Canada Day (Day 1 in Montreal)

Every year around the 4th of July, thousands of American (mainly) Irish Dancers congregate in the predetermined spot of the North American National Championship. During this week long competition, dreams will be fulfilled,  friendships will be formed, and lots of cute outfits will be worn! This year the spot for this beloved celebration was held in Montreal, Canada. Instead of giving you a rundown on my whole week, i'll break it down into 4 separate posts. The first day we arrived in Montreal, it was the Canadian Independence day, only 2 days before America's! My family and I made the trek down to the boardwalk to participate in the festivities. Luckily, I had brought my Killin It crop top (Brandy Melville), my red, scalloped high-waisted shorts, and my converse (Byay for red and white) with me so I was able to look like I somewhat belonged. My sister, on the other hand, was off her game.

Enjoying a slice of canadian cake

In case you didn't know, they speak french in Montreal.

After a day of exploring, I decided a loved old Montreal. It felt like I was in a European country despite being only a few hours away from the American border. I had a great time pretending to be Canadian fro the day! The day ended in nerves, though since I would be taking the national stage for the first time  in 8 hours but we'll save that for a different blog post.

                au revoir,

                                  Deirdre 

Graduation

   My brother just graduated from grade school today (Congrats Corm!! I can't wait to go the same school as you again!) I was the stylist for both him and myself. Here's what I wore.

Necklace obsessed

I went with a plain green dress with a whitish gemstone statement necklace and black wedges. Simple enough so I didn't steal any thunder from the grad but still pretty and elegant. My brother, on the other hand, wore a seersucker suit with a pink and white striped bow tie.

We're cute siblings

the sis borrowing my Lilly dress

2 year anniversary of our graduation 

We're the cutest (and preppiest)

Congrats to the rest of my brother's class and can't wait until next school year when I get to bother Cormac in the halls!!

No More Wakin up at 6 AM

(Yes, I did quote High School Musical, one of the best summer flicks of all time.) As we welcome summer and say goodbye to the stress and worries of the school year, I can't help but think all of the things that have changed this school year for the better. It sucked and was confusing at times but overall sophomore year was a blast and I cant wait to embark on my journey as an upper class men. Right now, I'm focusing on the wonderful summer ahead with tons of great friends, nationals for dance, and of course cheer practice. 

Today was our last real day of school and we had to dress nicely for church (not that I don't everyday). This Lilly skirt, paired with a white, Polo button up, my swanky new sandals from Forever 21, and (duhh) pearls is the perfect combo to welcome summer. 

Reppin my homegirl LP

Also 3 days ago marked the 6 month anniversary of my blog! I can't believe its been that long. I've loved every second of blogging and I cant wait for more fabulous months to come!

                                                 Besos,

                                                        Deirdre

Talk Derby To Me

The Kentucky Derby is one of my favorite things. You get to wear the most preppiest outfits and elaborate hats (Did you see Johnny Weir's?) and get no judgement for it. And looking at the horse's fantastic names is something we all can agree is entertaining. Honestly it's one of the prettiest events to me and I can't wait to attend it within the next few years. Since I couldn't just fly to Kentucky for the weekend, it was still a necessity to dress up and drink mint juleps (Virgin, of course).  I'm wearing a Lilly Pulitzer shift dress, Jack Rogers in celery, and my own hat (a.k.a. i forgot where I purchased it).

ayyy

The perfect derby accessory 

Pale Lyfe

And they're off (idk what i'm actually doing in this picture)

Selfie City

Sadly I had my money on Chitu and Vicar's in trouble (Yay for female jockeys!). Still, congratulations to California Chrome! Can't wait until next year's.

                                                                  Kisses,

                                                                       Deirdre

Also can I mention that I got these Jacks for $9!! It ended up being more like $18 with shipping but coming form a $110, I felt like superwomen. Huge thanks to Monogram Meredith's blog post mentioning the coupon for my new babies. Can't wait to see what the summer brings to us!

City Biddy

First, can we take a moment to appreciate the fact I am in a light jacket and a crop top and I wasn't cold at all?? Yes it seems like spring is finally settling upon us and I can't wait until the weather stays like this for good. I finally can wear my spring clothes that I have been stocking up on since mid-January. Excuse me while I tear up because I thought this day would never come. Anyway behold my first spring outfit on here! *Claps hands out of excitement*

So serious 

#urbanfence

Love my booties to death

Oops, i'm a dweeb!

Same look, different pants.

channeling my inner rebel

As you noticed, I switched out my bleached jeans for my polka dotted chords because I couldn't decide what I liked better. So indecisive, I know. Oh and feel free to email me at deirdrekozicki@hotmail.com if you have questions or suggestions. I'd love to chat with some of you.

                                                                                -Deirdre xx

*All Photos taken by Maeve Kozicki Photography

Heartbeat of Home

Ok so this isn't really my usual kind of post but this isn't the kind of thing that usually happens. A new Irish dance show, Heartbeat of Home, has just begun it's tour in America (think Riverdance but with a more dance styles). It's first stop was Chicago so of course I had to go!! Would I be an Irish dancer if I didn't? But before I went to the show, I participated in their workshop where the principle dancers taught a part of the shows. My friends and I jumped at the opportunity and were counting the days up until it happened. We learned their main dance, Reel of Arrivals and I don't think I stopped smiling. Afterwards we got to meet the dancers, which included some of my biggest inspirations, and they answered some of our questions. I would do it again if I could. If they are doing on in your town, go because it's a great experience. 

The sis and I with Bobby Hodges(heartthrob of the dance world, nbd)

After that I went home and got rewdy for the actual show. It was phenomenal!! The talent the show possessed was outstanding. The way they picked their dancers was by having dancers from all over the world send in video audition for people to vote for online. Even if you aren't an Irish dancer or even particular fond of it (which how could you not be?), it's so,etching everyone can enjoy. Afterwards, I waited by the stage door or meet my other favorite dancers that I didn't meet at the workshop.

Ceili Moore (she's winning worlds this year, I'm calling it.)

Jason O'Neil, the lead in the show

Olivia Griffin (previous world champion)

William Bryant,THIS GUY WAS IN DANCE ACADEMY so he holds a special place in my heart

Ciara Sexton, probably the most famous Irish dancer you'll ever meet. 

This was my definition of a perfect day and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Everyone should go buy their tickets now!! It was a blast. It was a great way to start off the Saint Patrick's Day festivities!!

P. S. Sorry for the camera phone pics. I didn't bring my camera cos it's not like I was going to have a photo shoot with these dancers. :)

Sailboat Sweaters

One of my most recent purchases is this sailor sweater from Old Navy. Im absolutely obsessed with it and I had to wear it to school the first day I got it. It's the perfect springtime sweater and it makes me happy looking at it. Despite the fact that a fresh sheet of snow is now covering the city, spring break is only 3 weeks away and i'm slowly clocking out on winter and school. It's so close, I can taste it. Anyway, I know i'll be getting much use out of this sweater. Talk to you soon.

 The trusty, old Target necklace is making a comeback 

 Notice the snow

Sweater: Old Navy (on sale here) Polo: Ralph Lauren Pants: J Crew Shoes: Kate Spade for Keds Necklace: Target