Larkspur Summer 2014

photo (13)And it’s finally here, Larkspur Summer 2014 lookbook! I know, I know, summer is basically well and over now…almost. What took me so long? Well a ton of things really. But the nice thing about running a vintage shop is you can pretty well do whatever you damn like. There are no rules in my opinion (right?!). So here we are. I hope you enjoy! All items in the lookbook will be available in the shop by the end of the week. So keep a lookout (although I’m sure i’ll let you know).

Photography: Gerald Larocque
Styling: Alexandra Spence – yours truly
MUA & hair: Lisa Arsenault of Pinch Cosmetics
Models: Alexandra Spence and Marta Andrzejewska

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Everglady

DSC_4549The search for a new apartment was quite fruitless (everyone is moving right now. curse you students!). The market to find and actually get the apartment you want is challenging right now. Ryan and I did not want to settle and sign a year lease on a place we thought was mediocre, so we decided to move into his current place since it has pretty much everything we require and desire in a home, save for some closet space and hydro is a nightmare in the colder months. It will be nice because I can move in there at a slow and less stressful pace. I have lived in The Everglades (yes, that is the name of the building!!!) for almost 3 years now. It’s a beautifully old art deco building from the 1920s. It does have it’s downsides, but it has been a place I could actually happily call home. But being a bachelor apartment, it just does not have space for 2 people and a dog to live comfortably. I am excited to move, mainly to de-clutter my life of the things I have acquired over the past several years and to decorate a whole new space (oh, and I guess start a new-ish chapter with my guy) This kitchen has always been my favourite room in my apartment. I lucked out when I got this place. The kitchen is in it’s own separate room (with a door) and gets plenty of natural light, which has always been my favourite spot to take pictures when I’ve been too lazy to trek to an outdoor spot. It will be sorely missed, I can say that for certain.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend. Mine was just the right amount of busy and relaxing. I’ve got a busy week ahead of me, but in exactly one week I’ll be back in the Bruce Peninsula National Park, and I couldn’t be more excited!

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DSC_4600 Top & bra: vintage via Public Butter
Skirt: Larkspur Shoppe (will be available soon)

Belle Vie / 17

Processed with VSCOcam with m3 presetProcessed with VSCOcam with m3 presetProcessed with VSCOcam with n3 presetDSC_4410DSC_4499DSC_4538DSC_4521DSC_4536DSC_4400DSC_44911-3. Ryan and I went to his friend’s/coworker’s wedding last Friday evening. And while I didn’t know a single person there (hadn’t even met the bride and groom), it was such a beautiful night. It was held in The Distillery District, and it was evening filled with drinks (too many), tasty snacks (cheese wrapped in syrup!!!), beautiful speeches (I cried), dancing and nice conversation with new faces.
4. This has become Gus’ blanket. For some reason it pleases me so to see him curled up in a comfy spot that isn’t on my lap. I like when he shows me even a shred of independence.
5-8. On Sunday Ryan and I went back to the Distillery because he had never actually been there before the wedding, but mostly I wanted a different setting for some photos. It’s a beautiful spot in the city, and one of the very few places that has maintained it’s rich history.
9. I’ve had Gus going on 4 years now. It pains me that I never had Gertie for that amount of time. I’m so happy to still have my wee Gussy, but I miss Gertie so. I thought I would have her with me for years to come, but you just never know what life will bring you.
10. Ryan so often wants Gus to be a rough and tumble kind of dog…but look at him, just a teddy bear. I mean, don’t get me wrong, he holds his own in the dog park with those big dogs, but all he really wants in this world is a snuggle and a belly rub. And to spy on the neighbours. Nothing bothers Gus more than suspicious (allegedly) movement outside our window.

Overall Apearance

DSC_4500Sometimes the thrifting gods shine down on you and you find a piece that is in brand spanking new condition and fits you almost perfectly. That’s what this overalls/pinafore/jumper was for me. I generally thrift only for the shop, but when I find a piece that is not vintage but suits my taste, I pick it up for myself. And save for the few times it needed adjusting while out and about (pinafores tend not to stay in one place, and the skirt likes to hike up a bit – eep!), it’s one of my favourite things in my closet right now. After Gertie’s passing, I’m going to be honest, it was hard for me to care even slightly about the way I looked. I left the house very little, and when I did it was a ‘no make up, normcore’ situation. Which is fine on others, but it’s just not for me. One of the best things I could do for myself was do my usual makeup routine and wear things that made me feel good, and leave the house, even if it was for a short period of time. Clothing has a way of making you feel better, a way of making you feel like everything is normal. And during times of grieving, life can often feel like you are just passing through it, completely unmindful. But clothes can make you feel a part of it all – “I feel like shit, but gosh, you would never know, cause I’m wearing this sassy pinafore and my shoes are RED, and we are discussing the relationship between Beyonce and Jay-Z, which I normally wouldn’t care about, but it is a mindless subject” But I digress… I won’t pretend every day gets easier when you lose someone you love. Everyday is just different – some harder than others. Keeping my mind focused on my art, on the loves in my life that are still here, and on the clothes that bring a smile to my face are just a few of the ways I keep myself feeling like me.

On a separate note, Ryan and I are looking for a new place to live. My wee bachelor is just not enough space for the two of us, and it pains me to leave this place that has been my home for almost 3 years now, but this year has been about changes. I don’t know how many of my readers are Torontonians, but if you come across a cool place, let a girl know! We found a dream place, but it got snatched away from us quite quickly. So we are still on the lookout.

*photos by Ryan

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DSC_4545 Pinafore & tote: thrifted

Dress worn as shirt: H&M

Shoes: Seychelles

The Virgin Blue

img185I’m so excited to able to share the editorial that styled for ROMM magazine‘s upcoming Issue 8. All outfits I styled are either Larkspur garments or from my own personal closet – I’m sure you’ll recognize some of them!

No outfit post today, I got too exhausted last night trying to edit photos after a late night performing at an event – could not keep my eyes open. I’ll have something posted for tomorrow.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Photographer: Gerald Larocque
Model: Gwendy Darling – Peggi Lepage
Stylist: yours truly 🙂
MUA: Leesa Arsenault of Pinch Cosmetics
ROMM magazine Issue 8 – to be released soon

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