ARCHIVING MY COACH COLLECTION

Since Christmas 2009 I have started collecting Coach leather goods like I have never imagined. It was in 2007 a few years after moving to Toronto I found an original Coach leather cross-body purse from the 70's!!!!! A favourite era of mine.. I found it at a vintage store around the corner from our apartment in the Little Italy neighbourhood, for only $60! I knew the purse was a gem when I saw it and once I noticed it was an original Coach from the brand embossing inside, I bought it on the spot.

Recently Coach launched a Legacy Collection line aimed to bring back original styles from Coach's historical accessory library. As of August 2012 I have bought/collected 4 different styles. Previously to this Legacy collection being released I had purchased and received 3 Coach accessories, 1 being the 70's original Coach tan leather cross-body. Coach releases new styles each season and what I get excited about is the quality leather, craftsmanship and reasonable prices for their accessories.

Coach is gearing up to create/launch a Ready-To-Wear (RTW) line in the near future. Check out this article from Fashionista.com to see what the President and Executive Creative Director Reed Krakoff has to say about it, CLICK HERE.

2007

I found and bought this original Coach Handbag at a Vintage store in Toronto.

2009

I fell in love with and Nathan bought me for Christmas this Coach Treated Canvas and Modern "C" Patterned Large Wristlet.

2010

Nathan surprised me before Christmas with this very, very chic Coach silver and grey, modern "C" patterned wallet!

April 2012

I purchased this black patent leather iPhone case which comes in handy on its own and inside larger handbags to any damage and have cash or business cards handy.

August 2012

I feel in love with this Coach Mini-Mini Legacy Cross-body in blue, red and beige during the Summer. When I confirmed my iPhone could fit inside without stretching the leather, I was sold :)

September 2012

Wedding Present from Nathan was this Coach Legacy Penny Handbag in Cobalt Blue.

This colour is VERY similar to my bridesmaid dress sapphire colour :)

October 2012

I found and bought this sassy and "so me", Coach ocelot large Wristlet. I can wear this Wristlet with everything, similar to my 2009 Coach treated canvas and modern "C" patterned Wristet.

December 2012

Nathan and I exchanged Coach leather accessories for our main Christmas presents.

I found and Nathan gifted the stunning Coach Legacy Archival Rambler Handbag in Black Cherry!!!

HERE COMES MY BRIDESMAIDS!

I was surprised last Sunday night with a gift trip to Las Vegas with all of my amazing bridesmaids. This trip means so much to me. It's still sinking in that I'm going to Las Vegas (I have never been to before) with my closest girlfriends. 

My Prairie Girls :) 

School and Figure Skating explain my childhood. I couldn't have done it better without these girls. 

NYC, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, it's a sisterhood of the traveling pants;) 

From Prince Albert to Edmonton to Toronto, I'm so lucky to have meet these girls. The experiences we've had and the support we given, we push each other to take risks and do great things!

SHORT OF BREATH.. OH PORTS 1961

On May 18, 2009 I posted about how happy I was to have my first Ports 1961 dress. I love Ports 1961, the clothes are beautiful, unique, and modern. I was so happy to see this post the next day.. I had a feeling Tony was involved with Ports but I wasn't sure. I always wondered until today.

I bought the March Harper's Bazaar today. Flipping through it on the streetcar, I see saw this Style Diary feature which had fun designer socials from the last few months. Of course Ports 1961 caught my eye.. I love designer Tia's red tweed jacket.

Who's that gentleman in the middle?? Tony Alcindor, VP Public Relations & Marketing!?! Same guy? In PR.. mos def.. right? Amazing..

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

REMINISCING

2009 was a great year. What will happen in 2010?
Soon I will be one year older. One year wiser..
Right?

MY SUMMER BANGLES

I've been rocking bangles lately, wearing my favorite red and gold (5 thin) bracelets with everything! I love how they stand out with a simple grey tee and jeans.
Today I found 3 great bracelets at Forever 21.

MY MEMORIES FROM SUMMER 2009

It was a good, memorable summer. I went to Montreal for a weekend with girlfriends, Vancouver with my boyfriend, hosted a lot of rooftop parties, had spontaneous late evenings, and shopped like an addict. Now that I'm writing my thoughts and plans down I thought it would be great to note what I was so obsessed with this summer...
Next is the list of everything I'm excited for Fall!

1. LIGHT washed jeans - I determined this early. I have a tattoo on my right calf I really want to cover up, and until then I try to keep my legs covered. Denim can be hot in summer so I went straight to find the lightest washes (skinniest fit), that would work for me.

2. Denim short shorts - I stumbled on a pair at H&M one day, I can't remember now what my mission there was but, as soon as I was leaving I saw these great vintage inspired, Cotton/Polyester, great button detailing, denim-looking shorts.

3. Graphic tank tops - I bought a few great staple tanks at the beginning but when I was about to leave for Vancouver I stopped into Forever 21 to pick up a few more, and they had a great collection of graphic tanks that were different and beautiful.

4. Maxi Dresses - I love the maxi dress, I have not owned one until year. It was a steaming hot day here and after work I decided I was buying a simple, inexpensive maxi at Forever 21. Well, they had the most perfect one for me! It went from being a minor, must need decision to an unbelievable score! The dress is in all of my 'personal-seasonal' colours, it has a charming vintage inspired floral pattern all over, and was really comfortable.. Definitely wore it more than I thought.

5. sandals, sandals, sandals! I bought 7 pairs this summer.. My front entrance always looked like I was having a pool party.. I keep it tidy it was my shoe display. They consisted of 3 Old Navy flip flops, 2 great Nautical inspired Payless shoes sandals in orange and aqua, a sexy pair of black patent with gold zipper detailing from H&M, and a black leather wedge with wood sole and gold details on the toes - got these comfy shoes from Winners. It was so much fun getting dressed and then deciding what shoes to wear.

6. My new Rayban sunglasses - I love Raybans.. They're classic, historical, and really rock n' roll sexy. I like aviators, but wayfarers are still my fav. I always walk by the Rayban display in The Bay when I'm shopping but just glance never try on. One day I noticed the price weren't bad at all ($170-$190), I was kind of expecting more.. So when the time was right, I finally stopped to try frames (on a hot summers day) and found the PERFECT pair on sale! They are black and tortoise, camel plastic but versatile, and cool... It was a good day..

7. Jergens self-tanner - I burn really easily and summers here can be brutal but how come I can never develop a tan with sunscreen? jeez.. But this year my friend gave me a bottle of Jergens slow progressing self tanner, and it worked wonders.. I felt summer kissed on that epic day I was wearing shorts outside, and didn't feel as if I hadn't seen the light of day.

SO, there's my list and a few good stories to remember. I'm glad I did this.

TAKE THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD

MY FAV

We used my rooftop patio for the first photo shoot. Next time, we're taking this gong show on location..

JEFF AND I MADE IT HAPPEN

Yes, we did it!
I have to tell you all the ingredients that go into a shoot like this are; little panic, kinda sweaty, a little scattered, tons of laughs, a great partner, and.. white wine.
I've been non-stop lately, a little to busy to tell our story from the 1st shoot, but I definitely want to do it again and get out in the neighbourhood, and off the deck.




What a good time, and workout. It's better than going to the gym.

What do we think of antique?

LITTLE HIPPIE

A little fashion show at lunch to document another great summer outfit. I call this look 'comfy on a summer day' - because I am.
I'm wearing my favorite summer find; my denim Jumper from Winners with an oversized sheer top (covering my sun-kissed shoulders) from RW&CO, necklace I bought at Simon's, and my Scandinavian Chief moccasins from Get Outside.
I have a grey DENIM vest that would look good with this outfit too..



I could also add some Lulu Frost inspired bracelets.. I better get crafting..

UNDERCOVER BROTHER

Today my bf and I went out to meet a friend for brunch. Right before we left we sat tight to let the thunderstorm pass.. Knowing it was rainy, maybe windy, I went with layers. Lunch was good, we found a great place I have never been to; Cocoberry's.
Did I mention my friend is a lawyer moving to Toronto? He offered me some time to talk whenever I need about getting my career setup. I'm really starting to see things progress..

Hat from a street vendor in NYC, bought a couple (thank god). 100% viscose white and beige paisley t-shirt from H&M, and one of my favorite accessories; my coach wristlet.


I love these light bleached jeans. Wearing a lot of greys, and greys with beige/camel makes me feel light and airy.



I also layered (and carried) a grey and black, cheetah spotted hoodie from H&M. I love the mixture of patterns and textures from all pieces involved. The coach pattern with the paisley and grey/black cheetah. missing addition: black flip flops - simplicity..

How would you describe this look?

FASHION SHOW AT LUNCH

Vacations are very inspiring..
I spent the whole time in Vancouver enjoying the relaxing atmosphere with friends and family, but always thinking about my goal to become a Stylist. I figure that as I get my life back in order I show try to document my day to day wardrobe as my personal fashion showcase.
I wonder if you will see similarities with previous posts. Click on the title of this post to see some of these pieces in a different light.



I love my new RayBans! such a great find.


Hottest new accessories: the klee kai dog breed. This is our friends dog Echo.

FREE PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS

Last night we visited friends who hosted a bbq on our behalf. My favorite part was definitely the side photography lesson my girlfriend, Noni gave me.. Note to self buy white Bristol board to assist with lighting. ekk! so exciting.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

I have started making my list of pieces I would photograph, now all I need is my friend Jeff's positive motivation and creative input. Between the 2 of us we should be able to give this a trial run some time soon.