Thursday, June 30, 2011

Feeling Chipper

Today my little boy was an angel. It's amazing how the world seems like a brighter place when Levi is in a sunshiny mood. While Levi napped I took some photos of two new pieces I picked up for my shop.

This dress is a gem. The color is extremely vibrant and I love the semi sheer material. It would be great to hear from readers how they would give this look a modern spin. 

 I must have been in a good mood because I also color coordinated our books while reorganizing a few  shelves.

And I lined up Ben's guitar pedals because they were bright and pretty (A little bit OCD, no?)

This second dress is a cutey patootie! The detail around the collar and cuff is so sweet and I can envision it with platforms, or wedges, or espadrilles... And maybe a cute summer hat. Is that going too far?

 To top off my chipper day I also made a rainbow colored meal (Not intentionally, but the end result made me happy). The icing on the cake was that Levi chowed it down. 

The weather outside may have been grey but it was a delightful day nonetheless. I hope you were able to find the bright side of your day too!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Defender of the Toys

When family is not available we have some wonderful, way-more-fun-than-mom-and-dad babysitters to take care of our little guy. Our dear friend Diane is an elementary school teacher and she always comes over with the best activities for Levi. Levi knows when he sees her bag, there is a surprise inside: Finger painting, Marble Works, new books. He asks about her all the time.

  "We're going to see daddy."
"Diane?"
"Nope. Just daddy."

And then we have Jeremy. Apparently when Jeremy babysits, him and Levi fight the forces of good and evil. Oh, to be a fly on the wall. Mommy and daddy went to an art show, Levi saved the world.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Style is Art

I had the great privilege of covering The Cheaper Show for Vancouver Mom and in the next couple of days I'll post a link to the article as it describes my experience of the show in depth. And let me tell you, it was an amazing night of art and culture. 

Although I was taking in the show as a whole I was noticeably distracted by the amazing style of so many of the ladies. Hello hipster central! I felt way out of my fashion league amongst all the great get-ups but I was also inspired to see that many pieces in my on-line shop fit right into the style of these girls.  FYI: If you like their style then you'll know how to wear the clothes in my shop (Coming soon! Apparently it's a crap load of work to start a business. Who knew?)

The two style trends that stuck out to me the most were lipstick and heels. As a mom, in my everyday life, I don't see a lot of ladies with make-up and I was inspired with how many of the women at The Cheaper Show painted their faces bright and pretty. I need some colorful lipstick! And then there were the shoes: Sky high heels worn by women both short and tall. I've always felt like heels make me tower over everyone, but who cares? They look amazing!

Here are some of my favorite styles I caught on camera!

 


Close-up of work by artist Nick Lakowski

How hot are these mamas?!


Close-up of Raw Stripe Painting by Artist Bradley Harms

In case you didn't get a good enough look at the jump suit. Killer.


Left: Vogue by Artist Jamie Q; Right: Work by Artist Nick Lakowski

Designer Evan Biddel (winner of Project Runway Canada) with a model wearing his dress.


Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! We actually have some sun in Vancouver!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

The Cheaper Show

I'm so stoked that Ben and I were given the invitation to the preview of The Cheaper Show in Vancouver. I love covering events like this for Vancouver Mom! The Cheaper Show is a collaboration of Canadian and international artists seeking to break down the barrier between the public and the art world. The works of these artists have been carefully curated and all pieces will be $200.00. That's cheap, peeps! For event info. go here.

I went online and chose some of my favorite pieces that I can't wait to see in the flesh! 










 For a biography of the artist of each piece go here.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Little Man

Photo by my lovely sister-in-law, Esther

I can barely stand that my baby looks like such a little boy in this picture. He always sucks his bottom lip in when he's concentrating. I love that his face is slightly smudged with dirt because it is so true to his every day look. My neighbor saw him in passing and was struck by how grown-up he suddenly looked. It's true. It happened overnight. This photo should be a reminder to me to not wish a way the baby stage with Jethro. Before you know it, the baby is gone, replaced by a little man. 

I've been very busy pursuing some of my own interests in the last while and although it is exciting, I felt like a piece of me was missing. I think it is just that my heart cannot fully engage in an activity outside of motherhood and being a wife. It is the role that I feel most called to and most in love with. Even though it is hard. And sometimes repetitive. And sticky. 

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Pretty Pairing

For Father's Day/my daddy's birthday we had the family over for a feast on Saturday. Against my vegetarian leanings and abhorrence for red meat I went out and bought the biggest, baddest steak I could find for the men.

 I learned it is a danger for my wallet to go into a butcher shop and ask, "I know nothing about steak, what should I get?" I walked away with half a cow. But the men loved it! Pair the red meat with a full-bodied Merlot and the boys were lying around like fattened calfs (A saying with so many meanings!) after supper.

During the day on Saturday I scrambled to take more photos for my online shop (which still remains nameless) to get my site up and running. When I say scrambled, I mean it. A lot has to be accomplished while a two year old naps!

These are two more items that will be in the shop once it opens. The fiery red blouse has beautiful detailing, is semi-sheer, soft and flowy. I picture it with a matching American Apparel bandeau or tank underneath. These lounge pants are super cute and comfy. I love the idea of pairing the two together for a bold contrast in colour on a summer evening.


What a satisfying weekend: Time to day dream and create, as well as to love on the wonderful fathers in my life. Hope you all had a beautiful weekend, too!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Dress-Up

As a little girl I loved dressing up paper dolls and when I was in elementary school I would sketch outfits for Betty and Veronica from the Archie comics behind my raised textbook. My creative side was effectively squashed in high school and university and I forgot about my love for design. I often say I wish I had known myself better when it came to making decisions about my path after high school, but really I should have just remembered what I was passionate about when I was 10. 

Making collages on the computer is my grown-up version of paper dolls. This vintage sea-foam, shift dress is going to be for sale in my online shop (coming soon!). I confess I'll be a little sad to say good-bye to it because it goes with pretty much every accessory and can easily be given a fresh, modern look. Since I'm going to have a breast-feeding, baby body for the foreseeable future, the dress and I will part ways (sniff, sniff, lucky for somebody!). 

From left to right: Anthropologie necklace and shoes; Anthropologie necklace, UO shoes

From Left to Right: Anthropologie necklace, Aldo shoes; Anthropologie necklace, Aldo shoes

P.S. Can you tell I'm excited Anthropologie is in Vancouver?!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Wandering Eyes

The problem with hunting for vintage clothing is my eyes are inevitably drawn to other wares. I've now made a promise to Ben that I will no longer come home with anything but clothing. Otherwise I fear that I will became a hoarder and end up in a TLC special. No thank-you. 

Before I put an end to my wandering eyes I found these lovely pieces to decorate my home (and my arm). 

Hand-painted glass vases.

Ornate hieroglyphic handbag. Perfect with a long summer dress.

Dainty little glass container for my rings.