Ottawa's Closet

[ottawascloset]

Natural Beauty is Here to Stay (I hope)

As the needs of women change, so must the beauty industry. And one of those changes that I am loving right now is how more and more black women are embracing their natural hair. We’re seeing our natural curls on prime time television, in magazines and now even at New York Fashion Week!

YP Yim Getty Images

Natural curls, nude makeup and classic tones are where it’s at and that’s my space and mindset these days. 

So if you’re on team natural, then bask on these leading ladies and their curly tresses for the fall season.

Lupita Nyongo for Vogue October 2015 

Serayah Mcneill aka Tiana on Empire

Nicki Minaj and her natural long hair 

Solange 

Zendaya Coleman 

Yara Shahidi from Black’ish

By Janice G W. (fresh of the cream crack aka relaxer and embracing my natural hair) 

[ottawascloset]

#OCDoesMusicMonday: Metronome Jones

Local rock band Metronome Jones have a new EP coming out soon and I got a chance to preview it for you!

The members consist of: Matthew Yorke (vocals and guitar), Ben Matte (bass) and Matt Holmgren (drums) - and they have been together since 2011. You may have heard the trio through Live 88.5’s Big Money Shot, which has boosted other local bands like Hollerado and Amos the Transparent. That has been obviously a big step for Metronome Jones.

L-R: Ben Matte, Matthew Yorke and Matt Holmgren

The band’s bio states:

Refusing to curb their inspiration and instead drawing from numerous influences including rock, funk, metal and punk, the band makes excellent use of Yorke’s vocals, a raw, overpowering treble that simply needs to be heard live.

Throughout the entire EP you can hear the band’s multiple influences resulting in what Metronome Jones does best. Each song differs a little from each other (“Cause I Said So” is quite Aerosmith/Dean Lickyer-y compared to tracks like “Goner” and “Manic Enough”) but Yorke’s scratchy vocals, Matte’s funky bass lines and Holmgren’s pacing keep the band’s unique sound.

The first time I listened to their new single “Waiting on the Winter” I hit replay. It’s everything a single should be: catchy and energetic. To me, it is a perfect song to demonstrate the band’s sound.

My favourite song has to be “Awkward Time” because it just feels groovy! It is one of the slower songs on the EP and I usually get flack for liking slower paced songs but I feel like slower tempo songs shift their focus to lyrics instead of straight up catchy hooks.

This EP will definitely be added to my soundtrack once the weather starts getting cooler.

From what I’ve read these guys put on a hell of a show, even when they’re hitting a slower song.

You can find Metronome Jones at their EP Launch Party: on August 21st, 2015 at Zaphod Beeblebrox.

LINKS

Website | SoundCloud | Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | e-mail: [email protected]

By: Julia Agris

[ottawascloset]

Spring’s Polished Punk Line

It’s already August so that means Halloween decor is already going up in stores. But that also means that Fall looks are being released.

Spring Fall/Winter ‘15 line is “Polished Punk”: “With serious style comes serious attitude. From lug soles to oxfords and engineer boots, this season’s top trend packs a pretty punch.” I cannot be more excited. Spring is one of my favourite stores because they’re affordable and on trend. I’m going to pick my favourite looks and share them with you in this post. Cetrone, $79.99

The contrast between these boots make them super edgy and would make Tank Girl proud. Limatola, $44.99

Quilted patterns are everything! Plus the interior is super chic! Pantani, $49.99

These are the guilt-free version of every shoe on Nasty Gal. Unigodien, $49.99

Dark pastels? What can be more punk than that? Henandez, $44.99

The metal detailing is everything and the neutral colour will go with everything. Digossi, $79.99

I love chunky heels and the return of the 90’s heel has been a blessing for long term wear.

What are your favourites? You can buy them online and Spring has free shipping on orders over $50.

By: Julia Agris

[ottawascloset]

My Favourite Looks from the H&M/Foxes Collab

H&M has been known for collaborating with rising artists for their H&M Loves Music Collection and I, for one, was super excited for this one as I lalalove everything about her!

"My fashion style is playful boy meets girls - car boot sale - chic."

Foxes', aka Louisa Rose Allen, dreamy music is of the experimental pop genre with a dark streak. The twenty six year old Grammy Award Winner Brit exploded onto the scene with her feature on Zedd's song "Clarity". Since then she has released an EP and a debut album, Glorious. She signed to RCA Records and opened for Pharell on his Dear Girl tour all because of this:

She even appeared in one of my favourite TV shows, Doctor Who, covering a Queen song. 

2015 has been a crazy year for her already: back in July she slayed her one day tour of several cities in the UK, which broke the Guinness World Record for "The Most Live Concerts in Twelve Hours in Multiple Cities". Including this collab with H&M she has also been working on her her second album, entitled All I Need, which is expecting a late 2015 release.

Foxes also has quite the rep when it comes to fashion as well. Her perfect mix of vintage and grunge looks can be acquired from thrift shops or, her favourite brands, Chanel and Moschino. Back in 2014 ASOS.com wrote a feature on her #flawless OOTDs and she takes part in an outfit challenge:

She made a playlist for Markus Lupfer at LDW'14, became the new face of Adidas AND collabed with River Island. So the H&M collab was an obvious next step. Below are some of my favourite looks:

Lace dress, $39.99

Knit top, $34.99 + Short skirt, $34.99

Platform shoes, $49.99 By: Julia Agris

[ottawascloset]

Throwback Thursday: Bring It On

I have a guilty pleasure (ok, not guilty at all) of watching a lot of stuff from the eighties to the noughties - so it’s like this segment was made for me.

Style inspiration can be drawn from anywhere and for me it'll be evident that I love taking ideas from these "throwbacks" and mixing them up with modern styles. To kick off this new series I picked Bring It On (2000) because I recently went on a Bring It On marathon this weekend - thanks, Netflix.

Torrance Shipman, the Toro’s new cheer captain, has found out at the team’s shoe-in win routine was stolen from the East Compton Clovers and tries her hardest to bring it on.

Torrance Shipman

{{{ by jjuliaannee }

As Head Cheerleader, Torrance was always ready to spring into action (literally). Take advantage of the sportswear look by wearing attention-grabbing sneakers - can anyone say comfortable?! For most of the movie Torrance can be seen wearing 90's strappy tops when she's not in uniform. Rep your Toros pride with a red letterman's jacket!

Missy Pantone

{{{ by jjuliaannee }

Missy comes across as a tough girl and I really think that they nailed casting Eliza Dushku for this part *heart eyes* and I'm going to be a little biased here by bringing some of Faith (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) into this look. Wear a pair of cargo pants, that fit you in all the right ways, and throw on a bad ass heeled black boots. Missy had a gymnast body so she's not afraid to rock a crop top but wear a cut out bandeau underneath in case someone asks you to do a "front handspring step-out, round-off back handspring step-out, round-off back handspring, full twisting layout."

Cliff Pantone

{{{ by jjuliaannee }

Channel your inner musician cutie pie that crushes hard on the girl of his dreams by rocking a band tee (preferably The Clash) and some red Converse. Keep it totally old school by wearing some flashy headphones and a Casio digital watch. Oh, Jesse Bradford!

Isis

{{{ by jjuliaannee }

Isis does not have a huge part in the movie but every time she is on-screen she is showing off her school pride. The East Compton Clovers mean everything to her so throw on anything green and yellow. Her style is pretty casual, as she can throw down cheer moves at any second, so find a comfy pair of white high tops and stretchy high waisted jeans.

Aaron

{{{ by jjuliaannee }

Aaron is Torrance’s older boyfriend that goes off to university so play up that prep school look with heeled oxfords and plaid. For some reason Aaron is shown wearing a red sweater like 95% of the time but that makes this perfect outfit for the winter-spring transition.

[ottawascloset]

Music Monday: Kaiser

Joseph Rabbat is just a yougin’ in terms of the local Ottawa music scene but his hard work is finally starting to show as he is now playing gigs all around town.

We're both super excited to finally get to share this post with you as it's been a long time coming. Last summer I had the pleasure to sit down with him to film some videos for our newly launched YouTube channel and our new Artist Series. Rabbat’s laid back attitude and welcoming smile can be felt through the videos.

OC: Tell me a little about yourself, what do you like to do in your spare time?

JR: My name is Joe. I’m 6’1”. I have brown eyes and I like long romantic walks on the beach. Oh, I’m also in a sweet band called Kaiser.

OC: How did you find yourself in the music scene?

JR: About a year ago, I was playing a lot of shitty open mics and I tried playing bass in other bands but I just wasn't feeling it. I wanted to do something more than play other people’s songs and covers for people so I just went for it. I started writing songs and finding a drummer and e-mailing venues trying to convince them to give me a slot.

OC: Did you always want to be part of the local scene?

JR: I didn't always want to be part of the music scene because I didn't know it existed. But I'm meeting a lot of new artists and people who have the same passion as me. It saddens me because a lot of [local] musicians say that the music scene here sucks and they all leave for Montreal or Toronto. To the contrary, I love the Ottawa music scene. I think that it can be something great and the musicians that I have met so far are really great people.

OC: You are now in a band known as Kaiser but tell me a little about the inception of Snake Eyes - your music debut.

JR: Well, it all started a year ago in April when I got my first mixer from my neighbour’s garage and it was a snow day so I recorded my first song that day called “Snow in April” - so unoriginal. But, yeah, I started recording songs every once in awhile. Although they were shitty I really loved recording them. The songs got progressively better and better.

OC: Why do you think you got better? Lots of practice?

JR: I started taking lessons from Patrick [Steele] of StillNative and I asked him about how to book gigs. He said, “I unno” so I said, “Fuck Pat - I’ma just start e-mailing venues [myself]”.

OC: So why the name change [to Kaiser]?

JR: Patrick's girlfriend had told me to change the band’s name… and a bunch of other people told me the name was dumb so I changed it to Kaiser. My lucky charm is a Kaiser Seahorse Yu-Gi-Oh card I’ve had in my wallet for five years now.

{{{ Roadie Joe with StillNative at OFW S/S '14 }

OC: What was the first instrument you picked up and why?

JR: I first started playing guitar about three or four years ago because I thought I was pretty good at playing air guitar. I didn't think that playing actual guitar would be a lot harder!

OC: Nice, do you wish you could play any other instruments?

JR: Maybe the sitar or the accordion.

OC: Who are some of your role models?

JR: I don't really have any role models but I do have a long list of idols. Shouts out to: Ruban Nielson, Kurt Cobain, Dan Auerbach, Joel Plaskett, Hendrix - of course - and there are a lot more! And my high school music teacher, Jean Fritz Chancy, who could play literally any instrument. *pause* Patrick Bourget, jizzzzzz!

OC: What about style icons?

JR: Max Savage, jizzzz!

OC: How would you describe your personal style?

JR: I dunno… I only buy things that are on sale or from Value Village so I guess my style is affordable chic. But I do dig the grunge style because its kinda like a “Fuck the Crowd” style. Old sweaters and jean jackets - anything old. I hate new clothes. I like things with memories attached to them, even if they aren't my own.

OC: You definitely dress like your sound! What else influences your musical process?

JR: Definitely life, I just wait around until inspiration hits me in the face. You never know when its coming and you can’t force it.

OC: What are you currently listening to?

JR: A lot of old hip-hop like The Fugees, Jay Dilla, Jay-Z, MF Doom and a lot of artists with jazz influences like UMO and King Krule. And a lot of grunge music!

OC: Name your favourite thing about live shows?

JR: Definitely the crowd, especially when they’re having fun! There’s just something I like about being up on stage. The feeling I get when I just get to let loose as the sweat drips down my forehead. That sounded cheesy...

OC: OK, tough one - do you prefer playing solo or in a band?

JR: That is a tough question, Miss Agris. At the moment the band is sorta a solo project but I’ve found a couple musicians recently who are great. The new additions are: Max Savage [of StillNative - kickass drummer extraordinaire - and my good friend, Rowan, who plays bass. It’s really important for me to play in a band with people I have chemistry with and that I am friends with. But sometimes its nice to play alone … like [Jason] Derulo once said: “I’m riding solo, sooolooooo.”

OC: Oh, that Derulo song is a tune! Have you learnt any lessons since the beginning of your music career?

JR: Starting a tab doesn't mean that the alcohol is free, eventually you’re gonna have to pay your tab.

OC: Where do you see yourself in five years?

JR: Broadway! In all seriousness I’d like to have an album out and maybe have a stable lineup for the band but I'm just taking it day by day. There is still a lot of work to be done. My goal is to just make “listenable music”. That is my goal.

OC: What advice would you give your younger self?

JR: I would have told myself to stop worrying about people liking the music and to just focus on the music itself and to make sure that I'm honest with myself about the music and … don’t drop the soap!

OC: What about those wanting to start a music career?

JR: Fuck the crowd.

{{{ Roadie Joe at FEO '13 with StillNative }

{{{ LINKS }

Facebook Page | Bandcamp

By: Julia Agris

[ottawascloset]

Ottawa pop singer Mandia talks music, the holidays and her new album!

Over the holidays, I got a chance to speak with the talented Mandia Nantsios and she shared quite a bit about her upcoming album, how she spent the holidays and what her new year's resolution will be!

During the holidays, Mandia released her Christmas song which she co-wrote entitled On This Christmas which could be heard on Canadian airwaves during the holidays. After only spending a day in the studio to record it, Mandia also got a chance to film the music video to accompany the song which was filmed at Tinseltown right here in Ottawa.

As for Mandia's debut album, she shared that her fans can expect a new single which will be released this month called "Secret" along with its music video. Her debut album, "Fractured Fairy Tales" will drop on February 2015.

Having spent the holidays with family in Ottawa, Mandia took some much needed time to relax before she gets back to work on her debut album release. We also asked her a few of her favourite things and this is what she shared:

Favourite thing about Ottawa: "It's just a really small city with a lot of really great people and everyone is really so supportive".

Favourite fashion store: "There's actually a jewelry store that I really like. It's called Stunning. It's so cute. They have a lot of really great statement pieces as far as jewelry goes and they have a lot of original things there.  I always like to look out for different things when I shop for photo shoots. As far as clothes, I really love Material Girl, which is Madonna's collection at the Bay."

Favourite music video that you have done: "I think my favourite one was "One Last Time" because it was my first professional video that I had done. There was a lot of people on set for that. It was a really big production compared to all my other videos."

Musical influences: "I love Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson...I think some of my music reflects them as well."

New Year's Resolutions: "Probably just to keep working on music, write more songs. Really, that's it. I think that my main focus is to write more songs because even after the album, there will have to be something released after that. It's going to be a  lot of work. And just a lot more learning because I'm still young."

By: Janice Gourgues

[ottawascloset]

How To Style: Holiday Trends

It's that time of the year where one can wear glitter and metallics with reckless abandon. Below I've put together some sets to get you inspired to dress up this year!

{ Christmas Casual by jjuliaannee }

Don't fear the sequin pant! Pick a neutral colour, if you're not feeling too bold, and keep it wearable by wearing a cute Canadiana cabin themed sweater. To avoid looking too casual, style your hair and wear a blouse that has a collar or bow to peek over the sweater.

{ Holiday Havoc by jjuliaannee }

Metallics have always been a holiday trend and we all know why. It adds the perfect bit of flair to an otherwise boring outfit. Keep the trend going by finding metallic tipped shoes and an oversized jacket (to keep to you warm) with zipper detailing.

{ Sparkle On by jjuliaannee }

Here's an outfit that is made for going out on NYE. It combines both sequins and metals yet looks so put together especially if your hair is in an updo. Go for a more fitted look, so your shape doesn't get lost in the material, that way you can layer body chains to spice it up.

{ Baby, It's Cold Outside by jjuliaannee }

Flapper dresses are the perfect party wear but they're also hard to come across. However a fringe skirt will do! Pair it with a velvet (my favourite holiday trend *heart eyes*) blazer and gold accessories. I promise dancing in this skirt ups your fun by 100%!

Are you excited for all of your holiday outings? Share your outfit with us @OttawasCloset!

By: Julia Agris

[ottawascloset]

What to Wear: Holiday Dresses

So Christmas is upon us and you've been so wrapped up in buying gifts that you may have neglected to think about what you will wear during the holidays or for that matter on New Years Eve. Whether it's a family affair or a party with friends, you want to make sure you're dressed to the nines to celebrate the joyous occasions.

I love dresses! The more colour the better. Whether it's a sleek little number or a maxi type gown, nothing like a dress to hug all our womanly curves.

So I want to display the types of dresses that are more unconventional but could still work during the holidays. I always love snagging an outfit that is unique in my eyes and where I think I'll be the only one wearing it...so here goes!

Dare to go bold from H&M!

One Shoulder Dress $49.99

Patterned Dress $24.95 

Sequined Embroidered Dress $69.95

Dare to be flirty!

Strapless Swiss Dot Maxi Dress $82 / Guess

Floral Plaid Print Short Dress $178/ Guess

Metallic dress from Urban Outfitters $99

Dare to be sexy!

Willow motel dress Urban Outfitters $72

Val Long Sleeve Lave Dress $198, Guess

Nasty Gal Mesh Lined Dress $101.82

[ottawascloset]

Weekend Reads: Holidaze

(Photo)

Christmas is less than two weeks away! Here are some party tips, gift guides and more to keep your sanity get in the holiday spirit!

GIFT GUIDE: essiebutton shares her favourite beauty gifts

Check out Too Faced's new Spring 2015 palette

Holiday Makeup Tips from about.com: 

Add Shimmer

Shimmer adds drama to your look. You can get shimmery eyes in several ways:

Try a shimmery cream or buy a powder shimmer and mix the shadow with water. The water will help create a dense metallic pigment that's not too soft. Some shadows are barely there, but you want your shadow to have heft.

Apply shimmery shadow on your lid just above the iris in your eye and on the inner corner of the eye. This will open up the eye, lighten up what is usually a dark area of the lid, and helps eyes look amazing in photos.

If you do go with the shimmery eye, don't go overboard with the shimmer elsewhere on your face. Apply shimmer to no more than 2 places. For example, shimmer your eyelids and your cheekbones but don't also add a batch of shimmer to your decolletage.

Other spots to shimmer: Add a shimmery highlighter to the cheeks, the nose and above each eye. You can put shimmery powder on your decolletage and on the cheeks. Shimmery lips are also hot. Just don't go overboard.

Apply a shimmer moisturizer (Jergens Soft Shimmer Skin Radiance, from drugstores) to legs if you're going bare.

#NOWPLAYING: "Change Your Ticket" by One Direction

Refinery29 shares eight different ways to wear your eyeliner

Glamour.com gives us twenty super easy yet chic "Beauty Ideas to Try for Holiday Parties"

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: "Like I Can" by Sam Smith

Scroll through H&M's holiday campaign featuring Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett

CUTEST COVER: Olly Murs covers Wham's "Last Christmas"

[ottawascloset]

The Power of a Chapeau

Cardigans, sweaters, scarves, boots…and hats! Oh, the chicness of a well-fitting hat. A stylish hat is like the perfect pair of sunnies. It can add so much oomph to the most basic outfit.

With all the attention on Royal fashion this past year, hat popularity have exploded & I have been hat obsessed lately. Having just bought my 3rd hat this month, I thought it was a good time to go over all the hat possibilities you can have fun with! 

The Fedora:

The Slouch:

         The Wide Brim:

      The Newsboy Cap:

                                  Hats are VERY personal! The most important thing to remember is to try it on. I don’t think certain face shapes need to stick to certain shapes. All that matters is the fit. Try it on! Does it pull down easily? If it feels tight on the sides of your head or too lose that it can easily spin around, then the fit is probably off.

If it fits comfortably around your head, check it out in a mirror from the side, or even ask a friend for their opinion.

                The easiest way I know if a hat is for me is if it makes me smile when I put it on. If it does, you know you’ve found your newest piece of head jewelry.

Have fun with hats this season! If you feel good in it then rock it with confidence just like Anne Hathaway did in The Devil Wears Prada.

Voila…instantly chic. 

By: Elisa Zucconi

[ottawascloset]

Music Monday: "Girls" by The 1975

Alia & I finally saw The 1975 live in Montreal early November and to combat my post concert depression I am finally pumping out this post.

The 1975 have been around since 2002 under names such as: The Slowdown, B I G S L E E P and Drive Like I Do - but have only recently garnered such well deserved attention. Once the Manchester band finally signed to Polydor UK/Dirty Hit they easily hit mainstream radios across the pond.

The band consists of: Matty Healy (vocals & guitar), Adam Hann (lead guitar), Ross MacDonald (bass) and George Daniel (drums) who came together to play a gig put together by their "idealistic hippy council worker". Since then they've released 4EPs, a self-titled album that has debuted at #1 across UK charts, remixes and a few more singles such as "Medicine".

Matty has been quoted saying they draw their musical influence from various places such as Michael Jackson, motown, The Rolling Stones, Brian Eno, Sigur Ros - even calling their genre "guitar'n'b". This fluid sound is what caused them so much trouble early on trying to get signed, receiving negative feedback such as: "You don’t know who you want to be, 'cause all your songs sound different from one other and you don’t know what you want to do." However their adaptive sound has allowed them to go on tour with: The Neighbourhood, Bastille, Muse and Montreal's own Cruisr.

The reason why I picked "Girls" for this post is because it was one of the songs that got me obsessed. It's catchy pop tune and eloquent lyrics made me fall hard for music again. Also it's just about their only video that is in colour - as "a tongue in cheek" way to show them selling out and changing their iconic style of black and white.

Not a pop band

{{{Polyvore}

Dressed in black from head to toe is always option. Keep it "not pop" by throwing in some stompin' punk boots and leather accents. Mix up the textures to keep the outfit from looking plain or even worse like pajamas.

Where’s the fun in doing what you’re told?

{{{Polyvore}

Here's a perfect example of another all black outfit that gives off a completely different vibe because of the cut and detailing. It's getting a little too cold for straight up bras and panties so cute high-waisted shorts or tight black pants are the next best option. Stay classy and work those high heels.

Eyes bright, uptight

{{{Polyvore}

This is a good one to transition over into colder weather by throwing some tights on. To me, wedges are so much easier to walk in the winter when the ground is uneven. Plus they look so cute paired with tights. Keep the vibe of summer fun around with a pop of bright pink lipstick and neon sunglasses. 

Just girls

 {{{Polyvore}

MORE BLACK ♥ Step up that black blazer by looking for ones with zip, trim and even lining details. The cut is also important for example, if you're going for a more casual look then rock the middle look. Also try blue mascara it is so much fun!

What happened to just messing around?

{{{Polyvore}

Another colder season friendly outfit, perfect for fancier occasions or hanging out with the girls. Floral can easily be worn as long as it's on a darker background or if it's a nice fade. Even floral accessories like those sunglasses work.

And you think you’ve made it

{{{Polyvore}

Each of these monochrome-y outfits are good for rating casual to dressier. Although each are quite simple - clothing wise - the accessories make the outfit like that statement necklace or those metallic heels!

God, help me now

{{{Polyvore}

Black and white stripes will always have a place in my heart and I'm excited they're still trending. I like to keep the palette classic by sticking to black, white, red and silver. Make your nails match your lips because you can!

Told her from the start, destined to be hard

 {{{Polyvore}

THE ACTUAL DRESS IN THE VIDEO IS GORGEOUS but these are the next best ones. Red lace is perfect for the holiday season and what else goes better with it than gold accents? Find a pair of royal purple pumps to show everyone who rules.

Breakin’ hearts

{{{Polyvore}

Other than the all black outfits, I would wear any of these any day. Just like florals, neon can be worn during the colder months if it's paired with a darker colour (like BLACK!). 

By: Julia Agris

[ottawascloset]

Weekend Reads: The Stuffing is Calling and I Must Go

The long weekend is here and we're linking you up with posts (mostly videos) to help you through that food coma (read: videos are good for lounging after stuffing your face):

#NOWPLAYING: "Kidnap Me" by Cruisr

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: "Good Girls" by 5 Seconds of Summer

The 9gag list, entitled 20 Uniquely Awesome Date Ideas, gives couples or even friends suggestions that are outside of the usual date night box. Instead of sticking to your usual routine, which typically involves dinner followed some sort of activity, do something different! Make it your own and have an uniquely awesome time!

NEW TOUR VIDEOS: The 1975 & Sam Smith

BLOGGER LOVE: Whimsical Soles' Nancy rocks mint pleather while Lua of LEHAPPY works basic fall items from Garage.

That gum you like is coming back in style and Fashionista shares Twin Peaks' fashion inspo with you while Spanish label, TitisClothing, goes all out with Twin Peaks designs.

#TRENDING: Alfonso Ribeiro Brings Back the Carlton Dance

Take a look at Elle Sweden's Grunge Lookbook

Lena Dunham's memoir, Not That Kind of Girl, is on top of my to-read list and her lookbook with NastyGal needs to be shared.

CUTEST COVERS: The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" is remade with some famous faces to celebrate the launch of BBC Music

and segue - Taylor Swift covers Vance Joy's "Riptide" at BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge

By: Julia Agris

[ottawascloset]

TGIF! Things to do in Ottawa this Thanksgiving Weekend

(Image design c/o Barb Camp)

Friday October 10

Support Local events continue throughout the weekend.

Exclusive Designer clearance sale, 9am -6pm, (Registration required).

Carleton University’s Annual Biology Butterfly Show, 9am-4pm, All weekend! 

Jazz Vocalists open mic night at Café La Grotta, 8pm.

Saunders Farm, Haunting Season is ongoing this weekend, check the link for the hours. 

DasBlankout at Mercury Lounge, 9pm. 

D.O.A, Audio Viceral & The Lindbergh Babies at Zaphod's, 8:30pm.  

Bill Durst Band at Irene’s Pub, 9:30pm. 

Obsession Lounge presents Hookers $ Blow featuring Alex Gross from Quiet Riot and Dizzy Reed from Guns N Roses, 9pm. 

Destroy Clocks at Pressed, 8pm. 

Saturday, October 11

Metcalfe Farmers Market, 9am – This weekend’s event is Harvest Day! 

Hula Hoop Club Ottawa for Autism, Saturdays until November 22, 10:30am. 

Little Italy food tour, 10:30am.

Dinner & murder mystery presented by Scarlett’s Dinner Theatre. 

Maica Mia from Montreal at Pressed, 8pm. 

Blues Harmonica Blowoff Finals at Irene’s pub, 9:30pm. 

Retro 80s n 90s at Barrymore’s Music Hall, 10pm. 

Airbourne at Maevricks, Doors at 8pm. 

Sunday, October 12

Brewer Park Farmer’s Market, 8am 

Watson’s Mill Harvest Festival , Dickenson House, Manotick, 10am 

The Lake Effect Sundays in October at Irene’s Pub, 9pm 

Monday, October 13

Zaphod’s Showcase Mondays. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

By: Awa Thioye

[ottawascloset]

How to take your fashion game from summer to fall!

Autumn has arrived in the Capital and the transition to tights, booties and scarves is underway among Ottawa's fashionistas. I'm a Summer girl. I love the heat, the sun and summer dresses so when the weather dips to cooler temperatures, it's always a hassle for me to dress appropriately and forget summer wear. 

But I'm here to tell you not everything that we enjoyed in the summer is lost. There are some key pieces that work well in the fall and here's how to do it appropriately!

If you love your mini skirts and love bearing your legs - don't fret. You can still wear your minis, just pair them with funky patterned panty hose or tights. 

Next, if you adore wearing sandals and hate the idea of closing your feet into the typical fall footwear, then why not try cut out boots? You get to hold on to the feeling of still going barefoot but having your feet protected in a nice stylish pair of boots - perfect for the unpredictable fall weather.

The next transitional piece I want to discuss is our heads. In the summer we enjoyed our headbands, summer fedoras and sunhats. Well, as the weather dips to cooler temperatures, gorgeous fedoras can still be worn and flop hats still make the grade in Fall. 

  Lastly, I want to discuss colour! It seems people in general tend to experiment with colour more in the summer and warmer months. But just because we're October, doesn't mean we have to stick to black, navy and grey colours for our clothes. There are sensible ways to incorporate colour in our fall wardrobe. Just stay away from pastels! :)

Here are some examples of great colourful outfits appropriate for fall:

By: Janice Gourgues

[ottawascloset]

#TheLIAs: Double Trouble Haul

The Roomie and I have been hitting up Claire's recently and we wanted to share with you a few of the items we bought from their clearance sale. 

And yes, we like to buy a lot of matching stuff cuz #samebrain

We love the #IATG campaign and a cut of the proceeds go towards it. And as you can already tell Alia has worn the crap out of hers. This is definitely one of our favourite picks because not only are they super cute but it goes towards a good cause.

Alia and I try to squeeze in as much volunteering as we possibly can because we like giving back to our community so we thought that these "Backstage Festival Pass" (read: Lead Floater with Backstage Access) bracelets were absolutely mandatory.

As for the yellow flowered bracelets - they're so dainty and preshy and only a dollar so how could we say no?

I am OBSESSED with Katy Perry's Prism collection and was beyond excited to see some of the items on clearance. These necklaces are very "Dark Horse" music video-esque and are perfect for pops of colour.

And of course, we couldn't pass up actual best friend necklaces.

Another piece from the Prism Collection.

I have already worn this guy three days in a row and I'm not even sorry about it. It's the perfect layering piece but strong enough to stand alone. Plus it just sends posi-vibes.

By: Julia Agris

[ottawascloset]

Julia's October Wishlist

Made with Polyvore by jjuliaannee

Sweather Weather is finally here - and just like everyone else I am beyond excited. Not only is Halloween literally around the corner but I can wear plaid 24/7 and not feel completely out of place.

Here's what I've been craving for this month:

Hair Dye - I'm craving lavender hair (a girl can dream) but any purple will do because this current green is not jiving well with me anymore.

Sweater/Denim Jacket - Two of the comfiest fabrics ever in a jacket that helps you cheat with layering.

Babes & Gents Kanye/Paris Baseball Tee - Not only do we love B&G here but we love Yeezy.

Infinity Scarf - I lost my favourite one just as last winter was ending and everyone knows how amazing these are.

Cobalt Blue Leather Jacket - (P)leather goods give me so much life and I feel the perfect addition to my closet would be a cobalt blue one (complete with that silver zipper detailing).

Forest Green Jeans - Forest green, olive green, dark green GIVE THEM ALL TO ME! So reminiscent of the past season's green leaves.

Tartan Pants - ALL THE TARTAN! ALL THE TIME! They look awesomely grunge with boots or dressed up with heels.

Trench Coat - I've been looking for a proper fit and material since high school. It's been a wild ride especially looking for one with a patterned inside.

Lace-Up Boots - Pointy toed preferred. Super comfortable for running around, on campus or at work, yet super stylish.

Killer Queen - by Katy Perry is SUCH a Fall smell! Plus the bottle design is exquisite.

The 1975 Tickets - Alia & I are on the hunt to find tickets to either the Montreal or Toronto shows... it. will. happen.

Maroon Heeled Booties - I love black booties but this colour is so perfect for Fall. Since they are heeled they can easily be dressed up for a quick change for a night out.

By: Julia Agris