Nicole Gade: 1, Steff: 0

At the risk of sounding like a blithering idiot (or at least an ignorant blogger), how is this dress possible? I don't just mean the breath-taking attributes of the dress. I mean, how does the khaki cotton-linen fabric of the top transform apparently seamlessly into white organza fabric? I am perplexed and intrigued. If I had an extra $599, I would definitely buy this work of art just to solve this mystery. Methinks it would be too small for me to actually wear, although I would be too scared to do that anyways, as I might attract an entourage of equally perplexed fabric ignoramuses. It would look nice framed on my wall or on a vintage dress form. Sigh.

Attention!

I find this steampunk inspired underbust corset so striking. Frankly, I cannot take my eyes off of it. It's unlike anything I've seen with that gorgeous asymmetrical hem. And those buttons...Onearmedscissor does such beautiful and impeccable work, I'm incredibly surprised she's only asking $89 for it. I'm very tempted to convo her and ask for a custom made one to my measurements. The punk/industrial inspired underbust corset and matching skirt I got from her are still 2 of my most treasured items in my closet. Just can't get over the perfect contrast of bright red and black. Guess it's not a huge surprise, since I'm in love with Bonzie's Napoleona Red Couture Coat.

I dream in shades of grey

Too much spending this birthday weekend/mini holiday. So this is only a dream, but a very good (and shady) dream...

Perhaps I could splurge on marissa v.'s Centro Culottes though. I haven't had a desire to wear culottes since 7th grade. I think the time is now. That asymmetrical hem is impeccable.

Two life-changing discoveries

1) Sugoi's R + R Knee High Compression socks (instant circulation boost for $34.99 a pair).

2) Da Capo's Caffe Affogato (2 shots of wonderful espresso, 1 huge scoop of gelato with high quality chocolate shavings for $6 at our neighbourhood's cyclist hangout).

What a great day. I'm gloriously happy with both of my finds. And my leg doesn't feel like crap for the first time in a long while. Sigh.

What I wish I was wearing today

That is: a Hamilton Scarflace, an Urban Revisions' Shredded T-Shirt, Adidas by Stella McCartney Floxy flats, Joe's Jeans in the Muse cut and Maya wash, and a ruffled tote bag from RebeccasArtCloset.

Sadly, I only own the Joe's Jeans and the lovely Stella McCartney/Adidas shoes. However, the jeans are still enroute to me...

Cupped cakes and netlaces

Sooo many cupcakes today. It's the hubby's birthday, and that was his request. New (and much needed) Fuss Cupcakes on THE trendy shopping street in my city just happens to be a 5 minute walk away from our apartment. Bad for fitting into my new Joe's Jeans...

Besides making me eat more cupcakes, the cold weather is also driving me to scour the Etsy universe for more scarf/warm necklace options. I was so delighted to discover Accessorius' gorgeous Natura collection, including this necklace. The description says that this piece calls to mind an 'enigmatic rock formation'. Personally, this reminds me of a harbour, as the different elements look like various nets. But these nets won't be used to catch fish, only to capture the eye.

Ruffled beauty

I obviously have a thing for ruffles lately, as a few of my most recent purchases are ArtLab's Charlie Chaplin Couture Bib, Weatherread's Raw Ruched Cotton Jacket, and Bonzie's Le Coquette Ruffled Scarf. So it's no surprise that my heart skipped a beat when I saw Kate Towers' newest listings. I would snatch each one up if I were the right size. Sigh.

Her look becomes her

1) One of the regulars at my Starbucks initially intrigued me because she shed her ho-hum university student look for a dramatic black fringed cut, sharp black frames, a confident stride, and interesting outfits. I don't always like her ensembles, but she always made me take a second look because of the amazing transformation she had made. Today, however, I realized that I can no longer remember what she used to look like. Her 'new' look has simply become her. And she still makes me take a second look.

2) A quote on the admin assistant's whiteboard today ended with: "Accept your mood for what it is, and wait for it to pass." Now, perhaps I'm missing the point since I didn't bother reading the rest of the quote. But the end of it bothers me. Do I really have to wait for a bad mood to pass before I can go on with my life? Do I have no control over it at all? And what if I like my mood? Hmm...

3) Normally I only feature Etsy sellers' creations, but I adore this Monkey & Elf dress for some reason. Most likely because it's a such a mod version of the typical Grecian goddess dress (and I'm a Classics geek at heart). The colour combo even intrigues me, though I haven't paired red and pink together since that fateful Valentine's dress-up contest where my classmates laughed at my red Levi's with a pink sweater. Or was it pink Levi's...I've rarely worn pink since.