LoveK

Little Things...

2012-01-25T10:37:00.000-11:00

...something itty-bitty to get you through the rest of the week...enjoy...

"impossible"

"butterfly"

"books"

"beauty"

"LOL"

"dreams"

"night"

"London Town"

"love"

"beauty"

"mist"

"waves"

"merry-go-round"

"peace"

...that's it from me for today...short and sweet...happy mid-week everyone...

Love K

@ Home with Michael Hainey via The Selby...

2012-01-23T03:37:00.001-11:00

Once again, The Selby has managed to capture a wonderfully eclectic space...this time Michael Hainey's home has been exposed to interior-voyeurs such as myself, and I could not be happier...Hainey, an artist, writer and editor, sure has a knack for detail and his New York apartment exudes quirky charm...but why talk about it when you can see a sneak peek right here...enjoy...

...creative nooks...

...I love creative and surprising ways to organize books and book collections...

...details...

...loving the stainless steel shelf in the background ~ simple, functional and elegant all at the same time...

...books, books, books...

...loving all the details ~ especially the drinking kind...

...no need to be a sour puss ~ citrus fruit makes for a great and colourful display especially in mini-bars and kitchens...

...reading nook...

...work space...

...more books...

...simplicity...

...everything about this space is stunning...

...sea of shoes...

...wonderful details...

...bags, bags...

... and more bags...

...boots and Louis...what a combo!

Lovely, isn't it? That's all for this Monday folks...hope everyone has a good beginning to their week and beyond...

Love K

Behind the Scenes with Chameleonic...

2012-01-19T06:38:00.001-11:00

This past Sunday, I had the lovely opportunity to spend some time on another fashion photo-shoot, which as all of you know always makes me happy...this time the shoot was styled for an editorial spread in a magazine (once it comes out I will post all the details) and styled by one other than my good (and talented) gal-friend, Justyna of Chameleonic...although I am not allowed to divulge too many details (I know how, Mission iImpossible of me!) I will say that it was a blast to hang out with some of my favourite girls and a table full of amazing accessories...I did not bring my regular Nikon with me, but I did manage to snap a few shots with my iPhone, so here they are, some of my favourite moments from the shoot...enjoy...

{Photographer: Joel Bedford, Model: Brenda from MIM, Manicure/Pedicure: Sasha & Katherine, Hair & Make-up: Alex}

...Brenda getting ready...and those amazing heels...

...Brenda is wearing pants by Rachel Sin...

...details ~ jewlery by: Mafia, Frash, Chains of Love, Lauren Elan, Aso, Rachel Roy and more...

...hanging out and shooting...

...Ottawa nightscape...Joel and Justyna testing light...Julie of popchampagne giving some of the jewels a try, Angie of Demu Label and her fabulous "Mouffant"...

...and that's it from me for today, off to get busy on the first chapter of my dissertation which is going slowly but surely...at times like (with as much writing as I have) it is kind of nice that the weather is so crumby, makes me feel less guilty about staying inside all the time...happy Thursday everyone...

Love K

Details at Home...

2012-01-17T06:59:00.000-11:00

With the weather outside being as cold as it is (I strongly believe that anything below 0C is inhumane) all one wants to do is sit in their warm and cozy abode, snuggle up and drink warm tea (or is this just me?)...because I have been spending a lot of time at home trying to avoid winter and its frigid grasp, I thought I would share some photos of where I have been hiding out...here is a very small sneak peek into our warm and cozy abode...enjoy and stay warm!

...Welcome...

...some of my favourite magazines displayed...

...I spend many-a-moments in this lovely comfy chaise...

...photos from our travels through Asia...

...I love lanterns, in the summer we have a whole collection outside which give off the loveliest light...

...a small part of our extensive book collection...

...white on white...

...Dali melting clock ~ a lovely gift from lovely friends...

...tea time...

...dinner time...

...details...

...prints from Istanbul, Turkey...

...happy hour...

...happy hour part 2...

...details, in books...

...captain's chair...

...captain and co-captain's chairs...

...snacks...

...details...

...some amazing artwork by my aunt...

...Hugh's photography canvased...

...two of my favourite things...

...morning ritual...

There you have it, a little sneak peek into our little home...until next time, stay warm everyone and happy Tuesday...

Love K

Behind the Scenes with Demu Label...

2012-01-14T09:56:00.000-11:00

Recently my good friend Angie, the creative brainchild behind the fashion label, Demu, asked me to come and take some behind-the-scenes photos of her new collection...needless to say I was thrilled, as I both love taking photos but also love Demu's funky designs and easy-going street style aesthetic...true to her style, Angie made the shoot relaxed, friendly and fun...plus since it was styled by another good friend, Justyna (of Chameleonic) and attended by yet another good friend, Julie (of Popchampagne) it did not feel like work at all...here are some of my favourite 'backstage' shots from the photoshoot (campaign shot by Joel Bedford)...

...one of Demu's new designs...

...designer, Angie, hanging out with two little canine helpers...

...getting ready...

...model...

...cutest slippers in the world...

...Joel setting up...

...male model Kevin sharing the spotlight with Bubak...

...Justyna taking a springroll break...

...lights, camera...ACTION!...

...Justyna and Julie taking a break...

...testing the light...

...David and Goliath ~ the one time in her life when Bubak can pretend to be Goliath...

...last minute details...

...snap...

...details...

...very important details...

Love K

Fashion Inspiration...

2012-01-13T09:40:00.000-11:00

As I sit in my kitchen in my bulky sweater, tights and furry slippers and watch as the snow piles on outside I can't help but be desperately in need of some fashion goodness, hence the lovely images below...for those of you in the depths of winter such as myself, I hope these put at least a little smile on your face while you (and I) think back of more greener days with sunshine, short sleeves and peep-toed heels...sigh...a girl can dream right?

{images via: thesartorialist, bambi's armoire, glamourai, cupcakes and cashmere & lookbook.nu etc.}

Happy Friday and a lovely weekend everyone...

Love K

Little Things...

2012-01-10T04:32:00.000-11:00

...on a gloomy and chilly Tuesday, here are some little things that inspire me, make me think or simply make me smile...enjoy...

"beach"

"black & white"

"notes"

"click"

"..."

"chanel"

"ocean wonders"

"occupied"

"dresses"

"wind"

"mist"

"colours"

"naughty"

Happy Tuesday everyone...

Love K

Ringing in...

2012-01-06T03:33:00.000-11:00

A little late but as I always say "better late than never"...here are a few snapshots of how I rang in 2012...nothing crazy just an intimate dinner party with close friends...this year we thought it would be nice to just chill since we usually do a bigger NYE thing...plus because of a little bundle of joy that's coming in June (gasp!), I wasn't able to indulge in the old-time NYE tradition of excessive drink consumption, so this was a lovely way to spend our first evening of 2012...hope you all have a wonderful New Year, filled with lots of surprises, adventures and all things fabulous...

...the one and only photo I took of myself (with good friend Niki)...

...the dress is in honour of our last NYE party spent in South Korea...

...getting dolled-up...

...some lovely reminders that Christmas was not so long ago...

...our good friend Kathlene made these amazing yet simple nibblies...

...a snapshot of our tree...I miss it already...sigh...

...more holiday details...

...a signature cocktail for the evening: sparkling white wine with blueberry liquor...

...Amy and Kathlene getting ready for the countdown...

...let the celebrations begin!

...Kyle doing his thing...

..."CHEERS!"...

...Hugh pondering his NYE resolutions...

...chilling out...

...and that's how I spent my lovely New Year's Eve...and now to look forward to the future, and all that 2012 may hold...Happy Friday Everyone...

Love K

Artistic Air...

2012-01-04T09:31:00.001-11:00

I was going to post something completely different today, something that related directly to the incoming New Year, but seeing as my camera is being kept hostage at the moment I have no choice but to include this amazingly stunning editorial, entitled "Artistic Air" from (my favourite) Vogue Korea...plus it's kind of fitting given the amount of ice and snow we have in the city right now...Happy New Year everyone, I hope that 2012 is what every one of you wishes for and more...

Brilliantly creative isn't it? I thought so...
Love K

Rachel Sin Behind the Scenes S/S 2012 Part 2

2011-12-31T06:56:00.003-11:00

Here are the rest of the shots from the amazing Rachel Sin shoot...as promised before the new year too! Wishing you all a wonderful and lovely 2012, thanks for sticking around and making Love K a pleasure to work on...enjoy...

Cast:

Designer: Rachel Sin

Model: Delaney Holley

Stylist: Erica Wark

Assistant: Caroline Holley

Make-up: Melody Lafelice

Hair: Jessica Awad

Photographer: Tina Picard

...Cinderella moment...

...Melody and Delaney working away...

...Hugh pondering...

...Caroline through the window...

...another favourite (pre-ordered)...

...Tina and Rachel checking out the creative work...

...designer and model...

...testing, testing...

...moment...

...Delaney doing her thing...

...coffee/pizza break...

...Tina...

...XOXO...

...looking forward...

Love K

Rachel Sin Behind the Scenes S/S 2012 Part 1...

2011-12-29T16:01:00.003-11:00

These are long overdue, but given the holiday craziness that seems never-ending I have a bit of an excuse...these were taken as part of Rachel Sin's latest (and amazing) Spring/Summer 2012 line...I love doing backstage and behind the scenes photos, I love capturing the energy, chaos and raw creativity of a shoot which can only really be experienced behind the scenes...here are some of my favourite shots...part one...enjoy...
Cast:
Designer: Rachel Sin
Model: Delaney Holley
Stylist: Erica Wark
Assistant: Caroline Holley
Make-up: Melody Lafelice
Hair: Jessica Awad
Photographer: Tina Picard
Starbucks errand boy: Bogdan Chelariu (we love you B!)
Special shout-out to Paul and Bruno for lending us their amazing space (The Loft) and to Elliot and Peter!

...Caroline and Rachel relaxing...

...sneak peek of Rachel's new live...

...the artist's tools...

...sustenance...

...details...

...prepping the lovely Delaney...

...one of my favourites..

...our personal errand boy, Bogdan, giving me one of his famous looks...

...Erica and Delaney taking a breather...

...snap shot...

...the lovely Melody...

...our furry little helper, Bubak the pup...

...Tina doing her thing...

I promise to post part 2 of this behind-the-scenes adventure as soon as possible, but until then hope you are all having a lovely holiday...

Love K

Little Things...

2011-12-22T15:36:00.000-11:00

Just because sometimes little things are all we need...

...thoughts...

...keep calm...

...louis...

...night out...

...my hit list...

...heart...

...hands...

...friends...

...waves...

...indeed...

...Kafka...

...pink...

..."love"...

Sweet dreams all...

Love K

Closet Envy...

2011-12-20T13:17:00.000-11:00

A few days ago a good friend of mine and the creative brains behind chameleonic.co posted some amazing photos of her even more amazing closet...I have had the pleasure of visiting this magical land of fashion goodness and it truly is wonderful...that being said, I wanted to share some of the photos, just to incite some closet envy...I dare you not to love these images...fat chance! Enjoy...

...dresses and tops and shoes Oh My!

...frilly loveliness...

...McQueen love...

...details...

The brilliant woman behind the stunning closet. Photo by Julie...

Amazing isn't it? Now all I need to do is convince my husband to convert our guest room into my personal fashion boudoir...wishful thinking...sigh...

Love K

Extra, Extra...Read all about it ~ Ivy & Piper hit the virtual stands...

2011-12-19T04:22:00.000-11:00

The new issue of Ivy & Piper arrived in my mailbox last week and as usual I was thrilled to leaf through the lovely pages (and pages) of home decor inspiration...I included some of my personal favourites here for you to ogle, because let's face it "sharing is caring" and ogling over some amazing spaces is never a bad thing...enjoy...

Aren't these pretty? I love all the colours and entertaining ideas...note to self, must throw a wicked paste-themed cocktail party ASAP...stay tuned for my own version...
Love K

Amazing Insides...

2011-12-15T10:52:00.000-11:00

Haven't posted one of these in a while and seeing as my virtual library is getting full from my collecting, I thought I should-plus if you live in a place where winter looms, then you know that inside is where most of time is going to be spent in the next few months...why not make it the best possible inside that it can be? Here are some great interiors to serve as some inspiration...enjoy...

...accent headboards are a great and creative idea to make a room pop...

...who said that laundry rooms or entry-ways have to be boring? Not me...

...natural elements such as wood, stone, glass etc. always bring warmth into a room...

...simple accents on walls always create a focal point and a great way to use a big empty space...

...books and magazines, when displayed creatively, can even serve as art...

...I love soft blues and grays, they are both calming and serve as a great base for any room...

...bold colours in unexpected places always make a room look less 'made-up' and fun...

...these are just plain amazing...

Aren't all of these space absolutely fabulous? Hope they provided some inspiration for freshening up your favourite room while you sip your tea and while the snow and frost accumulate outside...where it belongs...
Love K

Fashion Inspiration...

2011-12-14T08:26:00.001-11:00

Because, seriously who doesn't need a little bit of inspiration especially with winter fast approaching and with it cold and gloomy days? So here you go my friends, some lovely eye-candy for you to ogle...enjoy...

{left via fashiontoast; right via thesartorialist}

{left via cupcakesandcashmere; right via garrypeppervintage }

{via chameleonic }

{ via theglamourai }

{ left via lookbook.nu; right unknown }

{ left via bambisarmoire; right via seaofshoes }

Inspirations...it's lovely to get some once in a while, especially the fashion kind...hope you are all having a lovely week...until next time...

Love K

"Whatever the night may hold..."

2011-12-12T08:55:00.000-11:00

I promise not to gush about yet another shopbop lookbook, although I do really want to, instead I am just going to post the amazing images together with the beautiful Rory Beca Holiday Collection (that indigo gown in the last photo is to die for and the coral short dress is stunning!)...okay I lied, I am totally gushing...but how can you not? Enjoy...

Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did...until the next time Happy Monday and a happy new week everyone!
Love K

Little Things...

2011-12-07T07:02:00.000-11:00

Here are a few little things to keep you thinking, smiling and inspired on a gloomy rainy mid-week day...enjoy...

"intelligence"

"journey"

"wild things"

"spring"

"hang-ups"

"winter"

"writer's block"

"morning ritual"

"indeed"

"you"

"suzy" (a beautiful photo of my cousin I just had to share)

"contrast"

"everything"

"tokyo"

"light"

"blue"

Happy Wednesday everyone...

Love K

IKEA Grand Pre-Opening Party...

2011-12-06T04:22:00.000-11:00

I love IKEA, yes and I am not ashamed to admit it...I feel at home strolling through the many model rooms, eating the 75cent hot dogs (the only time in my life I EVER eat hot dogs) and imagining how all the lovely goodies would look in my own abode...so when I was invited to the IKEA grand pre-opening party here in Ottawa last night, you can imagine that for this eager IKEA fan, that was nothing short of bliss...first of all, Ottawa has been home to an itty-bitty IKEA store for years now, so this new mammoth space (the biggest one in Canada to date) is quite the exciting change, especially for interior decor lovers such as myself! Second, touring the new space, eating itty-bitty versions of the hot dogs (bliss) and mingling with some old and new friends, honestly I can't think of a better way to spend a rainy Monday evening (or any evening for that matter!) Needless to say, the evening was a success, here are some pictures from the night...enjoy...
PS: if you are interested in reading more about the new store and some of IKEA's 'beautifying initiatives' in the city, check out this great article by Harvey Chartrand from Ottawa Life Magazine, here...

...some details from the new store...

...Josh, Daniel (Blackbook Lifestyle), myself and Julie (popchamagne)

...some of the many lovely model rooms...

...mingling guests in the store's restaurant...

...Julie (popchamagne) and James Jefferson (Blackbook Lifestyle)...

...Julie (popchamagne)& I...

...DJ tearing it up...

...and that was my night at the new IKEA store...it was nice to see it before the crowds hit this Wednesday when the store opens to the public (oh and they will)...until next time, Happy Tuesday everyone...

Love K

At Home with Taschen...

2011-11-28T07:29:00.000-11:00

How happy was I when I got my most recent The Selby update only to reveal the home of Angelika Taschen, book editor extraordinaire of one of my favourite publishing houses, Taschen...very happy indeed...it is really neat to actually see what the house of such an amazing women looks like...although abit sparse for me in some of the rooms, her library is amazing (love the colours) and the fact that she lives in Berlin, trumps any kind of sparseness in my books...I included some of me favourite shots of her space below, along with some of my favourite Taschen books which are currently residing on my Christmas wish list...enjoy...

...ahhh Berlin, how I miss you so...

...love the colour and all the books...you know you are a geek when...

...the one thing I really appreciate about this space is that although Taschen's style is very minimalist, she manages to always have a burst of colour in her decor...

...love those boots, perfect for a Canadian winter...

...ahhh the tea...a woman after my own heart...

...my personal Taschen Book wish list...

That's it from me for today...hope you are all having a lovely beginning of the week, until tomorrow or the next time...Happy Monday Everyone!

Love K

Details...

2011-11-24T05:36:00.001-11:00

We have been living in our new home for almost 8 months now and it's still not done...a perpetual work in progress, but we are getting there...as much as I would love to share the space with you all, and soon hopefully I will, for now I think I will settle for showing off some itty-bitty details...those little things that make a house a home...enjoy...

...my ever-growing magazine collection...the holiday issues are coming in-excited!

...lately I have been obsessed with vintage glass containers, these are some I managed to pick up recently...

...couldn't resist but take a close-up of the last remaining muffin that a good friend of mine made and they were amazing...I am in the process of trying to get the recipe so I can share it here...

...some kitchen literature I always seem to come back to so it's always close at hand...

...don't know what it is but I have a fascination with skulls, here is a skull-bank I picked up in Brooklyn this past September...

...a rhinestone mini-skull, who could resist?

...stocking up the mini-bar for the holidays...

...one of my favourite finds from Antrhopologie...love that store...

...every girl likes to display her trinkets, my favourite way is to use vintage containers and glass jars...

...a beautiful vintage sugar bowl and saucer I found in a local thrift shop...

Hope you enjoyed the itty-bitty mini tour of some of the details of my new(er) home...hopefully I will have more to share once we finish up all the other little things that need to be done...until then, happy Thursday everyone...

Love K

Marc Jacobs: A Certain Allure...

2011-11-22T06:30:00.000-11:00

It's no secret, I love Marc Jacobs ~ his deigns, his ads, himself (hey, why not?) and that is why I was particularly drawn to this amazing shopbop lookbook editorial, featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs designs (hey, why not?)...it does after all have a certain allure...no pun intended...but seriously, I am loving how it traces a day in the life of the model, amazing clothes and all (that red dress is to die for!) and I particularly love the atmosphere the photos evoke, especially the ones taken in the evening...so lovely and so comforting...so sit back and enjoy...hey, why not?

Love K

Coveted...

2011-11-18T04:10:00.000-11:00

Once again The Coveteur has given me something to drool and pine over...sigh...this time it's the home (and insane Chanel collection) from Toronto architect and interior designer Dee Dee Taylor Eustace...boy oh boy would I love to go 'shopping' in this lady's closet! See for yourself, and...enjoy...

...I never thought a closet could make me swoon, but alas here it is...

...my house slippers are old and ratty, must upgrade immediately...

...yes, let's!

...there are those adorable Chanel slippers again...I am officially jealous...

...so anyone up for a house-swap? Seriously, this home is phenomenal, mind you I think that may just be the Chanel talking! Either way, thanks to The Coveteur, I now have a reason to go out and get myself a new pair of stylin' slippers...Happy Friday everyone!
Love K

Little Things...

2011-11-16T04:59:00.000-11:00

The lovely itty-bitty things that inspire me, make me smile and give me that warm fuzzy feeling...here are a few for this week...enjoy...

...thoughts of the beach, the ocean, and the gentle warm breeze that comes with it...

...used book stores...really is there anything better?

...my gorgeous puppy first thing in the morning...best gift from our travels...

...one can dream right?

...random loveliness...

...Camilla Gray art ~ stunning...

..."everything old is new again" ~ here is to our frienemy nostalgia...

...I don't smoke, but I can appreciate the beauty of this image...

...dream ride...yes in that very same colour...

...quiet evenings...

...frozen lakes...

...love...

..."snap"...

...that's it from my end for today...off to burrow myself in books, paper, post-it notes, pens, pencils and the like...ahhhh the work of genius never sleeps ;-)
Love K

"My Fair Ladies"...

2011-11-14T11:34:00.002-11:00

Can I just say...WOW! This editorial is spectacular, the garments, the backdrop, the models, the whole deal...just stunning...I can always count on my dear old Korean Vogue for some eye candy, inspiration and oh so much more...but don't take my word for it, take a look yourself...enjoy...

See? What did I tell you? Spectacular non? Hope everyone is having a great start to the week, I know this little gem sure spiced up mine...
Love K

Lonny Loving...

2011-11-08T06:59:00.000-11:00

I am most definitely loony over the newest edition of Lonny magazine...the spreads are fantastic and the ideas brilliant...I am going to stop my gushing here though and let the pictures speak for themselves...enjoy...

Amazing, non? I sure think so...oh and Happy Birthday Lonny magazine, I look forward to years and years of more inspiring issues!
Love K

Fashion Inspiration...

2011-11-07T05:54:00.000-11:00

It's Monday and as far as this particular day of the week is concerned, this is definitely not my favourite day of the seven...besides having to wake-up early after two glorious days of sleeping-in and decadent breakfasts (I spent the weekend at the Chateau Laurier, a Hogwarts-esque castle-like hotel here in the city) Monday also means that reality sets in and I actually have to think about the amount of work I must get through this week...but enough complaining, instead let me do something a little more productive...something that never fails in cheering me up even when I have those awful Monday blues, is some much desired (and much needed) fashion inspiration...so here are a few lovely images that are sure brighten up even the grumpiest of Mondays...enjoy...

{The Chateau Laurier ~ where I spent my glorious weekend...photo by me}

{ some amazing ensembles a la TheSartorialist }

{ some more amazing ensembles a la TheSartorialist & TheGlamourai}

{stunning inspiration right from Ottawa's backyard via Chameleonic}

{...details...details...details...}

{gorgeous hair ideas? YES, please...}

{"God is in the details"...}

...so if these little snapshots didn't brighten your day, I hope my good Monday wishes do...happy Monday everyone...

Love K

...in the details...

2011-11-02T05:44:00.000-11:00

Thanks to an old favourite of mine, desire to inspire, I came across this little gem...Tara Sloggett is a decor and lifestyle stylist and her work just blows me away...talk about truth to the old adage, "God is in the details!" Her work is phenomenal and her photos are equally stunning...the stylist moved from London to Cape Town, from where she specializes in "styling, art direction, prop sourcing and production for international and local editorial shoots." Anyway I thought I would share some of her work here...enjoy...

...sigh...these make me wanna pack-up and move somewhere by the calm blue sea...so absolutely lovely...happy mid-week everyone...

Love K

Inspired...

2011-11-01T05:07:00.001-11:00

Lately I have been doing a lot of reading...searching for my 'eureka' moment for my dissertation, my articles...life...but alas, sometimes, as much as I love to read, I find it hard to get inspired and I seek some visual stimulation...so after scouring the web for random photos that 'spoke' to me, I came up with this little compilation...I have no idea why these particular images evoked some sort of emotion, but they do so I thought I would share...plus sometimes it's nice not to ask 'why?' and simply enjoy the feelings that come with sensory stimulation...enjoy...

'birdcage'

'peace'

'stuff'

'wind'

'touch'

'travel'

'style'

'create'

'relax'

'chaos'

'secrets'

'longing'

'beauty'

Love K

Trick or Treat...

2011-10-28T02:29:00.000-11:00

I realize that Halloween isn't technically a holiday, but if it was it would most definitely be one of my favourites...when else can one dress up in random costumery, beg for candy and not be sent to a loony bin? With costumes and candy also comes time for decorating...personally I have had a large pumpkin sitting on our front steps for almost a month now (yes that's how excited I am) but even that's not enough...I need more skulls, more glitter, more mini-pumpkins, more black and orange, I need more Halloween!!! So in the spirit of ghoolish fun, here are some really funky Halloween decor inspirations from Canadian House & Home...

Aren't these wonderful? Now if you'll excuse me I am off to carve that giant pumpkin on my steps...Happy halloween everyone!
Love K

From Paris to New York...

2011-10-26T06:14:00.000-11:00

My obsession with shopbop lookbooks grows...oh my! This latest one, which features See by Chloe, is particularly gorgeous, not only for the clothes but also for the mood that the photos create...which, incidentally capture the atmosphere of fall in the city brilliantly (whether it is in Paris, or New York or even in Ottawa)...sigh, perhaps looking this editorial over and over again will make me love fall again? I feel myself falling...head over heels...I think it's working...enjoy...

Love K

Whites & Brights...

2011-10-25T06:01:00.000-11:00

The weekend was bright but it was followed by a dreary, rainy, dark and cloudy Monday, which made me appreciate white walls and bright accents...here are some gorgeous interiors that do the same...it makes me happy, no?

I am afraid that this is all from me for today...lots of reading, writing and general boring school stuff to worry about for a while...until next time, happy Tuesday everyone...

Love K

Fashion Inspiration...

2011-10-21T08:11:00.000-11:00

Just because...

{photos via: chameleonic, thegalmourai, thesartorialist, fashiontoast...}

Happy weekend everyone...

Love K

Shipley and Halmos @ home...

2011-10-20T07:15:00.000-11:00

It's been a while since I did a proper home decor post, so I thought I would remedy this by posting the latest in home awesomeness from TheSelby...this particular abode belongs to NYC-based designers, Jeff Halmos and Sam Shipley of Shipley and Halmos...it's an amazingly eclectic space with crazy windows and natural light and some extremely lovely and creative details (my favourite kind)...personal favourite? The art wall with mismatched and seemingly random photographs, paintings and other images (last photo)...see for yourself and enjoy...

These seriously inspire me to get my arse into gear and finish up our little place...right now it feels like it's never going to be done...perhaps I should just do a post about the details that we have finished...perhaps, I will...perhaps...
Love K

Fall and Winter a la Le Chateau...plus a giveaway...

2011-10-19T04:27:00.001-11:00

Lately I have been in a bit of fashion funk...it's too cold to wear my lovely early fall garments but way to warm (and depressing a thought) to bring out my winter coats from the depths of my closet...what's a girl to do? Scour the web for inspiration of course! And that is exactly what I have been doing with the limited time I have as of late...here is what I found, a little Canadian gem, Le Chateau, has some great lookbooks with some really great fashion inspiration perfect for the current weather...plus it's accessible and affordable (a big plus, well actually 2!)...below are two of my favourite looksbooks from their site...oh and if you are in the city this weekend, Le Chateau is putting on a fashion event at the Rideau Shopping Centre, complete with style advice, drinks, music and more...plus if you "like" Le Chateau on facebook or follow them on twitter and leave a comment with your name and email address right here on Love K, you can win a $25 gift certificate towards anything in the store...happy shopping everyone!

"Alpine Luxe"

"The Great Cover-Up"

For more info...

Don't forget to include your email address in your comment. Contest winner will be announced on Sunday, October 23rd.

Love K

"Mirror, mirror on the wall..."

2011-10-18T04:49:00.000-11:00

I am loving this modern-fashion twist on an old fairytale classic...Snow White has always held a kind of fascination for me...as a child I always wondered why anyone would be stupid enough take an apple from a old witch, or live in a house in the middle of the forest with nothing to do but cook and clean for seven creepy little men...I guess those questions still remain with me to this day, because frankly I still wonder what nut-case would do either of those things...nonetheless, if it means a rich prince at the end of that experience, then why not? (Problematic? You think?) However, despite all my criticism and pessimism, I do love this Korean Vogue fashion version of the fairy tale-particulalry because it focuses more on the heroine as opposed to anything else...but also because let's face it, girl knows how to dress...(or at least the stylist got it right)...

That's all I got for today...too much work, too many deadlines...I need a vacation...sigh...
Love K

FYI...

2011-10-17T02:25:00.000-11:00

For all of you in the Ottawa region, this may be of interest...

Love K

Alone...in String...

2011-10-13T02:43:00.002-11:00

Last winter I featured a behind-the-scenes from a shoot that I helped to style (see here)...I am happy to say that the editorial was picked up by String Magazine , which is a Vancouver-based online fashion magazine and here are the results...the photographer, Dan Ziemkiewicz, did an amazing job, see for yourself...enjoy...

The rest of the team, which included; photography assistant Chloe Caravelas, stylist Rania Abdulla (who was sick on the actual day of the shoot-poor thing), beauty stylist Corey Johnston, executive producer Viresh Pujara and CMC models, Giselle and Jason, made a great team...and let's not forget the amazing pie provided by Thomas Hodges...

Love K

Shopbop Lookbook: Native Citizen

2011-10-11T17:05:00.001-11:00

My new-found obsession? Shopbop lookbooks...not only are they stunning and creative, but also incredibly inspirational especially if you are like me and currently in a fashion funk...usually I love the fall but this year for some reason due to the unseasonably gorgeous weather, I am at a loss most mornings as to what to wear ~ it seems too warm for the real autumn gems (wooly jackets, wrap-around scarves etc.) but way too cold for my summer lovelies...I know, I am complaining about the warm weather, what's wrong with me! Alright enough whining, here is one of my favourite recent lookbooks from Shopbop that really had my tongue waging...that Jill Stuart dress (2nd image) is to die for! Am I right, or am I right? Enjoy...

For the record I am really enjoying the recent warm-spell we seem to be having here in the Great White North...it's really only a matter of time before the dreaded white stuff starts falling from the sky and winter parkas need to make an appearance (ugh...shudder...shudder) but until that happens I will happily check out some more lookbooks for inspiration and even share a few here...

Love K

Coveted...

2011-10-09T07:47:00.000-11:00

Recently one of my favourite blogs, the glamourai, was featured on another one of my favourite blogs, the coveteur (I know insane inspiration overload!) and the results were amazing...I have always admired the glamourai's keen eye for fashion and home decor and these photos really solidified this admiration...the attention to detail is incredible and the overall effect of the entire home is divine...but there is no point in going on and on about it, instead here are some of my favourite shots from the post...enjoy...

I am in love with the dress forms and have been hunting for one for two years now...one day...one day...

the little gold mouse is adorable!

note to self: must put up my own inspiration board ASAP...

loving all the details...

as a self-acknowleged organizer, I really appreciate all of the storage and little organization details that dot this place...

"God is in the details"...

One word: gorgeous! Makes me want to rush home and finish our drawn-out home renovations and decorating projects, but not until after I eat a satisfying dinner of turkey, stuffing and my mom's famous potato salad! Until then, Happy Thanksgiving all you Canucks out there...

Love K

Ottawa Fashion Week Favourites...

2011-10-03T15:54:00.000-11:00

Instead of doing a really in-depth post about the whole of OFW, (there would just be way too much to cover) I decided to do something a little different this time around and feature some of my absolute favourites...but if you feel inclined to get a very in-depth look at all of the designers that were featured this year, I will re-direct you to two articles I wrote (and one that the OLM intern wrote) for Ottawa Life Magazine, which cover the whole three days (here)...in the mean time, sit back and enjoy some of these goodies from Ottawa's three days of fashion, design and style...
* All photos courtesy of Ming Wu photography and Popchampagne...thanks guys!

First and foremost I have to mention this amazing dress by Rachel Sin...not only have I been looking for a lace dress for oh about 2 years now, this one made my heart skip a beat...I love...put myself on a pre-order list for this puppy!

Who am I kidding, Rachel's whole collection made my heart skip a beat...

A lovely surprise, Alexis Reyna coming out on the cat walk with his manly bits hanging out...okay perhaps "lovely" wasn't the right adjective to use...

!Nu.I' s indigo romper...

Kania's flamboyant Caribana-inspired head dresses...

RUD by Rudsak's modern twist on an old classic...

Valerie Dumaine's classic, clean and structured collection...

Anomal's show-stopping sequinned kimono...stunning...

Angie and Andre of Demu Label and friend hanging out by their amazing booth...picked me up a little Demu pouch on the first day!

Hanging front row with Julie of Popchampagne and Stephanie of OLM

Justyna of Chameleonic and Amber Watkins...

The amazing Demu Label pouches...I am now the proud owner of a gold one...

There you have it three days of some serious fashion fun all wrapped up in one post-pretty good eh? But now I must go and get some much needed sleep...until next time...

Love K

Ottawa Fashion Week kicks off in style...

2011-09-30T02:36:00.002-11:00

It's finally fall in the city...not that I don't miss the summer, because I do! But in a city like Ottawa, the fall is much anticipated, why? Perhaps it is because the leaves turn gorgeous colours, the weather is perfect for high boots, full skirts and blazers, but most importantly because the fall marks the return of Ottawa Fashion Week...recently the city has taken a beating when it comes to style and fashion, being voted the #8 worst dressed city in the world doesn't really lend itself as a confidence builder, to say the least...but I won't rant and rave and try to defend Ottawa with claims that we are in fact better-dressed than a scathing article would suggest, but I will say this: every city has its style-makers and breakers, individuals who strive to make their urban surroundings more chic and those who just don't care...clumping all individuals under a particular category (such as "worst-dressed city") isn't necessarily fair, I agree, but at the same time it should act as an incentive to go out there, get gussied up and show those 'haters' that the few don't represent everybody...that being said, OFW, this year did truly start off in style at the Arc Hotel...I for one think that the people who gathered for the occasion negated the article's claim and here are some pictures to prove it...perhaps with more events like this, we can shake that nasty rumour about lacking a fashion sense, for good...a special thanks to Ming Wu for generously allowing me to use his amazing photos, Thanks Ming!

PS: I only have two sets of photos from OFW: Day 1, but more are on their way, stay tuned...

Angie (DEMU Label), two guests and Julie (Popchampagne)

Myself and Erica Wark

Joel Bedford and Justyna (chameleonic)

Mingling Crowd

Marc Lavoie, Justyna and Julie being silly...

OFW, the shows: Day 1...

Today the fashion festivities continue with day two of OFW...I for one can't wait to get dolled up and hit the town with my ladies in tow...in the mean time, hope you are all having a very stylish Friday...
Love K

I Love...

2011-09-27T02:46:00.001-11:00

With Ottawa Fashion Week soon approaching (YEY!) I thought I would post something a little calming (at least for me) and inspirational...it will be a crazy week starting tomorrow, so I took some time this morning to enjoy a cup of pomegranate green tea, go through my infinite file of collected photos and post some of the ones that seem to 'speak' to me the most at this very moment...so here is a visual list of all that I am in love with right now, both fashion and design (after all they compliment each other)...don't ask me why...just go with it and enjoy...

My new romper from a small boutique in New York on Elizabeth St...photo by Julie

{romper: NYC, bag: Vendor, necklace: vintage, ring: Marc bu Marc Jacobs, sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs}

Etro, Milan Fashion Week 2011

(photo via theglamourai)

Aqua and Gold heels

(photo via theselby)

Leopard-printed cardigans...or leopard-printed anything really...

All of this...

(photo via net-a-porter)

Bright, colourful and tastefully cluttered office space (love the colour of that table!)

(photo via theselby)

Indigo blue...

(photo via theglamourai)

Tea...especially with the weather starting to turn a little bit chilly...

Everything about this is amazing...

(photo via net-a-porter)

Oldie but a goodie, I still go back to my favourite Sex and the City re-runs for fashion inspiration and a good laugh...plus Carrie's piled-on pearls are amazing!

Colourful and boho interiors...

(photo via theselby)

I think I have now featured this photo 3 times on my blog, but I keep coming back to it...I love everything about his image and as I erase and update all of my stored images, I always manage to hold on to this one...

This is it from me today...as I have already mentioned, I am in the process of gearing up for Ottawa Fashion Week (2 more days to go!!!), which I cannot wait for...getting dolled up with my ladies, enjoying some fashion shows, drinking some bubbly~what more could a girl ask for right? Stay tuned for the updates, but until then hope everyone has a lovely Tuesday...

Love K

NYC...I indeed heart thee...

2011-09-25T12:03:00.000-11:00

Ugh, this took forever, but finally I managed to upload, edit and post my photos from my NYC trip two weeks ago (I still have some remaining photos from Brooklyn, but those will have to be saved for another time)...anyway, as I have said before I really loved NYC, it was lovely to stay with my family in Harlem and explore some of the unique little (and big) streets, alleys, restaurants, museums, galleries and shops...my favourite? Well, right now my heart seems to belong to SoHo, but I feel like even that is a tough call given all the other areas I loved...New York City truly is a gem and here are some pictures to prove it...enjoy...

MoMA...

Observations...

Reflection of the Brooklyn Bridge in a puddle...pretty nifty, if I do say so myself!

That's it for now luvs, hope everyone is having a great Sunday...
Love K

The Genteel: The Launch...

2011-09-20T15:32:00.004-11:00

I am extremely happy to announce the launch of a project I am a contributor to The Genteel, an on-line fashion magazine dedicated to fashion journalism and commentary. Their goal:

"The Genteel is committed to delivering quality journalism, unearthing the forces shaping international fashion and design, through the lens of business, culture, society, best kept secrets and street style. As multi-dimensional and stimulating as its readers, The Genteel is the inspired destination where informed readers converge with in-depth fashion and design coverage."

I am thrilled to be a part of this endeavour and even more thrilled to have my first story published, that happens to be about NYC Fashion's Night Out, which you can read here...but in the mean time, below is a screen shot and teaser...enjoy...(and check out the publication!)

Short and sweet...

Love K

New York in Polaroids...

2011-09-16T08:22:00.001-11:00

This post will be short and sweet and heavy on the pictures...not because I don't have enough to say about the wonderful city that is NYC, but because I feel that in this case, pictures really do say a thousand words...especially when they are in polaroid form...so here it is, New York city in polaroids...enjoy...

Some random street observations...NYC is so fascinating, with so many gorgeous and interesting little avenues, shops, alleyways...it's one heck of a city!

Some random pictures I took at the MoMA...a very inspiring place indeed...

My lunch at the MoMa cafeteria...

On the subway...this made me laugh pretty hard...

Fashion's Night Out...simply spectacular...

Dean & Deluca...yup I went, I saw, I ate...

Ain't it pretty? I sure thought so...one of my favourite cities for sure...can't wait to go back this spring...
Love K

Fashion's Night Out: NYC...

2011-09-12T05:59:00.000-11:00

Fashion's Night Out~the single biggest shopping event of the year and probably also the single most busiest event as well...I was excited from the very first moment my heels hit the pavement in NYC...one could feel the excited energy of the city, almost as if emanating from the atmosphere...Julie of Popchampagne and I, arrived in NYC the day prior to take part in the festivities of NYC Fashion Week, there are events all over the city during this magical time all of which celebrate the talent and art of fashion and design...the entire city is transformed into a giant fashion show...it's truly marvellous....FNO, designed in 2009 to boost the economy during a recession, is no exception...shops from all over Manhattan and the neighbouring boroughs all participate in the initiative, which includes giveaways, celebrity appearances, performances etc. ...it is a night that is intended not only for shopping, but also to appreciate and support local businesses, shops and designers...personally, I had a blast, running from one venue to another, jumping in and out of the iconic yellow taxis that dot the city-scape and sipping champagne in some of the amazing boutiques that line the NYC streets (including Chanel and Dior...amazing!) Here are some of my photos documenting Julie and my time at Fashion's Night Out in New York City...enjoy...

Fashion's Night Out: NYC...Welcome...

Our printed itinerary for the evening...one must come prepared after all...

Some shots of the various venues and events that occur in the city during FNO...

Julie and I at Marc by Marc Jacobs...my personal heaven...

NYC, Dior and Vogue...

Henri Bendel and the live window display of Bergdorf Goodman...

Julie taking a texting break from all the excitement...plus the delicious street pretzels...

Near the end of the night...excited and exhausted...

The End...at least until next year...

Although one of my favourite parts of my trip, FNO wasn't the only thing on the agenda during my stay in New York City, and I have pictures to prove it...so stay tuned for more updates about NYC...coming soon...

Love K

NYC...I heart thee...

2011-09-07T14:02:00.000-11:00

Just a very quick and short note from New York City, where I am currently located...I am here for Fashion's Night Out , some sightseeing with my gal Julie, seeing and re-connecting with some family and some general girly-goodness...more posts from this wonderful city yet to come, so stay tuned...first stop: China Town and MoMA!

Love K

An ode to Helmut Newton...

2011-09-02T08:59:00.000-11:00

Helmut Newton...a photographic genius...seriously, this man was both creative and playful as well as incredibly talented...if I wasn't in love before, I definitely fell head over heels (literally) when I went to see his exhibit in Berlin at the Helmut Newton Foundation (blog post here)...so here is an ode to the great Helmut Newton, and a small collection of some of my personal favourites from his many MANY amazing and provocative photographs...I am partial to his polaroids, personally...but truth be told, there are so many to choose from...enjoy...

Stunning, aren't they? Well, that's it from me for today...happy long weekend everyone...can't believe the summer is officially over, move over humidity and welcome fall colours!

Love K

Jean Paul Gaultier in Montreal...

2011-08-31T01:51:00.003-11:00

One sunny Sunday, my good friend Julie (of popchampagne) and I decided to take a little trip to Montreal...aside from the fact that Montreal is an amazing city and it's only two hours away from Ottawa, there was a very specific purpose to our travels on this particular Sunday: The Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts...the exhibit, entitled, "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk" was well worth the travel (and well worth the amount we got lost!) It is the first exhibition dedicated entirely to the French couturier and showcases many of his designs, costumes, gowns and creations from various decades, including Madonna's famous cone-breasted bra...the exhibit marks the designer brand's 35th anniversary and is also the first stop on it's international rotation...as the museum's courier so aptly describes it:
"I wanted to create an exhibition on Jean Paul Gaultier more than any other couturier because of his great humanity," explained Nathalie Bondil, Director and Chief Curator of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. "Beyond the technical virtuosity resulting from exceptional expertise in the various skills involved in haute couture, an unbridled imagination and ground-breaking artistic collaborations, he offers an open-minded vision of society, a crazy, sensitive, funny, sassy world in which everyone can assert his or her own identity, a world without discrimination, a unique 'fusion couture.' Beneath Jean Paul Gaultier's wit and irreverence lie a true generosity of spirit and a very powerful message for society. His humanist aesthetic touches me deeply."

Her vision was realized, I can attest to that...the exhibit is amazing...just to be in the same space as some of these creations is enough to leave you feeling in awe, but to actually see the interactive mannequins and be able to hear the creative genius speak through them makes the experience so much more intense, not to mention breathtaking! What's especially great about this particular show, is that unlike most museum installations where visitors are not allowed to take photos, at this exhibit it is completely fine to do so...as a result I was able to capture some of Mr. Gaultier's amazing creations on film (well digitally anyway)...here are some of the highlights from the day...enjoy...

Grand entrance to the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit...it was impressive all around...

My ticket and some of the stunning dresses and gowns and creations byJPG...

This was one of my favourite rooms...it was designed like an actual fashion runway, with various fashions from his collections...it was brilliant!

Inspired by punks, among other things...

The detailing in all of Gaultier's work leaves the viewer speechless, it's no wonder one gown can take up to 2000 hours to complete...you can't see it here in full form, but up close the detail is seriously impressive...

More details and some of the amazing head-pieces throughout his collection...what can i say, the man is a genius a la mode...

It's also obvious that he is inspired by more than just what he sees around him, but also the various and different cultures he has visited or had exposure to...

Hanging out in front of the museum, at the gift shop and throughout the city...

{Two bottom left photos by Julie}

Some street photography, our lunch (it was yummy!!!) and a photo of me taking a photo by Ms. Julie...

More Montreal Street Scenes...

The exhibit runs until October 2nd, so if you are near Montreal and an avid fan of Jean Paul Gaultier, fashion or just want to see something absolutely amazing and creative, go check it out...the next stop on its international tour will be the Dallas Museum of Art, in November...

Love K