I’m heading up to my cottage for the weekend for a little R&R and to get some work done, but as I run around scrambling to pack (one of my least favourite things, ever), I thought I would share my cottage style with you. The key is to pack easy pieces that are comfy and light, and to keep it simple. My go-to’s are denim cut-offs, oversized tees (Wildfox and Trash & Luxury styles are perfect), simple dresses, slouchy pants and breezy tops. And of course the perfect hat, sandal and pair of sunnies to finish the look.
What are your summer getaway essentials?
Cheers!
collages via polyvore
First off, just wanted to point out two lovely blogs that I’m oh-so-happy to be sponsoring this month: Bleubird Vintage and Final Fashion, two of my favourites and high on the daily must read list. So go ahead, give them a little look, and make sure to take a peek at the Bicyclette badges!
I don’t usually document my daily adventures other than those that are specifically related to the store or focused on an outfit or personal style, but I thought I would give you a little peek at a day in my life. Let me know if you enjoy this type of post!
Yesterday I took the afternoon off (in celebration of Canada Day), hopped on my bike, and took a little trip down along the lakeshore with a few friends. The sun was out, there was a slight breeze and it was the perfect mini day trip. We finished the day off by indulging in a seafood dinner, eating way too much, and watching the fireworks from our rooftop.
One thing I’ve learned about myself throughout this crazy year is that balance in life is essential to maintaining my sanity. So yes, I’m allowed to take an afternoon off here and there!
photo cred: jason holinaty
Thought I would do something a little selfish and do a public opinion post, focusing on shoes, which I’m officially entitling ‘ This vs. That’ . I figure it’s also somewhat relevant to Bicyclette, as my shoes usually end of being part of the photo shoots.
So I’m trying to decide between the two styles below. They’re somewhat similar, as both are black and have wedge heels, but different enough that it’s making my choice difficult. The Dolce Vita’s are pebbled leather, have a covered wedge heel, criss cross straps, and overall are a little more wearable. The Jeffrey Campbell’s are suede, have a platform wedge heel and bear a strong resemblance to the Dolce & Gabbana pair that Rumi from Fashion Toast often wears, which I love.
And that’s where I need your help – what are your thoughts and what do you like better? Leave it in the comments!
Thought it was about time for an outfit post, especially since the weather finally permits my beloved rooftop photos and my wardrobe is slowly being accented with my favourite Bicyclette pieces. I’m still loving my neutral tones and pale palettes, not to mention unexpected layering and feminine accents. Enter, the lace cami, a perfect, oh-so-versatile summer piece. Soon to be in the shop, in both cream and black!
- Cream Lace Cami: Bicyclette / Grey Zipper Purse: Bicyclette / Grey tank dress: Old Urban Outfitters / Flower Pin: DIY / Silver Shoes: BCBG, Heel Boy
Technically this isn’t a Bicyclette specific blog post, but because it has to do with shopping, dresses and floral prints, I figured it was fair game. Plus, I’m curious to see what other people think of this.
So here’s the situation: last week I was window shopping at 69 Vintage, which quickly turned into real shopping when my eyes fell on this dress, Exhibit A:
The sweetheart neckline, slim silhouette, slightly impressionistic floral print, and cool colour palette were perfection, and upon trying it on and discovering that it was practically made for my body, it was a sure purchase.
Throughout the rest of the day, as I had lunch with my girlfriends and gave them a mini-tour of the studio, the dress remained on my mind, not because of shopping guilt (it was too fantastic to regret), but because I kept thinking of how familiar the shape and print was.
And low and behold, it came to me. Allow me to present Exhibit B, the Minkpink “I Ken Done It” dress:
How close are these two prints? And the style? I know mine is vintage because the fabrication is different than this Minkpink style, and the tag is obviously vintage.
So what do you think? Did this vintage dress inspire the Minkpink style? Purely coincidence?
Yesterday I tweeted and facebooked a snapshot of a new Bicyclette floral dress that I just couldn’t wait to wear, and as promised, here’s the full outfit post. Unfortunately the weather has been lacking in sun and summer, but it was the perfect way to brighten up the day with the bright floral print, structured bustier top and flowy skirt. I decided to add a little bit of edge (and warmth!) by layering a striped knit over top (no need to be scared of mismatched prints) and my over-the-knee boots, and accessorized with the usual pile of bangles, a studded belt and silver feather earrings.
The dress, among many others, will be available in the shop soon! Updates on the store launch date soon, as I have a phone meeting with my web developer tomorrow. Exciting times approaching, that’s for sure!
Ever since I started haunting street-style blogs, they’ve been my number one choice for outfit inspiration and a reference for my bicyclette buys. I don’t read magazines nearly as much as I used to, partially because I find a lot of the styling unwearable and the clothing out of my reach, so instead I turn to online sources.
Garance Dore, with her witty, honest writing style and beautiful photos of beautiful girls is always a pleasure to look at, and I love the simplicity of her one shot per post style. Today’s outfit inspiration is drawn from here, and I think it’s perfect for the transitioning of seasons and the onset of light layers.
There’s something about letting a little lace peek out and embracing the lingerie-inspired trend with a soft palette of neutrals and blush tones. And so, I decided to piece together my own outfit.
I happen to already own this gray lounge dress, so I might have to attempt this look myself, I’m just missing the perfectly-edged lace dress.
And that bag, what do you think? I’m a little bit obsessed with it … and the whole line, really.
Wildfox zodiac tees are HERE! I’ve been waiting not-so-patiently all week for these to arrive, so of course I had to take one for a test drive today. Verdict? Pretty sure it’s love. You can expect to see me in this tee a lot this summer. Oversized, semi-sheer perfection.
Tee: Wildfox, Bicyclette Boutique / Necklace: Forever 21 / Sequin Vest: Vintage
Our current weather in Toronto has been leaning towards the dull and gray lately, and I’ve noticed that this has one of two effects on my daily clothing choices: I either dress monochromatically in blacks and grays, or leave the house in the brightest pieces from my closet.
Case in point, yesterday I not only wore the brightest red sweater dress, but also layered it with my favourite cobalt blue coat.
Red Sweater Dress: Thrifted / Blue Coat: French Connection / Beaded Necklace: Nasty Gal / OTK Leather Boots: Heel Boy
The combination of red and blue always make me think of Alice in Wonderland, and considering the fact that it is one of my favourite fairy tales, that’s exactly what was brought to mind when I looked at these photos.
Inspired by, or simply a coincidence? Irrelevant. Though it did bring to mind the Alice in Wonderland inspired editorial that Vogue featured, with Natalia Vodianova and shot by Annie Leibovitz. Love the drama.
In other, less whimsical news, I’ve officially registered the business name – bicyclette boutique, and set up a business account at my bank. My little notebook is constantly being filled with ideas and to-do lists, and just as quickly, I’m checking things off. Productivity feels good! Next on the list is designing the business card and putting together a budget for the first buy.
To end with, and in keeping with the “inspiration” theme of today, I leave you with this excerpt:
“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, painting, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery- celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: ‘it’s not where you take things from- it’s where you take things to’.”
-Jim Jarmusch
Taken from issue 31 of RUSSH magazine
(Thanks Ruby!)
Business plan revision for Enterprize Business Plan Competition? Done.
Application for Student Entrepreneur Competition? Done.
And breathe. It feels like my life these days is a never-ending to-do list and I’m just working my way along, trying to get it all completed. Next on my plate? Putting together a presentation for the Enterprize regionals (talk about butterflies in my stomach), and then putting together all the pieces that will enable to me to attend the MAGIC trade show Las Vegas. That’s right, if all goes as planned, I will be conducting my first ever bicyclette buy in just over a month! More on this to come, and on Tuesday, for my Brand Spotlight, I will be starting to compile a list of brands to look in to looking for your input. It’s an exciting time in the bicyclette HQ’s! (And by headquarters I mean my apartment…)
Anyway, I’ve been going through my closets recently, in another attempt to de-clutter and rediscover pieces that have been buried, and so far, it’s proved to be successful. Not only have I managed to put together another pile of clothes to go, I’ve also rediscovered some gems. So I put together some outfits mixing old with new, which is also one of my New Year Resolutions: to experiment more with what’s already in my closet. I find that I tend to gravitate towards the tried and true outfits, especially when life gets busy or stressful, but there’s so much more potential to explore options if you give yourself a little more time. Et voila!
Twiggy Tunic : DIY / Wrap Cardi: Random Queen St. Boutique / Lace Leggings: Artizia / Vintage Boots: Vintage Store / Fur Stole: H&M
Plaid Shirt Dress: Urban Outfitters / Beaded Vest: Value Village / Feather Earrings: F21
Silver Sequin Dress: Mendocino (I think?) / Crop Top: Aritzia / Locket: Gifted / Belt: Thrifted / Silver Jazz Flats: Shopbop
Leave A Comment