chez nous

from green grass to blue glass

(part 2 of 3)

back to black

With the onset of autumn, I always look forward to the new crop of blue-red lip colours that populate my favourite beauty boutiques.

Over the past year, however, I've noticed the trend of black lipstick bobbing up far more often than candy apple, crimson, or berry. As makeup artist Nadine Luke asserts in this video tutorial, "black is back in a big way."

Would you go for it? You know I will!

comfort zone

Leaving one's cushy old comfort zone is, frankly, very uncomfortable. You never feel like you know what you're doing, if you're saying the right thing, or heading in the right direction. Sure, it's mildly thrilling, but it's mostly just terrifying.

My way of dealing with the resulting uneasiness and self-doubt is simple: suck it up and make a comfort zone kit.

Right now, my anxiety-fighting arsenal consists of

- Kusmi Tea in Violet
- apple crisp
- bookstore wandering
- fleece sheets on my bed
- a couple of well-chosen curse words*

What's in yours?

*especially when I've forgotten my wallet or lost the keys to my bike lock or printed 200 copies of my band's cd cover with a typo

angelique

One of the things that makes portrait photography so thrilling for me is the way it allows me to bring forth different facets of a person's spirit.

I had the pleasure of working with Angelique for 6 months at my last job at Bitchin' Lifestyle. We hit it off right away, bonding over our guilty pleasures (teen fiction novels) and food court Thai food. She's a no-nonsense lady with street smarts, great style, and a twisted sense of humour. Basically, she was the ideal colleague who has become a great friend.

When we finally both found the time to do a shoot, I proposed a two-part endeavour. The first look would reflect her more dainty, dreamy notes. Angelique has a vivid imagination and a passion for writing, two skills that will certainly come in handy when she's a romance novelist one day. To reflect this aspect of her personality, I sought to bring out her wistful, passionate side.

Part 2 to come later this week.






















(part 1 of 3)

lady in the green

More to come...

fiona

Named by her super cool big sister after Fiona Apple, his amazing 11-year-old is one of my favourite people. While kid-sitting her last week, I had such a great time. I taught her how to use conditioner and she caught me up with what "the kids" are into these days. Let's just say I was well-versed in Taylor Swift's prowess, and, unlike that idiot Kanye, knew her win was justified.

Fiona is a super smart girl who speaks 3 languages, rocks out on guitar better than most twenty-somethings I know, and talks to kids, adults, and animals with the same self-assured tone. I find her really inspiring!

evening with an artist

Last night was awesome! Over drinks and fabulous food at Liverpool House, I got to photograph* one of my favourite musicians, Amy Millan.



*I know this isn't a great photo, but I wanted to choose one of the ones that definitely won't be published.