Saturday, July 31, 2010

The Chameleon...



Born as Laura Hollins, English model Agnes Deyn has become a supermodel in what seems to be overnight. She showed up on the scene on the cover of Vogue US in May 2007 and never looked back. She has been a consistent face on runways and in mags since then. But she is known in the public eye as more then a model but also as a chameleon. She seems to be able to transform her look with unique outfits and hair colors. She definitely stands out in a crowd and has a bright personality. In the fashion world is great to see girls who are brave enough to not hide their true personalities. This girl is definitely walking to her own beat...like not asking anyone's permission to be herself and that's refreshing. Here are some pics of her personal style as well as her at work...


(Fendi) (Giles)



(Burberry Ads)

Friday, July 30, 2010

Mirror Mirror...



" ... on the wall, who's the fairest of them all..."
We all know this little riddle from our childhood. But there is something very real about this riddle and how we compare ourselves to people...especially as girls...whats that all about?!

Im on tour right now in england with an youth organization called ALOVE, which is a department of Salvation Army. We have been asked to lead workshops in private schools summer camps all over the country and the whole tour is called "Spire" and is about dreaming big and living on purpose. Its been amazing so far and Im so blessed to be a part of it.

One of the workshops Im leading is called "Identity" and is all about how consumerism and pop culture effect how we percieve ourselves and our identity. One exercise thats been really effective is using a warped mirror...the girls will look close in the mirror and then far away...close up they can see themselves clearly and far away they look warped. Being part of this exercise has reminded me of how important identity really is. And how when Im close to God, I can "see myself clearly" and I view myself with confidence. But when I don't give God time or priority in my life, its like all of a sudden, I am unsure of myself...my view is warped...

I really believe that God wants to truly show us all how valuable we all are. When we know how valuable we are, we are powerful.

All you Beautiful girls reading this...when you look in the mirror today, remember that you are loved by God just the way you are. xo

p.s. while on the topic of mirrors...here are a bunch of gorgeous mirrors and stunner rooms!








Thursday, July 29, 2010

VV Style...






Well, Im sitting in my hotel room in a town just outside London...which I cannot remember the name of...lol...but I wanted to take a sec and send you all some inspiration from the UK. When thinking about new faces and fashion in London,VV Brown comes to mind. VV is an English Singer/Songwriter who is really coming to the forefront of music right now. She is not only blowing up as a musician but also as a style icon. She recently became the new face of Marks & Spencers, and Im sure many other beauty campaigns will follow. She is very much a Londoner...meaning she is all about being unique and creative and expressing herself through fashion. Here is a video clip all about her personal style... and some shots of her style. Enjoy!

oh ya...and sorry my playlist is not working...it doesnt play in the UK...still working on getting it up and running:) xo







Saturday, July 24, 2010

Pink Fro's & Big Red Bows.



Ok....in all honesty, I don't really even know the Juicy Couture brand all that well, and have never been too drawn to their clothing...however, these ads are hilarious! From a photography and design point of view...I love the art direction of these ads. Its like they're making fun of all typical fashion advertisements by adding cheesy embellishments. But it works:) These ads stand out in a magazine because of their bright colors, interesting typography and strange juxtapositions. I mean...Pink fro's & big red bows? why not! And then they choose the lovely Lisa Cant as the face of the brand, which solidifies the idea with her doll like features. Lisa is a Canadian girl, born in Edmonton, Alberta. Yup...Canadians are taking over the world:) Oh Canada!








(work it grandma! lol)

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Downton.



Fashion imaging began in illustration...so its only fitting that Illustration is coming back around to revisit magazine covers and advertisements. David Downton is a famous illustrator from the UK who works along side the fashion industry and is commissioned by Major Design Labels and magazines to create his own interpretation of beautiful photographs. He is also known for drawing at the couture shows as well. I think his work is stunning and I especially love how many of the images feel somewhat undone. Its like he only includes the necessary details and leaves the rest out. In design, we call that Positive/Negative, where the negative space of the image is just as important as the actual positive space...This man is brilliant.









London is Calling.



London is calling my name!
I feel a direct connection to this city because this is the city my Jamaican Father and Irish Mother lived when they fell in Love in the early 70's... awwww. And when it comes to year round fashion, the trench coat is a London Staple....well, keep in mind, London is not as cold as Toronto, but its definitely wet and windy...so the Trench is a practical solution. The English brand Burberry has truly mastered the original trench design, but the Current Designer for the House, Christopher Bailey, has taken the Burberry Prorsum collection to a new level by adding details, twists and character for todays English girl... and I absolutely love this new take on things. He really is taking a traditional piece and playing with new ways of wearing it. The attitude of this brand is a cool city girl who is a natural beauty, never too much make up...hair a little messy...very real. Oh London...I'm on my way:) See ya soon. xo






Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Fashion on Tour.



Well the countdown is on till our next UK tour, which begins next Monday ...wow, I have a lot to do this week before I leave!!! but hey that's besides the point:) Lets talk fashion. Now just because we will be traveling in planes, trains and automobiles and be in a different city everyday, does not mean fashion takes a back seat...oh no my dear...Fashion on Tour is a huge part of the journey. It makes each day a new creative expression! Its all about comfort, layers, rain wear and loads of hats! Hats come in handy on those sopping wet English days when there no point doing your hair! And layers are the key to being prepared for all types of weather changes. And seeing as London is one of my favourite cities in the world, I am excited to play with fashion and hit some great vintage shops!

Here are some images I've found that represent interesting looks for rock festivals and travel...UK, here we come baby:)