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

Collection: Co FW ’16

February 24, 20164 Comments

GLAM AND ANDROGYNY

It wasn’t until seeing one of these images on Pinterest last week that I had even heard of design label Co. And after looking through previous seasons, trying to figure out why I had never heard of this label, I quickly learned this collection is kind of ~~very~~ different from their 2015 collections, which is to say, not at all my style. So what sets this season apart for me? Well, it’s decidedly vintage, taking inspiration from the glamorous and yet often androgynous Marlene Dietrich. It goes without saying it’s a collection that speaks to me far more than their previous collections of – for lack of a better word(s) – fashion-y silhouettes and luxury designs. I can appreciate collections like such for their artistic vision and value, but my more sensible side feels they are not wearable pieces, at least to me anyway. I can appreciate it, but I don’t fall for it the way I would something that seems real, real in the sense that it’s accessible and approachable. But this collection! This collection felt like epiphany – this is the kind of comfort I have been searching for! This style of put-togetherness and ease is exactly what calls to me on days when pants win over skirts, and undeniably proves simplicity doesn’t have to look so simple. I am excited to see what else is to come from this label, whether it will continue to speak to and inspire me, or become something of an afterthought.

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What do you guys think? Into this label? Did you like their previous collections?
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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.

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: Baby It’s Cold Outside

February 9, 2016February 9, 20164 Comments

BRRR!

I really wish I could have showcased this outfit better, but I think it was mean’t for a warmer day. I had planned to take off the coat for a few shots so you could actually see this vintage-inspired dress and get some detail shots of the vintage scarf, but the strong and bloody cold winds suggested maybe that wasn’t a wise idea. Whenever it seems like the weather is against me getting the photos I want it’s pretty frustrating, I have to say. I’m not one to admit defeat easily, but when your hands are so cold you can’t seem to adjust camera settings anymore, it’s probably time to call it quits. It’s not that I didn’t get enough photos, I clearly did, but they didn’t turn out the way I had envisioned – it’s damn near impossible to exact an image when your hands are telling you to just stop. Ah well, there are probably (definitely) worse things in life. However, before my hands did freeze, I snapchatted some of my shooting process (and potty mouth)…so this is my ~~seamless~~ way of plugging my snapchat (pushyspence) so ya’ll can follow along!

– WHAT I WORE –
Dress c/o Unique Vintage | Coat, Scarf, Tam: vintage | Shoes: Seychelles | Tights: UO
Larkspur Vintage | Outfit: Baby It's Cold Outside