The B Word

Hello readers,

once upon a time, there were young adolescents who turned into young adults... Between the transition came a part/full-time job and a fascination for clothes, outings, etc... Then the time came to set a BUDGET.

Setting yourself a budget in your 20's is pretty hard; you want the latest clothes from your favorite stores, hit the trendiest lounges and bistros in the old town, pay your bills, travel and transfer half of your paycheck in your savings account...All at the same time. It's doable....Right?

Not without a budget...

Summer Must Do's

Hello readers & HAPPY SUMMER,

here are a few of my summer must-do's in order to call it a fun season!

SAX Condo: Montreal's trendiest project.

Hello readers,

I often stick to a quote that marks the highlights of my life in every aspect. My idol once said "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only; fashion is something in the air. It's the wind that blows in the new fashion; you feel it coming, you smell it. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening".
In  this case, Fashion is in a building. But not just any building. It is the latest condominium project in Montreal that gathers the essence of our old town and vintage aspects of it. Sax Old Montréal Limited Edition is currently building a vast condo project in the heart of Old-Montréal that compromises 167 high-end condominiums, with the choice of studio, 1, 2 or 3 bedroom units ranging in size from 420 to 1862 sq. ft.

Tunics: a two-face

Hello ladies,

One of my favorite rocking trends for this (mid-hot) summer is  a tunic. Reason it’s a two-face? You can pair it or wear it solo.

A tunic is not quite a shirt & not quite a dress either...This piece (either printed or simple) helps you transition from your drab winter wardrobe to something more fun and relaxed.

The Greasy Spoon

Although I’m a citizen of Montreal, I always feel like a newly welcomed tourist when it comes time to venture off into a culinary experience. This European inspired city always surprises you with new dishes, restaurant openings and its interior decorative attractions. This week, I decided to try out a new spot in the heart of Mont-Royal on Laurier Street: The Greasy Spoon. At first, the name threw me off a little, I won’t lie to you. My first thoughts were burgers, fries, finger foods, to name a few. Standard and unhealthy. Period.  Those thoughts remained up until I visited the restaurant’s website. Before making reservations, I was already determined that this was going to be a spot I was going to remember based on what I saw online. A vivid and well-structured website with minimalistic description, a clear and short menu and bold photography. It had all the necessary figures to be eye-catching to the viewer.

'Gramming in June

Hello Vintage readers,

Take a picture, choose a filter to transform its look and post it on Instagram! Many of you smartphone owners are probably avid users of this application given the fact that it is a quick and fun way to share your best moments with your followers.

Recently, Instagram has become as popular as Facebook. Pictures are uploaded on it before even appearing on the mobile device album on Facebook. You can share your photos on Facebook, Tumblr & Twitter and insert hash tags in the caption field that will appear on your links. It's a quick way to connect through photography's lifestyle: like-comment & browse away.

Here are a few of my favourite Instagram moments from June. From culinary to Fashion delights, I sure enjoyed the beginning of my summer: wine & dining at new restaurants, exploring new places and expanding the summer wardrobe.

 Favorite Cheating Snack:

Fashion on the run

Did you ever think running shoes can possibly strike off as an additional fashionable item to your closet? Up until a few weeks ago, I was not a fan of this particular footwear disguise until I found the ONES. Little did I know, there is a particular shape of runners dedicated to specific activities such as running, walking training, to name a few.

Before I start sharing with you my runner-shoppping experience, I'd like to emphasize on the main activity (without counting the shopping cardio): RUNNING.

I was always afraid of running and training outdoors. Girls, seriously, I ask you to gather around this last sentence and agree with me. My mind set on this particular exercise quickly changed as my best friends and I decided to start doing things we disliked and find pleasure in it.

  

The Summer Height

Hello ladies,

 Regardless of these past couple of humid rainy days, summer pretty much started walking down its runway of sunny days. There's just something about this season that makes you want to dive into an endless closet, picking a dress, fedora hat and a few bangles. Tell me one thing: What's a summer outfit without complementary summer heels? Before you & I answer that, I have a confession to make. 
I've somehow shopped with my mind parked on cloud nine and managed to purchase a total of four new summer pairs in (here's the confession)...four days. I'm sure nearly 100% of you ladies won't see this as a negative purchase or compulsory action. Nevertheless, I believe that a heel can change your entire look. Manolo Blahnik once said: "You put on high heels and you change.", which in my opinion is true. Give a woman the right pair of heels and she'll be able to conquer the world regardless of her hidden pain. Find the right pair of heels and you'll find the right outfit to wear with them.

Here are my current favorite heels that lay in my closet and are impatiently waiting to be worn:

ASOS

What kind of jeans will you wear?

Hello all,

It's the NATIONAL DENIM DAY tomorrow!

Let's support this amazing foundation by wearing denims that appropriately fit us! Let's find the perfect jeans for you by folllowing the denim guide...

Apothic White Launch

Hello readers!

Last Thursday, I had the honor to attend a fabulous event I was invited to from one of Montreal's hottest and trendiest PR firms: 1 Milk 2 Sugars. (How fabulous is their name?) The event was about celebrating the exclusive launch of (one of my personal favourite) Apothic's White Wine in Quebec, Canada.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the special mom's out there!

JKal-xo.

A Mom's Special Day

Hello dears,

Mother's Day is approaching, which means you must think of the cutest ways to make her smile. Whether you live with your mother or you flew away from the nest, we all know to a degree what our mothers want, need, or should have.  Many of us always get the same response from our mothers: "I would feel guilty if you get me something too expensive." "Your love is more than enough." To name a few...
 When it comes time to shop for my mom, I think about sweet little things rather than overdoing it with extravagant gifts. I've come to learn that she appreciates toughtful things vs. typical gifts.

Let's shoot Ghazvin's latests

Hello readers,

As many of you may have realized by now, 90% of our Spring/Summer wardrobe is out and ready to be worn! About a month ago, I presented an independent Montreal clothing boutique on my blog: Ghazvin Boutique.

Last week, I've managed to shoot a few pictures with one of Ghazvin's employees featuring the store's latest collection:

Looking forward to...

Hello dears, 

The weekend is approaching! Here are a few things I am looking forward to:

★ Wine & Dine with the girlfriends

How to juggle your twenty4 hours: Work - Studies & Social Life

Happy Month of May!

Ever wished there were 34 hours in a day? Or better yet, an extra day added to the week? Let me be precise: an extra weekend day?
Aside from the typical daydreams we all tend to dive into, there is an effective tool to daily survival: ORGANIZATION.
 
The best example I can possibly use is myself. My daily planner book and to-do lists haven't been bored yet in 2013. Ever since the year started, I have been running all over the place. After dedicating my free time to my blog, I have decided to venture back into the world of full-time studies. Up until last week, I have been juggling endless amounts of essays, blogged on JKal's Vintage Affair and spent the remaining of my time with my loved ones.

A peaceful escapade

Hello readers,

I decided to catch up on good times this past weekend and visit my best friend in Ottawa. Between the great company and endless giggles, we spent the weekend literally doing everything and NOTHING. 

Our version of a good weekend is to simply relax behind delicious plates, calming walks and all things girly...(we'll never grow old in certain things)

I unfortunately was not accompanied by my amazing Nikon camera but did manage to take a few pictures off my iPhone.

Here is the result of my peaceful escapade in Ottawa (and partially Montreal)...

My travel buddies...Vanity Fair (Audrey) & Mr.Felix&Norton

 

The First Date

For some unknown reason, when us ladies get asked out on a first date, we tend tohave a nervous breakdown. Whether its the first stomach butterflies or the anticipation of seing your date, something just puts us through a tragic state of mind. Can we all agree that this so called stress might derive from the so called wardrobe dilemma?

Do you suddenly become Carrie Bradshaw and plan out countless amounts of potential outfits that you may or may not wear? Or do you stay true to your first choice? 

My affair with a Vintage scent

Once upon a time, a wise woman once said: “A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future.” -Coco C.

When picking out your perfume, it is important to choose one that suits you perfectly. I had an affair with mine for the past four years. Coco Mademoiselle- Chanel. The first time I laid eyes on it and smelled it, I instantly fell in love  (with the sample in my hands). I also followed the ancient myth saying that a perfume best suits you when you can no longer smell it on you. That's when you know...

What's inside?

Hello readers,

I hope everyone's enjoying the great and stable weather we've been having for the past couple of days! Many of you ladies either switch to your Spring (seasonal) handbag or do like me and add color to various ones. What's lovely about Spring and Summer is that you no longer stick to blacks and darks. You can alternate fabrics as you can alternate colors and sizes. Either or, you must fill that accessory with a few goodies. Here's what you'll definitely find in my purse(s) during Spring's mild weather: 

A day with the handbag:

I try to stick to a medium-sized purse where everything can fit.

Handbag: Louis Vuitton - Wallet: Louis Vuitton - Sunnies: Chanel

Weekenders

Hello dears, 

Hope you had a fabulous weekend. Tell me something: why are weekends always so short? That question is definitely part of my unsolved mysteries. 

I agree that parties and gatherings are really fun, but so is relaxing from time to time. It is important to stay on the low-down every once in while in order to re-organize the little things such as your room, paperwork, clothes, anything really...

I took a break this weekend by rekindling  with the loved ones. Between the cozy and comfortable home settings and the atmosphere of the Old Port of Montreal laid a fabulous weekend that I wish to share with you...

Here are some of my favourite weekend snapshots: (Camera+Instagram)

Favourite Stroll + Accessory

Down Town errands + Tory Burch cross body bag

My heart was left in Croatia

Ever daydream about your summer months ahead of time?

Here's what's on my mind...My homeland, Croatia

I am really looking forward to waking up to the smell of sea, fresh air & have a culinary feast with my loved ones. 

Most of all, I am looking forward to these views...

Slavonija 

Zagreb, Capital

Bol, Brać- Dalmacija

Spring has Sprung

Hello to all,

Quick post on something I love to call Spring !...

Keep in mind that it's finally time to take that heavy winter coat off your back and put away your winter boots. It's time to play around with colour, prints, fabrics & trends! Take out all your flats and pumps and refresh your memory on the variety of shoes & clothing you have awaiting for you...

What I love most about Spring-Summer & Fall is that there are no limits to wardrobe.

Dress at your comfort & in your own way.

Fashion[Unfold]

Hello readers,

I had the honour of being one of April's panelist for the Fashion Unfold event on Twitter. Every month, FU creates a debate over a hot fashion topic where you can join and share your opinions on the subject via the #fashionunfold hashtag. Creative director of Fashion[Unfold}, Miss Sly , asked me to put together a quick bio of myself and my blog and to share my thoughts on April's topic...

Times two, please.

Hello readers,

ever fell in love with a top and had the sudden urge to own it in more than one colour?

As boring as it may sound, it's so practical!

A couple of months ago, I challenged myself to trust Ebay's clothing store. I will admit that it's a fabulous website to purchase items that do not require any sizes. Was I ready to take a risk?

Current Spots

Hello Montrealers,

this one's dedicated to you as I am posting my current favourite spots in this European inspired city.

Favourite Restaurant

La Buvette chez Simone: Click Here

Sarah Pacini presents SS13 at "Les Cours Mont-Royal" in Montreal

Hello readers,

Last week, I was invited by fabulous people to attend a private cocktail event by Sarah Pacini held at "Les Cours Mont-Royal" in Montreal. Its base clientele was invited to an early preview of the SS13 line. Twenty years in the making, Sarah Pacini continues to capture women's attention with its innovative and distinctive style. 

The Scented Accessory

Hello readers,

This might come as a shock to you but did you know that certain candle scents can be a good form of stress relief? I've recently received the Eucalyptus Spearmint Candle as a gift and was told that it's a special one. I thought to myself..."what difference will this candle make?" 

A New White

Hello readers,

did you ever step out of your comfort zone? I certainly did a few days ago when I decided to venture into the world of Whites. 

Many of you might have noticed by now that the Black & White trend is rockin' this Spring season. For the first time in my life (without counting my toddler years) I've decide to own white shoes.

Favourites of the Week

Do you sometimes have your ultimate favourites of the week?

Something you either keep re-visiting, re-watching...?!

Here are my current favourite things of the week:

Favourite Quote

In loving memory of a Fashion icon, Lilly Pulitzer

Friendship

Hello to all,

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. Reason why I'm already verbalizing the weekend as the past is due to the horrifying weather we currently have in rainy Montreal. This no longer counts as the weekend...

Besides that, I certainly enjoyed the beautiful sunshine we had this weekend (while it lasted). My sunshine wasn't only up in the sky but the great company I was surrounded with this past weekend. My best friend and I decided to surprise our other best friend two hundred kilometres away. When us girls get really chatty the iPhone conversation "à trois" just isn't enough.

So we decided it was time for a coffee date...In the capital city.

Quick European escapade

Hello readers,

Earlier this week, I was invited to go for a downtown lunch on a fabulous (what I can officially call) Spring day. With the sun trespassing my shades and the usage of my Burberry trench, I felt like it was time to celebrate the beautiful weather. Nothing at the moment sounded better than having a quick European escapade in a fabulous upbeat Portuguese Café: Vasco de Gama.

Makeup Essentials

Hello readers,

A girl is always looking forward to her next facial beauty hunt. Whether it's finding the soothing moisturizer or getting her hands on the right bronzer, taking care of the "visage" is every woman's priority.

Aside from my face wash products, following are some of my beauty essentials :

Eight question marks

Hello readers, 

Over the past few weeks, JKal's Vintage Affair expanded drastically (3 digits following on GFC & over 1,700 followers on Facebook)! I cannot express enough how heart warming that feeling has been and still is.

As the amount of views and likes were expanding, many of my followers approached me and were curious about a few things that led to the community I now have today.

My goal behind the words and pictures I share with you on a weekly basis is to enhance your knowledge on personality. I see Fashion as art, and one can only interpret art on his own. Here are some answers to frequent questions that have been asked:

Highlights of Easter's weekend

Hello to all,

I hope you all enjoyed your 3 or 4 day long weekend! 

I certainly did. 

What I love about long weekends is that I get to see all of the people I love most and cherish every single moment I have with them. As it was Easter weekend, these past few days were strictly dedicated to family and great close friends.

Coming from a European family, I was primarily surrounded with constant various culinary dishes (it was literally one after the other). I'd love to know how can one manage eating three full meals a day (each one counting as five) by squeezing in that delicious sweet bread  your mother has been baking for the last couple of days in between. Did I mention the Easter eggs? Other deserts? I think it's that time of the year where you don't really realize what really gets in your belly because you're mainly focused on the amount of fun you're having. It can typically be compared to impulse shopping when the new seasons hit...Do you agree?

Now that I've put myself in strict detoxication, I can share with you a few highlights of my weekend. Here are some of my favourite shots...

A little bunny love

Warm wishes to you & your families!

& 'lots of basket goodies

JKal -xo.