Don't Be Afraid

Don't Be Afraid. It's only love.

via

Maxi Dresses I Love

 Was searching through ASOS for a maxi dress. With a summer outdoor bohemian wedding coming up in August, I'm looking for an outfit that's both pretty, and appropriate. Here are a few of the options that tickled my fancy.

ASOS: Maxi Dress in Smudge Print ($112 USD)
Warehouse: Spotlight Sunflower Maxi Dress ($146 USD)
Ted Baker: Bandeau Maxi Dress with Dragonfly Print ($394 USD)

Crystal Bow Earrings

Love these delicate and pretty earrings. What a pretty touch. Day or night. Work or play.

Ted Baker: Crystal Bow Earrings

Phyllis and Connie

Today's picture makes me smile. It gives me inspiration and hope. It's not a picture about shoes or clothing of homes or a witty quote. It's a picture of love. 

(I dig that not everyone feels the same way as me, so feel free to move along to the next post if this isn't your cup of tea.)

Some of you may know that I was in NYC (incidentally) when New York approved the same sex marriage bill, and I piled out onto the street to celebrate with the rest of Manhattan, and ended up in front of the Stonewall Inn. It was a beautiful night, full of excitement, tears, proposals, songs, and joy. 

This weeked the first couples were allowed to marry, legally in New York State. Now this has been a right in Ontario where I live since 2003. Toronto is a very special place. I grew up with people literally from all over the world, I learned to play the dreidel game in elementary school. My high school teachers were cool, pierced with mohawks, and openly gay. I never thought that anyone was less or more than myself, and that everyone is and should be treated equally (thanks momma, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom). So when I read this story about the first couple to marry in Manhattan I literally stopped in my tracks. It wasn't that long ago that my parents wouldn't have been allowed to marry in the United States. It wasn't until 1967 that the US Supreme Court ended all race based marriage restriction. Really? Are you hearing this? Alabama didn't repeal it's mixed race marriage laws until 2000. What? Are you kidding me? I simply cannot imagine being in love, going through the ups and the downs of a relationship, and not being able to recognize my union legally or spiritually, not being allowed to have a wedding.

"We've been together 23 years... this is the first day of the rest of our lives"

Holding on to your love, no matter what your country or state says. That's beautiful. 

And then I cried at work. True story. I'm a sap for love.

Royal Tea Set

I just LOVE tea and all that goes with it. Tea parties, High tea at fancy hotels, warm cups and cold hands in winter,  little sandwiches and dipping my biscotti into my cup. I also love this fancy tea set. I'm thinking it might make a great gift for one of the ladies in my life. What gal wouldn't love to receive this as a housewarming gift, a bachelorette gift, or a birthday gift?

Regal Crown Tea Service

olive and cocoa 

Sunday Home Tour: Swedish Charm

Happy Sunday all! I found another apartment to love, and surprise surprise, it's Swedish! Those Swedes are on to something. So much white. So much space, but this apartment is not afraid of a little colour either. (And I actually see a number of Ikea items here, it's nice to see that they are also a part of the Ikea phenomena, not just exporting it out!)

design to inspire

Cody Color Block Dress

This super fun and summery dress from Alice and Olivia is currently on sale! It's $220 (40% off).

P.S. Does anyone know where one could buy/try on Alice and Olivia in Toronto?

Alice + Olivia: Cody Color Block Dress

Yellow and Grey in the Home

A collection of yellow and grey inspirations for the day. Yay!

Bedroom/ Sitting Room

Kitchen

Bedroom/ Bathroom

More Home Bars

I feel like it has been a while since I've posted a home bar. This may or may not actually be the case, but I thought I would share a few images that I found that send my little tipsy heart aflutter. 

(Note, I am not actually a drunk, I just like to have people over to drink.)

apartment therapy

the coveted

LCBO

Suit + Sneakers Again

What is this? Another groom wearing converse sneakers to their wedding? It seems I have hit upon a trend! I know it isn't right for everyone, and to be honest, I don't know if I would go this path myself, but I DO love it when I see people making their wedding (and their wedding fashion choices) their own! How fun and bright is this wedding?

green wedding shoes

Sunday Home Tour: Modern Life Concept House

 

 

Elle Decor’s Modern Life Concept House

via From Me To You

Start Each Day Like It's Your Birthday!

Happy Friday! It's not my birthday (just under 6 months to go!) but it is the birthday of the boy. Tonight there will be backyard drinks, and tequila and fun. Despite the fact that our apartment is NOT ready to be seen! Yes, there will be fun despite of this. I hope you all enjoy the weekend!

Kate Spade via Gala Darling

Cupcakes Are Cool

Aren't they just? I know that everyone in the food industry is saying that cupcakes are "over" and pie is the hip and happening dessert of the year, but I'm telling you all. Cupcakes are happiness and sunshine in a single serving, and I don't care if they are hip or not, they are just mighty delicious! 

PS this print is available in Tee Shirt form for all those who wish to proclain their Cupcake Love.

Dressing On The Side

Hanging Art (With Hangers!)

What a fantastic idea! Very cheap, and easy to switch the art up. And I also have a bunch of pant hangers from Ikea hanging around since my closet is too small to hang up all my clothes (sad face). Way to make the most out of a negative situation.

Apartment Therapy found via The Style Files

Sombrilla Sun Shade

Do you burn in the sun? Do you freckle? Do you tan really dark and don't like how you look with a tan? I know people who fit into all of the above categories (myself included), and this looks like an awesome option. I remember when I went to the beach town of Lagos, Portugal. The sun was bright and strong, and although my pale bestie and I enjoyed our time down by the water, we both wanted to avoid the harsh rays. We choose to rent a sun umbrella, and curl up into little balls under the small amount of shade. This is a better (and more stylish) option. Sun safety (and pale skin) is sexy people! Cancer is not.

hollie and harrie found via the design files

Hand Painted Rocks Glasses

Aren't these glasses great? A great addition to any home bar me thinks. Wonderful gift, and at $35 not a bad deal for 4 glasses.

Hand printed bike rocks glasses from vital

Laundry Room Inspiration

So my laundry room in my new apartment is in my kitchen. Which is ok. I mean, at least I have laundry in my apartment. I haven't had to use a laundromat or coin operated laundry machine since residence in first year, and let me say, I'm not ready to go back to those days. The main problem with the laundry and dryer being in my kitchen is that 1- my kitchen is small, and this takes up a fair amount of space. 2- the washer is an old school one which wheels up and attached to the faucet and the sink in order to be used. (Well, our washer is currently broken, so this is all in theory.) This means that you can't do other things in the kitchen such as cook or empty the dishwasher, as the washing machine take up all the space. Well, que sera, sera. All this means is that I'm dreaming even more about a functional laundry room space... and you get to see my inspiration!

found via Design to Inspire

Jil Sander Flats

I have a pair of Jil Sander sneakers and they are fantastic. Fit well, and are super comfy, while still having a cleaner look which Jil Sander is known for. Perhaps it is time to welcome another Sander to my shoe rack? (Ok, maybe not unless they go on sale to 75% off!)

Jil Sander: Ballerina Slingback

Currently on sale for $213 (50% off)