Shorts in Winter; Life on the West Coast

Christmas cannot be in five days? ...Can it? Where has this entire year gone?

As the golden hues of Autumn transform into the dark, dreary days of Winter, I could not be more ready to give my mind a vacation. A whole week free from studying, exams, work and all of the other pressures that come along with being 22.

My DIY inspiration list is growing at an exponential rate and I'm beyond ready to spend some time sipping tea, listening to music and desiging and creating some of the DIY fashion projects that I've been dreaming about for ages.

I wore this simple outfit to start my Christmas shopping. I brought my trusty DIY clutch I made a few weeks prior and I love the little bit of shimmer it adds to the ensemble. If you missed the DIY clutch tutorial, check it out here!

sweater:h&m//shorts:unknown//clutch:DIY//necklace:h&m//sunnies:h&m//bracelets:value village

What are your plans for the holidays?

Do you manage to find time to relax or is it a completely hectic time of year? xx

-C

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DIY Gold Studded Collar

I know by now you have probably seen a few dozen different 

studded/sequin/lace collars, but besides that I still wanted to do one. 

I came across this thrifted jean button up and decided that I would use this and my leftover 

gold studs to do my very first gold studded collar.

I first started out by cutting the sleeves off.

I then started studding the collar. When I started I wasn't quite sure how many I wanted on the collar but every so often I went and tried it on too see what it looked like.

I ended up with seven rows of studs and absolutely love this DIY. It is for sure one of my favourites along with my DIY tassel skirt and DIY tye-dyed shorts. 

Keep your eyes posted for my outfit including this wonderful DIY.

-S

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Leather & Fluo

Victoria's local fashion scene is buzzing. There are many emerging fashion designers who infuse inspiration from the West Coast with city street style to create a look unlike anywhere else in the world. 

My partner in crime, Stacie, and I went back to our hometown a few days ago to chat with local designer, Eliza Faulkner. You can check out the post here. We spent the day in Eliza's studio then wandered through Duncan's quaint streets, browsing in the vintage boutiques. 

I found the perfect floor length, sparkly dress for $5. With a few cuts and hems, it will be transformed into the loveliest New Years Eve dress! The dress is gorgeous as it is, so before I chop it up, it deserves to have a photo shoot of it's own. Stay tuned! x

Blazer: Louben (thrifted)

Tee: Gap

Leather Leggings: H&M

Boots: SammyDress

Purse - Thrifted

Jewelry - Thrifted

-C

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DIY Rock Earrings

Do you ever get that feeling where you just need to make, bake or even clean something? 

Well, today my DIY senses were tingling and I knew I just needed to create something. 

I didn't feel like leaving the house to buy supplies, so I sorted through some supplies I had leftover from old projects, found these goodies and decided to make a pair of earrings. 

What you  need:

Beading thread/wire

Beads (any assortment)

Pliers   

                                                      

The wire I had was super thin so I decided to twist two pieces together to make the base a bit stronger. 

I created a tiny knot on the end to keep the beads from falling off and cut off the excess amount. 

 

After playing around with different amounts of beads and placement, this is what I ended up with. Making earrings is so fun because you can let your imagination and creativity run wild!  

I was in Fabricland today after making these earrings and saw that right now all their jewellery beads are buy 1 get 2 free! Of course I jumped at that deal and stocked up on a assortment of beads. 

I can't wait to show you the different earrings I make... So stay tuned!

xx

-S

New In: Hot pink purse and the perfect boots ♥

Here are a couple of my recent finds... 

This vintage hot pink purse was truly love at first sight. I picked it up at Value Village the other day with the tags still on and knew it had to be mine. It was originally bought from a department store called Woodward's.. a.k.a The Bay before it became The Bay in Victoria, BC. This little gem was made in Canada at least 30 years ago; long before I was born. It's even brighter in person and I'm in love with the gold chain strap!!

I've been on the hunt for a pair of classic black boots that I can wear with anything: skinny jeans, bright tights or a short skirt. I've finally got my hands on the perfect pair and I can't wait to wear them!

-C

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Eliza Faulkner: Local Designer

Yesterday the island secret had the opportunity to hang out with local designer, Eliza Faulkner, in her beautiful studio in our hometown of Duncan, BC. On the top floor a lovely old brick building, her studio was filled with pieces from past collections, rich fabrics for the upcoming Spring season and lovely design sketches.

Eliza had always dreamt about becoming a fashion designer and started creating and sewing clothing at a young age. She was accepted into the prestigious Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design in London, England where she spent 5 years studying and gaining experience through working in various London studios. Her designs are sporty, chic and urban and she is inspired by her time living in London as well as the ease of dressing on the west coast of Canada. 

Eliza currently manages the Island Style column of the Cowichan News Leader where we are excited to be featured as January's style of the month! 

Keep your eyes out for Eliza Faulkner’s Spring 2013 collection in boutiques and shops scattered throughout Vancouver Island and Vancouver. We know we're excited!!

To check out Eliza's collections or to get in touch with her, visit www.elizafaulkner.com.

Love,
Carly and Stacie

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Royal Roads In The Rain

Since returning home from backpacking around Europe this summer, the thing I miss most (besides eating fresh gelato everyday and swimming in the Adriatic) is being surrounded by beautiful, old castles and architecture. Victoria isn't exactly known for its historical buildings. But, to my surprise, the other day while out exploring I discovered the castle at Royal Roads University. Dusk was upon us and it was raining so hard that the water began pooling on the shoulders of my jacket. The castle was surrounded by an eerie fog and smoke bellowed from the many chimneys. I felt like I was out in the English countryside somewhere ♥

Leather Jacket: Warehouse

Hoodie: Talula

Jeans: Nudie
Sneakers: Converse

Touque: Online Shop

-C

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