Thursday 26 January 2012

a canadian in barcelona

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I don't actually have anything profound to say on the subject of Canadians in Barcelona--apart from anything else I'm the only one I know--but it seemed a fitting enough title for this post with the city spread out below. I took these pictures on Montjuïc, where I spent some time skulking in the bushes waiting for a couple to vacate the ledge. In the bushes I met about a thousand wild cats, who growled at me throughout.

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This outfit is actually the dressy version of what I've been wearing most mornings. I've been really pushing myself to get out to a café by 8am to work on my book for a few hours before the rest of the day catches up with me. It's working out really well so far, but it does seem to mean a daily outfit of black pants, blue airline socks, and whatever shirt is closest to hand. It's kind of silly that all fall when I had hardly any clothes I was obsessed with getting dressed up every day, and now that I've brought back a lot more things to wear, my priorities are elsewhere. Given all of that, I think I look surprisingly put together... and that unrolled trouser-leg is getting filed under the excuse of "artistic temperament." Anyway, to jazz things up a bit I added some sparkly flats and a star-studded beret. The shirt was box-dived, and is an old union shirt. I'm not sure which of my family it belonged to, but we do have great collection of vintage slogan t-shirts, from "Muskoka Jazz" to "Cuba Si" to "My Karma ran over your Dogma."

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t-shirt: family vintage, pants: H&M, beret: very old, shoes: Ardene (gift)

26 comments:

Kallie, Happy Honey and Lark said...

I'm loving that beret and that view. If I came to Barcelona in March would you be around and want to get drinks (and possibly recommend some things to do)?
I have been in a major style rut, but I really like this. You look like Jean Seberg in Breathless.

Raquel said...

Simple outfits can be so much better than super complex ones sometimes, and this is one of them. I love the simplicity of basic items and colours. And the pictures are really nice too, I love the first and last ones.

Lina said...

I do love me some vintage-y Canadiana all up on my t-shirts. I don't often wear a regular old t, so when I do, it has to be something special, like yours. Those pants are to die for on you as well! I hope the early mornings treat you well!

islabell said...

uh, these photos are amazing. I love how blasé you look in front of the epic view.
x
p.s. blue airline socks!!!! They seem to hide out in my draws and always be there, through thick and thin.

Lublyou said...

I adore Barcelona, love coming there from time to time! You look pretty on these pics!

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

Beautiful cityscapes, Emily! I particularly like the first shot of you gazing out over Barcelona. And, bravo on the outfit. There's nothing I like more (clothing wise) than simple, comfortable outfits with pretty little details. I cannot get over your star-studded beret - fun!

Unknown said...

These are such wonderful photos. I would love to wake up to the view of a beautiful city like that! I've been pretty much gravitating towards wearing a big cozy sweater with whatever else is handy - skirt, dress, jeans. Everything gets paired with a cozy sweater.

Shybiker said...

Chic women with confidence can wear berets. You qualify. I don't. I'm jealous!

Closet Fashionista said...

Wow love these photos, such an amazing view!! And that shot of the kitty is soooo cute!!!
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

Ashley/ MILK TEETHS said...

methinks this is the perfect casual outfit to be working on a book at 8AM! The sparkley beret adds just the right touch of playfulness :)

The Semi Sweet said...

Ah!! These pictures make me want to take a trip to Barcelona, like, right now!! So pretty!! I totally commend you on being able to get ready for the day by 8am. That's dedication to being productive.

Rebeccak said...

You do look smart - that hat brings it all together! Wow - 8am starts - you are an inspiration, let's see if I can follow suit and try this next week?

Mary Ann said...

Wow, I love these pretty pictures - especially sitting on the balcony. Barcelona is one of the places I haven't had the pleasure of visiting yet. Greetings from Atlanta! :-)

Also, I made 2 purse clutches and I'm giving away one - you can pick which size you like. The giveaway ends really soon - details here!

Valerie Enríquez said...

Oh I love Montjuic and the stray cats there are so sweet! The view is so beautiful of the sea. Your beret is very cute as well x

caitlin said...

I NEED A BERET. also i need a view like that. i've been wanting a pair of tapered black trousers to make myself look like audrey hepburn, except that i would never look like audrey hepburn. but this is such a classic look!

and yes, i'm really enjoying this book by jeffrey eugenides! i haven't actually read the virgin suicides, mostly because i've seen the movie and in this case i'm not sure i want to read the book because i like the movie so much! i think i'll read 'middlesex' next--it's been sitting unread on my bookshelf for ages. it's nice to read a book that is just easy, not mind-bending, but well-written.

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

@Caitlin: I don't look like Audrey Hepburn either, but luckily this look adapts to us mere mortals!

Anonymous said...

For the best Basque Beret:

http://home.avvanta.com/~rgphoto/2004/basqueberet.htm

Monique said...

so lucky you have such fun t-shirts to choose from. i found a t-shirt for josh in the salvation army in madison, wisconsin that says, i'm really excited to be here. josh only wears it when he really means is he's not interested in being sarcastic. this outfit is certainly well put together your beret and flats add the perfect touch to softening your outfit and making it more feminine.

out of order said...

you look fabulously writer chic! so cute :)

<3Meghan

Sara C. said...

I loved Barcellona, I have been there a couple of time but many years ago..I think it si time to me to go back!
Have a nice day

Sara C.

Dus of Cuddly Cacti said...

Your family sounds so funny! I guess I can imagine my dad having some cool slogan shirts back in the day too but sadly didn't keep any. The beret & flats def dress it up but I most people probably work on books in PJs anyway. Are you working on your children's book or did you finish that? I can't remember what you're up to writing nowadays but would love to hear more. That view is amazing too, great shots.
http://dusanabotswana.com/

Marisa Noelle said...

I really adore everything about this outfit...especially since it's so far from anything that I have ever worn. I only wish I had the build to pull it off. Simple, casual, very cute, but chic...yes, perfect I do believe:) I love the how you captured the kitty with such a precious look on it's face.

Jo - Lost in the Haze said...

I love love love this outfit <3 You suit yellow incredibly, and the off-white beret is truly the perfect finishing touch! Gorgeous!

x
Lost in the Haze: Fashion Blog

Annebeth said...

I think you look supercute, and I'm excited for you writing and being disciplined! Discipline is an awesome thing if you have it :D

Virginie's Cinema said...

Your commitment and dedication are very inspiring my friend! And I think: everything Canadian is cool :)

Virginie ♥

Gaby de Modacapital said...

beautiful pics!! the cat is so cute! :)