Peacoat and Jeans: sometimes simple just feels right.

Not every outfit I decide to wear on any given week is going to be the pinnacle of cutting-edge fashion, and I believe today's post is particularly indicative of that. While it's not the most creative or inspiring thing I've ever put together, I will put it out there that I like it and feel like myself in it, and that this which, to me, is the most important aspect of personal style.

Make no mistake about it, I do love trying out editorial looks, creating concept shoots with G and occasionally even going about my daily business in a massive fur coat, six-inch platform boots and a Daphne Guinness inspired headpiece. Dressing up can create a wonderfully engulfing fantasy in even the most mundane of tasks for me, and a life without fantasy or imagination is not one that I can even fathom leading. If you've never walked through the aisles of a grocery store in your most outrageously fabulous clothing while picking up cans of 60 cent soup and green bananas, you truly don't know what you're missing...well that, and we most likely have very little in common with one another.

All of this being said, some days simply call for jeans and a peacoat, and yesterday was one of such days. Without a shade of sarcasm or self-doubt I can firmly state that I didn't actually want to be wearing anything that wasn't this yesterday - which is shocking, unusual and rare, because I virtually always want to be wearing something other than what I'm actually wearing. The red velvet peacoat always seems to lend a nice pop of colour to outfits in the fall and winter months, and the heavily beaded sweater underneath is definitely one of my new favourite vintage finds. Neither are the most exciting fashion pieces in the world but, as stated, some days they just don't have to be to make me happy.

Wearing

Red velvet peacoat is from Target's kids section.

The thin white muslin blouse and beaded ice-blue sweater are vintage.

I've no idea where these bootcut jeans are from as they were purchased eons ago and the tags were ripped off.

The brown suede ankle booties are inherited Hermes.

Karmacoma

The most frustrating thing about loving fashion is without a doubt the fact that new clothing is seemingly never enough. I've lately found myself 'running out of things to wear' and while this is preposterous considering the sheer volume of things I technically have to 'potentially wear' (and, moreover, how much I shop), it's unfortunate nonetheless that hardly any of it appeals to me. I will propose that this is the very basis of my shopping addiction, which is one that I somehow doubt I will ever break.
At the same time, one must remind oneself that there is always dissatisfaction to be found in life if one is looking for it. For example, G and I recently watched a brilliant documentary called Rich Kids, and through exploring the incomprehensible wealth of young heirs and heiresses around the world, the filmmaker discovered that such individuals were by and large far less happy than their middle-class, 'ordinary' counterparts because, well, if you don't have to work to have everything then why work to have anything?
This isn't to say that I would say no to a billion dollars or stop shopping forever, because that would quite obviously be contrary to my very nature; it's merely to provide a new perspective on exactly what it is about shopping and obtaining that satisfies me, and if that's even of real value to my life?Enough with the heavy stuff. In other news, I have decided to couple my better judgement with everyone's advice and not tan...depending on exactly how pale I get (y'all haven't seen me in the winter yet) I may use my trusty Jergens Glow stuff at some point, but in the meantime it's kind of the opposite of a concern for me. What is a concern for me, however, is the fact that Toronto finally hit a minus temperature...with the 'wind chill', naturally. Ah, how I loathe hearing 'wind chill' again.

Wearing

Dress: H&M

Sweater: Erin Fetherston for Target

Jacket: Danier

Tights: Hue

Shoes and bag: thrifted

Yesterday's Papers

So I finally caved and bought the ubiquitous black latex leggings this week, though I cleverly saved myself $15 by going the Urban Outfitters route as opposed to American Apparel (which is still strangely pricey in Canada).
Once on, these leggings are perfect and perhaps the most comfortable article of clothing ever, but - and it's a small but - the manufacturer of these did the weirdest thing by making the ankle without an ounce of stretch, meaning that getting them over my feet is, sarcastically speaking, a total barrel of fun. Nonetheless, I do like them on more than I expected I would, and I plan on making good use of them throughout the winter, as inspired by the mindblowingly creative and fashionable Queen Michelle over at Kingdom of Style.
In other news, I've determined that I very much miss my summer tan, and am hence spending my morning coffee-blogging-desk time debating with myself: to fake and bake or to not fake and bake? If there are two 'institutions' I loathe they would be [most] gyms and tanning salons without question, meaning the very notion of stepping foot in such a place is enough to make me content with being perpetually unfit and pale. That being said, am I really being rational about the whole thing? This is a pretty shallow concern to begin with. Moving on...
While I do quite like the outfit I wore yesterday to run about the city in, it's more the fact that G took some brilliantly psychedelic photos that makes it wicked good I think....n.b. for everyone and anyone who has ever asked or wondered: I have barely ever used a self-timer in my life, and G takes every single photo that goes up on here unless otherwise noted. I am so, so continually impressed with his photography, and is it not like the coolest thing ever that he does this fashion blogging business with me? I seriously feel as though I have the best mate/partner/friend in the world.
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and isn't feeling the Monday-itis I get from time to time too harshly today. And if you are, keep on keeping on and maybe have another coffee (or whatever your vice is for that matter)...

Wearing

Cardigan: vintage

Scarf and bag: thrifted

T-shirt: Darker My Love

Leggings: Silence & Noise

Boots: UP, DIY-ed

Gold and Silver and Sunshine

I've deemed this dress my 70's secretary dress, because that's who I imagine wore it before I got my hands on it. Mind you I doubt she was quite as cool as my checkered Vans wearing Nor Cal jacket dude, but nonetheless probably smoked menthol 100's at her desk while reading Vreeland-edited Vogue and lazily flipping through a Rolodex of fabulous contacts, so I don't think she was lame by any standards.

Furthermore, I've determined that I want a billion more dresses exactly like this one but in different patterns and prints. As many of you may know by now, I dislike wearing pants for the most part and, in consideration of the fact that winter is coming whether I like it or not, I feel as though this dress is absolutely perfect to wear under my recently acquired vintage fur coat for a proper, warm and stylish winter look.
I generally go a little bit grunge in this autumn and winter months and leave my boho-ness in summer, but I think I've conclusively decided that this is the year that I'm going to give luxe-bohemian a try...only if I can track down more dresses like this one though. Speaking of which, I am on the hunt for a great pair high-waisted, wide-legged jeans that are flattering as opposed to fattening and suggestions are welcome! Goodness knows I will have to wear pants at some point, and I'd rather have a pair that doesn't make me look like the Jolly Green Giant.
The upcoming weekend plan consists of equal parts fun and relaxation, making for what I believe will be a fantastic one. There are, as usual, a couple of parties to attend (no good concerts though...WTF is with you lately, Toronto?), coffee dates with a friend, and hopefully a bit more shopping, which isn't to say that I should shop, just that I probably will. I hope all of you have respectively spectacular weekends, and look out for a potential post this Sunday which looks to be pretty different than anything Modern-Guilt has done before!

Wearing
Dress: vintage
Tights: Hue
Shoes: F21
Bag: Chanel, vintage
Sunnies: vintage

If I could sleep forever...

Before you look at today's post title and go thinking I'm depressed or something, I just want to ensure that everyone knows that a) it's from a Dandy Warhols song, b) I'm really, really, supremely exhausted today and c) not forever, but maybe hibernating through winter wouldn't be the worst? I mean it obviously would be the worst and I'd rather not voluntarily miss out on an entire chunk of my life, but you know what I'm getting at. Chunky knit scarves are slowly but surely becoming a wardrobe staple again, which isn't annoying quite yet but I can imagine will become so in a few short weeks.
The lovely Jenn of Over Obsessorized has tagged me in "6 Unspectacular Quirks", wherein I'm required to state...well, 6 unspectacular quirks about myself and then tag 6 other bloggers. I have more unspectacular quirks than I believe I could ever possibly count out, but I'll try to narrow it down.

1. I absolutely, 100% cannot stand to have incomplete albums. I literally do not have even one single in my iTunes. Artwork, genre and every other field imaginable also have to be consistently, meticulously filled out. It borders on OCD.
2. My entire apartment can be messy save for the kitchen and I'll be happy. A clean kitchen is a sound mind, most everything else is extraneous.
3. I type 80 words per minute, but only use two fingers. It confuses everyone who sees it.
4. I feel out of sorts if I don't read my horoscope first thing in the morning.
5. Listening to Coast to Coast AM as I fall asleep is an unmissable ritual of mine.
6. I haven't used cash to pay for anything in as long as I can remember because I debit anything and everything. No wonder my card has been replaced 16 times at this point.
Tagging certain bloggers is always the hardest part of completing these things for me, as I really do adore all of you...however, the amazing and gorgeous Chauss of Je Ne Sais Quoi has given me the 'I Love Your Blog' rose award (thank you!!!) and I'm to tag others in that as well. In the spirit of hitting two birds with one stone, I'm tagging the following wonderful bloggers in '6 Unspectacular Quirks' AND 'I Love Your Blog' to complete or not complete as they wish...
Nita-Karolina
Blonde Hair, Blue Jeans
Frassy
Lesse Looks
Stompface
Strawberry Kitten
What is Reality Anyway?
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thursday, as I certainly am - I'm picking up my self-bestowed vintage presents in but a few short hours, some of which you'll no doubt see in tomorrow's post. Stay tuned!

Wearing

Jacket: Danier

Scarf: The Gap

Skirt: thrifted

Tights: H&M

Boots: UP, DIY-ed

Honey Slides

Today's photos, taken of course by the spectacular G, kind of perfectly illustrate how my [seemingly] obligatory October Canadiana obsession is kicking in, which is as unsurprising of an event as always considering I go through it most every year when the leaves start to turn. In short, it consists of the urge wear a lot of destroyed denim and plaid, not comb my hair (which is generally hidden under one of my various fur trapper hats anyways), listen to nothing but Neil Young, and spend the majority of my spare time sitting in parks. Thankfully for me, this year it's actually kind of in style, so I don't look like a total sentimentalist loser when wandering about. Thank goodness for the fickleness of the fashion industry sometimes.

Yesterday I wore my favourite cowboy boots on the face of the planet, which made me insufferably happy. Why, you may ask? Well, for a couple of reasons and, since this is my tiny space on the internet, I see no reason as to why I shouldn't delve into them.
Firstly, they are unrivaled in their excellency at making that crunch noise when walking through a pile of leaves. And I know that I'm not the only one out there who loves that sound, as from what I've heard there's an entire facebook group devoted to similarly-minded folk.
Secondly and even more importantly, my wonderful suede boots are a hand-me-down from a friend's mom who was a pretty gosh darn rad redhead back in the day (and, come to think of it, still is), and basically became acquainted with Neil Young in what may or may not have been these boots. Oh yeah, and they're also in superb condition. Aren't well-kept sartorial items with a wicked history the most awesome thing ever? (I'm hearing a resounding "yes!" in my head right now to my obvious and rhetorical question)
The long weekend may be over, and I may currently be on a spending ban which is KILLING ME, but I'm devoted to making this week the best week possible. There's no better weather in the world than what we've got going on right now (Toronto actually looks pretty for once, which is a marvel in and of itself) and, in consideration of the fact that this generally only lasts for 2.5 milliseconds until unbearable winter grossness hits, why not revel in it as much as humanly possible?
Wearing

Sweater: Club Monaco

Tank: Chinatown, DIY-ed with studs...yeah, I totally had a little studding party on my balcony this weekend

Jeans: I don't know, the tags are worn off

Boots: handed down from someone unarguably way cooler than myself

Down By The River

As I sit here and type this post I am still feeling veritably stuffed from the Thanksgiving feast of last night, meaning any kind of breakfast is entirely out of the question and a black coffee is the only thing currently preventing me from falling back asleep onto the keyboard in front me. Alas, I am awake, though groggily so, and ready to post the photos G and I had a blast taking yesterday out in my family's neighbourhood.

It's funny that one does always seem to want what they don't have. Yesterday, which was of course supposed to be a day of thanks, I found myself wanting nothing more than to live in a wooded, foresty area with foliage and clean air and ducks and the like. G naturally pointed out to me that if I did in fact live there I would undoubtedly want gray streets and dumpsters and tall buildings, which I will concede to as probable truth. Nonetheless, at the very least it's a cool change of pace for a day here or there.
I don't want to get too tacky and Thanksgiving-y on here in consideration of the fact that this is, well, a fashion site, but I do quickly want to point out that I have a lot to be thankful for this year. I am strong believer in making one's own destiny, but at the same time sociological forces can't be entirely ruled out...after all, the very fact that I exist in the capacity and place in the world that I do is something that was determined long before I could make conscious decisions about such matters, and is consequently something which I thank the universe for on a daily basis.
That being said, the things that I control in my time on this planet I am thankful to no one but myself for. I trust in karma, and that the pursuit of self-betterment goes a long way in shaping and affecting the things that go on in and around my life.
Anyways, enough with the heavy stuff. I am thrilled with my little ankle boots, which I took a Bedazzler to this weekend and studded to my heart's content...I kind of want to add even more studs, but am still wishy-washy on the whole thing - what do you guys think?
I am equally thrilled with the amazing weather this weekend, and the fact that bare legs with skirts got one more final hoorah before the cold really sets in for good. Also, my jean jacket - has a more versatile and wonderful article of clothing ever existed? I don't know, and somehow doubt it. I love jean jackets and, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, am extrordinarily thankful to whoever invented them (I'm too lazy to look up the name of this person right now - remember the gross fullness I referred to at the beginning of this post?)

Hope all of my fellow Canadians out there are having the best long weekends of their lives, and that everyone else is having an equally awesome Monday!

Wearing
Jean jacket: vintage
Skirt: Urban Behaviour
Tank: Chinatown
Boots: Urban Planet, DIY-ed by yours truly
Bag: vintage Chanel...I really need to start getting more creative with my bag choices, but the problem with doing that is that I end up forgetting everything in other bags and my 'creativity' therefore wrecks general confusion upon my life.

Golden Frost

I finally figured out how to make use of this shirt-thing that I'm wearing in today's photos. If you have been reading Modern-Guilt for a while now you will know what I'm referring to when I say that this is the 'dress' which the horrible and evil dry cleaners 'accidentally' cut up into a weird, ill-fitting shirt (or, if you haven't, you could always just click on the links and find out). The 'shirt' is really not as bad when paired with something over top of it though, so perhaps keeping as per my perpetual pack-rat ways was justified in some regard.
Speaking of holding onto things long past their expiration: last night G and I finally did something about the volcanic mess which is technically referred to as our shoe closet. It was surprisingly difficult for me to part with many of the shoes I've accumulated (and destroyed) over the years, regardless of their often ratty condition and hopelessness of repair potential. In my skewed perception of the world, however, expunging the old from my life and/or shoe closet is merely an excuse to bring in the new, and goodness knows there's a lot of new out there that I am lusting over right now.
It's imperative that I come to a place of acceptance with the fact that I'm not going to be back in jean shorts and my beloved gladiator sandals in what basically amounts to another eight months. This morning I had to pull my winter wool pea coat out of the depths of my closet...while this isn't so bad today, I trust that it will become endlessly annoying as the biting cold wears on.
Thankfully I have a wonderful weekend planned to cheer me out of any kind of pre-winter misery I may be experiencing: a sushi lunch with my best girlfriend in the world, independent thrift shop wandering, and perhaps even the acquisition of some furniture for the annoyingly bare bones apartment in which G and I currently reside. It's the little things like this which make me happy and, while it may be trite, there's truth in cliche sometimes, isn't there?
Wearing

Shirt: vintage

Vest: vintage

Jeans: Urban Planet

Shoes: Hermes

Bag: vintage

Jewelry: various

All I want to do is live by the sea.

The stresses of life are catching up with me, making my outfit today pretty standard work-wear by all accounts. Fashion and clothing are obviously huge priorities in my life, hence the very existence of this site, but sometimes they must take a backseat to other, less-fun things like one's finances, job, education and the various, endless etceteras that being 20-something consists of.

I've never really been one for beauty products, but I will concede to the fact that a cheer-myself-up trip to the wonderful Bloor Street Sephora ended up potentially changing my life or, more likely and less melodramatically, the way my skin looks on a daily basis. My helpful salesperson introduced me to a wonderful, magical product called Smashbox Primer and, after no more than 24 hours of using this beacon of shining light in a tube, I am officially and properly hooked.
All of you beauty junkies out there are probably laughing yourselves silly at me right now, but seriously, who knew this stuff existed and why did no one tell me before now? To be quite honest I'd rather no one answer that question because I'm too pleased to even care right now.
Speaking of superficial excitement, it was not until seeing today's photos that I realized how nautical I look. I've always had a thing for nautical-chic. Mind you I've yet to determine whether or not this H&M dress is navy or black (and I've owned it for two years) because I'm pretty sure that it changes colour depending on what it is paired with. In consideration of this fact I suppose this outfit is potentially nought nautical (a really lame pun, I'm aware) but it makes no difference to me.
Lastly, gorgeous dearest readers, I require your guidance in the very important matter of my hair: to go back to the straight-across, blunt bang or to not? A good deal of the comments I receive make some mention of my hair and I geniunely trust all of your opinions, plus I'm having a difficult time deciding which cut I prefer.

Wearing:

Coat: Target

Dress: H&M

Shoes: vintage

Bag: Chanel, vintage

Tights: The Bay

Pure Phase

In continuing with this week's theme...surprise, surpise, I yet again wore predominantly black yesterday! I've decided that I'm going to allow myself to finish out the week on this note, but force myself into entirely switching it up and not wearing anything even remotely black Monday through Friday of next week with the exception of undergarments, hosiery and an accessory here or there. It's undoubtedly a little bit petty to challenge myself to such an endeavour to begin with but really, what else am I going to do to amuse myself?
Fashion is clearly an interest and hobby for me, and just as those who enjoy playing soccer tend to go out and play the sport on occasion, I think up little personal ways to express my interest in fashion, hence the inception of Modern Guilt to begin with. See how I manage to justify and convince myself of things? It's quite a nice skill to have if I do say so myself...
Well then. While I'm not a big television person by any means (truly...I haven't had cable for about a year now), I've found what I believe to be one of the most hilarious British comedies in current existence. It's called 'How Not To Live Your Life', and I admittedly spent the majority of yesterday evening being a couch potato and watching it. The only reason I mention this is because I've noticed that British television personalities tend to dress much better and/or more interestingly than their North American counterparts. Well, obviously there's no 'better' since it really comes down to a matter of personal taste, but I really cannot resist the lovely slim-fit mod suits and perfectly distressed leather bomber jackets and the like.
If it weren't the most expensive place on the planet I would undoubtedly move to London in a heartbeat. Alas, that's just going to have to wait until I figure out how to grow a money tree on my current high-rise balcony.

Wearing

Jacket: Urban Planet

Cardigan: Club Monaco

Skirt: thrifted

Tights: H&M

The Coldest Heart

I've been wearing a properly massive amount of black in recent history, as I seem to do from time to time. But as it gets more and more chilly with each passing day here, I expect that the black clothing is an early indication of what to expect from me throughout the winter months. While I quite obviously go really eccentrically bohemian with my taste in the summertime, but for me it just feels like poor taste to do so in the winter unless, of course, you're Rachel Zoe and possess gigantic and warm vintage Dior furs and the like.
With no histrionics or exaggeration I can firmly state that I loathe winter with a fiery passion in my heart. But at the same time I see no reason why it should result in anyone dressing really infinitely poorly. Of course there will be the occasional day of taking no heed of form and instead focusing entirely on the function of not freezing to death or getting slush in your socks - one would have to be insane to not take such things into consideration...which, come to think of it, means I have seen a veritable ton of insane people in this city.
Nonetheless, a slip on the sidewalk ice here or there is a small price to pay to not look like the Michelin Man (seriously, what is up with those ridiculous floor-length puffer coats that people wear?! Can they really even be that warm?!)
Okay, I've officially gone off on a tangent, and as such I'm certain that those of my readers who live in wonderful perpetual sunny and warm places have no idea what I'm on about...and for that I sorely envy them. And, since there's no use in getting preemptively upset about the inevitable, I suppose I should just enjoy light-jacket-and-boots weather while we still have it.
So on another note, in regards to the recent nail polish inquiries I've received: it's called Just Groovy, made by O.P.I., and I'm seriously considering making it my signature colour. It's weirdly awesome because it's obviously quite distinctive, but at the same time seems to match and/or clash in an interesting way with most everything I own.

Wearing
Jacket: Urban Planet (it's an addiction, and it needs to stop - the salespeople may currently be under the impression that I'm stalking them with how much I go in there)
T-shirt: Uniqlo
Leggings: Aritzia
Boots: Urban Planet
Backpack: vintage