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2011-02-14

Steel City Lunch Box

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Skirt? Alfred Sung, thrifted
Silk Blouse? Joe Fresh
Boots? Aldo
Bomber? Costa Blanca
Pin and clutch? Thrifted

This year my valentine is my city, the Steel City. Matt tried to be my valentine and brought me home roses after we specifically agreed not to do anything this year (for the record, his idea and I couldn't care less). I yelled at him because I knew he overpaid for those roses. Matt also brought me a Subway sandwich (or Sangwich, Linda?) and I yelled again because the local sandwich artist got far too inspired by the mayonnaise. But when Kyle Leon (youngest kitty) settled in for his nightly snuggle with Matt, my mayo-clogged heart thawed.

And though I love my husband most, my city core ranks high on my love list as well. I try to limit my 'I love my city' posts to a minimum because I am far too busy talking about bows and kittens and cupcakes but it's that time again. A few months ago, Matt and I sold our tiny, adorable semi downtown and bought a larger place a few kilometers away... still downtown. And that fact seems to amaze so many people because when we tell them that we stayed downtown, the awkward first question we always get is 'oh... and you like that?'. Yes, in fact we do like that... I like that we can walk to restaurants, local parks, the newly renovated library... I like the fact that our house doesn't look like the neighbours, that the house has high baseboards and that it's... really pretty. And it's odd that I get my back up against the wall and I always feel the need to defend downtown; most urban area place high value on their city centres but for the longest time, Hamilton's downtown has gotten a bad rap. And it's been through some rough years but there are so many great places to explore and so much history to see (these ladies know... they write about it all the time) and it's only going to get better. There is such a prejudice about our downtown... but I get it. After all, sin stops when you get up the Hamilton mountain (yes, our downtown is actually downtown)... But I am proud to live downtown and be part of its revival. And to all those people who give us looks of pity and kindly say 'maybe next time you'll move up the mountain...?', I will just laugh and say 'Do you like my outfit?'.

And to all those people who read this blog and don't care about the social prejudices of the city in which I live, I will apologize and say 'Do you like my outfit?'.

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35 comments :

Nadine said...

You look so corporate! Truly downtown! Especially love the colours.

silvergirl said...

Yes, I love your outfit
The gold and fuchsia are perfect together.

Martina Lynne said...

Um, hello. The skirt? Tres fabulous. Seriously, it hits all the marks for what a great skirt needs. Texture, color, fit, shape. Perfect!

Jahn 'n Style said...

love ur outfit...u look adorable!!

Shauna said...

Love downtown (and your outfit btw)

Katie, Interrobangs Anonymous said...

Did I ever tell you that I almost lived in Hamilton three times? Twice the symphony tried to hire my dad, and then I got accepted to MacMaster. But I rejected the Steel City and went to Guelph instead!

However, if someone in a bright purple blouse had given me my tour of Mac, I may have been swayed.

And what is up with Joe Fresh selling silk? Isn't their line purchased in grocery stores?

From Suns To Moons said...

You look great and I need me one of those Joe Fresh blouses! I also enjoyed your Hamilton manifesto, because I too have to defend Vancouver all the time. People from say, Ottawa, will complain and complain about the rain and claim that inhumanely low temperatures and shoveling snow are "way better." Am I the only one who appreciates a mild climate, stunning scenery, and the opportunity to wear the universally-flattering trench coat day and day out? That doesn't seem likely.

Tiffany said...

aww this is sweet, and keep the "i love my city" posts coming. My husband and I just moved to the city center of our beach community (it's too small to be down-town of anything). After living in the 'burbs our whole lives, we are just a bit too excited about finally living where the action is. We love the walks to our favorite bars and restaurants, and our late night walks to the gas station for milk, and the strolls to the beach (across the street!) when we want a cheap thrill. So, uh, all that to say that I feel you on the city-love. If everyone took as much pride and you and I do in our towns, the world would be a happier place (with less road litter).
Also, I like your outfit.

Amanda @ Life with A.Co said...

I didn't realize Hamilton was 'like that' and do find it strange. Normally living downtown is a great thing! Amazing how it can be so different from one city to another. REGARDLESS, your place is beautiful (totally creeped the FB photos - hell-O) and why NOT live downtown.

AND I like your outfit.

(the skirt is killer, along side the booties and bomber - was it a warmer day?! Take advantage and rock that faux leather guuuuuurl.)

A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984

Anonymous said...

Setting is amazing, looks perfect! Loved the skirt is completely wonderful, great color mix!

Hope you had an amazing Vday! xo
http://blog.cessoviedo.com

Unknown said...

I absolutely ADORE your outfit :) And I am glad that you love where you live - it is SOOOOO much better than the alternative!! :)

OnlyGirl said...

I'm 41 and have chosen to live downtown for my whole adult life! And...you look fabulous. ;)

Lauren @The Little Things We Do.... said...

i like your outfit :).

that skirt is my favorite!

funny reading this, because we live in the suburbs, but would love to live closer into the city. i envy the walkability you have!

Rini said...

Ummmm I love love LOVE this outfit! It's the colors and the textures...

And it's great to be able to walk to wherever you want to go..I've had enough of driving! :)

The Suburb Experiment said...

I DO like your outfit. . .

And as someone living in the suburbs sometimes I feel like I'm the kid pressing their nose against the glass of the city - wishing I could walk to coffee and restaurants again. It's beautiful where I live but inconvenient to anything.

Jenn

Anonymous said...

What a brilliant outfit - sleek silhouette with wonderful color pairing and great details - love the texture of the skirt and your "J" pin at the neckline, which pops against the fuschia and picks up on the gold of your skirt.

Lindsey said...

We spent many a Sunday night walking down there before good friends moved. We were always amazed at the beauty and craftmanship of the buildings. Our biggest reason for staying on the mountain is parking....Drews monster work truck needs space to park its rear!

Taylor Renee said...

Love your outfit and Hamilton sounds awesome! I have to agree with you on downtown living - I adore it. I lived in NYC before moving to San Diego - but out here we live in the 'burbs by my bf's school. We're going to make our way downtown once he graduates and I CAN'T WAIT!

Dor said...

yes, we really are more wholesome up here on the mountain. however, i actually hope you never move up here because visiting you downtown is like an adrenaline rush, an extreme sport really. you living downtown keeps me cultured!

Lindsey P. said...

Yay for defending your town! I've actually heard really good things about Hamilton. Knows a couple of folks who went to school there. And I've heard the folks of Hamilton are the nicest. :)
I say if you love where you live, shout it from the rooftops! And if anyone complains or looks at you funny, mumble to yourself. Maybe they'll get so freaked out, they'll go away. ;)
Happy V Day! Still enjoying my Hershey's kisses.

Nana Erin said...

We plan to buy a house in The City next year and we get kind of the same thing. That plus "you could get so much more house for your money in the suburbs" to which we reply "sure, but we'd have to live in the suburbs."

And I wolf whistled at you. Just a little.

Anonymous said...

I really hate that suburb mentality (and it seems like a few people I know are already falling for it...in their MID-TWENTIES?!) - but am glad to see people like you committed to vitalizing the downtown core! I have actually never been to Hamilton (though I studied at Queen's) but I have friends who are at Mac who say that it's an underrated town.

And of course, great outfit, as always.

Lauren said...

I adore this outfit. The colour combination is FABULOUS.
Love, L.

frills-and-lace.blogspot.com

Miss.Adventure said...

Hi Yentine,
I also live downtown, in "the hood" as I call it. I have a food blog and have never heard of Steel City Lunch Box. Anything interesting there?

Nina

FutureLint said...

I DO like your outfit! The colors are awesome, especially with the equally colorful truck!

Destrehan's Daughter said...

That's a great leather jacket and a nice way to blend the fuschia and gold skirt

Sarah said...

Only you could make a leather jacket look so dang good with a classy outfit like that. P.S. I have sooo been enjoying the winter sales. I'm pretty sure Kendi's no shopping challenge has given me a way better chance of finding freaking awesome things in the stores.

katou said...

llove the color combo it looks so fancy and luxurious love ir
katou
http://insidekatouscloset.blogspot.com/

Kimmielovesparis said...

The outfit is superb! You always put thing together fabulously.

I love Hamilton too! Ottawa Street rocks for antiques and fabrics. Downtown - the Library is amazing, the Farmers Market. Locke Street has such a cool vibe. Then there is the waterfront and the beach. Gage Park - when I was little it was MY PARK...now my nephew says it's his...I don't mind I'll share. I could go on and on about YHM...we have a fabulous city!

Thanks for your wonderful blog.

Cheers,
Kimmie in the Creek

The Semi Sweet said...

Gorgeous outfit:) That skirt is by far the most amazing thing I've ever seen.

And it seems Subway is a popular Valentines gift. I actually wrote about my hubby and I going to Subway for Valentines too! lol.

myclevername said...

I live in Toronto and wouldn't dream of moving to the suburbs yet. We're in the process of selling our house and buying a new one and looking in downtown Toronto is depressing. I've said all along that I'm not ready to move the the burbs (and sadly I consider Hamilton the burbs) but looking at mls.ca and housing prices in Hamilton is changing my mind! I'm in Hamilton for work twice a year so maybe I'll have to explore it some more!

Anonymous said...

I feel the same way about having to "defend Hamilton"...I go to school in Oakville as soon as I say I'm from Hamilton they make their comments and faces

AC said...

We live not far from that Steel City truck - good thinking to use it as your fashion backdrop.

If you haven't yet - would you consider sharing some of your local thrifting spots? I mean, I hit up Value Village, but there must be more and better, right?

Erin said...

It's so refreshing to hear someone defend living and purchasing property in downtown Hamilton. One by one anyone I know who lives down here ends up moving to the suburbs. Even people who live on the mountain hardly ever come downtown. It's depressing. I also love it: love living downtown, love supporting downtown. It's on a very exciting upsweep lately!

Erin said...

Oh and one more thing to add to my rant... how can so many Hamiltonians complain about the city and the downtown core and then not do anything to support its change and growth? I just don't get that mentality! This topic gets me all fired up!