Hi everyone, this was my first ever collage using Photoshop and I had a blast making it! Well, to be honest, there was a bit of swearing and frustration involved (learning curve!), but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. Here are my top picks for the summer: a mix of cognac leathers, washed out cotton, some minimalist jewelry and a lacy feminine skirt that hits just below the knee.
I want to invite all you bloggers out there to take part in a Recycle + Upcycle Challenge! It’s easy: at least once a week, try to post about something you own that is vintage or second-hand. This could be clothing, jewelry, dishes, furniture, decorations, books, you name it! Be creative! Share why you love it and spread the word! While I was a student in university, I had the chance to work at 3 vintage stores and assist with several pop-up shops, so I will be sharing some experience I learned along the way.
I like to keep things positive, so rather than lecture you about what fast fashion is doing to the planet, here are some advantages of owning vintage or second hand things: -Quality: whether it’s leather, silk, porcelain, wood… it all used to be made BETTER. Materials were locally-sourced, workers were skilled in their trade and got paid decent wages to make things with care. -Style: yeah it’s fun to follow the trend, but don’t you want to stand out of the crowd every once in a while? Find a piece that shows character and personality. People who get noticed are usually those who are not afraid of being different. You’ll often find great items that are classic anyway. -Price: on a budget? Thrift store’s got you covered. -Guilt-free: you just saved something from being in a landfill for the next 200 years! You are awesome!
**The featured image above: I’m wearing my favourite plaid shirt, which my mom used to wear. Don’t ask why I’m doing lunges. Photo credit: Dara Jade Moats.
Above image: I love this dress, I usually wear it with a belt (I was apple picking that day and it was muddy, so I kept it casual)Above: Hanging out at the old vintage shop circa 2008
In case you haven’t heard my whining, I’m in need of a bag. A nice, sturdy, everyday bag that I can wear with anything. Something with both a crossbody and a shoulder strap and big enough to fit a novel, 6 lipsticks and an exploding George Costanza wallet. Preferably locally made and within a budget. Well I found something that responds to all my needs, and I’m sharing it with you: Bookhou.
I’ve bought one of these pouches below at a craft fair and it’s super practical! I put all my purse contents in it, (the ones that are usually floating around my bag, like lip bam, gum, hair pins, etc.) and if I feel like wearing a different purse, I just need to transfer the pouch. Saves me time from rummaging and forgetting something I might need, like a pen. Lucky folks living in Toronto even have an official Bookhou store. Maybe worth a roadtrip?
All images taken from the company’s website. Not sponsored in any way, just stuff I genuinely love.
I’ve always had a slight obsession with galaxy prints and images of constellations… Basically anything celestial. It probably has something to do with my early teenage fascination with astrology and the supernatural. And that astronomy class I took in college. And that John Cusack movie where he romantically points out the constellation Cassiopeia.
Whatever it was, it’s not going away anytime soon. Which is why when I first heard of Slow Factory, my mind was blown. Slow Factory is a company based in Brooklyn, which uses open data satellite images from NASA and prints them onto scarves. They have several beautiful nebulas, as well as new collections, which are emblazoned with images of Mars and cities by night from up above. Most recently, they have sweatshirts featuring Le Petit Prince on the Comet.
They use both silk and silk-cotton blends and all scarves are made in Italy. To top it off, they include in their mission to support human rights and partner with NGOs. They’re doing things right every step of the way.
I received my scarf a few weeks ago and I couldn’t be happier! I wish it weren’t so cold out so that I could wear it already. For now, I’ll just wear it around the house.
The top image is a watercolour illustration that I made inspired by the galaxy scarf I purchased. The photo of the model wearing the scarf is via the company’s website. You can have a look at their collections here.
littlekokomo.com 