Firstly, gym shorts. I’ve been wearing my secondhand Russell and Soffe gym shorts almost every day. They go with everything. I can wear them with a cute loafer or heel. A casual top or something that feels a bit more flirty. I don’t have to think too hard and I feel cute and comfortable.

As a greasy hair gal, I’m addicted to dry shampoo. I was recently introduced to the K18 dry shampoo (they kindly gifted me some products). This product is bananas good. It’s a non-aerosol and easy to use. I can really stretch my washes out and I’d previously only really been able to go 1 day without washing. It smells nice and its not fussy. Also adds some nice volume to my fine textured hair.

Is it embarrassing to say my espresso machine is a fave of mine? I don’t even drink caffeinated coffee. Fellow gifted me their new Series 1 espresso machine about 2 months ago and it has really changed things for me and Will (my new roomie/bf). I only drink decaf coffee (I’ve been off caffeine for about 4 years now - I can write about that if you want). The machine is really high quality from what I can tell. It’s so comical that having an espresso machine at home really does save you a lot of money and you go out for coffee way less. It’s very beautiful to look at though I will say, that the machine has a very large footprint and likely wouldn’t be suitable for a smaller kitchen. Otherwise it’s all 10s from me.

Obviously, I’ve been slow on the movie front but a couple stood out to me:

Days Of Heaven 1978 dir Terrence Malick. One of his earlier films that really solidifies his technical skills and truly singular eye. Really remarkable to film something for a couple hours of daylight every day, just to achieve the most stunning shots you’ve ever seen. Surprisingly, was more taken with Sam Shepard in this over Richard Gere. Brooke Adams was the true star though. Early 1900s America research taken place immediately after watching. Also the score! Ennio Morricone banger after banger.

A Summer’s Tale 1996 dir Eric Rohmer. Truly the bozo olympics set in the most idyllic Summer’s daydream. Really beautiful film. Costuming is perfect. Being young is so awkward and weird and I love that you really just don’t have everything figured out ever.

I went to Osheaga this year in Montreal and was blown away by a few special performances. I finally got to see Blood Orange. Dev is so cool and masterful and I felt so lucky to witness his genius. The xx toured for the first time in 8 years and they played a truly perfect show at the festival. Their time together as a band is really reflected in their performance - it was so sweet to see them having fun up there. A few other standouts were Oklou, Not For Radio, Clipse and Geese.

After seeing Not For Radio perform I’ve been listening to her album Melt nonstop. While I was in Montreal, I went to a rave that James K dj’d a set at. It was unlike any of her recorded music but I loved it. And I love dancing in a sweaty, dark, smoky room. Anyways, I’ve been listening to her album Friend a lot recently as well.

K that’s it.

Kiss kiss, Sarah.

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I’ve been frequenting the aritzia Denim Forum Farrah Low rise jeans. I went to Vancouver last week and brought them with me. Usually an indicator that it’s a comfort item, if I bring something as my only option etc. I have them in a washed black. I’m not sure I would get another colour tbh. I think they only work in this wash. I actually don’t really like buying any new jeans in a blue denim wash. I think a blue wash should be reserved for vintage denim. I’ll only buy new denim in a washed black or white.

I haven’t been getting my nails done as much as I used to. Opting for a lazy at-home manicure. I like keeping my nails really short and looking somewhat polished. The key for this has been the Manicurist Nail Care Effects. I use the Active Plump in Pink Glazed and the Active Glow in Grape the most. Both provide an effortless, subtle glow/sheen that makes it look like I take good care of my nails (I don’t).

One thing I find more difficult in the throws of The Summer Stir is meal planning/making sure I always have meals on hand. This is the meal I request from my boyfriend (Will), the most. He graciously introduced it to me. We split the cooking responsibilities 50/50 and this one stands out to me as a comfort/go-to meal for us recently. It’s easy, simple but still tastes complex and yummy. We usually just do the tofu and rice but obviously you can throw in some veg as well.

I would be remiss to not include some Artizia tanks in this too. They’re basically all I wear during the hotter months. I recently was introduced to, two new styles when I was invited to their store opening at the new Oakridge Park mall in Vancouver. The Babaton Angeles tank and Busy tank have been in heavy rotation. One of the many incredibly frustrating things about aritzia and their commitment to fast fashion (beyond the obvious negatives), is that they have styles for approx 1 month and then they’re gone. So as I’m writing this, it seems as though both of these styles are hitting very low stock. Either way, I’m in some variant of an aritzia ribbed tank top for a majority of the summer.

I’ve noticed that I’ve been far more minimal with my jewelry as well. I’m unsure if that’s symptomatic of the summer heat or just personal preferences shifting. I used to wear a pretty involved ring stack almost everyday, now I’m finding I’m leaving the house with only a single ring on. The one that has held a permanent spot on my hand for the better part of a year is my Silent Opus Uno Ring. It’s really beautiful and understated yet it still feels really personal to me.

Embarrassed to say but the music I’ve been returning to, has been the same for about the past year. Maybe that’s okay actually. We are so fleeting and harsh with our attention. I go back to Devotion by Beach House almost every day. Same with Face Down In The Garden by Tennis. Maybe I have a thing for a two piece bands whether in the dynamic of friends or lovers.

I’ve been really serious about the word devotion for the past year. Potentially why I’ve been listening to the album so much. The word “devotion” traces its roots to the Latin word devotio and the verb devovere, which means “to dedicate by a vow, sacrifice oneself, or promise solemnly” (Copied from Merriam-Webster). Maybe because I now feel deeply devoted to myself and others. Or

Ok talk soon. Kiss Kiss

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This may read as repetitive if you are up-to-date with any of my YouTube content, apologies.

Firstly lets chat optical. My eye doctor says I need to be wearing my glasses all the time. I’m still not. But I got my prescription put in the Emmy glasses by Jimmy Fairly. I first saw them on Imani Randolph and instantly coveted them. Serendipitously they reached out for gifting and I was lucky enough to get my hands on my own pair. The frames feel simple and understated and yet the trendiest glasses ever? I don’t know. I still love them. They do however leave a mark on the top of my nose, obviously this is more to do with my anatomy then the glasses’ functionality.

A couple of years ago I was introduced to Paper Republic, a stationary brand based out of Vienna. I did some work with them and quickly co-signed onto the leather journal craze. I have since repurchased a journal and inserts from them, separate from the work I’ve done (gifting opportunities etc). For my agenda this year, I purchased their daily planner insert and it’s fabulous. If you’re someone who likes have a big, giant reminder of their to-dos for the day, this is for you. It’s still sleek and sexy and whatever but also highly practical. I have my planner in the xl size but I also have the pocket leather journal and it satisfies as well.

A couple of months ago I got my first electric kettle and guess what? I love it. Fellow very kindly gifted it to me. I selected the Sesame colour in an attempt to deviate from black and I was mostly successful. I’ve only once thought about how I wish I got it in black. Everyday items that intersect beauty and function is what were always chasing, right? This is it. Fellow did it. I now have their espresso machine on my wish list, so that I can make espresso(decaf) tonics every day at home.

I posted an IG reel (derogatory) unboxing two leather cosmetic bags that I had purchased off of Etsy (respectfully). I’ve been using them for roughly a month and a half now and I really love them. I feel justified in my purchase. Etsy is slowly becoming one of my favourite places to shop. The leather quality feels really nice and the colour options are abundant (there’s actually too many options). They hold all of my makeup nicely and travel seamlessly between all of my different hand bags. Also the price really can’t be beat.

Some films I watched recently that I am still thinking about:

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover dir. Peter Greenaway (what a freak. Incredible film)

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie dir. Matt Johnson (instant Canadian classic imo)

Modern Romance dir. Albert Brooks (am I in love with Albert Brooks?)

Blow-Up dir. Michelangelo Antonioni (mostly the set & costume design that tickled me)

Some music I’ve been listening to a lot recently:

Melt EP by Ms Ray

Your Day Will Come by Chanel Beads

Kokoroko self titled EP (I saw them live this week and was blown away by their artistry and craft)

Talk soon. Kiss Kiss

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I’m usually in Toronto once or twice a year visiting my family. By now, there’s a few places that always get a repeat visit and these are them.

Important to note that while staying with family, we do a lot of cooking at home, so there are so many restaurants I’d love to try but just haven’t yet, anywho.

Also, I love expressing and receiving adoration via a shared Google Map so consider this something like that.

Coffee & Food & Drink

Conci. 1300 Gerrard St E

I love this bakery so much. I have tender thoughts about their garlic knots but literally everything they make is touched by an angel. They’re also a bottle shop which is fun.

Maha’s Brunch 226 Greenwood Ave

I’ve only been here once but I would be remiss to not include it because you must go. This is how brunch should always be—one of the best meals of my life. Fr.

Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice (or the nose) 1220 Queen St E

Outrageously good food, incredible service and energy. Make a reso ASAP

Descendent Detroit Style Pizza 1168 Queen St E

Just good pizza that I always crave once I’m back in the city

Mercury Espresso 915 Queen St E

My most frequented coffee shop while I’m in TO (can you tell I’m an east side girly). Has great coffee, usually rotating beans and a lovely spot to do work or read at

Sunny’s Chinese 60 Kensington Ave

One of the best meals I’ve had in Toronto. I would go with a group so that you can try as much of the menu as possible and do not skip out on the HK French toast

Good Behaviour 1324 Gerrard St E

Very good sandwiches and excellent ice cream flavours

Bar Piquette 1084 Queen St W

I only had the mortadella sandwich here and it was enough to include it on this list. Obv a great wine spot as well

Khao San Road 11 Charlotte St

I really love this meal. The whole family was there, so we get one of everything and share and it’s all spectacular

Goods and Provisions 1124 Queen St E

The menu is always changing and every time I’ve been, it’s been quite perfect. The service is amazing and has a great “I know everyone in the neighbourhood” feel

Bar Raval 505 College St

Kind of an iconic place I think. Either way great drinks and very good vibrations

Boxcar Social 1208 Yonge St

I’ve only had coffee here but I really love the atmosphere and their back patio

Lambo’s Deli

I think probably my favourite sandwich in Toronto????

Shopping etc

Daniel Jewellers & Vendor Market 1006 Queen St E

Someone suggested I check out this place, when I was on my most recent trip there. It didn’t disappoint. Though I didn’t buy anything, they’ve got such a kooky mix of vintage clothing plus estate jewelry that it’s worth the visit if you’re in the area

Shopcoat 1167 Dundas St W

I find good things every time I go here so it has become a must visit for me

Fevers Vintage 1138 Dundas St W

If you’re in the area you should certainly stop here too. I usually find things I like and the prices are better than other vintage stores on Dundas in my opinion

Health Hut 1025 Queen St E

Amazing shop for health and clean beauty items. I order a lot from here online once I’m back home was well

Issues Magazine Shop 1489 Dundas St W

Such a good selection of zines. If you’re looking for something you can’t find anywhere else, this is where to find it

PIC Vintage 1338 Dundas St W

Really love the selection they have here and they usually have designer items as well

I must mention that I usually visit the AGO, the Gardiner Museum, walk the Belt Line Trail to Brickworks, and walk along the Tommy Thompson park spit every time I’m in town. They’re just part of my Toronto routine now.

This list is obviously non-exhaustive but these are the place I love and frequent the most.

Below is a list of places that have been recommended to me but either I haven’t been yet or I just haven’t revisited them:

Well Worn General 2005 Danforth Ave

Lake Inez 1471 Gerrard St E

Zig Zag Collectables 985 Queen St E

Second Voyage Vintage 734 Queen St E

Coffee and Clothing 841 Gerrard St E

Mama Loves You Vintage 541 Queen St W

Type Books 883 Queen St W

Sonndr Cafe 1068 Dundas St W

I Miss You Vintage Inc. 63 Ossington Ave

Manita Ossington 210 Ossington Ave

Bernhardt’s 202 Dovercourt Rd

Penny Arcade 1177 Dundas St W

96 Tears Vintage 1319 Dundas St W

Milou 1375 Dundas St W

Expo Vintage 1450 Dundas St W

CHOSEN 1599 Dundas St W

Public Butter Vintage 1290 Queen St W

House of Vintage 1239 Queen St W

Dotty’s 1588 Dupont St

xo Sarah

Often, I am needlessly searching for something that I might want to obsess over, I am a wanter. I’m just going to start sharing everything I find here because it’s fun and I can.

Prompted by a visit to a consignment store in Toronto called Extoggery, where I found a Gucci horsebit shoulder bag (that was on hold for someone else), I have become obsessive about looking at vintage/secondhand Gucci bags online. I’ve found quite a few good ones (all at Far Fetch) Most of them are under $1000. I have been particularly drawn to monogram prints from Fendi & Gucci—I’m not immune to a LV monogram print either. We’ll talk about the magnetism to a monogram print and it’s psychological effects later on or never.

These little monogram mini totes have been on my radar for quite awhile. I love the greenish/brown hue of older Fendi canvas bags, though I wasn’t able to find one this time around. These are feature a zip which is always welcomed on a tote.

These are the standout Gucci bags that I found. I like these less common silhouettes. Again with the monogram. I’m particularly fond of the third from the left with the metal handle, so cool. The only other two designer handbags I own are also Gucci, one that I bought from Aloe & Wolf vintage in Siena, Italy and a little canvas boat bag purchased on Poshmark. So you could say I’m a Gucci girl. GG. I’ll note that I’m not an expert or even a novice at identifying historical context in high end fashion—these are just the ones that I like. Though, I’m interested in stretching that curiosity muscle and researching more about each design/collection/era. Anyways.

Others that stood out to me during my R&D. The colour of the number six Gucci number is very special, in a blue tongue from a blue raspberry candy kind of way. Anyways, I really love all these mostly simple style relics of designers past. I’m addicted to handbags and there is no cure.

ttyl,

sarah

All this to say, I’m moving out of my current home. Without going into the details of my private life, my partner and I have decided to separate and thus I had to find a new place to live. While the circumstances are poopy, I’m trying my best to be positive about the opportunity to cultivate a new space for myself. I’m going to share the process again and thought I could start off with some pieces and design ideas that I’ve been stalking online. I’ll break it down by room once I get into my space but I thought this would be a fun place to start.

If you’ve been following me on YT, TT, IG etc you probably have a baseline idea of the kind of interior landscapes that I’m drawn to. As a refresher, I’ve added some images that I’ve pinched from my Pinterest to give you an idea of what I like.

Most of my furniture, that I’ve had for years will be coming with me but I definitely am open to changing things up a bit. My new spot is very lovely and bright, a bit smaller than my previous places but I think it’ll be perfect. My only qualm with it, is that it has millennial grey laminate floors throughout…but that’s ok because I love rugs. Let’s begin.

I guess I’ll start off with rugs because I’ve actually already purchased two and I had to share these with y’all because they look amazing and they’re on super sale. For high traffic areas in your home, I’d definitely recommend a rug that’s low pile and durable. From what I can see, most of the rugs from this Etsy seller are just that. Here’s a few that I love:

Top left beautiful green number, top right love that this one is showing it’s age, bottom left was contemplating this one for a long time, bottom right

There are some kitchen things that I’ll be needing because I’ll be losing some stuff in the divorce. Some of these items are certainly not necessities but I’m just a girl with a blank canvas…

moving from left to right: our place plates, vintage crock, linen tea towel, moroccan glassware, enamel salad bowl, wine glasses, perfect yellow bowls, hasami porcelain bowl, vintage crock

Thankfully I don’t need too many new furniture pieces but I have been looking just for the fun of it..

I’m actually very curious about this russet coffee table. My current coffee table is cute and from fb marketplace but I’m not sure it will go in my new place well

A few sofas I could never afford but day dream about. Left to right: sixpenny aria sofa, unreal vintage magistretti, sixpenny gabriel sofa

I’m looking at getting a cozy chair, though I’ll have to wait until I actually get into the space to see what size of chair would work. I’ll likely be taking this search to FB marketplace but here are a couple that I really love:

left , right

Here are some random decor bits—art, trinkets etc that I like and can imagine working well in my new apartment

I was turned on to this Etsy seller by Paige Wassel (will absolutely be getting a WAS the store shower curtain). I love this sellers art, especially the red matting

left, right

For some reason I need this glass bunny

I’ll leave off here but I’m looking forward to find purpose in the search and share it with you all here.