february's sweetheart: lauren of someone like you

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

I'm sure a lot of you are familiar with Lauren of Someone Like You. Her blog had quickly become one of my favourite daily reads. Not only is her heart filled with compassion, sensitivity and kindness, but her style is both unique and beautiful as she never fails to post a pretty outfit every day. I have become very good friends with sweet Lauren and I have a feeling that some day we will meet in real life and go thrifting and watch the movie we are both dying to see; Marie Antoinette, hehe! Prepare to be inspired as you read through her wonderfully penned posts and feminine, sweet outfits.

You're always wearing the sweetest outfits! What's your favourite item in your wardrobe right now?
Shucks, why thank you! My favorite pieces in my wardrobe are always changing, but the one piece I always go back to when I'm feeling uninspired is a little beige lace dress with a peter pan collar from Forever21. It encompasses all of my favorite elements that make up a feminine piece and it is so very versatile with all sorts of colors and various textiles. I feel like I can never go wrong with a peter pan collar, hehe!


Is there anything or anyone in particular that inspires your style?
I know it sounds so silly, but I'm always inspired by fictional characters more so than people in real life. Whenever I watch a movie that is inspiring, I always want to transform into that character and her style. Whether it be bashful Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina, reserved Emma in One Day, the charming Allie Hamilton from The Notebook, or even a magical forest fairy from a childhood storybook, I love taking on a whimsical style and persona of someone else for a day. Sometimes being Lauren seems too...boring! By emulating different characters I perhaps get to be the gal I always dream of being, but am too scared to become (yet).


Based on the fashion, is there any other era you would like to visit for a day?
Ohhh, definitely the 1950's! It was such an era of beautiful femininity and delicacy in women's clothing that I greatly admire. I think of all of the years of fashion, the 1950's had styles that were most flattering to the shape of the everyday woman, and allowed her to keep a natural, curvy shape and still look impeccable. The silhouette of the 1950's celebrated a woman's body instead of trying to change it for what it wasn't. Not to mention I admire and love the fact that there was no such thing as dressing up too much. In today's society jeans, sweatshirts, and tennis shoes are the everyday attire for most women which I think is a shame. Dressing up is a fun, creative way to show femininity and a sense of who you are. It makes me sad that society has lost that aspect of ourselves.


In your spare time, you would most likely be found...
...At a thrift store! Thrift stores in my local town are the places where I find a sense of calm and peace with myself. During the week, I'm always busy and stressed out from school but on the weekends the one activity I choose to relax with is thrifting. I get such a sense of pure enjoyment from sifting through racks and rack of old garments, making up flamboyant stories about its owner and imagining the kind of life it had before me. Something beautiful, unique, and magical can always be found at a thrift store that makes my heart just swell with excitement. Part of the fun of thrifting is the thrill of the chase, part is time I get to spend alone thoughtfully thinking, contemplating, and dreaming, and exploring my inner self one quip at a time.


If you could move to or visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Such a toughie of a question! When I go to college this coming fall, I plan on definitely exploring many options for international travel and studying abroad. The world is just this facinating, inspiring place that I can't wait to explore and have further define me. If I could drop everything in my life right now and travel around the world right now I probably would! The one place though I would travel to though is France. Probably so cliche, I know, but I just can't help it! France holds a sense mystery, beauty, and culture that I would love to explore. The history, the architecture, the people, the places...I would just love to someday be able to visit.


Where do you hope to see yourself (fashion wise) in the next five years? I don't think anyone can particularly put a pin on where their style will develop within five years because people are constantly changing and growing at such a fast pace. Everyday of our lives little moments and occurrences shape us into different people whether we realize it or not. Five years ago I hadn't a clue about what fashion was and had never even wore a dress in my life...let alone have the courage to start my own fashion blog and put myself out for all of the Internet to see! My style has been this incredible journey of finding myself... It sounds so silly, but through developing my sense of style, I have developed a sense of who I am. Something I couldn't find for the longest time. From year to year I change so much without even trying, that it's impossible to know where my style (or self) will be in five years...All I know is that I hope I'm happy and staying true to myself. I feel as though that's the key to fashion- always staying true to yourself, your values, and your aesthetic. If you do that, you'll always be proud of yourself. ❤


♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Thanks Lauren for answering the questions! Anyway, onto something completely irrelevant; I've started up school again and things have gotten quite hectic. I just wanted to give ya'll a quick update: I'm not sure how consistent my posts will be... but I promise there will still be comments left on your blogs and I will no doubt be interacting with you all like normal. Posts won't be as often as they usually are because now that I'm in a higher grade things have become more serious and there isn't as much time for blogging! Wish me luck and I'll blog again soon! ♥
P.S: I wonderfully, wonderfully amazing giveaway is being held over here, you should definitely check it out!

an enchanted tea party

Saturday, January 21, 2012

come to my tea party
I found this collar set image on tumblr the other day and loved it! It's so pretty and reminded me so much of the beautiful costumes in Marie Antoinette, the movie. Moving images and snippets from the film seem quite popular in my feed too. Can you believe I still haven't seen the movie?
Anyway, don't you love those weekend mornings that consist of scrolling endlessly through blogs and drinking a yummy brew of some sort? That's what I did this morning, then this afternoon Izzy and I were re-united after 7 long weeks! She has been in America and I missed her a lot! We exchanged sweet gifts (fairy lights, notepad and flower wreath for her and some OPI polishes, delicious body lotion and other American delights for me!) and filled each other in on the happenings of our holidays. 


I also thought of the coolest thing! I looked at the archive of my tumblr and it's just a mesmerizing collage of beautiful images. I wish I could print out the entire thing and use it as wallpaper for my room! I'd be inspired everywhere I look, yay ♥
Tomorrow I'm going to attempt macarons for the second time... I'm hoping they will look a little less sloppy than my last batch (which were still delicious). I'm off to go read Summerhill Secrets by Beverly Lewis and make some camomile tea. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!


 

little nest atop my head

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Lo and behold, my pretty flower birdsnest/ wreath! It's quite simple to make and is such a pretty accessory for wearing or hanging up in your room. I decided to hang mine up on a hook above my bed to catch my dreams. It's a slight variation of the feather dream catchers, I think. Anyway, it's been very quiet and relaxing this side of the world (well, for me anyway). The weather has been quite gloomy and rainy lately so it's been perfect for staying inside watching DVDs. Sipping chamomile tea while watching Bed of Roses is as good as it gets... As well as all that, I was interviewed by the sweet Alexandra! She is a wonderful girl with a darling blog! ♥ 
P.S: I received a lovely snowflake necklace from Laura the other day. Thank you! 

cliche but fun things to do to beat your boredom & blog awards!

Monday, January 16, 2012
 
Beautiful watercolour paintings by Valerie Chua

♥ Make an artificial flower head wreath. Lauren did a beautiful tutorial here.
♥ Make a little garden. Head out to your nearest nursery and purchase some buds or seeds and get your green thumb on!
♥ Stay inside on a rainy day and watch Father of the Bride {just like I'm about to do}
♥ Try your hand at water colour painting. Look for inspiration from Peter Rabbit, Robert Best and Quiet Girl.
♥ Learn to read tea leaves and predict the future!
♥ Host a high tea. Make macaroons, use your best rose china, make pretty handmade invitations and wear your girliest frock and gloves.
♥ Get lost in an exciting book. I recommend Nicolas Sparks, C.S Lewis, Robert Louis Stevenson or Agatha Christie.
♥ Find a pen pal! Perhaps someone you have become good friends with over blogging. Make them feel special but making or purchasing pretty stationery and including little bits and bobs in the envelope. Perhaps a few scrap-booking stickers, some lace, glitter or pressed flowers. You can buy the sweetest stationery here.
♥ Make a floral suitcase or some handmade tea bags. You could travel and drink your tea in style.
♥ Buy a cork board and a few magazines and collage your dreams and inspirations. Hang it over your desk so you can look up at it every so often.

Lovely DIYs by Elsie.
Hello, dear bloggers! I've been a trifle busy lately which sort of explains the lack of exciting posts. I hope this one will make up for it though and give you something fun and inspiring to do. I promise I'll have another outfit post up by the end of the week. Onto other news, I've won two blog awards! The wonderful girls, Carina and  Emily passed the Versatile Blogger Award to me, thank you! So, the rules are as follows:

1.) Thank the person that nominated you, and give a shout out on your blog to them with a link to theirs. 
2.) Share 7 random facts about yourself. 
3.) Send the blog award to 15 other bloggers who's blog you love and appreciate, and let them know they won the award. 

Random Facts about moi:
I am a stickler for a clean room. I absolutely cannot function if my room is a mess. 
I have a severe phobia of cockroaches. Particularly flying ones. Ew!
I'm such a Grandma when it comes to interior decorating. I love antiques, doilys and floral quilts.
I love smells. Fresh baked cookies, clean sheets, new clothes...*sigh*
My favourite materialistic item is my bottle of Miss Dior Cherie
Handwritten snail mail is so much more special and exciting than emails
One day I want to own a little book-store like 'The Shop Around the Corner' in 'You've Got Mail' the movie.

currently into...

Thursday, January 12, 2012
A small portion of the things I love at the moment

♥ Flower crowns. They've been popping up everywhere I look! I made a pink rose one today that I'm quite proud of (photos coming soon) and it was so simple. It's amazing what a beauty you can create with just wire, florist tape and artificial flowers. 
♥ Some of the pictures that have been popping up in my tumblr feed have been truly breath-taking. One of my favourites is the balcony picture with beautiful blossoms hanging over the edge. It looks so pretty.
♥ Fairy skirts! As soon as I saw this picture I fell in love. The fairy-like skirt is made practical with a belt a sweet blouse.
♥ Mary-Janes! Still quite desperate to get my hands on some of these beauties. I love the thick heel on these tan ones. They remind me of Carrie.
♥ Book stores. One day I simply must own one. 
♥ Sending and receiving mail. Isn't it just the most exciting feeling slipping that envelope or package into the box? I really, really love getting mail and writing letters. 

Hope you're all having a great week so far!
Picture credit: 1, 2, 3, 4

daisy lady

Tuesday, January 10, 2012
 
 
 
I think I have an unhealthy obsession with daisies. I just love them! I can't figure out whether it's the daintiness of the petals or the way they can weave together to make whimsical garlands...

Anyway, the last few days have defined Summer. It has been so hot. The only way to escape the heat is to jump into a pool, lie in the air-conditioning to read a book or sip a mango smoothie under the fan... (I'm still coming up with ideas). Thanks for all the kindness you left on my last post and for following my tumblr! It's quite fun being able to reblog images without the need to explain yourself. Then again, to me pictures feel slightly incomplete without writing. 
The photos above were taken in my other Aunty and Uncle's garden. When I saw that they had daisies too I was like Yippee! because I had actually brought along my camera. Aren't they positively lovely? Well, I hope the rest of your week isn't too hot (or cold?) 

interviewed by agnes & I got a tumblr!

Saturday, January 07, 2012
 
Hello lovely people! I just wanted to let you all know that I've been interviewed for the first time by sweet Agnes over at her blog From Here to Fashion. It was a lot of fun answering the questions and Agnes is delightful to talk to. Well, I hope you all have a great weekend, and you're enjoying the remainder of your Christmas break (I know I am!) ♥
P.S: I finally got a tumblr! If you would like to be drowned by even more frilly florals and romantic drawings feel free to drop by, Avenue M.

january inspiration + a package from bea

Wednesday, January 04, 2012
The Cherry Blossom Girl's outfits are so effortless and polished. The vibrant Parisian backgrounds add to the beauty of her style and photography.


The Spring/ Summer collection of Chanel is just beautiful. I love the feminine, pastel colours and the intricate details and embellishments. A few of the accessories are also quite marine inspired. Some of the bag shapes resemble shells and have mermaid patterns on them.
Pretty blooms. Another one of my New Years resolutions is to start a little rose garden in the from part of my house. I also want to grow some pansies and daisies.

I still can't believe how quickly 2012 has come. Before I know it, I'll be graduating from school and pursuing my dreams (okay, maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself). It's all pretty exciting though! Anyway, here is another set of inspiration to kick start the new year. I could talk for ages about how much I love all the things I put into this post... especially the Chanel collection. I'm usually not an admirer of Karl Lagerfield's designs but this one was different. Probably because it consisted of ruffles and other pretty textures all adorned in beautiful sorbet/ pastel hues.

In some other news, my pretty giveaway package arrived from Bea on Tuesday! I was so excited I forgot to take a picture of the actual parcel (woops) but I did get a few snaps of the lovely packaging she wrapped it in and of course, the goodies! Bea was so sweet with it and even sent me a gorgeous handmade bird ornament in my favourite fabric -- floral! Thank you so much, I love it! ♥♥

  

welcoming the new year: an interview with jessica

Monday, January 02, 2012
 

Happy 2012 everyone! I thought; why not get it started by introducing you to the very classic and beautiful Jessica from The Tragic Sense. I've been anticipating this interview for a while now as I'm constantly amazed by her impeccable taste in clothing, whimsical way with words, her clever and visually exciting photography and, last but not least, the beautiful collection of vintage she so effortlessly puts together. Jessica is also very humble and kind, making interviewing her delightful and inspiring. You can check out her other outfits at her blog, chictopia & lookbook.

 

In your spare time, you would usually be found...
Taking photos, thrifting, reading, writing, or blogging. I received a sewing machine for Christmas so I suppose that I will soon add sewing to the list? We’ll see how it goes!

Was your Mum a vintage collector like yourself?
No, not at all! She has some mildly terrifying remnants of her 80s wardrobe, but alas, my lovely mother is not nostalgic for clothing quite like I am. My maternal grandmother was said to be very stylish in her heyday and I’ve managed to acquire a few of her best hats! 

Is there anything or anyone in particular that inspires your style?
Not anybody in particular at the moment. I feel like my process of becoming inspired is much more organic now than it used to be. I am inspired by events, images, fleeting moments, dreams, memories, art, films, books, history and fairytales. The internet too is an endless source of inspiration! I’ve learned so much from ladies far spiffier than I in this vast, impressive fashion community.

Any photography skills you would like to share?

I’m certainly no expert, but photography is my first love so perhaps I will share with you some of my “wisdom” from over the years! To begin- practice, practice, practice! Get out there and take pictures of everything and everyone. As you develop an eye for composition and gain a better understanding of what strikes you aesthetically and emotionally, your individual photographic voice will emerge. Be inspired by other artists but don’t let your admiration consume you. Know your gear! Read about your camera and its functions, you’d be amazed how much more you can do artistically when you’ve got a firm grasp on its mechanics. At the same time, don’t fret over equipment. It’s not about having the best camera out there, it’s about you, the artist. It’s your vision. Don’t let it be spoiled by self-doubt. I’m happiest when I’m shooting with my old Minolta on haphazardly bought film from the supermarket!

 
 

Describe your beauty regime;
I am very meticulous about my skin because it was so terrible when I was a teenager (photos of my younger self are always quite humbling), at which time I developed a routine for taking care of it as best I could under the circumstances. I don’t shell out a ton of money on products, but I do own a basic cleanser, exfoliating cream, moisturizer, and lots of lip balm. I love trying out natural remedies as well! I've been using Vitamin E oil on my face recently and its been doing wonders for my brittle skin in the dry Canadian cold. It makes my makeup go on so smoothly. My go-to look is a cat eye, blush, dark brows and lightly red stained lips.

Three materialistic items you could not live without;
My camera, my vintage clothing collection (I know, I’m cheating!) and my laptop.

If you could go back in time to any era, what would it be?
Although I do often romanticize the past, I very much enjoy living right here in the present, where I can can take bits and pieces of inspiration from any era I choose with the added benefits of air conditioning and women’s rights! Fashion-wise, my favourite era is changing all the time. Right now I love the Victorian era for those elaborate, ethereal ensembles depicted in paintings. I’m also loving the 40s and 50s for classic glamour, lots of volume, immaculate hair and makeup and of course, the New Look!

All photos courtesy of Jessica Celebre ♥

here's to the new year

Sunday, January 01, 2012

Happy New Year! I hope 2012 brings you all joy and exciting new opportunities! 
Here are a few Resolutions (that I most definitely intend to keep):
♥ Try to write in my journal every day
♥ Be more organised. As much I am organisedthere is always room for improvement... I guess my main weakness is putting off homework... 
♥ Build my thrifted/ vintage collection. I want to start op-shopping a lot more often than I do!
♥ Continue ballet lessons and start Jazz!
♥ Improve my confidence, independence and self-esteem. 
♥ Get drawing lessons/ art lessons. I want to improve my sketching skills and hopefully design myself a new blog header. 
♥ Get a job and save up for my first DSLR!
♥ Have a happy and rewarding year. 

I was going to do a 'the year that was' post but I think I'll save that for May, when I celebrate having Avenue M for 2 years. I'm so very grateful for you all and I can't express how much I love being part of the blogosphere!

P.S: Do you like the daisy garlands that my sisters and I made for my Aunty and Uncle? We went over their house yesterday and made the prettiest chains to place on the bookshelf (daisy chains attract fairies, did you know?). I love my Aunty and Uncle's house so much, the decor and furniture is mostly vintage and makes the house feel special and homey. The garden is beautiful too, I think I counted about a million daisies!