ellenore.

A great combination of all my favourite things: dance, fashion, music and balloons! Love seeing Ellenore Scott (in orange romper) from So You Think You Can Dance - what a fun campaign!

why.

"Why are you here?" is the question I got most last night. I wasn't at the wrong class or meeting for something, nor was it normal business hours. This was probably around 2 A.M.

In B.C., after either graduation commencement ceremonies or prom there is a Dry Grad. Parents take an entire year to plan a party that encourages safe celebration for high school graduates. It's also one of the last times you will have all your friends in one place, able to share food, activities and spend so much time together. You arrive around 11 P.M. and party all night until 5 A.M.

No, no one from my immediate family graduated from the school this year, but friend's younger siblings, my swim and dance friends and students I have taught all did. I was asked to volunteer to help them celebrate (my pseudo-younger siblings), I could not say no. My mother also planned Dry Grad my graduating year, and I had to see how things had changed (you can see her influence, I'm so proud!)

Now, as much as I wouldn't go back to high school after university life, I would go back to see that night again. When you live across the country, it's neat to see so many people coming together that you know.

I have a lot of pride in my high school. This is the place that gave me a life, connections and introduced me to people all across Kelowna and those who will be with me for the rest of my life. True, running around with Slurpee's for students in the wee hours of the morning may not seem like the most fun and interesting way to give back, but I had to honour these kids, this school, and the life it gave me. I believe in communities and giving back.

As weird as it is to say or think this, I wouldn't be anywhere without that high school.

But it's all good. Even though at 2 A.M. I was exhausted, I met a gorgeous guy who was also volunteering. Can't complain at all.

"So why were you there again Portia?"

Why not?

Congrats to the class of 2011. You all looked beautiful last night and behaved like such ladies and gentlemen - all the best in the future!

playlist14.

I currently cannot turn my iTunes, Stereomood and Sirus FM stations off right now. All day, every day, I have to have something playing - I never would have called myself "music-obsessed", but right now I'm addicted.

I've been getting so much feedback from others about these playlists, please keep it coming. Got a busy bit to the rest of the week and start of the month/full-time work again, so here's a little treat for your day! Enjoy, tell me what you like, don't like and what you're currently loving!

ladders.

maxi.

With the July long weekend coming up it finally and fully feels like summertime! I'm having a love affair with maxi dresses at the moment - there are few things that are cute and so comfortable in the 30 plus degree heat.

Here are my picks (at high and low price points) of a simple and more colourful maxi dress and accessories.

My rules for perfecting the look:

- Spice up a solid dress with colourful accessories
- If you're wearing a big print, hang with neutral accent pieces (golds, silvers)
- Wear flat sandals. Unless you have the perfect wedge, sometimes the look is more tart-y than boho chic.
- Arm bands are a must. Currently loving this snake one for both looks

Maxi Affair by sunrisejunction featuring leather shoes

Click on each piece for details!

granville.

After 48 hours, a few miles driving, many coffees and footsteps later, I have traveled to Vancouver and returned home. I love getting away for a weekend, even if it's a simple catch up with your girls and seeing something new.

It's a week and a bit post-riot and the end of the Stanley Cup final, and I was apprehensive about heading down to Granville Street where the major damage was done. I saw Ground Zero in New York a few years after the attack and remember this hush around the site - even though there was nothing going on, something bad had happened there. Standing in front of The Bay, where I was only a few months before with my girlfriends inside the MAC store, were plywood boards.

It took everything for me to not start to cry.

Everyone around me stood about five feet away, staring in awe. The messages are beautiful, the street is immaculate and life has gone on. There was even a festival down the street blasting music.

I couldn't just stand there. Being the ever-prepared journalist (I learned my lesson in first year) I had a pen handy. It felt like I was breaking away from the pack, but I had to do something. Maybe it was lame and this will just end up in a pile somewhere, but I had to sign the board. I had to let this city, this province, the country which accepted me only five short years ago know that I loved it so much.

However how sad I may have felt for those few moments, there's something really beautiful about seeing this city come together after these riots. The sun is still out, there's food to eat, a roof over our heads and life goes one.

I still believe.

hshermy.

Wishing the happiest 21st birthday to my lovely friend Hayley - hope you're having the time of your life in Montreal and wish I could be there with you!

Here's to another year of yoga, one too many glasses of vino and YPF. Hope you're loving your splendour on Queen, summer edition!

o'clock.

Here I sit on another eve.

Four weeks ago, I was freaking out about this internship. Now, it's all over, and man, what a run.

I've been so blessed to have gotten to work with some fantastic people, try out so many jobs, shadow various stories and immerse myself in all aspects of broadcast journalism. I never realized how important commercials are to a station, and how much time it takes to watch the weather for the five o'clock news. I really did learn something new every single day.

But I have to thank so many of my amazing friends, family members and friends of friends who have supported me through this. You have let me stand on your shoulders, promote my work (I hope not to annoyingly!) and given me some great feedback and constructive criticism.

Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you.

Even as you're looking at this little blogette right now - you're making a difference. I wouldn't be where I am right now without you.

Have a fantastic weekend and enjoy the summer sunshine. I'm off to Vancouver and won't be posting for a few days, but I'll be back in full force next week.

minimal.

Currently loving: minimal movie posters.

essentials.

As I start to see the end of my internship, I'm seeing the complete value of having essential pieces of work clothing. My work and professional wardrobe are in a process of revamp as I'm moving on into the next stage of my life.

Hope you're proud Stacy London.

But for now the rest of the summer will include beach and work out wear for my summer camps. See you in the fall blazers.

murakami.

One of my favourite artists (and collaborator with Louis Vuitton) is Takashi Murakami. When the iconic flower prints came out on the classic bags way back in the day, I was obsessed. After taking my art history class and seeing his impact on modern culture - especially in fashion and music - I'm still as riveted.

backwards.