Of The Music Kind+

Watch "James Arthur's audition - Tulisa's Young - The X Factor UK 2012" on YouTube

I can listen to this a million times.

New Phone+

I am in love with my new android phone, the Samsung Galaxy III.

While I am still working out the kinks, so far I'm really loving the way this phone is working!

It is incredibly user friendly and I can't wait to blog more and much more easily because of it!

Thanks for all your patience!

Peace & Love,
K

Welcome to Stressville

Population: Me, and maybe you too?

Fry is STRESSED too.

I know it's not easy for anyone to deal with stress but I find I particularly tend to turn little things into much bigger things when I'm already stressed out.

I have been having issues with internet, with my family, and with work so my apologies to anyone who has been expecting a new post from me.  

I'd like to report that things are beginning to clear up, although I have a pretty busy week ahead: trainings, work, and errands galore, not to mention popping into a few places to inquire about jobs! Oh joy!

There are plenty of ideas for new projects up ahead and I think I'm finally going to make my way into **Smartphone Land** and buy myself a Samsung Galaxy III, which will ALSO allow for some snazzy photos to make their way into this blog! (which I have been waiting to do FOREVER!)

A Slow Loris just CAUSE okay.

So once again PLEASE bear with me, I hope to be back at it in no time!

Here's a Slow Loris playing with a mini umbrella to thank you for your time:

I can't.

Tattoo Love+

So how about an alternative take on an art post? 'Kay ready?

Amanda Wachob Tattoos

More entertaining than bunny-vision?

Update+

Hey guys!

Sorry this week has been so dull, it's been a rather busy week. I had an interview with a company that I've wanted to get into for quite some time now, so my brain has been caught up in that mess.  I owe you guys a Wedding Wednesday post, so that will be doubled up next week so you can count on seeing TWO designers featured.

Join me after the cut for some inspiration!

Inspirational Hair

Inspirational Hair: check out this awesome tumblr dedicated to some amazing 'dos. My Pinterest is begging for these!

'via Blog this'

Words of Inspiration+

As a prelude to what will eventually be Tuesday Tips, I wanted to give you all a life tip:

Listen to words that make a difference in your life. Like, really listen.  

I'm always most inspired by words that encourage you to seek what you want in life, and of course your classic case of of "never give up" positivity. Many people sort of look at you like, "are you for real?" when you find yourself attracted to these types of personal sayings. Society has brought it to our attention that some of these mantras are rather idyllic and considered cliche because of that, but, why should that make them any less important? We spend so much time trying to overcome the obstacles and hardships in our lives so then why is it so bad when we find words that have the power for change.

I'd like to show you something that inspired me the other day.  While I was working for BCBG for a short but sweet time in my life, I met an awesome girl.  She touched me with her story of how she had lost her mother a few years back. She was so strong and really making the best of her life, putting a smile on the faces of those around her, and really truly putting her heart into things that she was doing.  Now she's seeking the world and kicking some serious tail. 

She recently discovered this poem written in her mother's journal:

Don't Quit...

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--

You may succeed with another blow,

Success is failure turned inside out--

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

So to my dear -, thank you for sharing these beautiful words and being able to inspire me with your story.

Whatever your words may be, find those words that make a difference in your life.  It doesn't matter whether the words are inspired by a loved one, like the ones above, or whether they're an age old proverb or biblical passage, don't be embarrassed to find a mantra that is solace to you.

I found mine years ago when I was at a very low point in my life: Dum Spiro, Spero. It means While I breathe, I hope in Latin. For me it was a matter of never stopping to believe that things will get better.  When you're in a negative mindset, it's hard to find that one little sliver of light that keeps you going.  It was important to think: as long as I live, I will hope, and as long as I hope, I will live.  Hope isn't just a naive sense of being, it exists because it contributes to the wellness of people's lives. Sometimes it's all you need.

"By words we learn thoughts, and by thoughts we learn life."

- Jean Baptiste Girard 

Share your words, share your life.

Good start to the week+

Hey everyone!

I've been a bit busy at work lately so just a short little post for now, including one accessory that I think girls can't get enough of!

SHOES!!!!

Aren't these beauties lovely? I always like an embellished shoe, even more so because it allows the wearer to feel elegant, even when wearing a simpler outfit. 

They are called the Nina 'Neva' Pump and they come in black, grape satin (purple), tea rose (blush pink), ivory, and steel satin (pictured). The satin 'half D'Orsay' pump (when one side of the shoe dips down showing the side sole of your foot) has a flourish on the non-D'Orsay side that's reminding me of a bunch of grapes! Additionally, the shoes also feature delicate bead detail around that flourish that makes them that little bit more special.

 Wouldn't they make a great addition to a wedding party? I can picture bridesmaids rocking the same shoe with their dress, especially since it's at an affordable CDN $103.07 (I don't know what's with the random 7 cents).

Happy Monday!

Lily Cole+

Hey people!

So for this week's Fashion Friday, I thought it might be a nice idea to focus on the work of a model who's proven herself a real chameleon in her work:

Lily Cole

Inspiration of the Week+

Hey Y'all! 

(I don't know how I adopted a southern accent there, it is completely arbitrary)

For this week's random awesomeness I'd like to present you with a man I encountered via YouTube a few years back.  I'm not sure if it's the music, the joy behind the dances, the group camaraderie, the epic nature of the destinations (dude dances with crabs! on a beach! full of crabs!), or whether it's just an amalgamation of all that greatness. 

Here is just ONE of his awesome videos:

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008)

See more of his videos after the cut!

Fairytale Dress Time TWO+

WELCOME to PART TWO of A+A's dedication to some amazing couture bridal designers! If you didn't have enough to look at last week with St. Pucchi, here's a special treat for you :)

Job Search+

I feel you baby - I feel you

You know what's sad? When you go to apply for a job only to realize that you've already applied to it and you just didn't remember.

What's also sad? That the job you applied to a month ago is still posted and it does mean that they just disregarded your application.

//OY VEY

Headshots+

Armor+Adorn:

Excited child is excited

I'm excited guys. REALLY excited, and I'll tell you why.  A little while ago I purchased a WagJag voucher for a photography session with a pro that's worked for fashion editorials and magazines such as Glow (the very magazine I get at work at Shoppers Drug Mart).  I didn't look at his website at the time because I was so convinced that this guy was the person to do my headshots that I just went ahead and bought the voucher.

Today, like a fool, I went ahead and purchased different vouchers for Photoshop, Digital Photography, and Dreamweaver courses! (SUCH a great deal, each were C$39 for C$450 value!) Because I'm a voucher hoarder, I decided to look back on my past vouchers and check out the photographer's website (embarrassingly for the first time) and well I guess I did well because this is what I saw:

Jay Lolli Photography

Amazing, right?

Check out JAY LOLLI's portfolio and information here.

I can't believe I scored this guy, what a talent! I am SALIVATING at the chance to work with him and I can't wait to be shot by him!

Don't have a voucher for a fancy schmancy photographer like I do, but you want headshots?

I shot some beautiful shots for Mikayla over at Eat, Drink, and Be Married Events and all we had was a borrowed camera, a park, styling, and my "subpar" Photoshop skills (I guess it's why I bought that voucher :p).  

It IS possible, and in my next Headshots+ post I'll detail exactly how we pulled it off!

I think I did pretty well, doesn't she look fantastic?

Not the largest size so she doesn't kill me.

note: you can see the coloured version of the shot on her website, linked above.

So, until next time..

PEACE, LOVE + PHOTOGRAPHY :p

P.S. Make a wish. :) 

'via Blog this'

Making a Business Card+

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION

Genius business card design

For the longest time, I have always wanted to have a business card, back when having one was completely unnecessary.  I think as children we see adults in all their glory and think that their lifestyles are so cool mainly because of all the things that begin to define us as we age.  

One of those things is a business card.  Unfortunately, at my current position as part-time beauty advisor, I am not privy to an official Shoppers Drug Mart business card. Not bitter at all :p

I originally wanted this to be the back of my card

All jokes aside, I decided that it'd probably make more sense to create my own business card since well, I wanted to start a business.  With Armor+Adorn still buried in my mind and waiting to emerge, I was just Kasia, and I wanted to figure out how to present myself to the public.  

So I set out to find a way to create a card for my still un-categorized self, and here are some easy steps that I came up with:  

1. INSPIRATION - the vein of the business you plan to be in

• how should your card look?
• what kind of style should you present yourself in?
• check out google to find tons of different business card styles for ideas

2. IDENTITY - find out how you want to present yourself

• what your title should be?
• what accomplishments you want to share with the public?
• how will people contact you?

3. ICON - the image association with your brand-to-be

• will you have a logo that represents your name or business?
• what fonts, colours, designs, etc., will you re-use in different forums?
• what will set you apart from others in your field?

4. IMAGING - the actual creation of your business card

• will you use a pre-existing online template, get a friend to help you, or figure out a design on Photoshop on your own?
• who has the best deal for printing?
• are you planning on any special features, i.e. embossing, metallics, double-sided printing? how much will that cost?

Once coming up with a gameplan, I was ready to set it into motion.  

Stay tuned for PART TWO where I go over the details of my card creation as well as the finished product!

A Blush Love Affair+

Maggie Rizer being attached by beauty tools

As a beauty advisor people are often asking me what my favorite products are, overall and of course categorically (bronzer, eye shadow, primer, gel moisturizer - you get the picture). I find that my tastes are always changing as I am constantly trying out new things, and I'm certainly not brand loyal overall, save for a few brands that are just really THAT GOOD (Nars, Tarte, Make Up For Ever and Smashbox, to name a few).

One of my fave areas to play around in is cheeks. I am always on the hunt for great bronzers, blushes, highlighters, and the like.  I get super excited when I find that gorgeous blush colour or that perfect matte bronzer (finding a good matte can be a battle).

The best part is that the textures, finishes and colours are constantly evolving. I find myself constantly reminding the 40+ consumer that cream blush isn't how it used to be twenty, even ten years ago.

The greatest finds are blushes and bronzers that work on many skin tones and skin types. Despite all the change, sometimes a good classic is a feat in the makeup industry.

What's even better is a blush with history...

Fashion Friday+

Corsetry by The Blonds

Who doesn't have a fashion friday? I'm not going to claim originality on this one, but why not have a day dedicated to some awesome finds in regards to style?

This week is dedicated to detail work, whether embroidery, sequins, structure, framework, corsetry or any other embellishment from designers such as Givenchy, The Blonds and Thierry Mugler.

Enjoy the picks for the week!

Inspiration of the Week+

Many moons ago, I discovered the incredible work of photographer Nick Brandt who takes incredibly moving and beautiful shots of wildlife.  

I wanted to take advantage of this blogging opportunity to give him a much deserved shout out. He's one of many artists who will be featured as Inspiration of the Week!

See more of his work:

Modern Day Armor+

We each keep our strength by putting up our own sense of armor, whether it be literal or figurative, physical, emotional, or even, fashionable.  For light fare, I find it's always inspirational to look at the latter.  Sometimes it may be that representation of armor that helps us feel protected and safe.

So without further ado, here's some of the fashionable:

Eat, Drink and Be Married: 21 Pictures

Eat, Drink and Be Married: 21 Pictures: Have you seen the 21 Pictures That Will Restore Your Faith In Humanity? I cried while looking at these pictures. An article in The Globe and...

Some more Inspiration for the Week!

Hiatus+

Hello people!

This cute baby thanks you for your time.

My apologies, for the road to bloghood has been a long time coming but also something that has taken me longer to get into than I would like.  The goal is to create something that can be something to not only me but to the many readers who could relate with me.

For those who don't know me, I am currently on a job search and that has taken up a great deal of my time and energy. I have always wanted to begin a blog and be completely dedicated to it, and not allow myself to fall behind; however, with the latest stressors of my life, unfortunately it is taking a bit longer than anticipated to begin!

Please bear with me for I promise, it will be worth the wait :) 

For now here are some random awesome things:

Fairytale Dress Time+

In honour of my friend Mikayla at Eat, Drink, and Be Married, having completed her wedding planner course, I wanted to share with you all some of my all-time favorite couture wedding designers.

Maria Karin Couture

I love fairytale and fantasy, so I'm automatically drawn to dresses that evoke that quality in the bride. Obviously these dresses are not for everyone, nor are they entirely practical (guilty!) but they are completely dreamy and wonderful and I hope they can lead to some wedding inspiration!


Part One: St. Pucchi

Website+

Hello Everyone!

My temporary website is up here. Until I have my portfolio set up, the site will just serve as a link to here, but I was excited to make it!  Does anyone have any better website options for someone starting out? 

Feel free to post them here!

Inspire+

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Marina Dias in Vogue Italia 2005 by Richard Burbridge

I consider inspiration the impetus for creativity. It's not hard to see something beautiful and be inspired to create something beautiful yourself. From art, to food, to fitness, to life - there are beautiful things to inspire us everywhere we look.  I created Armor+Adorn to share not only the beauty that inspires me, but also the creativity that stems from that inspiration!

Thank you for stopping by and I can't wait to share with you!