Pop of Colour

{sweater: Joe, jeans: Bedo, shoes: Payless, knit sweater: Bryans}

Inspiration can come from anywhere, and its fun to take something that inspires you and work it into your outfits. Sam made this amazing beet risotto the other night and it was the most brilliant shade of pink. Just a little pop of colour never fails to stand out, and it's the perfect addition to jeans and a cozy sweater.

My Valentine

{Shirt, Skirt, Belt, & Boots: Thrifted @ Value Village, Purse: the Bay, Jacket: InAgain Consignment, Scarf: made by me}

I love pink and red together, I know that may sound crazy but its true. I also love that on Valentines, I can wear pink and red together and not seem so crazy. But really, why not wear pink and red together? Its one of many amazing color combinations that "shouldn't" be worn because it stands for a certain holiday, like red and green, or black and orange. Tweak it a bit and wear deep red and lime, or charcoal and apricot, or in this case: red & electric pink.
I was lucky to get the day off with my valentine today, and so far it's been a lovely afternoon. These are Sam's first few shots for me, I'm trying to convince him to be my photographer. I am SO pleased with them, especially the movement shots.

Happy Valentines Everybody! <3
Helen & Sam

Anchors Aweigh

{Skirt: Thifted @ Miscellany, Shirt: Joe, Shoes: Thrifted at Value Village, Belt: Riot, Jacket: True Value Vintage}

Its a gray day in Vancouver, and sometimes you just don't feel like wearing colour. I believe a good black and white striped shirt is a must-have piece in any wardrobe. They can be super casual or dressed up, and they are comfy, cheap, and modern. Almost every store has a version of the B&W striped shirt a reasonable price, and you can get long sleeve, t-shirt, or tank top versions. Try blue and white for a more nautical look - Anchors Aweigh!

Clyde The Friendly Elk

{Skirt: Thrifted @ Miscellany Finds, Shirt: H&M, Jacket: French Connection, Oxfords: Salvation Army, Ring: found}

So, yesterday I had some serious fun with chalkboard paint. Meet Clyde, The Friendly Elk. He's always stumbling out from behind our fridge talking nonsense....but we love him for it.
I'm really happy with how this turned out, and I'll be sure to post a picture once we have actually written on him - sadly I don't have any chalk. We're probably just gonna draw funny faces on him, but the possibilities are endless!
As for the outfit I just thrifted this skirt this morning while out with my Mom. its a cute flirty cut in a really nice purple woven fabric. Paired with oxfords and my cropped black jacket with large mod buttons, Its the perfect preppy look for a rainy day. Hint: for cute oxfords, always check the mens section in any thrift store - these are a mens size 7!

You'll be seeing a lot of Clyde in the future...I'm excited about having a companion in my pictures!

Flash Mod

{Trench: Thrifted@Salvation Army, Dress & Belt: Thrifted@Value Village, Shoes: Michael Kors, Thrifted @ Value Village }

This is my Sexy Superbowl Sunday look. I have to admit I put tights on before going outside due to the micro mini that is this dress. It is one of my all time favorite finds @ Value Village, so cute and Mod, it makes me feel like I'm channeling Twiggy. Pairing it with the plain Trench makes it even more cheeky - especially from behind! I'm also rocking my Michael Kors heels today, and I almost NEVER wear high heels. I own quite a few pairs, but Ive never been too keen on wearing them....I think I need more practice. These were a steel at VV for 10 bucks, and they are shockingly comfortable....kinda like clogs lol - they aren't the kinda shoes you wear to sneak up on people.
PS: No time to do my hair today, enjoy my bedhead!

Rollercoaster

{Shoes, Jeans & Jacket: Thrifted @ Salvation Army, Blouse: Byrans Bridal (they have AWESOME shirts there, check it out!), necklace: Urban Outfitters}

I'm so excited to share these pictures with you; Ive been slowly making small changes to our apartment. I'm considering painting one of our living room walls orange, and in preparation Ive been introducing more orange into our decor. First I found this AMAZING round ottoman on little casters at Attic Treasures on Commercial. It was a steal at $30, how could I resist? After acquiring the ottoman, I made new pillow cases for two of our throw pillows in a orange faux suede. What do you guys think?

What I'm Wearing: It's an ideal hangover Saturday morning shirt - its flowy and over sized so I don't have to suck in my tummy! Jeans and loafers and my spring green jacket make for the perfect sunny Saturday outfit :)

I'm lounging on my couch to this today: M Ward - Rollercoaster. His album "post war" is amazing, check out the link below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKrQxJXQ49I

Pattern Mixing 101

Pattern Mixing is one of the greatest joys of getting dressed. Its definitely my favorite way to make a statement with my clothes, and once you get the hang of it, your wardrobe becomes a lot more interesting. This black and white skirt is probably the most versatile item of clothing in my closet and it's as useful as a good pair of jeans. Geometric patterns are a good place to start with pattern mixing, especially in neutral colors or high contrast black and white. Pretty much any black and white pattern can be mixed with a floral, large or small print. If your brave, it can also be mixed with any other black and white pattern (see polka dots and stripes above). This can have a very bold and somewhat hypnotizing effect, but personally I like when my clothes make people stop and stare :).
So, go to your closet and pick two patterns you didn't think would go together and put them on, you may be surprised.