Four Instagrams To Follow

February 19, 2016February 19, 20165 Comments

in need of some INSTa-ration?

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It’s probably no surprise to you that I’m a fan of instagram. It has become an integral part of what I do and probably where I receive the most traffic and communication with you lot ( ❤ ) I follow just over 1000 instagrammers (a lot, i know)…some friends, some shops that I like to keep up to date with, but mostly people that post incredibly inspiring (or really funny) content. You guys seem interested in seeing the things that inspire me and instagram is one of the main places I head to when I am feeling a lack of it. If you like this post do let me know, I’d be happy to share more with you! I follow a lot of people, so there is certainly a few posts I could put together.

@HELLOEMILIE

Emilie is by no means an unrecognized instagrammer (and by no means needs this exposure); at almost a half-mill followers, it’s unlikely you haven’t seen her work (a faceless gal, pretty well always seen from behind, usually wearing a hat…ring any bells?) and with reason – she is one of a kind. For awhile I followed many travel/outdoor instagrams – my heart really does lie with the outdoors – however, I grew tired pretty quick; nature is beautiful, but it can get repetitive when you are seeing the same (albeit beautiful) landscapes and images over and over, with no true defining quality. Emilie is one of the few I continued to follow, though, and you can probably see why, there is something special about each moment and scene she captures; unlike anything I have seen. And! if you are someone who cares about a perfectly curated feed (which I sometimes do), hers is pretty unbelievable.

@BRITTANY__MARKERT

Brittany is an absolutely fascinating woman and one of my all-time favorite photographers. She isn’t your typical instagrammer, because she isn’t one really; she doesn’t seem to concern herself with popular instagram culture. To me, she is simply a photographer/model/actress/artist who uses insta as a means to share her art…but she has one of my favourite feeds to look at. Her work is raw, sexually provocative and at times eerily uncomfortable, and I. Love. It. She is unapologetic, honest and real in a way many people are ashamed or afraid to be. Gah! And can we talk about how stunning she is? A mesmerizing beauty if there ever was one. I could gush over her forever.

@KITSUNEKUN

Kathryn and I have chatted many a time through the interwebs, but I believe, despite any friendship/acquanticeship (i dont know) I may have with her, her instagram should have wayyyy more followers. This girl takes fucking beautiful pictures, in truly enchanting places. She lives in Tokyo (cool, right?) and I love how informed she is and how much she shares about Japanese history, culture and traditions. I happened upon Kathryn long ago through her fashion blog, so it goes without saying I love the way she dresses, it’s what initially drew me to her, but what kept me coming back was her photographs, featuring beautiful clothing. She exacts one of the very things that makes me fall hard for a blogger/instagrammer, beautiful images with a feeling. There is nothing I love more than a stylish lady in breathtaking, natural settings, and that’s exactly what Kathryn’s feed (and tumblr) is. (also Japanese snacks! YUM!).

@KALANOEL

Another instagrammer I think is totally underrated! I mean, just over 4500 followers is not nothing, but she has one of those feeds that I look at and think “how come you don’t have more followers?!” I started reading Kala Noel’s blog a few years back (now defunct), and then found her on instagram more recently and instantly remembered her beautiful face. I was also delightfully surprised at how fascinating she is she, way more than her blog ever lead on (to be fair, I think I started reading her blog when she was barely doing it anymore). She is an incredibly talented artist, which I wasn’t aware of before, and I love so much of the art she creates. Anyways! If you like eye catching and clever imagery, cute girls in cute clothes, nature and endearing oddball-ness, you’ll love her feed as much as I do.

Outfit: Eye of The Beholder

February 16, 20168 Comments

SOME THOUGHTS TODAY…

Having a photographer boyfriend (who doesn’t take my pics, btw…I feel quite strongly about doing everything myself), I’ve become much more aware of the images I am shooting, how I am editing them and what ones I share. I am so far from being a skillful photographer and editor – I’m constantly working at that, trying to improve it, trying to give an honest depiction of myself and what I’m wearing, while also creating a striking image with bright, vibrant colours. It’s hard, to say the least. I have taught myself everything, all on my own up until this point. But now I have someone who can give me feedback and explain why something works and why it doesn’t, how to create the best possible image…if you are looking for a technically perfect image, that is. This is where I find photography to be so subjective. Because what I may think is a beautiful image may look absolutely flawed to someone else’s eye. Does a technically perfect image make the best picture? And if not, what does make the best picture? Do we feel cheated when an image is clearly over-saturated and over-exposed? Do we think the blogger is being dishonest and trying to deceive us? Or are they just working with what skill they have and what they think makes a good image? It’s hard to say. I like pictures that create a feeling more than something that looks absolutely perfect (if I’m being honest, I don’t know what is perfect in photography). But, I can absolutely feel moved by both. Anyways, I don’t have answers for any of these questions. As in all art (and beauty), it’s in the eye of the beholder, I believe. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a talented person at my disposal; I see myself improving day by day, gaining knowledge, while also becoming aware of what I think makes a good image. It’s important to always maintain your voice, even if others tend to disagree with it, but being open to change and growth is never a bad thing.

– WHAT I WORE –
Blouse, Cardigan, Coat, Shoes: thrifted | Skirt & Hat: Common Sort | Tights & Gloves: H&M | Bow tie: handmade
Larkspur Vintage | Outfit: Eye of The Beholder

Outfit: Baby It’s Cold Outside

February 9, 2016February 9, 20164 Comments

BRRR!

I really wish I could have showcased this outfit better, but I think it was mean’t for a warmer day. I had planned to take off the coat for a few shots so you could actually see this vintage-inspired dress and get some detail shots of the vintage scarf, but the strong and bloody cold winds suggested maybe that wasn’t a wise idea. Whenever it seems like the weather is against me getting the photos I want it’s pretty frustrating, I have to say. I’m not one to admit defeat easily, but when your hands are so cold you can’t seem to adjust camera settings anymore, it’s probably time to call it quits. It’s not that I didn’t get enough photos, I clearly did, but they didn’t turn out the way I had envisioned – it’s damn near impossible to exact an image when your hands are telling you to just stop. Ah well, there are probably (definitely) worse things in life. However, before my hands did freeze, I snapchatted some of my shooting process (and potty mouth)…so this is my ~~seamless~~ way of plugging my snapchat (pushyspence) so ya’ll can follow along!

– WHAT I WORE –
Dress c/o Unique Vintage | Coat, Scarf, Tam: vintage | Shoes: Seychelles | Tights: UO
Larkspur Vintage | Outfit: Baby It's Cold Outside

Collection: Valentino Pre-Fall 2016

February 5, 20164 Comments

COLOUR ME RAD!

Valentino never disappoints me. Yes, it’s always a bit over-top, but that’s exactly what I love about this label. Nothing about Valentino is quiet or reserved. Valentino is not for the faint of heart or the modest, and this particular collection is no exception. It’s in your face and literally spans worlds. Do you notice the mix of Americana and Japanese themes? I did, although it took me a minute. It was confusing at first, in the way that two things so very different could be united and you never considered it before. It’s easy to dislike it at first, only because it’s so unfamiliar, but once you are over that initial moment of floundering feelings, finally, there is clarity – it’s fucking awesome.

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How do you guys feel about this collection? Initial reactions? Love? Hate?

Outfit: Wearing The Pants

February 2, 20161 Comment

Larkspur Vintage | Outfit: Wearing The Pants Over the weekend I went through my closet, sorted and photographed the clothes I am willing to part ways with and list on my instagram shop, finally. To be honest, it was way easier than I thought it would be. There were a bunch of pieces I didn’t even think twice about, mostly because they hadn’t been worn in what felt like years or only once to twice ever – it was pretty clear they needed to go. However, it also made me face some clothes that had just been sitting around, unworn and ignored, but still felt relevant to my personal style right now, like these trousers. I own 3 pairs of similar trousers – these taupe guys (also, holy crap, AA still sells these exact ones! I am shocked. I got them like 6 yrs ago), a dark grey pair and dark green. I go through phases with trousers, which is why all 3 pairs have stayed with me for many years. Sometimes I will love trousers and the way they look on me, and other times I cannot stand them and feel very frumpy…the former, obviously, keeps me from getting rid of them. I’ve been going through my love phase, but had only been wearing my grey pair up until this weekend. Having too many clothes, you often forget what you have and under-appreciate a lot, doing this sorting forced me to look at everything and decide to actually wear it or send it packing…so that’s what I’m doing with these trousers…actually wearing them.