Busy Week

It's been a busy week!  We're moving at work, which is kind of exhausting, and it just seems like there are lots of little things popping up to occupy my time.  Some are good, like bi-weekly blackberry picking evenings, some are not, like car repairs...

Karl wanted a black forest cake for his birthday, and that ended up being a bit of a project, but it turned out pretty great!  More layer cakes in my future...

 First ever figs from our fig tree!

Karl's birthday burger dinner. 

 Blackie Fluffers is just like me: hard to get a picture with eyes open!

Today: very old Banana Republic jacket from the thrift store.

Lara Stone by Ryan McGinley in Vogue UK

Oh, the wonders of beauty and photography.  These are so magical and I don't for a minute believe that the reality was as dazzling, but that's not really the point.  What's inspiring is that someone could envision this; that a designer created clothes that became part of this fantasy, that the stylists and creative team and model and photographer all believed that it would be this beautiful, and in the end, through their sorcery, it is.  So stagnant pond, gap-toothed girl, and clothes no one would really wear = perfection.

gold leaf

I felt like I needed to do a little shopping, but I didn't want to buy anything summery, and I don't know yet what I'll be looking for as far as fall clothes, so I decided to finally use my Jeweliette gift certificate.  I bought these beautiful ginkgo leaf earrings by local designer Irit Sorokin.  They are super light and simple, and I really don't have many dangle-y earrings.  Solved my seasonal shopping dilemma by getting something seasonless!

It's really summer-hot now.  I'm loving it and trying to absorb as much as I can because it sure won't last for too long.  It's also important to make a conscious effort to wear all my summer clothes.  Just like the velvet and sequins getting a six-week window at the holidays, I have to make the hot weather count to justify the shorts and little summer dresses the fill my closet.

sweet summer

Cutest couple ever!  Jessica and Sean had a gorgeous wedding yesterday.  I didn't take a single picture, but I'm relying on some clever friends to post a few so I can share more of them here.  Jessica and I worked together to design her dress and we were both so happy with how it turned out.  She looked so stunning.  Sean looked pretty swell too.  Now they are heading off for their honeymoon, which sounds amazing, but I think I'm doing pretty well enjoying my summer here.  And on the island - Karl and I had the best long weekend visiting my parents.  Again, no pictures.  Karl took one, of the cat sleeping in the laundry basket, but then he deleted it because his toes were in the picture and he didn't like that!

The Hellers

I don't know if I've already posted any of these pictures of the latest collection by The Hellers, a brother and sister design team from Tel Aviv.  Even if I have, it's worth another look at my favorite print of the summer.  Where does that amazing fabric come from???

Also, how did Jimi Hendrix manage to be so stylish???

Pastel posies

I've had this dress forever.  I got it at a flea market a long time ago; my best guess would be grade eight.  The pastel floral print is so pretty.  The label says Perri Montreal, and I'd guess that it's from the late fifties or early sixties.  Well worth packing around for the last seventeen or so years for the couple of times a year I get to enjoy it!

A Quiet Moment

I'm a pretty regular peruser of the Nordica Photography blog.  There's always something beautiful and inspiring to look at, whether it's a local engagement shoot featuring an iconic Canadian coffee shop or a swanky castle wedding halfway around the world.  This image shot at a wedding in Sweden caught my eye - what a perfect moment.  And knowing the way these guys shoot, there was nothing staged or premeditated about the image; they have a serious talent for capturing spontaneous beauty.

Dadu Shin

I'm in lovey love love with these illustrations by artist Dadu Shin.  They make me yearn for the days when I was a drawer, back in fashion illustration class when we had to render fabrics and prints that were really challenging.  There's something so tranquil and graceful about these tiny-footed ladies and their slightly surreal outfits.  Also odd is the title of the artist's tumblr: i don't like clothes.  It's well worth the visit to see all of the work though!

Eniko Mihalik by Ellen Von Unwerth in Vogue Italia

Super pretty!

Abundant Flora

I don't pick flowers from my garden very often, but as I was tidying today I got the urge to snip some choice buds.  The little white roses are taking over the front yard to the point that the pink ones are trying to escape over the fence to the neighbour's yard.  I didn't plant the purple pea-like flowers, but I'm happy that they've chosen our yard!  And I did plant the spikey-globe ones, but now I can't remember the name... astrantia?

fashion imitates life imitates fashion

I know that it's been done before and it will be done again, but I thought that these "street style" inspired shots by Zoltan Tombor for Grazia Italy were well done.  I like the outfits, and her hair, and I'm in need of some high-heel motivation.  I had an incredible night of dancing last weekend which had me in flats and sneakers all week, but I should make an effort tomorrow!

Under the bamboo

 It's finally warm and sunny enough for that to be my deciding factor in getting dressed!  I love this vintage skirt - it has little illustrations of horses and carts and anchors and oxen.  I think it's some kind of Americana theme.  Oh, and I did finally get my hair cut!

Valentino - Couture 2012

The fabrics featured in this collection are simply stunning.

I WANT!

fancy dress

Two beautiful images from one of my favorite blogs - Long Hair &Modesty.

 First Communion

Bulgaria

I love it when garments have a special meaning and cultural significance.

Famous Bowties!

OK, not exactly famous, but Exhibit B got a nice little write-up in the Province newspaper in a Canada Day feature about local designers.  We feel pretty special to be included with much more established brands.  For some reason the picture that the ran in the paper isn't on the website, but it's the one below.  Read the story here.  Also, our new and improved website is up now, here.

I hope everyone had a great Canada Day!  I did - girly time with my friends, and even a little bit of sunshine - much needed!