Collections and Creations

Fall to pieces

2012-02-12T16:59:00.000-08:00

Bette Franke Lachlan Bailey for Harper’s Bazaar US February 2012

V&R via Trandland

2012-02-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

before we were lovers, I swear we were friends

2012-02-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

Toronto musician Afie Jurvanen released his first solo album in February, 2009 under the name Bahamas. His album Pink Strat was nominated at the 2010 Juno Awards for Roots & Traditional Album of the year; and it continues to be one of my favourite albums of all time!

Over the last three years, I have seen Bahamas in concert three times, in three different cities. Devoted fan, right? The first was in Winnipeg. He toured with Zeus, and Jason Collett of Broken Social Scene. The three bands played together on stage. They played each others songs, and showed a tremendous amount of talent and passion for great music and support for other great musicians. The second time I saw him he was still touring for Pink Strat, but it was completely different from my first experience. It was Afie and his guitar, on stage in a smoky little bar. Unplugged, raw, talent.

The third was in Wakefield, Quebec. Most of the songs he played were from his upcoming (then unnamed and unknown) album. I was blown away by his sophomore efforts. He took the stage, along with three backup singers. It was completely stripped down, but full of life, and extremely confident. That was back in the summer of 2011, and I have been anxiously awaiting the album release since.

Enter BARCHORDS. Released today; with rave reviews! Run out an get it, or download it from itunes. You will not regret it.

Listen to Barchords here.

Jill Stuart s/s 2012

2012-02-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

yesssssssss. like a lovely little bowl of sorbet.

couture collections 2012

2012-02-01T06:10:00.000-08:00

Valentino

Giambasttista Valli

Versace

Christian Dior

A Late Christmas

2012-01-31T06:37:00.000-08:00

I just realized this morning I don't think I showed you guys what I got for Christmas from my lovely fiance, great family, and friends! Silly me! I'm such a lucky girl and really got spoiled this year - Not pictured; some really cute sweaters and hair pieces from the parents, adorable 'K' tee from Nic, and an entire apple pie my aunt made for me that I quickly consumed...myself...

My dad's old photography equipment that I can not wait to play with!

A special edition Rose Gold Michael Kors from Daniel.

Dior Pre-Fall 2012

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

If this is what Bill Gaytten is doing for Dior Pre-Fall 2012, I CAN NOT WAIT to see his fall/winter show!

Gaytten; a former architecture student, worked under Galliano in 1994 at Givenchy, and then followed him to Dior. After the scandal involving John Galliano; one too many bottles of dom, and some anti-semitic remarks, Gaytten had to step forward to run the ship. So far he is keeping tight-lipped about who will be taking over. After seeing this collection I say why look any further for a Galliano successor? These looks are the epitome of modern, Parisian elegance.

Jason Wu x Target

2012-01-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

REVIEW #1 - LAURA MERCIER SECRET CAMOUFLAGE

2012-01-17T12:52:00.000-08:00

$28 - my colour is the palest...SC-1

Where to start! I read A LOT about this one online before sampling. It had some of the best ratings for concealers out there, and a few of the worst. That being said; what a GEM this concealer was for me.

DESCRIPTION:
The palette comes divided into two colours, one slightly darker than the other. Spending money on the concealer and only using half can be frustrating. Luckily for me, a mix of the two colours was perfect for my skin tone! And most people can use the lighter shade for brightening the under eye, and the darker for spot concealer. You get quite a bit of product though, and I imagine it will last a very long time. My tiny teaspoon sample will last me a month.

TEXTURE:
When you first try it, it is a bit hard to wrap your mind around the texture. It is almost rock hard. The consistency of a bar of soap. As you rub your finger into it, the heat warms it up and makes it a bit more pliable. That being said, it dries rather quickly so it needs to be applied and blended right away.

USAGE:
Day 1 - I used my ring finger (for a lighter touch) and dabbed it around the inner corner of my eye, lightly blending outward just a bit. It brightened the inner eye like no other! Amazing. I looked immediately more awake. I was in love already.

Day 2 -7 - I've figured it out. MOISTURIZE immediately before! It will blend SO much easier and go on silkier. I used a little concealer brush, and blended from the inner corner to the outer. The under eye cream stretched the concealer much farther. After I was done, I dusted with a mineral powder and that's that! It lasted all day long!

CONS:
I did notice some minor creasing. The concealer is thick so it is bound to settle a bit. Especially if you are applying a cream under, and powder over.

Because of the harder texture, it is not great for the full undereye. While working perfectly on the inner (darkest) area, it is a bit heavy, or dry to be pulling all the way to the outer corner of your eye.

I give it 8.5 out of 10!

Its best use is in small doses to give that extra oomph. I would put a lighter, more liquid concealer under my eye, or even a tinted moisturizer, and then just dab the LM concealer on the inner, darkest corner of your eye, or on any other spots or radness on your face. But for that use, it is the absolute best! I am SOLD on this concealer. I am running out to purchase my own.

After trying the Laura Mercia Secret Camouflage concealer I did not want to move on and review another brand. How could it get any better. But let me tell you..I am SO glad I did. Next review to come!!!

Happy Friday!

2012-01-13T11:43:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago; while Dan and I were in Winnipeg, we asked a good friend (and the lady who will be shooting the D&K wedding extravaganza) to help us out with a little wedding project. The uber talented Aly Lenhardt of Victoria Anne Photography spent a couple hours shooting us at The Forks on a very chilly December day. She did an incredible job, and the photos turned out amazing. Couldn't be happier! I can't tell you what the wedding project is just yet (sorry!), but it will be a main feature of the decor. Very exciting!

The photos do not show a trace of just how awkward I was at the shoot, which just shows how professional Aly is and how comfortable she made us feel. "You guys go into the woods, and I'm going to take a picture of you making out". Ha.

Check out her blog, and if you're in Winnipeg...hire her! You won't regret it.

The Concealer Challenge

2012-01-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

I been having such a dilemma with my concealer, and I've finally had enough. A new year, a new makeup routine! Let's face it, I am not getting any younger. Ugh. Skin get's more sensitive, and lines show up whether we like it or not, and I was blessed (thank you mom & dad) with under eye circles, which makes my concealer choice harder.

I need a concealer that:
- is very pigmented to cover circles
- is non-oily
- doesn't settle into, or accentuate fine lines
- lasts all day long

Introducing......The Concealer Challenge!
After doing hours of research on Makeup Alley, I narrowed down my search to a few highly-rated concealers. I cut out a few I have already tried: Mac's Studio Finish Concealer; too cakey, and Erase Paste by Benefit; too oily and thick. Both are great concealers that just don't work for me!

So I got my butt down to Sephora and said 'Why hello Heather that used to be on Canada's Next Top Model, can you help me find a concealer?...Here are my issues'. She was SO helpful...she gave me samples of her top three recommendations for my specific issues, and urged me to take them home and test them out. That's exactly what I'm going to do! I will also be reviewing each product once I have a better understanding of how it should be used, and what it's pros and cons are. And I'm hoping to stumble on the concealer that works best for me! I am assuming there are others out there with similar issues, and I hope this might help you too. Here I am, ready to cover imperfections, and here are the concealers that will (hopefully) help:

1. Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage (first review to come!)

2. Laura Mercier's Secret Concealer

3. Make Up For Ever's HD Concealer

NYE

2012-01-05T11:11:00.000-08:00

As usual, my friends and I had zero plans in sight at 5 pm on the 31st, and then tickets to a sold out social fell into our lap! We got all dressed up, sipped on champagne, danced, and enjoyed the last night of 2011. Unfortunately, Dan had to work on the 30th so he left Winnipeg earlier than I, and couldn't join in the festivities. He was missed but I had such a great time with my ladies. Can't wait for my next trip back to Winnipeg in June for Britt's wedding!

the wonderful world of

2012-01-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome! 2012! Yay! Did you all have a good New Years? I definitely did. Still recovering but feeling good. I will have pics from my Winnipeg vacation soon enough. On that note..does anyone know where I left my camera charger?..hmm...

So now that Christmas is over I can share the gift I made for my niece with you! I love doing art projects for her and have always made that the theme for her gifts. This Christmas I decided to illustrate and print a book (via Blurb) about her life and all the people in it. What little girl doesn't want to flip through a book about herself! I had so much fun with this project and know that there will be many more in the future! An entire series perhaps? Teija (pronounced Taya) Jae goes to kindergarten, Teija Jae rides a bike....Teija Jae goes on her first date?? Not if I can help it!

Here are a few pic from the book!

Holidays!

2011-12-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

Well everyone! Another year is ending. 2011 brought on so much change, so many new experiences, travel, and love. This is the year my niece turned two, my mom retired, my friends and I spent a much needed vacation in Vegas and Montreal, Dan and I travelled. This is the year that Dan and I got engaged. In Paris. Could my life be more blessed? I plan on spending every minute of the next week celebrating with, and being ever so grateful for all the amazing people in my life (those in Winnipeg, Ottawa, Vancouver, and beyond).

2012 will be the one where I marry the most amazing man I've ever known. And who knows what else! Bring it on! Endless possibilities. This word is from a Ben Kweller song I love. It speaks volumes to me:

Dayenu - It would have been enough.
For me it is about being grateful for all the gifts I have been given in my life. I have an amazing family, the most beautiful niece, the most supportive and loving friends, a fun and fulfilling job, health, a beautiful home, and the greatest man to share all of those things with. Had I only been given one of those things, I would have considered myself lucky. It's not about religion (at least not for me), it's about showing a greater appreciation for all the amazingness in my life.

And with that, I say Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noel, etc etc etc. See you in the New Year! Here's a shot from last night work Christmas Scavenger Hunt/Christmas Party.

Elizabeth Taylor at Christie's

2011-12-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

Legendary auction house Christie's is setting some very impressive records this week, with some extraordinary pieces of jewellery. Tuesday night, 80 of Elizabeth Taylor's most precious jewels; including the infamous 33.19-carat diamond ring given to her by Richard Burton, were auctioned off to some very high bidders. Christie's took in nearly $116 million in one night! Luckily some of the proceeds are going to a great cause; Taylor's AIDS foundation. And there is still 2 more days of bidding!

Can you believe these pieces? God, Taylor lived the most glamorous life.

"Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together." - Elizabeth Taylor

Dear Santa

2011-12-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

A very Lavin Holiday

2011-12-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

colour me moss

2011-12-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

I never knew how much I wanted to colour in Mrs Moss' outfits until Just. Now. I think this would be the perfect follow up to my last fashion colouring book. Created by artist Mel Simone Elliott; Colour Me Good features images from many of Kate's most well known campaigns. Buy me one for Christmas would ya? My funds are a bit stretched right now...k thanks!

Christmas Spirit

2011-12-01T11:04:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to get in it, but it is hard without any snow on the ground. Damn Ottawa. My posting has seriously lacked lately. I guess I have been busy with all the Christmas fun...or maybe I've just been lazy..or uninspired. Who knows. But I do love this time of year, it stirs up all sorts of lovely emotions in me. All I want to do is snuggle by a fire, drink hot cocoa, and listen to Christmas records. Can't wait to get back to Winnipeg to celebrate and attend some great holiday parties with friends.

Miracle on 34th Street

It's a Wonderful Life

The Shop Around the Corner

Holiday Inn

I've been absent..

2011-11-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

..just enjoying the newly fallen snow and the Christmas vibe.

Our first Peppermint Mochas of the season. Yum.

A letterpress poster I bought in the summer finally made it on the wall in our office.

A lovely gift from a friends trip to India.

Cinnamon Spice tea to keep warm.

Christmas orange season.

A surprise from my love.

Homemade sushi date night!

Flea Market find. Film experimentation to come.

Collar purchases.

Love notes.

Kate Spade

2011-11-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

Of course her home is gorgeous. Seeing these photos really gives me insight into Mrs Spade's mind. Her clothing line is a clear reflection of her personal style, which is dripping all over her gorgeous apartment. Colourful, whimsical, patterned, and cozy from H to T (Head to Toe). I really need to stop watching America's Next Top Model. Tyra is making her way into my daily vocab. Not good...

craving change

2011-11-09T12:14:00.000-08:00

In the form of a new do. It will have to wait until after the wedding..

Jean Seberg, Edie Sedgwick, Twiggy

holidaze

2011-11-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

It is hard to get in the Christmas spirit without a flake of snow on the ground. The first snowfall and the house will be decorated from floor the ceiling, Boney M blaring, and gingerbread in the oven. But even sans snow, one step into any Starbucks and you know that Christmas is coming. Fast. The holiday season is crazy enough, so I have always been a cheerleader for the school of Start your Christmas shopping early. Hell, start it in the fall if you can! I started checking people off my list this past week. There are still lots of loved ones to shop for, but I can at least sssstart thinking about my own holiday party outfits, right??

Topshop Holiday 2011. Who doesn't want to wear a sequined bodysuit to every Holiday party, right? The collection has clear 1920s (and 30s) influences; which is by far my fave clothing/beauty era. And; fun fact, my wedding dress is all sorts of 1920's ~~goodness~~ greatness. If I could be transported to one time and place it would definitely be Paris in the 20s. So you understand why I loved 'Midnight in Paris' so much...or really any Hemingway novel. SO. Which era and city would you transport yourself to??

Speaking of Starbucks..had my first peppermint mocha today. Yum. Grande. Skinny. WITH whip.

The Architect and the Painter

2011-11-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

Charles Eames, Jr (1907–1978) and Bernice Eames (1912–1988) will always be considered two of the most significant American designers. In the 40 years their office occupied Washington Boulevard in Venice, CA; the two made countless contributions to modern architecture, furniture, design, and film.

They made the quintessential modern lounge chair that is recognizable to just about anyone. An Eames piece goes for big money. We're talking 4 or 5 digits. Precisely why I don't own one, nor will I ever. But I was lucky enough to see some of their pieces at the MOMA, NY. Drool. I just wanted to sit and sink in to one...apparently that's frowned upon.

Et voila, a documentary to be released this November. Eames: The Architect and the Painter. And for those of you that might not know much about the Eames power couple...watch the movie...it's narrated by James Franco. You'll like it.

“The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.”
—Charles Eames

the girl with the dragon tattoo x H&M

2011-11-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

When Dan and I drove from Winnipeg to Ottawa in August 2010, we listened to the audio book of Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. We were completely hooked, and arrived in Ottawa late at night, after 25 hours on the road, with only one hour of the book left! We had to get out of the car, but were so curious as to how it would end. Since then we've watched all three quite disturbing movies, some were good..some...not so much. I can't help but be anxious to see David Fincher's Hollywood adaptation. Rooney Mara plays the very troubled Lisbeth Salander, and Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist.

There has been tons of hype around the movie; and now some fashion hype with the release of the H&M x Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Capsule Collection. Costume designer for the film; Trish Summerville, translated the film into a 30 piece collection. The clothing is urban, gothic, edgy, and full of leather and distressing. Everything looks so cozy and lived in, while still being very sleek. It debuts in Paris on November 28th, and will be available December 14th in select stores. Fingers crossed it's coming to the Montreal store!

Question: Is the movie destined to fail after all of this insane hype? Hope not.

The very beautiful Rooney Mara in her recent shoot for Vogue.

love pamela

2011-10-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

Last spring I had to have the Pamela Love cage ring. Had to. And as uncomfortable as it is to wear, I do. All the time. It adds edge to any outfit. In her autumn/winter 2011 collection we saw cuffs adorned with what look like mini stalactites. Amazing. Just recently released, in her spring/summer 2012 collection looks to Morocco and North Africa for inspiration. It features mixed, colourful tones and sharp silhouettes. Persian rugs lined the walls of Milk Studios; New York, as the models walked around with head scarves and western hats. In my eyes, Love is definitely the it jewellery designer, and with her background in film production, art direction, and styling...I think she is here to stay! Love says she really only started designing jewellery because the stuff she was being given to use on shoots just wasn't cutting it. That crafty sonofabitch.

Autumn/winter 2011

Spring/summer 2012

life in 3D

2011-10-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

'NOUMENON‘s clothing mixes art, technology and fashion through the use of 3D images on fabric. The brand from Taiwan combines a futuristic aesthetic with classic silhouettes to create an unique signature style.'

Versace x H&M

2011-10-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

Despite what teen bloggers on Lookbook might have you believe (toting daddy's checkbook and sporting their brand new A. Wang piece); fashion comes at every price point. Amazing, unique style can come from a thrift store, your mom's closet, a store in the mall, or even your sewing machine (not mine though...my sewing skills are not cute). It's ones creativity, and most of all confidence that forms an individual style. A maxed out credit card does not a fashionista make.

Top designers have been embracing the idea of making their clothes and style accessible to everyone for years now. High-end designs, wallet-friendly lines. People that actually love their clothes and know their brand; but can't afford haute couture, can own a piece from their fave designer! Enter H&M. For years they have been collaborating with some of the biggest designers in the world; Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, Commes des Garcons, Lanvin, and now...Versace!

So...who do I have to talk to to get an H&M in Ottawa? Seriously. Burlington, Ontario has one. Really.

engagements

2011-10-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Dan and I were in Winnipeg for Thanksgiving. It's been 6 months since we got engaged, but because we live away from home we hadn't had the chance to celebrate with most of our friends and family. We gathered at Le Garage Cafe and had a really great night. So many people showed up and it was really overwhelming to see everyone in one night, some I hadn't seen since I moved to Ottawa over a year ago! The support and love was amazing and I can't thank everyone enough for coming out to celebrate this new and exciting time in our lives. I also can't wait to get back to Winnipeg at Christmas time, when we will have more time to visit with everyone. The weekend went by way too quick, with too much delicious food, too little sleep, and too many consecutive hangovers. Definitely all worth it.

Another highlight of the trip back to the Peg was getting to see our wedding venue in person for the first time. A sneak peek below!

The only pic of Dan and I the whole night!

The Maid of Honour; my sister, and I!

The rest of the bridesmaids.

Our wedding venue:

advice for a friday night..

2011-10-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

a warm sentiment from Pinterest. And if you havn't joined yet...Now. Do it now.

society6

2011-10-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

Soooo. Which one of these society6 iphone cases should I get? It is going to be really tough to pick one..but luckily, at $35 each, maybe I won't have to decide on just one!

free people

2011-10-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Check out this adorable promo video for Free People's October catalogue.

countdown

2011-10-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

I've posted a Beyonce video before on C&C (here), and she's back for her 2nd appearance! Her videos have serious style, and Countdown is no exception. The black loafers, pants, turtleneck and white socks are very Audrey Hepburn. And while some of the outfits could be purchased entirely at American Apparel; i.e. the sheer shirts and headbands, the colour combos and neon makeup make it all very fresh. Not to mention the girl can dance...and all while rocking a baby bump! Talent.

wedding inspiration

2011-10-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

Dan and I will be heading back to Winnipeg soon, and while we are there we will be seeing our wedding venue for the first time! We booked it without even seeing it in person! Risky..we know...but it seemed absolutely perfect, and after our friends and family went to see it and gave us a big thumbs up we booked it! This has me thinking more seriously about our wedding. 325 days to go! We've got a lot checked off the To Do list, and i'd love to share some of our DIYs and inspiration with you guys...not the dress though..you're going to have to wait for that one! It'll be worth it, I swear;)

Here are a few DIYs I've started...and that are taking over our house...

And a look at our Save the Dates! (designed by moi)

And some inspiration from the web!...mostly Pinterest though...completely addicted.

films i'm dying to see

2011-09-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Lansdowne Flea Market take 3

2011-09-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the semi-annual Lansdowne flee market in Ottawa. I literally look forward to this all year. I think I check the website once a month to make sure I havn't missed the date announcement! They fill the coliseum with booth upon booth of vintage clothing, jewellery, housewares, not to mention a booth or two of homemade preserves that I always make sure to hit up. I went to this fall's market, and was not let down! I ended up spending a bit more than I had hoped...but when you stumble on great vintage finds you just have to go for it!

Coocoo clock I'm going to paint a glossy white

Vintage Pyrex mixing bowls

Homemade red pepper jelly

Vintage gloves for the wedding perhaps?

And the best purchase at the market, $20 suede moccasins!

Man Repeller x Dannijo

2011-09-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone's fave fashion blogger, The Man Repeller has teamed up with jewellery designers (& sisters) Danielle and Jodie Snyder of Dannijo to make this beautiful line of statement jewellery, dubbed Mr. Dannijo. This collar is UNREAL. Want it.

Here are a few of my faves from Dannijo's regular collection.

NYFW S/S 2012 (part 2)

2011-09-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

Anna Sui - Loved the turbans, hats and hair pieces. Sui gave us some seriously amazing prints this season. Retro, colourful looks that are cut and tailored for the modern woman. Love.

Michael Kors - Mad about the wild, desert woman vibe. She's been walking through the san for days on end and still manages to look impossibly chic. Easy, right? Some pretty amazing dying techniques too.

3.1 Phillip Lim - Simple, simple, simple. So fresh, airy, and minimal. The pale sorbet-esk colours were such a nice change from the neons seen through most of NYFW S/S 2012. His inspiration was a kite. I can definitely see it.

Rachel Zoe - New season of her show just started. Hooked already.

Oscar de la Renta - Ethereal, gorgeous, ladylike. So so so stunning.

Reem Acra - this collection has been called 'the link between day and evening'. I would love fur, crystals, and leather to be acceptable for daytime...but I'm not sure. That doesn't lessen my love.

3.1 Christian Siriano - While most of his line was t-a-c-k-y these dresses were a shocker. The chartreuse colour is unreal.

Erin Fetherston - Flirty, feminine frocks. Love all the collars, lace, and butterfly prints.

NYFW S/S 2012 (part 1)

2011-09-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 is in full tilt for another day, and I've been keeping a close eye on my favourite designers. Last year I was lucky enough to be in NY during Fashion's Night Out and it was rather amazing. This year I am relying on my online feeds for the shows and fashionable happenings. I have to admit, I wasn't initially blown away by a lot of the shows I expected to be blown away by...BUT, let's be positive and focus on some of the shows that were stunning! Common treads throughout: Chartreuse, chartreuse, chartreuse! Love it.

Alexander Wang - While I did NOT love his sporty chic resort wear line Alexander Wang, I am quite in awe of T by Alexander Wang. Neutral palettes, very-AW silk slips, and interesting cut-away and sheer insets.

Jason Wu - Where do I begin...the super short shorts, the graphic petal and floral prints, the soft pink, the collars buttoned up to the top.. everything was perfection for me. Super feminine and strong.

Jenny Packham - I feel as though I owe a little lip service to the lady behind my seriously show-stopping wedding dress. Jenny P really knows how to make a beautifully cut and tailored, feminine and modern gown. I can not wait to slip into my Jenny dress in less than a year!

Preen - Doing some seriously innovative stuff with prints. Love the pixelated print mixed with a more intricate floral. Ruffles, lace, pink, super-sophisticated girly for preen, non? Loved the progression; starting with soft pink pixels, in crept the black florals, lace and rorschach-esk prints.

fall back

2011-09-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned yet how excited I am that I call feel autumn in the air? Ugh ya. I have. And this probably won't be the last time either. Today was a perfect Sunday. I slept in, read the paper, did a few wedding DIYs, drank my very first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the year (my 2nd favourite thing about fall), and caught up on the latest fashion magazines. I also did the official wardrobe switch over. Gone are the flimsy tanks, and high-waisted shorts...make room for the heavy wools, and surprising amount of leather I have already purchased this month. I think I went on a little (faux)leather binge...

Dan says I will wear anything sheer. And looking at three of my most recent purchases...I have to agree! I; Katelin, have an addiction to everything sheer. Can you blame a girl?

Left to Right: Photo #1- Old Navy Sheer leopard button up, H&M black front white back tunic, H&M white pleated dress.

I am such a fan of black in the form of amazing textures and graphic prints for the fall and winter months. Luckily, this seasons is all about neon accessories, where as spring and summer we saw neon all the way through the outfit. So I can feel free to wear my black and brighten it up with a shoe, a clutch, a statement necklace, or a bright day-glow lip colour (my fave).

Left to Right: Dynamite tweed and leather cape, H&M aux leather circle skirt , Vintage B&W graphic circle skirt, Dynamite animal print maxi skirt, H&M sleeveless blazer, Dynamite leather skinnies, H&M leopard print flats, and H&M sleeveless mod sequin sweater

Lately

2011-09-08T06:10:00.000-07:00

Vintage Raybans

Getting ready to visit my sister and beautiful niece in Nanaimo, BC.

Watch from Forever 21

Mug from Anthropologie

Perfect rainy day read

Crew

2011-09-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

The nights are getting cooler, and you can feel it in the air...fall is almost here! It is by far my favourite season and I am getting so excited to start pulling out my thick knits, leathers, structured blazers, and deep jewel tones. The J.Crew Autumn/Winter 2011 Lookbook is perfect! I love the soft camel colour throughout, and the nice mix of heavy textures and fabrics. I want every piece for fall, especially the gorgeous camel-coloured cape, and the black leather and tweed skirt.

wakefest

2011-08-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Dan and I spent a wonderful day in Wakefield, Quebec. One of my favourite musicians; Afie Jervanon of Bahamas, was playing an intimate show at The Black Sheep Inn. I've seen him twice already and have never been disappointed, PLUS I knew he'd be playing new material..BONUS! What I didn't expect was to show up just as he was doing a sound check. Our very own private show! I felt like a bit of an intruder but couldn't help but sit in and watch for a bit.

Wakefield is a gorgeous town, only 30-minutes from Ottawa. We had drinks on a patio overlooking the water, ate an amazing dinner (more patios), relaxed, and took in the concert that night (so many patios!). We bought Bahama's LP Pink Strat, and had it signed by the man himself. It is definitely the type of music that only improves when listened to with the pops and cracks of a record player; which is exactly what we did in our sunroom after the show, accompanied by a bottle of wine. What a sensational weekend.

A beautiful photographic art show hanging from the tree the ran along the river

Seriously, the best latte I've ever had in my life. I'd drive 30 minutes to get this any day! Seriously.

Our private show

Erin Wasson x Zadig & Voltaire

2011-08-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

weekend visits

2011-08-24T03:45:00.000-07:00

Two of my best friends (and bridesmaids!) were in Ottawa this past weekend to visit. We spent our weekend eating delicious food, drinking lots of wine, laughing, painting our nails, sightseeing, and making friendship bracelets. Oh..and did I mention the shopping?? I took them to Montreal for a night and we shopped (a lot), dined in an amazing {Apportez Votre Vin} restaurant, danced at the GoGo Lounge, strolled in the rain around the Vieux Port, and took in some amazing views on Mont-Royal.

The weekend went WAY to fast, but I enjoyed every minute of it. I'm am one lucky lady to have a life filled with such amazing people. I can not wait to be back in Winnipeg to visit with them again this fall!

no heat curls

2011-08-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

I am terribly impatient when it comes to styling my hair. It is naturally thick and wavy, but can be frizzy and messy if left to its own devices. Most days I let it air dry, then quickly pass a straightener through the ends just to clean it up a bit. Other days, I don't even brush it! If I'm feeling really fancy I twirl my straightener through it to make loose curls, but even that can take a bit of time.

Enter the youtube video! Awhile back, a friend sent me this link to a hair styling tutorial, and I tried it for the first time this week! It took about 5 minutes to style my hair before bed, and the results in the morning were amazing! The curls held all day and looked really natural, not to mention it is much healthier for your hair, SANS the heat from an iron! Check it out and give it a shot on your mane. Et Voila! Les résultats:

My name is never was

2011-08-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

Frances Bean turned 18 years old, and is a total babe.

Shout outs to Nicki D, and the days when Hole was all the rage.

When I wake up in my makeup. Have you ever felt so used up as this? It's all so sugarless.
Hooker/waitress/model/actress. Oh, just go nameless.

eat, drink, and be married

2011-08-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

I am in the thick of planning our wedding, and am on a constant search for inspiration. Who better to provide style inspiration than Kate Moss herself? Photos of Moss' wedding to The Kills lead singer Jamie Hince (shot by Mario Testino), were released in the September issue of American Vogue. Moss enlisted John Galliano to design her gown. His first project since his dismissal from Dior, after an anti-semitic tirade in a Parisian bar. The dress was inspired by The Great Gatsby; to be specific, F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife Zelda.

“I wanted it to be kind of dreamy and 1920s, when everything is soft-focus,” Moss explained.

On a related note, I am ECSTATIC to announce that I have purchased my wedding dress! It is the most gorgeous dress I've ever seen..yes, yes, I know I'm biased. It is incredibly unique, glitzy, and streamline; not your average 'wedding dress'. Old-hollywood glamour at it's finest, and will cost me our first born. I can not WAIT to share it with you guys (in a short year). More importantly, I can not wait for Dan to see me in it. JOY! (which by coincidence is the name of the dress...hints..)

rodarte x opening ceremony preview

2011-08-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

Denim & DIYs

2011-08-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a very hot, humid day in Ottawa, perfect for a light and breezy improvised skirt. Dan indulged my love of stationary and came with me to a paper store (with a bright red barn wall), where we picked up some really amazing paper for some really time consuming DIY wedding decor. Photos of that project to come! ..if I ever get it finished.

All you have to do to fashion this skirt is button it up around your waist, fold the arms in front, and tie!

H&M jean shirt worn as a skirt, PacSun tank, H&M clutch, DIY friendship bracelet, vintage sunnies and wedges from Suzy Shier (of all places..)

Savage Beauty

2011-08-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

A retrospective of Alexander McQueen's astonishing career at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. If you couldn't find a good reason to go to New York before (ya right..) this is it. Now. How utterly stunning. I'm breath- and speechless. Only 3 days left to be in the same room with the spirit of McQueen.

“You’ve got to know the rules to break them. That’s what I’m here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition.” —Alexander McQueen

McQueen doggedly promoted freedom of thought and expression and championed the authority of the imagination. In so doing, he was an exemplar of the Romantic individual, the hero-artist who staunchly follows the dictates of his inspiration. “What I am trying to bring to fashion is a sort of originality,” he said. McQueen expressed this originality most fundamentally through his methods of cutting and construction, which were both innovative and revolutionary.

Photos by The Photograph Studio, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Garance Dore.