Ain't nothing like photographing other creative souls. I could give you a thousand reason to book a soul session or brand session, but I'm just going to let the photos do the talking today. If you have any questions let me know!!
I didn't mean to make you feel bad. | Ethical Fashion
I just wanted to say sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad. Truly I didn't. In fact, causing you to feel less then was one of the main fears I had when I started to share this journey...In case you are feeling a little lost, let me give you some context. ***cue that weird musical transition they always do in movies when they change scenes for a memory haha** The past few months have been filled with many wonderful events and photo sessions. I got to met and chat with so many incredible women and like-minded souls. I dressed in clothes that I feel great in (and didn't immediately get covered in food, dirt or duck poop)! For this fairly introverted, rural Mama of two it was somehow completely energizing and exhausting in the best kind of way.It was during these wonderful get-togethers that I began to notice a reoccuring dialogue that went something like this...
A says, "oh I love your shoes, where did you get them?!"
B uncomfortably replies, "ahh, shoot, you had to ask me in front of these capsule wardrobe people haha."
OR
C says, "you look incredible in that dress, I would love to find something like that."
D looks towards me with shame, "ummm, Zara."
There was a lingering guilt or shame or maybe it was something else. Either way, I have begun noticing it more and more where people feel that they need to explain to me why they can't currently purchase responsibly-made fashion. But let me tell you, whether it's a postpartum body, the initial investments, or the fact that you just really like shopping, you DO NOT owe me an explaination. I never have and never will look at your outfit and decide what kind of person you are. And in that same breath, I do not think buying ethically made clothing makes me a better person then someone who doesn't. It is, quite simply, a place in my life that I felt a need/desire/ability to make a positive shift.I began sharing my journey because I couldn't have made this change without the incredible help of those who bravely shared theirs with me. You might notice the use of the word brave there and feel a deep desire to roll your eyes, but it IS scary to put yourself out there.So, long story short, I will continue to share about responsible fashion because I think it is a fabulous and much needed conversation, but please don't let it discourage you and if you ever have any questions or thoughts please share!! You DO NOT need to own a single piece of responsible made clothing to join this club and conversation!!!Warmly,Karmen
The Straight Facts | Honest Reviews
Hello Friends!As you know I began my journey into capsule wardrobes and responsible fashion just over a year ago. I have learned so much and have discovered sooo many incredible brands and makers along the way (I'm talking rule-breakers, wave-makers who are genuinely making the world a little better). And as promised, I am going to share as much of this info with you as I can!Before I get started, I do really want to clarify a few things. 1. Most of the clothes I will be sharing I have personally purchased. BUT some have been given to me in exchange for photos. 2. NO ONE has given me clothing in exchange for my review. Now why, am I telling you this? Because if you are anything like me, you find it exhausting to try and navigate whether someone truly loves a product or if they are only saying so because they want to make money selling it! (UGH) So to be perfectly clear, I am making ZERO dollars telling you my thoughts on these pieces of clothing.Now all that said! I am so exciting to start sharing some of my favourite ethically made garments, in hopes that it might help you! Because ordering online is scary!!! OK so are you ready?
I am going to start out with a review of the
! You have almost definitely seen me wearing this top whether on Instagram or around town. I L O V E, love it. Seriously.
Pros:
It is incredibly soft and flowy
Made from Bamboo cotton which is breathable, antibacterial, biodegradable and sustainable!
Washes incredibly well. I wash mine on the hand-wash cycle in my washer and hang to dry. It has been washed ALOT and is in perfect condition.
It can be dressed up or down. Ladies, I wore this top layered over a little black dress for a fancy dinner, and I've also worn it with yoga pants to dance class! It's very versatile!
It's reversible!!! You can were the tulip in the front or in the back.
Made in Canada by lovely people
Cons:
There really isn't one. I love this top!
The cost seems scary. (it is worth it though)
If you have ANY questions! Let me know. I am more then happy to help!
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!
Explore Edmonton
I jussssst realized that I have never blogged my session with the lovely J. She was writing a an article about hidden gems in Edmonton and I had SOO much fun wandering around some of her favorite neighbourhoods. Edmonton has become such a special place to me. It is where I went to school for photography, it's where Brad and I bought our first home, it where our oldest daughter was born!! And even though we live outside of the city now, it will always feel like home. I absolutely adore our frequent visits with it's places and wonderful people.If you are an Edmontonian or will be visiting this summer I highly recommend checking out Justine's blog posts about Highlands and Westmount. Below I've linked up some of my favorite stops, come tag along with us!
OK now let's hop and the car and head over to Highlands, shall we?
...
Karmen's Capsule Wardrobe Update #1
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I’m gonna be honest here, I haven’t made much progress on my capsule wardrobe research because #life. I have really found my enthusiasm for this project waning a bit. I mean will it really be worth the effort? It’s just clothes right? And, I am a person who truly believes that beauty comes from the inside; so how important can it really be to put energy into my wardrobe? But despite my apprehension, I decided to hit up google to see if I could find some answers.
I immediately came across a podcast episode from The Lively Show featuring Caroline Rector from the blog Un-Fancy. Podcast are my jam (I probably listen to 100x more podcasts then I watch tv), so obviously I was stoked! I hit that play button and set to work on some much needed spring cleaning around the house.Fast forward 46 minute later, and I am feeling so inspired and totally reaffirmed in my decision to create am ethically-sourced capsule wardrobe. It's time to dress like me, to feel good about myself, to simplify my daily routine and to buy clothing that is ethically made. While it threw me off at first, I LOVED Caroline's comparison of herself with Bruce Wayne (I hope I don’t need this parenthesis but…. Batman) facing his fear of bats; "he is crouched down in this dark cave and there are bats swarming all around him, it's madness. He slowly unfolds and stands up straight, and the music swells and he takes this deep breath. And he is ok." Intense right?! I would have never in a million years come up with that mental picture on my my own, but it is perfect. I won't ever be able to completely remove myself from the swarm of messages I receive via ads, music, magazines, social media, television, movies, etc.... but I can teach myself to be strong and confident. I don't need a perfect body. I don't need t0 wear the latest trends. I don't need to buy into the thousands of ideas that are being sold to me everyday.So I am setting some intentions for myself this week.
- Recognize when external media sources are affecting how I feel about myself and dictating what I think I ‘need’.
- Unsubscribe from all the stores that send me coupons, catalogs, etc. UNLESS it is company whose values align with mine. (this girl still loves a good sale!)
- PURGE. Let’s get this party started. The plan is to take EVERYTHING out of my closet (literally everything) and sort it into 4 piles: Keep - Store - Giveaway-Seasonal. And since I am waiting to do my shopping until I have completed my dreaded book-keeping/taxes (<- look at me being all responsible / let’s be real, it ain’t gonna happen unless I have some sort of motivation because book-keeping is the actual worst), I will have to make do with what is left in that 'keep' pile for the time being.
- Read more of Caroline's blog!! And do more research.
So there ya have it. Man, WISH ME LUCK! I think I am going to need it lol. And thanks so much for following along on this (completely non-photography related) topic. It honestly feels so good to have a little company on this adventure!Warmly,KarmenPS. Do yourself a favour and listen to that podcast! Episode #36 was packed full of helpful bits of information for the newbie capsule wardrobist. Photo Credit: www.un-fancy.com