That Little Black Dress

I'm guilty of owning too much black in my closet. It's my go-to color when I can't decide what to wear. Or if I've raided my closet and declared there's "nothing to wear."

Having a black dress has been my saving grace. I can't exactly buy a new wardrobe for all of those weddings coming up in the summer, so re-accessorizing and re-heeling can alter the whole look.

I'm thinking of wearing this outfit to an upcoming wedding. I've paired this dress with teal satin heels and a statement cuff.

Black Dress ABS,  Peacock Cuff Love at First Blush, Shoes Badgley Mischka

*Photos by me and A. 

Feeling Feline

Images of cat inpsiration have been recently dancing in my head. Maybe the new Batman movie has something to do with it. Or maybe it's the 'cat phenomenon' on instagram where everyone is taking photos of their cat. For whatever reason, I've been feeling quite catty today.

Images above via Pinterest/ Crop Top by Sabrina Chin / Lace Cat Ears by Love at First Blush

Secret Gardens and Wedding Season

Two years ago, I was at this beautiful garden at Hycroft Manor in Vancouver for my cousin's wedding. It’s the kind of Secret Garden you picture while reading the book with the same name. This year, I'm going back to Vancouver for my friend's wedding at the Queen Elizabeth Park, which is equally beautiful and picturesque.

BCBG dress, Vintage clutch

The Gardens at Hycroft Manor

Vogue editorial worthy, I know..

 
While I strive to capture moments with the camera, it's these special chapters in life that cannot be truly captured, only experienced. I know, I'm getting sentimental.

Let’s hope there’s a photobooth!

In the studio: Feathers in the Making

Feather Earrings have been taking over my studio. This week I've been busy making a small batch run of feathers, hand gilding and cutting each of the strands to resemble feathers. They remind me of cookies baking in the oven.

Yes, I've been busy with the scissors.

I made this silver and black combination as a special request.

The Leather School, Scuola del Cuoio

The past month of traveling has finally caught up to me. I couldn't be any happier eating, exploring and traveling with good company, but I think my stomach needs a break. Really.

So while my tired feet wanted to rest, I ignored it's plea and we headed to the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence to check out the Leather School (Scuola del Cuoio). Florence is known for it's leather, so I couldn't make a trip without a visit to the School or a leather tannery. A historical tidbit: Established just after World War II by the friars of the monastery, the School was a means to give the orphans of war a practical trade to earn a living.

leather handbag patterns

At the Leather School, they sell handcrafted leather handbags and leather goods, but I was more interested in seeing the Florentine leather artisans at work. They also teach courses which I would have loved to take, if only I had more time in Florence.

If you arrive on a weekday, they will actually monogram your name into one of your leather purchases.

tools of the trade