Lots of Cute Pieces

These are lovely pieces I bought a few years ago, and it's a bit late to call this a "haul", but they're so pretty that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to at least talk about them on my blog.

Some are from the brand's official store, others were bought secondhand online.

First lot

Liz Lisa knit cardigans

There are a lot of (older) Liz Lisa cardigans that are adorable, and I was able to catch these two. Both are the same style, but in different colours.

This cardigan has some beautiful details. I'm usually not a fan of V-neck tops, but I'm making an exception here.

The velvet bows on both cardigans are crooked --

I should fix them.

I like how "chunky" the criss-cross ribbons look.

It adds some textured volume.

I love how the ribbons cascade and overlap the bottom.

However, the fabric looks like it gets easily stretched out, so I have to be careful. U_U

Liz Lisa x My Melody sweets OP
マイメロコラボスイーツ柄ワンピ

So this one piece stems from a collaboration with My Melody, though no My Melody figures are to be found on the print (I thought that these collabs always showed the character on the clothes somehow). But that's fine. Actually, I didn't even know it was a collab when I first saw this dress. I liked the soft colour and the style.

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Aaargh I forgot to tie the bow at the back tighter. The OP looks a bit oversized on me like this. Although that bow is cute, I guess it can become bothersome when I wear a cardigan.

Liz Lisa backpack
ロングリボンリュック

I bought this backpack thinking it'd complete my outfits well, but I haven't reached out for it in ages. One, because I'm too lazy to change handbags/bags; two, I'm worried it'd make it easier for someone to steal from me in the subway.

I've recently put it up for sale on my Depop (@memeda). Meanwhile, I guess it acts as a good prop in my bedroom.

You can't see it here, but the two ends of the ribbon are much longer.

They kinda hang from the backpack.

The zippers' cut-out hearts are very cute. 

Honey Cinnamon knit cardigans
袖リボンニットカーディガン

I didn't really know the brand Honey Cinnamon before I bought these two cardigans. They were so pretty in pink and blue, I couldn't resist buying them both.

I really like the ribbons on the sleeves.

Cute heart-shaped pearl buttons

I didn't know what to expect in terms of quality, because it was my first time buying from this brand, but it is really good. The fabric is thick and soft, the colours are beautiful, the fit is great.

Amavel frill collar tank top
フリルフラットカラーノースリーブカットソー

I like wearing some cardigans alone, especially the smaller/fitted ones, while still having an accent near the collar. This tank top is so practical because it gives that layered look without the bulk of extra sleeves.

The collar lapels are a bit big, but I like the overall look nonetheless.

Evelyn hoodie
パフっとパーカー

I've always found Evelyn's clothes to be pretty, and had a chance to buy this hoodie from them.

Something that struck me when receiving the hoodie was the smell. It had a very strong chemical smell. I was quite surprised, given that I'd usually attribute this type of scent to very cheap clothing, though Evelyn doesn't look rubbish.

The smell eventually went away, but I've since donated the hoodie, simply because I wasn't reaching out for it often and didn't plan on wearing it more.

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Second lot

Liz Lisa twin bears knit top
Twin Bearsニットトップス

This sweater caught my attention immediately when I saw it. The teddy bears are so cute with their textured fur. Plus it looks really good on the ivory fabric.

Last fall I saw a lot of Ralph Lauren bear sweaters (and other preppy bear sweaters), and this top reminds me of those.

I like the ribbons on the sleeves,

but I'm not a fan of the charms...

It looks a bit see-through, but I still really like it.

Liz Lisa teddy bear skirts
テディベア ブック柄 スカート

I had been wanting these skirts for a long time, but they are not common to find around. I love the colours, the print and the velvet outline on the waistband.

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The white skirt came with this beige/peach tweed sukapan, but I sold it. I actually used to have the white version of it.

Liz Lisa glen check skirt
グレンチェックローズスカート

This skirt exists in a dress version, but I went for the skirt so I can mix and match.

I like the pleats, they add a preppier look.

The colour of this skirt is gorgeous, as is the print.

Liz Lisa plaid sukapan
リズリサ

Well, I used to own this skirt but I sold it, and I managed to find another one new with tag. In all honesty, I'm not sure I'm gonna wear it that often because of the length -- I don't wear short bottoms anymore. So why did I buy it? Idk I think it's a staple because you can pair it with so many different kinds of tops and you get a cute preppy look. So I bought it for security -- we never know if I might need it. Lol.

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Third lot

Liz Lisa cardigans

This is such a lovely cardigan. It's a beautiful light pink colour and I like the 3/4 sleeves. The scallop collar adds nice detailing.

I had also bought the cardigan below, but unfortunately it is too small on me, so I listed it on my Depop.

Liz Lisa bunny plaid OP
シャーロット柄ワンピース

I bought this OP mainly because of the deep navy blue colour and the plaid pattern, but looking back, I'm not so fond of the colours in the bottom print. I would have prefered something darker rather than light pink. Though the contrast is not a total eyesore; the shades do look harmonized together -- it's just personal preference.

I like the collar with the lace.

Bye~

My Month of July

I took pictures of some stuff I did (mostly) in Montreal during the month of July, so this post is a bit of a photodump filled with good memories.

July 1 & 2

My friend and I went to the Festival international de Jazz de Montréal. The event takes place every summer, but it was my first time attending. I'm not naturally drawn to such events, especially in hot, humid temperatures, but I was willing to try something new and was kinda curious about it.

We each picked an artist we wanted to see, and I chose Ron Artis II. I discovered him while browsing the festival's program and liked his music. The songs I listened to had a bluesy, folk-like vibe.

The stage where the show took place

We arrived two hours early to make sure we had a good spot. My friend had seen the massive crowds on social media, and I had seen the huge turnout at Angine de Poitrine's show the weekend before. Granted, Ron Artis II is not the phenomenon that AdP currently is, but still; better to be early than stuck behind lots of people.

We walked around the festival grounds for a while. The organizers were handing out free water bottles, which was welcome because it was really hot and humid.

Another show happening right next to us while

we were waiting for ours

More people gathering around the stage

Ron Artis II

I really liked his first song "Silent Whispers". He's incredibly talented, his guitar skills are impressive and he also played the piano. Before starting a song, he would explain its signification and themes, which made the performance more meaningful.

He seems like a genuinely kind person. We saw him chatting with people while prepping the stage beforehand, and he interacted a lot with the crowd during the show. At one point, he even stepped off the stage to play acoustic songs right among the audience, including "We Are Not Machines".

After the show, I was hungry and bought a poutine. I wasn't a fan of the orange sauce, it gave the poutine a sweet taste and I prefer it saltier, but it was still good.

The next day, we went to see a group called The Free Label.

Unfortunately, it started raining as soon as we arrived. Everyone rushed back into the metro station people (including us) had just come from, creating a huge bottleneck. It was loud, crowded and humid.

We went outside with our umbrellas to flee the chaos. I was hoping the rain would slow down, but it only intensified.

Then the rain turned into a downpour with thunder. It lasted a good while, the shows were delayed for about an hour.

We found a narrow roofed structure to take shelter under, but it wasn't fully waterproof, so we still had to keep our umbrellas open. And for some reason, my socks got completely wet and dirty.

Oh em gee, couldn't wait to get home and change my socks.

After the rain stopped, the sky began to clear and people

walked back towards the stage for the show.

The Free Label

I was pleasantly surprised by the group. I didn't expect to enjoy it that much. Their music has a bit of a disco flair and is really energetic. Every member was talented, and the one playing the saxophone was especially good at engaging with the crowd. They were dancing while playing, which was impressive.

I also liked that the show took place later in the evening, because we got to see the stage lights in full effect, and it looked amazing.

I had a great time at the festival and wouldn't mind going back next year. It was my first time attending a music concert, and feeling the music vibrate through my body was quite an experience. My eardrums would probably say "not too often" though lol.

July 3

My mom came to visit and treated me to a place she had been wanting to try for a long time: Sandwicherie Sue on Beaubien St.

We both ordered the "Poulet Trésor" spring rolls, which contain grilled chicken and vermicelli among other ingredients.

They were delicious. They came with a peanut sauce that wasn't overpowering at all, but complemented the spring rolls perfectly.

They're a bit tricky to eat, though. At first, I dipped the roll into the sauce, but after the first bite everything started falling apart. I found it easier to hold the cup and let the sauce drizzle over the roll instead.

July 16

I tried a recipe in my multi cooker, the "Smokey Bear Casserole".

It has ground beef, green beans and Pillsbury crescent rolls. I struggle with getting the quantities right since I like to double the recipes. I think I added too many green beans and/or too many crescent rolls (despite following the doubled measurements).

The taste isn't bad. If I make it again, I'll cut the green beans into smaller pieces (didn't think of that the first time since I dumped them in frozen) and I'll use only one package of crescent rolls.

July 19

While walking downtown, I ran into the Festival Juste pour rire. It also happened to be the FIFA World Cup final, and there were big screens showing the match. BTS was performing during the halftime show when I passed by.

July 20

Taking Rose for a walk in my hometown. So cute.

My mom also cut my hair. They had gotten pretty long and were becoming a hassle to take care of. I don't know how I used to have them knee-length.

They were a bit above my belly button (my pants are high-waisted).

I think they're still pretty long lol

A couple of days later, my parents came to visit and I asked my mom to cut my hair even shorter. It feels really nice to sit on a chair without having to lift my hair up.

July 25

I went to a café with my mom and ate a bacon & olive scone that was so good I wanted to attempt making a batch myself. I followed this recipe from kurumicooks and it turned out to be a success, I would say.

I doubled the recipe, which gave me 18 scones.

They're soft and the bottom is lightly toasted, yum. I used bacon crumbles but I think it would taste better with real chopped bacon (I just didn't want to make a mess in my kitchen).

July 30

I went to see the movie The Leader. I've always been intrigued by cults and first heard of Heaven's Gate through the podcast Red Thread. I didn't know there had been a movie adaptation of it.

The movie was really good and so were the actors. There were even "funny" moments (some of them being absurdly funny) which I didn't expect.

The screening was part of the Festival international de films Fantasia. I also saw The Mutation and China Mosaic, and will go see The Specials tomorrow.

July 31

I made another recipe in my multi cooker, the "Kansas Casserole".

I like rice dishes and I found this recipe delicious. Idk if it's because I shredded the carrots a little too much (I used my Vitamix), but the texture is quite smooth. The recipe asks to add grated cheese at the end, but I didn't because I liked it as is.