Save the Jaguars!

This beautiful Jaguar was on the back of a truck meant to advertise a local circus. I however felt bad that the jaguar, who would have typically roamed in the mountains from the Southern United States down to Central America, is now caged up with little room to turn around. 

These Jaguars and their habitat are now almost extinct within North America due to increased hunting and other human activities. Let's hope that we can prevent this from happening!! And if you are into the whole leopard/jaguar print trend this season - for the faux fur!!! For further reading check out the Northern Jaguar Project.

Ciao,
Karen

Goddess Divine!

Ok, so I know that these long dresses are soooo last season, but I couldn't resist snapping this Grecian-like photo when we happened upon this amazing building in San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico!!! The photos however are taken in front of an  Colonial military shipping port, which is now a museum/art gallery and town office.

The grapes on this hand weaved basket match my dress to a tee. I bough the basket from a man selling a variety of weaved goods on the beach. Although it wasn't actually a diamond in the rough - it was however the nicest piece of hand woven art I have ever seen. I am sure I will be able to find a spot for it somewhere in my home!!

                                           

                                                        

Ciao,

Karen

Viva Las Vegas

 While the Vegas strip has long attracted gamblers from afar, it has now become one of the most renowned shopping centers in all of America. While one’s budget requires a lot more than I have to spend, it was great t o pere into the windows of Prada, Chanel, Dior, Fendi etc. Still one of the most prominent outfits on the Vegas strip is the Elvis onepiece jumper – always a classic!!

Check ya later,

Karen

Mexico Bound!!

So we have finally have embarked on our much anticipated road trip to MEXICO with two of our greatest friends!! I am sure our trip we will be full of adventure and fun and as such I promise to keep you posted on all of the most fun and fashionable people and events!!

Our first fashion stop on the tour was a Salvation Army store in Montana!! I thought that the building was so cute - almost like a ski lodge!!! While the store was pretty picked over we managed to hunt down a few great finds!! I found an amazing vintage dress pattern circa the 1960's. I can't wait to get home to make it!!

                                                

My friend Erica also managed to find a few beauties as well. This is a picture of her and her newly purchased poodle t-shirt!

   

                                                                          

Hasta Proxima!!

Karen

My 80's Inspired Headband

While it is obvious that there is a definite 80's inspiration in the fashion world right now, I have to admit that I am not all that keen on most of the 80's inspired trends. One trend I do love however, is the 80's inspired winter headband. Although I never liked to wear these in the 80's, I love this newer, more feminine, less floresent version.

The limited shopping options in Saskatchewan have left me desiring a winter headband. Alas, my amazing sister-in-law came to the rescue as she hand knit me one for Christmas. It was a lovely surpirse as the color and fit are perfect. I have worn it everyday since I got it.

Check out the blue moon in the background of these photos!!!

Adios,
Karen

The Never Ending Cross Stitch

I have finally finished this cross stich after starting it over 10 years ago. I actually started it while I was in high school and have worked on it on and off since then. I was finally inspired to finish it when I discovered this amazing frame at a second hand store. The frame is an antique wood frame which I purchased for a mere $1.00. What a great purchase!!!

I think the end result turned out amazing.The image reminds me of the amazing summers in Northern Saskatchewan. Although the summer is short, the pristine beauty of the north can be found no place else on earth. I think the endless hours of stitching have functioned to complete the vintage modern feel I was going for in my kitchen.

Ciao for now and Happy Stitching,
Karen

The Rainbow Rug

My mom got me this braided rug for Christmas. It is hand made by a lady in Naicam (which is a town near where I am from).

These kinds of rugs are a dying tradition and I that is why I was so excited when I saw this one. This praire tradition was initiated by women trying to keep the floors of their homes warm. While these women made their rugs in many different shapes and sizes, as to cover as much floor space as possible, they are now typically made into a circle or an oval.  In the days of the settlers, the rugs were made out of scrap peices of material, today however the use of new materials has allowed for new color combinations giving the rugs a modern edge.

I just love the way the colors transition from one to the next on my rug. It is so colorful that you can't help smile when you see it. If I ever find the time, I would love to learn how to make these beautfiul but useful peices of art.

Bye for now,
Karen

P.S - Those are my favorite pair of my ruby red Repettos (a shoe company from France that orginally began designing shoes for Danceing including jazz, tap and ballet).

A Toast to the New Year!!

Happy New Year to everyone!!! I hope that the new year brings wonderful and warm expereinces to everyone!!!

Thanks for the great evening Sonia and Trevor!!

Christmas Treats!!!

I had a wonderful Christmas holiday this year!! Not only did I have great company and delicious food, but I was showered with wonderous Christmas gifts.

My husband Dominic gave me a Pyrrha necklace which is a silver pendant cast from 19th century wax seals. It is a great idea which origninated out of a couples home in Vancouver, Canada. I received the bee which I love for two reasons. First it symbolizes Vita, meaning life and second because it is a bee and I am a bee keeper!! I only have one necklace but I think that wearing two at a time would be great!!
The second necklace from my Christmas collection is from my oh-so stylish sister in law. The necklace features a eggs on one side and birds on the other. It suits my personality to a tee- it seems to be whimisical and makes me feel like I am in a Jane Austen film.
And the bonus is that both of the necklaces look great when worn together or separate!! Thanks for the amazing gifts you two!!!
Cheers,
Karen