I found this picture at an antique mall over a year ago, and recently it’s been inspiring my wardrobe and accessory choices.

Love the Miss Havisham look!

I’m very interested in vests lately, this one I just ordered from Esprit online.  It’s stretchy, and I love the collar on it.  It’s called a waistcoat vest, reminiscent of Edwardian menswear.  I love the looks below worn by Hallie Berry, JLo and Fergie, and the one  where she’s dressed it down with skinny pants and boots.  This is a great look for those of us who are a bit busty; it feminizes an otherwise masculine look.

I got a set of 4 headbands from Shoppers Drug Mart of all places, they’re basically elastic on either side of a same-coloured gauzy fabric.  They look really old to me, and are functional and beautiful at the same time!  Decorating your hair is definitely old-world, and I’m loving it!

I pick dresses out that make my Mom cringe.  She’s very simple and elegant, and think that to her I sometimes dress crazy.  I don’t mind.  There’s something about a patterned, colourful  dress that makes my pulse race.  It’s never safe, but when you get it right, a loud dress makes you shine brighter than any black dress will.  Sometimes literally.  Check out this green and brown polyester sheath I found.  The beige leather jacket and brown boots add just the right amount of class.

The first book I remember reading by myself was Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carol.  I was in grade one in an elementary school in Vancouver that was built in the early 1900′s, and it had a big glorious library in the basement where I would go and sit and read for what seemed like hours and days.  It was absolute heaven!  Ever since then, I’ve had a soft spot for all things Alice in Wonderland.  And yes, I did appreciate Tim Burton’s latest interpretation.  I’ve put together some of my favourite Alice inspired items, and I have to tell you: I am seriously considering wearing a short blue organza dress and mary janes to school on a day when I need a little more fantasy and adventure.

Whimsical necklace from etsy.

Great teacup ring from etsy.

Vintage Alice dress, also etsy.

Patent mary janes.

Wonderland Birthday Party!

Vintage pop-up book, I need this!

This is my neice Odessa.  She just turned 5, and she’s awesome.  I’m noticing how her sense of style is developing, and am really enjoying the outfits she puts together.  It’s funny how we develop our own esthetic so young, it makes me think it’s innate.  To be fair, she has a pretty stylish Mom, not to mention her awesome auntie Anna!!!