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 

Rebecca | Genuine Portrait Series

I have always been drawn to simple portraits.  You know the kind that pull you in a hold you there.  Somehow frozen in time, is this person and their personality.  No distractions, no bells and whistles.  It's genuine and it's  pretty wonderful.  I have known for a while that I wanted to start a project like the #GenuinePortraitSeries, but I wasn't really sure how to go about it.  But, I finally decided that couldn't just wait around for the perfect idea to formulate, if I want to start a simple portrait series, well then I should just do it!  Sometimes the best things just happen organically, you know what I mean?So I hauled out my lighting equipment and set-up for weeks in my living room (Ok it's still up, but I have taken it down a couple times lol).  I started photographing woman after woman (men are welcome too haha, just hasn't happened yet) and started to really, truly fall in love with the project.  I am so excited by not only the beauty of the portraits, but also their potential!  These people are all so unique and amazing, and, WOW, am I ever excited to tell their story through portraiture!!  And I honestly can't wait to see how each person uses their new photos to develop their brand or to hang in their house or to give to their Moms or to freshen up their Instagram feed or, well you get the point =)!Annnnnyways, it is about time that I start sharing them with you all here on the blog!!  And I am really excited about it (don't suppose you can tell?)! So without further ado.  Here is Rebecca.  She is incredibly passionate about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the strength that she has found within the sport!

"Hi, it's me Rebecca.  I started jiu jitsu in January of 2015.  I learned about this particular martial art through a good friend of mine who had started jiu jitsu the summer we met.  After just a few months of training in jiu jitsu she knew enough to show me some moves on her basement floor. The technique is one I will never forget (arm lock series from side control.) Up until that moment I had never felt truly empowered by what my small 115lb frame could do. With a sort of fragile physical history, (having crushed my T9 vertebrae in 2012 while cliff jumping) I was surprised to understand that with proper leverage I could not only break someone's arm but that I could actually hold a grown man's life in my own two hands.  Once unlocking this new found strength, there was no turning back. I moved to Calgary the next month and found the gym closets to my home. Since that day I have been training, traveling, and competing for jiu jitsu. It has taken me places I thought were out of my reach. That’s what jiu jitsu will do. It will bring you places that you didn’t even knew existed within yourself and the world. But that’s for you to find out.

I am passionate about helping others learn and love welcoming new people to the sport.  You should try it, I guarantee you will love it.  Here are 5 things you need to know before your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class:

• You are not an inconvenience to anybody. Every single person on the mat has been exactly we're you are right now. Even world champions.
• You are not going to be good at it. But after your first class you will feel happy. No matter what you'll love it.
• Yes people sweat and it's ok if you do too. Jiu jitsu is cardio x1000. Bring a small hand towel or face towel if you are really worried.
• What to wear. Regardless of what Academy you are planning to attend most Jiujitsu players dress the same. We will start with the gi. A gi is a garment worn in jiujitsu that looks like a judo or karate kimono but is very different. It's used to grip, control, and to submit your opponent. Call the gym you are planning to attend and ask if they provide a rental gi. If not that's ok! Under the gi we wear a rash-guard and spats. A rash-guard is a top that does exactly what the name insinuates, provides a layer of protection from bacteria for your skin and from the friction of your gi. You can buy special jiujitsu brand but it's not necessary, it needs to be tight fitting and breathable (anything but cotton). Next are spats or tights. I know you're thinking "but I'm not Peter Pan." It's okay you can wear shorts overtop or most likely gi bottoms. Trust me, rash-guard and spats are life savers. Pro-tip: TAKE OFF YOUR SOCKS!
• Information overload is a real thing.

You are not alone. Nerves are real and we all have them to a certain degree."

  I hope you enjoyed learning more about the #genuineportraitseries and this spit-fire of a woman!  If you are interested you can follow her journey on Instagram @beansofnebula.Warmly,Karmen 

Samantha | Lacombe Maternity Photographer

In honour of mothers day this weekend, here is one stunning Mama-to-be on a wonderfully moody spring day.  So it has been a quite a while since I last shot a maternity session, and to be honest, I forgot how absolutely special they are!  I am soo honoured to have documented such an important time in your life Sam!  You are absolutely breathtaking and I can't wait to meet your little one.And lastly, Happy Mothers Day to all you amazing Mama's.  You are honestly amazing!Warmly,Karmen

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    

Audrey's ALOHA (Moana) Birthday!

Oh my goodness, my heart is so full.  Earlier this month, we celebrated our "big girl's" birthday!  Our little Audrey has turned four and we are so happy that we were able to celebrate with so many of our family and friends.  You guys are truly what made her day so darn special <3. And an extra special thanks goes out to my sis-in-law Alicia (www.thesmalldetails.ca) for helping make our Hawaiian party dreams come true!By now, you all probably know that I love making pretty things.  So every birthday is basically an excuse to get creative!  Combine that with the fact that my Sis-in-Law is a Party Planner and we. just. can't. be. stopped.  Haha, seriously we just had way to much fun putting this all together.In case you are interested, I thought I would make a little list of my favourite things and where you can get them!Balloon Arch and Banners- The Small DetailsThe Ocean in a Bottle Craft! -  This craft turned out so cute, and the kids really loved making them!  I ordered the teensy little bottles off Amazon and the beads are a dollar store specials haha. ( If you are interested in detailed instruction on how to make them just let me know!)Confetti Balloons- The Small DetailsPin The Necklace on Moana- ETSY.  This was HILAIOUS to watch.  Turns our blindfolded, dizzy preschoolers are the funniest.Ocean Themed Water Sensory Table- You can pick up these non-toxic waterbeads at the dollarstore (in the craft section) and the kids go crazy for them every single time!  I happened to have a bunch of plastic sea animals around the house that were a perfect addition.Cupcake Wrappers and Toppers - Ok seriously.  How darn adorable were the pineapples and the little umbrellas. Alicia used her circuit wizardry to make them.  SO GOOD!  The Small DetailsI can't believe we have to wait until December to this again!  If you have any questions just let me know.<3 Karmen      

Spring Photo-Shoot Outfit Inspiration !

I am basically rejoicing over here!!  It has been 10 degrees or more all week (insert happy dance)!  Man, January to... whenever the snow decides to start melting is such a long haul for me.  But, the snow is melting and the sun is out.  Outdoor portrait season is officially upon us!So, what better time to share some fun outfit inspiration than now.  Just remember there are no rules when it comes to dressing for your portrait session.  You should dress like yourself and feel good!ENJOY!Karmen   

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.

1. Recognize when external media sources are affecting how I feel about myself and dictating what I think I ‘need’.
2. 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!)
3. 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.
4. 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