Inspired by Frida Kahlo

Check out the Frida Kahlo shirt. It is made and designed in Sayulita, Mexico by a French couple. The name of the company is called Revolucion Del Sueno and there are only 100 shirts printed with one design so each shirt is numbered. So, I not only love the shirt because it is like wearing a piece of art but because has Frida Kahlo on it - the classic image of Mexican art. Influenced by indigenous Mexican art, Kahlo's self portraits are renowned for their dream like quality. She was not only an important political warrior but she became one of the world's most important artists. An inspiration to me and many others, like a tribute to her image and what she stands for, I am proud to have her on my shirt.

I think that this Frida shirt is so fitting for me this week as she was often referred to as the wife of Diego Rivera, despite her many accomplishments. I thought of Frida when I  was also referred to as Dominic's wife during a business meeting. It is true, I am his wife, however I am also a person with a name, who owns 50% of our company. Although I cannot compare my accomplishments with Frida's, I can sympathize with her and protest for my name. 

So I know that this background doesn't really match the outfit, but I kind of enjoy the contrast. This is what I happened to be wearing as we drove by this amazing place. I think it is the remnants of an old Spanish style house in a small town called San Pancho. Sort of suiting for the whole Frida Kahlo theme.

Shirt: Revolucion Del Sueno

Jeans: Vero Moda

Shoes: Hand made in Argentina

Necklace: Pyrrah

Muchos Besos,
Karen

My Dream Shoes (For the Moment)

I love these sandals!! Aren't they just perfect!! I would love to wear them with a cute pair of colored socks or tights!!

These Zinda sandals are the newest thing on my want list!! They are from a Canadian shoe store called Gravity Pope - possibly one of the most extensive line of shoes carried in Canada. 

 

They will be mine, oh yes they will be mine!! (sorry for the lame Waynes World quote, but I will admit it was and remains to be one of my favorite movies of all time!!

Que tengas un buen dia,

Karen

My Own Mexican Pancho!!

I have been searching through markets around for a pink pancho. I finnaly found this one at the market in Guadalajara for 60 pesos which is about $5 CAN. Although I bought it new, I am pretty sure one could call it vintage because I think it has been in the market since the 1980's. It was super super super dusty and they actually don't make panchos this color anymore. The only time they made them was in the 1980's. So I feel very privileged for having this unique, one of a kind piece.

Although the pancho is a bit big,  I think I will try to doctor it up a bit when I get back to Canada.  I was thinking about making the sleeves a bit smaller and hemming the bottom to make it a bit shorter as well. For now however I will just roll up the sleeves and I am sure they will be fine.

Pancho: Bought in the market

Jeans: Zara

Shoes: Birkenstocks

XOXOX,

Karen

Built By Wendy

Here are a few of the items on my want list from the Built By Wendy Spring Summer Collection. The whole collection is very Parisienne-esque which I love, as it continues to inspire me to save money for my trip to Paris!!! Next year is my champagne birthday - I will be 28 on the 28th so I am hoping that I can spend my birthday in Champagne, France!!! It is but a dream, but you never know when dreams can come true!!

I love these pants!! Both chic and comfortable at the same time!

Isn't this skirt beautiful??

   

Have a lovely lovely weekend!! I will be thinking of you all while I am at the beach with our great friends from Saskatchewan!!

Puss och Kram,

Karen

Remnants of St.Patrick's Day!!

Did you dress up for St.Patrick's Day??? I didn't actually wear green but I am going to post these pics and pretend like I did!! I have never been one for wearing green on March 17, as my whole life I have tried to dress differently from everybody else and to use my clothes to express myself in some unique way!! To dress up would have defeated the purpose of my entire life philosophy - so, yesterday I wore purple!!!

I apologize in advance for the pictures being a little bit dark but I think you can still get the gist of it!! We were in a hurry to take the photos before we went out for dinner! Dominic's parents were actually down here in Mexico for a few weeks and it was their last dinner before they flew out in the morning!! We decided to have tacos because you can't get the real tacos in Canada like you can in Mexico.

I think this is the perfect summer/beach vest. It is made from silk and viscose so it feels so soft on your skin which is perfect for the hot and humid weather. And it is a little more exciting than a simple tank top. The vest is even reversible! The first few times I wore it out, I actually wore it the other way around and without a belt, but now I think that I am really enjoying it this way! I will try to post another outfit wearing the other way around so you can decide for yourself.

We didn't manage to get a good photo of the back of the vest so I took this one when we got home from dinner. I think the back is the best part!!

Tank top: American Apparel

Vest: 

Belt: Thrifted

Jeans: Zara

Shoes: Frye

Hugs and Kisses,

Karen

Save the Turtles!

Six of the seven seas turtles in the world are from Mexico and most are  endangered. While the sea turtles spend most of their lives in the sea, they are born on the beach. The mothers can lay their eggs in the same spot as they were born and they can lay up to 200 eggs in each nest which need to be incubated for a period of 45 to 52 days. 

Due to many of the Mexican beaches becoming populated with people, the turtle nests are being destroyed and the baby turtles are not surviving. There are now some initiatives put in place to guard the nests for incubation period and make sure that they get back safely to the water. 

The beach that we were staying on had tons of turtle nests and there were people watching the nests making sure that the baby turtles would get back to the ocean safely. They let me pick one up which was pretty exciting. I hope these turtles make it!!

Aren't they cute???

You can check out HEART for more information on how to help the turtles.

Ciao,

Karen

P.S.- Happy St.Patrick's Day. Don't forget to wear something green!!

Style vs. Comfort

Ohh, the joys of an amazing sunset at the beach. It is hard to beat a moment such as this one. Although I know that this dress is not the most stylish piece in my wardrobe, I love it to pieces. There is something to be said for simplicity, which I think this dress paired with a cute little red pair of Repettos does a very good job at. 

My very stylish Finnish friend once told me that you can't follow all of the fashion trends of the season. Rather, you have to take a few of the trends and incorporate them into your wardrobe and make the trends your own. You have to wear what you like and for me the most important thing is to be comfortable - what ever that means for you. 


For me, being comfortable means I feel good in what I am wearing. It also means that I do not, under any circumstances, ever, wear high heels or a dress/skirt that is too short which you have constantly be concerned about. Does comfort matter to you??? What does it mean to be comfortable to you??

I love whoever thought up putting pockets in dresses!! Thank-you. Thank-you. Thank-you.

I love the back of this dress!!

Dress: J.Crew

Shoes: Repettos

XOXOX,
Karen

My Beloved Ring

I am not sure if you have noticed my bright turquoise ring or not, but since I got it a few months ago I haven't been able to take it off. I bought it from some young Argentinean artists who have been traveling around Mexico making and selling their own jewelry. I think this is an amazing piece of art and it is so great to support local artists rather than buying something which has been massed produced. The greatest thing is that there will be never be another ring like this one.

Muchos Besos,

Karen

Red Sky In the Morning, Sailor Take Warning!

We have been having absolutely amazing weather here. Just hot enough to enjoy the beach but cool enough to put a light sweater on at night. It is sooooo nice to be in an endless summer!!! 

So, another nautical inspired outfit, and sorry to say I can't promise that it will be the last one either. As I look at my wardrobe I realize that I have many nautical/sailor inspired items. I am not sure if it is because I am at the beach or if I am just drawn to them, or maybe because one day I would love to have sail boat to sail across the sea. Oh, how nice it is to dream, actually I think that dreaming is essential. If you can't dream, you can never achieve those dreams. 

Cardigan: Zara

Tank: American Apparel

Shorts: Valerie Dumain

Sandals: Birkenstocks

Have a Wonderful Weekend and Keep Dreaming,

Karen

Espadrilles

I have been searching everywhere in Mexico for a great pair of espadrilles. While I have found some great pairs the colors have been a bright blue and pink which I think may be a bit loud for me. But I am sure that as the summer stock starts to arrive, new colors will be in the mix. In the mean time, I think that these espadrilles which I found on A Cup Of Joe are perfect. They are 

Hope your day has been great!!

Karen

Red Sky at Night, Sailors Delight!!

My parents have been here Mexico this week and we have been having a lovely time - so great to see them!! We are staying in this cute little surfing/resort beach village called Sayulita. A few days ago we went out snorkeling on the ocean in a boat that looked just like this one shown below. We had a great time, even though the waves were so big we thought that we were going to overboard. I thought that this  sailor inspired dress was a perfect fit for the occasion.

It has been so hot here the past few days. At least much hotter than it has been in the city, which has made me be extra creative with my clothes.  Being from Saskatchewan, layering on the clothes and trying to keep warm is somewhat natural but trying to look good with minimal clothing is somewhat of a challenge. But a challenge that I am willing to take and enjoy. Do you prefer dressing for warm weather or cool weather??

Dress: Bershka

Belt: Vintage

Shoes: Frye

Earrings: Hand Made in Mexico

Have a wonderful Day,
Karen

Far From Rodeo Drive!!

We went to this great rodeo a few weeks ago in a little town called Amititan!! Although I can't say much for the fashion sense of the rodeo goers, there were a few nice pairs of cowboy boots!! I myself am searching for a beautiful red pair of cowboy boots!! I will post them when and if I find them!!

Check out this Cowboy!! 

Traditional Mexican Music

Mini Cowboy

MMMM Cotton Candy!!

Ciao,

Karen

Oscar Fashion 2010

Sunday was Oscar night and I must say that it is not one of my most anticipated days of the year - finding out who wins what but it is a great night to see which of the fashion trends made it from the runway out onto the red carpet. And although I actually didn't get to watch the Oscars due to a freak power outage, I did manage to pick up on a few trends within the reviews.

1. As seen on the runway as well as the red carpet were alot of soft pastels which I absolutely loved. Sporting the pastels, and wearing Elli Saab, Rachel McAdams was definitely my favorite. She is not only Canadian, but fashionable and stunning as well.

2. Another trend incorportaed into Rachel McAdmas dress was the abstract print, which was also worn by Maggie Gylenahaul, which was a close second for me.

3. There was general trend of softness and femininity with lots of ruffles, frills and lace. Mylie Cyres pulled this one off flawlessly in Jenny Packham.

4. And finally in a trend leaning towards old Hollywood glamour, Sara Jessica Parker looked stunning her gold Chanel Haute Couture.

Pictures via style.com

Who was your favorite??

Hope you enjoyed the show,

Karen

Steven Allan Spring 2010

Have you seen the new Steven Allan Spring Collection???? It is to die for.....Here are some items from the Steven Alan Spring Collection that I love. As I am currently at the beach, I think that the dresses are really appealing to me. I am so happy the spring summer collections are finally coming out because here in the endless summer of Mexico, it is hard to follow the winter trends, even though I would love to.

The Paige Organic Dress

The Perry Dress 

The Sullivan Organic Dress

Check out the Steven Alan Website for more goodies!! There is a great sale on right now!

Have a Wonderful Day!!

Bye Bye,

Karen

Overalls..... Oh So Softly

Inspired by the prairie settlers of north america, overalls are making a comeback this season (or maybe last season). They have been popping up all over the runway shows and in recent photo shoots as well. And I have to say I LOVE THEM. When I purchased my first pair in November, I think most people thought I was crazy, now as they are being seen more and more, I hope people realize I am a little more sane than they thought!!

J Crew Spring Summer 2010

Ralph Lauren Spring Summer 2010

Alexa Chung  - She always gets it right!!

My Built By Wendy Overalls have basically become my new uniform. I LOVE them. They are not only super cute, but so comfortable as well. While overalls are hot for the Spring/Summer collections, these are from last season.  I think that Wendy was a bit ahead of her time on these ones. This was the only line to put out overalls for the last season. I had to search long and hard for overalls, and finally I found some - and they are amazing. While I think many different looks can be achieved with the overall, this is my oh so softly look. The material is a soft jean, the legs are wide enough. I wore this outfit to go grocery shopping downtown - hence the shopping bag  which was full of deliciosu fruits and vegetables - the pirks of living in the tropics.

Will I buy another pair for the summer months - you bet!!!

Jean Overalls: Built By Wendy

Pink Shirt: H & M

Shoes: Frye

Scarf: Vintage

Super Market Bag: Purchased at the Market in GDL

Muchos Besos,
Karen