If I could choose another decade to live in, it would be the 1950s for so many reasons. Cheery positive music, bright colours, bubbly cars and high-waisted circle skirts - sign me up! It’s odd how much changes from decade to decade. It makes me kind of sad to think that we’ll be remembered as the Ugg generation, the Facebook time period, and the Honey Boo Boo/Toddlers in Tiaras/Hangover watchers. What happened to the days of elegance and class and appreciating what we have? Yes, the 1950s were much simpler, but that also means they were more positive and gentle, and I’d trade this drugged-up, antisocial age for some good, clean, old fashioned fun. And don’t even get me started on the media back then…Old Hollywood, yes please! I’m a sucker for that elegant, high-class society stuff.

This mega post features my favourite summer look, which takes us right back to the 1950s with a gorgeous circle skirt halter dress by Pam Chorley, a Toronto designer whose store I’ve been obsessed with since I was little. I always used to say that one day I would have a closet full of dresses and would be that girl who wears dresses and high heels on a daily basis. Well now I am! Dreams do come true(?) :P These heels are by Stuart Weitzman (the same ones featured in this floral post from spring), and a vintage headpiece from a prophouse sale in downtown TO! That’s another thing I love about Toronto. In addition to all the wonderful shops like Kate Spade and Holt Renfrew that you can find in Yorkville, there are so many hidden sales and events and things you can find if you’re in the know. I’ve lived here all my life and still find it so charming with so many new things to discover!

I love this crazy monster art installation! So unique.

How cute is this puppy? I just want to squeeze his happy little face! XD

A nice young man in the flower shop posed for a picture with me!

Even though it’s 2013, I try to find ways to inject that fun 1950s spirit into my life. In this era we’re losing individuality. People are morphing into the same person because we’re all tapped into the same social networks and idolizing the same stars. Not every girl wants to be Ke$ha, but when every singer autotunes their voice to sound the same, all our “role models” end up being clones of one another, and we only have one cookie cutout to model ourselves after. That’s why I choose the stars of old as my inspirations. Princess Grace, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe - those are the women I admire, not trashy Ke$ha and Beyonce.

In the same token, I’m sure that Grace, Audrey and Marilyn never dreamed of working with computers or programming. And that’s why I let myself be inspired, but never copy. Choose your role models carefully, and emulate them in whatever way suits you best.

So on that note, I leave you with two questions: Who inspires you, and how do you choose to inject that inspiration into the way you live your life?

Drop me a comment, I’d love to hear from you. :)

~Sage