Dream baby got me dreaming sweet dreams

September 23, 2013November 11, 20141 Comment

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I have a thing for vintage nightgowns, house coats…anything sleep oriented really, I just cannot get enough of it. I own waaaaay too many nightgowns and house coats, like an unnecessary amount. If I’m thrifting for the shop (which happens often), and I see a vintage nightgown, there is no hesitation in throwing it into the cart, and continuing on without batting an eyelash. It’s all in the details for me. There is something about nightgowns that you just can’t find in a dress – the adorable collars, lace detailing, fabric covered buttons, bell sleeves, ribbon ties (generally one, if not all, can be found on a vintage nightgown). There is an ethereal quality to them that just makes me feel my best.

It’s not a new idea to throw a skirt over a dress, and call it a blouse. I am not the pioneer of this idea. But it only occurred to me recently that if I couldn’t wear a nightgown outside on it’s own, I could throw a skirt over it, and the end result being a sweet little blouse (and no one has any idea that I rolled out of bed, and just put a skirt on top of what I was already wearing). C’est magnifique.

I would also like to mention finding this fascinator was a very pleasant surprise. It has the most amazing crochet flowers with three tiny rhinestones on the top layer. It came from this awesome vintage/antique store in Ithaca (the name fails me now, unfortunately). The shop owner was so sweet, and had a keen eye for such delicate and unique pieces. I struggled for a bit between this fascinator and some kewpie dolls with handmade clothing. Gah! I (obviously) ended up choosing the former, but it was a difficult decision, believe you me.

And my Seychelles! I cannot take my feet out of them. I have this obsession with finding the perfect Mary Janes, but to no avail. When I saw these lil’ guys they were so darn close to what I was looking for, I just decided to buy them. My search for the perfect Mary Janes is still not over, but these will certainly do for now.

Blouse: vintage nightgown worn as blouse
Skirt: in the shop!
Shoes: Seychelles
Fascinator: vintage

Fall is here at Larkspur

September 19, 2013November 11, 20142 Comments

1….1980’s High Waisted Wool Floral Tapestry Skirt (S)

I updated the shop with some warm fall goodies today. The two wool skirts are such gems, it was a bit hard for me to decide to part ways with them. However, I own a few too many patterned skirts and thought I would just share the patterned skirt wealth. Pop by the shop and take a gander at what is new (and old).

2….1950’s Sheer Cream Embroidered Peter Pan Collar Blouse (XXS/XS)

3….1960’s White Knit Fringe Cape (Fits All)

4….1940’s Rose Peter Pan Collar Embroidered Waist Tie Dress (S/M)

5….1970’s Wool Tartan Full Midi Skirt (S/M)

No Dumping

September 17, 2013November 11, 20144 Comments

Well, I think it’s safe to say Fall is officially here. I pulled out my Fall coat from the depths of my closet this morning, and was so glad to have it wrapped around my body, as there was a distinct chill in the air that even a wooley sweater couldn’t thwart. It’s a bit disappointing really, this Summer felt like it didn’t exist. Winter lasted so long here in Toronto, and Summer was so mild, and so pleasant (and so short), I wasn’t ready for the crisper weather just yet. But alas, I have no say in weather conditions. However, there is something so lovely about bundling up in my warm apartment, with a cup of chocolatey chai tea (and a splash of almond milk), reading a good book, or watching a silly tv show. Winter does have it’s positives, but they mostly exist indoors, under warm blankets, and my ridiculous pup clothed in a mouse outfit because the cold weather is not kind to his skin.

This is a bit of a (huge) photo dump. Mostly film pictures I recently got developed from the Summer that didn’t really find a place in any posts, but I still felt I wanted to share. Some are taken by Meaghan, and I have listed those at the bottom of the post.

*The ones taken during our lookbook shoot with Kira are taken by Meaghan, as well as the one with the camera in front of me face and the back of Kira and my head! Thanks Meaghan!!

Farm Sanctuary

September 16, 2013November 11, 2014Leave a comment

The highlight of my summer was being able to visit and take a tour of Farm Sanctuary. It wasn’t even really a planned event. Matt had booked our second camping trip in Watkins Glen, NY, and was browsing stuff to do there, and Farm Sanctuary came up. He mentioned it to me as something I’d maybe like to do since I love the fur/feather babies (not knowing I already knew much about this place). I was immediately bright eyed, and said “I KNOW FARM SANCTUARY!”

Farm Sanctuary was founded in 1986 to combat the abuses of factory farming, and to raise awareness and understanding about farm animals. They have three farms in the USA – Watkins Glen NY, Orland CA and Los Angeles CA. I’m telling you guys, this place is magical and beautiful in every way. I am a vegetarian solely for ethical reasons (the positive health benefits are just an added bonus really), so these issues are close to my heart. But I think even if you’re a meat-eater, you couldn’t help but feel the importance this place brings to the fight against animal abuse.

During our tour of the farm our guide told us stories about some of the animals that live on the farm now. I’ll avoid describing the horrifying, disgusting treatment and living conditions these animals were subject to. The stories were of no surprise to me. I know these stories. But to be able to see these animals thriving today, living without being used (and abused), is so heartwarming. I’m all smiles knowing there are places in the world that make a true difference.

newbies to the farm…mama cow who saved herself and her wee calf from a factory farm.

just doing some back scratches

he likes when you feed him apples from the apple tree

thinks he owns the farm

can now comfortably eat even though she was debeaked.

that little guy in the back had the craziest little white afro.

turkeys want the most attention

Hilda, a sheep, was the first animal saved by Farm Sanctuary

Blouse: borrowed from Meg
Shorts: vintage via Public Butter
Belt: thrifted
Socks: UO
Shoes: thrifted
Tote: Larkspur
Sunglasses: Philistine

*Side note – my outfit is nothing to write home about…but I figured if I was going to be tromping through potential poo filled fields of grass, I’d rather not wear Sunday’s best. I would also like to apologize for my lack outfit-based posts recently. I’ve been adventuring so much this summer, I’ve wanted to share more of my travels than the outfits I wear on a usual day (camping outfits are really just not exciting). I’m also trying to find my footing in the personal-style blogging world, and figuring out how I like to present the clothing I wear and love dearly. When Meg and I started out, we were doing just straight up shots, and it was all about the clothes. As my interest in photography grows, I would like to find a harmonious marriage between the clothing I wear, and the photographs I (or Matt) take.

Samantha Pleet SS14 – Arcadia

September 12, 2013November 11, 2014Leave a comment

I had been anticipating Samantha Pleet SS14 collection entitled Arcadia for quite some time now. I truly mean this! (Instagram can be a curse when it reveals such exciting happenings and then you must play the waiting game). She may be my favorite designer out there at the moment, for reasons that go beyond aesthetic appeal. She is a true artist in all that she does. Her collections consistently transcend time and place (and trend). She is unequivocally her own, and there is nothing I love more.

The short film “Arcadia” and this season’s collection was inspired by the journals of Charles Darwin during his journeys to Tiera Del Fuego, and imagery from Gauguin and Rousseau. The film follows a heroine explorer who happens upon a mythical island-paradise and comes to find her own freedom through the island’s inhabitants – embodying liberation, sensual pleasure, nature and the feminine divine (sign me up!). This season she is back with her signature hand drawn prints and silhouettes that would make any gal look ravishing. And in my case, possibly put my bank account in the negatives just to acquire one piece. You can feel the care and thought she puts into each and every piece, and I just don’t think you can find better garments when love is involved in the process.

Photography: Jacqueline DiMilia
Styling: Turner
Models: Emily Theobold and Tara Violet Niami
Hair: Travis Speck
Make-up: Daniel Alvarez
Shoes: Wolverine 1000 miles x Samantha Pleet
Headpieces: in collaboration with Hannah Metz
Set Design: Patrick Pleet

*film credits at the bottom of post

Film credits —
Director: Maximilla Lukacs & Sarah Sophie Flicker
Producer: Samantha and Patrick Pleet
Director of Photography: Ashley Connor
Narration: Tennesee Thomas
Cast: Emily Theobold, Carlen Altman, Andrea Estella,
Hannah Metz, Sarah Sophie Flicker, Landon Metz and Arrow
Stylist: Hannah Metz
Hair: Travis Speck
Make-up: James Boehmer
Original Score: Sky Country
Additional Score: NUG
Clothes: Samantha Pleet Spring/Summer 2014 collection
Shoes: Wolverine 1000 Mile by Samantha Pleet
Headpieces: in collaboration with Hannah Metz
Set Designer: Chelsea Maruskin
Assistant Set Designer: Keren Weiss
1st A.D.: Lucy Munger
Production Assistants – Amber Day and Lauren McFadzean