Ethical Fashion

Honest Review | Poppy Barley Eyelet Oxford a.k.a The Perfect Travel Shoe

Honest Review | Poppy Barley Eyelet Oxford a.k.a The Perfect Travel Shoe

The Poppy Barley Eyelet Oxfords!  The shoes that feel like slippers. No seriously they do.  I first tried these shoes on about a year ago and was immediately shocked by how comfortable they were;  Sadly, I wasn’t in need of them at the time so I left them on the shelf but you better believe that I did not stop thinking about them.

5 Reasons I Love Linen

5 Reasons I Love Linen

Sooo, it's no secret at this point.  Yes, even my grandparents have noticed my new-found love for natural fibres.  And my favourite, LINEN!  Oh my word, I just love it.  I can't stop wearing it, can't stop looking at it with all the heart eyes and I definitely can't stop talking about (sorry friends and fam).  You see, I don't just come across things and decide THIS is for me.  I slowly consider, I research it, I save photos and create mood boards to see if it fits my life (again, my poor family) and then I finally take the plunge and try it out.  So when it gets here and lives up to, actually exceeds, my expectations I am gushing fountain of success filled enthusiasm and facts.So here we go!!  5 reasons I LOVE linen. 

Honest Review | Nisolo Heeled Chelsea

Honest Review | Nisolo Heeled Chelsea

I swear we ran into every problem imaginable, but I do have to say that Nisolo handled it with grace and did everything they could to make it right! And so at the end of it all, I ended up with these beautiful Brandy Heeled Chelsea Boots (even though I ordered black lol).  And I LOVE them.  They have been a perfect addition to my closet and have helped me create tons of new outfits with my existing wardrobe.  So let me break it down into pros and cons for you.

In the Desert | Mojave Preserve California

Driving the through the desert is a magical experience (highly recommended), you come across sights that seem like they could only be from another planet.  Some you drive by with eyes widened, others require you to slam on the brakes and turn that car around.  This was one of those times.  A lone Foo Dog just off of Route66 in California.Model: Rebecca Hughes Poncho: sweetjolieboutique.com Jewelry: volerra.com  (PS.  Volerra is having a HUGE sale today!!)Travel Dates for the remainder of 2018 are listed HERE on my website.  I will be taking portrait and brand sessions at all locations, just shoot me an email or comment below if you have any questions!

Pyne And Smith | Capsule Wardrobe Update #3

 

Hey Guys!  Its been a little while since I gave you an update! Honestly things haven't been super exciting, I have just been doing the best with what I have.  BUT I am working on my summer capsule wardrobe!  And I have been enjoying the two new purchases I told you about earlier!  One of which was this Pyne and Smith Clothiers Linen Dress.I was soooo excited to get this little number in the mail.  I immediately put it on, and then, had one of those moments of doubt.  You know the kind.  I wasn't sure if I could 'pull it off', if it was the most flattering dress for me.  Maybe it was just one of things I loved on other people?  So I let it hang in the closet for few days, but eventually decided that if I like the dress I should darn well wear it, and love doing so.Jump ahead to day of errands, peppered with compliments and I was completely sold! (I really try not to dress for anyone besides myself, but being on the receiving end of a compliment is always encouraging <3)    Needless to say, I have been wearing this incredibly comfortable dress on repeat ever since!   It is honestly so versatile (and the midi length is crazy practical when you are running after little ones). I've worn it on its own, with sweaters and belted so far.  (PS. the belted version kind of made me feel like Belle!! Honest to goodness the soundtrack played in my head allll day long lol)So I thought I'd share a few real life pictures that I snapped this afternoon while my kiddos splashed in the pool!  I am about 5'2" and am wearing an XS.  If you have any questions let me know!

Happy Weekend Pals,

<3Karmen 

The Purge! Capsule Wardrobe Update #2

Hey Guys, it's been a while since the last time I posted about my capsule wardrobe and actually quite a lot has happened!!  Let me fill ya in.I purged my closet.... and it was AMAZING!!  I am a person that easily feels overwhelmed by clutter, so having so much more space in my closet has been kind of fantastic.  And, honestly, I had so many clothes in there that didn't even come close to fitting or were just so far from my style (like from high school, freaking high school you guys) that made it really hard to find the clothing that actually fit!The picture below shows my king size bed absolutely covered in clothes.  Not pictured is a chair full of maternity clothes and my naked daughters trying everything on in the thrift pile 😂.  Haha it was out of control! I spent an entire rainy afternoon sorting through this big pile of clothes and listening to Oldies (as one does).  I was quickly reminded that as much as I hate clutter, I hate waste!  And I really love re-porpusing old things.  I toyed with a few ideas, but in the end I decided that there was just too much stuff for me to keep around the house.  (And the last thing I need right now is another project lol.)  So I sold a few things, and the rest I will be sending to my sisters and the thrift store.  I also put away all my winter and hot summer clothes.  This left me with just under 50 items including pants, shirts, tanks, sweaters and dresses.  And so far it has been great!  While I don't totally love a lot of these clothes, I have committed to sticking with them for the spring season so that I can make sure that this capsule wardrobe is really something I want to follow through on, and to sort of figure out what pieces I need to make this a fully functioning wardrobe that I adore.I have to admit, this process has already shown me that less can really, truly be more.  And it has been surprisingly fun!  I have actually cleaned out the girls and the entryway closets out as well!  (up next linens!).  Wowzer, look at me being all domestic!!!  Hahaha, but I think what  truly is the most surprising part of this exercise so far is that I have actually been wearing more variety!  Who would have thought!  I have also been doing more research on responsibly made clothing and have come across some of the most wonderful small (and big)  businesses in the process.   I ended up ordering from a lovely woman in California, who hand makes the most wonderful linen dresses to order.  She recently did a collaboration with a fantastic YYC educator and I just couldn't resist the sale!  I actually had been eyeing her beautiful dresses before I even started my capsule wardrobe (WIN!).  I also ordered a bathing suit from a rad company I have been following on Instagram for quite some time.  Thankfully my patience paid off and I managed to get it on sale as well! (High-five!)  I just LOVE that I can totally get behind these brands and actually feel like I know the women running them.  I have come across some other really promising shops but will wait to share them until I feel confident that they are awesome.So now it's your turn!  What do you think of this whole capsule wardrobe thing?  Do you know of any great responsible brands? Have you ever considered where your clothes come from before?  Is there anything else you would like to know?Once again, thanks so much for listening to me ramble on about something completely unrelated to photography.  Keep being awesome!!Warmly,Karmen