Fancy Photography- Elyse Bouvier

I recently came across one of the most unique photographers that I have seen in a while, her name is Elyse Bouvier. I would describe her style as a little bohemian, a little rustic, and a whole lot of chic. My assistant had her engagement photos taken by her and when I saw them, I was floored. The way that she captured my assistant and her fiances emotions, characters, and sense of style was amazing!!!

Not going the traditional route to taking photos and doing something that is out of the ordinary takes guts and I commend her for that. It takes a true creative mind to come up with an amazing out of the box concept and make it work and Elyse does just that!!!

LOVE!!!

BIO:

Elyse Bouvier has always enjoyed looking at the world through the lens of a camera. Over the years her passion for capturing the unique relationships between people and what surrounds them has grown. For the past three years she’s been focused on capturing new friends and old, in love or just loving life! Her style has been described as genuine, capturing true character, awkwardness and all. When she’s not taking photos of everyone around her, Elyse loves to capture the unique atmospheres of the places she’s traveled in Canada and abroad.

Check out:

www.elysebouvier.com

Outdoor Fabulousness

Fashion Central rooftop done up with InsydeOut Furniture

When the weather gets warm, we want to spend as much time outside as possible. Especially in Calgary, where we only get 2 months of great weather! But not matter where you live, you want to make the most of your outdoor space so that you can enjoy it.

The key is to treat your outdoor space just like you would your indoor space. Think about colour, pattern, texture and most of all furniture.

A new line that I came across recently is called InsydeOut! Based out of Edmonton. They will be carrying their pieces at Premiere Interiors here in Calgary but you can also purchase online.

The look is clean, simple, modern and the price points are amazing. Made of heavy duty materials made to withstand the elements, these pieces will make any space come to life. The upholstery can be customized to any colour so have some fun with your choices.

Check out:

InsydeOut

Premiere Interiors

STYLE ICON: Lincoln Phillip

Halloween 2009

It is with great sadness that I have to post this months Style Icon. Lincoln Phillip was a good friend of mine who passed away last week. He was a true style icon in Calgary and in the lives of all that knew him. His smile, amazing laugh, true sense of style, personality will be missed.

Lincoln was known for his bold sense of style and his willingness to try different things and if anyone was going to get away with it, it was him. He was always dressed in black and loved to layer his look with accessories, something that I always loved about him. Whether it was a great bag, necklace, scarf, or bracelet, he was always werqueing it!

Always having a passion for fashion, Lincoln found his niche in the retail market working as a stylist, personal shopper, and at Louis Vuitton at Holt Renfrew. He also had a well followed column in the Calgary Herald aptly named Real Style, one in which I was honored to be asked to be a part of a few years back.

A person who will forever leave a mark on the fashion scene in this city and in the hearts of all that had the pleasure of knowing him.

MUCH LOVE!

Before and After

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

I recently completed a space for a segment on City Line based on how to fix up a bland, outdated, space in a few hours. We decided to focus on the bedroom as many have spare rooms or even their master that has been given no attention. I think these spaces are often forgotten about as most of the design attention is given to the common spaces in the home.

Well, with this space, you can see that all it took was a bit of de-cluttering and a quick shopping trip to get some excellent accessories to turn this boring space into one that can truly be called a well designed bedroom. The look we went for was very eclectic. The homeowner had some great vintage finds that she had collected over the years and dusting them off and using them only gave some personality to the space.

Here is what we did:

1. New bedding. Crisp white sheets are a must. Play on colour, texture and pattern with the duvet cover, shams, and throw.

2. Addition of an ornate mirror above the bed, this add a great focal point to the space.

3. We styled the trunk on the side of the bed as a night table. A fabulous piece of artwork layered with a vintage print also makes this area another focal in the room.

4. The colours were kept with a turquoises and browns to simplify the space.

All About Accessories

My most recent article for New Home Living was how to change up a space using accessories. Trends are always changing in the design world and I for one love to incorporate a new trend each season. It can get expensive to constantly be changing up your space but it can be done on a budget. I find that PC Home products are affordable, stylish and quite chic so everything that we purchased for the after shot is from PC Home (available at Superstore).

Here is what we did:

1. Pillows are a great way to add some colour and pattern to your space. Be sure to layer solids with patterns.

2.We changed up the coffee table that was too bulky for the space and used 3 wicker ottomans. These were found in the outdoor living section but who says you can't use them inside? 3.Lanterns placed on the console table add some height to the space and also provide some delicious candle light when entertaining, again, found in the outdoor living section.

4.Fresh flowers are a must for any space and we used bright yellow mums for a bold hit.

5. The green was repeated in the leaf photograph above the chair.

6. White boxes were added under the console to fill up the space and add more storage.

Check out:

New Home Living Magazine

PC Home

GAP VIP Denim Lounge

The fashion crowd gathering at Le Germain

Myself and Janet Lapuz werque-ing it for the camera!

Jesse Cayabo (Chinook Centre), Jason Krell, Leah Van Loon (Stylist), Kelly Doody (Calgary Herald), and Lindsay Tucker (Chinook Centre)

The ever so stylish Liz Lechlet and Sarah Kenny

Me with the girls from Fashion Central

Libby Shumka (TPT) and Tara Wickwire (The GAP)

Being from Calgary, most people think of the Stampede when I first tell them where I am from, Cowboy hats, wranglers, and bandanas is what comes to mind. There is a fashionable way to look when it comes to Stampede and this event was just the ticket to do so.

I was asked to help with decor and set up of the VIP Denim Lounge put on by The Gap and Tara Parker Tait PR. This year it was held at Le Germain Calgary, a chic boutique hotel that just opened its doors a few months back.

The concept of the VIP lounge was to get everyone that attended in a great pair of premium GAP denim. Not hard to do as the styles were a-plenty. A free pair of jeans was given out to all that attended and that included the who's who from the fashion scene in Calgary. The right mix of fashion forwardness and a great pair of GAP denim will get you in the mood to do Stampede the right way!!!

Happy Stampeding!

Paper Doll Accessories

A good friend of mine, Jill Hoff recently started her own line of kids accessories called Paper Doll. These stunning pieces are all hand made by Jill and come in a wide range of pins, clips, and hair bands. I love the additions of buttons and the fabrics that she uses, it's something so unique and makes a perfect gift for any shower or birthday for the budding fashionista!!!!

Now if she only made cute little bow ties for the little boys, we would be set.

Check out:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/paperdollaccessories