Two Thousand & Thirteen

January 3, 2014November 11, 20144 Comments

Since I shared some of my favorite outfits from 2013, it got me thinking about sharing some moments from the year that I previously shared on here. So here goes. 2013, you had some cool times.

Meaghan and I started Larkspur. While we no longer work together, I could not have started Larkspur without her. She taught me a lot and she’ll always be a part of it in my heart.

Kira shot Larkspur’s very first lookbook. We had been bouncing back and forth between ideas for a theme, when the lovely Kira came up with the idea of having a shoot inspired by Wes Anderson films passed. It was such a fun day, modelling with three of my very best friends.

I was lucky enough to be given a trip to Austin, Tx as a Christmas gift. We rang in the New Year listening to country music, drinking $2 beers and hearing people actually yell “Yeehaw!” Such a magical city, full of amazing people.

I shot photos of my best friends beautiful apartments. It was fun to play around with my camera, and also get to share how amazing my friends are. Still to this day they are two of my most popular posts.

Spent the summer outdoors with dogs and dear friends (and these two got married! The Cronins!)

Larkspur participated in our very first Pop-up shop in Mtl, hosted by Penny Lebo. It was such a beautiful and fun day.

Kira shot our second lookbook in Niagara Falls. The day started off pouring rain, so our original plan of heading to the Scarborough Bluffs got kiboshed. Once again, Kira saved the day and we headed to Niagara Falls, the sun came out, and it was the most spontaneous & fun photoshoot. We pulled over wherever we saw something cool and just let the road trip vibes take over.

I spent my birthday swimming (and getting sunburnt) at Elora Gorge with some beautiful pals. We finished the evening off with some beers and a bonfire at Garbage Beach. I felt so full of love and happiness that day.

Matt and I went on many camping trips in the summer. We visited the Bruce Peninsula, The Grotto, Greig’s Caves, NY State, Tobermory, Flower Pot Island, to name a few. I saw and got to hike in so many beautiful places. I realized just how much I love hiking, and don’t think I could go a summer without it from here on out. It’s my happy place.

Did my first solo pop-up shop with Larkspur at the Parkdale Flea. It was pretty stressful since it was so last minute, but totally worth it.

I was given my dream camera, Pentax K1000, as a birthday gift. I made pretty good use of it during some of my trips, and planned a couple fun photo shoots. It was so nice to finally work with analog again, digital just cannot compare.

I went to visit Farm Sanctuary, which was such an amazing experience. This place holds such a dear spot in my heart. I went on and on about it in my post on this place, so I won’t do that again (you’re welcome.)

Annual Niagara Falls visit. I don’t know what it is about this place. Probably just that it’s ridiculously kitschy and makes me smile.

Spent some wonderful days at a cottage celebrating Lindsay’s birthday with some great friends. The weather wasn’t exactly choice, but we made the most of it.

I shot some photos at Coriander Girl, which I ended up being pretty proud of. This remains one of my favorite posts I put together this past year.

Adopted my sweet little girl Gertrude aka Gertie aka Trudy aka Rude Trude.

Moved into a place I can finally call home (well it’s actually been 2 years, but 1 year in this particular apartment). The Everglades, forever and always (okay maybe not for always).

Kinfolk Things

December 30, 2013November 11, 20144 Comments

If I said I was spoiled this Christmas, that would be an understatement. Friends and family were exceedingly generous and I feel so grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful humans (thank you thank you, i love you). Now that things are winding down, I’m back in Toronto and the weather will remain cold for another few months (butts to that!), all I want to do is cook, bake (and eat!) and curl up under my new HBC blanket, drinking tea and having conversations with the ones I love. My boyfriend gave me The Kinfolk Table for Christmas, which is probably where the desire to stay indoors, make delicious food and enjoy the simple pleasures in life is coming from. Feeling major cozy lazy floppy vibes these days.

The dress I’m wearing I bought almost exactly one year ago during my trip to Austin, Tx. It’s another one of those articles that doesn’t get much wear. I love the color (cream4evr), silhouette, fabric and fit, but it’s just a bit too short for my taste. It seems to me some foolish person shortened it, which I absolutely cannot understand. Could you imagine if this dress was a midi dress…or even floor length? My god, It would be the dress of my dreams (pls, let us be married).

Dress: vintage via a small shop in Austin, Tx.
Hat: vintage via Common Sort
Slippers: canvas ballet slippers

Cutting Ice to Snow (with your legs)

December 24, 2013November 11, 20142 Comments

I am currently visiting my family in Ottawa for the holidays. It has been one year since I visited my home-city, which seems totally insane, considering it’s only 6 hours away (bad daughter!). Needless to say, this time of year is always a special one for me. Snow and ice made it a bit of challenge to actually get here, but we made it safe and sound…until these photos. The snow in these photos was up to my knees, and about half way through taking them I really regretted my decision (like REALLY regretted). My finger tips still don’t feel right, and the snow literally cut my legs until they were bleeding. I came wearing pants, but could not get them back on because they had frozen from being wet. The pants-less trudge back home was a treacherous one. It was all around one of the less smart decisions I have made in my life. However, it’s sometimes hilarious to know the things that happen behind the scenes. Sometimes things look so right, and that they exist perfectly within their own realm. But really, if you saw what was happening during the whole experience you would A) wonder if I even had a brain and B) consider rescuing me from my own stupidity.

Anyways, it happened, I came away with some decent shots, and I still have all my fingers and toes…so not a bad day. I am now off to decorate our tree and wrap some presents for my family. I hope everyone has a very lovely Christmas Eve.

Dress: a little boutique in Toronto (cant remember name)
Headpiece: handmade by my Mother

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

Tis’ The Season

November 29, 2013November 11, 2014Leave a comment

Toronto friends! I will be participating in the Holiday Edition Maker’s Market tomorrow at Crawford Bar. It will be filled with goods by local artisans and vintage from yours truly. Come stuff your tummies with scrumptious food, tasty cocktails and maybe grab a few things for the loved ones on your list. As always, I’d love to see your faces. Last sale I participated in I met tons of wonderful people, and would love for this market to be the same! My lovely father is driving all the way here to help me out because all my trusty side kicks are unavailable for the day. So, added bonus, my crazy father and his hand-crafted wooden pens!