On the Street - Yorkville

Yes, I was in Toronto again, where the weather was freezing and the men are well-dressed.  I liked the contrast of the casual-cool style of the guys on the left with the classic dressy coat and scarf combination of the guy on the right. 

The Artist - Covent Garden Market

She's not afraid to mix her colours!

Merry Frilly Christmas

The always-adorable Jill, demonstrating that it's possible to channel the spirit of Christmas without compromising your personal style.  This is my last Christmas-themed post, I promise.

It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas...

At least, it is in the Covent Garden Market (thanks to the staff of the Little Red Roaster for their cheerful cooperation).  Outside, not so much.

The Well-Dressed Fashionista on Christmas Morning

This photo was sent to me by a friend (thanks Marla), so unfortunately, I'm not able to credit the photographer.  For any of  you who are wondering what to wear for Christmas, this festively-clad young lady may provide some inspiration (I could definitely rock those boots).  The Forest City Fashionista wishes you a peaceful holiday, with good fun and food, shared with people whose company you enjoy, not just people you're related to!

The Scarf - Richmond Street

I really like brightly-coloured, extra-long, scarves like this one--they add a much needed splash of colour to the dreary winter landscape, and keep your neck warm too!

Spectacular Spectators

The first thing I noticed about this man was his shoes, and how could you not?  I had to Google the word "Spectators" to confirm that was what this style of shoe is called. 

The Debate - Form Over Function

I stopped this woman on Richmond Street to compliment her on her unique coat (from Russ Meyer) and she said that unfortunately, as a coat, it's not very warm.  As is the case with so many items of clothing (particularly shoes) designed for women, it looks fabulous, but not as functional as we would like.   This seems to be more of a dilemma as we get further into winter, when it becomes easier to just put on the puffy coat and the sorels and say to hell with self-expression.  To those of you who manage to stay warm and still express some personal style, I salute you, and will be looking for you in the weeks to come.  

The Grey and The Black

I love the pale grey double-breasted cropped jacket and striped scarf--she looks very chic!

When I Am Old I Shall Wear Huge Glasses...

Behold, my style model for my senior years, the outspoken and heavily-accessorized Iris Apfel, whose personal motto is, "It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it". 

The Cyclist - Richmond Street

I thought this guy looked pretty cool in black and grey shorts worn over cycling leggings, and the old-school style headphones.  I don't know if the shorts were a style choice or simply a matter of extra warmth, but they caught my eye from a half a block away.  Unlike the form-fitting cycling shorts that are made of shiny, shiny lycra, with the padded butt, which make me cringe when I see them, these shorts do not make me want to avert my eyes.  I was also rather cheered to see that this guy had just bought an LP -- Long Live Vinyl!

Orange Crush

When it's cold and dreary, all you need to brighten your day is a belted, toggled, cheerfully-coloured coat.  Really.  And smiling helps too.

She's From Mars, The Rest of Us Are From Venus

I have been trying to get Diane, one of the owners of From Mars on Talbot Street, to pose for my blog since I started doing this back in the Spring and she's always refused.  I think she is one of the most funky, consistently creatively-dressed women I know, and I have known her for about 20 years.  Well, I was finally rewarded for my persistence, or, she agreed just so I'd stop bugging her.

Redhead on Richmond

When I first saw this woman it was from the back, and I was mesmerized by the way the colour of her hair just glowed in contrast to the her black outfit.  She looked great from the front too!

Tiny Blue Bow

My original reason for photographing this young woman was the pop of colour that the bow in her hair and her scarf provided against the black of her top.  Until I looked at the photo later, I didn't really see how truly stunning she was (what incredible eyes!).  There is no shyness in her expression and her direct gaze into the camera seems to say, "this is me".   Or, I could be just reading way too much into it, and she's just used to being photographed!

Advanced Style

I don't see that many older men dressed with any sort of personal flair, so I was glad to run across this gentleman out for a walk, and even though he was not certain why I wanted his photo, but seemed to be content with the fact that I thought he looked very dapper.

While We're On The Subject of Hats...

Saw this one approaching from a distance, then discovered the mini-dreads sticking out of the right side of the hat (click on the image to enlarge it ).   The hat and the hair both look adorable on her. This is my 100th Post!  Sorry, there are no prizes for being my 100th subject, but she has my sincere gratitude for her cooperation and her lovely smile.

Cute and Cozy on Richmond Street

With the cold temperatures we've had this week, it's starting to feel like winter, which means it's time to get out the hats and mittens.  I bet yours aren't as cute as the ones on these young ladies--I love that the three of them are sharing two sets of string mittens!

Fashion/Art/Life on Talbot Street

I'm encouraged when a new business opens in downtown London, given the rather desolate look of the Dundas and Richmond Street corner these days.  Bryan Ramsden has opened Apocalypse, a store offering casual and stylish men's and women's wear, on Talbot Street, in the block between King and York Streets.  Since that block is already home to two of my favourite stores, From Mars (which also carries men's clothing), and Frilly Lizard, I'm thinking that Apocalypse will provide guys a place to hang out while their girlfriends are trying on clothes.  There was lots of colour, interesting shirts, and a nice selection of casual (ie. converse-style runners, etc.) footwear.  If you're thinking of dropping by for a visit, right now there is an "Opening Special" of 15% off everything.   In keeping with the store's theme of "Fashion. Art. Life." there is a small, gallery-like space in the back of the store that will be devoted to the display of work of local artists.  Currently on view are paintings by Darryn James Rae, which are in the style of Street Graffiti, but really good street graffiti.  I liked his work, and was happy to see that it was very reasonably priced.  More of Darryn's work can be seen on his website at www.raeart.page.tl

Painting by Darryn James Rae, on view at Apocalypse, 355 Talbot St.

Happy Legs!

I've only posted one photo of me on this blog, and even though it has been suggested that I should be featuring some of my outfits here, I considered that to be something to resort to if I was short of posts.  Well, the transit strike is still on, I haven't been out in a few days with my camera, but also, I really love these leggings that I found at H&M in the Eaton Centre in Toronto.  They were in the window, and they had one pair left, my size.  I'm not a big fan of wearing prints of any kind, but there was something so freaking cheerful, in an in-your-face kind of way about these, that I had to have them,

How To Wear a Hat

I passed this young woman on Richmond Street, and noticed her hat, so I doubled back to ask her if I could take her photo (I do that quite frequently, I'm surprised more people don't think I'm a stalker).  I love to see people wearing hats (although I do not consider baseball caps to be hats), and this one was very flattering on her (and matched her coat perfectly).  One of my favourite quotes about hats is by 94 year old model/actress Mimi Weddell, who passed away in September.  She had a huge collection of hats, and it was her opinion that everyone should wear one: "Hats give you a frame," she said.  "However dreary you feel, if you put on a hat, by golly, you've changed everything.  I keep telling my daughter, my granddaughter, everybody, if you don't wear a hat, you're missing it."

Toronto - The Coat, on Bloor Street

I don't usually ask my subjects for any details about what they are wearing (unless it's something I might want to get for myself), as I prefer to let the photo speak for itself.  In this case, I was curious about the coat, as it appeared to be vintage, and it is, made by Aquascutum, a classic manufacturer of outerwear in England, likely from the 1950's - 1960's.  I love that he's wearing it with patent leather boots--personal style at it's best!

Good Hair on Richmond Street

Two people with seriously great hair, who were smiling before I took their photo

Green is the New Black

 

Desperation had set in, so I took a cab in order to find some blog posts (can I expense that?) and was rewarded with a photo of this young woman in her incredibly cool dark green leather jacket, which she purchased in Thailand.  Kind of makes all those black leather jackets look kind of boring...

Toronto - Top Marks for Style

I met this lovely young woman on Bloor Street, and when she told me she was a student at the University of Toronto, I commented that she was dressed much more creatively than the university students I am used to seeing.  From her beret to her funky little buckled shoes, she demonstrates how to stand out without resorting to skin-tight shiny fabrics and showing lots of skin.

To those of you disappointed by the lack of London posts, I share your disappointment.  I only have a couple of Toronto shots left,  so you'd better get out there and give me something to photograph!

Toronto - Long Live Punk Rock!

    I have not seen a Stiff Little Fingers shirt since the 80's, but apparently the band is still touring and recording (with one original member) --some punk bands just never die.  Neither does the classic punk style of black leather jacket, skinny pants with zippers and battered army boots.

How Do I Know You Were Here Unless You Comment?

While I don't judge the appeal of my blog on how many comments I get, I have to admit that I get pretty excited when I see that someone has left a comment on a post.  It means that someone out there has taken the time to look at something I've posted, and, let me know you were there (how cool is that?).  I have StatsCounter on my blog, so I know that I have readers, but except for a few regulars,  I have no idea who you are, or what opinions you have (do you like that person's look, hate it, covet their shoes, wonder why you're not on my blog, etc.). 
I care what you think, really, I do.  To those of you who comment already, you're swell, and I'll put you on my Christmas list

Toronto - Funky Layering

Great mix of colours and textures - love the oversize leather vest!

Toronto - It's All About a Great Jacket...

and a cozy fur scarf!

Toronto - Splashes of Colour

Toronto - OCAD Style

These students at the Ontario College of Art and Design caught my attention because a) they're cute and b) I liked their individual interpretations of the "jeans and leather jacket" look, especially the great accessories, (over-sized watch, leather gloves, nice shoes, skinny scarf).

Apologies for the absence of local posts--between the LTC strike and a cold that has zapped every bit of energy I have, I have not been doing my usual walkabout to look for subjects.  I have a couple more photos from Toronto to post and then I'm hoping to be back out on the streets of London snapping all you unique and stylish people next week.

Toronto - Chic Black & White

Simply gorgeous!

Toronto - Attitude on Queen West

I loved the confidence and sass that this young man projected

Toronto - Shades of Grey on McCaul Street

Love the various layers and textures, and the unexpected touch of a caramel coloured boot.

Toronto - Cheerful Checks

It's not everyone who could wear a bulky-knit toque with a pom-pom, and not look like a pre-schooler, but somehow, it's perfect with that coat

Toronto - Pipes/Punk Mashup

A modern twist on the traditional pairing of leather and plaid

Toronto - Ruffles and Bows on Yonge

I spent the last few days in Toronto, and although I have no desire to live there, I am always ready to visit, and enjoy seeing the number of people who make an extra effort to express themselves with their clothing. I ran into this young woman within 10 minutes of my arrival, and she was more than happy to strike a pose in her black and white ruffles and bows. I will be posting more photos of eye-catching Toronto street style over the next week or two.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

I saw this young woman with her little girl on campus the other day, and admired her navy and red plaid coat. Then I saw that her daughter was also in plaid. There are such cool clothes for children now--there was no way I looked this coordinated at that age.

Patterned Coat on Richmond Street

Out to get a coffee on a sunny afternoon in a great black and white patterned coat and killer boots.

Wear a Poppy

When I saw this young woman in the Market, I was struck by the contrast of her red hair, and the red poppy, against the black and grey of her outfit. I liked her funky look, especially the boots and the cat's eye glasses. I was also happy to see someone under 30 wearing a poppy; it seems to be left to those old enough to remember their significance. On Remembrance Day, wear a poppy, and think of the people who sacrificed their youth, their health, and their lives for our freedom. It's a small thing to ask.

Sunny Saturday - at the Market

It was a gorgeously sunny, warm weekend, perfect weather for riding your bike. I love how the colours of this young woman's hat, scarf, and hair go together

Roller Derby - the Season Finale

Showing off some Rockabilly flair

It was a huge crowd at the last game of the season for the Thames Fatales, who, sadly, lost (but not by much) to the Tri-City Champs last night. I saw these plaid pants, platforms and red bag across the room and had to capture her great Roller Derby style. Sigh, now what to do on Saturday nights?

Frilly Women

You can find all kinds of cool stuff at Frilly Lizard and Commander Salamander on Talbot Street, and you can also find friendly and stylish staff like Kate (left), and Sue (owner of Frilly, Commander, and Lolita on Richmond Street)

UWO Campus - Bright Against Black

Both of these women caught my attention for their striking features, but also for the way they accessorized their black coats with a bright scarf that framed their beautiful faces.

On the Bus - Flannel-lined Denim

I ride the public transit a lot, at least twice a day, so I have plenty of time to stare at people and scrutinize what they are wearing (if that was you I was staring at, I apologize, I wasn't being rude, I probably just liked your outfit). I spotted these flannel-lined jeans (which I think look cool with the sturdy black boot) and I have always thought they were a great idea for winter. I don't find that jeans are comfortable to wear when it's cold outside, but if they are lined with plaid flannel---how cozy is that? I haven't seen them for sale anywhere, although I imagine they must be sold in places like Mark's Work Wearhouse--anybody know where I can get a pair of these??

Je Ne Sais Quoi

I couldn't say what exactly it was about this young woman that drew my attention, but there was something about her that made me look twice. We tried a couple of photos, but for me, they didn't capture what I had initially noticed. Then she struck this pose, and her personality came through!

A Nice Day for a (Dog) Walk

I thought this couple was adorable (the dog is cute too); I don't think they really understood why I was taking their photo, but they were good-natured about it anyway.

Homemade Halloween Style

An adorable combination of Pippi Longstocking and Raggedy Ann

You can always count on the staff of City Lights to be dressed in something out of the ordinary.

Little Red Riding Hood appeared to have the wolf (or coyote) under control

This couple was performing in the Covent Garden Market--I loved the mask and mix of fabrics in the costume on the left