Walking the walk

Hello my lovelies!

There’s something important I want to talk to you all about today, but before we can dive in I need to give you a little background. A couple of weeks ago on a Saturday night my good friend Charles said to me, “Let’s go on an adventure tomorrow!”
This is exactly what I wanted to hear, I had been feeling a little uninspired lately, maybe even a bit down and an adventure with an old friend sounded like just the ticket to feeling a little more like myself. So we chat for a little bit and decide to go somewhere I had never been before- Dunbar Falls. Waterfall adventure? Umm yes please, where do I sign up?

So fast forward to Sunday morning and I start looking around for a swimsuit, I had just moved into a new apartment and ALL of my clothes are packed up in boxes. I tore the place apart for roughly 90 minutes frantically looking for any bathing suit at all. I came up empty. Frustrated and a little heartbroken I picked up my phone to text Charles and say “Sorry I can’t find a bathing suit, no adventure for me today”. As I was typing the message I stopped, and realized I was falling into an old habit, a negative one.

As someone who has been on the plus side of clothing most of my life not having a bathing suit always meant- no swimming. I felt like that sad little 10 year old who didn’t fit into last summer’s suit, and missed out on lake adventures until the faithful day that Sears would call and deliver me the ugliest most conservative bathing suit my poor mother could find in my size (selection wasn’t exactly at an all time high back in the 90’s for chubby girls).  So I had to ask myself a couple of difficult questions, why did I NEED a bathing suit? Can you not go swimming in any article of clothing you choose? Are you not a grown ass woman who does what she wants? I was left standing in the bedroom speechless, how could something as silly as not having a bathing suit stop me from going on a much needed afternoon getaway? Well it didn’t. Instead I grabbed my favorite caged bralette and a pair of microfiber black underwear, pants, towel and away we went!

Now I am by no means an “outdoorsy” kind of person, (unless you count patio drinks as an outdoor activity, which I do), and Charles knew this but I had committed to our mission to see this glorious waterfall. We started out on our walk down the trail and then things got hairy, there are sections that are washed out with rocks and fallen trees, and even one section where you have to climb. I was almost in tears all I could think was “I can’t do this”, and “I’ve never done anything like this before I’ll break my neck”. I started sharing my concerns with Charles and to my horror he completely ignored me and just kept saying “You can do it!” What a little cheerleader- but not what I wanted at the time.
We finally arrived at the falls after about 30 minutes of hiking. It was beautiful, so peaceful, and t was HOT about 33 degrees that faithful Sunday afternoon. As soon as we got there we sat down for a little rest and had a chat. Charles asked me “Why are you so anxious about the walk back?” and I said without thinking “Because I don’t think I can do it”. He smiled at me and said “But look, you’re here. You’ve already done it!”

Holy crap.
He was right. I had done it. I hiked through the woods without injury in my underwear and I was about to swim in the falls.
Now I know this story might seem like nothing to the average listener. So what you went to a waterfall?

This is what I need to share with you my friends. I learned something huge about myself that day- no matter how far I have come on my journey to being body positive, there will always be new obstacles, and new things to overcome. There will always be old deep rooted fears that are so routine it won’t even occur to me to question them. I never imagined that there was this little sector of my subconscious holding me back from truly enjoying my life. I never imagined that being a fat girl I could keep up with my friends. All I could think of was that wheezing chubby asthmatic kid who couldn’t keep up with the rest of the gym class, but she’s gone now. I am presently in the best shape of my life, I can walk, hike, travel in groups, and have no trouble keeping up the pace and breathing fine; but until this little trip I didn’t know that about myself. This waterfall gave me more than a cool place to hang out on a hot afternoon, it allowed me to surprise myself, and surpass even my own expectations of what my body was capable of.

We see countless PSA’s telling us to love ourselves, and Body Positivity campaigns. We see bloggers and life coaches telling us we are beautiful and we are enough. We talk talk talk, but do we act? This is a call to action. I challenge you to do something new, and you just might surprise yourself. For me it was wearing my underwear just so I didn’t miss out, and going on a hike and keeping up step for step with someone much more fit than I. Was it scary? You bet it was. Did I have fun? Not at first. Would I do it again? I would go right now if I could.

I can’t believe what a profound experience this was for my journey of self love, and I hope that this inspires even just one person to try something new and find another little thing to love about you. Because you can do it and you can live your best life right now- not when you lose 25lbs, not when you get that promotion, not when you get that new apartment, RIGHT NOW. Happiness and personal accomplishments cost you nothing but time.
Surround yourself with people who value you, and value your personal accomplishments but most importantly make sure YOU are one of the people who love you.
Until we meet again my loves!
Xo
Steph

Wear Your Label launch at Robert Simmonds

Well my lovelies I have been out on the town once again! My latest adventure was on location at Robert Simmonds with the wildly talented crew from locally founded and operated Wear Your Label. There was excitement in the air from the moment I walked in the door, after all this was a celebration!

In case you haven’t heard already May 28th was the launch for the first retailer in Fredericton to be carrying Wear Your Label as part of their spring 2016 selection.  If ordering online isn’t your style or you are curious about fit and color now is the time to go check out this great selection of slick pieces that not only look great, but are helping to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness.

The launch had a packed itinerary for the day there was a Zumba demonstration at 11am with Melissa Leger, a presentation by Brenda Bravener on holisitic nutrition at 12pm, a yoga demonstration at 1pm with Julie Nowe, and Margaret Langille was also on sight to give out healthy recipes and tips for proper nutrition. Also present with tons of important information was the Canadian Mental Health Association with a lovely friendly representative who was armed and ready with pamphlets and information on programs and services available to anyone who is interested.

 

Also in attendance was one of the company’s co-founders and CEO Kyle MacNevin! I caught up with Kyle for a few minutes to congratulate him and snap a few pictures. Wear Your Label has come a long way in a short time, but not without a lot of hard work and dedication from Kyle and his entire team.

 

As someone who has struggled for years with mental illness Wear Your Label is most definitely a cause that hits close to home for me.  It was so wonderful to be in attendance for what I really felt was a historic moment for the Fredericton Fashion Industry, because they did it. They had a vision, they created that vision, and now they are being sold in one of the most respected locally owned stores in the city. Wow.

Wear Your Label, I tip my hat to you for so many reasons. You’re do-ers who saw an opportunity and now as an organization you’re making real change in the way people view both their own illness and the illness of others in an informed and compassionate way.


 Fredtown Fashionista

Contact me! I’d love to hear from you for outfit submissions or any questions about my posts E-mail: fredtownfashionista@gmail.com, Facebook: Fredtown Fashionista, Instagram: FredtownFashionista

Styling for a Sunset

Playing stylist for film and photo shoots has been a pass time of mine off and on for about 10 years now. Since I recently starting working for myself, I have had a bit more free time lately to get more hands on with creative projects again!

 I have been lucky to work with some well known local talents this year! So it was no less an honour when Athenaïs Testi, a well regarded model in the Atlantic Maritime asked if I would style a shoot she was doing with Nathanael Patriquin on a farm! I was told it was going to be at sunset, and that she will be posing with lambs! I went right to work to put together a good choice of outfits that fit the image in my head.

 

I have a walk in closet of vintage treasures, so it took no time at all to come up with a few looks to play with! They ended up shooting all 4 outfits!

We shot a few weekends ago at Sunshine Miles Garlic Farm, a wonderful little spot out in Durham! 

They had a wide array of great backgrounds and props to shoot with! I brought my Instax mini to get a few behind the scenes Polaroids!

Athenaïs was a poised saint in a sea of black flies. She definitely adapted to her surroundings with an effortless grace! It was admirable! All of the outfits I put together for her worked out so perfect! Here are a few results!

Photos: by Nathanael Patriquin
Model: Athenaïs 

MUAH:  Billy Peterson

Styling and flower crowns: Kayleigh Saad

                        Location/Assistance: Tammy Knox Miles of Sunshine Miles Garlic Farm.

 I could hardly contain myself around the lambs! I am so happy I was involved with this photo shoot, it was definitely a dream team and I hope to work with them all again soon! Whether its with my own designs or statement pieces from my closet, I am pretty much always willing and able to help you set the sartorial mood.


Kayleigh Saad
President - Fredericton Fashion Council
https://www.facebook.com/lunarofferings/

Managing Inspiration

Ah, Spring is here, and what a beautiful time of year! Birds are chirping and buds are bursting with new life. There is something about the liveliness of the season that conjures ideas and productivity from the designer within me.
Inspiration seems to crash upon me like a wave in one roaring pass, and suddenly I am overwhelmed with possibilities and projects. Other, less dynamic, seasons leave me searching tirelessly for some sort of muse to awaken my creativity.
Whether overtaken by inspiration or wildly seeking it, it often helps to break down potential sources of insight and categorize my intentions. I find inspiration through other designers’ work, intriguing objects, and emotional stimuli. These foundations serve to inform my technical approach, aesthetic and intent, which strongly aid in creating coherent fashion pieces and collections.

There’s nothing like scouring images of historical dresses on Pinterest to get the cogs turning for my designs. Every designer has his or her own fashion interests, and for me it’s the detail and authenticity of turn of the century garments (give or take a few decades). This does not mean that I attempt to recreate these designs, but that aspects of each garment I gawk at may be transformed into something of my own creation.

For example, I loved the knotted fabric in the pink dress below (left). I prefer less symmetry and more functionality, so it lead me to design this vest (right). Again, inspiration is simply a jumping off point; it does not mean copying a design, but simply stimulating your creative mind to narrow in on a concept only to diverge away from it. I find it necessary to have a sketchpad in front of me when seeking inspiration from other fashion works so I can jot down the elements I’m intrigued by and start working them into my personal and creative style as done below.
  

 

 Much like using actual garments as inspiration, I also rely on non-fashion items to generate ideas and organize designs. These items can be everyday objects, historical furniture, plants, buildings, anything! Sometimes the shape of an object, its colour, its texture, or the layers or movement of something will provide me with insight into how I want my garment to look, feel, or drape. Distinguishing these elements of inspiration make it easy to carry them throughout a line. I am attracted to the contours of the lamp and its fusion of transparent and opaque. With this inspiration, I designed a few very different, yet cohesive, pieces that could be part of a collection. Seeking stimulus from random items that appeal to me encourages me to think a little outside the box and develop ideas I might not have had otherwise.
  

Some objects or garments inspire me while others don’t. This is because inspiration is a personal experience and is linked to one’s values, beliefs and emotions.  Experiences that leave a lasting emotional memory are great sources of inspiration. I will reflect on these events and return to their location or emotional state to hone in on their effect on my design intentions. This is a less tangible approach than the previous two, but the important key here is that, through this practice, I focus less on the elements of my designs and more on their value to me.

This is where I ask myself, do these designs serve my creative purpose?
What do I want to express through this work?
How do I want the person wearing my garment to feel?
Once I know the emotional inspiration for my work, it is easier to let go of designs that aren’t representative of me and to give a collection a unified mood. For my latest project, I go for a walk in the woods almost every day to clear my head and reflect on my creative objectives. My concept is a collection of linen garments intended to leave the wearer feeling comfortable and confidence. This is how I feel while strolling alone in the forest with my dog.

 

I think of how my designs can recreate these sensations and how someone, with a connection to nature like myself, might feel connected to his or her clothes. Regardless of the project, I try to reflect on my emotional inspiration frequently as a means of staying on track and connected to my work.

 

Whatever the season or project, inspiration is necessary to create a solid body of work and to continue to grow as a designer. By acknowledging where these sources of insight come from and how they affect my work, I am able to gain control of rampant ideas and also generate a framework to build on when I feel I’m lacking new concepts to play with. Working off of elements of other fashion designs, inspecting and analysing non-clothing objects for interesting design components, and evaluating my emotional intent and connection to my project are the means by which I am able to best manage my inspiration. By frequently reflecting on these sources, I am able to create a rough series of ideas and eventually polish them into cohesive designs and collections. I hope inspiration also finds you, and you find it, just remember, it is up to you what you do with it!

Xo
Michelle Duncan
“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” – Pablo Picasso

Red Dress 2016

Red was the colour of the evening and fashion was in the air.  Cocktails, appetizers and flare!  This past weekend (April 30th) was the Heart Truth Fashion Gala featuring Red Dresses designed by NBCCD fashion alumni and modelled by influential women and women touched by heart disease.

Doors opened at seven o’clock with appetizers in the lobby, an auction and the red carpet as well as entertainment by Marco Rocca. 

Backstage was a hurry up and wait kind of feeling.  The designers and models have been waiting months for this moment.  Looking lovely as ever with their hair and makeup done, there was a mixture of nervousness and excitement.    For the designers, their months of hard work was about to be displayed on a stage for all to see and for the models, it would be  time for them to strut their stuff!

The show began at eight o’clock  with opening remarks by Kurtis Sisk, CEO of the Heat and Stroke Foundation, NB, as well as a word from the presenting sponsor, Kirk Edwards, Vice President Operations Atlantic of Shopper Drug Mart.   Our Premier, The Honourable Brian Gallant, also said a few words.    The audience then enjoyed performances by DANCEAST, Emilie Rae and Rosa Laricchiuta, both accompanied by David LeBlanc.  Between the performances were short films on Heart disease survivors, all of whom were models.  It was sentimental and uplifting.  The MC of the night was Dr. Ansar Hassan, a Cardiac Surgeon, New Brunswick Heart Centre .   He was comedic and actually does stand up comedy on the side! 

The main part of the show, the fashion show portion, began just around nine.

 Models ranged from successful business women and artists to heart survivors and models of health.  The model that won the hearts of the crowd was the youngest, Sofia.  She was full of life and energy as she walked out to “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift, her favourite singer.  Each designer expressed their own style through their dress and somehow also brought out the models personality. One thing to keep in mind is how much work these designers do.  Most, if not all of them, have a full time job and some have families at home. All have other responsibilities.  This moment, for them, is a mixture of excitement, relief and a sense of accomplishment.  And they should be proud, the dresses were all beautiful!

After the fashion show portion, it was time to head to the  red carpet  and feel like a celebrity; everyone wants a  photo of the designers and models.  Since the hard part was over, everyone was smiling and camera ready.  Smiles abound! 

The second portion of the show was none other than East Coast talent, Alan Doyle and his band the Beautiful Gypsies. Designers and models get to sit back and enjoy the rest of the night which was,  In the words of a guest, “Toe tapping good time!”.  He had everyone up and dancing.   It was a great night for the heart.  Hopefully next year will be just as good, if not, better! 

Here are a few photos taken by Patti Cogswell, a guest at the show.

Designer Adrienne Goodine and her model, Marilyn Luscombe.

Designer Mandy Fraser and her model, Emilie Rae.

Model Martine Blanchard, wearing a dress designed by Sherry MacFarlane.

Model, Kelsey McEachern, wearing a dress by Mandy Fraser.

Model Dianne Jones, wearing a dress designed by Colleen Nearing.

Model Emilie Rae, wearing a dress designed by Mandy Fraser

All the designers and models on stage.

Designers Mandy Fraser, Sherry MacFarlane, Adrienne Goodine and Gillian Matheson , posing on the Red Carpet after the fashion show.

Designer Lucinda Mills with her model, Sofia Bossenberry. This little girl stole the show!  

Quintessential - The Grad Class Review

I will be the first to admit that I know nothing about fashion. If I can’t wear yoga pants and it be acceptable, chances are I won’t show up. However a few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the 18th Annual Fashion Show put on by the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design and was honestly inspired by everyone who had a role in putting on that incredible show. I had the pleasure of covering the 5 grad lines for the FFC and I still can’t believe how amazing all they all were!

Amanda Fraser – Halls of Ivy
AmandaFraserDesigns@gmail.com
“The private school elite; crisp autumn days and soft textures” describe Amanda Fraser’s line and I think she captured that extremely well. I love the use of warm tones against ascent pieces such as the big buttons or the pointed collars.

Danielle Elliott – Underneath
danielleelliottdesingers@gmail.com

This was one of the lines I was most excited about. I love that Danielle Elliott is a “custom lingerie designer for the modern and elegant woman” because I find lingerie is a area often shied away from and it was so refreshing to see a line dedicated towards this. The line was delicate and beautiful and the models matching robes was an incredible touch!

photo by Joseph Comeau

Lee Goguen – Gambit
leegoguendesign@gmail.com

I loved this line! I loved the use of bold colours against dark and I love how Lee Goguen kept with a repetition of key elements that allowed her line to remain together but each piece also unique.

Emily Daigle – Unveiled
Emily-Daigle@hotmail.com

Everyone should feel confident on their wedding day and I truly believe that if you have a dress designed by Emiy Daigle you will feel just that! I loved that she didn’t shy away from taking risks with high slits and plunging necklines and her colour pallet of off-white, rose and teal captured everything I love about spring weddings; their simple beauty and elegance.

 

Melanie Bradley – Self-Made
melaniebradleyfashion@gmail.com

Melanie Bradley made me want to go out and be the most successful woman in the world with her line Self-Made. The line was full of items every woman needs in their wardrobe because when your clothing screams confidence you have confidence. I loved how she captured the strength of women through her line and her line really gave an overall sense of female empowerment, which I believe is extremely important!


This was my first fashion show and it was honestly such an amazing experience. To see all the hard work the grads, the alumni and the 1st year designers put into their lines was incredible! Everyone involved in the show should give themselves a huge round of applause because they made my first fashion show incredible and I can hardly wait for the next!

Michaela Kathleen
https://themakeupclubblog.wordpress.com/

NBCCD Annual Fashion Show: Alumni Coverage

     

     Oh my friends are we ever in for a treat today! On Saturday April 16th I had the honour of attending the 18th Annual NBCCD Fashion Show: Quintessential, if you missed it fret not our pals at the Fredericton Fashion Council have got you covered.

 

In true Fashionista style I capitalize on any opportunity to dress up! So with this being a NBCCD event I thought what would be more fitting than wearing a garment I designed, drafted a pattern, and sewed myself  I sported a midi length floral print handkerchief hem skirt with black tights, a black turtle neck from Penningtons, statement necklace from Samuel and Co, and black stiletto peep toe booties with rosette detail on the top.

This year was a raging success with the Convention Center packed full of proud parents, press, and fashion lovers alike. The show was basically broken down into three sections starting with some former students who have been working tirelessly on a new line to showcase. Then we saw the First Year Challenge which was tulle themed this year! And we finished with this year’s graduates and their lines.

So who are these fabulous local designers who came back to show us their breathtaking original designs? Here they are in the order of which they came down the runway:

Sherry Kinnear graduated in 2007 “Ghosts of Costumes Past”
Laura McFarlane graduated in 2014 “Fashion in Action”
Rebecca Roundell & Lise Robichaud both graduates from the class of 2011 collaborated to bring us “Virtuosew”
Sherry MacFarlane a graduate from 2011 “Primavera”
And last but certainly not least Kayleigh Saad whom also graduated in 2011 presented her collection “Lunar Offerings”

The alumni certainly knew how to kick off a show. The colors and textures reigned supreme as their creations were expertly modelled down the runway. It was impossible to choose just one piece that I wanted from each line. Every collection had distinct personality and direction. I was endlessly impressed with the craftsmanship and dedication of every single designer. I snapped as many photos as I could to share these one of a kind creations with all of you!

Sherry Kinnear’s line “Ghosts of Costumes Past” had some beautifully constructed colonial style garments with neutral colors and long hemlines. Reminiscent of the dresses you would see being worn at Kings Landing the craftsmanship and detail are staggering. Sitting in the audience and seeing her line come down the runway felt like a trip back in time.

Laura McFarlane’s “Fashion in Action” had a modern spin on classic styles with daring combinations of color, texture, and style. I have to say that yellow dress: “WHY AM I NOT WEARING IT RIGHT NOW? “- it is SO fun and such a great combination of colors. Also it’s hard to see in the photos but the red dress at the end of the show was absolutely stunning the fabric, full skirt, and yellow jacket- all perfection.

Rebecca Roundell & Lise Robichaud both graduates from the class of 2011 teamed up to bring us “Virtuosew” a quirky street style line for the true adventurers among us. The contrast of flowy fabrics and structured pieces balanced very well, but I must say I was most intrigued by their use of light fabrics to make beautiful leg warmer style pieces and stirrup detail over top of the models shoes. As a leg warmer lover I have to admit I have a serious soft spot for this line. I feel any garment that makes me think is a special one- excellent work ladies!

Sherry MacFarlane’s “Primavera” was stacked with beautiful floral patterns, and well constructed garments for everyday wear, and by that I mean hopefully my everyday wear because I am obsessed with her first floral number! Her fabric and color choices were well thought out and worked so well together, Sherry is a lady who knows her stuff! Seeing her line come down the runway was like being at Fashion Week. Understated glam, and even a menswear piece in her show!

Kayleigh Saad’s “Lunar Offerings” I must say it was quite fitting for Kayleigh’s line to come down the runway last, because it brought the house down. Kayleigh mentioned on social media that this line was inspired by the different phases of the moon, and I couldn’t think of a better way to show it. Her colors and fabric choices were perfection. Every model looked as though that garment was made especially for them. The fit, draping, and textures of every garment were on point. My pictures do not do it justice. The one garment that really stood out to me was the immense work and detail that went into the body chain harness pictured above- everything about this look screams high fashion, elegance, and grace.

After the alumni was the First Year Challenge! This is a challenge where the first years design and construct one garment with a specific theme in mind, and this year’s theme was tulle. There were some very cool concepts! We saw a few dresses, one menswear garment, and some contemporary silhouettes. One of my favorite parts of attending this event every year is that the winner of the challenge is always determined by vote of the audience!

So after much anticipation we had our winner Michaela Bowmaster! Her dress was a vision in green with a full midi skirt, amazing layered detail, and sweetheart neckline. I have to admit this one was my vote! Beautifully constructed and well executed it would be a staple in anyone’s closet.  Above is her winning garment!


I’d like to take the opportunity to say a special thank you to all of the designers, as a lover of all things fashion it was truly an honor to see each and every one of your creations coming to life on the runway. Thank you for sharing your amazing creative vision and passion with all of us.

**Contact me! I’d love to hear from you for outfit submissions or any questions about my posts E-mail: fredtownfashionista@gmail.com, Facebook: Fredtown Fashionista, Instagram: FredtownFashionista