Saint John Cut Collective

Last week I shared with you the behind-the-scenes of the fashion shoot Saint John Cut. Borrowing a photo from Sheldon Parsons, let me introduce you to the creative group as a whole (minus a few members):

Front Row: Beth McRae, Fran Menton, Apple Dog

Middle Row: Kate McLean, Nadine Parsons, Chelsea Mason, Kiera Fraser, Emily Fraser, Barb Crawford, Kelly Lawson

Back Row: Sheldon Parsons, Carrie McGrath, Sean McGrath

(Missing from shot: Beaver Smith, Dan Culberson, Alex Pesold)

Sharing with you the work of some talented local photographers, I thought I'd also show you the outfit I put together from Je Suis Prest Boutique:

Photo by Sean McGrath

Photo by Sean McGrath

Photso by Sean McGrath

Photo by Sean McGrath

Photos by Kelly Lawson

Photo by Sheldon Parsons

The Outfit

Top: Free People- c/o Je Suis Prest Boutique

Skirt: Free People- c/o Je Suis Prest Boutique

Belt- Chinese Laundry- c/o Je Suis Prest Boutique

Headband- c/o Je Suis Prest Boutique

Pantyhose- American Apparel- c/o my closet

Shoes- Steve Madden- The Urban Shoe Myth- c/o my closet

When Carrie did this fantastic look with my make-up, I realized I was going to have to work a serious look in photos. I usually go for goofy or happy expressions in my outfit photos, so I at first I felt a little nervous. I never confront the camera straight on with a bold or serious look. (I'll be honest: I had to practice my more serious expressions in the mirror to feel a little more confident!) However it was a great exercise for pushing my boundaries a little and trying something new! Thanks everyone for a wonderful afternoon and making me look good!

multipattern harmony..

So I'll admit, I've sort of bended the rules for the 30 for 30 challenge.  I realized a few flaws in my choices that was making it difficult to maximize my 30 items to their full potential. I've decided to swap out a few items- but only because they have not been worn to date....so technically, I still won't be wearing more than 30 items in 30 days! So I hope this might remedy my offense...

I have a hard time committing to clothing selections in advance- just ask anyone who has seen my packing. Disaster. So the problems I have encountered: I threw in a pair of wedges and a pair of cage heels into my 6 picks for shoes, but as much as I love heals- I don't wear them day to day because they are not practical for my job. (Hence why you are always seeing me in those black flats!) I've traded them both in for 2 pairs of flats:

And the pink dress with black knit overlay: I forgot how short it was and it just has not been a practical choice for day to day wear! It does look super cute with pink pantyhose and a long sleeved black tee under neath, but unfortunately not appropriate for day to day. I swapped it with another dress than is easily paired with leggings:

I have to admit, the 30 for 30 is really making me miss other items from my closet! I no longer take my extended wardrobe for granted, that's for sure! And now, without further delay, I give you my next outfit as part of the 30 for 30:

The Outfit:

Dress- Buttons- Francesca (Portland, Nov '10)

Sweater- Dynamite (gifted from Katie)

Leggings- TNA- Aritzia (Toronto, Sept '08)

Belt- Chinese Laundry- Je Suis Pest Boutique (SJ, Oct '10)

Shoes- Michael Kors- StyleSense (Toronto, Sept '08)

Necklace- Forever21 (Portland, Nov '10)

I have to admit, my black leggings have become a little thinner for wear and I am definitely going to need thicker ones for the weather! I'm looking for a pair with quality thickness in the material as well as a thicker waist band. If you could leave a comment as to where you've gotten your favourite leggings from, I'd really appreciate the suggestions!

biker chic

Yesterday afternoon I headed uptown to meet Katie, sip on a Starbucks latte, and then set off on a browsing venture of the clothing racks in Pseudio and Je Suis Prest Boutique. I was on a mission to find an animal print tank or t-shirt, with little luck. I am a bit surprised that I've scoured the shops of Saint John and haven't come up with much given that animal prints are on trend right now. But I have to admit, we're seeing them mostly in accessories (scarves, shoes, etc.) or in the form of faux fur coats and vests. I just had a desire to pair my new Paige skinny cargos with some feline-esque stripes or spots. Instead, I settled for another cute top from Pseudio, to be featured in an upcoming post.

The Outfit

Faux leather jacket- Winners (Toronto, Sept '10)

Long grey tee- Abercrombie (New Hampshire, April '09)

Black leggings- TNA- Aritzia (Toronto, Sept '08)

Black and gold skinny belt- Chinese Laundry- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Oct '10)

Black wedge booties- Aldo (Toronto, Sept '10)

Gold chain headband- Club Monaco (Halifax, July '10)

Black leather purse- Coach (Toronto, Sept '10)

The reason I chose this particular ensemble- the cotton pieces make it oh so comfy but the leather (real and not) give it a bit of edge to dress it up a bit. 

proud peacock

Props to you girls that take your own photos for your blogs! And if you don't have a tripod and/or a remote, I applaud you. It's not easy without the feedback of a photographer to do that work for you! Yesterday Ben was out (and therefore off duty) and so I though I'd try and do my photos independently. With the lighting trials, finding a steady surface for my camera, and coordinating with the timer, this session took a lot longer with less success. I couldn't quite catch all of me in the shot so I might have gotten a little lazy...to make up for it I lined up the  procession of photos posted in a way so I didn't miss any outfit details!

I'm not as knowledgable as I'd like to be about photography and cameras, but with time I hope to learn more! I currently use a Panasonic Lumix (keepin' it easy, keepin' it light) but someday would like to upgrade to a bigger beast. Am I able to find a tripod that will hold or support my little camera when taking photos? Is this possible?

The Outfit:

1. 
   
   Green tank dress- H&M (Stockholm, Jan '08)
2. 
   
   White cardigan- Aerie (Fredericton, Spring '09)
3. 
   
   White belt- Chinese Laundry- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, May '10)
4. 
   
   Silver flats- Sam Edelman- Winners (SJ, April '10)
5. 
   
   Green purse- Guess (Paris, Jan '08)
6. 
   
   Peacock feather hair accessory- Forever 21 (Montreal, June '10)

Today's post was named in honour of my fun hair accessory. I love feathers (texture), especially peacock feathers. I have a bunch of them saved up to be used in some way as decor for my wedding...

Oh, and please fill out the content poll at the top, right hand side of the page! I'd like to get feedback on what type of posts you'd enjoy seeing! I've also come up with more ideas for blog posts I'll share with you all soon.

SATC 2!

Thursday evening, following my pedicure, I had some friends over for a few cocktails and finger foods, before heading out to see Sex and the City 2 in theatre! I mixed a few (strong) cosmopolitans for all ladies in attendance (Shauna, Jenn, Katie, Lyndsay and Pam- they all looked great!) We sipped and snacked while watching a few episodes of Sex and the City. Pam brought this amazing combo of cinnamon pita chips and fruit salsa and Lyndsay brought a premixed bottle of Cosmos! Check out our spread!

We were off to the theatre with plenty of time to spare to make sure we got good seats! I loved, loved the movie, although I must admit the first SATC was better plot-wise. However I was not at all disappointed, and the fabulous four and the fashion lived up to (if not exceeded) expectations!

The outfit:

Pink top with ruffled cap sleeves- R&W Co. (2 yrs ago)

Pink dress with black lace overlay- Jack BB Dakota- Je Suis Prest Boutique (Spring '10)

White braided skinny belt- Chinese Laundry- Je Suis Prest Boutique (that day)

Pink suede platform sandals- Aldo (ordered online the week before)

Black cuff bracelet- Chanel- E-bay (Sept '08)

Pedicure- Mistral by Chanel- Perfumes Plus (that day)