Outfit: Beatnik

March 1, 2016March 1, 201610 Comments

gimme a beat

Unintentionally, this outfit ended up seeming quite inspired by the Beat Generation – Breton stripes, beret, turtleneck, loafers, whole lotta black – a term coined by Kerouac in the late 40s to describe his group of non-conforming literary peers. To be honest, there was no real uniform for this subculture of “beaten down” youth (read: hipsters) of the 50s-mid 60s. The outfits likeness to this subculture is only really inspired by a caricature (read: stereotype) version of a beatnik. But it’s kind of a fun and interesting style trope none the less. Fun because it looks so damn cool, and interesting because it’s so universally understood; even if you know absolutely nothing about beatnik culture, it’s “style” still influences many outfits and trends today.

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Aside from any perceived influence this outfit may have, I mostly wanted to showcase my knapsack, which I have been carrying around with me everyday since I got it. It’s pretty wonderful to have full use of both arms while out and about, a feeling I didn’t realize I was missing all these years being a religious purse carrier. Now I’m hoping I can find a wee bit smaller one, of similar style, in black…so if you spot any on the wide web (or in store), please let this gal know!

Endless Days in British Vogue

February 26, 2016February 26, 20162 Comments

ENDLESS 70s

This very 70s inspired editorial was published in British Vogue last summer, but going on a year later, its still relevant. The 70s isn’t going anywhere just yet, although, part of me feels maybe we are transitioning into more of the boho, hippie, yet still kind of glam 70s (is that even a thing? it is now); peasant tops, fringe, patterned flares, a sort of Pennie Lane/Almost famous direction of dress…the coolest of cool 70s. Sure, we are still seeing some pseudo-psychedelic prints in A-line cuts, but more and more flowy pieces with smaller floral prints are popping up.

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If I’m being honest, I don’t much pay attention to trends. Sure, I’m absolutely influenced by certain styles that become popular, but I don’t make it a point to follow trends or feel like I’m behind on the times if I just can’t get behind a certain trend, or didn’t even know about it. Some of the only times I realize things have become popular is when I enter a big brand store like H&M, F21 or Topshop and notice what they are carrying…that’s when I can actually see an overall image of what is now deemed “in”. But I love the 70s trend, because I loved it before it became a mainstream trend (that sounds pretentious, but it’s true). The 70s always spoke to me, but even more so now than say, the 60s, my first true love. It’s the direction in which I see my style going more and more. It’s fun while still being easy, and somehow it doesn’t feel like costume the way some decades of dress do. Maybe because it wasn’t that long ago…maybe because it’s in now and thus feels less costume-y to dress head to toe 70s? Whatever the reason, I look at this editorial and while it is decidedly vintage, both in dress and photography, it honestly feels like this girl could be walking down the street and not feel totally out of place. I like that, I like living in a world that embraces vintage styles and realizes new isn’t always best. Sometimes what you have(had)is just fine.
British Vogue's Endless Days Photography: Venetia Scott | Editing/Styling: Bay Garnett | Hair: Neil Moodie | MUA: Miranda Joyce | Model: Julie Hoomans

Outfit: Who Wears Short Shorts?

February 23, 2016February 24, 201610 Comments

in the GOLDEN HOUR

I’ve owned these navy shorts for many years now and never been able to part ways with them – they always make the cut (kind of a pun?). They are lightweight, made of a super soft cotton, and have a dressy feel to them, similar to many of my high-waisted trousers. I love them as much as the day I got them, however, being put in the dryer one too many times over the years, they have become really short, we are talking bum cheek peeping out when bent over short. Until recently I had never considered pairing them with black tights, which would totally solve the bum problem…like maybe these could be cold weather shorts instead of summer shorts?! I guess the reason I had never considered it is I actually kind of dislike shorts with tights, or rather, light coloured (including denim) shorts with black tights (but only black tights, this does not include dark coloured tights…picky picky, I know); I do not like that specific contrast. Without thinking about it too much I had written off shorts with tights altogether without considering that a pair of dark shorts, navy perhaps, would actually look okay with black tights…it might even look kind of awesome.

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Aside from this revelation, it’s a bit funny how people react to wearing shorts in the winter. Last night Zach and I went out for dinner and when I got out of the car he was surprised to see I was wearing shorts. He said something along the lines of “shorts?! it’s cold!” He knows I wear dresses and skirts year round, and if you stop to think about it, shorts are absolutely no different, at in least in terms of warmth or lack there of it. It just goes to show how much people really consider shorts a warm weather garment. I am a shorts and tights convert, although I don’t think you’ll see the contrast-y pairing any time soon…I can’t see that disdain budging any time soon.

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.

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