By now I know my camera pretty well and the ideal times of day to use it, but sometimes I enjoy playing around with settings, especially when I decide to shoot right smack dab in the middle of the day, in front of water reflecting so much light it becomes so backlit you just look like a black silhouette. Such was the case this day, so I had to adjust my settings quite a bit which resulted in grainy photos. But, I kind of like it. They have a very nostalgic quality to them that only analog cameras seem to capture. A fitting vibe for an outfit I feel like would be worn by an old timey gondolier in Venice…although I guess I don’t have the stripes to make it a true rendition, but the colour combination, plus the boater hat are quite reminiscent of the whole look and that’s the whole fun of getting dressed anyways- it is what you make of it, which I guess is true for photography as well…you find inspiration, take what you are given and make it your own.
Blouse: boutique in MTL (can’t remember the name…sorry!)
Skirt, hat, shoes: thrifted vintage
Tag: Larkspur Vintage
Paint Nite
Last week myself and 3 friends were invited to attend Paint Nite, a nightly 2 hour (roughly) event that blends artistic painting and drinking cocktails (or whatever you want) at local bistros in Toronto and the GTA. It’s lead by a performing artist who guides everyone in the class step by step through blank canvas to “masterpiece”. I must admit, when I first got the invite I wasn’t so sure about it. I mean, I cannot paint, or at least I thought I could not. But Paint Nite specifically boasts that you need no skill whatsoever, which left me feeling a little more reassured. When we got to the class we were seated together, each with a blank canvas in front of us, oil paints in blue, red, yellow, black and white, two paint brushes and an apron. The painting we were to paint that evening was “white tulips”, which I knew ahead of time because you can choose which event you attend based on the painting, day or location you prefer. The thing that is really nice about this event is that you have total creative freedom – you can follow the teacher’s instructions as much or as little as you like. I mostly followed every instruction given, just mixing colours how I preferred, but Ryan painted something totally from his own imagination, so that gives you a good idea of how much freedom and choice you have.
I came away from the evening feeling pretty proud. I don’t think I had picked up a paint brush since I was a child, let alone actually paint something I felt was pretty decent looking. I’ve always felt like a creative person – I dance and choreograph pieces, I write and I’m clearly into photography, but I have always shied away from arts like drawing and painting; it often feels like a skill set I just don’t have. But this sort of showed me that if given some direction, it is likely something I could learn to be decent at. I doubt I’ll ever become a painter, but this opportunity has made me interested in trying some other art forms…I’ve now done pottery and painting…I wonder what’s next?!
If you are interested in giving Paint Nite a go (and I really think you should) I am offering 35% off with the code INSTA. You can book online here.
*I was given 4 complimentary tickets to Paint Nite in exchange for social media posts, but all thoughts and opinions are my own, obvs
Sound and Vision
I own a lot of dresses that are quite special to me. Most of them are vintage (which I’m sure is easy to figure out why a vintage dress would be special) but a few of them are new. Within that lot are two dresses from Family Affairs, one of which – the Sound and Vision dress – I recently received and quickly knew would be just as well loved as my previous dress from them. Family Affairs has been one of my favourite independent labels for years now, before I even started this blog. There is something special to be found in every piece designed by Nina. Whether that be an adorable illustrated print, a forward thinking cut, subtle yet smart detailing, there is no piece you will receive that won’t feel wholly unique.
Every summer Nina and the Family Affairs gang hold the Midsummer Dream Treats sale, an annual sale where each day they offer a surprise style at a reduced price. Starting today until July 29th you will find something awesome at a low cost so you can get your little mitts on them without making your pockets cry (can pockets cry?!). I’m happy to kick off the sale with the Sound and Vision dress, which is now 40% off it’s current reduced price. To receive your discount enter the code midsummerdreamtreat1 at checkout. Be sure to keep a look out on Family Affairs insta, FB and Twitter so you can stay up to date on the daily sales presented by some pretty stellar people.
Dress c/o Family Affairs
Clutch: Aldo
Shoes: Seychelles
Headband: F21
*photos by Ryan
Birthday Surprises!
Yesterday I turned 27. It is strange to think I am now in my late 20s, and only 3 years away from 30. Does anyone else ever feel like they are perpetually 19 years old? I probably look it, at the very least.
On Friday evening I was surprised by Meaghan with a picnic in the park, filled with the sweetest pals, stringed balloons and tiki lanterns, the most amazing spread of food, candles, music, a floral birthday crrown and the best of all, Kristen. I had no idea Kristen would be coming down for my birthday, so of course I cried and basically pummelled her over with my hug. It was such a wonderful surprise, and nice to be on the receiving end this time (a couple years ago I surprised Kristen for her birthday). My friends are truly wonderful people and I’m pretty lucky to have them. A birthday that will not be soon forgotten ❤
Beauty / Think Pink
This was originally going to be a tutorial for the makeup I’m wearing, but the weather was so shit (i use natural light…another reminder that I desperately need a lighting kit), it was just not bright enough out to get clear, good quality photos. So, I just went with it, as you do when things don’t go as planned.
Pink is my favourite color (I’m sure you guessed that already), so it only felt natural to create a totally pink look to go with this new dress I received from Family Affairs (don’t worry, you’ll get a full outfit post of this gem soon). I covered my lids in a pretty shimmery pink and white shadow, did away with my normal cat liner for something more subtle, used a rosey blusher on my cheeks, gave my lips a nice pop of peach, and swiped some pink and mint on my nails for added cheery effect.
It only makes sense when creating a sweetly feminine (I use that term loosely, because what does feminine really look like anyway?) look, that I’d pair all pink with my rag curls (tutorial here) tied into a high ponytail and topped off with a matching hair bow. A fun look that I’m considering wearing for my birthday this weekend ❤
*Dress c/o Family Affairs; Bow vintage via Victory Mills
okay andie 