what would audrey do?

Audrey Hepburn once said, "For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone". Beautiful, kind, and fashionable, she always knew the key to looking, feeling and behaving her best. Whether on the big screen as Holly Go-Lightly, or playing herself, a mother, philanthropist, and friend, she used simple pieces and her natural beauty to ensure that she always looked her best. Years after her time, Audrey Hepburn is still remembered, not only as being one of the biggest movie stars, but also as one of the greatest fashion icons the world has seen. Her signature style, is classically elegant, and remains "in fashion" even years after her time. Known mostly for her love of cinched waistlines, ballerina flats, pleated cigarette pants, crisp white linens, and the evolution of the little black dress, Audrey Hepburn has remained a household name for all fashion lovers. Her signature classics prove year after year to be staples in every fashionista's wardrobe, and her simple elegance, and kind nature are truly the greatest trends of all.

Here are simple pieces to add to your own wardrobe to make you look just a little bit more, 'Audrey':

audzie by nycbritt featuring Jimmy Choo shoes

1. BDG Twill Grazer Cigarette Pant, Urban Outfitters- $51.
2. Women's Classic White Button Front Shirt, Old Navy- $19.99
3. Pearl Bib Necklace, Lanvin- $825.
4. 'Whirl' Ballerina Flats, Jimmy Choo-$375.
5. Puff Hem Dress, D&G- $1,160.

one hundred little reasons to smile.

*image courtesy of weddingplanner.co.uk.

I just realized that my last post, "autumn daze", was actually the 100th post I've made on this little blog. It started off as something that I never intended on having anyone read, mostly because of my own fears and insecurities, but now that I've gotten more confident as a writer, if someone asks, I am happy to give them the link, and let them in on my own little world. To be honest, I don't care if anyone ever reads it. I simply love having a place to channel my thoughts, a place to express my opinions and share my passions of writing and fashion with whomever will listen. With every post, comes a new sense of pride, accomplishment and a feeling that I am one step closer to achieving my goals of becoming a writer. Finding a few minutes, whenever I can to sit and research something and jumble words together to create a post gives me a sense of fulfillment that I don't find from many other things. To me, there are not many feelings greater than seeing your words and your emotions come alive, and having the opportunity to truly speak your mind. It's reassuring to know that you can say whatever you want, however you feel, and no one can ever tell you what to think. It's nice to be able to take the control, even if no one ever sees it but yourself. And if by some lucky chance, someone else does read it, well then, that's just another little reason to smile.

Thanks to all the lovers, dreamers and creators out there for giving me daily inspiration.

autumn daze.

After a few months of intense heat, and far too many hours spent slaving away at a busy restaurant, I become increasingly more ready for fall. The first few weeks of autumn when the leaves change color, and the days are infinitely cooler is without question, my favorite time of year. It's not just the cooler temperatures that make this time of year so enjoyable, but also the addition of such staple pieces like thick, knit sweaters, dark denim, tall leather boots, and long woolen scarves to my wardrobe that make me warm and tingly all over. Year after year, the same styles re-emerge, due to their practicality, simplicity and comfort. Don't get me wrong, I love summer. And i detest the cold, dark months of winter, but autumn is such a lovely transition between the two harsh climates, it's a shame it doesn't stick around longer. I'm saving up for my trip to New York at the end of August and I hope to come back with some over the knee black boots, perfect for stuffing skinny jeans or leggings into, and a thick cable-knit grandpa style sweater that I can wear to and from school as the weather cools. I also love that with the change in temperature, comes a change in colors. Gone are the bright, warm hues of summer and in their place are the cool neutrals such as black, charcoal and beige, a palette that I am always in favour of.

Here are a few pieces that I am dying to add to my wardrobe for fall:

autumn daze. by nycbritt featuring TopShop

1. Unisex Acid Wash Circle Scarf, American Apparel- $35
2. Wide Funnel PU Bomber Jacket, Topshop- $200
3. Long Sleeve Cardigan, Marni- $1,045
4. Cashmere Leggings, Crumpet-$360
5. Mink Angora and Satin Sweater, PREEN LINE- $680
6. Oversized Cotton Blazer, Elizabeth & James- $395
7. Fall 2010 Shoes, Elizabeth & James-$385.
8. Leather A-Line Skirt, Topshop- $125
9. Two Color Leather Satchel, Topshop- $100
10. Eyelet Embellished Flat Leather Boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs- $595
11. Crop With Knotted Tie, Topshop- $32
12. Off the Shoulder Knit Top, Alexander Wang- $350.

to market, to market, we go.

Kensington Market is hands down one of my favorite places in Toronto. Whenever I have a day off from work, that is usually the first place I head to. I love the eclectic mix of people and vendors that the market has to offer, as well as the ability to stock up on the cheapest, freshest produce, spices, holistic remedies and vintage fashion finds all in one place. I buy raw nuts and seeds from a Mexican vendor, fresh vegetables and fruit from a tiny little market on the corner, and $5 knockoff sunglasses from a man that sells hats. I love popping into classic vintage stores such as Courage My Love and Fashion Old & New, and browsing through rack after rack of dresses from througout the decades. I could literally spend hours exploring different coffee shops and stores throughout the bustling market, and I always come home with aching shoulders, due to my overflowing heavy bags of exciting finds.

it's her birthday.

Wishing my beautiful and fabulous friend Courtney, the happiest of birthdays! Wish I could be there to celebrate Carrie and Samantha style but know that, together or apart, I'm always thinking of you! Hope that you ring in your 24th year, surrounded by good friends, loving family, and all the great little things that life has to offer!

Missing you and loving you from the big city! You're the best, birthday girl! Here's to you.

bbq bites.

Last weekend, the roommates and I had people over for a bbq in our backyard to enjoy good company and beautiful summer weather. It was a nice way to spend a Saturday night, and we still managed to party just as hard in the comfort of our own home, without breaking the bank at the bar. One of the things I love the most about summer, is the longing that everyone has to be outside. We spend so much time indoors during the winter months, that come summer everyone is antsy to spend as much time outside as possible.

I had been dying to make homemade veggie burgers after watching Guy's Big Bite on the Food Network almost two years ago, and it was the perfect opportunity to finally try them out.

They were delicious, and nutritious, and everyone ate them up even faster than the beef burgers (which always makes me really happy). They could have used a couple more eggs to hold them together better, but for a first time attempt, I can't complain.

Here is the recipe, taken from Guy Fieri, himself:

VEGGIE BURGERS:

Ingredients
2 ounces olive oil
3 tablespoons diced red onion
2 tablespoons diced black olives
2 tablespoons diced red bell peppers
1 teaspoon diced jalapeno
1 1/2 tablespoons diced garlic
1 tablespoon diced artichoke
4 ounces black beans, drained
4 ounces chickpeas, drained
4 ounces white beans, drained
6 ounces rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg
Directions
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add 1-ounce olive oil and all raw vegetables except beans. Saute until translucent. Remove and cool.

Add veggies to beans and mix thoroughly. Add all dry ingredients along with the egg. Thoroughly mix all ingredients and form into 4 patties, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

In saute pan add 1-ounce olive oil, and cook patties 2 to 3 minutes per side.

ships ahoy.

There is something so classically sophisticated about nautical inspired fashion. From the clean lines to the neutral color palette, it's no wonder that year after year, season after season, designers continue to search for new ways to update this classic trend. Nautical fashion brings something for everyone. Today I purchased a nautical tube dress from Forever 21 for a mere $10.80 and could not be more thrilled with this affordable addition to my wardrobe. I already own a few classic pieces, such as a striped tunic, a Catherine Holstein sailor dress, and a collection of vintage nautical inspired brooches in the shapes of ships and anchors, but with such a timeless elegance I feel like you really can't own too many stripes.

Here are some of my favorite sea-fare inspired pieces:

ahoy mate. by nycbritt featuring white pants

Diane von Furstenberg Striped knitted sweater
$245 - net-a-porter.com
Knit sweaters »

Vince Linen Drawstring Pant in White
$160 - revolveclothing.com
White pants »

Sperry Top-Sider Women's Bahama
$75 - sperrytopsider.com
Sperry »

Pins and Needles High-Waisted Short
$49 - urbanoutfitters.com
Urban shorts »

Shoehorne - Ladies Nautical Black & White Striped Peep-Toe High Heel...
30 GBP - amazon.co.uk
Peep toe shoes »

Knot and Anchor Pendant Necklace
$20 - urbanoutfitters.com
Knot pendant »

Nautical Flat Cosmetic Pouch
$85 - aspinaloflondon.com

butter LONDON '3 Free' Nail Lacquer
$14 - nordstrom.com

thanks for the memories.

It's no secret that I get pretty lonely out here in the big city. As much as I love the hustle and bustle of Toronto, and the constant excitement that this wonderful city brings, there is just no replacement for the faces that I left behind in Saskatoon. After spending a couple weeks at home this summer, it only reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, both immediate, and extended (my friends). I also have great friends in Toronto as well, that have welcomed me to the city, and shown me some pretty crazy times, and some pretty great adventures. I have been very torn about where I see myself in the next year. I feel like I came to Toronto chasing a dream that I thought I couldn't find anywhere else, but I have absolutely no idea what it is. Leaving makes me feel incomplete because I feel like whatever it is I was searching for, I haven't found yet, but staying in Toronto makes me long for the easy days with the people that love me most. The people who know everything about me, and still love me no matter what. Either way I will have regrets. Either way I will ask myself, "what if".

Yesterday, I stumbled across a quote on my friend's Facebook page that said, "Someday we will be nostalgic for now", and I just loved it. It's true. We spend so much time regretting our pasts, or contemplating our futures, that we often forget that the greatest moment of all is the one we are living in right now. Lately, I have noticed myself becoming increasingly more bitter towards people, and situations in my life, and that is not at all the way that I want to be remembered. I need to stop focusing on negativity that is out of my control, becomes it makes me sound angry and brings people down. I need to redirect my focus on the great things that I have, such as friends that will do anything for me, and are always up for a good time. A job that makes me excited to go to everyday. And a city that, temporary or not, brings more excitement and adventure to my life than I could have ever thought possible.

So I'm turning over a new leaf. Thanks to everyone I love for putting up with me.

itsy bitsy teeny weeny.

Toronto is in the middle of a heatwave right now, and short of emptying the deep freeze and crawling inside of it, I have absolutely NO idea how to beat the heat.
If it was perfect world, I would be cruising around on my speedboat, or sitting lakeside at a cabin, drink in hand. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and I am stuck in downtown Toronto, nowhere near a body of water. I feel like the only appropriate clothing for this weather is the tiniest string bikini, and trust me, if it was at all appropriate for me to wear one to work today, I would.

Here are a few bathing suits that I woud love to be sporting this summer:

itsy bitsy teeny weeny. by nycbritt featuring Old Navy swimwear

1. American Eagle, Nautical Stiped seperates, $20 each for top and bottom.
2. Old Navy, Women's Ruffled Swimsuit, on sale for $15.
3. H&M, Floral Bikini, $18 each for top and bottom.
4. Shay Todd Twist Front Bandeau, $220
5. MISSONI Agadir Cut-out One Piece, $515.
6. Ebony Rose Frill Bandeau, $195.
7.TopShop Rose Bow Push Up Frill Bikini, $55
8. Heidi Klein Formentera Bandeau Bikini, $180.

seize the clutch.

Find me on Polyvore

For as long as I can remember, a handbag has always played a very important role in each and every outfit I wear. For daytime, I love a huge hobo bag that I can throw my entire life (plus the kitchen sink) into while I'm running errands, but for evening I will always be a huge fan of the clutch. I love their compact size, and floppy demeanor because they make transporting the essentials so simple.

I have scored some amazing vintage clutches throughout the years. The majority come from Value Village for only $2 or $3, but I have also had great luck in both Kensington Market, and at Black Market Vintage on Queen Street in Toronto, where everything sells for $10. I have clutches in all different colors, and love the versatility and glamour they bring to any outfit! My favourite is a bright green clutch that I bought at Value Village three years ago, that looks great as a colourful touch to an LBD.

Here are a few of my favourites:

1. Herve Leger Leather Box Clutch- $222
2. Tory Burch Sawla Clutch, yellow-$350
3. Matt & Nat Malik Nappa Style clutch- $125
4. Hype Helen Studded Clutch- $95
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs TT Mini Flap Clutch- $118
6. Vintage Chanel Clutch Bag- $2,648
7. ASOS Nude Feather Clutch-$42
8. Alexander McQueen Studded Clutch-$850
9. Vintage Pastel watercolor snakeskin Clutch- $55

run like the wind.

I've always been a very passionate person, and there are so many aspects of my life that make me infinitely happy: my beautiful friends, my loving family, writing, and fashion. In the last year and a half, I have added running to the list. There is no feeling as satisfying as finishing up an invigorating run, and breaking into a sweat. I feel so accomplished at the end of it, so alive; and when i'm running, it's the only time in my hectic life that I can truly let my mind release and think about absolutely nothing. All I think about is the next turn, what path I'm going to follow, and occasionally, if I'm truly stressed, I can work out pros and cons of a situation in my head until I come up with a solution.

I love running along the Harbour front in Toronto, because of the cool breeze that comes up from the lake and the scenic view. It reminds me of sunny days in California, and the breeze reminds me of cool nights at a cabin with my friends.

Mostly, I love the freedom that comes with running. With no one behind me, and nothing in my way I have all the space I need to mark my spot in the world.

*this image is courtesy of zenproblog.com

chantilly lace, and a pretty face.

I bought this sheer, lace tank top from Sirens for a mere $15 back at Christmas. I love it not just because it has the ability to make pretty much any outfit go from drab, to sexy, but also because they sold the same one at Aritzia for $80; a price I was not willing to pay. I love how the simple sexiness of this tank top can dress up denim cut offs, or add some flare to a plain black skirt, without going overboard. I'm always up for a bargain, but this is definitely one bargain I brag about to all my friends!



I recently wore this outfit for martinis at Flint, a favorite bar in Saskatoon, and it did it's job both by keeping me cool, and by using the blazer as an umbrella I was able to save myself from the torrential downpour the city experienced that night.

Black Blazer, H&M.
Sheer Lace Tank Top, Sirens.
Denim Cutoff Boyfriend shorts, American Eagle
Shoes, Spring.