All That Glitters:

Tis the Season for glitz and glam, indulgence and of course the gift of giving.  I can't afford to indulge in as many ways as I'd like so at least I can look like it when it comes to my wardrobe.  This snazzy dress was a recent find at one of my weekly thrift hunts.  After keeping my eye on it for 3 weeks I declared against the larger marked sizing, and convinced myself to at the very least to try it on.  Even though it was obviously too big, there was something about it that convinced me it was worth buying and taking in to get altered. The next day, I went into my local seamstress with apprehension thinking about the intricate beading and sequins bedazzled all over.  I knew it was either going to be ridiculously expensive or straight up impossible to fix.  Turned out the cost to get it altered would have been 20 times more than what I paid for the dress itself, being that it would have to be done by hand.  Seeing the disappointment on my face, the seamstress took me to the back of the store and taught me how to sew it myself, step by step, as I held onto her every word through her gentle yet distinct Russian accent.  After some patience and a few late nights,  I had transformed this over-sized outdated throwaway into my latest dream dress.  Amazing how a little kindness can go a long way.    


(clutch: H&M, earrings: The Bay. dress, shoes, faux fur jacket and rings: vintage)

The Portrait:

Photographer: Alex Barredo

Stylist: Buffy Aybars

H/M: Tara Makepeace

Firstly, excuuuuse my absence!  I've been a busy bird as of late, building my styling portfolio with a few photo shoots here and there.  This was one I did earlier in the fall with talented Vancouver photographer Alex Barredo and the beautiful Sasha Ali.  Shot at a stunning mansion in Rocky Point, Port Moody, naturally the outcome was nothing short.  These are some of my favourites - to see the final cuts click here and take a gander at Mr. Barredo's repertoire of sexy shoots.  Stay tuned for another upcoming shoot I've recently had the pleasure to collab with him on.

Art and Soul'd: Ana Petre

Meet Ana, my gorgeous and talented little Leo friend whose artwork is as striking as her enigmatic green eyes. Leos are infamous for naturally being the center of attention and from first interaction Ana captured mine.  Very humble about her talent, Ana's work speaks for itself.  Making everyday doodling her everyday masterpiece and even the fallen leaves from trees her carving canvas, she unleashes her soul through a variety of different artistic mediums.  With a nomadic spirit and a romantic heart, her work is trickling with edgy sensuality and majestic charm.  I had the privilege of snapping some evidence from inside her habitat and wanted to share a glimpse of her beauty.  Want more? Step inside her world through her tumblr and follow her filtered perceptions on instagram.  Savour it all, for this lion can not be tamed!

Mediterranean Summer:

In August I went on an eye opening, soul quenching trip to Turkey.  Getting back in touch with my half roots and reconnecting with family had been long called for.  Revisiting after 10 years, that country has stolen another piece of my heart.  From the scenery, the culture, the energy, the jewelry and the sea of stray cats that dominate the streets, I was perpetually enamored. Every glance and turn was like a majestic tugging on the strings of my physical and emotional senses.  Known as a country that runs on the phrase "Survival of the Fittest", Turkish people make the most of their time.  The one defining thing I took away from this trip is, Don't Wait.  If there's something you can do, want to do and should do, you should do it now.  Don't wait for the right moment because that moment may never come.  Maybe it's a European thing, or maybe it's just the right thing. If you can, live your life when you wanna live it and there's no telling what kind of happiness you can experience.