Saturday, February 26, 2011

Thrift Store Savvy

A piece I wrote on Thrift Store Savvy was recently published on Vancouvermom.ca To read the article go here. Speaking of thrift store savvy, one item I'm hunting for is a long, flowing skirt to add to my wardrobe. I love the way these skirts are styled with plain uppers. It looks so comfortable and if I hiked a floor length skirt to my true waist it would cover my baby belly.



Jil Sanders Spring 2011, photos via thestylishwanderer.

Open Up

Yesterday was one of those perfect days. Ben was home, the sun was shining and we had no agenda. Levi started his day with water painting. His wonderful (former-kindergarten teacher) baby-sitter always brings over the best activities. In this photo he's explaining to me the fine art of water painting. He then demonstrated how the water is also good for drinking. 


I love this view first thing in the morning (other than the dirty window. I swear the dirt's on the outside). We can wave to neighbours on their way to work or watch the garbage truck come up and down the street.

On our way to the library we stopped by our favourite coffee shop. I love this place for a variety of reasons. Other than great coffee the owner is extremely personable and welcomes everyone to his shop. This includes people with mental illnesses. One of our new friend's is bi-polar and one of the loveliest older men I've met. He talks a million miles a minute and puts everything on the table. He introduces himself with, "Hi, I'm J. and I'm bi-polar." I can tell that some people are a little uncomfortable with the volume and openness of which he shares his life but sometimes we need to be pushed outside our comfort zone, to learn to relate to people who are different than us. Levi watches him talk with awe.

Growing up I had great examples of my parents loving individual's with mental illness. My dad had a friend he would frequently take to Dairy Queen for a blizzard. My dad even let him bring his cat once. The cat peed all over our family van and we never got rid of the smell. It was a constant reminder to open our lives to others, even when it doesn't always go as planned.

I enjoy finding books for Levi at the library. I almost checked out some kids books for myself. I like that I don't have to worry about questionable content (For the most part. There are some very weird kids books out there).


This is one of the only days in my first trimester that I've gotten fully dressed from clothes to make-up. It felt good but it probably wont happen every day.

My parents came down for the afternoon to wait for the Eric Clapton concert in the evening. We went to the park. As you can see the kids swings are not only fun for wee ones.

 It felt like a serious role reversal: Ben and I staying home with the baby on a Friday night while mom and dad go out to a rockin' concert. Oh how things have changed.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Geological Jewelry

I don't know why I'm drawn to non-kid friendly jewelry such as these pieces from Pamela Love F/W 2011. The cuffs, rings and necklaces look like geological treasures and remind me of when I was a child and saw my first crystal rock. I thought it had to be worth millions! Despite the fact these pieces look like they could poke out an eye, I find the aesthetic of this collection quite warm and romantic. The key is styling the jewelry with soft, floaty dresses. So pretty!






*All photos by The Clothes Horse

Monday, February 21, 2011

Short Circuit

I feel like my creative switch has been turned off or short circuited. I've been following Fashion Week but it's hard to picture myself sporting designer clothing when my stomach is turning into a basketball. However, I was browsing The Sartorialist and Scott Schuman always has a way of reigniting my love for fashion as art. His shots of Jonathan Saunders Fall 2011 collection are stunning. The collection is captivating with it's colorful prints and flattering lines. It's definitely not maternity wear but I do have a few funky print blouses that I'm inspired to dig out of the closet. I also appreciate the modesty of the collection. Modesty is never overrated.






Yes, this is the lovely Janice Alida who I interviewed here. She walked in so many shows in New York I lost track. Watch for her during London, Milan and Paris Fashion Week.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Feeding the Duckies


Friday we met Ben at work and took Levi to feed the ducks on Granville Island. Levi commandeered a boat. 

Ben explained the concept of feeding duckies to Levi.

Levi sort of understood except that he kept trying to eat the duck feed.



Roughly around 10 weeks pregnant. I didn't show until I was close to 20 weeks with Levi!

Monday, February 14, 2011

What Goes Around Comes Around

My cousin recently scanned and uploaded a bunch of old family photos. I don't get to see my extended family nearly enough so it was fun to look through the photos and reminisce about my growing up years. My cousin included shots of my auntie in her young adulthood and I think she has amazing style! 

This white dress is gorgeous. I think it's lace and then there's that cool zig-zaggy embroidery. I would wear this in a second (if I was that little : )

Very cute,  summery shrug.



My grandpa was so dapper.

If there's a lesson to be learned it's what goes around comes around. I have to remember to save quality clothing so that future generations of my family can raid my closet!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Learn Something New

I'm frequently asked what Ben's job involves as the Music Director of our church. I thought this video would be useful in explaining how some of his time is spent. You may also learn something...

Friday, February 4, 2011

His Many Faces

I'm trying to soak up every minute of Levi being my first and only baby. He is precious. The pool has become our weekly family fun trip.

Expression 1: Embarking on a great adventure, The River.

Expression 2: Mommy, the pool is sooo cool!

Expression 3: Did you see that?! Daddy just threw himself off a diving board!

Expression 4: Here we go again.

Expression 5: I'm just chillin', on my surf board. NBD.

Expression 6: Daredevil. How deep can I go without putting my face completely in?

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Slacking

I'm still here! It's funny how as soon as I found out I was pregnant, first trimester exhaustion kicked in and suddenly I can barely muster the energy to dress myself. I am soooo tired! When Levi naps, instead of blogging, I jump into bed and fall into a coma/nap. This time around I'm a lot more nauseous and as was the case with Levi, migraines are plaguing me every other day. Excuses, excuses. Actually, more like priorities, priorities. Rest and a healthy pregnancy are now top of the list. However, Elasticpantcity is an important creative outlet for me and if I let it go now, I know I'll regret it when I come out of the newborn haze without my little blog by my side. 

The backdrop of this editorial is breathtaking. I would love to nap run in those fields. I really need to spend some time on a farm... 




Model: Michelle McCallum; Stylist: Sabrina Bolzoni; Photographer: Zoltan Tombor for Grazia Italy via Fashiongonerogue.