Here's to trying new things!

I'm going to do something that I've wanted to do for AGES friends. I'm going to make some of my favourite photos available as Fine Art Prints (and you didn't hear it from me, but maybe iphone cases and tapestries too!) so that all of you (my favourites) can enjoy them as well!! Seriously, who doesn't want a little piece of Hawaii or California Desert to stare at in the dead of winter?! I am feeling so, so excited about this but, if I'm totally honest, I still have a lot of details to work out lol. So stay tuned!!

Poppy Barley Fall Launch

When Jane from Poppy Barley emailed me about attending their Fall Launch event, I thought for sure she had made a mistake.  I'm a full-time mom/photographer who lives in the middle of nowhere, I don't get invited to fashion launches!  Soooo naturally, I quickly wrote back so that she couldn't change her mind lol!!  But in all seriousness, I cannot tell you how happy I was to celebrate Poppy Barley's new store and their 2018 fall line-up.  You see, Poppy Barley was my VERY FIRST responsible shoe purchase and it was scary because, as we all know by now, responsible fashion costs more.  And spending money stresses me out friends.  I usually have to mull over purchases for weeks to months, and in this case YEARS.  Ya, that's right, it took me 2 whole years to finally purchase my ankle boots, and I have zero regrets.  In fact, I went back the next year for a pair of mules!!  To put it simply, I wear them All. The. Time.  They are comfortable and seriously level-up my outfits!I really want to to say a huge thank to the Poppy Barley ladies for having me, and for putting on such an intimate event.  I had so much fun hanging out with some of Edmonton's best humans!  And you guys I brought home a pair of the leopard print flats (which was a prettty bold move for me)!!  Eeee, I love them so much and cannot believe how many garments I can pair them with.  I had to turn down the most comfortable pair of oxfords I've ever had my foot in, but I just love how this pair of D'orsay flats completely changes the look of my outfits.  I swear, it's the shoe I didn't know I needed! If you haven't already, I can't encourage you enough to check out this Women-run Edmonton-based company, they are a dream.  If you have any questions about my experiences with them and their shoes ask away below!  I genuinely love chatting slow-fashion with y'all!

Warmly,

Karmen 

PS.  If you could have any pair of shoes from the Poppy Barley fall line, what would you get?!? 

And We're Back! | #WCW with Lane Tamalty, Anna Morgan-Wold, Jaycee Bourke

HELLO!! Oh my word it has been so long.  If you follow me on Instagram you probably have already heard that the hard-drive on my computer crashed while were gone to be BC, quite the welcome home gift, UGH.  That combined with a lot of my out-of-town family being home for my sisters wedding has meant an unintended break from blogging/social media and from #WomenCrushWednesday.  But I'm back baby (so lame lol). But seriously, so excited to have my computer running and to start sharing again!  So today I'm playing a little catch-up and sharing THREE awesome ladies. First up, I'd like you to meet Lane Tamalty, born and raised in Red Deer.  She is the owner of Copper Lane Hair Studio, which she opened in 2010 in Red Deer and has been innovating the industry ever since.  Since then, she has opened a second salon in Lacombe in 2015.  Hungry for experience and education at a young age, Lane began travelling independently and has since been to over thirty countries.  As a nominee in the 2017 Matrix hair colour competition, she was voted the winner by her peers across the country demonstrating her talent and the respect she has earned in the industry.  With a passion for her employees, her clients, and her community, Lane has set a new standard for what it means to be an entrepreneur.

Meet Anna Morgan-Wold. Anna was born and raised in Alberta by a family of passionate educators. A graduate of Trinity Western University with a BA in Humanities, she held various positions related to her love of cultural anthropology and teaching before finding her place at Central Alberta Refugee Effort where she shared her talents for over 10 years. Anna taught english as a second language to adult immigrants before lending her gifts to the role of ESL manager. Anna fosters a positive work environment by being an exemplary role model and champion for staff and students alike. She is instrumental in the expansion of existing programs and the creation of programs such as Women of the World and Community Based Care for Newcomer Children

And last but no least for today, one the youngest 

#womenofexcellence

 nominess, Jaycee Bourke. Jaycee is a highly motivated young lady who loves assisting people when she has the opportunity, she is currently 17 years old and an honour student in Grade 12 at LTCHS. Jaycee is actively involved as VP of the leadership program at her school, and is in charge of Student Community 

Involvement. During the summer break, Jaycee is a volunteer camp counselor at Camp Alexo where she makes a positive impact on the youth attending the camp. Jaycee is looking forward to a career in nursing and has applied at Red Deer College nursing program. Jaycee has volunteered with many organizations including the Kinsmen club and the Kinette clubs at many community events, the Red Deer Boys & Girls Club, youth HQ and Festival of Trees.

Shadow Play | Style Session with Volerra, Finders Keephers Boutique and Boheme Goods

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!! 

Styled by Tammy Swier Design for Volerra and Finders Keephers

Lynne Mulder | Women of Excellence Awards

LYNNE MULDER! Born into a family who believes in hard work, education, compassion and community, Lynn's commitment and passion to ensure all the citizens of Red Deer are offered the best quality of life possible comes naturally.  With a Masters in Education, Lynne continues to support and volunteer with various organizations such as Vantage Community Services, United Way Of Central Alberta and the Canadian Mental Health Association.  She is a strong community supporter, animal lover and a generous soul.  Lynne displays compassion, kindness, determination and dedication to creating a vibrant Central Alberta.  A strong, determined leader from nurse to Vice president of Red Deer College to Red Deer City Councillor, Lynne continues to make a positive impact in our community, no matter what capacity!

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

Nicole Leal | Women of Excellence Awards

 Nicole Leal, a dedicated and passionate artist, is highly regarded as a leader in the arts.  A 2013 graduate from Red Deer College's Performing Arts & Creation program, Nicole landed the position as the first female Artistic Director for Tree House Youth Theatre.  IN addtion, after a long history of volunteer work with Central Alberta Theatre, she was hired as their Production Manager.  Her work as an Actress includes Prime Stock Theatre's Bard on Bower, B.I.T.E, Butt Ugly, and alumna for RDC's main-stage performances.  Her roles in film include Ignition Theatre and the lead in CACHE production's film Are You Listening?.  In 2016, Nicole co-founded Red Deer's blooming Improvisation Group, Improv Jelly.  The arts community values her as a dynamic resource!