This beautiful suit will be auctioned off for an amazing charity, stay tuned for your chance to snap it up.
suit from: Women In Need
shot on location at ma-luxe studios
]]>
Take one part strange public art/ pirate ship, one part vintage playsuit, add a dash of red lipstick and mix well.
The retro/sailor playsuit was a piece I pulled for a photo shoot and couldn’t let go of. The pirate ship… well I don’t know how that came to be there and I’m quite happy to leave that as a mystery of the sea.
xo Alana
playsuit: vintage from WIN, lipstick: Joe Fresh
]]>
When I found this necklace in a vintage store years ago something about the colours, beads, and general largeness transported me somewhere exotic. The women at the till laughed and looked at me like I was crazy to be purchasing a massive statement necklace. In all fairness it weighs about 5 pounds and extends past my waist…not exactly a classically wearable purchase.
Well shop lady, I get the last laugh because I FINALLY made it work with a simple lace dress, perfect for summer. The clean lines of the dress now seem boring to me without the necklace. The only downfall is that now all I can think of is vacationing in a tropical jungle somewhere. I have a fever and the only cure is more jungle!
I’m actually planning a trip to India in the winter, and trying to figure out how to extend it to Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. Jungle here I come!
Where are you guys dying to visit?
xo Alana
(HAPPY CANADA DAY to all my fellow canucks!)
(dress: H&M, hat: le chateau, necklace: vintage, bangle: family heirloom from India)
]]>
Today’s tutorial is super easy to do! If you have a few vintage belts but nowhere to display them, this is a chic and easy way to put your old belts to good use .
Depending on how big your vase is, find 2-3 belts in complimentary tones. I played with two options, cream and gold then basic browns. (Yes the belt on the right is vintage Hermes, which I used here just for photo purposes!)
Step one: I only wanted a hint of gold so I started with the metallic belt as the base. If the belt isn’t staying in place, use a bit of double-sided tape to secure it.
Step 2: Next I went with the wider neutral belt to cover the vase.
Step 3: Finish of with a textured belt in a similar tone.
Step 4: Move the belts around with your fingers until there are fewer empty spaces and things looks balanced.
Step 5: Add some flowers!!!
This is a really great way to recycle old belts and give them a new purpose, up cycling at it’s best! The more beat up the belt, the more rustic the vase will look! Play with textures, widths, colours, flowers, and vases to create new looks and add visual interest to your average flower arrangement.
As always, let me know if you try it and love it!
xox Alana
]]>
I’ve never been a fan of traditional work wear as dictated by stores in the mall. I’ve always felt like women can look unique and work appropriate without looking like clones. One of the best ways I’ve found to stand out a little is by taking unexpected pieces and remixing them.
Left on Houston let me pick a piece from their spring collection to style and I loved this bohemian sweater, it’s loose and comfortable and made of material that may or may not be woven clouds (so soft & dreamy!) I would usually wear this top loose and casual with jeans and sandals, but I decided bohemian fringe could and should be styled up and worn in the workplace.
I layered the top over a vintage yellow pencil skirt, and cinched the fabric with a belt. Since the sweater was so big I gathered the excess fabric at the back, this made the front look fitted and professional. Keeping the rest of the outfit within the same light/ earthy tones looks unexpected, relaxed and business casual appropriate.
Tips for rocking fringe at work:
1. Chose a fringe top that has sleeves and is made of quality fabric
2. If the top is loose always belt it. Baggy clothing looks sloppy at work.
3. Keep all additional pieces classic and neutral.
Do you guys like the workwear fringe look? How would you wear it?I’d love to hear your feedback!
Cheers, Alana
fringe top: c/o Left on Houston, skirt: vintage from WIN, belt & heels: found somewhere in the closet!, watch: Guess
makeup: Carly Flint for ma-luxe
Shot On Location @ ma-luxe studios
I’ve been madly working on an amazing project for a local company Women in Need who offer support to women in the community. You can view the project here! I get to work with so many amazing women on a daily basis now, all of whom are passionate about the cause and about fashion. Among said amazing women is Carly Flint, the talented makeup artist and mega babe featured in this post. I’ve been lucky enough to work closely with her for the last few weeks and it’s an understatement to say I’m inspired!
Check out the sister post to this post…it’s all about the magical sweater she is wearing!
Have a great weekend everyone!
xo Alana
Credits
Hair & Makeup by Carly Flint & Marion Groot for ma-luxe
Styling by Carly Flint & Alana Parsons-Kumar
Clothes from Women In Need
Shot On Location @ ma-luxe studios
]]>
(hat: American Apparel, skirt: vintage c/o Shoppalu, shoes: Zara, leather jacket: vintage, watch: Michael Kors)
photos by my lovely mom
Sometimes an outfit just isn’t complete without a large accessory, in this case, a big floppy hat! Originally this hat was way floppier, but I trimmed the felt brim with a pair of scissors until it was just right! Never be afraid to grab a pair of scissors and get creative with your clothes!
(hat: American Apparel, skirt: vintage c/o Shoppalu, shoes: Zara, leather jacket: vintage, watch: Michael Kors)
photos by my lovely mom
]]>
Why not… get dressed up and go exploring!
Cheers!
Alana
I always breathe a big sigh of relief when Christmas is over, even though it’s usually pretty chill. It always feels as though a weight has been lifted and it’s time to look ahead to the new year. 2013 is shaping up to be a really exciting, really busy year, so I’m enjoying a little down and freedom!
Thank you to every single reader, those who stop by once or everyday, I love you all!!
Xo Alana
(vintage skirt: Shoppalu, last seen here)
]]>