Jacquie Severs

I love wearing vintage jewellery. In fact, I recently got engaged and my fiance knew me well enough to know that I would appreciate wearing my grandmother's ring more than a big blingy new one. And now that I'm wearing it, wearing new jewellery alongside it just doesn't work.

I snapped a pic of this necklace against a vintage movie poster for "The Happy Thieves", an old  Rita Hayworth film.

The Citrine Heart Tassel necklace is so pretty. The tassel is perfectly on-trend and it's 1960's vintage, so it's true what they say, everything old is new again! Tassels look gorgeous when worn because they add movement and texture.

The citrine heart is made from vintage glass. This item is also available in emerald, amethyst, milky way, and ruby stones, if those are more to your taste than the pretty warm yellow hue I tried out.

I have been wearing a lot more warm hues lately. Since highschool, I've been a loyal wearer of all things black, and I realized recently that while black is easy for me to wear, it doesn't necessarily make me stand out in a crowd! As I've gotten older I've become more comfortable with wearing eye catching reds, oranges, and pinks.

This necklace is perfect with two of my favourite red items, my red pencil dress and as pictured here, my red wrap blouse. The necklace adds a nice bohemian touch and softens the overall look. It really changes up the appearance of these two items in my closet, when when paired with more modern jewellery look very geometric and urban. Paired with vintage Elle Fulton pieces, they both look more glamourous and retro, an effect I really enjoy!

One of my favourite things about forecasting trends is when I suddenly and unexpectedly feel an attraction to a particular colour. It's fascinating to me that the world of colour marketing is so effective. How incredible is it that even when I feel I could never love a colour again, I suddenly look at my wardrobe and wonder why I own none of it? (The answer is, I donated those things years ago, sure I would never wear them again.)

At the moment I'm craving light pink. I'm not talking about Pantone's 2014 Colour of the Year Radiant Orchid, it's more of a purple-pink. I'm talking baby blanket, extra soft, subtle, pale pink.

“Pink is the color of joy and femininity, it lets you believe in a quiet and beautiful future”
- Christian Dior

My style is a bit more edgy than feminine, more tom-boy than pretty-in-pink. But lately I've been feeling an urge to bring more softness to my style. And of course, I know that this is coming from a larger fashion trend.

Rachel Zoe's blog the Zoe Report has a great slideshow that features this light pink trend as it stormed runways in 2014. Light pink, though it's generally more popular as a spring look, was essential even in Fall collections. There are even a ton of great wool coat options available in pink this winter! Check out the slideshow here.

Mixing pink with basic blacks and whites seems to be the most common and easy way of adding the hue to an existing wardrobe. Which is the way I want to add it--possibly a pretty pink sweater paired with black skinny jeans and heavy-metal-inspired jewellery, a sort of grandma-punk pairing that makes the pretty less saccharine.

The great thing about Pink is that it matches almost anything. In a shoe pale pink is as neutral as nude. Pair them with a green, blue, black, brown or purple dresses easily, or match them with a red, orange, yellow or printed dress if you are more daring.

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So many things from the 1990's are back. Grungy plaids, doc martins, high waisted jeans... and I can't help but think the upsurge in pink is a small part of that. What is old is truly new again, and we haven't seen a massive popularity in this hue since the mid 1990's. Hot pink and fuchsia took over their paler sister in the late 90's and early 2000's with edgy and garish pairings winning out over more subtle, pretty looks. As we are now tiring of those combinations, a return to pale pink as a wardrobe staple is here.

In the summer I purchased a pink pair of shoes to wear with a red dress. I suspect a pretty pink sweater is in my future, but I don't think I will go as far as a pink winter coat. What do you feel about light pink? Have you felt the urge to purchase pink or have you already?

More pink links:

Check out my Pink Crush board on Pinterest
What do you think of pale pink in home decor?

I woke up this morning thinking about this long-neglected blog. But my blog isn't the only thing I've been neglecting in the past few months. I thought perhaps getting a post up here is a first step to the next phase of my relocation.

I decided over a year ago now that I wanted to move to the small town where my partner lived and start fresh. This wasn't the easiest thing to tackle. I liked where I lived, where I worked, and my community. To make it happen, I needed to find a new job, sell my condo (which involved staging it as well) and wrap up a number of different projects and organizations I was involved in. I essentially wanted to tap the reset button on my life. I`ve lived a few places but never outside of the greater Toronto area. I now live in a town whose population is less than half the size of the high school I went to.


Looking back on the whole year of projects to make this happen it doesn't seem that bad, but there were times in the thick of it when I definitely melted down. I was sick in November and again in December, and again during my actual move on New Year`s Eve. Being that I'm a person who rarely gets a cold, being sick so many times in quick succession told me it was time to slow down and settle in. As such, following the move, I've decidedly done very little, save starting my new job, and focussing on that, as well as settling into my new apartment and nesting (read: cooking and eating, watching Netflix).

But now that February is wrapping up and it feels like Spring might actually come this year I think it's time to start to put together my plan of attack.


Some things I want to start doing

1. Blogging more often. I miss writing creatively. Plus, I went to Edmonton for work, and should write about that. Plus this weekend is a trip to eat sandwiches and see art in Montreal, so I will  need to make notes on that too. I'm working in the fashion industry now and I haven't blogged about fashion or trends in ages! Must do that too. In general, I want to pick up this habit again.



2. Going to Zumba. I need to get out of the house more, now that I'm working from home. Working from home also means no healthy walk to work in the morning. So, I'm going to try out zumba. I'll keep you posted on how the drinking of the zumba kool-aid goes for me.

3. Fermenting things. I got into the idea of fermenting right before xmas and asked for a book about it. I read the book cover to cover and I'm even more convinced that this is a good thing to know how to do. Further, it's a way to eat completely delicious savoury things and also contribute to my health. I started my first sauerkraut this week, and I want to get good enough to make my own yoghourt.


4. Making art. I've really let this part of my creative output slide over the last few years, oddly enough, especially during the time I worked at an art gallery. Short of Christmas gifts and a few assignments I gave myself I can't seem to finish a painting. I'd like to improve that. Not sure how. I've been thinking I might just need to start sketching more, but I include writing in this category. I have started and stopped many writing projects, and I'd like to try to see one through.

5. Community involvement. I know this is part of the satisfaction I have in life. I want to make some time to volunteer and get involved here, especially in the arts community. Some research is needed, and I'm sure opportunities will find me eventually. This is a longer-range to-do item.

I`m considering this post to be the first of a new string that tells my readers a little bit about my new life and its ups and downs. While for the most part, it`s all going very well (job is good, living arrangements are good, massive reduction in stress is good) but there are challenges. Being away from friends and family, feeling a bit fish out of water, reading menus in French, those sorts of things. Speaking of fish, here`s one short tale of getting to know rural eastern Ontario life...

In the next town over there is an Independent grocery store, which to me is as good as any Loblaws in Southern Ontario...it even has a Joe Fresh section. This has become something of a favourite haunt of mine, because of course I`m loving cooking at the moment and also because it feels a bit more like home than any other place to purchase food here. Recently as a treat to myself I bought some grocery store sushi. This is something I`d occasionally do in Oshawa, and though it's not very good, it's passable for the most part and good in a pinch when I'm hungry and don't want to make two stops.

While out at the Independent I decided to treat myself and picked up the special pack that isn't just california rolls, it's also the other style with the fresh raw salmon across the rice. This comes at extra cost but it always worth it as it is the best piece in the box. At Independent in this rural area though, it's not raw fish. It's smoked salmon. Sushi lovers will surely understand the range of emotions....the sheer disappointment....followed by the harsh lesson learned. Next time I crave sushi, I'll have to drive to Montreal to get it.

Sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected sources. A short while ago my mom gave me a vintage pair of driving gloves she was planning to downsize from her closet.

I put them on and they just felt right. I wore them yesterday with monochromatic look including a blazer and a pair of skinny black jeans.












Immediately I felt like a feminine Karl Lagerfeld, and ready to take on the world. Of course, I'm must less dramatic and demanding than Karl, but that doesn't mean I can't take inspiration from his sense of personal style.

"Karl Who?" you ask?



Why, Karl Lagerfeld, of course, the German fashion designer, writer and artist, current head designer at Chanel. He's chic, and fierce, and any other of those fashionable adjectives. What I appreciate about his sense of style is that while it is simple, it is anything but boring. He mixes basic pieces with over the top finishes and manages to do it with a sense of humour.



What I'm taking from it this spring:
Sharp tailoring
Jeans with formal wear
Oversized jewellery
Black aviators
Skinny pants
Bright whites
Plaids and Stripes in small doses
and of course, Gloves!


Here's my spring Polyvore inspiration board. Luckily for me and my budget, many of these pieces are already in my wardrobe, and the others I will seek from vintage and thrift stores. Happy Spring!







Read more:
Karl.com
Karl Lagerfeld on Twitter
A Karl timeline on Vogue.co.uk
Karl interviewed by Vice
Spend 24 hrs with Karl via Harpers Bazaar 

I came home from work a little late today and decided for my extra effort I deserved a martini. As I was shaking it I thought, "I should blog about Martinis" and as these things generally go, as soon as I decide to blog about something I must do it immediately. The first thing I did was google "Martini Quotes". I thought it might give me a kicky title, but the first result was this quote from Doug Coupland (who, if you've been reading my blog, you will know I'm a bit of a fan girl for).

"Fondue sets, martini shakers and juicing machines: three things the world could live completely without." - Doug Coupland



I'll leave fondue sets for another day; suffice it to say I love those too. But Martini shakers? I am guessing from this that Mr. Coupland isn't much of a martini drinker because anyone I know who drinks martinis uses a shaker.




The argument exists that the proper way to make a martini is to stir it. Shaking it damages the molecules, though it seems shaking is is the 'healthier' way (if there is such a thing) as shaking releases more anti-oxidants. Bond's choice of the shaken martini is consistent, though his portrayal as a vodka purist isn't. He at times orders gin and at others vodka.

In the books, it is a different story altogether. In Casino Royale, (1953, Chapter 7) James Bond's drink of choice was the vesper, named for the beautiful double agent in Ian Fleming's book of the same name: 

"A dry martini," he said. "One. In a deep champagne goblet."

"Oui, monsieur."

"Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon-peel.

Got it?"
Traditionally the martini is made from gin and vermouth, though I personally prefer the vodka version. (My actual order, if I was Bond, would be "I'll have a martini. Vodka, dirty, shaken, extra olives.") The popular way to make a martini is shaken, but it could be the most popular because of the Bond films. Written history shows martinis being shaken in recipes dating as far back as 1930. Made from either Gin or Vodka, Vermouth is the secondary ingredient, and the amount added determines how dry the martini is. Vermouth was traditionally made from a blend of juniper (derivative of gin), workwood flowers, orange peel, cloves, cinnamon,  nutmeg, coriander, mace, marjoram, brandy, white wine and tree bark, but these days, Vermouth is sweet wine infused with a blend of herbs and spices, sugar and caramel, fortified with alcohol.


The martini even has its own glass, but the V-shaped form with a long stem is not just for style, it is actually designed to keep any drink cool without ice. The wide mouth of the glass also helps the bouquet of the gin or vodka to be brought out. Various opinions exist on the origins of the martini recipe and name, everything from the town of Martinez, California to various professors and bartenders designing the drink. The Oxford English Dictionary credits Martini and Rossi with the martini. In 1871, the company, then named Martini e Sola, shipped 100 cases of red vermouth to New York. This version of events is unlikely however, as recorded accounts of martinis date back farther than 1871.


And here comes my blogger's opinion. I don't feel anything with 'mix' should be called a martini. I don't really have any foundation for this claim but my irritation with the use of the term to describe a cocktail began around the time that Sex and the City  was at its peak. The gals on that show ordered Cosmopolitans, which while served in a martini glass, aren't martinis at all, since they contain cranberry juice.That's fine, because as far as I can recall they referred to the Cosmo as a "cocktail" not a martini. But bars started calling anything they served in a martini glass, a "martini". Martini nights popped up, and they would charge $15 for what is basically a mixed drink. I find this to be completely unacceptable.  The chocolatini, I will give a pass to, because the ingredients of Vodka + Creme de Cacao are at least both alcohol, there is no soda, juice or other non-alcoholic item included. The apple-tini is ok too, if it is properly made. But it is horribly dissatisfying to order a 'green apple martini' in a bar only to taste it and realize that it clearly contains 7up. This is why I abandoned this sort of order many years ago and became something of a purist. Though, I suppose if I was a real purist, I'd be having a gin martini.


Cheers!


Read more:
History of the Martini from the Martini Muse
History of the Martini from the Cocktail Atlas
Recipes from the Martini Muse
List of Martini Recipes from The Spirit

This is the time of year I look at my closet in utter frustration. I'm tired of summer gear, but the thought of putting socks on and wearing pants is completely unappealing. I am bored with last year's clothes! Since, like most people, I'm living on a budget, I can't just go out and buy a whole new Fall wardrobe, no matter how much I might want to.

I am proud to introduce a new blog feature this month called Independent Creative. The first to be featured is a product line that I think you'll love and should check out, PTAK Apparel. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm neither being paid for this feature or the advertising space at right so you should know how authentically I support this product line and think it is worth checking out.

Locally made products and sustainable materials have been growing in popularity and relevancy in the past years to the point where it is not only easy to find products and styles that suit any taste but also any budget. Best of all in purchasing hand-made goods you can trust that you are supporting independent business.

In past blog posts I've supported and introduced artists who work independentely and going forward I will be adding independent fashion, decor and product designers to my posts.

Debbie-Lynne, creator of PTAK Apparel is a self taught fashion designer whose values include hand-crafted quality and eco-conscious design. Her work includes recycled fabrics as well as natural fibres and processes. All pieces are handmade by Debbie-Lynne, who specializes in mostly limited edition and one-of-a-kind creations.

I'm a fan of her high-waisted undies and racer back tanks, as well as pretty fabric selections. Pictured at left is an adorable tea dress made from recycled fabric and bamboo. Perfect for a very hot, sticky summers day.

Last winter I picked up a recycled tweed cowl as a gift for a friend headed to Amsterdam for the winter months. Adorable, functional, affordable and a lovely mix of menswear-inspiration and women's femininity, the cowl was one of the hardest gifts I had to give at xmas as I really wanted to keep it for myself.

Find PTAKapparel on Etsy here.
Find PTAKapparel on Facebook here.
Follow PTAKapparel on Twitter here.
Be sure to use coupon code "Jacquie" for 15% off.

This spring I can't get over an urge to find perfect v-neck tshirts. I want white, heather grey, cobalt blue and green. Essentially anything but black, which is the virtual opposite of any tshirt lusting I've ever done in the past.
Here's a polyvore set I did, thinking about wearing grey tshirts this spring.

tshirt: urban outfitters

I searched for some style pics featuring great vneck tshirts and here you go! I've listed the where-to-buy if I could find it.

tshirt: gap

Dress it up or down, wear with a blazer or a skirt, wear over a bathing suit or with cut off jeans. It's perfect for every scenario.

alternative apparel

I'm not ashamed to admit I picked up a couple for myself this week at Walmart, for a whopping $7. Hard to resist at that price, but who knows how they'll hold up in the wash. I'm hoping to find some better quality perfect-tees in the next while.

More reading:
Blog dedicated to tshirts - tcritic
Blog dedicated to tshirt addiction - taddict

Awesome Graphic T's
Threadless
Busted Tee's
Brooklyn Industries

Local T's (Ontario)
66 Thieves

Anna Sui Fall 2011

Spring has just arrived and I'm already thinking of Fall colour trends. The Pantone colour report is always released in step with Fall Fashion Weeks. Paris, New York and London have passed and I'm getting excited for a trip to Toronto's edition!

The colour I'm most excited for is deep teal. It's one of my all-time favourite colours! (Especially mixed with orange.)

I never really grow tired of this blue-green shade so I'm happy to see it officially listed as a trend, because that means I'll be able to get my hands on some great examples of it in the next few years.  Delicious paired with saffron yellow, it works well with browns, greys and some greens.

One of the reasons I love this tone is the warm/cool vibration. It manages to sit delicately on the line of cool while still seeming to be a warm fall hue. A perfect colour for all seasons, in my books.

Looking ahead at the fall collections, here are some yummy examples of the colour on the runway. I'll keep my eyes peeled in Toronto for more.

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Alberta Ferretti Fall 2011

Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Mackage Fall 2011

Oscar De La Renta Fall 2011