Hurricane Katrina...the restoration.

They named a hurricane after my daughter.

It's true... she was born before the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, and when I see her room, I see the connection.

For the sake of our relationship, I choose years ago to just close the door.

But this week she went to camp...for 5 days!

Now was my chance! I took out all her belongings...

Sighed over the border I lovingly hung when she was a baby...

Then I got to work. Washed walls (sighed over the drip of milk on the wall from her baby bottle!)

Filled nail holes, scrubbed glue from tape that had held up Selena Gomez posters.

Then prepped, sanded, swept, painted a coat, repeat!

My good assistant/hubby hung the fab chandelier I found a year ago.

Then came the wallpaper, bedding, accessories...

and I even framed her OWN artwork!

Then came the big moment! I picked her and her brother up from camp and made the plan with my assistant/husband...he hid in her room with the video camera.

I expected tears...she threw her camp wristband at her dad.

I think that meant she was happy.

Watch the video above.

Wild Africa Dreams by NicoleRuth featuring safari jewelry

Beautiful Bloggers at Bamboo Ballroom

Before I begin telling you about the fun I had last night...let me just say that the ladies at Bamboo Ballroom embody all the things that make up a great retailer. Style, pizazz, kindness, generosity, adventure, grace and enthusiasm! And it all shows clearly in the design and function of their great store! Thank you Kyla and Anastasia for a great evening!

So last night they hosted an event specially for Edmonton Fashion Bloggers! What great fun was had as we had our hair done by Ponytails + Horseshoes, enjoyed checking out hot spring color trends for makeup by Nicola Gavins, sipped on delish lemony drinks, and perused the stylings of the store! Once we found the drapings of our choice we donned our sassy outfits and had our photos taken by the sweet Ashley Champagne! So much fun packed into one night!

Of course I had my turn at trying on some new frocks... This Alex dress by Valerie Dumaine(a Canadian designer), is so much fun! It has such great detailing with the crossing ribbons and like I've always said...all dresses should have pockets! The other notable thing about this dress was it's perfect length, not too short... and the great comfort with the stretchy fabric!

Another great try-on was this sexy top from Ringspun from the UK as well as these very current gypsy pants by Finders Keepers  all the way from down under in Australia!

 

Some of the Edmonton bloggers in attendance included http://mariealamode.blogspot.com/

and http://www.chroniclesofafashionista.com/

It was also great to see http://dressmedearly.com/ again
and meet http://highglosswhite.com/
and  http://www.rotatingcompass.blogspot.com/ ! (Let me know who I missed!)

Thank you Bamboo Ballroom for a great event!

Hypnotic Robotic

Robot Earring and Necklace Set

As soon as I saw this adorable robot necklace on www.ellanora.com I knew that not only did he need to find his way to my jewelry collection, but that robot accessories were about be be a big hit. 

(Meet Robert...I had just had to give him a name!)

There's something both nostalgic and childlike about these little guys that make even the most simple outfit playful and fun. Perfect to perk up a rainy day or a sweet addition to a casual summer day's styling.

Mr.Roboto Ring at Ellanora

Robot Necklace at EllaNora

Fairly Feathered Friends

I have always been in love with Peacocks...to me they are the most beautiful creatures God created! One of the things I love about them is that they sometimes keep their look toned down, and then other times they glam it up and show it off, but they are ALWAYS regal and beautiful no matter what mode they are in. If you've ever watched a peacock walk, they walk with such authority and confidence. I think looking good does that for a creature!

Forever21 Peacock Feather Dress

So channel the peacock and strut your stuff in some fabulous feathered finds!

I recently became aware of a local jewlery designer who makes wonderful feathered creations! Find  Briwok Earrings And Artware on Facebook!

Rompin' Around The Christmas Tree!

I'm so glad the snow is gone... (Or is it?)! Now this cute little romper by Per Se can be worn without the leggings and over the knee boots! Not that this ensemble isn't "cool" too! Rompers are a fun new summer must have and can be a really simple item to wear. The most important thing with a romper is to find one that fits you well. If you are long torso'd you may find it more challenging to find a good fit. Also, pay attention to how loose the short is and also the length. If you want to make your leg appear thinner it should not fit too snug. If you want long legs, go for a shorter length and pair with wedges. And my number one rule...if you're showing a lot of leg...cover up on top! A lot of skin is not always a good thing!

 (Boots: Steve Madden, Belt: JACOB, Bracelet: can be found at Groove Stone, Earrings: Urban Planet)

Model: Stephanie Esak

Photographer: Sara Tetz

Hair, Makeup, and Styling by: Me!

Want to play with the romper look and are more inclined towards covering up your legs? Here's a cute romper from Forever21

Abstract Woven Romper $23.80, Forever21

Wings of Glory

As I become more and more involved in the fashion community in Edmonton, I'm gaining such an appreciation for those who celebrate it and share the love!
(Check out Kendall Barber's Blog http://cityanddale.com/)
I spent time over the last month (with no computer...hope you didn't miss me too much!) planning and dreaming about my new, as yet unrevealed career adventure. Yes, it involves fashion, and I can hardly wait to tell you all about it! BUT, I am bound and determined that my days will be filled with as much inspiration as they are with fashion.
That's lead me to try to create a word to combine the two...fashpiration? Inspirfashion?

Until the big reveal... Enjoy some Inspirfashion summer styles...

Mother Of Pearl Angel Wing Earrings from Forever21 

Truly Madly Deeply Glass Wings Oversized Crop Tee from Urban Outfitters

LAMPE feather sandals from ALDO