Category / inspirations

creativity boosters

by Victoria. H

Value Village Refashion Haul

Just one of the many reasons I heart fall is all the extra thick fashion magazines! They’re a great source of inspiration for refashions to add to my wardrobe and trends to look out for when scouring thrift stores, because as we know many past trends inevitably become in vogue again. On my last trip to Value Village I went prepared with a list and surprisingly crossed off each item! Even though I had a list, an open mind is a must since you never know what will be hanging on the racks. Subconsciously I picked items with a similar color palette, which works out great. The following pieces are numbered from easiest to hardest considering both technical difficulty and  confidence in outcome. I hope you look forward to seeing the results of my refashions in the coming weeks! First up will be…

1. Blanket into poncho

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by Victoria. H

Stampede style inspiration throwback

In YYC the Calgary Stampede is a big deal. Have you been? If not it’s definitely an experience. This year the Stamped runs from July 3rd – 12th. The downtown is transformed with brightly painted windows, hay, and reclaimed wood boards.  Plaid shirts and cowboy hats abound! And the Stampede grounds are where all the action is.

 

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Since this is my 5th year in Calgary and my 4th year Stampeding I’ve been around the hay bale a couple of times. Dressing up cowboy style is always fun. I love the challenge of dressing in a theme. Trying to infuse your own style into an outfit while not looking like a costume can be a challenge. Do you really want to look like a cowgirl cliché? Of course not! That’s why I’m sharing two past posts I did on how to dress for a stampede/rodeo.

In 2013 white was on trend and that hasn’t changed for 2015. Get inspiration for how to accessorize your white lace dress/skirt or even what kind to buy. There are so many different styles! What I’m obsessed with… White lace dresses.

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Once you have your outfit you’re going to need a cowboy hat. This is a must as it completes the ensemble and helps keep the sun out of your eyes while watching the rodeo. A little cowboy hat creativity will show you two ways you can customize a run of the mill hat. Give your chapeau a little pizzaz and you’ll never get lost in the crowd.

cowboy hat deco diy victoriadaytoday.com

conclusion

Remember, you’re beautiful and no matter what you choose to wear, confidence and a big cowgirl smile will always be in style during Stampede and beyond!

by Victoria. H

Sartoria: comfy and cosy upcycled

Last night the city was covered in a snow blanket. A reminder that even though it is spring I live in Calgary where it can be sunny, snowy, and rainy all in one day. The urge to hibernate in warm and comfy clothes with a hot drink is strong. This reminded me of a great brand that I discovered at the Art Market here in Calgary last November. Sartoria upcycles cashmere and merino wool sweaters into one of a kind pieces. Based and created in Toronto, they embrace “slow fashion” and it shows in the eye catching color combos and fantastic quality. At the Art Market the designer was even on hand to custom make select pieces! Sartoria will be back next year and I’m glad for the heads up so I can put some dollars aside for luxurious long johns. You can also shop from the Sartoria website www.sartoria.ca.

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All photos from www.sartoria.ca

CONCLUSION

Snow isn’t so bad. Especially when you have something warm and cosy to snuggle up in.

by Victoria. H

What I’m obsessed with… White lace dresses

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Stampede has descended on Calgary. For 10 days cowboy hats, boots, and plaid are everywhere. This time of year I’m always on the look out for people who embrace the western theme with style and class. I’ve seen too many girls/women in cleavage/thigh bearing outfits that are usually about a size too small. And you don’t always have to wear a plaid shirt/denim combo either.

This summer white is right on trend and so is lace! Pair a beautiful lace dress, shirt, or skirt with some cowgirl-esque accessories and you are ready to ya hoo all day long! Without looking like you’ve been around the Stampede grounds one too many times, if you know what i mean. 😉

Check out my Alberta Bound pintrest board for the links to these photos and more Cowgirl style inspiration!

Pretty lace shift, fitted red leather jacket & studded western style boots. Edgy boho threads for the cooler months. Lace dress, muted statement necklace & cowboy boots!

flirty lace eyelet dress

Sweetly swaying. #Hat #Cowgirl #Lace #Dress  ;)

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Romantic Cowgirl | Lace Dresses & Tartan Plaid Shirts & Blouses lace dress, chambray, cowboy boots and hat

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boots only for me Lace dress & cowboy boots

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conclusion

Western inspired looks don’t need to be saved for Stampede and rodeos. Change up your accessories you can rock it year round!

by Victoria. H

Wreck City: See it before the demolition ball does!

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When I looked out my window on Saturday I saw a grey cloudy day with a skiff of snow on the ground. Not ideal weather, but that wouldn’t stop me from heading down to the community of Sunnyside to check out Wreck City.

“Wreck City: An epilogue for 809” is a group of local artists who have taken nine houses that are slated for demolition and turned them into temporary art, instillation, and performance spaces. 8 artist/curators and 100+ extremely creative individuals have worked very hard to bring this together and I was super excited to see the results!

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“Enter at your own risk” is posted at the entrance of each house as well as the names of the artists who contributed to that space, but don’t be alarmed, everything inside is secure. Here’s a tip: for the optimum experience wear clothes you can move around in and stable shoes. Also forget the big purse or tote, it will only get in your way. The spaces are amazingly hands on and remind me of a real life snakes and ladders game. There are things to climb, crawl through, peek in and slide down, but only if you want to, and believe me you’ll want to! Thank goodness I was wearing thick tights!

This is truly an experience for all your senses whether it be sight, touch, smell, sound, or taste (fresh baked cookies anyone?). Each day also features different performances. Click Here for a schedule. I had a fantastic time immersing myself in these houses and chatting with the artists. The following photos are only a tiny sample of what you can expect from Wreck City. If your going to be in Calgary this week you would be missing out if you didn’t venture down to Sunnyside to check it out!

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Wreck City is free and open to all ages, everyday until April 27th.

visit their website at www.wreckcityproject.wordpress.com to find out more!

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Yes, that’s a slide and yes, that’s a railing. Safety first!

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Going down! Side note: I was just talking about Light Brights at work and how much I wanted one. After seeing this one now I want one even more, sigh.

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conclusion

This is a great example of how when people come together, they can take something that one might deem worthless and transform it into something extraordinary. Have I piqued your interest yet?

by Victoria. H

What I’m obsessed with today… Parrots

Parrot hair clip from Now, Voyager

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Vans released these Van Doren Authentic reissued parrot print shoes in March. Click HERE to purchase off the Vans website.

Hand beaded parrot clutch from Anthropologie

Parrot origami necklace in black silver

Image 1 of American Apparel T-Shirt With Party Parrot Print

Party Parrot t-shirt from American Apparel

A Nest Napery tote bag

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Markus Lupfer Sequin Parrot shirt from Asos

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Nike Air Max “Beaches of Rio” pack is released this month and the colors are inspired by the sand, surf, and exotic birds of Brazil.

Flight at the Ballet scarf from ModCloth

Circus By Sam Edelman Parrot Thong Sandal

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Vultures design by lucas de alcantara from Threadless

If your interested in finding out more about all these bird-tastic finds please click on the picture to be linked back to the source!

conclusion

Parrots are bright and fun! No mater how you wear them it’s a great way to start welcoming the warmer weather back into your life. Even if it still looks and feels like winter. sigh.

by Victoria. H

Oh deer! and owl, and bear, and cat, and…

 

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I love sorting through the clearance jewellery at department stores. You never know what kind of sparkly treasures you’ll find. So when I saw a glittery deer I knew he was coming home with me. After placing him with my other necklaces I realized I own a few other animal pieces. Ok, maybe i little more then a few. lol

This gave me the idea to make a photo story with some of my faves! Hope you enjoy them. Their from various locations and have various price points but all have a special place in my jewellery box.

 

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Conclusion: Ahhh…. animals. Maybe I should do a photo story about my different articles of clothing with furry creatures on them. Ha ha, just kidding…. kind of.