You are invited to the Circus

 

Extended traveling can sometimes be quite chaotic. As the days/weeks go by, I start to notice how disorganized I am becoming. My messy luggage is probably the first best example, but coming to a close tie is my laptop desktop! Some tidiness is in order! My first step is to shoot out a GIGANTIC "Thank You!" to Eyeliah who gave me a exclusive feature on her blog Style Symmetry.

I am rarely browsing over runway inspirations but It's probably during this chaotic period that I found comfort in this 2009 summer Manish Arora circus collection. Eclectic, artistic, it is perfection!

A day at the Museums

I was invited by my sister to spend the day visiting museums. I already knew I wanted to see: Waterhouse at The Montreal Museum of Fine Art (picture above) but I was further intrigued to visit one of her favorite free for students spot in Montreal; The CCA, Canadian Center of Architecture (picture below). She often talked about the beautiful summer garden and the study room. There was no way I was going to miss visiting it. Luckily enough, I received a special permission to snap a few pictures in the wooden salon, between the winter garden and the large study room. I can easily imagine if I was a student living in Montreal I would not miss a chance to go relax in this peaceful area. I also took a minute to stop and admire the “by appointment only” library through the window door. I’m sure that many treasures are hidden inside. Book lovers interested in Arts, Graphic Design or Architecture will be stunned by the dream bookstore located on the main floor! For more details you are welcome to visit their website, here.

Skirt; Necessary Objects / Blouse; Louben / Tights; La Maison Simons / Belt; Expression / Necklace; H&M / Shoe; Dollhouse

Sunny Promenade

Squinty Squint in the sun: not the best expression, but at least it was a pretty very sunny day! I took the opportunity of mild weather to trot around town, looking at pretty areas and revisiting some of my childhood memories. Even though Vancouver is my adopted hometown, I love Quebec and it's old charms. How was everyone day?

Fur Collar; Vintage / White Embroidery Blouse; Zara / Black Gloves; La Maison Simons / Black Bow Belt; Expression / Plaid Tights; La Maison Simon / Brown Boots; Browns

Pépite d'Or

During this past weeks lack of wardrobe posts, I had a lot of things planned and often came the necessity of dressing up nicely. Of course, each day I wished to have photographed my lovely outfits, but the lack of time during that period is now forcing me to rewear all of my favorite outfits a second time around! My yesterday outfit, repeated today, was embellished by adding some gold accessories; including my new gold nugget (Pépite d'Or) earrings! It was originally worn to go meet with my very generous and very stylish Aunt. She spoiled me rotten this year offering me for Christmas a Sonia Rykiel mirror fresh from Paris and a BCBG two-tone sequins clutch. To my surprise yesterday, she insisted to make me an additional gift and offered me the Micheal Kors rain boots I had dreamed of for so long! I spent the night wearing them inside the house! I feel so lucky! Especially since my Vancouver lifestyle is very basic and ultra modest!

Earrings; LouLou Luv / Gold Bangles; This&That / Blazer; Silence&Noise / Fringe Belt worn as Necklace; UO / Shirt; H&M / Skirt; French Atmosphere / Black Rain Boot; Michael Kors

Quebec Ice Hotel

While I have been very busy these past couple of days and my camera has not left it`s bag, I thoughts of offering you a little photo tour of one of my favorite Quebec attractions; Quebec Ice Hotel. The Ice Hotel shown below is the 2008 Palace and because of melting each spring it is reconstructed each winter in a different theme; sometime bigger and always better! The brave can spend the night in the giant freezing igloo, provided with a thin mattress and a sleeping bag, at 200$ a night/person it is basic camping for the riches! For people like me who like the comfort of their own home and the proximity of a fireplace on a winter night, you will be able to go enjoy a tour during the daytime of the entire Hotel which includes luxurious suites, a bar, a lounge and a wedding chapel.

Sack of Gold

   

Today, I ventured out for some shopping on Mont-Royal street.  Due to lack of time during my past trips to Montreal, I have always ignored the area . To my surprise I made a little discovery that will bring me back. Of course this is old news to any Montreal resident, but maybe like me you have missed out on this little gem. Located near Saint-Denis on Montreal-Royal is The Old Gold Boutique. I was instantly attracted to their armoire display at the entrance filled with unbelievably unique rings, probably totaling more than 50 different models. My second wish list item was the One's Best Boy scarf. On my way out, the lovely sales girl was kind enough to let me know that they operate an online store (enjoy, dear readers) and make sure not to miss out on them when you pass around Montreal, as the online merchandises are mostly different than the ones they carry in store!

  

Deja Vu

I present you the New Years outfit, of course the first time around I was wearing a more delicate footwear and I had properly aligned my tights... I must admit I kind of like the unintentional swirly look. Next time, I will probably try it on both legs! Recently I found a brand new Trench Coat in the family's forgotten closet. I have never seen it on anyone else before, I really have no idea who it belongs to and even thought it needs hemming, I've quickly developed a liking for it. If no one claims it before my departure, it might make a trip to rainy Vancouver!

Trench Coat; More&More / Wool Sweater; ByCorpus /  Dress; Kimchi Blue / Tights; Givenchy / Boot; Zara / Necklace; Vintage

The Morning After

Finally, today I woke up feeling better, leaving behind a 10 day cold. It was about time I got out of bed and  the dirty pijamas and dressed up pretty. I decided to brave the cold to give you a little photo update. From the 15 minutes spent outside, I managed to snap one of my favorite pictures: the classic vintage pouty face! I have no clue where it came from, but I think at that exact moment I shared the same  feeling as someone somewhere in the 1900`s. It`s cold, It`s too bright so take your darn picture already!

Oh Dear readers, I heard your comments! I think eventually I will attemps some hair tutorials. I dont know when and I dont promise I will succeed, but I owe it to you to at least give it a try!

Leopard Ear Muff; Christmas Gift
Scarf; Vintage Fur Belt (Borrow)
Jacket; Le Chateau
Skirt; Necessary Objects
Gloves; La Maison Simons
Socks; Steve Madden
Boots; Zara
Black and Gold details Clutch; From Russia

A Christmas in Painting

After spending a week in admiration of a 1961 painting by Quebec painter Laure Major, I had no choice but to focus the inspiration into my wardrobe. It was easily accomplished when I found this adorable black and white dress. I was still fighting a cold but my mother's white faux fur vest gave me the impression of being wrapped up into a soft blanket.

Here is a little Coco goofing with her little but very tall sister (sadly who did not accept to be part of the picture) around the Christmas tree once all the presents were opened. I am wearing a traditional Christmas paper hat received in a Christmas cracker... yep... my family always wears them as tradition, and of course we like sharing the included paper gags/jokes that are found inside, which this year turned out to be serious geometry questions and historical trivia! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!