Summer Essential: Denim Shorts

If you don't have a pair, get a pair.  If you don't want a pair -- you should.  Denim is an essential fabric that everyone should have in their closets in some shape or form.  Denim shorts are an essential that everyone should have on all summer long!  If you haven't got any yet, don't fret!! You can watch my easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy tutorial on how you can cut your own denim shorts here.  The one's I'm wearing in this post are the direct result of hacking away at a pair of thrifted pants!

Outfit Details:

Bag: Lionel Mazzie Clutch from Little Black Bag | Tshirt: Street Shopping | Shorts: Thrifted from Talize & DIY'd by me | Necklace: Love Nail Tree from Little Black Bag | Shades: 'Kitty' by Loeffler Randall for Lookmatic.

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Thrift Haul!

GOOD DAY darling Dandies!  As per the photo above, I am bringing you a thrift haul! (cue woo-girls).  If you've stuck around since the beginnings of my blog, then you'll know that I am a thrifter.  I love to thrift.  I love old things.  I love looking like a stinky ol' grandma.  'Nuff said.

Since moving back to Toronto, I hadn't really had a chance to do some GOOD thrifting.  Granted, I've perused some Goodwills and 'Thrift Shops' (literal name of store), but these ventures have consistently proven to be unfruitful.

Recently, Talize (one of my favourite thrift shops of ALL TIME) reached out to me about being part of their Brand Amabassador Program.  OBVIOUSLY, I agreed.  Look forward to more posts like this to come!

For my first thrifting venture as a Talize Brand Ambassador (I hope you read this in a British accent...I did), I was on a mission:  HOARD HIGH-WAISTED DENIM.

My amazing assistant (aka most perfect boyf in LIFE) helped me sift through all of the denim wracks.  I ended up getting 5 pairs of high-waisted jeans.  4 of which will be DIY'd into shorts.  Summer, COME AT ME.

I just felt the need to show you some thrifted crocthes and butts.  That's all.

The above pair are dark wash skinnies by BDG (sold at Urban Outfitters).  They're about 92837489234 inches to long for my short-legged self, so I'll have to get them hemmed but I love them!  They are so soft and comfy.  Almost like sweatpants, but they're skinny jeans!  And high-waisted, too!  <3

The last item I got is probably one of my favourite bags at the moment.  It is the perfect little black bag.  Behold this adorable basket-weave bucket bag by J.G. Hook.  I've been wanting a bag with woven leather detailing for a while, and I have also been on the hunt for the perfect bucket bag; the best of both worlds came together and birthed this bag!  Mind you, she does need a bit of fixing up.  The leather pull is damaged and will need to be replaced, but the rest of her is in GREAT condition.  I am so excited to use this bag!

Watch my YouTube Thrift Haul video below for more details on Brands & Pricing of everything I got!  I snagged some pretty awesome deals!

Thanks for reading!
And stay tuned for a DIY denim cut-offs tutorial to come!

<3

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What's Yo Style, Girrrl?

In the spirit of Easter Sunday here's an outfit from last Spring (2012).  Blouse & Bag thrifted.

This week on HeartIFB they are encouraging bloggers to define their personal style.  "What is your personal style?"....stumped?

I, like possibly some of you, have always been kind of stumped by this question.  NOT because I DON'T KNOW how to answer the question.  I simply just wouldn't know where to begin.  Since being confronted with the question today on HeartIFB, I thought to myself:  "It's really about time I tackle this.  I'm too old to ignore this age-frickin-old question!".

SO anyway, here it goes...

My backside.  Jeans from H&M.  Sweater & Bag from Seoul street shopping.  Full post here.

Off the top of my head I would say that my style is quite simple & classic.  I don't get too wild with my outfits of choice, and I've got pieces that I've been wearing time and time again for years without making me feel passé.  But I don't feel like "simple & classic" really encompasses my personal style with an absolute complete-ness.  Even looking at those words makes me feel uncomfortable.  'Simple & Classic' makes me think of pencil skirts and strings of pearls (both of which I don't wear often...or ever).  

So, we've gotta go a bit deeper.  And I'm okay with that because I already know where this is going.  I know that I have a largely hidden girly side (I can't help but LOVE flowers and everything pink), but I've also got a very dominant tomboy self (stilettos are not my friend, and what is a garter?).  So now I can gather that my personal style is both simple & classic...and also an even mixture of girly-ness and tomboy pizazz.  Alright.  I'm good with this.  If it were carved in stone, I would not fret.  But there is still more!

Adorable mint blouse from Seoul street shopping.  Full post here.

I've also got a serious love for, like, all things "grandma".  (What??)  Let me explain:  I love old stuff.  Take me to the flea market, an estate sale, auctions, second hand shops, thrift stores.  Whisk me away to these junkyard treasuries!  Lace?  Tortoise shell?  Frame bags?  Heavy knits?  I'm aaaaaallllllllllll over it.  So now where does this leave me?  I'm pretty much an old-lady-tomboy that likes pink and has a simple taste for classy things.  What??  Oh Lawdyyy...

Simple & Classic indeed.  Full post here.

Let's just add one last thing to the mix---to the old-lady-tomboy mix.  We must add that last thing that is of UPMOST importance: COMFORT.  I need to be comfortable--always.  There is no way in he** I'm leaving the house if something I am wearing feels uncomfortable, or if I am not comfortable with the way something looks on me.  It always has to feel right.  You'll notice that I favour oversized tops and flat shoes because I simply find these pieces to be super comfy.   Heels & wedges?  I can entertain the idea,  but I'd much rather be in flats.  A form fitting top?  Sounds like it could work for the first few hours of the day, but I'm not sure I want to see how that pans out after my big lunch.  

Floral & Loafers.  Full post here.

Anywhoots, Heart IFB was kind enough to provide some fun questions that could help us understand our personal style a bit more.  I'm going to go ahead and answer these in this post...because I can (this is my blog after all).

• Who are you style icons? When you put outfits together, who’s style do you envision? Your friends, celebrities, bloggers, movies?
• I definitely have a handful of style icons, none of which are friends or bloggers.  Age old style icons would have to be Audrey Hepburn (duh) and Edie Sedgwick.  Fast forward to now, I have always loved MK Olsen, Nicole Richie, and Kate Bosworth (that girl looks so cool always).  More recently I've been stying away from Celeb gossip & pap photos.  I've been getting style inspo from online shopping sites!  I love StyleNanda and The Whitepepper.  Perfection <3.

• What is your lifestyle like? Ultimately, we dress for the lives we live. Do you live in the concrete jungle, or do you spend afternoons on a yacht?
• I live the 'concrete jungle' downtown life of Toronto, ON.  No afternoon yachting...unfortunately.

• How does your environment affect your style? 
• The weather definitely takes a huge part in affecting my style.  I find myself pretty uninspired in the colder season.  I hibernate like a bear in giant sweaters and boots.  I'm sure moving to Cali would fix this.

• Where else do your inspirations come from? 
• As mentioned above, I've been most recently inspired by online shopping sites (not typical, I know).  I also definitely get inspired by movies (the new Gatsby flick coming out?  Eye drooool!!), music and places...mmm Paris (not that I've ever been =P haha).

And that is that.  I suppose I am a very comfortable old-lady-tomboy =).  Question answered?  Yes.  Easy to explain?  I hope no one ever asks me this question ever again.  In an effort to save time and avoid awkward explanations I would rather just say, "Hmm, not sure.." and walk away -- HAH!  

Thanks for reading me through to the end!  And enjoy what's left of your weekends =).

<3

Inspired by IFB Project #89

My Go To Outfit: Oversized Blouse + Oversized Cardigan + Leggings Part 1

Everyone has a "go to" outfit.  The fail safe plan.  The never-gets-old trick-in-the-book.  And as the seasons change, so does this equation (well, at least in colour and texture).  If you saw my very first style video, or you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know that I always reach for an oversized fit on top with a slimmer fit for bottoms (unless it's summer, which is when I opt for tres short shorts).

Fall Under the Half Moon

Wherever you are in the world, it is officially Fall!  Here in Toronto, Canada we really can't deny it.  The leaves are littering the street with their fire, and it's just shamelessly beautiful.  Last weekend my boyfriend and I decided to finally cross some things off the list and get out there and take some photos for a post!  The following is what I wore on Sunday:

Still alive.

Hello lovely darlings!  I know, I know.  It's been more than an entire month since my last post!  And a lot (more or less) has been happening since then!  A lot of things have been changing in my life in the past few months, and I'm finally settleling into a new chapter of my life.   In the span of 6-7 months I went from moving back home to live with my parents in the little city I grew up in and being partially unemployed  (and starting this blog in my copious amounts of spare time), scoring an awesome summer internship in a big city, living in a little stinky craphole of an apartment (excuse my french), getting a fulltime grown-up job, finding a new apartment, living on my sister's couch for a month (the end of my lease and start of my new one were off by a month)--and now I'm FINALLY moved in to my new place!  Pretty crazy how much changes in so little time!  And with no warning or signs of change. 

 

When I started this blog, I had big dreams--and I still do.  I've just been so busy and all over the place in the past few months that I've just had no time to really dedicate myself to this project. Once I get my internet set up at my new (cute) apartment, I will be giving more attention to thelittledandy.com.  I do apologize for my absence.  However, if you follow me on instagram @thelittledandy, you'll know that I am still logging my style on a regular basis! 

 

Here are some instagram snap shots of the last few months of summer...and moving into to fall.  Oh, and...i ombre'd my stupid-long hair!

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

The Ballerina Tribe II

The Floral Blouse (...and the leather satchel).

The Yellow Blouse

Spring Thrifting!

The Little Dandy Shop?

Sorry I haven't posted a DIY! I was going to get started on one last night, but instead I ended up just cleaning my room and discovering a bunch of stuff that I ought to get rid of! I took loads of photos because there is just SO MUCH!  Ideally, I'd like to have a garage sale, but there's just too much hassle and time constraint involved with that, so I've decided to sell some of my things online (using Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji and Craigslist).

• American Apparel Oversized Chiffon Blouse in Port / New with Tag / $30CAD sold!
• Vintage Dooney & Bourke Handbag / Used / $20CAD in repair!

I apologize that these photos are so terrible.  To be quite honest, I wasn't spending a lot of time on the photos I was taking today because I just thought I'd be posting them on marketplace websites.  However, I did choose what I thought were the best ones to post here!  So anyway, this was what my day was filled with today...a random at-home photoshoot of used things I'd like to sell as I am strapped for cash haha.  Unfortunately I am only selling things locally right now =(.  BUT!! If you are in the London, Ontario, Canada area, shoot me an e-mail and we'll talk!

HOWEVER!  Soon I am hoping to be selling things internationally =).  Vintage finds, prints of my illustrations and DIYs are things that I am hoping to sell quite soon!  Keep your pretty eyes out for my coming Etsy shop!

<3

Sunday Best

My boyfriend took some photos with his DSLR, but then the battery ran out!  These are the only 3 shots we got =P.  So then we proceeded to use my iPhone =).

These photos are from my Instagram...again =P.  

Today I felt like I was wearing my Sunday Best!  And the weather was gorgeous!

• Mustard dress with lace collar - street shopping in S. Korea (approx. $15CAD)
• Navy cardigan - thrifted ($5CAD)
• Black stockings - Dollarama!!  Haha..I have no shame ($1CAD)
• Black flats - BDG from Urban Outfitters ($15CAD)
• Navy coat - UGIZ (Korean brand approx. $160CAD)
• Brown leather 'Jane Frame Bag' - Club Monaco Spring 2012 ($250CAD)

*click the photos for a better view! =)

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Vintage!

Recently I've stumbled upon some incredible beautiful vintage pieces that I must show & tell!  

Yesterday I  went to a Goodwill and found...

• Black & gold ox grain leather wallet - Goodwill ($4CAD)

This beautiful black and gold wallet.  There's no trace of a brand name on it anywhere, but it does say it is made of ox grain leather AND that it is made in Canada--Yay!  I love the gold detail on the front. 

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In my city there is a huge thrift store called Talize.  It is very much like a Value Village in its size, and in the range of things that they carry.  The only perk about Talize is that all of their goods have different coloured tags, and each day of the week is a special discount day for a specific colour!  Here, I found...

• Cream crochet cardigan - Talize ($7CAD)

There was no brand tag on this sweater, so I'm not sure where it's from--for all I know it could've been handmade by a pleasant old lady!  I love it!  It will be so perfect for the Spring weather...and to wear with some mint coloured skinnies which I've been on the hunt for...!

• Claudia Ciuti loafers - Talize ($8CAD)

You may have seen these loafers in a previous post.  I had never heard of Claudia Ciuti before, but the tag said 'Made in Italy' so I knew they had to be a good find!  As soon as I got home I googled the brand which lead me here.  A shoe brand that is only available online, or in one of their two boutiques in New York!  I absolutely adore them!  They are real leather, and so cute and comfy!  I can't wait till the Spring weather so I can wear these everyday!  It's supposed to be 14degrees (celsius) tomorrow!! Woo!

Anyway, time for bed.  We lose an hour tonight =(.


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Headband and other things.

I couldn't post my outfit from yesterday because I had a splitting headache when I got home so I just went straight to bed!  This is also the only photo I took of what I was wearing =(.

• Heather headband - Club Monaco
• Fisherman's Pullover in Black - American Apparel
• Winter Leggings in Black - American Apparel

Pretty boring stuff.  All black.  Very warm.  Very cozy.  It was pretty cold yesterday!  Not to mention the snow!  However, today it has finally been getting warmer.  Tomorrow it's supposed to be 12degrees (celsius!).  Very exciting stuff :).  

Today was my one year anniversary with my boyfriend =).  I didn't have much time to take photos of what I was wearing today either, but it was nothing too exciting.  I did, however, find a photo on my phone of basically the exact same outfit which I wore months ago, haha.  So here it is:

• Dark denim twist scarf - street shopping in S. Korea (approx. $1CAD)
• Tiger sweatshirt - street shopping in S. Korea (approx. $10CAD)
• Dark denim skinny jeans - H&M ($25CAD)
• Pink sneakers - thrifted at Talize ($6CAD)

I also did a little bit of bargain shopping this weekend! =)

I got these jeans on sale at Joe Fresh for only $20CAD!  I needed a new pair of light denim for the warmer seasons to come, so...YAY!! =).  The shoes in the picture are vintage, I'll be doing a post about some recent vintage finds later on.  

Anyway, thank you for leaving such wonderful comments everyone!  And hello to all of my lovely new followers!

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