A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet up with some blogger friends and their partners in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I’m finally getting around to blogging about the fun we had and showing you what I wore.
We met two couples on different days, one after the next. When it rains it pours!
They chose one of the best times of the year to visit. Fall is beautiful in southern Ontario.
They might have been a tad early for the annual Fall display of colours, it wasn’t until this week that the leaves on the trees started to change.
If you like quaint little towns in a picturesque setting with some gourmet eats I would highly recommend Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is well known for its many local wineries and award winning ice wine.
We drove the 1.5 hrs to Niagara-on-the-Lake to meet up with Ally and Robin who were visiting Niagara Falls. When we left Mississauga it was a little chilly. In Niagara it was freezing! That is Canada for you, 22 C one day and only 7 C the next. I layered up a bit, but really should have had on my black wool cape on top of this as it was windy.
Leather skirt (sim on super sale), blazer (sim), scarf (sim)- all thrifted, Black boots (sim) & Hat (sim) (super old), Striped turtleneck (sim) – Marshals, Handbag – Vintage
We met for high tea at the Charles Hotel, a charming country Inn with homey decor and great food.
Robin, Ally’s wife was just a delight, warm, authentic and funny. I really like her! Of course Ally (aka Ralph) was her usual self, sweet, kind and a little bit reserved. We had a good time, I hope we get a chance to visit again soon.
The next day the delightful Trina and affable Par happened to be close-by in Niagara so we drove out to meet them at the same Inn.
Why the same place? It is very quiet, basically only us, intimate and ideal for chatting and relaxing with friends. Plus I knew Trina would appreciate the decor and attention to detail. This time we ordered off the menu and were even more delighted with the food. (No, I’m not getting paid for my endorsement, I just like the place.)
We had a wonderful visit. Our husbands got along like old school buddies. They both have Italian Mommas…need I say more?
Trina and Par are such a unique couple. Did you know they were both competitive skiers? That little Trina is just full of surprises.
I wore my new consignment dress to meet them with an overcoat. Once again I felt I wasn’t dressed warm enough and ended up buying a bright magenta hat at one of the boutiques in the village before we met them. Shame I didn’t get any photos of it.
Dress – consignment (new with tags still on!) (sim one that I LOVE but in a maxi), Boots – TJ Maxx (sim), Coat (sim insanely expensive!) – bought at a boutique in LA years ago
I wanted to wear brown tights with this, but realized I didn’t have any, thus why I’m wearing burgundy and it looks kind of weird.
Without a doubt the single best thing about blogging are the friendships and connections it has afforded me.
I am so very grateful for the added richness in my life.
Linking up with Visible Monday and Shoe and Tell I Will Wear What I Like
oh what a wonderful crowd – I got to meet Ally yesterday and she is indeed the kindest person, and now I have to move to both Toronto and Long Island. You look gorgeous in leather (and everything). xo
-patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Ha ha! Well you can split your time between Toronto and NY as long as I get to head down to Florida for Jan/Feb and March! ; P
We had a fabulous time with you guys. And thank you for introducing us to Niagra-On-The-Lake; I would never have found it otherwise. Charming little town. And the hotel restaurant was delightful. I didn’t have the chance to compliment your clothes during tea but was very impressed by them at the time. You always look so stylish!
Thanks lady. It was fun!
I love reading about blogger meet-ups! And in Niagara-on-the-Lake – I place I know and have been too! Isn’t this the wonderful pay-off about blogging. You get to interact and meet some extraordinary people from different backgrounds and countries and our lives are enriched by it. So glad you enjoyed your meet ups.
Lovin’ the beret and leather. Uber fierce, lady.
I love the burgundy with the dress. It’s add a richness that maybe brown wouldn’t quite have. And the print is gorgeous.
So fun you visited Niagara-on-the-Lake! When was that?
It was about 13 years ago. I had an ex who was half Canadian (his Mum). We visited his parents in Toronto a couple of times. They then moved to N-o-t-L, as his Dad was an actor in the repertory theatre company at the Shaw Festival, and we went over to see him perform there.
How fun!
great looks. love the plaid blazer!
and how picturesque! So very fall. I wish we had seasonal changes like that here in SF. haha
xo,
nancy
How I adore SF. You don’t have the weather changes, but you make up for that in spades.
Forget stats and all that jazz, this is why most of us blog, to interact with people with the same interests as us! Meeting bloggers in real life is the icing on the cake. I don’t think I’ve met one I didn’t like,
Both your outfits are wonderful. I’m salivating over the tapestry bag and the burgundy tights look perfect with the groovy printed dress. xxx
Isn’t the bag fab?
I really love the fact that I can connect with bloggers all over the globe with so many different styles and unique views. It could be called “United Colours of Blogging” : )
I’ve long wanted to go to Niagara On The Lake. I know I will love it!
Happy to see the pics! Everyone looks so relaxed and at ease with each other. Very nice!
And you…looking so very stylish each day!
Well…when you come out for your visit (cough cough, ahem)…I will take you there!
fabulous outfits, even if it’s difficult hitting the target when Fall is so unpredictable!. And it’s great to meet fellow bloggers, particularly when you meet them in a beautiful place: it looks a pretty inn with amazing landscapes!
I’m loving your tartan jacket, ohhhh!
besos
Two lovely looks, I love the French style of the first, and I love the pattern and design of the second dress. The first look is wonderful, the bohemian look is cute.
Thanks Josep-Maria : ) They both represent my personal style well I think.
Blogging is all about the friendships and camaraderie for me – there would be no point in doing it without the relationships I’ve made along the way. It’s great to have the opportunity to meet up wit fellow bloggers, and if the Other Halves get along as well, that’s a real bonus!
Gorgeous outfits, the leather skirt and blazer are particularly fabulous. I bought a leather skirt a while back and have been wearing it to death – time to show it on the blog, I feel! xxx
Yes yes! Do share your leather skirt : )
What a gorgeous little town, and the meet-ups sound like a lot of fun. I really love your second outfit, both the coat and the beautiful dress. And I think the burgundy tights are perfect!
I need to correct your comment on my blog – it wasn’t a milestone birthday this year, but it is oh so close! Also, it was interesting what you said about Etsy. I seem to be getting a lot of favoriting, but only selling to friends so far. We’ll see what happens.
Ah…no milestone, but after a certain age aren’t they ALL milestones? {wink}
I hope you do well on Etsy. It is so competitive and sometimes hard to make inroads.
How fun to be able to become friends outside the computer! I love both outfits your wore, it’s starting to get really cold fast in Canada!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
I’m hoping one day you and I will meet outside of the computer as well : )
Well it was back to short weather the weekend after…Canada in fall is unpredictable.
Ahhh…the friendships. I’ve thought about quitting blogging several times, but I would miss everyone too much. My biggest blogging regret thus far is not being able to make it to the meet up in Vancouver. Both outfits are lovely, as usual :)!
It is true if you have developed friendships I think they would be harder to maintain if you’re no longer blogging.
Love that blazer and the paisley dress! So many awesome colors. I think maybe the one thing I miss about fall/winter fashion is the abundance of plaid. That pattern is just awesome.
A blog friend is coming to stay with Angel and I for a few days next week, that shall be an adventure!
Oooh! Fun! That should be very interesting!
Well aren’t you just a lucky duck!
I notice you changed but your hubby didn’t?
How lovely to find a nice place to chat and eat and admire decor 🙂
One day someone might drift my way so I can meet them!
Xo Jazzy Jack
Ha! I was waiting for someone to notice this and I’m going to mention it to my husband. He is actually wearing a different shirt but the same sweater. I told him it looked the same too. Heck, with all the clothes in his closet he keeps choosing the same sweater.
You aren’t just a skip, hop and a jump away now are you? ; P
You social butterfly! I love how you are meeting everyone. You are so right – nothing matches how fun it is to meetup with people we’ve only known in their blogs.
It’s that dress style again, the last one. It really looks great on you. The first outfit is so oooh lala, are you really from Canada? Love the vintage bag.
What fun, Suzanne! I also love your outfits and want the little red plaid blazer! : ) How wonderful that you were able to meet more bloggers in real life. I am enjoying that part of this as well. I am quite shy usually but the great thing about meeting bloggers is that we already have at least one thing in common! LOL : ) Ana
Love these outfits! The wrap dress is gorgeous lady! And that leather plaid outfit is too divine! How lucky you were to meet Trina and par, Ally and Robin. You really have it! Style and beauty, talent, too, a multi faceted jewel (somedays in the rough, I might think Because if the fibro..)
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
What a wonderful get together Suzanne. It is certainly true about all the wonderful people you meet while blogging. Love your consignment dress, that is quite a find and that vintage handbag is absolutely stunning! Where did you find it? Thank you for sharing your great photos and for linking up with SHOE AND TELL on Style Nudge.
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
I’m a big time thrift/vintage shopper. I almost never shop online for vintage. There are quite a few good vintage stores in and around Toronto and that is where I scored that handbag. They always seem to have a great selection of tapestry bags. If I could have I would have bought 3 others.
I couldn´t agree more with you, friendship is the best thing I get from my blog.
Love, love, love your attires and want to steal your black skirt.
Besos
Omgosh. That leather skirt is everything! I love that blue coat, too. The print is so beautiful! You looked great!
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
I agree: social media give fantastic opportunities to meet new people and the world really is your oyster. Love it!
How nice that you had some more get-togethers! Wow, you had a lot of meet-ups lately. Good for you!
You looked nice and you and Robert look handsome and happy together.
I loooooove Canadian ice wine, but am not likely to drink any any time soon:-(.
Niagara on the Lake sounds like a really cool town! High Tea always seems like such fun to go to. Also- both outfits are neat, but I am madly in love with the plaid and leather one. It seems stylish and yet avoids feeling too 90s/grunge and just seems timeless instead!
Both outfits are great, but I especially like the 1st beret one (and you look so cute in a beret!).
How did I miss this post? Well, I’ll tell you the truth, Miss Molly came for a visit and this week I’m crazy enough to be hosting three witches tea parties, so I can barely find time to glance at my phone and emails. But, this is so very nice of you. Now let me tell you, the dress you wore when we met was incredible, to say the least and I loved your hat so much I had to come back home and search for one similar. And the outfit you wore the day before, well, its a good thing you wore it that day because I just might have tried pulling it off you (haha). Seriously, that is a killer outfit! Par is still talking about enjoyable that afternoon was. Next time, we are definitely staying in that little city.
OK I am late to the party (probably will not get a reply…). But here are my two cents. I am glad you posted this as I gathered at Trina’s that you guys had met up. As usual you look as stylish as can be. I don’t think the burgundy tights look strange. They are good.
Love the first outfit as this is really me. So hasn’t got anything to do with one outfit being better than the other, just my taste.
Greetje
The absolute best thing about blogging has been the connections I’ve made to like-minded women! It’s one of the good things about the internet. I met a couple of women in New York that I connected with via Instagram.
The first outfit is really cool – I love a full leather skirt (I’ve yet to find one that fits me) and the vintage handbag is wonderful!