Friends, to me this type of dress is pretty much a perfect composite of what I think of when I think of some of our independent Canadian faves. Like, if there was a cover page for that folder in my head, it would be something like this. It’s unique and unapologetic, has a bit of a hand made quality with lots of purposeful attention to detail (those v-seams in the skirt!), but is totally wearable and looks completely put together!

I’m in a full-body cold sweat, friends, and I may have thrown up in my mouth a little bit. All because this perfect Rebecca Minkoff Bedford satchel is doing battle with my very strict no-new-purse-for-me policy. (Thanks for your ongoing support on this very difficult journey, friends.) I want this purse so badly that I can’t even look directly at it! It stands up by itself, has a cross strap and top handles, a center zip pocket and is roomy enough for my giant mom-wallet, knitting project, water bottle and pliers (because you never know).

From a crack between my fingers that are covering my eyes I can look at the back of the purse…until my vision blurs from the tears pooling in my eyes.

I think I am going to have to file this 4-eyed getaway monster up there with the Pet Peeve grumpy cat! I don’t know why, but this guy is hilarious! What is it and what is it running from?! LOOOOOOOVE IT! Plus this sweater is wool and alpaca (my favourite fibre to knit with!), and I love how the stitches give the monster/alien/cartoon an organic, pixelated look!

After my own heart, check out what the label says:

“Made by our friends in the People’s Republic of China”

Show-stopper Michael Kors fuschia camera purse:

At first I was drawn to this top because it is silk (!), but that didn’t matter anymore once I noticed…..

…the adorable illustrated woodland creatures!!!!!

The critters (and mushrooms!) are lightly sprinkled around, along with koi fish and paisley pattern so this blouse reads less “kids’ room wallpaper” and more “a touch of whimsy appropriate for work”.

And the special treat this week is Diane von Furstenberg cropped, wool and alpaca (ALPACA!) jacket!! And just to notch up the secret luxuriousness of this jacket, the lining is silk! You’ll have to come visit it in real life, friends, in case the amazing deep peacock blue colour is not coming through on your screen.

Diane Von Furstenberg coat; Size S, $185

Tall, caramel Clarks boots:

I’ve mentioned before how Uniqlo has a great sense for understated simplicity, and here it is again! (My secret slogan for them in my head is “Uniqlo: everything American Apparel wishes it could be!”)

So, as sometimes happens, this top looks boring -and uncharacteristically weird for an Aritzia top- on the hanger….

…but look at how the sleeve goes! It’s a cold-shoulder top with open tie-sleeves!

Ooooo, tall Cole Haan patent leather boots! Friends, these ones say they are waterproof and there is a thick lining that suggests to me they will totally stand as a winter boot.

I think snowflakes are appropriate now (sigh). This dress also totally comes alive when it is not just on a hanger! It has a sweetheart neckline under the the sheer overlay, and has an amazing vintage silhouette!

I love the classic blazer shape of this coat, and how it is offset so well with the patina of the leather (kinda like elbow patches on a tweed blazer!).

Meanwhile, the button closure and square minimalist pockets feel futuristic to me, which I love!

Awwwwwwwww, hearts!

J Crew sweater; Size XS, $28. Talbots sweater; Size M, $28

Don’t let the GIANT “For Lease” sign in our window freak you out; we are *not* closing up, we are just moving to Whyte Ave and 99 street at the end of the month! (The for “For Lease” sign is just to rent the space. Would make a great flower shop*!) Over at our new space, things are starting to get exciting! Since we are doing everything ourselves and with our friends, there will be a lot of custom, hand-made elements -which felt risky at first- but they are already coming together beautifully!

I don’t want to give too much away, but check out this work of art:

I’ll be in this Saturday and Sunday, so come by and we can chat about the move, what we think of Colton as The Bachelor, and, of course, our complex emotional thoughts about the weather!

(*See what I did there? Flower shop! Who gets it?)

I wrote this at Anvil Coffee House, another independent, locally {woman} owned business. When we support independent businesses we make an immediate positive impact on real human beings in our community.