Leather Wrapped Bracelets

My mom has always been an extremely creative person and it's something I have always admired. She has been knitting and sewing for as long as I can remember but more recently she began making handmade jewelry - beaded necklaces, bracelets, earrings etc. She has made many pieces for me but her latest creation is definitely my favourite. They are bracelets woven together with leather, beads and silk thread, she also doubled them for a more modern look. This weekend armed with the proper materials she showed me how to make them and I am happy to report I finished my first one last night! 

Below are some pictures I took of the ones she made:

Here I am wearing the purple, cognac and gold one that she made me a few days ago. Ever since she finished it I have not gone anywhere without it!

Kempenfest Shopping

Every year my mom and I go to the local art/craft show in a town called Barrie just North of my cottage. When I was young I used to dread going but the past few years I have actually been excited to go. Each year there are booths set up where people sell antiques, hand made clothing, crafts and hand made jewelry. I love it because you are guaranteed to find unique handmade items. This year I went with my mom and dragged my boyfriend along - which I'm sure he was less than thrilled about! 

Below are pictures of what I bought this year:

 I bought this buffalo hide black leather fringe purse. I bought this from a local leather wear maker called "Hides in hand". They sold hand made moccasins, purses, gloves etc all made from hide leathers. It is soft like butter and well worth the $150 price tag. 

 I bought this suede leather wrapped bracelet adorned with a silver peace sign. I purchased this one from a handmade jewelry maker that sold hippy inspired jewelry made with ropes, suede, peace signs etc.

 I also bought this strawberry daiquiri candle. I thought it was really cool how they used gel to make candles look like foods, drinks, pastries etc. Not only do they look real but they also double as a candle! They had pies, cupcakes, cakes, creme brulee and even a banana split which my mom bought!

Since I dragged my boyfriend along I thought I should get something that he would appreciate, so in addition to the Daiquiri I also got this Beer candle. I plan on putting these on our shelving unit by our kitchen table or the shelf in our kitchen.

Design Inspiration

Lately I have had the itch to re-design or update my condo, and I love the idea of incorporating fashion into interior design.

I recently slurged on a new mustard colour duvet for our bed, bright purple sheets and a Buddha pillow - which my dog thinks is the devil. (pictures to come)

This is my take on adding Fashion into the decor on my apartment.

A Few of my Favourite things...

My week got off to a not-so-great start, so I’m trying to concentrate on the things that are working for me. Below are a few of my favourite things at the moment...

(Alexander McQueen scarf)

(Prada camel patent pumps)

(Marc Jacobs quilted shoulder bag)

(White orchid currently in my apartment - my favourite flower)

(My dog Tucker ~ love him to death!)

Wrist Adornment

One of my favourite ways to complete any outfit is by adding a stack of bracelets. Bracelets have always been a great statement piece but this season it has been taken to the extreme - the more the better! Over the years I have collected many unique bracelets, which to be honest previously I hadn't gotten much wear out of. Today I can't even imagine leaving the house without at least 1 bracelet. I would have never dreamed of wearing them all at once, but I can't believe how good they look together!

Below are a few bracelets I love to wear on a daily basis...

Cool Hunting

A fellow blogger recently came across these adorable Lulu Frost numerical stackable rings. I love the idea of wearing jewelry that has a hidden personal meaning. You can use these rings to create your own unique numerical combination - anniversary, birthday, postal code, favourite number etc.

(Lulu Frost 14k Gold Code Rings $440.00)

Brand Alert: Soludos

I was recently introduced to a new shoe designer called Soludos, which remind me a lot of TOM's Shoes. They have taken a spin on the traditional espadrille, and would be great to slip on in the summer with pretty much anything. Soludos will be introducing five brand new styles  for summer including two Chloe Sevigny floral prints - which I absolutely love! They’ll soon be available for purchase at Opening Ceremony.

My Mid-Summer Wish List

Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ring $240.00, Jbrand pink jeans $198.00, Alexander McQueen leopard scarf $475.00, Equipment button down shirt $207.31, Chloe Paraty Tote $1902.39, Alexander McQueen skull necklace $347.34

Above is my current fashion wishlist, emphasis on 'wishlist'! I have had my eyes on these pieces for awhile now but I haven't brought myself to splurge! Some of these pieces are for Summer and some make a great segue into Fall... Which do you like best?

Trend Report: Shades of Summer

This summer there has been a move away from the classic aviator, rectangle, wayfarer and wrap sunglasses. This year it is all about different shapes and styles usually paying homage to styles from the 60's and 70's.

Above are a few of these dictinct styles, there is even a pair of Prada sunglasses topped with eyebrows! (which I think is a little over the top!) I love the cat eye and round styles which pay homage to the 50's and 60's. And of course the classic rocker Wayfarer which will pretty much never go out of style.

Victoria Beckham - $470.00, Zara - $39.90, Ray-Ban - $185.00, Yves Saint Laurent - $315.00, Urban Outfitters - $32.00, Top Shop - $32.00

Who says jewelry doesn't grow on trees?

I recently purchased this jewelry stand from Urban outfitters and I absolutely love it. I love it's unique vintage feel and how jewelry hangs effortlessly off the various branches. Another great idea for this piece is to use it as a his and hers soap dish holder in a washroom with double sinks.

Leopard Luxury

Another one of my favourite trends this season is leopard print, which lets face it basically never goes out of style. However, this season leopard is given a fresh new look by doing bolder prints and embossing it on unexpected pieces. Another way to bring an edge to the classic leopard is by pairing it with bright vibrant colours - red, green, royal blue or even other subtle prints.

Clothing and Accessories: Red leopard dress - Top Shop $95.00, Alexander McQueen Leopard scarf - Saks $477.35, Jimmy Choo leopard loafers - Saks $407.45, Leopard Bathing Suit - Vix $168.00, Leopard belt - Top Shop $32.00, Equipment Leopard blouse - Shop bop $138.60

Camera Happy

I have recently developed an interest in photography and I am super excited because I just bought my first Digital SLR Camera. It is my first professional grade camera so I am excited to start taking pictures. I am still trying to figure out how to use it but lots of pictures to come!

Below are some pictures of me playing around with it.

My favourite jewels

Above are a few of my favourite jewelry pieces, including a Queen baby skull bracelet, Tiffany peace sign bracelet, House of harlow ring, Links skull bracelet and a few vintage pieces.

Vivid Hues

Clothing and Accessories: Red Jbrand Jeans $175.00, Orange Michael Kors watch $195.00, Royal blue Alexander McQueen pump $1,206.68, Orange Top Shop dress $46.00, Pink Kate spade purse $395.00, Yves Saint Laurent Arty ring $250.00, Yellow Jcrew shorts $42.50

Spring’s minimal trends make use of maximum color—pile on vivid, colorblocked hues with simple shapes and high-impact accessories to make your spring wardrobe pop.

I love the idea of being able to spruce up any outfit by adding a pop of colour. I recently purchased a pair of the red Jbrand jeans and they even make a white t-shirt fashionable.