Big Gulp

May 26, 2014November 11, 2014Leave a comment

So I have been quite ill for 2 weeks without really knowing it for the first week when I started to feel a tremendous amount of pain in my side. And while I feel very lucky to live in a country with free healthcare and receive benefits from my day job that help pay for medications etc, it sometimes makes me skeptical about our healthcare system and the way walk-in clinic doctors treat patients. I’m sure things would have been different had I my own doctor, but I’m sometimes bad at being an adult and never got around to doing that. However, this situation has made me realize the importance of finding my own doctor, as well as really taking care of myself. I like to think of most tough situations in life as a sign, or lesson in something I should consider more often. In this case, I’m working hard at not pushing myself too hard, not stressing myself out so much, and just leading a more relaxed, healthy lifestyle so all other things fall into place. I’m not sure who decided we had to rush through life each and every day, but I am and have been guilty of this for years. Our frame of mind effects more than just our moods, in this specific case, I think my frame of mind was the very reason I became ill. But, despite all this, and once a very kind and wonderful person helped me get the medication and treatment I needed, things started to feel much better, both mentally and physically. Ryan and I spent most of yesterday outside at Trinity Bellwoods Park, drinking Big Gulp (mine was actually just Dr. Pepper), taking pictures, chatting and wearing some new favorite pieces that make me feel perfectly 60s/70s flower power/go-go dancing/school girl/obnoxiously bright vibes. Thing are on the up, for sure, and I’m lucky to have such a handsome dude that makes me smile even when I’d rather be crying from pain.

*photos by Ryan

Blouse & skirt: Common Sort
Sunglasses: UO
Socks: H&M
Shoes: thrifted vintage
Big Gulp: 7/11

Into It, Intimates / Miss Crofton

May 23, 2014November 11, 2014Leave a comment

I’m always on the lookout for vintage-inspired intimates, and bookmarking garments I know I would like to own once I feel like I have the extra money to spend on pieces that are a little more expensive than your average big store brands/companies. The smaller brands feel like they keep the customer in mind and create pieces that are special and for all types of women, either for everyday use, or that special occasion, and Miss Crofton does just that. “Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, from playful seaside imagery and vintage florals, to the 1950’s silhouette. The high quality pieces are entirely hand made and are either part of a limited edition run, or a one off design.” I found Miss Crofton through instagram (thnx insta) and immediately went to the website to see what they are all about. I knew right away it would be a brand I’d like and keep in mind. While we generally have our bras and panties hidden from the world, it’s nice to have something special that is just for you and makes you feel like shaking your lil butt (or full butt, for you lucky curvy women). Each of these pieces has a fun summery feel, and I’m especially enamoured with the “Lovely Lace” white lace set with the high waisted knickers (obviously). Pop by their online shop today, I promise you and your lady bits will not be disappointed.

*since I love lingerie/intimates so much, I’m going to be starting a new weekly series sharing the different brands I have come across. I hope you like it!

Belle Vie / 08

May 21, 2014November 11, 2014Leave a comment

1. I really cherish the moments when I take my outfit photos myself. When I started the blog it was usually me and someone taking my picture, and while that was much easier and generally a faster process, I’ve come to really enjoy the quiet time and moving at my own pace to create photos I like. Sometimes Matt and I would butt heads when I had an idea and it wasn’t coming out the way I wanted – I’m sort of a control freak in that sense.
2. Kiana getting her makeup done by Leesa for an editorial I styled and also modelled in this past weekend. Leesa made everyone look so beautiful, I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this woman and her talents.
3. Tara with sprinkles on her tongue in another outfit I styled – so excited to see the final images of this one.
4. Quinn is such a beauty. I had seen her face before and did not even realize at the time. Remember Danielle who I worked with on a shoot a few weekends ago? Well the following day she was taking shots of this beauty for another mag and I saw a couple behind the scenes on her instagram. Strange how life works sometimes.
5. I think kids have the right idea – even the smallest, simplest of things bring them joy.
6. Our fearless photographer, Gerald (and his girlfriend Annya). We met through instagram, and he had expressed interest in working with me. I’m so glad he did. Working with him and modelling for him was a true pleasure. He has such a vision and does not let any detail go unnoticed. I have such a respect for him and what he does.
7. When I first saw Kiana my jaw just dropped (not literally, that would have been awkward) She is such a stunning girl. We got to shoot a few fun shots together which I think I’m most excited about.
8. Ryan with our favourite pizza from Libretto that we took to the park to eat and just relax after a long day.
9. A little ducky friend.

A clothes mind

May 20, 2014November 11, 20143 Comments

I had quite a busy day yesterday. I was styling and modelling for an editorial (i’ll tell you more about that later) which kept me from updating the blog yesterday with my usual outfit post, but here I am today, so all is well. The weekend was busy and lovely and lazy all at once, which is just the way I like it. I took these images on a day that was confusing as ever – the weather could not decide what it wanted to be. One minute it was sunny, the next sprinkling light rain showers, back to sunny, and then eventually became a downpour and I had to cut my shoot short. However, it made for interesting lighting and clouds, so I’m okay with it. I kept my outfit simple this day. Sometimes it’s nice to just throw on a dress and go. I’ve had this one for ages, and what I love most about it is the shift shape, 3/4 length sleeves and high collar so I can wear collared shirts underneath. It almost seems like a new dress every time I wear a different collar with it, and makes me feel very 60s, which is probably my favourite era, next to Edwardian, of course.

I feel I have not written anything of much significance lately. I sometimes hate just talking about clothes and why I love them so much. It makes me feel a bit shallow and vapid, which I know is not the case…you can love clothes dearly and want to talk about that love on a regular basis, while also being an intelligent person. And truthfully, clothing and dressing myself does feel like art to me, which is the very reason I love it so much. But I think sometimes discussing why an article of clothing is good just takes away from it and dumbs it down to nothing. What clothes are to you is what you do with them – how it creates you, and makes you feel. I’d much rather have my clothing and style speak for itself than to explain in the simplest terms why I like something. But to each their own. I’m always happy to read blogs that do just that. It’s just a personal thing really. I guess It’s my introverted, introspective side that never really wants to speak or write unless I have something meaningful to say. I’m not saying i’ll never discuss the clothes I wear in this space. I’ll always give you a little bit of both. My thoughts and my style are obviously huge parts of me that go hand in hand, and I love to share those parts of me in whatever way I can.

I hope everyone who had a long weekend enjoyed it thoroughly. I’m sick in bed today in a tremendous amount of pain, but hopefully will be back to the grind tomorrow.

Dress & socks: H&M
Button up: thrifted vintage
Shoes: Seychelles

Belle Vie / 07

May 14, 2014November 11, 2014Leave a comment

1. Life is a bit strange. I met Sergio years ago, probably when I was 18. He was a friend of my then boyfriend, but I’m not sure that he even remembers me back then. Those were some crazy times so I don’t expect much memory of fleeting run-ins. He’s been dating my best friend Kristen for several years now, and although I don’t see him often (they both live in mtl), he is a person I hold dear to my heart. Despite his rough exterior and potty mouth he is such a generous and kind-hearted person.
2. Ryan has this thing about drinks. He loves them. Whenever we grocery shop his drink selection always outweighs any actual food in his basket, and I have to remind him we need food. I never even consider buying drinks at the grocery store – I’m sort of a water only type girl when at home (well coffee and tea as well) But he got me thinking about tasty liquid treats, so this rose lemonade seemed perfect to me.
3. Kristen and Taylor. Oh Kristen! I’m not sure what to even say about this girl. I love her ALOT! She lives too far from me, and I miss her all the time. If ever there was a soul mate for me, she would be it. And Taylor, I featured this gal on this space before. Remember? (although now she is Taylor Giorgi) I have known her for a long while, and it’s been so beautiful to see herself and her life grow in such a positive and exciting way.
4. Just a cool old light fixture and some neat wallpaper at Ronnie’s.
5. Choo-choo!
6. I remember seeing Renata for the first time and thinking she was one of the most beautiful women around. To top it off she’s got a wicked personality – a deadly combo.
7. Since always the sound of an acoustic guitar has done things to my brain. It’s my most favourite instrument to dance and choreograph to (next to a banjo), so it’s quite soothing to my brain when I can go about my business at home and have this handsome fellow strumming away.