What to wear to…

A night at Gus’s pub featuring Writers’ Strike/Bad Vibrations/TemperTemper and Secret (aka Rich Aucoin)…

Though I am a musician of sorts and have, in the past, played in a band and recorded with bands etc… I do not possess that innate cool laid back musician style.  Granted, I think this style is more reasonable on men than women in the first place, but I still strive not to stick out too much in the wrong way while engrossed in this culture.  My recently developed love of jeans has really helped in this style arena, along with the fact that I no longer have to try to find cello appropriate clothing (which put a major damper on my style options for most of my young life).  I still, however, find myself struggling through my mental virtual closet to figure out what to wear to such an event.  I generally try to borrow and adapt style elements from some of my favorite stylin’ local female musicians such as Jenn Grant, Christina Martin, Kinley Dowling (of Hey Rosetta), and Writer’s Strike’s own Amy Bollivar, but I have to admit that I feel like a wolf in sheeps’ clothing (or rather a priss in hip clothing).  For me, “effortless” requires more effort than “dressed to the nines”.

With all of this in mind, I am still at a loss for what to wear tonight, if I can move well enough to go (I currently have the range of motion of a robot/transformer)-on a side note, my sister and I were talking last night about how great it would be if a bunch of activists staged a robo-protest where they stood motionless until someone called “activists, activate”, then they would simultaneously all start doing ‘the robot’ in the form of activist type motions (ie. Fists in the air, human chain formation, sign lifting, etc…)-The challenge, in particular, with this event is that I know that I may, if I am able, end up moving around so I need to be aware of the sitting and crouching potential of my wardrobe.  Thus, my conclusion after all of this consideration is that I will probably wear some super high pink wedge booties (possibly inappropriate, but my own interpretation and a means of being taller than the crowd to allow for a clear line of sight to the stage), a floppy crochet beret thing (because I have bad roots, because I bought 4 of these that I have not yet worn, and because I think it is cute and saw it as a suggestion on Polyvore of what to wear to an indie show),  something leather or pleather (either a belt or a jacket), possibly denim shorts and knee or over the knee socks, and a shirt-either a t-shirt of a band (I think I have an ACDC one),  a button up shirt, or maybe either a solid black or a black and white striped shirt. 

I realize that this level of consideration and planning may seem foolish, but I basically go through this every day when I choose my outfit so it is not as crazy as it seems.  I actually noticed that a lot of people who posted this question online were shot down and told that they shouldn’t care what they wear to Indie shows….because if you like indie bands then you don’t care what you look like?  Come on-girly girls are still girly despite their environment, and playing dress-up is always fun.  My biggest suggestion is to wear something you feel physically comfortable, but emotionally or mentally uncomfortable in (just a little).  This is your chance to experiment, because supposedly nobody will even notice or care what you are wearing (though I would stay away from ball gowns because you don’t know what’s been on that ground).

Material Girl T-on sale at the Bay for $4.99 (follow link in pic)

I LOVE PINK!

Anybody who knows me will confirm my love of pink.  Even as a child I looked forward to Valentine’s day every year because it meant that I could throw on layers upon layers of pink clothing with all of the pink accessories I could fit on my body!  I cannot think of an item of clothing (or shoes, or accessory) that I do not have in pink.  Thus, a store called PINK is basically made for me (and every other girl that loves pink)!

Though I know that sweatpants would not be permissible by many fashion and style gurus, I love my sweats.  There is nothing better than being able to throw sweats on over my dance clothes so I can run to the grocery store.  I was extremely excited when I heard that not only Victoria’s Secret, but PINK! by VS would be opening in Halifax.  Today is the day!  I no longer have to be jealous of the rest of the world (granted, I could have ordered online, and do in fact have 2 PINK t-shirts and one pair of sweatpants), horrah!

Today’s item of the day is…..PINK!  I already did a gym post this week so I have chosen this bag, thong, and socks (because it’s always a good idea to keep a spare pair of underwear in your bag and I personally like to keep a spare pair of socks in case I forget my dance shoes or my feet get wet in the lovely Halifax weather)!

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What are you doing under there?

UNDERWEAR!!

One of the benefits of being in my late 20s is a deep and intense understanding of the importance of proper underwear.  I have gone through every shameful underwear trend common to youth (g strings, whale tail, granny panties,  commando, too tight undies, too loose undies (aka baggy), colour crimes, double boob, nipple-itis, old bras sans support, strap sins, and failure to consider the wind factor (not from the behind, but exposing the behind).  I have learned a lot, and wish I could relive those days with my current state of knowledge, I look back to highschool pictures and cringe frequently.

I will admit, however, that I have not grown immune to occasional misjudgement in this arena.  Only a few weeks ago I decided to ride my bike out to meet a friend.  I thought I was being a genius wearing my favorite neon pink skinny jeans on my bike, and as usual I wore a thong underneath.  What I did not consider was the enhanced low-risedness imposed by bicycle riding.  I started to bike and found myself having to reach behind to attempt to pull up my pants every 5 seconds.  I also happened to be wearing 4-5 inch platforms (mistake number 2) even though I had my sneakers and flip flops in my bag.  This awkward riding continued for several blocks until I was reaching around AGAIN to try to pull up my pants to hide my whale tail (when your thong is showing above your pants) while riding down a hill, when my foot slipped and I fell off my bike-hard core fall with a nice little slide.  Some kind strangers came over to help me out and I stood up and spoke with them and assuring them that I was fine, just sad that I had ruined my pants [because they had a big grease stain].  They suggested that I not ride my bike in crazy heels, DUH!  They went on their way and I stood there in front of a giant apartment building changing my shoes and wondering how much they might be ridiculing me in their cars.  I was all set and about to re-mount my bicycle when I decided to make sure I did not have any small rips that I should be aware of..reached around to the ass of my jeans…and there was nothing there…that’s right, I was standing with my ass out taking my time talking to strangers on the street and complaining about my ruined pants…little did I know I had ripped the entire bottom out!  I immediately sunk to the ground and sat down on my exposed ass, pulled off my blazer (which was over a see-through shirt  and hot pink bra not at all appropriate for the hour of day) and tied it around my waist.  I considered biking the rest of the way in this state, but thought it could cause yet another disaster, so I called my kind sister to come meet me with her car so that I could change.

Now that I have sufficiently embarrassed my self, I will provide some insight, in honour of the opening of Victoria’s Secret, into proper and amazing underwear for a variety of occasions!  I acknowledge that comfort varies from person to person, but I am sharing based upon my own experiences, observations and discussions with friends.

1. Under jeans: depends on the rise, but often thongs.  Pockets of jeans mean that they can be more forgiving than other pants, so thongs are not necessarily required.  If pants are low rise, I strongly suggest not wearing a thong to avoid “whale tail”

VS Cheeky panties

VS Lacie Thong Panty

2. Under dress pants or shorts: Brazilian  (seamless lace with moderate coverage).  Everyone who wants to wear light coloured pants should get a few pairs of nude Brazilian underwear and nude coloured thongs –white is visible.  Spanks can also work if you wish (I used to rock the spanx a lot but not so much these days).  It is CRITICAL not to wear underwear that are too small or cut in.

Seamless, nude, brazilian hipsters-a must have!
VS’s options in this category are less than ideal, but they do have a lovely seamless non-lace pair as an alternative: http://www.victoriassecret.com/panties/no-lines-and-seamless/cheeky-panty-fabulous-by-victorias-secret?ProductID=63089&CatalogueType=OLS

3. Under a tight dress or skirt:   I suggest boy shorts or even short gym shorts in microfiber or spadex.  Be aware of all angles (I suggest setting up the mirrors in your room so that you have a front and back view at the same time).  Please don’t wear thongs, lace, or sheer panties under these-I don’t want to see your ass or vajayjay when you walk up the stairs at the Alehouse, nor should you want me to.

VS Seamless Boyshort panty

4. A-line or loose dress or skirt:  shorts (as above) or full coverage underwear, or my personal favorite, swimsuit bottoms.  If I am worried that the wind might blow up my skirt or dress, I find that wearing a swimsuit bottom makes me more comfortable with the potential accidental exposure, whether or not anyone else knows they are a swimsuit.  I feel that if someone might see me wearing it at the pool or on the beach that it is less offensive. You could even wear a 1 piece if you want to suck it all in.

Seamless Hipster Panty

All of this comes with the proviso that I love cute underwear but I dress to look good with my clothing on, so if you have other motives-this is not the entry for you (though I do wish you would please at least wear some shorts over your cute hook up panties).

A little taste of Asian fashion in the heart of downtown Halifax!

Adorable shorts in three sweet colours from Layla Boutique. Always unique fashion!

When wandering around downtown Halifax one afternoon this summer I happened upon this new little gem.  Layla boutique http://www.layla-boutique.ca on the corner of Sackville and Granville has an assortment of the most adorable fashions you might find on the streets of any Asian city.  My own visit to Japan a few years ago left me wishing I could be shorter with smaller feet so I could take full advantage, but some items were accessible even to a giant Canadian like myself.  I have a soft spot for Asian fashion and frequently get style inspiration from fashionistas rocking these looks around Halifax.

The epitome of femininity, this store contains all that ruffles and represents a true boutique with unique items (only one of each item) and reasonable prices to boot! The owner’s choices also include a wide variety of items, many of which are wearable by people over 5’5.   Layla chooses the items herself which means you also benefit from her own great sense of style.  While I was at Layla Boutique I think the words…”ooooh I want it” burst from my lips 20 times.  Please add this store to your list of where to go (especially if you need a cute dress for a cocktail party or a wedding)!  Check out and like her facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LaylaBoutiqueShop

Send me a pic of anything you happen to buy there so I can make it an item of the day!  Today’s items are these adorable shorts.  The fabulous colours are accented by the adorable lace trim and sweet bow belt.  Pair these with a cute pair of open toe heels and a sweet blouse for summer, or work them into fall with a pair of tights and some suede pumps or booties!