Fall Shopping Haul: NY State

I took a mini break from the blog last week and went on a road trip to Rochester, NY for a fun Lindyhop dance weekend called Slow Dance Soiree

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Even with the CAD$ still being in the toilet … THIS was the look of my apartment AFTER the trip!!! 😮

YEP!!!  Mama did some serious shopping this trip!  So welcome to my Fall Shopping Haul Post – let me tell you what I found in my travels to NY State!

VILLAGE GATE MALL, ROCHESTER, NY

We took our own sweet time driving up to Rochester, NY … taking all the side roads to really see the city Friday afternoon on our drive up.  My travel mate was on the hunt for a specific high-end liquor which lead us to a restaurant in the Village Gate Mall.

Naturally, if we’re in a mall… I’m gonna need to poke around to see if anything needed to be mine 🙂

Here’s what followed me home:

There was a little wee shop in a deep, far corner of this mall that had the cutest little things!!!

I’m so sad that I didn’t pickup a biz card to give them a shout out in this post.  Sigh…

UPDATE:  Shop name is Sweet Poison Cupcake

Unicorn Earrings!!! (There was some discussion around these being Pegasus … but they’ve clearly got a horn + wings … so that makes them 100% Unicorn) 😉
Giraffes and Penguins with balloons!! The cutest socks ever … $3 each!

Across from this shop was a hair salon that was having a WIG SALE!!!  Naturally, I had to try on every single one! 😀

I think I provided a source of entertainment to all the shopgirls and patrons as I pranced back and forth to get a glimpse of me in their mirrors.

Here’s the one I settled on…

My $10 wig from the Vivica A. Fox line… to give me an entirely different look!

I’m wayyyyy too chicken to actually cut my hair this short.  But now I get the best of both worlds with this $10 wig – harnessing my inner Viola Davis and giving me that powerful  How To Get Away With Murder look. 😉

FASHION OUTLETS OF NIAGARA FALLS, USA

I’ve been to the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, NY many times.  And its sorta a hit-or-miss place for deals and fab finds.  But since we’re driving by it anyways we HAD to stop in and see what was up. 😀

And here’s the results of that:

NINE WEST

EVERYTHING at Nine West was 50% off!

These rang in at $45 … totally worth it even with the USD$/CAD$ exchange.  Super comfortable.  Super fashionable.  Super practical being flats with rubber soles.

I see myself living in these shoes for all of Fall – bring on the rain and sleet! ❤

Glossy Merlot Wine shoes with adorable ribbon laces … YES please! ❤

PAYLESS SHOES

I dunno what it is, but the Payless stores in the States just seem to offer better selection and sizing.

So when I found it was BOGO days – Buy One, Get One – it made the purchasing decision easy!

Aren’t these the perfect booties?! I didn’t wanna go with black or brown…like everyone else.

So when I found these hunter green ones – it was love at first sight! $39!

I’m all about finding adorable flats these days – sadly pumps are no longer something I can comfortably wear all day – plus, flats allow you to be dance-ready always 😉

These black tassel flats were marked down to $15 …. but with BOGO, ended up being $7!!!

FOREVER 21+

Ya’ll know I love me some Forever21+, but shop there as sparingly as possible to avoid looking like every other plus size girl getting her street-style on.

But these thin hi-low tank tunics in the perfect Fall colours of army green and wine red were only $14, how could I leave them on the rack?

And then I found this!!!!

Do I even wear sweatshirts?  No!  But that’s beside the point!  Just look at the adorable puppies of all kinds on it!!!!

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Puppy sweatshirt $20… Unnecessary spending at it’s finest – 😛

Michael Kors

One of the main reasons for me stopping in on this outlet mall on the way home was to buy a new FALL purse.

I’ve been using the same cross-body MK purse since 2012 – It has only now started to look worn… which means replacement is necessary 🙂

Found this bad boy in the clearance section … which meant an additional 25% off – woot! woot!

This dessert suede and leather messenger bag with optional cross-body strap stole my heart!

I didn’t intending on buying TWO MK purses – but just look at this one!!!

Perfect size!  Lots of visual interest + tassel!  Bonus!

Netural enough to go with nearly everything, without being black. AND optional cross-body strap.

Both of these pursues rang in just a bit over $100 each.  #winning

Target

No cross-border shopping trip is complete without a stop into Target!

I didn’t find much that caught my eye in terms of clothes/accessories/shoes — but their home section was on fire!

ALL Lighting is on sale at Target until Halloween (or at least that’s what the sign said when I scored these) Making each of these sets $11!!!!

Found some electric blankets (unphotographed) which helped kick-start my xmas shopping. And found these adorable mini globe string lights.

I’ve used one set to make my bedroom more romantic and will be saving the other to amp up my balcony next summer!

There you have it friends!!  My Shopping Haul!!!  All prices I’ve listed were in USD$ …. Soooo when you do the conversion to CAD$ they might not have been such “deals” anymore.  But it doesn’t matter!!!  I loved all my finds and they needed to be mine.

The End 🙂

Until next time..xo

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Summer in The6ix

Summer in Toronto is just the greatest!

We have everything….

Live Music!  Plays and Performances!  Dancing! Sailing! Spas! Shopping!

Outdoor movies! Cultural Festivals! Foods from around the world!

Annnnnnd all of these things are usually FREE and are walking distance from each other!  No car required! ❤

Combo Royale performing under the Harbourfront Bandshell

There have been many wonderful fun-filled days this summer – but the most memorable was an unexpected Saturday afternoon that turned into a full day-o-fun!!!

It began with a play – an interactive dark comedy – THE WEDDING – put on by an independant theatre company: The Lighthouse Troupe.  As audience members aka the wedding guests, we were encouraged to dress nicely, sign-in at a guest registry, find their table, and interact with the various members of the wedding party, much like a real reception.   You know me – any reason to get dressed up is my kind of event! 🙂

After the show… we walked into Harbourfront for their Spicy Food Festival and found a free jazz concert which naturally led to impromptu  lindyhopping on grass!

A Large Lady Lindy Hopping – yup!  That’s me! 🙂

After that we walked along Queens Quay to Sugar Beach for Sail-in Cinema’s screening of The Princess Bride  …

❤ My most favourite movie ❤

Since we arrived kinda late … we found a patch of sand for our blankets way in the back sadly, making the Sail-in screen teeny-tiny.

Plus, it seems we were too late for the courtesy popcorn and back-rests that many around us seemed to have nabbed.

Le sigh…

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Our sad seats on the sand, way in the back of Sugar Beach…before the win~INCONCEIVABLE! 😉

THEN….the event announcer asked for a family-of-4 who would/could potentially win a fabulous prize for answering a single movie trivia question.

When they failed…we managed to flag him down and I provided the CORRECT answer… which won us seats on a sail boat to watch the movie!!!

And there were handsome sailors too! #bonus 😛

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Knowing useless Princess Bride trivia won us seats on Canada’s Fastest Sail boat! Boom!!!

THIS was our view for the movie … just waiting for the sun to set so that the movie could start!!!

Floating around on Canada’s fastest sail boat, eating popcorn with sailors and watching the greatest movie ever …

A perfect ending to a wonderfully unexpected summer day!

Curious about what I’m wearing?

How I Got The Look:

Dress and crop-top from Forever21+; Shoes from Winners

How would you describe THE Perfect Summer Day?  What would it include? What would you do? What would you wear?

Tell me about it in the comments section below. 🙂

Special thanks to Ellie for capturing those dancing pictures!  And to Five for the pictures on the boat!

Thanks for reading, xo

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Treat Yo Self!

Canadians know how to make sure they squeeze out as much summer as they possibly can – cuz Winter is Coming and will last 8+ months of the year! 😦

That’s why we gotta make the most of the August Long Weekend!!!!

This was the first time I stayed in town.  The streets of Toronto are filled with loads of party people and tons of Americans who come up for Caraibanna !  The weekend is dedicated to TONS of parties happening everywhere and the weather is usually picture perfect!

I was lucky enough to have some RMT benefit dollars to burn – so I grabbed a gf and we drove to Caldeon, ON to spend the day luxuriating at a day spa!

The Millcroft Inn & Spa had an outdoor terrace, indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor whirlpool, an Infrared Sauna, private men’s and women’s locker facilities with herbal steams rooms and showers.

It was the greatest!!!

Plus, they’ve got an award winning resturant – where we had lunch overlooking this gorgeous pond + waterfall. ❤

This was the 2nd summer in my life where I have come to peace with my body insecurities and donned a bikini (aka fatkini)! 🙂

Click here for the 1st time … in my other bikini.

My body acceptance continues to be a journey … but I’m digging how this suit looks on my bod!
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It was the Long Weekend in The6ix …. and I was ready for lots of sun with as little clothing as possible. 😜

It’s YOUR summer too – you do you – and wear whatever the eff’ you want friends!

This spa had a number of pools with varying temperatures …. from plunge-cold to hot-tub heat!

And they are yours to indulge in, so long as you book a spa service over $100!

Hello Swedish full body massage! 😉

There were a few kids in the pool (ugh)… but the majority of spa-goers were older couples with all body types represented.

Plus, they’ve got waitstaff that take and bring your drink orders right to the pool you’re in!  V.I.P.  V.I.P.

How I Got The Look:

Bikini is from last year’s GabiFresh for SwimSuits4All; Sunnies are from Ardene

There you have it – What I Did and What I Wore over long weekend! 🙂

For an easy 3-step guide to getting a bikini bod yourself, scroll to bottom of this post!

Special thanks to Peter Chiem for getting out of your lounge-chair and being my pool-side photographer xo

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Exploring Beantown – Boston

Sorry for the absence friends – I’ve been on vacation and away from the blog.

And then summer fun got in the way, and I’ve been out living my life instead of writing about it 😛

But I’m back!!! And ready to give you a recap of all I did in the lovely city of BOSTON!

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Week 1 was dedicated to my love for Lindyhop!  I signed up for a week-long dance camp that was celebrating their 20th anniversary of BEANTOWN!!

BEANTOWN DANCE CAMP

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This was an intensive week of non-stop dance with workshops all day, everyday to improve your dancing skills.  Taught by amazing dance instructors from all over.  Followed by nightly live bands to dance to until the wee hours of the morning!

Here’s a quick run down of those live musical acts:

 

Truth:  When I signed up for this trip, I figured I’d have a ton of other Toronto dancers going with me.  But with the CAD$ being so low…that wasn’t the case.  And then I had a lower back injury that led to me doing  very little dancing all winter.  I started to chicken-out and was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up with everyone else at this camp. :/

What if they were all amazing dancers and they discover that I’m a dancing fraud!?

What if they’re all super young and I’ll be the oldest granny of the group?!

What if I sit all alone for every meal with no friends all week!? :/  The Fear Was Real!

As the travel date got closer and closer… turns out that there were only two other Toronto dancers heading to Beantown …and we were all arriving at different times.

So I forced myself to be brave, packed my electric heating pad, a sh!t-ton of Ibuprofen and muscle pain ointment and off I went to spend over a week at a dance camp, in a city where I know nobody… dun dun dunnnn!

I had to audition to get into an appropriate “track level” for all your classes that week.  Terrifying?  Yes!

Result:  Turns out I’m an intermediate dancer!

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This was the first time I participated in a group routine and performed in public!!!

I’m happy to report – we  didn’t mess up once on stage!!!  Woot! Woot! 😀

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Me and my routine dance partner, Eddie

Here’s the routine.  We were nervous that we’d screw it up…so we claimed a spot in the back row…far right, if you’re looking for me.

Look for my especially twirly skirt. 😉  Click here to read about my outfit if you’re curious.

I was way too busy having the time of my life … that I didn’t take too many pictures during my stay at camp.

Luckily I’ve managed to find a few of me taken at the fun photobooth the last night of camp – celebrating its 20th anniversary!

Visit my Instagram channel to see all the camp adventures + video clips of a few lessons and a mini private concert with Norma Miller – Lindy Hop swing dancer known as the “Queen of Swing”

DOWNTOWN BOSTON

Camp ended on a Thursday…and with the long weekend here (Canada Day), I decided to stick around Boston and explore the city solo.

My hostel – HI Boston – was right next to the Boston Common – pretty much right in the heart of downtown.

I slept the day away – my body was exhausted after 7-days of dance.  But in the evening, I walked around on my own and found myself in the Public Gardens just as the sun was setting…

Gorgeous pink skies in the Public Gardens, Boston
Gorgeous pink skies in the Public Gardens, Boston

And at the other side of this the park… I stumbled upon this landmark…

“Where Everybody Knows Your Name!!”

Naturally I had to stop in and have a cuppa Calm Chowda at the bar and channel my inner Norm. 😉

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Friday I was a proper tourist!  I was determined to maximize the day AND night!!!

What better way to explore a new city than on foot!  I discovered a fab lil’ company called Free Tours by Foot which does just that!  These tours are among the best things to do in Boston, taking you through many of the city’s most famous neighbourhoods. Best part: there is no charge to take our tours.  Meaning you may pay what you feel the tour was worth after the tour is completed, thus ensuring that your tour guide must strive to give his or her best on every tour.  Win. Win.

What I saw on the Freedom Trail Walking Tour:

  • Massachusetts State House
  • Park Street Church
  • Granary Burying Ground
  • King’s Chapel
  • Old South Meeting House
  • Old Corner Bookstore
  • Old State House
  • Boston Massacre Site
  • Faneuil Hall

In addition to all these historic sites … I managed to drive by the Harvard Campus at night …. took the T-train on a pub crawl to some uptown Boston Bars…. checked out the local Lindyhop Social…. brought the house down with newly made friends while Karaoke’ing in Cambridge … caught some live jazz over brunch…and even had a bit of a romantic interlude that weekend to boot! 😉

Overall, my trip to Boston was da.bomb.com! ❤

It’s a fantastic city – super green – with lots to see and do.  Sadly, I dedicated an entire day to shopping and came up empty-handed.  Nothing wow’d me enough to spend my money.  Nothing.  Very, very disappointing. 😦shoppingafrica

Who’s been to Boston?  Were there some “must do’s” that I missed?  Now that you’ve read about my adventures, would you take a trip out there too?

Tell me your thoughts in the comment section below.

Thanks for reading. xo

 

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ADOPT ME: Snoopy + PSBRescue

I try to keep this blog’s content simple and honest.  My writing is mostly based on a simple concept:

What I Did and What I Wore.

This has made Petite Plus, Meow! an online journal of a short, curvy city gal’s experience-based perspective of going out-and-about, trying new things and reporting back to you – my readers – to hopefully provide you inspiration and encouragement to try those things YOURSELVES! 🙂

And in doing that, I end up writing about a lot of different things … fashion, dancing, food, shopping, dating, dogs. ❤

Snapshot PPMeow

If you’re following me on Facebook, then you know WHAT I DID!!! 😉  I recently applied to become a foster-fur mom to a dog rescue called Pomeranian and Small Breed Rescue.

It’s been a few summers since I’ve lost The Berto (R.I.P.) … and I’ve been toying with the idea of getting another pup.

I’m not sure if my heart is ready just yet.  But in the meantime, why not help out where I can with improving the welfare of rescued and surrendered pups! ❤

Pomeranian and Small Breed Rescue (PSBR) is a volunteer rescue group in Ontario, Canada. We provide care for dogs that that have been surrendered by their owners, rescued from puppy mills, or are in danger of losing their lives in local animal control facilities. We are a registered Canadian charity, operated by a group of dedicated individuals committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming Pomeranian and other small breed dogs. All dogs are fostered in loving home environments.

My first placement has been this adorable Pomeranian Maltese mix lil’ pup named Snoopy.

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Visit PSBR on Instagram and Facebook

He arrived mid-week, dropped off by his surrenders…shaggy, tear-stained faced, crazy long nails…and didn’t want anything to do with me. 😦

Snoopy hung out at my front door waiting for his ‘people’, not knowing they’ve left him for good.

Meet Snoopy

But then…after 3.5hours….this lil’ filthy, barky furball starting exploring his new digs…and then made his way to my lap on my sofa…!!!

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There were a few pee-accidents that first week, but with the help of tethering this quickly stopped.  His appetite soon returned, eating his full bowl at breakfast and dinner right when they were served.

By the end of that week, Snoopy started to hangout more with me more on the living room carpet and even let me play with him…tug-o-war and fetch seem to be his favourite. 🙂

Snoopy 1

Having only been a dog owner once in my life – to the Berto – the most silent, affectionate pup in the land, who had full reign of my living space – I was in new territory with Snoopy and his crate.

I never felt comfortable locking him in there anytime I needed to leave the house. :/  But I did it, to make sure his boundary training was kept intact while in his new pad – my house.

Being crate-trained, he would often would just hangout in there for naps or for chewing on his toy keys.  Since I work from home, Snoopy would very rarely be without my company.

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Look at that little face… Snoopy’s, not Darth. 😉

At night, he’d sleep in his crate.  One night, I left his crate unlocked to see what would happen…would my apartment be unrecognizable by morning…only to find him asleep with me on MY BED!!!! ❤

By the next week, this pup and I were fast friends…and even napped together.  He climbed me!

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He climbed me!  The Snoopy likes me…finally! Yippee!

Over the weekend I left him alone a few times for longer and longer periods of time to see what his behaviour is like.  He’s a barker.  My neighbours are understanding, but their kindness died down quickly – as condo living and barking-fits just don’t mix.

It happens sometimes that people don’t tell us “the whole truth” about the dog..and we get lovable little handfuls.  But with some training tips from the rescue’s behaviourist, I was able to begin curbing some of Snoopy’s bad habits in the house and on walks.  He needs consistency with these techniques so that they can become permanent behaviours.

Adopt Snoopy

For the last few weeks, Snoopy has been living in Niagara Falls so that he can work with the behaviourist 1:1 to make him more adoptable 🙂

Once Snoopy is adopted PSBR’s commitment doesn’t stop there.  Dog trainer Renee Mauro is ready and willing to help with the training after the adoption takes place for no charge.

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The Snoop… freshly bathed and groomed by the good people of Barkingham Palace – Toronto

ADOPTION FEE: $400

If YOU’D like to adopt Snoopy … click here to read his Petfinder Ad and apply today! 🙂

If you’d like to adopt, donate or become a foster yourself with Pomeranian Small Breed Rescue, visit www.psbrescue.com and apply!!!

https://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/35120538
Here he is..12 lbs of fun!!! Snoopy is big personality in a little package, guaranteed to bring laughter and joy to his lucky forever home! https://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/35120538

Hope you like this new feature of the blog: ADOPT ME … where I will be summarizing my experience with each new pup that ends up in my foster-care until their forever home is found.

Again, if you’re interested in Snoopy, the rescue, donating or getting involved in helping in some way – use the baked in links above or feel free to leave a comment below. 🙂13041041_10153620514434072_7234577684950184689_o

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Based in southern Ontario, PSBR is a volunteer-run registered charity providing care for dogs that have been surrendered or rescued. Established in 2001

Operation Smile: Hope to Smile Fashion Show

Operation Smiles provides free surgical procedures for kids born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities across the world.

The aim for this weekend’s Fashion Shows in collaboration with 2016 Miss Universe Canada is to create awareness and raise money for these children and young adults who are unable to smile the way they want.

THIS WEEKEND …

Saturday May 14th
A number of designers are hosting a Fashion Show to raise awareness and funds…

HOPE TO SMILE IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION SMILE

Where: The Studio, 805 Dovercourt Rd, Toronto.

http://www.hopetosmile.ca
HOPE TO SMILE IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION SMILE — Fashion Show to raise awareness & funds

You can save a child from a lifetime of shame with one 45-minute surgery.

Each surgery cost approximately $260 CAD.  This weekend’s fashion show aims is to raise as much as we can to help these children/young adult get the surgical procedure they need … and putting a smile on their faces, literally! 🙂

Fashion Showcases by a number of designers and Entertainment Performances all weekend long!!!

Saturday 6pm onwards will have a fashion focus on Scents of Spring.

For a full listing of who’s going to be on the runway and when click here for the schedule.

Please come out and support this cause with me.  Get your tickets here!

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Montreal, ci bon!

What did you do last weekend?

I did a 6-hr road trip with some dance friends to Montreal for the weekend! First trip of the year! 🙂

Next to Toronto, Montreal is the 2nd largest Canadian city and said to have a ton of tourist attractions, museums, cultural centres and historic landmarks.

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From the lookout onto of Mount Royal, Montreal

Montreal is known for its mountain – Mount Royal.  Lots of people often pack a lunch and head up to the catch the views for the top of it.  You can get to the lookout by bus, car or simply by walking up Peel St.

That’s one of my favourite things about visiting here – it is a total pedestrian city!!!

This was the 2nd time I’ve visited this city as an adult.  The 1st was this past Halloween for a fun Lindyhop Exchange.

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Le Salon 1861 – The Church of Lindyhop – Halloween 2015, in Montreal

Since I was only there for a weekend – this time a blues dancing event – there really wasn’t  time to explore any of the ‘typical tourist attractions’.

Although, I did manage to check out a few cool things this city had to offer.  Here’s a recap of what I did …when I remembered to take pictures:)

A Walk up Saint-Denis St. & Saint-Laurent Blvd.

I explored the city on foot easily, specifically the area in and around Saint-Denis St. & Saint-Laurent Blvd (not too far from Parc Jean Mance).

If you’re looking to see Montreal at its hippest and most happening, these are the streets for you!

Montreal Saint-Laurent Blvd
Saint-Laurent is easily found, as it has a strings of lights zig-zagged along it.

Plus, there were tons of  restaurants, boutiques, and vintage shops to tryout and poke around.

Maybe came home with a few treats for moi… 😉

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New-to-me finds from the various vintage shops of Montreal’s Saint-Laurent Blvd.

It was a fabulous weather day ☀️ to have been exploring Montreal on foot. After the shopping and a brief stop for Ripples Ice Cream🍦… a friend and I found ourselves on a sunny patio and prepared to play a Fun Drinking Game I’ve invented called: Man Buns & Beards 🍻😎 #ppmeowTravels.

It seemed that this city is populated by hundreds of well dressed beautiful people, which meant the rules to my drinking game needed some modifications 😉 …

Drinking Game: Man Buns & Beards
UPDATE: drinking game adjusted to Newsie Boy Hat + Scaf + Beard combo. 👏🏾#Montreal #men

The Underground City

Did you know that there are more than 30+ km of underground shopping in Montreal!? 😮

Yep! It’s essential for blustery, frost-biting cold, wintery days this city gets.  Which means shoppers can walk around the city during Winter without ever going outside.Ville-interieure-Montreal-Dessous-300x200

There’s really no “entrance” to this underground shopping world. You kind of just happen upon it.  You can pretty much find an entrance to the Underground City anywhere in downtown. Just about every building in downtown has a door that leads you to this place. There are information kiosks scattered throughout, so you can easily pick up a map and start navigating.

I believe I entered from the corner of St. Catherine and McGill (McGill stop on the metro)…after exploring the campus grounds a bit.

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Beautiful, sunny Spring afternoon on McGill University Campus, Montreal

There are LOTS of different shops and food courts. And few nice department stores, like SIMONS (one Toronto doesn’t have).  Eaton Centre Montreal is very similar to Eaton Centre Toronto.. same stores.. same sales…

What I notice was that aside from AdditionElle and Pennington’s, the plus-sized boutiques and offerings were scarce.  With extremely  limited options within the many corridors of the Underground City. :/

IMG_1543IMG_1542Because of this fact, I was very well-behaved… only spending a little $$ on some sale items to help with Project: Apartment Refresh… stay tuned to the blog for that 😉  A set of fleece doggie pillowcases marked down to $4.99, from Simons.

And this terrific watermelon shower curtain marked down to $9.99 (also from Simons).  Found some watermelon-esk green hand towels too (Winners $3.99).  Now just need some sort of watermelon floor mat for my bathroom theme to be complete! 😉

Last, but certainly not least, my Montreal trip concluded with….

The Barbie Expo

Whilst exploring the Underground City… we stumped upon the most wonderful exhibition which featured more than 1,000 Barbies in designer clothes!! ❤ ❤ ❤IMG_1536The largest permanent, haute couture Barbie exposition in the world has taken roots in Les Cours Mont-Royal in Montreal!

I Love Lucy Collection
I Love Lucy Collection

There was even a special I Love Lucy feature for the show’s 65th anniversary, with Barbies dressed up in Lucy’s costumes from the most memorable episodes ❤

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Much photo love to the Barbies of the Motherland:  India 🙂

This Barbie Expo had high-fashion Barbies, designer Barbies, and even celebrity Barbies!!!

Some dolls were wearing designs from Armani, Dior, Versace, Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta and many more notable names from the fashion industry. ❤

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Needless to say I kinda lost my mind, and iPhone camera space 🙂  Are you following me on INSTAGRAM?

If so, you’ve likely seen a few more pics and video clips as I took them during my trip.

Search for the hashtag: PPMeowTravels to see more of my adventures there.  Thanks for following and reading:)

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❤ Life Goals ❤

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WHATEVE’R?! Clueless Homage

Cher. Dionne. Tai.  Even Ambuler.  These ladies shaped the 90s in one of the most iconic movies ever.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Clueless.

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Clueless is an unabashed celebration of being a girly girl. The ladies love fashion, makeup, and shopping yet their interests aren’t portrayed as silly or symbolic of their feminine natures.

Because strangely enough you can like high heels and lipstick and still like boys and be a bad-ass-bitch too. 😉

How many fantastic, over-the-top looks were there in this flick?  I’ve just picked out the few that I really, really loved….

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SO. MUCH. PLEATED. PLAID. ❤

Now this below look was Cher’s 2nd choice of course, as she couldn’t find her 1st choice before her driving test… 😉

Where’s my white collarless shirt from Fred Segal! It’s my most capable-looking outfit!

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CHER’S “MOST CAPABLE” OUTFIT

Sweater vest.  Untucked pinstriped collared shirt.  Plaid skirt. ❤ ❤ ❤

I just love this red outfit Cher’s wearing while playing cupid to Mr. Hall and Miss Geist.

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CHER’S MATCH-MAKING LOOK

And last, but not least, this sweet pale pink satin ensemble Cher wears for Mr. Hall and Miss Geist’s wedding …

Kinda timeless, hm?

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PRETTY IN PINK FOR THE WEDDING

What else makes this movie so great?

Well, this may be the only film we have that proves that Paul Rudd did at one point have the ability to age.

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Gwad!  He’s. So. Dreamy. ❤

In addition to all of the above…..this flick introduced us to smart, real words like “sporadically” and “existential” while simultaneously creating an entire new teen-friendly vocabulary of words like “buggin’,” “jeepin’,” and “hagsville.” 🙂

And for the love of one-liners …. many of which continue to come outta my mouth occasional…

Whateve’r!?

Ugh, As If!

Rollin’ with the Homies

She’s a full on Monet

People will be quoting this movie for the rest of eternity.

Need help translating Clueless terms to their meanings now?  Click here!DSC03578

This past weekend, I was doing just that, Rolling with my Homies at the Quote-A-Long screening at the Bloor Cinema to do just that.

Naturally, we had to dress the part…

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Two total Betties and a Baldwin 😉

How I Got The Look: Skirt, Forever21+; Argyle sweater, Reitmans; Glossy Mary-Janes, Payless; Knee-high socks super old

I had another outfit planned …see my Instagram channel , if your curious – oh, and follow me 😉 …but since it was eff’ing cold, I went to this argyle sweater instead.

 Oooooooo! Project!! 😉

There you have it friends…What I Did AND What I Wore!

Still can’t believe it’s been 20 years of Clueless.  Not sure how that happened, as I haven’t aged a day 😉

Hope you enjoyed this post…and this great spoof below.

I’m Audi!  xo ❤

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Dizzy December

Oh dear!  Another month and so few blogposts to show for it. :/

I’m alive, I promise.  It’s been a dizzy busy December!

Let’s dedicate this blogpost to filling you in and catching you up on all the many fun-filled adventures that took place in the Life and Times of Moi this past month….

Holiday Hair with The Proudest Pony

I don’t know about you…but when it comes to my look, my hair-game is weak sauce!!!

So when I was invited to this blogger exclusive evening at The Proudest Pony – wild horses couldn’t keep me away. See what I did there? 😉

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Me with Ashley, Owner and Hairstylist Extraordinaire + Me with the ladies of Main St. CC
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Tah-Dah!!! Final results: Vintage glamour bob

If you’re following me on Instagram (if you’re not – you should – click here) you can see the entire hair transformation there 🙂

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Me with the delightful hair magician, Garlande … she’s a doll!!                                                                                         Outfit Deets: Top, Penningtons (other looks); Skirt, Forever21+

Corporate Holiday Party

I work for a huge company – and haven’t been interested in going to the companywide holiday party in a few years.

But since I got my hair did the night before, and had a dress that was dying to be worn…. I had to make an appearance this year 😉

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Accessories: Ear cuff from Forever21 and Earrings from Your Big Sister’s Closet
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Outfit Deets: Coat, Laura Petite; Shoes, Guess; Purse, Danier Leather; Dress, Kiyonna

This faux fur zebra coat was the first I’ve found that didn’t add extra bulk to my bod …. and fit me perfectly in the shoulders.  It was from Laura Petite – isn’t it lovely?

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I’ve owned this Kiyonna Valentina Illusion dress for a few years now….and THIS was the first time I was wearing it out!!!

Hooray for corporate cocktail parties!!

Toronto Vintage Society’s White Kitschmas

The first weekend of December, Toronto Vintage Society hosted our annual holiday party  – this year with a White Christmas theme.

IMG_8710This was the crowd at about 9pm!!!  It was a super fun night, with a number of great bands and performances, with a full house all night long.  IMG_0654

12299271_10205442802570483_5667820712286228048_nThese were some of the beautiful homemade kitsch being sold at the event – I may have picked up a few for myself 🙂IMG_0535Here are a few snaps from the TVS Album
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Team Xmas Lunch and Office Party

Remember that fabulous hat I WON from Goorin Bros last month?  Well, I picked up another glittery kitschy facinator from this year’s TVS White Kitschmas…clipped it to this hat, and voila la!

Holiday Amazingness was Born!!!

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…pardon the no-makeup selfie here friends…
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Outfit Deets: Propeller hat, Goorin Bros; Cropped cardi, Old Navy; Necklace, LOFT; Fanny skirt, Tatyanna Boutique (for more click here and here)

It was the perfect for my Team Lunch where festive gear was strongly recommended 🙂

Later that week, our entire department had some mandatory fun with more festive furvolity and general office appropriate holiday shenanigans! 🙂

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For outift deets, click here 😉

Star Wars Marathon – Xmas Edition

12240093_10153283313424072_7338811313585662244_nI’m one of those rare people who only ever saw the Star Wars films as an adult, not as a kid.  But I was an instant fan…and with the release of Episode VII, I hosted a movie marathon…
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Complete with Darth Vader slippers, Lightsaber pretzel snacks and 1/2 the cast on my couch :)
Complete with Darth Vader slippers, Lightsaber pretzel snacks and 1/2 the cast on my couch 🙂

 

Naturally, I HAD to dress for the theme too….

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BOTH of these tees are from Ardene – FYI!!!

I had tickets for THE FORCE AWAKENS Christmas Day –and oh yes, there’s an outfit for that – duh!!!

Outfit Deets: Faux fur collar long sweater, Reitmans; Star Wars tee, Ardene

 Want more Star Wars Fashion?  I got you covered…click here 😉


Toronto Distillery Christmas Market

It never really feels like Christmas until you’ve visited the Distillery’s Christmas Market.

Sadly, it’s not quite the the same experience without snow.  But we made the best of it…

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Eating GIANT Turkey Legs, in the street …. Keepin’ it Klassy. That’s how we do!

Outfit Deets:  Plaid scarf/shawl, Reitmas; Jacket, Danier Leather  

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Can’t leave without the mandatory group selfie in front of that xmas tree 🙂

The Many Open House Holiday Get-Togethers

I’ve got so many lovely friends who open up their homes for some good ol’ fashioned holiday cheer.

I participated in the vintage cookie exchange again this year – click here for the cookie recipe.

But this time baked up a few billion extra and packaged them up as giveaways and hostess gifts 😉
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One of my favourite holiday looks this year was this one:  BLACK & RED!

A pleated black circle skirt is a staple in my wardrobe.  You can dress it up or dress it down.   For an easy house-party-outfit, I chose to wear it with this retro red plaid top, and added  a fun broach/hair fascinator to amp up the christmas-y factor to this look.  Adding that needed festive vibe needed by all holiday party attendees.
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Outfit details: Skirt, Forever21+; Plaid top, Collectif, Loveless Boutique; Shoes suede tie-up flats from Christian S for Payless; Holiday bow earrings Target; Holiday broach/fascinator, handmade kitsch from Toronto Vintage Society
What’s great about this outfit is that the pieces can totally be worn together or separately, paired with other items, throughout the year!

Orphan Xmas Eve Dinner

What was originally gonna be a dinner for two in pjs xmas eve….became a proper grown-up dinner for 6 xmas eve 🙂
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Friends are the Family you choose.
Since selling the house and downsizing to a shoebox of a condo, I didn’t think I’d be hosting many parties ever again.
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I’m very fortunate to have found some lovely new people in my life whom I can call friends.  And am thrilled to be hosting get-togethers again 🙂

NYE 2016

Alas, I’ve yet to make any firm plans for New Years Eve just yet….

There’s plenty happening.  I did pickup this amazing beaded vintage jacket…that will very likely be incorporated into my outfit, once I make a decision on what to do for  NYE.

What are you doing for NYE?  What are YOU gonna wear?  Tell me in the comments section below 🙂

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Found this vintage beaded beauty at The Public Butter – 50% off!!!!

 

Hope you all had a fabulous time off from work, and had lots of time to catchup with family and friends and everyone in-between.

Looking forward to 2016 and all the adventures to be had in life and fashion.

Thank you for following the blog!  Wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year ahead! xo

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A November to Remember

Sorry for the long absence friends and readers 🙂

But November has been a busy, busy month filled with fun.

Let me catch you up with What I Did and What I Wore for various happenings this past month…

THE VINTAGE SPECTACULAR

What do you call a night where the amazing GTA Swing Band pair up with the vocal talents of Mim Adams and Lindy Hop Revolution Dance Studio?12303910_1649749708647220_6768375787668714368_o

It’s called: The Vintage Spectacular!  

And what a spectacular night it was… with a gorgeous venue – The Great Hall on WQW!

12118889_1639819659640225_8025618725577594479_n12190020_10153272791574072_7894458087112411039_nIt was the night I finally got to wear this adorable Russian nesting-dolls dress and fuzzy peach bolero I picked up at Tatyana’s crazy up to 90% off sale!!!
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And danced my feet off!!!

Viva la Lindy Hop Swing Dancing!!!  Not sure what that is?  Click here to find out more 🙂

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A rare moment – a bunch of lindy hoppers sitting down 🙂
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ME and my Dance Teachers, Lindy Hop Revolution

REMEMBRANCE DAY

I’m embarrassed to say that this was the first year I’ve ever attended Remembrance Day Ceremonies as an adult.

Since I had the day off, I made my way to Old City Hall in Toronto and pinned my poppy to the wreath at the memorial there.

Got to see the fly-by of vintage World War II planes in ‘missing man formation’, and hear Mayor John Tory’s speech.

It was quite a moving experience to be apart of.  For more pictures, check out my Instagram channel and follow me.

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CHEF’S PLATE

With the end of the month here, I usually post a new recipe that I’ve tried out myself, for the blog.

Have you noticed that I haven’t been keeping up with this since around August/September?

Well, that is because I’ve been cooking up a storm with Chef’s Plate!  Here’s what I’ve made this past month:

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This fantastic service has helped introduce me to so many new veggies and dishes…and has given me new confidence in the kitchen.

If you’re curious and want to try it out, You can get 4 meals for FREE by using referral code:  #PETITEPLUSMEOW  OR click this link.

 

 

 

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1940’s @ GOORIN’S HAT SHOP

The Toronto Lindy Hop Community were invited to an exclusive shopping event at Goorin Bross on WQW – these fabulous hat makers were raffling off 3 gorgeous hats.

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Hats. Wine. Live Music. #Boom

I was crushing on this one like crazy!!!

With Xmas nearby… I couldn’t justify dropping big money on any of the beautiful hats I tried on that night.

But I did come home with an Xmas gift certificate present and feathers for a hat I picked up at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show last year.

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Goorin Bros feathers amp up this vintage hat find, don’t you think?

Which meant, I was entered into the draw.  And guess who won….

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I WON! I WON!!!!!

Turns out in all my excitement to get this winning hat on my head for photos …. I was wearing this beauty of a 1940s propeller hat BACKWARDS.

How embarrassing :/

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Here I am … wearing it properly.  (Excuse the no makeup face and demoted only-wear-at-home tank top) 🙂

 

SWING OUT TO VICTORY

And last, but certainly not least….. was the fabulous dinner dance in Hamilton called: Swing Out To Victory!!!

Last year… was my first year attending this fab event.  And I ended up winning 2nd place for the BEST VINTAGE OUTFIT Contest!!!

Click here to see more on that.

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Accessories were selected first – complete with ‘arrival shoes’ (Aldo), purse (Tatyana Boutique) and ‘dance shoes’ (Keds) plus nautical socks (Ardene). I was ready! 🙂

So naturally, this year outfit planning started early…

I had picked up this nautical wiggle dress from Tatyana LAST year and have been dying to unveil it all year-long.
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Dancing among the planes, to a live BIG BAND, with men in uniforms….

Um, YES PLEASE!!!

Deets on my outfit and outer wear…

Right picture: Purse and Dress from Tatyana Boutique, Shoes from Aldo, Gloves from 69Vintage

Left picture:  White coat from Forever21+, Mink stole from Public Butter  …. I really like this look, must remember to do this more often in the winter months 😉

  
Like I said… It was a busy November 🙂

Hope you enjoyed reading this online journal of What I Did and What I Wore

If you’re looking for an excuse to get dressed up for a fun evening out,  join me and the Toronto Vintage Society at our White Kitschmas Party on Saturday!!!

Click here to see the fun from LAST year.

COME!  It’s the best way to kick off your Holiday Happenings – You will not be disappointed … I promise!

Get your tickets online and save $5 … right here😉

https://www.facebook.com/events/178618865804715/

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