Baby Steps

February 18, 2014November 11, 20142 Comments

Today really feels like the first day I am on the mend — I go back to work tomorrow, and hopefully all other things in life will become some form of normal soon. There are so many things I could list that are terrible about tonsillectomies, or any surgery for that matter. Most people complain about the pain (ya, its awful!!), but the one that really got me most was how I felt emotionally. It is the necessities in life, the simple things you need and do each day (ie, sleep, eat), that if they are taken from you, can turn you into an irritable, terrible, sad mess. Needless to say, I haven’t been very pleasant to be around.

Today I braved the winter winds to take a walk outdoors because I haven’t actually stepped outside in over one week. It felt nice to breathe fresh air for more than 5 minutes, and also have some time to myself somewhere outside of my home. My face looks a little silly in these photos — it became really cold while I was shooting these, and I’m probably not totally back to normal just yet. But hey, we’ll take what we can get for now…baby steps.

Coat: Toronto Vintage Clothing Show
Blouse & Skirt: vintage via Public Butter
Hat: vintage via Common Sort
Tights: old pair of ballet tights
Boots: Wolverine x Samantha Pleet

Samantha Pleet Fall 2014

February 17, 2014November 11, 2014Leave a comment

Yet again, I had been eagerly anticipating the release of Samantha Pleet Fall 2014 collection and film, and catching glimpses on social media of all the goodness and magical vibes she always puts out in the world. Remaining true to her vision as a designer (no pun intended), Samantha pulled from historical references, this time inspired by Joan of Arc. Samantha is surrounded by such beautiful talent, there is such an array of perfection she can have model her wonderful pieces and really do them justice — it’s stunning to see, really.

Now, the clothes! This could be my favourite collection yet, if only for the magnificent prints — comet print, storm print and illuminated print are breathtaking! Samantha creates simple silhouettes that fit the female form beautifully, but have their own interesting twists which makes the garment feel like something totally new, and totally it’s own. I would love to get my hands on the Noble Dress in Comet Print, the Passion Dress, and the Cloudling Dress, to name a few.

Lookbook Photography: Jacqueline Dimilia
Model: Louisa Gummer, Hannah Metz, Emily Theobald, Rachel Trachtenburg
Styling: Turner
Hair: Andrea Donoghue
Makeup: Daniel Alvarez
Nails: Katherine St. Paul Hill
Shoes: Wolverine x Samantha Pleet

Location Photography: Hannah Metz
Model: Louisa Gummer, Hannah Metz, India Menuez, Tara Violet
Styling: Hannah Metz
Hair: Travis Speck
Makeup: James Boehmer
Set Design: Chelsea Markusin
Creature Costume: Illy Jankovich
Creature: Liam McMillan

Succulent City

February 3, 2014November 11, 20142 Comments

Happy Monday morning friends! I have recovered from my tonsil illness, and am feeling quite healthy. I had an appointment with a specialist and will be getting these babies removed, although a date has not been set yet. Surgery feels a little frightening, but I don’t think I can continue getting tonsillitis several times a year. It is worth whatever little risk is involved with surgery if it will ensure I no longer get this sick.

I was starting to feel truly cooped up over the past week, so Meaghan and I decided to head to Allan Gardens Conservatory on Saturday to see living greenery (since all greenery is dead in the natural world of Toronto right now) and snap some shots for my blog, and The Vacant North. Winter can feel endless and truly uninspiring sometimes, so this was a much needed excursion, and girly time.

I wore one of my favourite dresses given to me by my pal Danielle, and then added this rust skirt (which is in the shop!!!) over top. Getting dressed in this cold weather has started to feel like a chore, and I find myself going back to the same outfit over and over, but sometimes if you have the time (and a boyfriend you can pester about what to wear) an outfit you never even considered just pops out at you and you are left pleasantly surprised.

I hope you all have a safe, warm and lovely Monday!

*photos by Meaghan

Dress: vintage
Skirt: thrifted vintage via Larkspur
Boots: Samantha Pleet x Wolverine

Winter Lights

January 7, 2014November 11, 20142 Comments

There are several things I could say I love about TLO’s January look book. Firstly, it’s The Loved One, and they absolutely cannot go wrong, ever. Secondly, is a compilation of all things that are pretty wonderful (in my humble opinion). India Menuez is stunning, always. Hannah Metz’s creamy-edwardian-cozy styling is the sort of thing I would like to be wearing everyday for the rest of this miserable winter (yes, I am feeling totally disenchanted now). Agnes Thor always captures these magical moments, that always leaves my heart feeling full. The whole countryside setting for the look book is pretty spectacular as well (campfire, cute idea!). I recently watched My Summer of Love, and each shot feels like several scenes of the girls laying in tall grass, and mountain tops and day dreaming about a life unlike their own. This look book feels like that, mixed with The Virgin Suicides-esque dresses. It’s moody and ethereal and I love it.

Photographer: Agnes Thor
Model: India Menuez
Styling: Hannah Metz
Clothing: The Loved One
Footwear: Samantha Pleet

Garbage Beach

December 9, 2013November 11, 20143 Comments

This particular morning felt pretty special to me. It was one of those days I woke up, the sun was shining, the winter winds were absent, and I just knew it would be idyllic weather to go snap some shots by the water, and take in the quiet for a few hours. This area I know especially well – it’s walking distance from my home, and a location pals and I frequent for bonfires in the summer and early fall. The name we gave this beach is not so charming, “Garbage Beach” (no explanation needed). Name aside, it holds a special place in my heart. It’s usually devoid of many people, which can be one of the loveliest things to find in a city like Toronto. Last week really was a beautiful one, not just in terms of choice weather. I’m feeling quite spirited and full of love these days. Surrounding myself with people who make me laugh, wearing poo coloured clothes (as seen above), choreographing dances to wonderful music (ahem passenger). It feels good to be smiling during winter, because god knows it can really take a toll on my mood (wahhhh, it’s cold. wahhhh it’s so dark out).

But, on to less sentimental things. The skirt I’m wearing is in the shop. It’s such a great one. You’d be surprised to know it’s actually a size large, but it went with the vibes I was going for that day, so I threw on a belt, and voila, it will not be around my ankles within 3 steps out the door. Everything really was based around the cape though. I bought this cape about 2 years ago and NEVER wear it. However, I won’t let it go. It’s one of those pieces that comes in handy from time to time, mostly when I’m thinking up little red riding hood vibes, but without the hood, and the red. Actually, to be honest, I think it only ever gets wear at this very beach. Last time I wore it was for warmth at one of our bonfires. Do you guys have clothes you just can’t part with?! I’m sure I’m not the only impractical one.

Blouse: thrifted
Skirt: in the shop!
Cape: St.Lawrence Antique Market
Tights: an old pair of Capezio ballet tights
Boots: Samantha Pleet X Wolverine
Headpiece: Garland from the Dollar Store, turned into a wearable wonder by me