LIFE LATELY + 10×10 UPDATE

03.05.19

I haven’t shared a proper Life Lately update in a long time and with March rolling in (super suddenly if you ask me!) I thought it was a good time to share a little peek in to my world over the last little while. While I feel like I’ve been surgically attached to my computer for most of the year, my camera roll has reassured me that I have, in fact, had a chance to detach myself from the screen a few times. So here’s a look at what’s been happening behind the scenes lately. Today’s post includes (click to hop to a section): Now let’s explore!

LIFE AT HOME


Ontario (and pretty much all of Canada) has had a brutal winter of ice storms, snow dumps and unusually cold temperatures. I mean, it feels like every winter is a drag come February but this one has been particularly unpleasant. We spent the majority of our January and February cozied up in the house with our fury buds tucked close. Venturing out for the occasional snowy hike with Dobby.

Weekend brunch at home has become a cherished ritual in the winter as we can’t bring ourselves a walk downtown. Blueberry pancakes, maple syrup, grapefruit and a whole lot of coffee is just what a frosty winter Saturday calls for. We took a break from house projects last year so this spring we’re hoping to get a few big items off our list. Some interior updates are on the agenda and we’re finally ready to face a deck renovation too. Until the spring thaw that will have to wait!

OUT & ABOUT



A QUICK TRIP TO MONTRÉAL

Earlier this winter a couple of girlfriends and I took a quick weekend trip to Montréal, QC. It was as ridiculously cold as it was a blast and we had a great time zipping around the city and hopping in and out of shops, cafés and visiting local design studios. The coolest thing about boutiques in Montréal is that so many have their own little workshops right in the back where everything is made on site! Our trip was definitely not long enough and I can’t wait to go back when it’s warmer.

WHERE WE STAYED, ATE & SHOPPED

STAYED: An air bnb on St. Urbain Street the Le Plateau area. ATE: Dinner at DAMAS (so good!) + AU PIED DE COCHON (an experience!). Brunch at FABERGÉ (go early for a great brunch). Snacked at PASTEL RITA (gorgeous interior) and grabbed fresh bagels from ST-VIATEUR BAGEL SHOP (perfect for a train ride snack). We also heard great things about Bar Henrietta, Lawrence and Larry’s but didn’t have time to go. SHOPPED: We popped into shops all along St. Laurent Blvd. from about Rachel Street to Bernard Street and then jogged our way back down through the Mile End neighbourhood. There was lots of great vintage, local designers and boutiques with beautifully curated international brands. You can see some of our favourite spots up above along with the vintage shearling coat I reluctantly left behind.

WHAT I BOUGHT

I hadn’t planned to do much shopping on our trip, however, I crossed paths with a fews gems that I just couldn’t pass up! Those were:

STATIONARY SUPPLIES – BALTIC CLUB – I love a good stationary or paper shop and usually can’t escape one without picking something up. I bought a notebook, large file folder, cute clips and gorgeous black scissors. We got to peek into the Baltic Club’s in house studio and production space and meet the lovely Lola, the owner’s sweet black lab. RIMA BOOT – MAGUIRE – I picked up my second pair of Maguire boots on a bit of a whim and I love them so much! They’re like a refined Doc Marten but lined with shearling so they’re super warm and the treads are great in the snow. I also love my Rachel Boots however, these have a slimmer ankle profile and they’re a bit lighter weight as well. The Rachel is a bit warmer though. BELT No8418w – ATELER B – I’d been looking for a sleek, simple brown belt for ages and when I came across the selection at Atelier B I knew I’d found a good one! I’ve worn it almost every day since and it’s been the best addition to my winter wardrobe. I just wish I’d grabbed a black one too! Fun fact: These are the only additions to my closet so far this year!

WEST COAST PROJECT

Dave’s business has brought us out west to Vancouver for another quick and exciting renovation project. He’s been revamping a less than functional space into a beautiful media room and home office. I’ve had the opportunity to assist with the design concepts and hope to share some shots of the finished space in another Life Lately down the road. You can see him below in all his demo glory, taking down some old shelving units, loving every minute of it.

The project timeline has been tight so the days are usually pretty busy. That said, we’ve been able to take a few opportunities to try some new restaurants and revisit some favourites from last year. Of course, Lucky’s Donuts on Main Street required a revisit and I’d almost forgotten how tasty their crullers are. Feel free to explore my Vancouver City Guide for lots of other suggestions.

We also spotted some of the very first flowers to bloom this year during a weekend trip to see family in Victoria. Something about those vibrant purple petals gives me so much life!

10×10 UPDATE


I’ve had my nose to the grindstone for most of the winter season, redeveloping the new website and redefining the Style Bee brand for the future. To say it was a bigger undertaking than I imagined is an understatement. It’s been pretty all-consuming and while it’s come a long way, I’ve still got a lot to sort out behind the scenes and lots of projects lined up to share. As we round the corner on spring I’ve thought a lot about whether or not to host a 10×10 this season and after some hard decision making, I’ve decided to sit this one out. This doesn’t mean an end to the 10×10 Challenge or that I won’t be hosting again in the future and, of course, the exercise will always be there for anyone who’s looking to find a fresh perspective on their style or closet! When I initially created the 10×10 Challenge, my goal was to offer a resource to help people feel empowered to explore their style and closets. Now people from all across the globe are sharing their 10×10 experiences and just as I’d hoped, the challenge has taken on a life of its own! It’s become a space where everyone can share their perspective and have a voice. The hashtags #10x10Friends and #10x10RepresentationMatters are wonderful examples of this and I hope people will continue to see value in the challenge and make it their own. The 10×10 will continue to be a part of Style Bee and I look forward to ongoing participation and seeing how folks from all over the globe choose to apply the concept this Spring and beyond! If you’re keen to participate in a Spring 10×10 I’m sure there will be lots of folks doing it and you’re welcome to start at any time. The moderators of @selltradeslowfashion and @buyfromBIPOC are planning to co-host a session so tune into their accounts for more info. Have fun everyone!
Housekeeping note: The 10×10 has a trademark symbol, which I understand might be confusing. This was originally done to discourage corporations from using it for marketing purposes, but it has always been intended as a resource for individuals to use. Everyone is welcome to use and share the 10×10 Style Challenge.

15 FREE Spring Phone Wallpapers*


While we’ve spotted the first few blossoms and buds emerging out here in Vancouver, much of spring’s glory is still hidden away. While we wait on its arrival I thought it might be nice to have something to look forward to. So I’ve pulled together 15 spring wallpapers from my collection for you to peruse and download to your phone!
  1. It’s simplest if you open this blog post on a mobile device, which you’ve probably already done. (If not, simply click the image you want to use, save it and send it your phone.)
  2. Click an image below to scroll through the full-size gallery.
  3. Download the image by holding your finger on it until a window opens and select ‘Save Image‘.
  4. From there you can select the image in your photos and in the bottom row of options scroll to find ‘Use as Wallpaper‘ and you should be all set!


So that’s where I’m at these days.

I’D LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU’VE BEEN UP TO LATELY & WHAT’S ON DECK FOR SPRING!


Thanks for reading!


*WALLPAPERS ARE INTENDED SOLELY FOR PERSONAL USE.

This post is not sponsored and does not contain any affiliate links.

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Colleen says:

    Would love a more in depth review of the Rima boots! They’re gorgeous but being in the US not sure about the price.

    • Krystal says:

      Seconding this! Would love a review of the Rimas (but also am digging the Miranos, too!) if you don’t mind sharing!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Krystal! In case I don’t have a chance for a formal review, here are some quick thoughts.

      I’m really happy with the Rima boot so far. I’d say they run TTS (I got the 37 and I wear a US7/7.5) and they’re very comfortable and cozy warm. They’re sleeker and lighter than the Blundstones (and Rachels) but I don’t know if they’ll be quite as hardy long term. They’re great for urban living but I’ve worn them on a snowy hike and they performed very well in terms of tread, comfort and support. The nubuck suede has been easy to clean salt off of and I just spray them with protectant every few wears to be safe.

      Let me know if you have any particular questions I can help with! xo

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks for the review request Colleen, I’ve added it to my queue but in case I don’t have a chance I’ll share some quick thoughts.

      I’m really happy with the Rima boot so far. I’d say they run TTS (I got the 37 and I wear a US7/7.5) and they’re very comfortable and cozy warm. They’re sleeker and lighter than the Blundstones (and Rachels) but I don’t know if they’ll be quite as hardy long term. They’re great for urban living but I’ve worn them on a snowy hike and they performed very well in terms of tread, comfort and support. The nubuck suede has been easy to clean salt off of and I just spray them with protectant every few wears to be safe.

      Let me know if you have any particular questions I can help with! xo

  2. Marian says:

    Your new site looks amazing. As a fellow graphic designer I know how much time and care goes into making something like this!! All of the pages are so tidy and calm. 🙂

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks for the great feedback Marian! I really appreciate. So glad you said ‘calm’! That was one of my words when we started planning the ideal visitor experience 🙂

  3. Seems like you had a really nice time in Montreal with your girlfriends. I love this wallpapers, they look so pretty. x

    Antonia || Sweet Passions

  4. CAtherine says:

    Your trip to Montreal sounds like a wonderful time. How you passed on that divine shearling is beyond self-discipline! Great post. Always like a peek into the “behind the scenes” stuff.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Catherine! It was soooo hard to pass up. We actually went back a second time but it was just a little too beat up and bulky so I had to let it go. Still on the lookout for the perfect shearling! Have a great weekend!

  5. Kirra says:

    I agree your wallpapers are lovely but my favourite is the bunch of flowers against the brick wall. Thanks for the update and all the best for spring!

  6. Sarah Winton says:

    I always love your wallpapers!