My Kind of Town

I'm Chicago bound! I'm so excited to be spending my birthday (July 31st) in my favourite city! 

Expect many new outfits/photos to come! I can't wait!!

Enjoy your weekend! Look out for sporadic updates!

RB.

Image via Richard Seaman

FEEL IT ALL AROUND

I had another fabulous time in Detroit this weekend, on Belle Isle. I've never visited Belle Isle before, but after that trip, I think I'll be spending a lot more time there! Its gorgeous! No wonder its name is "Beautiful Isle" in french.

I'm wearing a dress from Forever 21 and shoes from Target. I love the simplicity of this outfit. I'm a simple girl. I don't really like a lot of jewelry and other accessories hanging off my body. I especially love the mock bodice of this chambray dress, and the exposed zipper in the back. Tones down the romance of the dress and adds an "edgy" element.

Hope you enjoy!

RB.

PS. If you're from Detroit, check out the Renaissance Center in the background!

Photos courtesy of Brian Garcia. 

Heeellloooo....Giggles

Remember, about 2 weeks ago, Zooey Deschanel attended the BAFTA gala and was seriously misquoted by Patt Morrison, an LA Times journalist? She posted an awesome, witty response on this really cool website, Hellogiggles.com.

Like everyone else, I was captivated by this journalists serious lack of judgement. But what was most interesting to me was this website that I later found out, after poking around, is Deschanel's new website. Only up and running since June 2011, it reminds of a sort of Huffington Post for women. Smart, witty, independent women. According to Hellogiggles' about:

Founded by actress/musician ZOOEY DESCHANEL, producer SOPHIA ROSSI and writer/Internet Sensation MOLLY MCALEER, hellogiggles.com is the ultimate entertainment destination for smart, independent and creative females. Everything hosted on the site will be lady-friendly, so visitors need not worry about finding the standard Boys Club content that makes many entertainment sites unappealing to so many of us.

This site has easily become one of my top sites to check for interesting news and commentary. I think is super cool and everyone should really check it out!

RB.

PREPPY COLOR BLOCK

Yesterday I had a fabulous time taking in the Detroit Riverwalk. It was ridiculously hot though, considering Michigan humidity. 

I'm wearing a thrifted Salvation Army vest, an American Apparel skirt, and Target heels. Aren't the deep pockets on the skirt fun? I'm in love with anything that makes me look a slightest bit preppy.

I can't wait to show you all the wonderful pictures I took this weekend and the great bookstore finds!

RB.

Photos courtesy of Brian Garcia. 

Cool Never Fades

It should come as no surprise that I love the clothes Target knocks off. Ever since Target came out with their designer collections, Target as been one of my favourite budget retailers to shop at. They always seem to have the latest trends in relatively good quality materials. And to top if off, they generally will make knock off trendy items at an extremely affordable price.

So when I saw this uber-hip "Cool Never Fades" commercial Target recently released on my television, I swooned. And not just over the gorgeous retro-outfitted baci ball player. No, I'm talking about these babies:

Wedges like these, obviously a knock off of Steve Madden's MAARKEE wedge (and one of Target's no. 1 designers to knock off) retail for $149.95.

But no need to break the bank, now that Target has knocked them off, and the simplicity of the knock off actually makes them more appealing to me. And of course, the price.

Either way, I just can't wait to get my hands on these dolls. 

R.

Image via stevemadden.com

Relaunch Setbacks...

If you still read this blog, 

you're probably wondering what happened to all the "balls to the wall" talk of a relaunch.

Going for a walk in Rogersville, NB

Well, a few days after I posted about a Varnished Jeans relaunch, some serious things happened in my family that derailed it for quite some time. Firstly, my beloved grandfather, or as we call him "Papiere" died  suddenly in his home in Rogersville, New Brunswick, CA. Once we got news that Papiere had passed, everything changed. My family immediately packed up our bags and made the 19 hour drive from Michigan, through Ontario and Quebec to Rogersville.

Papiere & Memiere

Papiere & Memiere (left) on their wedding day

I thought extensively about taking shots while I was in Rogersville. The scenery is absolutely stunning; something I could really have used to my advantage. However, the week there was filled with overwhelming emotions that it didn't seem respectful or right to be spending time posing in front of trees in my outfits. I needed to be spending time with my family mourning the loss of a great man, but also making priceless memories.

Papiere & Memiere

Once we got back, my sister Emily came to town the very next day. I don't get to see her often so most of the time was spent hanging out with her. As a result of my Papiere's death, my family also had to reschedule my sister Alana's graduation party, which happened this weekend. Family is so important to me, so I've been outrageously busy helping prepare for the party: cooking, decorating, etc. I've also been helping my sister prepare for college next year. 

Now that this difficult time is behind me, the relaunch is back on. Expect new posts within the next few days!