i've got shopping fever

the one thing that is wonderful about london is boutique shopping. malls are an absolute minimum here. there are few in canary wharf (which is more like the city of Toronto than London) and one being built in White City (far west...). With all the boutiques, you can really get some more unique pieces that are not worn by everyone walking down oxford street. I'm in love with one such boutique called 'Fever' that is literally 30 seconds away from my door. Their styles are a bit older but with plenty of funkiness to throw around. Perfect work apparel! While almost everything in Sloane Square makes me go shopping crazy... Hoss Intropia really takes the cake. Considered a designer in Spain - their stuff is more high-end street (see Banana Republic or Club Monaco) than something from Selfridges (holt renfrew but crazier). I'm addicted to their cardigans. silk cotton mix is amazing. (below - a fever skirt i've been eyeing for a while, and the cutest sundress from Hoss..... a bit out of season though now)

a little something extra

a new trend is apparently starting to sweep across london. bottled water. HA! The trick is this isn't just any bottled water, it's bottled tap water called London Biotopes. That's rest, they fill it up and sell it back to you. Except, they do a few experiments, run a few tests and actually tell you what's in your water - everything makes it's way back. Working in the City means my water could have a few extra doses of caffeine and a class a narcotic. since I don't drink coffee or do anything extra, maybe the water is what's helping me stay peppy in the afternoon. Wanna get 'up the duff', head to Golders Green where birth control is at a minimum.

image via

the ways I miss Canada......

coming up to one year overseas and eight months since I was last in Canada and I'm pining away for many-a-thing. Some material, some people and some scenery.

1. the one time i love ontario is the fall. i could definitely leave all the other seasons but the gatineaus in the fall are stunning. i miss red, orange and yellow.
2. the mountains of bc. need I say more.
3. sun. it's been grey since I returned from Switzerland. Even four days of grey (but no rain) and no change gets me down.
4. joe fresh. club monaco. banana republic sales and affordable matt and nat. paying £100 for a $100 bag is not the right decision. (see below for coveted bag and coveted joe fresh outfit)
5. family and friends. ones that have known me for years. not just months. it is good here, it's just not the network that you build up after living in a place for years. and i had no school to immediately introduce to tons of people my age from all backgrounds. i miss that.
6. hershey chocolate sauce. don't ask - it's like my canadian peanut butter.
7. access to lululemon and other sports/hiking attire at my fingertips
8. a house perfectly decorated and feels like a home. I hate not having things on a wall. it's so bland and empty. and I desperately miss colour. and affordable rent.
9. going outside in baggy jeans and a tee and apparently being well dressed.
10. a relatively absent class system. don't knock canada till you've come here.... i've never met judgers that really go above and beyond any reasonable thought.

the fall trends - it's getting colder in London

while trends are clearly more global, I've noticed some key trends upcoming for the London scene. As I still look slightly out of place (perhaps it's my accent that gives me away)... I really need to pick up this stuff to integrate myself completely! first post - accessories, second post - clothes

scarves are so hot this year (same with hansel)
I have an addiction to pashimas (so good for travel!) but desperately want to pick up a few morroccan style scarves - I like this one from urban outfitters - and a good price too. In wistful dreaming land I'd have a grey or light brown leather jacket to go with it!

ruffles and chains
in purses (or wallets back in canada) or your handbag. I really like this chunky one in brown - if i can find it grey I'm set..... I'm headed to shoreditch to find something similar in the vintage stores - I'll let you know if that pans out. the fedora
I'm not sure if I can jump on this trend. but I've seen it everywhere. and it's better than the bowler hat which is trying to make a comeback.

coloured tights
I know that this has made the leap everywhere but there is no way I can get away with coloured tights at work. I'm far more keen on diamond patterned ones instead.

boots and booties - flat or heeled
topshop is great for shoes - real leather and relatively affordable prices (as long as you don't convert it back to cdn). I'm in love with this flat tan boots. a good chunky sweater, my orla kiely bag and some jeans - i've got my weekend outfit until late november.