Well, this is it! I’ve officially been an interior design student for the past 3 weeks. It’s a ton of work, and I will definitely have less of a social life during the next few years, but ultimately it feels right. Change is good.
I thought I’d do a post to commemorate my beloved mid-century vanity table and all my little trinkets on it. It is now covered in books, drafting equipment, and half-completed assignments. RIP vanity table! Welcome, work desk. 
As a kid, I remember being mesmerized by pools of gasoline on the asphalt near the park where I played. I thought they looked like the edgier, tougher older brother of rainbows. I’d be staring at the ground mystified and sure enough, my dad would yell “Get away from that! Don’t touch it!” Anyway, here I am, a grown up, still fascinated by this blend of colours. I’m not the only one, it seems, since I’ve noticed the pattern popping up in fashion over the past few years. Here’s a collage to round up just a few.
Leggings from Urban Outfitters
Dr Martens Shoes
Duochrome Nail Polish: Peace, love and OPI, Essie “For the twill of it”, Nars “Disco inferno”
T-Shirt from Asos
Mini Clutch bag from Proenza Schouler
Eye makeup via Bows and Curtseys
Headphones by Nastygal
Oil slick hair found on Reddit
Picture from my Instagram
When it comes to dressing for the holidays, I’ve definitely grown out of sparkly metallic fabrics that have little wearability once all the festivities are over. These days I’m drawn to unique shapes, quality materials and styles that can be worn again and again when special occasions come up. Here are a few picks that range from casual to fancy, all while keeping the pricetag under $100.
[Above image: Left: plaid swing dress, Asos. Right, Gap cable knit sweater dress that makes me want to cozy up next to the fire after having eaten too much.]
Above: Keep it girly and sweet with floral details.
Left: teal lace, Zara.
Right: embroidered velvet, Zara.
Throw a blazer on and they’re work-appropriate. Both available in plus sizes.
Left: striped boat neck cotton dress, Gap.
Right: Wrap dress, Asos.
Show off that body all while keeping it classy.
Left: Asymmetrical dress with double hem, H&M (also available in forest green.)
Right: jersey body-con dress, Wilfred Free from Aritzia.
Minimalist details make a great impact.
Left: black dress with mesh neckline trim, Babaton from Aritzia.
Right: long sheer crepe dress, Zara.
I’ve always been drawn to this look, probably because it’s almost impossible for me to achieve without a) frying off my already-fine hair, and b) looking like Casper (I’m pasty white). But there’s something so California-surfer cool about hair that’s been bleached almost white, paired with a golden tan and some bold brows. I’m particularly fond of dark roots showing, as well. Personally, I think Game of Thrones character Daenerys Targarian (top left) is responsible for bringing on this trend; how can you not be mesmerized by a silver-haired badass dragon queen? But my favorite is Michelle Williams for Louis Vuitton 2014 (bottom left), she is just so damn chic and the tousled bedhead just adds a tiny bit of grunge.
Let’s not forget, some of my best-loved ladies who were doing it long before anyone:
Who do you think pulls off the look best?
Top image:
(left to right): Daenerys Targarian from GOT, Kim K, Agyness Deyn.
next row: Michelle Williams, Emily Weiss, Rita Ora.
Bottom image: Marilyn Monroe, Debbie Harry, Edie Sedgwick
Collage created with Photoshop. All images found on Tumblr and Pinterest
While I may speak for many people when I say I am over the ombré trend on hair, I do enjoy seeing it on clothing and accessories. It’s soothing to the eyes, maybe because it reminds me of the gradual fade of a sunset. Paired with neutrals, a touch of ombré can complete a great casual summer outfit.
1. Bonlook La Marquise sunglasses
2. Banana Republic Ombré crossback pullover ON SALE
3. Zara leather shopper bag ON SALE
4. Custom crochet TOMS shoes
5. Paciorky lilac necklace
6. Babaton Tory skirt
See another trend I love here. What looks are you into this summer?
Remember how when you were a kid, you got rewarded for things? You got a sticker for doing well on a test, or a lollipop for going to the doctor? My personal favorite was at the end of each dentist visit, I got to choose a pretty toy ring. Well, I feel like we should continue getting these rewards as adults, especially when we get through rough things in life. I recently got some very good medical news, and decided to treat myself to some high-end top quality lipstick. Because when else am I going to splurge on something like that? I picked up Le Marc crème Core Cora by Marc Jacobs lipstick and have been wearing it everyday since. I had been looking for a perfect coral for a while now, and it’s a tricky colour to pull off. They’re often too orange or make your teeth look like you smoke a pack a day… but this one just hits all the right notes for summer.
Apologies for the radio silence these past few weeks. I have 2 main excuses:
In case you missed it, I wrote a fashion article for YUL.BUZZ on my Made in Montreal Wishlist (collage featured below). For details on all the items, check here.
And there you have it! Despite a few setbacks I have some fun posts coming up, so please check in! I appreciate each and everyone one of you stopping by. xoxo
I’m really loving this modern hippie/bohemian festival faerie look that’s everywhere, and I love that it extends itself into little details, like decorated hands. Anything that allows me to feel like a fortune teller in broad daylight is a welcome trend in my book. I’ve been noticing stacked rings of mixed metals and sizes, moon shapes, and gemstones on quite a few people, and mentioned it back when I wrote this post. Since the turquoise is my December birth stone, I’ve always had a special appreciation for it, and I find it complements every skin tone. Who needs a manicure when your hands are adorned with gems and metals?
The collage above was made with images I found on Pinterest.
How great is this image below? It makes me think Blue-Lagoon-meets-The-Craft.
For a more subtle look (probably less heavy too!):
Are there any trends that you’re currently into?
I drew the image above as a reaction to something that left a nagging feeling in the back of my head.
Last week, I was shopping at a bookstore downtown when I came across the print below.
While it is beautiful and quickly got my attention, I’m just tired of seeing the same body type over and over in fashion illustration, and fashion altogether. I am not into thin-shaming in any way, and I don’t discriminate against any size. It’s just that less than 5% of women have the body type that is constantly being shoved in our faces. I think I speak for all of us when I say we’ve seen enough thigh gaps for a lifetime. I’d like it if women of all shapes and ethnicities could be represented (and this is coming from a white woman who usually fits in a size small, not that it should matter). Show me the diversity that I see in the city everyday. Show me that women of all walks of life can be included in what we define as beautiful. Then maybe when we hear phrases like “Just love your body”, we can actually give it a try.
So many of us can be really critical of the way we look, trying to fit into someone else’s idea of beauty, even when it’s not physiologically possible.
Your body is amazing. It does so much for you, and the least you can do for it is to stop judging it. Be kind to yourself. (At least for today).
Have a lovely weekend, xoxo
PS: see more of my illustrations here.
My hands feel extra fancy these days with the combination gold half moons + Tiffany blue on my nails. The colours conveniently divert my eyes from the dry winter skin that only some warm weather will eventually cure. Thanks to these French manicure adhesives that a roommate gave me, the process was easy. Easy like Sunday morning.
You will need:
-a solid colour nail polish
-a metallic nail polish
–Sally Hansen French Manicure Kit adhesives (although if you have binder protectors lying around, those will do the trick)
-base coat (optional)
1) Start by applying the base coat. Follow with 2 thin coats of solid nail polish, letting each dry really well in between and after.
2) When you think your nails are dry, do a test-try on one nail with an adhesive: apply it check if the polish comes off when you peel it.
3) Good to go? Then add adhesives just below midway on your nails. Gently press into the sides to ensure a clean line. (I tend to reuse mine, that’s why some have paint on them).
4) Paint a thin coat of metallic polish, starting from your nail bed going upwards (it’s ok if some gets on the adhesive)
5) When dry, carefully remove adhesives and marvel at your hands!
This pretty antique dish that I keep jewelry in is what led to the inspiration. Nail colours are Revlon Gold Coin (cheap!) and Nicole by OPI My Lifesaver.
Alright northerners, we’ve reached the homestretch of winter. If you’re like most people I talk to, your skin has taken a beating from the evil tag team known as cold wind and dry indoor air. As someone who’s skin is both sensitive and dry, winter just turns me into one giant pasty flake. Going outside is sometimes so painful on my face that I’m tempted to get one of those full-coverage ski masks, or bank robber masks if you prefer. But after living through so many winters, I’ve finally nailed down a routine formula that keeps things under control: I’ve embraced oils. There’s still a few cold weeks ahead, so here are my top all-natural favourite oils that might help your skin survive the rest of the season:
Rose-hip oil: This one is my new favourite face oil. I love how it quickly absorbs into my skin, plus it helps beat eczema or any type of dermatitis. If my face is feeling particularly dry, I’ll spray some Avene Thermal Water spray first and follow with some rose-hip oil. I like doing this especially before I leave the house (it’s like Chapstick for my face!) and before bed. It is on the pricy side, but a little goes a long way.
Jojoba oil: this oil is known to have the same PH level as our skin. I prefer in on my legs after shaving. Also helps prevent frostbite and doesn’t get too greasy.
Coconut oil: I know, you’ve heard so much about it. But here’s a trick to avoid drying makeup removers: coconut oil moisturizes while cleaning and removing makeup. I also put it on my eyelashes at night because it’s supposed to strengthen them help them grow. Not sure if this works, but after years of abusing my eyelashes with heavy mascaras and eyelash curlers, I’ll give it a try.
Do you have any tricks to help with dry skin?
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