I wanted to, whenever a thought crossed my mind, and there was no limit to what could be found. 

Fast forward to now.  As it turns out, the kind of self-directed discovery that is facilitated online is perfect for someone like me (with a cerebral storm underway most days!).  Since acquiring my laptop, I have started a blog, rediscovered my passion for decorative design, signed up for school, learned to manage time more effectively, balanced my work and life, started to sketch,  taken my digital photography to a new level, dabbled in graphic design, begun to think seriously about a more creative and independent career,  and even imagined a different future.

Thanks to my green machine, I am no longer restless or uneasy.  I’m inspired, motivated and busily creating the life I imagine.

3. Vintage Living:

I confess to being a consumer by nature. In my own defence however, I also believe this is an essentially human instinct.  Since the dawn of civilization, our desire to surround ourselves with beauty has inspired the creation of art, decorative objects, furniture, architecture, clothing and jewellery.   Our collective appreciation of art, adornment and finery throughout history cuts across culture, class and geography, and unites us in the recognition that creativity has made a tangible contribution to the evolution of humanity.  Fighting the compulsion to create, share and acquire beautiful things seems to me like denying our capacity to love.

Anyway, we have all gone a bit overboard, and now this innate desire for beauty seems to have been replaced by a mad drive to accumulate useless crap.  This same stuff takes way too much energy, resources and cheap labour to manufacture.  While I too have been known to swoon over pretty things that sparkle or rationalize the acquisition of some shiny new little do-dad, I am increasingly uninspired when perusing the vast variety of available matter.  The sheer volume of goods that are produced for mass consumption astounds me, especially when considering that most of it will someday settle into a landfill somewhere. 

Instead, I have begun to develop a penchant for old things, and vintage living has become almost a philosophy for me.  I have grown to value longevity, quality and timelessness in just about everything I want – or need – to acquire, and most often, would rather sift through what has already been used to find what I’m looking for.  From cars and clothing to furniture and first editions, I believe that making “heirloom” choices can contribute to a more sustainable way of life, and that by learning to discern the treasures from trash, I can reduce my impact and enjoy life’s small luxuries.

Images from Wary Meyers and Domino Magazine.

Whether it be a junk shop, a thrift store, a garage sale, an antique market, a flea market, an auction or estate sale, finding vintage,  thrifted, or “upcycled” goods that inspire me while also serving a purpose  just suits me better than frequenting big box mall or the local dollar store.  So, when buying new, I try to get only what I know will last as long as possible and otherwise, I prefer to shop vintage. 

And, as my shopping habits have evolved, I’m pretty sure I have spent less and gained considerably.  My sense of personal style has strengthened, my environment has grown more reflective of who I am, and my little girlaboutOtown has even begun to eye up my wardrobe.   One day years from now, she may be able to wear what I have  acquired, as I often keep her in mind when making choices.

4.  Books and Magazines

Despite my stated belief in the virtues of vintage living, I’m not beyond reproach.  I love books and magazines, and can’t accept the notion that there will ever be such a thing as too many.   Over the years, I have wrestled with this addiction, through several phases of simplification and more than a few moves, but I have finally conceded.  While dragging several hundred pounds of books and magazines from place to place may have been bit embarrassing, there is no doubt that I do not regret keeping them.  I read and re-read regularly, and relish the thought of curling up and returning to them again soon.

Evidently, certain themes have emerged in my choices, and over time, I have curated quite a library of design & decorating, fashion and architecture related reading.  Add to these a decent supply of business & marketing, personal growth & development, and art & photography books, and it seems I have succeeded in surrounding myself with a real life collection that reflects my most enduring interests and passions. 

Currently, I subscribe to no less than 5 monthly periodicals, and shamelessly acquire both new and used  books as often as I can rationalize it.  My Amazon Wish List is among my top-five most visited bookmarks, and I am constantly adding to it.

 5.  My Home

It’s a little house on a corner, and it is different than most in town.  In fact, its “one of those things that not like the others”, and I suppose that is one reason I love it so much.  Off a main road and into a neighbourhood not known for trendy shops or tony real estate, my place sits under a pair of majestic white pine trees and is surrounded by an excess of peony bushes (is there such a thing?).  A bit out of place maybe, but right in the centre of the city, this little west coast craftsman style cottage feels a bit like cheating.  It is almost as though I have uncovered a little slice of California life right here in Ottawa, the thought of which makes me smile every day.

It is bright and sunny with a Southern exposure, and dotted with windows in every direction.  With wood floors, high ceilings and a cozy second floor that is only half height, this unique house will most definitely need its fair share of care and attention over time. But, it is a decorator’s dream.  I am never without hopes and aspirations for it, and I look forward to making it a more intimate, personal and happy home as I settle in through the years.

With its old-fashioned front porch, coloured stucco and symmetrical design, it is a charming and unpretentious retreat that is both comfortable and completely liveable.  Small spaces require a certain discipline, but they can be liberating as well.  Rather than feeling overwhelmed by too much cleaning or maintenance, I am inspired by the enormous potential of the house and excited to participate in its evolution.  As a former real estate junkie – who once had a constant eye out for the next house for sale that might be more suitable – I am profoundly satisfied to have found myself here at home.

My home is similar in look and feel to this historic craftsman style home in Richmond, British Columbia, from Bob_2006.

6.  Music:

Ok.  Last, but not least, I love music.  I am not a musician, a music historian, or an audiophile of any kind, but I do listen.  When I do,  it is because my soul demands it.

Music has always been a core component of my life, and its affect profound.  At times, I have felt a real communion with the universe through its sound, and I have been known to lose myself completely just listening.  I cry, or dance, or think deeply in these moments, and I am at once comforted and inspired by its  its cathartic power.  There are certain strains that will always lift my spirit, or lyrics that stir memories, and there are some songs that I simply must sing.

I don’t have a huge “High Fidelity” style collection, I haven’t bought an iTune yet, and I have no affinity for any particular genre.  Instead, I prefer to enjoy a diversity of melodies, harmonies and rhythms, and I like to listen alone.  That is not to say I don’t enjoy live music, or singing around a campfire, or even sharing in someone else’s experience, but when I am alone, and the music is loud, I am at peace.

Image source 

While I do love to scrounge around at the local Sally Ann or Value Village in the hopes of scoring a find, there is really something to be said for taking a more civilized approach.  Rather than suffering bright lights and sifting through the racks, the little girlaboutOtown and I had a lovely morning browsing in the warm glow of the sun, surrounded by the sounds of Jack Johnson singing softly in the background, and indulging in some seriously sweet treats.  All of this, and we were presented a spectacular selection of top notch vintage pieces, lovingly curated and displayed with careful attention to detail.

Legendary in local circles for her vintage clothing collection, Harris was trying out the “trunk show” concept following the recent closure of her Ottawa Antique Market store.  With considerable stock still in storage, and plans to continue selling her wares at various antique and vintage clothing shows, Harris was looking to  reduce her inventory to a more manageable and moveable size.  Lucky for us! The variety of clothing, jewellery, and accessories was impressive, and the prices were downright fabulous…

It is clear that Harris loves her work, and is deeply committed to the ‘rescue’ of top quality, finely crafted, beautifully preserved iconic wardrobe pieces.  This was no traveling trunk of junk.  Instead, Harris made it super easy for vintage fanatics, shopaholics and fashionistas alike by offering up the good stuff.  From refined sweaters and scarves to elegant dresses and coats, it was hard not to “ooo” and “ah” aloud while taking each and every timeless piece out to admire, even when there was no chance it was going to fit. 

In any event, it seems to this girlaboutOtown that Harris’ trunk sale was a total success.  In addition to the Harris team of friendly (and very well dressed) helpers, there were plenty of people enjoying this uncommon occasion who obviously appreciate the appeal of vintage fashion.   The dressing room was permanently occupied, the racks were constantly replenished, and the spirit of cooperation was tangible.  I, for one, hope this first was not the last!

For more about Mary Ann Harris, check here. To find out more about upcoming shows and events, join her new Ottawa Vintage Fashion News Facebook group.

Vintage Rage announcement courtesy of Mary Ann Harris, photo collage by me.

Is your space a true reflection of your interests, your preferences and your history?

Click here to find yourself at home….

                                  Aerin Lauder’s vanity, via Style Court.

I know there are way more important things going on in the world these days, but this girlaboutOtown just can’t help herself… 

I came across the Sigerson Morrison Belle 3259’s in a magazine a few years back, and have three separate tear sheet photos of them stuck to my bulletin board.  You can even catch a glimpse on the girlaboutOtown header!  I have been beyond obsessed.   Aren’t they beautiful?  

Anyway, by the time I clued in, they were nowhere to be found.  They were gone.  Sold out.  Vanished. 

I gave up and began searching for a reasonable facsimile.   I perused Zappos, Piperlime, Revolve, Bluefly, Urban Outfitters, Net-a-Porter and even Ebay in vain.  I bought a pair of Neptunes from Michael Kors last year, but had to return them.  Recently, I thought I had finally come to the end of my epic search, but had to leave Holt Renfrew empty handed and disappointed after finding this pair from MIchael Kors. They would have done nicely, but for some reason my left foot didn’t fit (I will spare details here). 

I have also done due diligence, and considered my vintage options.  I checked out the the Chatte Bottée Vintage Shoe Shopping Party held earlier this fall at Byward Market boutique Victoire and  have been shopping furiously on Etsy, which has a surprisingly amazing selection of vintage footwear.

What’s more, I actually need a pair of boots at this point.   

So imagine my shock when I came across these Sigerson Morrison Belle 5700’s just the other day.  

Earlier this week, a friend of mine broadcast a message to her female board of advisors looking for directions to a renowned Calgary shoe mecca.  Not remembering the store’s name, she surveyed her style savvy friends, hoping at least one might be able to provide specifics.  Sure enough, one thing led to another, and I there I was online shoe surfing at the Gravity Pope e-store, the fabulous web location for the same place I frequented this past summer. 

It seems Sigerson Morrison has brought these beautiful boots back, but doubled the investment.  Apparently, I can get them now - in Canadian dollars – and have them next week.  All I need to do in exchange is hand over $655 of my hard earned bones.  Yikes. 

So far, its near consensus among those I’ve consulted… 

“Get the boots”  they say, “you’ve been obsessed for 2 years!”. 

“Cheap is expensive in the long run” they remind me, “there is no doubt you’ll love them forever.” 

“You and your vintage living philosophy…your little girlaboutOtown will want to wear them as soon as they fit!”.

So now, I propose to survey my own style savvy advisory board….

What is your vote?

In its 13th year, this annual event is a fundraiser for the Cambridge Street Community Public School definitely draws a crowd.  Bringing together designer types of all kinds, from crafters and quilters to decorators and fashionistas, these textile enthusiasts were clearly hungry for some fabulous fabric finds…  

We arrived early, and the creative energy in the room was immediately apparent.  People were buzzing with excitement and anticipation, and shifting impatiently around each other to catch a glimpse of vendor offerings.   It was as though every person in the room knew exactly what they would do with whatever they found, despite their inability to predict what might be discovered. 

Hoards of fabric fanatics rummaged through bolts, remnants and squares of dress making, quilting or decorative textiles.  They rooted up bits, bobbins and threads.  They pondered on patterns, swooped up stylish yarns and pounced on knitting needles.  It was wild!

After circling the room three times, and exhausted by the throngs…we three stopped for refreshments at renowned tea room The Pantry, located right inside the Glebe Community Centre.  From a delightful selection of delicious treats, we kept it “light” with just a couple of chocolate chip pear and ginger muffins.  Mmmm.  Much fun and some yummy food.  It was a perfectly lovely thing to do on a warm and sunny fall day…

An Ottawa South landmark, the Mayfair has been supplying fun and entertainment to area cinema lovers since 1932.   

Read more here, and don’t forget to check out what’s playing…

See you at the movies!

Photo from Jessica’s Flickr photostream

Featuring photography from creative collaborators John Smith, Lindsay Ralph, and Dan Ziemkiewicz, their inaugural effort is focused on vintage clothing, and profiles well known local dealer Mary Ann Harris of the Ottawa Antique Market, among others.  Well hello there!

Resolved to put Ottawa on the style map, they have challenged us all to “throw off our Smart Set blazers in exchange for a dinner jacket”. 

I, for one, applaud them! 

Aside from free parking and admission, this first ever event promised plenty of independent fashion, one-of-a-kind jewellery design and vintage clothing from Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto vendors. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. 

Absent were the harried crowds you might have encountered at the other big consumer event of the weekend, the Capital Fall Home Show.  No aisles congested with enormous strollers, no heavy plastic bags filled with boring brochures, and no cheese ball expert seminars!  Instead, the Capital Clothing Show offered a relaxed atmosphere and an eclectic mix of stylish and unique wares.  Far from intimidating, there truly was something for everyone – from the old school to the fashion forward…

To a keen observer though, it was clear that tastes were skewed in favour of the vintage clothing and estate jewellery, with elegant, effortless and enduring pieces garnering the most attention from Ottawa style seekers.   Hardly boring or predictable, the appeal of restrained, ladylike attire can be so quietly sexy, and so very difficult to resist! 

Visitors to the show were mostly women, ranging in age and maturity from the young and trendy to the timeless and classic.  Regardless of experience however, all were decidedly well dressed – proving again that in Ottawa, where there is supply, there is demand.