A Crown of Daisies

Daisies make me smile! 🙂 For me, they represent the simple pleasures in life!

Roses are elegant, orchids are luxurious and there are a myriad of beautiful flowers to behold, the humble daisy is my choice: simply growing in a meadow, they do not boast to be the most beautiful flower in the world, they have a modest quality that makes them pretty too.

My top has lace across the front at the neckline and sleeves. And lace on the hem.

As a little girl, I loved making delicate daisy wreaths for my hair. I chose a crown of daisies for my wedding day. I carried a bouquet of daisies as I walked up the aisle. This skirt is lace with daisies that I bought last time in NYC that you can see closer here.

 

“Gatsby looked at Daisy
in a way that every young girl
wanted to be looked at.”
~ The Great Gatsby

I’ve had my gravitar photo ever since I started blogging and decided to use a new one.

My new gravitar photo.

Do you have a favourite flower?

Linkups: VISIBLE MONDAY TURNING HEADS TUESDAY

Song Sung Blue

I’m borrowing Neil Diamond’s song for this post.

We’re all subject to the blues now and then, and I’ve got them today in my outfit.

This gigantic saftety pin buckle was a purchase in the ’60s and I attached it to a denim blue belt. I decided to wear it with a long cotton top worn over rolled up faded blue jeans and then added this sheer fringe vest.

Now I’m singing the blues and this being one of my favourite blues song by Neil Diamond.

What’s your favourite blues song?

❤ carmen

Linkup: Turning Heads Tuesday

Memory Lane: University Village

Meandering around University Village in Seattle last year, I wore my black and white damask design pants that I bought in NYC several years ago in a little boutique in Harlem. We’ll be going back to NYC this summer and will stop by Bebenoir where Jean and I bought some lovely clothes and accessories.

University Village is an outdoor mall with lots of shops.

Crate and Barrel is one of my favourite home decor stores.

We had a super delicious vegan Mac and Cheese at VeggieGrill.In the evening we drove across town and had dinner with friends on a covered patio. I had a Chicago-style (pickle and tomato) vegan hot dog. The BEST ever in my life!

❤ carmen

Cool without Cruel

What do hedge hogs and wild boars have in common?

They are both animals on T-shirts from ARMED ANGELS: organic, fair trade and eco-friendly.

Jean and I love supporting ethical businesses because this way we can vote with our dollars. Tragedies like Bangladesh and not wanting to contribute to child labour and horrible working conditions for people, are reasons we care about what we buy. Animals do not need to suffer for fashion and our environment is also a concern.

Jean bought hers at Veganista in Munich–grey with a wild boar.

I bought mine at Dear Goods in Berlin–lavender with a hedge hog.

Since then Jean has opened her own eco boutique and carries apparel from Armed Angels.

I love how Jean tucked her T-shirt in at one side, giving a ruche effect that looks great with her ruched skirt.

I wore mine with white skinny jeans for a fresh summery look.

Am I putting in a plug for fair-trade and for our animal friends?

You betcha!!!

Fashion with compassion

❤ carmen

Linkup: VISIBLE MONDAY

 

Dominion Day in Red and White Gingham

It’s been 150 years since Canada became a nation. July 1st used to be called Dominion Day when I was young.

I live in a humungous village with 35 million people! Canada means “village” in Huron-Iroquois, and today our VILLAGE is 150 years old.

I bought this red and white gingham summer dress with a vintage vibe especially for a ’50s birthday party I was invited to. Unfortunately, it didn’t arrive on time for the party, but I’m getting lots of wear out of it during these Canada Day festivities.

It’s a full circle dress, perfect for twirling on the dance floor.

Sweet 3D cherries

It was a lovely day for our annual visit to Doon Heritage Village.

The charming old covered bridge, a remnant from the last century.

Go through the bridge and walk into a quaint little village with authentic houses and shops built over a hundred years ago.

The villagers will greet you with smiles and wearing fashion from 1914.

Cherry jewellery, Canada sunglasses, red lipstick and a little Canadian flag on my cowgirl hat just for the fun of it.

cherry earrings

Canada sunglasses

Time to catch the train home at Petersburg Station after an enjoyable trip back in time to a more simple life. This train station was transported from the town of Petersburg. The locomotive is not actually in use, but it’s fun to imagine.

God keep our land glorious and free!

 

Happy 4th of July to my American friends!

❤ carmen

Linkups: VISIBLE MONDAY

White Denim Vest

My last post featured my black faux suede vest. I have invested in a number of vests, but I’ve never had a white denim vest. I love how adding a vest can make an outfit a little more fashionable.

This little white denim vest is from Ricki’s. These are a few of the ways I’ve styled it.

With black and white damask print pants and a black sleeveless top …

and white skinny jeans …

with black and white gingham capris …

It’s so versatile and I love white.

How many vests in your closet?

❤ carmen

Welcome Summer!

Linkup: TURNING HEADS TUESDAY

Faux Suede Black Fringe Vest

When one of my dancers came to class wearing a black fringe vest similar to one I have, I thought it would be fun to have our photo taken together. Ann is a very fashionable lady and always looks stylish and youthful.

I’ve worn it with apricot and with blue. This time a black and white look.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings!
❤ carmen

Polka Dot Capris

Time to wear capris, they’re cooler than pants and more chic than shorts. These ones are black with white polka dots and great for a little pattern mixing.

My happy feet are enjoying sandals again!

This tunic is a few years old bought at Budds Department Store (a family business which closed its doors forever in 2016 after 89 years).

The back and one sleeve are black.

If you can’t see the bright side of life,
polish the dull side!

❤ carmen

Faux Layers

Layers add interest to an outfit as well as warmth that can be peeled off if need be. But what I like about faux layers is that I can have the look without bulk. Case in point, this lovely turquoise pullover that looks like I’m wearing a white chiffon blouse underneath.

This could be an easy DIY project. I’ve got a a couple of sweaters that are a little short and I could make one myself by buying a thrifted blouse and bravely cutting a few inches off the hem and cutting around the collar. If I ever get around to it!

Top: Reitmans
Necklace: hand-made by Canadian artist
Jeans: Le Chateau
Vegan purse: Jeane and Jax
Stilettos: J.C. Penny

Do you have any faux layer tops?

❤ carmen

 Linkup: VISIBLE MONDAY TURNING HEADS TUESDAY

Happy Anniversary Drizzle & Shine!

This month marks one year since my daughter opened her eco boutique in Seattle. I’m very proud of Jean, not only because she started her own business, but because compassion motivated her to make this decision. She explains in this video what Drizzle & Shine is all about. Please take a peek into her store by clicking the photo or here.

While in Seattle last September, I had a wonderful opportunity to help out in her unique store and meet some of Jean’s lovely customers. I bought a new wardrobe and featured clothes, shoes, jewellery and accessories from Drizzle & Shine on my blog. Here’s my collection of ethical, cruelty-free and eco friendly clothing and items from Jean’s store.

It was great not having to check labels to be sure it was eco friendly and cruelty-free, because Jean has made sure of that.

Jean has always been fashionable since she was a little girl and more importantly, she was kind and loved all animals. It’s no wonder she grew up to be a compassionate fashionista.

She started her fashion blog before I had ever even heard there was such a thing. Jean’s love for animals and cruelty-free fashion caused her to start another blog, Sunshine and Slaughter, “Your portal to all things compassionate!” In this blog, she shares vegan recipes and restaurants, showing off the latest clothing, shoes, and beauty products from vegan companies, and shares information about campaigns to help animals. A great resource for vegan options.

“Style isn’t worth the suffering.”
~ Jean White

❤ carmen