As a preteen and teen I spent a lot of time on the water, sailing. It was the thing that I would do practically every weekend in decent weather. I studied knots, and techniques, and radio regulations, etc. etc. While I don’t do that now, I do have a severe weakness for a good boat print. When it’s a sailboat print on a blue dress with ruffles, it’s pretty much three weaknesses in one.
There’s this secret that everyone else is in on, and yet I’m left out of. It’s a secret that everyone just instinctively knows, it’s in the DNA, except that I seem to be missing that gene. It’s the “What the heck is the real purpose of Gazebos” gene.
Honestly, what is the purpose and the logic of having a tiny little gazebo shoved in around a beach, trees, and field? It’s only big enough for maybe three people and it seems to serve no function. I have yet to find a gazebo of who’s purpose and function I am capable of gleaming.
It’s a tiny little wood structure in the middle of nowhere with rather uncomfortable seating, so it’s plain that they don’t want you resting there. The views are usually obstructed by timber. It’s never in a convenient location. Plus, there’s a decided lack of hammocks. So really, what’s a gazebo for?
Other than being a fun background for a fashion blogger of course.
While away it was a pure joy to run down this country road. It was long and hilly with lots of great farms along the way, and I was able to just not think and run while listening to Tina Fey’s Bossypants. Whenever I turned off the main road and saw this tiny little shed, I knew my run was really starting. It marked the first third of my planned mileage and this is when I felt I could really open up. On the way back, the shed gave me hope that I was but a mere third from home and yes, I really could do this. So you see, either way it has some great feelings attached to it already.
I made a mental note to come back on a walk and take some outfit shots along my favorite country lane and tiny shed.
I’ll miss you.
As I’ve mentioned before this dress has traveled with me everywhere since I bought it about six or seven years ago in Spain. It’s probably the best purchase I’ve ever made in that respect. I love it – it’s loose and comfy, and I’ve never gotten tired of the ruffles and the fun print. It will continue to travel with me everywhere – accruing a menagerie of memories along the years.
Do you guys have pieces like that? I’d love to hear the stories if you don’t mind sharing.
I was in a nice shop and a very well to do lady *at least she looked it* came up to me asking where I got my jeans, because they were just perfect. She had been looking for months for a pair of boyfriend jeans like this. Just where did I get them? Old Navy. On sale. Four years ago. I’m just that luxe and exclusive.
But you guys already knew that, right? You knew that from how infrequently I shop on sale *sarcasm fully intended*. And from how I never admit what things cost because of their astronomical price *$45 for this whole outfit including accessories by the way*
For a period of time, my style was all about minimalism. Black and grey dominated my closet so much it was a bit of a joke among friends. Clearly those days are over. To be fair, they only lasted a handful of years, for prior to that I was all about bold and audacious clothing as well.
In high school I loved wearing things that were unexpected, but uniquely me. I also had a period of time where my style icon was Drew Barrymore from Mad Love. I even got a perm and cut my hair like her. *Nope. No pictures exist from that golden era. Thank Goodness!*
In the last several years I’ve gotten back to that bolder and more unexpected style of dressing. I think it’s because I don’t like being told what to do or how to dress. And I like a little bit of that shock value in clothing that is not quite what you would assume to see.
Maybe I just like rocking the boat a bit.
Maybe more than a bit.
Light, breezy and effortless. Minimalist also comes to mind, as accessories are kept to a minimum. This semi sheer chiffon romper was perfect because I could easily slip the whole thing off and go swimming right away.
At home I would pile some necklaces and other goodies on top of this outfit, but it felt nice to just keep it simple this time.
Three hours of driving to a cottage go very quickly when you have someone as conversational and entertaining as my friend Reggy beside me. It felt like a quick breeze. What we arrived to, however, was far less entertaining.
Rain.
That first day it decided to rain pretty much the whole time. It’s fine because us ladies had a ball chatting it up nonetheless. We can always entertain ourselves. But it did make for quick and slightly haphazard shots.
My choice was grainy shots because of darkness and much less rain because of the tree canopy, or risk my camera and go out into the full fall. I chose grainy. I hope y’all understand that the camera comes first.
Often when downtown I look for little nooks and crannies where I can take some interesting shots without too much of an audience. I found this spot tucked away around the corner of an apartment building. Setting up my framing and my tripod, I was just about ready to go, when a security guard came out to investigate. Apparently there are security cameras in that area and I caught their attention. I smiled and explained what I was doing, and the guard simply waved me on and went back inside.
Clearly, a blogger is beyond their concern….and that’s good for me.
Our great city was just abuzz with World Pride, now we’re headed into Canada Day celebrations, followed by a cottage excursion for me and some girlfriends. Honestly, it’s just one big party week!
What are you all looking forward to?
