Photo Diary: Toronto Island

February 4, 2016February 5, 20163 Comments

ALL THAT GLITTERS…

The same weekend we went to the cabin, we also spent some of our Saturday on Toronto Island to shoot images for the same job that brought us to Schomberg. I’ve been to Toronto Island a bunch of times – mostly for work actually – but never in the winter, that I can recall. It’s too bad there hasn’t been much snow in Toronto, I really think the island would be a sight to behold beneath a blanket of stark white snow, but disappointingly, it just looked like a lifeless landscape of grey-brown, for the most part (Toronto is just rather dreary looking in general during the winter, even when there is snow). It was also absolutely frigid this day, so it probably didn’t help that we were surrounded by water, and of course, me being me, I wore a skirt and tights like a true sartorial genius. But hey, I shouldn’t complain, it was a nice day despite the cold – I got to eat a delicious lunch at Brock Sandwich before we headed to the island, we walked on a frozen pond turned ice rink that was drenched in the golden glow of the sun’s rays (which was the most beautiful juxtaposition nature could throw my way and still makes me smile thinking about it) and I got to spend the day with my two favourite dudes. The sort of day that makes frosty winters seem less unbearable. Larkspur Vintage | Photo Diary: Toronto Island

*photo of me by Zach, edited by me

Carnival Colour Theory

August 18, 20154 Comments

I’ve been going to the CNE – or what I more fondly like to call The Ex – since I can remember. The Ex would make it’s way to Ottawa (where I grew up) every Summer and I have countless memories of going there with my family and friends, loving all the colourful rides and candy as a wee one. I continued going as a teenager, although my enjoyment for it was for very different reasons at that point…read: flirting and spending time with my crush(es) and trying to look cute. When I moved to Toronto it felt like The Ex came with me (not really, because it’s been here forever), and so I have been frequenting it as an adult almost every Summer since my move 8 years ago. I think it’s safe to say I know the CNE quite well at this point, and have memories upon memories of time spent there. I figured since I shot my latest outfit post at the CNE grounds, it only made sense that I would also share some of the ornate rides and visually appealing colour combinations seen throughout the park, which is one of the biggest reasons I am so drawn to the CNE as an adult…aside from riding the Polar Express and eating ~~disgustingly~~ delicious food.

Outfit: Carnival Colours

August 17, 201512 Comments

I was pretty darn excited to stumble across the CNE while it was being set up for the annual carnival/exhibition/fun starting Aug. 21st. I assumed you would not be allowed on the grounds during this time, but after noticing the gate wide open, families at the playground nearby and people just passing through to get from A to B, I quickly realized I could actually photograph there without trespassing and with little disturbance. I have photographed at the CNE before, but this was while it was already well underway, and every shot was filled with people in the background; carnivals are always so pretty to shoot at, but it’s hard to make it seem like no one is around (which is only really a problem if you are a fashion blogger). It felt so special to be able to wander and photograph in what felt like an abandoned carnival, getting to see the structures sitting humbly before they are flashing their bright lights, with people waiting in anticipation and the buzzing of delight (or fear) heard all around. I’m unsure when they will be closing the grounds to the public (without a pass), but I’m hoping I can pop by again sometime this week as I only wandered a small area of the park, and I’d love to see more of the park in all it’s quiet, colourful glory.
Dress worn as shirt: H&M (old)
Skirt: thrifted
Scarf: vintage
Pink & aqua rings c/o Pastel Dress Party
Shoes: H&M (old)

Paint Nite

July 15, 2015Leave a comment

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

Hometown Hunt: Christie Pits Film Festival

June 23, 2015June 25, 20153 Comments

Toronto is a big city with a ton of things to do and events taking place, and yet, I often find myself scratching my head every weekend or finding out about an event I really wanted to attend after the fact. So Meaghan and I vowed to keep tabs on the happenings of Toronto fun, and she wrote up a list of all the lovely, summery things we could do together. On that list was Christie Pitts Film Festival, an outdoor weekly movie screening that takes place in Christie Pitts park starting July 5th until August 16th. The movies on this years list are pretty stellar, The Birds, Mean Girls, Oh Brothers, Where Art Thou?…to name a few, which I plan to see all of, of course. What could be more fun than an outdoor movie?! I always loved drive-ins as a kid and I’ve been to a few as an adult, but what about those of us who don’t have cars but still want to enjoy a bag of popcorn, maybe a milkshake and some fresh air?! CPFF has got you vehicle-less, park loving Torontonians covered.

Meaghan’s Toronto fun list came to fruition through google searches, but with Eventbrite you can find tons of events going on in your city and advertise your own event right quick. Maybe you can find out if your city is also playing some movies in your local park!

*photos by Ryan
Blouse: Calivintage
Skirt: Common Sort
Shoes: Seychelles