Fallen Flowers:

This past weekend I went to a friend's beautiful fall wedding at Cecil Green Park at the University of British Columbia. I wore a vintage 1970's Wayne Clark wrap dress from none other than my mama's closet. Decided to alter the dress to suit me and I have to say it was a dream to wear. Can't say I will ever look as stunning as my mom did in it in that last photo but thanks to her influences our fashion sense will always strike a bit of resemblance. Oh also, I caught the bouquet...

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)

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)

Whiskey Dreams and Empty Pockets:

If you don't know Lords of Gastown, now you know.  My love affair for this brand has been hot and heavy right from the very first patch.  Created by my friends Tyler and Nik almost 2 years ago with what started as a nickname for shaking up the Gastown nightlife has now turned into a cultural uprising.  Made from reworked vintage clothes with killer designs and a trailblazing logo, naturally the majority of my wardrobe is spent with these threads on high rotation.  Lucky me, I've had the opportunity to style their Lords of the Runway Fashion Show last fall at Fortune Sound Club and their upcoming Fall Lookbook (photos soon to come).  Not only are they a wicked clothing line but they throw the most bumpin' parties in Vancouver and support local charities, the latest being The Railtown Rally, an upcoming relief benefit party for the Alberta Floods. All donations will go directly to the Red Cross.    

So spread the local love and..

Thank the Lords.


(Jacket and Sweatshirt: Lords of Gastown, beaded onyx navajo skull bracelet: Lords x Lor G Jewellery, top: Brandy Melville, shorts: I made from vintage, belt: vintage, silver bracelets: forever 21)

Stop and Smell the Flowers:

Whether it's roses, tulips, daisies or lilies, spring time and florals go hand in hand, especially on Mother's Day.  Since I can't be with my mama today, I decided to honour her with a post wearing one of her dresses from back in the 70's.  This dress is timeless and over the years it has been my go-to for an array of different occasions.  The nice thing about florals is that they can easily be dressed up or dressed down.  I've worn this classic everywhere, from formal dinner parties to nights out at the bar, it really transforms depending on how I style it.  Naturally all one long length, I threw up one side with just a safety pin, sometimes I pin one on both sides for a more casual look, or I take out the pins and let it hang down for a more formal look.  Safety pins are always handy and great if you don't want to commit to one length or style.  There's a plethora of floral vintage dresses at thrift stores that can be updated with a few alterations or accessories.  It's all about taking the time to see the beauty in the transformation.   

(dress: Vintage from mama's closet, belt: thrifted, clutch: Aldo, sunglasses: SPY, rings: Forever 21, boots: H & M)