What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

I've got really good vibes about 2012... 22 in 2012. For someone who loves even numbers, this year should promise to be a good one. Superstition perhaps, but it makes me feel alright. 2011 was full of many new faces and changes in my life. As unsure as I still feel about my future plans, I finally feel like I am headed on some sort of path. After a couple years of wandering aimlessly, it feels good to have goals and aspirations again.

2011 was possibly one of my hardest years to date...I don't think I've wanted to bury my head in the sand more often, or had more mini-life crisis. But, thanks to my wonderful friends and family, I made it, with nary a scratch. I have been very blessed to have an ever expanding circle of gracious and understanding friends, all of whom I owe many good times and laughter to.

Here is my New Year's present to you: A beyond cute video featuring two very adorable and talented people (Zooey & JGL).

Happy New Year!!! Hope it's a lovely night, and all the best to you and yours!


photo from here

Pleats Please.

By chance, I wore a pleated skirt to school the day we were discussing Issey Miyake in class. His couture is mind boggling, due to a masterful understanding of construction and form. One thing he is reknowned for is his use of heat and pressure to create beautiful pleating. You can see more of his work here!

Thrifted scarf, jacket, sunglasses, belt, skirt, patent lace-ups | True Value Vintage blouse

H&M socks | C/O Romwe Ring

FAQ.

Hello lovely readers! Hope you haven't been stampeded in the midst of Boxing Day Sales...

I am working on some pages for the blog, and was wondering if you have any burning questions about me which have gone unanswered? Feel free to comment on this post, or drop me a line on tumblr or twitter. I'd love to hear from you!

Faithful Friends Who Are Dear To Us...

Yes, it is Christmas Eve. I'm not sure why exactly, but this year, I just haven't been in the Christmas mood. Perhaps it's because it's the first Christmas Eve I will spend away from home (I work Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day) or perhaps because it's my first Christmas in 5 years without a significant other... I will admit, I've perhaps been a bit of a Scrooge this year. But, this evening and tomorrow should prove to lift my spirits! I am spending this orphan Christmas Eve with friends, and will be going home after my shift tomorrow just in time for delicious dinner and long awaited times with my family.

Part of my pick me up was donning this very pepperminty ensemble. Yes, I cheated a little since I'll be wearing it tomorrow, but I couldn't wait to share! Say hello to my party skirt (black flocked polka dots!!!) and my $1.50 Ferragamo knock offs. Thrifted gold I tell ya!

How have you all been? I hope that the holidays are wonderful, and that you are feeling merrier than grumpy ol' me! All the best to you and yours! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Thrifted blouse, skirt, shoes | Front & Co. feather hairpeice
Joe Fresh tights

Fashion Nation.

I have finally scanned my Dec/Jan issue of BUST magazine, and I'm proud to announce that yours truly was the featured lady for the Fashion Nation column this month! I've been reading BUST for a couple of years now, and my favorite element of the magazine has always been the gals who are interviewed and featured. Always self sufficient, creative, intelligent, interesting women, I'm quite surprised and delighted to join the lovely legions. You can find me on page 31! Thanks again to BUST, Tricia and to the wonderful Michelle Ford who shot the photo.

A sidenote: The winner of the Zeleb UK contest is Melissa! Congrats!

Tights Please!

When Tights Please UK contacted me, I was overjoyed. You may have noticed that I have a (major) thing for hoisery, especially novelty prints and colors. As a girl who doesn't wear pants, it's a necessity to have tights to keep me warm on cooler days. I have been in love with all of Henry Holland's hoisery, and when I was asked to pick a pair, there was no way I could resist these Bingo Ball tights. I think they just might be the epitome of novelty tights!!! Fun filled and a little silly, I was practically prancing all day.

Thrifted blazer | Henry Holland tights C/O Tights Please UK
H&M Dress | We Who See shoes

PARTY TIME.

Happy Monday morning to you. I must say, I actually haven't minded Mondays in recent weeks...since finishing classes Tues/Wed is generally my "weekend", as they are my days off from my day job. So that makes today Friday, right?

I am very excited to announce another giveaway! Zeleb UK  specializes in gorgeous gowns and frocks which would be perfect for any special party you have planned over this holiday season.

The "Ruched Silk Party Dress" could be yours... I fell instantly for its lovely color, and the fact that it looks like a Lanvin doesn't hurt either!

In order to enter, all you have to do is follow @Zelub_UK on Twitter, and tweet about your entry. All you need is a mention of the contest, or even where you plan to wear the dress! After doing so, leave a comment on this post with your email so that I can contact you. This contest will wrap up Friday, December 16th, so get tweeting!

This contest is open to International Readers.

An Island In The Sun.

A lovely day in the sun, window-shopping with my sister. I can almost feel the summer sun on my face, I miss it so! This dress has sat in my closet ever since this one outing. Something about the red and black makes it feel more dramatic than all of my other dresses, but perhaps I will find a way to wear it again!

Mintage dress | Thrifted heels
Ardene heart shaped sunglasses | Lime Crime (c/o Modcloth) Lipstick in Retrofuturist

All You Wanted And More.

Here are the pictures from my first ever shoot! Everything was picked out by yours truly. I must say, it was pretty darn fulfilling to get the final shots back (it was for a school assignment) and discover that the photos turned out far better than I anticipated. I felt as though I was kind of just throwing items together and hoping that the elements would come together on my models. As it were, my intuition was indeed trustworthy!

Marisa's look is inspired by the "Eclectic Muse" (think Susie Bubble/Catherine Baba/Chloe Sevingy/a bevy of internet it girls and various lovelies that inspire me) while Grace's look was inspired by the work of Henry Darger and his Vivian Girls.

Thanks to Marisa and Grace for being wonderful models! I'm proud of these, and I hope you enjoy some Monday morning dreaminess :)

Photos: Andrew Volk | Styling: Lydia Okello | Makeup: Meredith Lacosse

Stop Staring!

Just letting all you lucky California readers that Decemeber 9-11 is an amazing sample sale for Stop Staring! dresses! Up to 50% samples of their lovely retro dresses. I would go myself, but sadly I will be here in Vancouver...so do a little shopping for me!

All Hallow's Eve.

Yes I know. It was ages ago but...this year, my Halloween was spent styling a shoot for one of my final projects. Grace and Marisa were my models, and despite how frazzled I was going in, the photos turned out far more beautiful than I expected! The last photo is from said shoot, I will post the entire thing on Monday.

For now, here is me as "Fashion Cat (Chic Chat)", my last minute costume that was really an excuse to wear my leopard print cat ears. Also, how genius is this hoodie cape? I am always looking for cute ways to be warm and comfy, and this satisfies both of those needs.

H&M shirt, ears | Thrifted scarf, belt | UO romper, platforms
H&M hoodie-cape via Front and Company | F21 lace tights

Back On Track.

I am just getting used to not having to go to school or do schoolwork. It means so much free time! I have neglected a lot of hobbies this past year, and I am very happy to be able to read, draw and write again. I've got to keep busy, or else I go a little insane.

As you can see, this fur collar/jacket combo is one of my favorites (I even wore it in my last post). The best part of this pairing is that it was less than $5! The jacket was a dollar (yes I know, A DOLLAR) and the collar was 3 bucks. Snooty badass awesomeness for under five dollars? Yes please!

In other news: Miranda is the winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway! Congratulations, I'll be emailing you today for the details!

Thrifted jacket, fur collar, belt | C/O Modcloth Style is Style Dress
Kork Ease Ava wedges | C/O We Love Colors socks

Warm Me Up.

I am trying to get through the embarrassing amount of summer outfit photos I still haven't posted before December! We'll see if that happens.

In other news, I am finally, FINALLY done all my projects and classes. I am unsure what's next, which is super frightening...but I suppose it's what everyone goes through post-grad. Here's hoping I will be able to make my dreams come true (and not be a barista for eternity).

First up, regular posting around here! It's been erratic at best during my year at fashion school, and for all of you who put up with me, thanks! I promise that things are going to get neater, more frequent and all around better around here. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting things in the (very near) future!

Don't forget, today is the last day to enter the Shabby Apple giveaway (and use the discount code)!

Thrifted fur collar, jacket | Red Light Vintage Hawaiian shirt | True Value Vintage acid wash skirt
Random Mall Stall sheer socks | C/O Modcloth Cambridge Satchel | C/O Jellypop wedges

A Revelation In The Light Of Day.

Saga Sig is a photographer that I have lauded before on this blog...but she deserves more praise. Her work is so diverse and yet completely unified. Perhaps it's the fact that she grew up in an Icelandic national park that gives her the ability to embrace the supernatural elements of nature. I came across this shoot recently, when searching for inspiration for a school project. I can still remember when I first saw these images, more than two years ago. For me, this is exactly what the cusp of winter, leaving autumn feels like. I hope you enjoy, you can find more work both on her website and her blog.

If you haven't already, enter my Shabby Apple giveaway! Pretty dresses could be yours...but the contest ends tomorrow!