Treasure Trove at Salt Spring Island Market

I'm back!! Spent a wonderful long weekend at Salt Spring Island which is a couple of hours by ferry away from Vancouver. It was very relaxing and felt like a world away, yet we were always busy in the sense that there was always something to see or do. I'll do another post with some of my fave pics on the trip, which was full of hiking, checking out arts and craft studios, visiting organic farms, swimming, and of course culinary delights!

I'm going to focus this post on one of my favourite things to do on Salt Spring - the weekly Saturday market. The market brings together all of the artists, craftspeople, farmers and other entrepreneurs on Salt Spring to hawk their goods. Here you'll find delicious home made tarts, organic produce, local smoked salmon, jewelry, hand-thrown pottery, soap, and just about anything else that might be artsy, hippy, whimsical and even wacky. It's a chaotic few hours when the market is on, and it's the place to be on a sunny Saturday. Shoppers jockey for space amongst the booths, and visitors and locals alike are eager to fill their reusable shopping bags with organic goodies like heirloom tomatoes, cheese, and spring greens.

Delectable tarts...

Giant heads of purple garlic...

Colourful Provence-inspired fabric...

Pendants featuring wild daisies...

Natural, hand-made soaps...

I came away with some fantastic treasures: a custom hammered silver cuff by Salt Spring Silversmith, stackable silver rings by Mint Jewellery Design, olive-oil lavender soaps from Bare With Me, and something I had never heard of before: Rose Petal Bead jewelry.

Creator Marcus Knox takes rose petals and cooks them down into a moldable mash, from which he hand rolls each bead. The colour of the bead is black no matter what colour the rose was in its former incarnation. The beads retain a faint rose scent for the duration of their life.. The sweet fragrance is enhanced when warmed by the wearer's body.

The history of the beads is fascinating. The origins trace back to 15th century India where monks made them as prayer beads for counting during meditation. It was adopted by the Catholics and rose petal beads were commonly used in the Rosary.

I couldn't resist picking up a bracelet with an uneven pearl, and a rosary with a mother-of-pearl cross. Not only do I love the romantic symbolism of the rose, but I feel connected to the spiritual origins. Stylistically, I'm digging the dark, edgy feel of the black beads, yet the pearly accents sweeten it up. I put the bracelet on at the market and have worn it ever since.

I'm sorry I don't have better pictures of my sundress dress, which is new from Fine Finds. I'll post my outfit properly soon but these are the pictures I had on hand for now. Here are a couple of pics of my cousins though enjoying the market.

Cecile smiling in her embroidered number

Tracy sparkling in a glittery dress with the shades of the ocean

Style Challenge: What to Wear to the Stampede?

I have been stumped lately with blogging, partly because I haven't had time to take pictures of all my new purchases with mom being in town and partly because I haven't been all that inspired. Last night, my sister in law, who happens to be one of my best friends, inspired me to write some sartorial advice for her. She is going to the Calgary Stampede this weekend and needs something to wear that is cute but classy. Now I've never been to the Calgary Stampede, but having seen some fashion disasters from the Cloverdale Rodeo, I've provided some alternatives.

The key is to mix things up and borrow from themes that are related to, but not limited to, just the western look. Try broadening to an overall more country look, or the related Americana/Prairie look, and you 'll have a lot more options. Or, consider trends which may have western influences but are updated in a modern way (think fringing, studding, destroyed denim, plaid, suede). Top it off with a cowboy hat or a straw fedora if you feel like it but I don't think it's required to create the vibe.

Vintage Cowgirl: This look is inspired by the cool cowgirls of times past. A classy silk western shirt with denim shorts or maybe a eyelet tiered skirt and tank with cowboy boots. Accessories should be kept simple. Horsey motifs (horseshoes, bridle/bit inspired jewelry) would work nicely.

Below: Young Fabulous and Broke Eyelet Tiered Skirt; Equipment Silk Western Blouse; BE&D Cowboy Mini Bag


Country Floral: With florals everywhere this spring/summer, they are an easy trend to incorporate into a western look. Small flowers, against a backdrop of a pastel colour, has a country look to it that makes it suitable for the Stampede. I love these itty bitty high-waisted shorts. Pair with an off-the-shoulder white blouse and sky-high clogs.

Below: Kettle Black High Waisted Floral Shorts; Rachel Pally Senorita Top; Jeffrey Campbell Clogs


City Slicker: For the city girl, a black dress with fringe details will give you a western look without going too down country. Wear the cowboy boots if you dare. A studded wristlet gussies it up.

Below: Haute Hippe Suede Dress; Golden Goose Star Booties; Elizabeth and James Suede booties; BE&D Studded Wristlet



Prairie Princess: I'm crazy about the prairie look of denim and colourful prints like gingham, plaid, and it's an easy look to throw together that's cute but not too dressy.

Below: Thakoon Denim Dress; Joie Rock Steady Fringe Booties; Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Wrap; Joie Cece Dress



Double Denim (aka Canadian Tuxedo): It wasn't too long ago that double denim was a big no-no. But this summer, the Canadian Tuxedo has hit the mainstream big time. So mix up your blue and white and whatever other colour of denim you have, and get ready to line dance in your mini cowboy boots.

Below: Current/Elliot Denim Shirt; 7 for All Mankind White Shorts; Joie Elvis Suede Booties; Kettle Black Romper


Yeehaw. Are you going to the Stampede or a rodeo this summer? What are you wearing?
All images from Shopbop.com.

Whats Behind That Smile?

I'm looking particularly happy here.

Why I am smiling so? Because after waiting for nearly two months, my Alexa bag from Mulberry arrived. Along with my mom, of course.

I've used this bag pretty much every day this week - one of the reasons I wanted it so badly is because of it's versatility. The long straps mean the bag can be worn several different ways - across like a messenger, looped around short like a shoulder bag, or tucked in for a school bag look. The brown leather is soft for comfort yet sturdy enough to hold heaps of things. This is going to be my It-bag for all those plane and train rides in Europe.

All good reasons to smile. And of course, some TLC and pampering from Mom too goes a long way. =D

So tell me, what's your go-to, It bag? Or better yet, what's making you smile today?

Wearing:
Olive silk blouse by MK2K from Vincent Park
Khaki high-waisted shorts, gift from mom
Brown leather and suede buckle flats, from Hong Kong
Regular Alexa Bag in Buffalo by Mulberry
Fleur de Lis necklace, Pyrrha

Hump Day Hunks: World Cup Bonanza Edition

It's been too long since I've posted, and what better way to get back into the swing of things with another installment of Hump Day Hunks. This time I'm holding nothing back, and I've put together some of the best looking World Cup footballing chaps for your Wednesday viewing pleasure. Included in his 2nd feature on Hump Day Hunks is French cutie Yoann Gourcuff, who must be sobbing in disbelief after he was tossed out of the crucial France-South Africa game which led to France's exit. Poor Yoann, I'm sure there'll be girls a plenty for you to take comfort in.

Above and below: Yoanne Gourcuff, who was apparently quite the target amongst his own French team due to what some say was jealousy.

England too might find they have a couple of sexy sulkers in Frank Lampard and Steven Garrard if the Three Lions fail to advance to the next round.

Steven Gerrard...grrr...

A couple of Team USA hotties will be fairly happy if they can beat Algeria in their next game.

Above: Benny Feilhaber of Team USA
Below: Oguchi Onyewu of Team USA

I know nothing really about Australia football but that's doesn't stop me from crushing on Aussie Harry Kewell. Nice tats, Harry.


Hope you're all enjoying the World Cup as much as I am. LOL.

Like your ballers? See also
Hump Day Hunks: Italian Edition World Cup
Hump Day Hunks: Football Edition

I Think I Know What's On Your Mind

A quickie post to show you some pics of my new hair and dinner at a local French bistro. I'm having fun playing around with my hair - some days I've slicked it back (think Victoria Beckham), others I've pushed it forwards messily and finished with my favourite surf spray. I've glammed it up with pretty, tulle and pearl adorned handbands, or if I'm feeling a more grungy vibe, I reach for my braided suede headband. There's a style to suit my chameleon moods. NOTE: Please ignore the horribly tacky sign - I didn't realize it was in the picture and we were in a hurry to get inside the restaurant for our table.

I've used a variety of products to style my hair and I've found a few that I like:

1. Best Gel for a slicked back pixie: I tried Bumble and Bumble BB Gel and Oribe Gel Serum (thanks to BeautyMark for giving me both samples) and by far I liked Oribe for a firm hold to last all day but wasn't sticky or too stiff. The BB Gel is nice for light hold but I can't trust it'll stay all day.

2. Best Surf Spray: John Masters Organics Sea Mist hands down gives you that straight-out-of-the-surf look. I prefer it to Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray which is a bit heavy and sticky. Plus, Sea Mist has a sweet lavender scent so you don't smell like a kelpy seawitch =D.

3. Best Hair Spray: I will go with Bumble and Bumble's Does It All Spray because it provides an airy and flexible hold that highlights the piecey-ness.


Now onto the food...Pied-a-Terre is a fave of mine because of how low-key it is and the food I've had there on numerous occasion has always been good. I just love simple, classic food, and this French bistro has it down.

We started with a French Onion Tarte with Bacon Frisse Salad.

Hubby ordered the Lamb Duo special with braised and roast lamb. Served with green beans and some pastry.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Fish Special which was pan roasted sole with morels and peas in a chive herby cream sauce. Served with asparagus, mashed potatoes and a roasted tomato.

We had no room for dessert but that was probably a good thing because I can never decide between their Creme Brulee, Chocolate Tarte, or Lemon Tarte.

Outfit:
Asymetric White Tee by Ambient (the back is longer than the front and I love it)
Distressed Jean Shorts by Ambient
Grey Coverup - from Gateau Lingerie
Fleur de Lis necklace - Pyrrah
Tulle Headband - Blue Ruby
Sandals - Elizabeth and James
Black Mini Hobo - Hugo Boss
Sunglasses - Rayban Clubmasters

Hump Day Hunks: Italian Edition World Cup

Better late than never, right ladies? As promised in my last Hump Day Hunks: Football Edition, I would dedicate a whole HDH to just the players on Team Italy. Why? I think it's obvious isn't it, especially when Dolce & Gabbana features them year after year, pretty much naked.

This behind the scenes video of the D&G photoshoot is a bit steamy...

I must confess that unlike hockey, I really don't know too much about football or the players for that matter. So let's just get straight to it.

First up, Fabio Cannavaro, who I definitely recognize from many shirtless ads.

Next up, goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.

D-man Leonardo Bonucci.

Sexy striker Alberto Gilardino. I must say I'm liking this shot.

This next footballer is who I think the most gorgeous on Team Italy: midfielder Claudio Marchisio. Looking cute with both long and short hair (second pic below).


Not too sure about his posing here but I've included Gennaro Gattuso for you girls who like more manly-man types.

I've got heaps more coming on Hump Day Hunks as we build up to the start of the FIFA World Cup so stay tuned!

If you enjoyed this article, you might want to check out:
Hump Day Hunks: Surfers Edition (my all time favourite)
Hump Day Hunks: Football Edition
Hump Day Hunks: Olympic Games Edition