Against the Grain:

Ohh soooo trendy I am.  Hair half up, snake skin print, dressy sweatpants, and platform sandals.  Trendy is such a sensitive word. I mean there's one thing being on point and then there's another following trends just because someone said so.  I think it's cool to be influenced by trends but not to the point that it alters your own sense of personal style.  How I put this look together was definitely influenced by what's hot for S/S 14 but at the same time I stuck to what works for me.  Those pants fit my body quite flatteringly and they don't hang off me giving me that baggy bum look that can happen with harem/sweatpants style pants. The sandals I found at Value Village. When I came across them I had another pair in my hand that were similar but a bit more extreme.  It came down to knowing which ones I could actually see myself wearing everyday and I'm happy I listened to my gut.  I went with what was stylish while maintaining my own personal style and dressing for my body type.  So go ahead and be trendy but follow your own patterns.  

(shirt and sandals: VV Boutique, necklace: forever 21, pants: Istanbul, Turkey, bracelet: my mama's closet)

Speakeasy To Me:

                         

This past Saturday I attended a surprise Bachelorette Party for my spectacular friend Dominique and it was the Cat's Meow!  The theme was 1920's which definitely is one of my favourite fashion eras, can you blame me?  Style was a priority back in those days and boy did they know how to throw a party.  We made sure to pay homage to that,  leaving a trail of sequins, feathers and fringe in our blazing paths. Loved all the glitz and glamour jazzing around.  Dominique looked like she was reliving her past life in all of her razzle-dazzle, she was an absolute stunner.  Thank you for a glorious time, it was truly the Bee's Knees!

Professional photography by Tyler Lindal of Tip Top Photography check out his amazing work at     http://www.tiptopphoto.ca/



(My outfit: dress; H & M, fringe cape: Forever 21, headband: Urban Outfitters, shoes: Zara, purse: vintage
Dominique's make up and hair by Brooke Marie and Bianca Pica
outfit: dress: Venus, shoes: Spring, headband: Claire's)  

Style Profile: Tara Dawn

 

 

Meet Tara.  She had me at the first clunk of her Litas and the strike of her firey red hair.  We bonded over our shared zodiac sign and love for Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  When we met up for this shoot she picked me up on her bike looking effortlessly rad, which is really her demeanor every day.  Naturally, I had to start taking snaps making that her first look for this post.  This girl is the type that could throw on a paper bag and make it look stylish.  Quirky with an edgy undertone, she's a definite trendsetter and her own individual.  I mean, I don't know if I've ever seen anyone make prints on prints on cat hat ever look that good.  Oh and those killer smiley shorts? Yeah she made those.  Modeled after Yolandi Visser in this video.  What talent.

Here's what she had to say about her personal style:

"I'm like a bratty Lana Del Rey in a 90s chick flick.

I'm influenced by pop music, sunshine, witchcraft and strawberry milkshakes. My icons might be Marina Diamandis, Bridgitte Bardot and Bettie Page.

The greatest time in fashion IMO was the 1960s. More chic than the 70s and 80s but sexier than the 50s perm era, and then we also had Mod Fashion which was sweet.

I don't have a huge preference for fashion bloggers but I do have a huge girl crush on Audrey Kitching.

My favorite places to shop for new things are usually on the Internet, it's the best way to find the specific imaginary whatevers you make up in your head. I also frequent TopShop on Granville, American Apparel and Aritzia for basics. Hands down my favorite articles of clothing are gems found in thrift stores or given to me by friends.

My favourite brands to wear are American Apparel and Cheap Monday. I'm a huge fan of Cheap Monday. Besides their denim, they sell cool fashionable basics that aren't outrageously expensive. American Apparel nails the basics in everything and is incomparably retro chic.

My style advice.. just put it on your body and leave the house."





(Look 1:

shorts: second hand, necklace: Crystal Cactus, bike: Linus x fourstar cruiser

Look 2:

hat: ripndip, shirt: second hand, shoes: matiko

smiley shorts: reworked Cheap Monday

Look 3:

hat: second hand from Nasty Gal when it first started, pants: Wilfred, top: Brandy Melville, bag: American Apparel, glasses: nasty gal, lipstick: The Velvetines in Suede Berry)

Young Love:

 

 

(above photos taken by:  High On Life Sunday Fundayz view full album here. below photos taken by me)

 

(Ryker, Alexey, Gordy, Parker)

 

(Rachel, Heidi, Jacky, Jasmine and Sasha)


Some behind the scenes snaps of Felix Cartal's upcoming video release for his single Young Love styled by yours truly.  An amazing day of sunshine, babes, waterfights, cruisers and just having a time with the hilarious boys from High On Life Sunday Fundayz.  I had such a blast working on this set and can't wait for the video release next week.

Check the teaser below:
                                   
                                    








(  Bike Gang Look:

Rachel: letterman jacket: forever 21, bandeau: hot topic, shorts: made by me from vintage, earrings: h & m, bracelet: vintage, chucks: converse

Heidi: bandeau: Brandy Melville, leggings: Black Milk, necklace: vintage, aviators: her own, boots: sheik

Jacky: vest and necklace: thrifted, tank: High on Life Co, chucks: converse

Jasmine: bandeau: hot topic, jacket: vintage, glasses: Ray Ban, belt: thrifted, shorts: made by me from vintage Guess

Sasha: beanie: Felix Cartal, one piece: hot topic, neckalce: F as In Frank, shorts: h & m with studs that I added

Boys:

Most of the clothes that the boys were dressed in were Gordy's with his wicked style.. some being vintage.  Ryker's pants are from Zane Robe.

Poolside Girls Look:

Rachel: bikini top: Roxy, shorts: h & m
Jacky: t shirt: zara
Sasha: bikini: Victoria's Secret, tank: aritzia
Jasmine: fringe cape: forever 21, necklace: Claire's)