Modelling for Birds of North America SS ’16

February 17, 2016February 18, 20163 Comments

ROMPERS AND CO-ORDS AND SUNSHINE, OH MY!

A few months ago – well before being bare-legged and coat-less would be deemed insane – Arden, Amber and myself (ha! triple A) got together to shoot some pieces from Birds Of North America SS ’16 collection for Victoire’s web store. This was the first time being in front of Arden’s lens, and it was every bit as wonderful as I thought it would be. There are some photographers I just feel instantly comfortable with from the get-go, and Arden is one of them. As for Birds, well I’ve been following Hayley’s label for awhile now, and I think this is my favourite collection yet. I’ve made it no secret that co-ords are what I would love to be wearing come warm weather, and this collection is full of those and so much more. So! Come on Spring! Get here already!

Photography: Arden Wray | Styling & Modelling: Alex Spence | Clothing: Birds of North America
Larkspur Vintage for Birds of North America SS '16

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

Collection: Samantha Pleet S/S 2016

February 12, 2016February 12, 20165 Comments

YES, PLEET.

I’ve been following Samantha’s collections for what feels like years and years now, and it’s been so interesting to watch her label change and grow, while still maintaining many of it’s defining design elements – it’s surprising, while also being kind of reassuring. Samantha Pleet has always been for the dreamer, and in my opinion, the unapologetic weirdo, so to speak; a label I feel connected to in many ways. This collection features pockets disguised as windows, shift dresses, co-ords, 70s collars, wide legged pants and of course, a Pleet collection would not be complete without an illustrated print featuring the collection’s themes.

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Are you fans of Samantha Pleet as well? How do you feel about this collection? It’s a bit different than past seasons – more masculine.
Collection: Samantha Pleet S/S 2016 samanthaCollection: Samantha Pleet S/S 2016 samantha_pleet_ss16_80_1024x1024 samantha_pleet_ss16_75_1024x1024 samantha_pleet_ss16_70_1024x1024 samantha_pleet_ss16_69_1024x1024 samantha_pleet_ss16_68_1024x1024 Photography: Amber Mahoney | Model: Sara Hiromi | Styling: Samantha Pleet | Styling Assistant: Tyler Mcgillivary | MUA: Katie Mellinger | Hair: Andrita Renee | Set Design: Patrick Pleet

Beauty: The Power of a Bold Lip

February 10, 20163 Comments

THAT’S IT, THAT’S ALL.

Ah! A bold red lip. We all know by now that is my go to lip colour. So, what if that was it? What if a red lip was all we needed to create a striking look? But, I’m looking at this from the perspective of a very pale, white-skinned female where punchy reds are generally striking against such a skin tone, I hear you cry. Yes, but I think this look would be just as breathtaking with a darker lip, something in a berry shade, perhaps, against any skin tone, really. You see, it’s not in the skin tone or whatever family you choose your red from, but rather the lack of any eye makeup and a bit of colour (by way of lip) brought to the face. It’s strange how a lack of eye makeup and a bold lip can actually make your eyes pop more than if they were painted in mascara and liner. I’m not going to try to figure out the how and why of it, it is what it is. Let. It. Be.
I first came across and fell in love with this look because of the endless inspiration that is Pinterest. I often look through my beauty board and try to find a common denominator to the images I have pinned (if there is one). Why do I like this look? And how is it similar to others I have pinned? I found many images I pinned featured an almost makeup-less female with a deep lip colour. So simple and yet so powerful. So I had to recreate it, of course, and share it with you. So what is on my face? Well, if I was completely blemish free I probably would have featured my naked skin, but these days have not been kind to my skin, so I’ve got a bit of foundation and powder, a swipe of blush, filled in my brows, the tiniest lick of a neutral eye shadow and of course, a red lip. The red lip.

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What do you think? Are you as enamored by this look as I am? Think you can’t pull it off? Give it a go before jumping to any conclusions, I think you may be surprised.

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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