It’s the house telling you to close your eyes

August 26, 2013November 11, 2014Leave a comment

It wasn’t until I started this blog that I really felt interested in photography again. It was always something someone else did, and I thought it was fascinating, but I didn’t feel I had a place in that world. I have always felt more comfortable in front of the lens. I took a course in high school, but I really wasn’t that great. Mostly because school always bored me, and there were many constraints. I mean, this is high school, there isn’t a lot of room for artistic freedom and personal growth. After that, I kind of put away my SLR and told myself, well this is not your strong suit.

The internet is full of inspiring people. This blog has opened up another side of my creativity, next to dancing, that I wouldn’t have tapped into otherwise. Because, at the end of the day, I love having a place to share.

Matt bought me a Pentax K1000 for my birthday. I had been dying for a great SLR camera. So I did my research, and found most people raved about this one. I did a lot reading up and re-teaching myself, and then passed on that knowledge to Matt so we could shoot some images together. This here, is the first roll of film. Quite a number didn’t turn out, either because I was making a horrendous facial expression, or we didn’t quite get a harmonious aperture/shutter combo. But this is quite all right, it’s a learning experience, and one I am excited to further dive into.

First oufit
1960’s nightgown: Larkspur sleepwear

Second look
1920’s silk camisole: Lawrence
House coat: thrifted vintage
1960’s high waisted undies: Skomoroki

I’m off the Ithaca, NY tomorrow to do some camping in the Finger Lakes with Matt. The blog will be a little quiet for the week because of this. Larkspur is still having a 30% off sale until Aug. 31st. Anything purchased between today and Aug. 30th will be shipped the following Monday. Have a lovely week all!

New at Larkspur

August 22, 2013November 11, 2014Leave a comment

1. 1960’s Style Pastel Plaid High Waisted Pencil Skirt (S)

Just a small update today! I listed what’s leftover of the Summer-ish items before I start stocking some Fall goodness! Come by the shop and grab em up! Dont forget, you still have about 1 week to get 30% off all items in the shop with coupon code OYVEYSOLEIL. Have a lovely weekend all!

2. 1960’s Coral High Waisted Skirt (S)

3. 1970’s Edwardian Style White Lacey Puff Sleeve Dress (M/L)

4. 1990’s Candy Striper Bustier (M)

But he’s a ranga sir!

August 19, 2013November 11, 201411 Comments

Growing up, I hated my red hair. It didn’t go with my vision of who I thought I was. Like c’mon, a goth girl cannot have natural red hair?! It’s just not interesting and weird enough, you know. I’ve had fire engine red hair, black hair, green hair, blonde hair and white hair throughout my teens. I thought those colours were far more interesting than what I was birthed with. But when I got older, and really looked at the reasons why I absolutely refused to keep my natural hair colour (sorry mom and dad), it was rooted somewhere in bullying. Children just do not appreciate a ginger headed gal (or guy). They are different, and children love to prey on different. At least, that was the experience I had. I guess subconsciously, I decided to hate the very thing about me that did make me somewhat different (physically), which throughout my teens, was all I wanted to be. How is that for irony?

I grew to appreciate the rarity of red hair, and I dont think I could take a bottle of liquid chemicals to my head again (sometimes I do miss blonde hair though). It’s nice to grow older, and just accept yourself wholly, and laugh at the moments when young idiotic boys would ask: “Do the curtains match the rug?” Sure do kid, sure do.

Dress & Vest: vintage from SugarSlax
Bow tie: Made by TLO
Nail polish: Fifth Avenue by Essie

*Don’t forget I’m having a 30% off sale at Larkspur until Aug. 31st! Enter coupon code OYVEYSOLEIL upon checkout to save some moneys!

Yorkville

August 13, 2013November 11, 20141 Comment

There are parts of Toronto that I tend to steer clear of, Yorkville, being one of them. Although I’d say I know my fair share about high end couture and fashion, I just don’t look the “Yorkville part”, and believe you me, the boutiques in this area will treat you differently. A sort of Pretty Woman situation, if you will. Being followed in a store as if you are some common thief is just not my cup of tea (is it anyone’s?). Alas, Matt needed some things, so we headed to the area this past weekend.

It’s strange to think that back in the 1960’s, Yorkville was flourishing with bohemian culture, and was a breeding ground for the Canadian hippie movement. It was bustling with folk singers who would flock to the scene – Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Gordon Lightfoot, to name a few. This is the Yorkville I would have liked. No pretension, just peace, man.

ahh, noticing there is food in your teeth…

Blouse: thrifted
Skirt: thrifted
Sandals: Bass
Tote: Parkdale Flea

Grotto and Greig’s

August 12, 2013November 11, 2014Leave a comment

If you know Bruce Peninsula, then you likely know of The Grotto. It is one of the more popular attractions, and with very good reason. It was quite breath taking (minus, oh my god, black fleas eating my whole body!). It was about a 30 minute hike from our camp site, and a very nerve racking scaling down some rocky walls to get to the heart of it. It is not very reassuring when you enter the area and see a big sign that reads “People have died here.” But clearly, that did not stop us, and we lived to tell the tale! The wonderful thing about many of the sites we explored in the Bruce was that they were in their natural state, but that also mean’t you were putting yourself at risk in some way. The same went for the Greig’s Caves we hiked in. Signs everywhere reminding us “Explore at own risk”, and signing a waiver before beginning our hike, saying they are not responsible for injury, death etc. – okay cool, hopefully see you in an hour? The caves were amazing though!!! And worth the danger. It was one of the more intense hikes I’ve ever been on, but incredibly scenic. The view from on top of the caves was insanely beautiful!

Matt was brave enough to jump into the freezing cold water of the Grotto (he has a thing about swimming in every body of water). I however, just watched and told him he was crazy, and then I flailed about to stop the black fleas from swarming me, so I guess I looked crazy.

This is the last little bit of my digital photos from Bruce Peninsula. I have a bunch of film to be developed, so I’m sure the Bruce will make some sort of appearance again.

flash does no favours for the pale skinned folk.