Thinking Outside the Dress

Thinking Outside the Dress | Sophster-Toaster

We have the first of many holiday parties this week and both my husband and I are somewhat stumped as to what to wear. It’s a work party so we need to look professional, but he wants to wear something at least a little nicer than what he regularly wears to work. On the other hand, we can’t go too over the top and risk way overshooting the “business casual” dress code that has been requested. We’ve looked over all of our clothes, and even taken a little trip to the mall to search for something new that could be the missing piece of the puzzle, but we’ve turned up empty. I’m sure we’ll have an epiphany in time but until then, all this outfit work has left me feeling festive and inspired to think outside of the dress.

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Top H&M
Sweater H&M
Pants ModCloth
Socks Roots
Shoes ModCloth
Earrings old
Tie just a ribbon
Suspenders H&M

All photos by me.

Martinis & Mistletoe Skirt

Martinis & Mistletoe Skirt | Sophster-Toaster Blog

I don’t usually design pieces so obviously for specific holiday but when I saw this cocktail harlequin fabric, I couldn’t resist. It’s so cheery and festive without being completely over the top; the print designer says she was inspired by vintage wrapping paper. I knew it would be just darling as glamorous tea length skirt – and I lined it in soft pink voile, to make it even more charming. The whole time I was making the sample, I couldn’t help but get excited for dark nights, Christmas lights, snow and hot toddies. I’m so glad I decided to add this festive little number to my design repertoire.

Martinis & Mistletoe Skirt | Sophster-Toaster Blog Martinis & Mistletoe Skirt | Sophster-Toaster Blog Martinis & Mistletoe Skirt | Sophster-Toaster Blog Martinis & Mistletoe Skirt | Sophster-Toaster Blog

Sweater H&M
Skirt Sophster-Toaster
Petticoat ModCloth
Tights Pretty Polly
Shoes ModCloth
Necklace Emery & Opal

Martinis & Mistletoe Skirt | Sophster-Toaster Blog Martinis & Mistletoe Skirt | Sophster-Toaster Blog Martinis & Mistletoe Skirt | Sophster-Toaster Blog Martinis & Mistletoe Skirt | Sophster-Toaster Blog Martinis & Mistletoe Skirt | Sophster-Toaster Blog

All photos by me.

December Obsessions

It’s December; Christmas is here but the snow isn’t. It was 20ºC the other day and it definitely doesn’t feel like Christmas is next week. Hopefully having my brother in town for my annual Christmas party this weekend will fix that. Here are my current party-ready obsessions:

1. Glittering Gold Polka Dot Tights

December Obsessions \\ Sophster-Toaster Blog

ModCloth’s A Glitter Bit Louder Now Tights

2. Gold Eyeliner for the Holidays

December Obsessions \\ Sophster-Toaster Blog

Sephora’s Colorful Waterproof Eyeliner 24 HR Wear in Glitter Kaki

3. Listening to Alvvays Self Titled.

December Obsessions \\ Sophster-Toaster Blog

Alvvays’ Alvvays Vinyl

4. Natural / Raw Jewellery

December Obsessions \\ Sophster-Toaster Blog

Petitor’s Gold Nuggets Necklace 

5. Kitschy Cocktail Food

December Obsessions \\ Sophster-Toaster Blog

D’Lish Deviled Eggs by Kathy Casey

Valentine’s Day Birthday, Part II

At 27 years old, I still get excited about growing up and getting older. I’m the only adult I know who celebrates every added year with the enthusiasm and anticipation of a child still counting the years on one hand. I make sure all of my friends are seriously aware of my continued aging.

Save the Date

These go out in January, by the way.

I plan a party with enough food, games and long-distance guests to get my friends out of their homes and into mine on a cold night in the middle of February, when there’s almost always some sort of weather advisory (this year it was an extreme cold warning, what fun!).

Valentine's Day Birthday Party Decorations Valentine's Day Birthday Party Pink and Orange Macarons Brother and Sister

My brother drove up from back home.

Vintage Amethyst Ring Party Oreos

I found birthday cake flavoured Oreos while browsing the liquidation sales at the ill-fated Target Canada. I bought a whole bunch and made these not-so-quick but very easy Party Oreos. I only decorated half of the cookie, my friends thought I was being lazy, I thought I was being artistic.

Valentine's Day Birthday Party

Dress: Modcloth // Cardigan: H&M (old) // Tights: Target // Slippers: White Noise Maker // Necklace: Modcloth (old) // Earrings: gift, received them for my 5th birthday // Ring: a family heirloom 

Strawberry & Sweet Ganache Macaron  Party Food

Because I was unofficially elected to be the party food maker of my friend group, I knew that if I wanted anything fancier than a bag of chips, I would have to make it myself.  I decided to not overwork myself, for once, and only make easy stuff, hence the charmingly campy pigs in a blanket. My friend told me, with three days’ notice, that he would be very upset if someone didn’t make my famous steak & egg devilled eggs, so I whipped some up along with some dirty martini devilled eggs, for good measure.

Birthday Cake

My friend Sarah has made my birthday cake every year since I moved to the Niagara Region. This year I asked for either citrus or a tangy chocolate. She brought this happy yellow cake that I discovered, when I plunged my 9″ chef knife into it, was actually chocolate! I blew out all the candles on my first try.