A Walk in the Park

Lately I have been thinking about what constitutes a great city.  What are the things that promote diversity, acceptance, and newness?  More and more I am realizing the importance of public space and expression, of sharing your energy with thousands of other people simply by virtue of enjoying a day in the park.  Each Sunday below Mount Royal there is a gathering attended by thousands called Tam Tams.  People gather to listen to, and create, the innate and tribal sound of a beating drum.  They play guitar, dance, do partner yoga, sing and thrive off of the energy of others until the sun goes down.  This gathering is attended by hippies, fashionistas, the old, the young...it is a perfect expression of creativity that begs all to join and excludes none.  I believe that it is from moments like these that newness spawns, as culture, diversity, and free expression of personal style works to open space in the grid of tradition.
Today I wore boyfriend jeans, menswear loafers and a black tank, and enjoyed reading my favorite poet e.e cummings, however I must say that it was the community, rather than one distinct fashion, that most inspired me today.

Lonely Birds

Each day that has passed since April 30th I have noticed the streets around the University getting a little bit emptier as students flock home for the warmer months.  This has been both sad and wonderful. I love watching the city come alive with the energy that radiates from the student population, but I am also enjoying looking at a familiar setting in a different light. I am going to be spending a lot of time by myself this summer, and I'm determined to enjoy my own company and to explore the city each day.  Today I spent some time in the park below Mount Royal reading a book for the summer class I'm taking (The Merchant of Venice), and then I went to a new friend's loft for some food. It's a great space with tons of potential and also (importantly) very cheap rent.  I wore some vintage bloomer shorts and a little white blouse, as sometimes I like to look girly and refined when I'm reading.  I'll probably change into jean cutoffs and Keds when I go throw a Frisbee around later with my boyfriend.

We also stopped into a little RAW food shop, before guiltily deciding on the famous Romano's roasted chicken and fries.  I love the decor in this little place and will likely go back.  

Blouse: Club Monaco

Shorts: Vintage

Boots: Steve Madden

Glasses: Vintage

First Days of Summer

The first days of summer.  For students, it means scrambling for jobs, internships, and scraping together the last summer credits we may need before we graduate.  It also means sunshine, literature (for pleasure!) and the freedom to explore the wonderful cities and towns we live in.  For me, that's Montreal. Today I spent the afternoon walking down to the Old Port, hanging out on the grass by the water, and spending time with a friend whose heading back to Vancouver for the summer tomorrow.  I also picked up three summer reads at The Word Bookstore: Heart of Darkness, Portrait of an Artist as A Young Man, and Joyce's Dubliners.  They were all only about $3 each, used!  How lovely.  I wore a light flowing skirt and leather jacket, perfect for the transition from Spring into Summer.  Most of what I wear will eventually be for sale on my Ebay store, which should be up and running by May 15th.

I also ought to men mention that these photos were taken by my lovely and talented friend Brittany Mcgillivray.  You can see more of her work at  bmcgillivray.tumblr.com .

Jacket: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: H&M

Glasses: Vintage