Boots and Blazers

Fall truly is my favorite time of year...the colors, the cooler weather, the cozy blankets....and it means it's time to break out the boots and blazers again! These 2 fashion pieces are definitely 'go-to' staples of mine... They can be dressed up or dressed down and I really can't think of two more versatile items to include in your wardrobe...except for maybe a LBD (little black dress).

This is as about as close to 'me' as a look could get...the boots, the blazer...the scarf, the bag, jeans....My Uniform! 

LOVE this blazer from J Crew...the cut, the length, classic black....would work in so many outfits!



*Drool* These Ailee Flat Studded Knee Boots by Michael Kors are yummy! I seem to gravitate to this camel/caramel color when it comes to boots...

I'm off to organize my closet and get my boots & blazers front row center!

RR

I hate to say this...but....

...I'm SOOOO ready for Fall!

 

The muggy, humid and damp weather today reinforced that I'm ready for Summer to wind down and can't wait for the cool, chilly weather of Fall to ramp up.

 

I'm ready for the Fall colours....the sweaters....the riding boots....and I'm hopingthe squirrels make quick work of the walnuts from the trees in my backyard.

 

We did some 'antiquing' this weekend and made some great finds.....

 

 

For only $8...how can you pass this up? The colours, the tones, the shades.....it will make a great back drop for an autumn vignette...

 

 

 

These 2 pieces really caught my eye....I didn't walk out with them but I think I have to go back! Any excuse I have to explore the cute shops in the town of Neustadt, I'll take!

 

 

My boot collection is sitting there...waiting for the cooler weather..almost begging for me to wear them! I'm going to have such a hard time not buying a new pair to kick off the season...

 

 

I walked in to my parent's home this weekend to find a bouquet of sunflowers on their kitchen table...LOVE them!

 

 

 

I also walked in to see that their furniture has been delivered!!!! Well done Mom and Mike on your selections (yes, that's right, my Mom and brother picked out the furniture and I wasn't even there to help!)

 

And....

 

 

 

.....My Dad and brother had put the final coats of stain on this gorgeous wormy Maple dining set made by our Mennonite neighbour, David. There are 2 leaves and 8 chairs total and he did EXQUISITE work!

 

If you are interested in a set, just send me an email to rusticretrievals@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

I was at my parent's this weekend as it has been one year since their house fire. We sure have come a long way....a new home has been built, they are all moved in and we are already making new memories!

Right after the fire, we found this angel in the ashes....she was once considered part of our Christmas decor, but she now holds a place out on display year round...watching over us...our true guardian angel!

 

This past week also marked one year since the tornadoes tore through Goderich....The first time I visited after the storms rolled through....I cried....Canada's prettiest town had some open wounds, but I know they will heal without many scars left behind.

 

 

Earlier this Spring I went for a walk along the lake in Goderich and this is a picture from that day.

 

I hope you all had a great weekend....I sure did! It was full of mixed emotions, but most importantly, it reinforced that as long as we continue to push forward and persevere, anything is possible!

 

RR

A Peak....

.....at my style staples that help make me..me! I tend to have a very comfortable and natural style...very similar to my decorating.

Ombre....I had this done recently at THREE in Guelph. I LOVE this look as it works with both straight or curly hair (as a gal with naturally curly hair - see above- that really matters to me) and it also gives you a summery, beachy feel....like you've spent the summer in the sun as the ends get blonder and blonder...

I really like the look of a small, discrete and tasteful tattoo...I have 2 already and want one more....just have to decide what I want to get done.

These Steve Madden boots are very, very close to a pair that I purchased at Browns on my last trip to Calgary. The colour goes with everything (Brown, Black, Grey etc), they are the perfect height (just below the knee) and the heel is just the perfect height for both comfort and style...

These 2 outfits are my 'go to' for weekends....boots, leggings/jeans, comfie cardi's, aviators and a scarf...you can go from running errands to meeting a friend for lunch and not feel over/under dressed in either situation.

These are definitely 2 of my staples....an over the shoulder bag to carry everything from my laptop, to items I pick up while shopping and to use for a day at the beach or as an overnight bag. Then of course...there are the Wellies...I absolutely LOVE mine...very practical, comfie and cute!

Vintage jewellery is also a staple of mine. Each piece is so unique and holds so much history.

 

Perhaps one of my favorite 'go-to' staples is a scarf...they can be worn in so many ways, they are an easy way to add colour and texture to an outfit and they also bring a sense of elegant comfort with their flow and fluidity.

If there is one thing you remember...let it be this...

** http://pinterest.com/rusticretrieval/ - We're on Pinterest and quite a few of these images are from my Boards **

RR

My Style....

I take a lot of my personal style inspiration from what I use in my interior decor/design. Leather, earthy neutrals, natural materials like wools & cottons and overall,...comfort.

I love the colour of this leather, the mustard yellow pillow, the tones in the pictures/frames on the wall, the textured wallpaper and the contrast of the black cabinet. I have boots and a leather jacket the same colour as the chair, I use pops of colour much like the pillow and I ground my wardrobe in the darker tones like chocolate and black. Boots, vests, jeans, jackets/blazers, sweaters, scarves, cowls, wool socks, leather belts/purses/jackets, and simple but statement piece jewellery sum up what can be found in my closet/drawers and make me feel like me! Each one of these outfits would be perfect for going for coffee, running errands, a day of antiquing, a casual date.... I LOVE my Wellies! I wear them almost every day! Distressed leather, browns/tans/mahogany...riding boots, purses/bags....a gal can never have enough of either!

The photo above could be of me on a Sunday morning walk along the water with the dog...the hair pulled up in a loose bun, the scarf, the vest, the outdoors....no matter what your style/taste...own it, know it and most importantly, make it yours!