Outfit: Living In Colour

Larkspur Vintage | Outfit: Living In ColourIf I’m being honest, winter is my most dreaded season. Not because it’s really cold (I mean, I definitely don’t like that) but because the shorter days and lack of sun really do a number on my mental health (as it does for many). You guys know about my struggles with that, and you know last winter was an especially tough one for me (maybe you don’t, you can read about it here, if you want). However, I am in a very different place now – both physically and mentally – and with that comes a very strong desire to keep my spirits up when the sun is peacing on us way earlier in the day. I’ve been making a mental note of the things that make me feel good in the winter; a soak in the tub while watching a favourite show (that would be Parenthood right now), baking things I won’t eat all of, sewing (mostly in the way of repairing clothes that have holes in the armpits…how do I always do that!?), coffee in bed, reading a good book, going on a hike (albeit, dressed very warmly), laughing with good pals, putting on an adored song and dancing around my apartment (Blessings by Big Sean, im looking at you) and of course, a colourful outfit, much like the Mona dress I am wearing here. Maybe I often seem vapid because clothes are so important to me, but clothes are very much linked to the way I feel mentally. Putting in a little bit of effort actually makes me feel good inside, and that is something irreplaceable to me. Yesterday, I wasn’t feeling my best, it was dreary out and I was having a hard time willing myself to get things done, but when I put on this dress and stepped out of the house for a walk, my mood shifted and everything that was overwhelming me felt much smaller and easier to tackle. Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery and a change of clothes.

Tell me about something you do in the winter to help keep you in a light-hearted mood. I’d love to hear and maybe add some to my list ❤ 
Larkspur Vintage | Outfit: Living In ColourLarkspur Vintage | Outfit: Living In ColourLarkspur Vintage | Outfit: Living In ColourLarkspur Vintage | Outfit: Living In ColourLarkspur Vintage | Outfit: Living In ColourLarkspur Vintage | Outfit: Living In ColourLarkspur Vintage | Outfit: Living In ColourLarkspur Vintage | Outfit: Living In ColourLarkspur Vintage | Outfit: Living In ColourLarkspur Vintage | Outfit: Living In ColourDress c/o Mona
Blouse: thrifted
Coat: vintage via TVCS
Ring c/o Good After Nine
Tights: old ballet tights
Shoes: Sylvie and Shimmy

Collection / She Loves Dresses x Crowned Bird

Crowned Bird x She Loves DressesMy internet pal Jenny of She Loves Dresses and Priscilla Barroso, mastermind behind Crowned Bird, got together for a truly exciting design collaboration, which I am so excited to be able to share with you today. Putting their inspiring brains together, they brought to fruition a capsule collection of adorable vintage-inspired dresses for all us retro-loving gals. In this collection you’ll find plenty of 60s vibes, in the way of peter pan collars, pinafores and shift dresses in cheery colours and patterns, and even the most adorable novelty umbrella print. The whole collection was inspired by Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom, an excellent place to find inspiration, indeed. I’m so proud of Jenny, as I’ve watched her internet presence grow for quite some time now, so it is truly heartwarming to see good things happening to a very kind and inspiring person.

The collection will be available for pre-order here, so you can get your little mittens on one of these gems (or even a few of them) before the rest of the crowd.

Tell me your favourites in the comments below. Which ones are catching your lovely eyes?
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H.K.M. SS’15

H.K.M. Hannah Metz, what can she not do? On top of being a stylist, model, photographer and lingerie designer, she has now added women’s wear designer to that list of awesomeness. I had been anticipating the release of her first ever collection for her namesake label, H.K.M., and I can say it definitely did not disappoint. Her collection is filled with quirky eye motifs, tears and hearts adorning beautiful skirts and blouses, with it’s inspiration coming from the 12th century tragic love tale of Tristan and Iseult, which has many versions, but in this case specifically the Joseph Bedier pairing (which I know very little about, but apparently there is a love potion involved). Such an interesting place to find inspiration, but really, would you expect any less from this unique and talented woman? It may be awhile before I have any spare money to purchase something of my own from this collection, but I’ve got my eye on the Brangien’s Tears Skirt, Baron’s Eyes Blouse and Philtre Skirt.
What about you guys? What are your favourites?

Photography: Clement Pascal.
Model: Aaliyah Eitapence
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Remember Hopscotch?

Larkspur VintageThis Family Affairs dress is probably my most go-to easy-peasy dress to wear when I don’t feel like making much of an effort. It’s just one of those dresses that doesn’t need much styling because it’s pretty dead awesome on it’s own – pair it with a fun shoe, a cute hat and you’re good to go, which is exactly what I need lately. With Gus being immobile, it’s sort of consuming my life. I now feel like I have a better understanding what it’s like to look after someone impaired or ill, which is the everyday life of my older brother and parents who look after my autistic nephew Jason. I can’t even come close to comparing my dog to Jason and the things my family goes through with him, but for most of Jason’s life I have not lived in the same city so I only see small doses of my parents/brothers life with him and the things they tell me over the phone. So I get it, but I don’t get it. Going through this with Gus and seeing how all consuming it is – worrying, wanting them to get better, having to help them with everything, keeping an eye on them at all times… it’s given me a better understanding of what my family experiences – there is just not much time to think about yourself. So, thank goodness for easy dresses and thank goodness I have Ryan around so I can step out for a bit and play hopscotch like 4yr old with no cares in the world.
Larkspur VintageLarkspur VintageLarkspur VintageLarkspur VintageLarkspur VintageLarkspur VintageLarkspur VintageLarkspur VintageDress: Family Affairs
Hat: thrifted vintage
Shoes: Nosilla Vintage