Summer Must-Do's

As September draws closer and closer, I keep thinking about how my summer has been so far and if I've been enjoying it. Sometimes it's hard to tell when you're so busy and constantly doing things, and you just need to take a minute, step back, and reflect. And even though I have been working non-stop (not that I'm complaining), I am doing other things that make me happy, and I have come to the conclusion that yes, I am having an amazing summer. Even if you live and breathe work and barely get a day to yourself, be sure and take a day off once in a while and do at least a few of the things on my summer must-do list.

1. Go to a concert

I generally go see live music all-year round, but there's just something about an outdoor concert in the summer. What's better than listening to your favourite band live outside when the weather is beautiful?

2. Sit by the water

For me it doesn't get any better than lying in my backyard with a good book and getting some colour (I am extremely pale and so any chance I get I am putting on the tanning oil and sitting outside). But there is no better feeling than taking a break from the sun rays and going for a quick dip in the pool, lake, or ocean.

3. Stay in

Some weeks I work almost every day, and since I'm on my feet the whole time, when I do get a day off I love just being off my feet, staying in bed or on the couch and just reading or watching movies. It really gives my feet a well-deserved break! Especially if you've been spending your summer going crazy with partying and going out, it's good to give yourself (and your body) a break once in a while.

4. Go out

Once you've had that day to relax, it's time to go out! Whether for a friend's birthday, to celebrate a special event, or just because, take advantage of what I call no-coat-check season, and dance the night away.

5. Create your own summer cocktail

Something about the summer always makes me want to sip cold, fruity, alcohol-infused drinks out of a cute cocktail glass. I'm not one to stick with conventional cocktails (and I never have the right ingredients in my house), so I usually just end up mixing a bunch of random things together and it always ends up tasting good.

6. Spend time outdoors

Even if you're working a lot, even if you hate being outside, even if you'd rather be doing something else, take some time and spend it outside in this gorgeous summer weather (it won't last for much longer). There are tons of shops and patios down on Queen and King West; there are various parks and conservation areas in the city if you want to take a picnic or a book to read; and there are free movies being shown in various parks around Toronto all summer.

7. Be a tourist

Do something different that this beautiful city has to offer. In Toronto you can go to the Distillery District, Ripley's Aquarium, Centre Island, the zoo, and many other things. And other cities have similar, awesome things to try!

8. Do something that makes you happy

That something may have been listed above, but if not (or even if it is), just do whatever comes to mind when you think about being happy. Being the geek that I am, for me this is going to Fan Expo, a Toronto convention (think Comic Con) at the end of the summer. Going with my best friend (my sister), it's always the perfect way to end my summer.

What's on your summer to-do list?

Fanatic

As you can probably tell from my bio, tumblr, and my post about comic book prints, I’m a bit of a geek. I’m obsessed with sci-fi and fantasy (books, movies, shows) and I love wearing clothing that shows this obsession. I used to think graphic t-shirts made an outfit look very unpolished and plain, but when I absolutely couldn’t resist buying or wearing them anymore, I realized it all depends on how you style the look.

Most of the fandom t-shirts that I have are a little baggy since they tend to only be sold in men’s sizes, so I usually wear them with slim trousers or jeans. I also usually wear them with a blazer or feminine-looking cardigan to make the outfit look more styled. There are times, however, when I really dig the androgynous look and let that inspire my fandom outfits (see Star Trek photo at the bottom).

Black Milk has several lines of fandom clothing that I absolutely love. I especially love these leggings from Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. Because they’re printed and very busy, I would keep the top very simple- either black or a plain dark colour for the Lord of the Rings leggings. For the Harry Potter ones, because they’re black and white, you could just do any plain, coloured shirt.

I don’t really like buying clothes online since everywhere tends to fit very differently, so Hot Topic is really where I go for a lot of my fandom merchandise. They have a really good Doctor Who line and Disney line, and there’s almost always sales and promotions going on, like a BOGO activity. I bought this Doctor Who skirt from there a few months ago and it’s one of my favourite pieces of fandom clothing.

Disney

I think the Disney fandom deserves honourable mention. I believe you're never too old to want to be a princess, and I am one 22 year old that is not afraid to show it (my mom thinks I'm crazy for being so in love with the Disney princesses). I bought this top from Hot Topic and it's so fun to style because of all the colours in it, but that day I opted for simple black and white. Some people may feel like a little kid again, walking around in these kinds of shirts, but I think if you style it properly, you can look as mature and grown-up as you want to.

Blazer: Tristan

Top: Hot Topic

Skirt: Garage

Bag: Longchamp

A lot of stores are starting to sell fandom clothes like this, especially super hero and disney items, so they're very easy to find and you don't need to spend the extra money for shipping from ordering online. Just as a little bonus, here is more of my sister's and my (we share a lot of our clothes, especially fandom ones) current fandom clothing collection!

Firefly

Top: Jason Palmer Studios via Fanexpo

Cardigan: Tristan

Cords: Joe Fresh

Slippers: Zara

Star Wars

Top: HMV

Blazer: Costa Blanca

Trousers: Joe Fresh

Necklace: Target

Mickey Mouse

Top: Disney World

Blazer: Attitude Jay Manuel

Belt: Old Navy

Back to the Future
Top: Forever 21
Chambray Blouse: Forever 21
Pleather Shorts: Seduction

Marvel Super Heroes
 Top: The Disney Store
White Button Down: Joe Fresh
Boyfriend Jeans: H&M
Flats: Old Navy

Star Trek
Top: HMV
Denim Jacket: Talula via Aritzia
Tuque: H&M

Doctor Who

T-shirt: H&M

Skirt: Hot Topic

Blazer: Silence & Noise via Urban Outfitters

Sneakers: Keds

What are some of your favourite fandoms, and what do you wear or do to show the world you love them?