An Ode to Kensington Market

In the heart of downtown Toronto, amidst the brand name maze is Kensignton Market. This small area is hidden within China town, just North of Dundas and Spadina, and offers shoppers a unique experience filled with vintage and handmade goodness. From bakeries to butcher shops, record stores to vintage chic, Kensington Market is for explorers and fashionistas alike. My most recent visit to the village was for a photo shoot, and I was able to kick back and have a little fun after we wrapped up the session. We bought fresh veggies from the market, cupcakes from the bakery, and browsed through countless books, sunglasses, and leather jackets. You never know what - or who - you may find at Kensington Market, but its sure to offer a fresh take on Toronto's retail world.

Here's where to find the market yourself:

Main stretch of the market is on Kensington Ave. between Dundas & Baldwin St.

Have fun shopping Toronto!!

xoxo

Spotted: Fashion Designer Peter Nygard

Spotted earlier today at Pearson International Airport, Peter Nygard's Boeing 727 personal jet parked at a hangar near the corner of Derry and Airport road. The fashion mogul's empire headquarters is located in Toronto, so I'm guessing he is back in the city for business affairs. Just proof that a passion for fashion really can take you places! (I won't speak for his personal relationships mind you...)

Maybe I should go into celebrity reporting? Paparazzi? Haha, not a chance.

xoxo - Shelby

The Simple Life: A Photographer's Set

Undoubtedly, I am a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl. I am most comfortable - and most happy - in an outfit that is both functional and stylish. That's why this is my go-to set for photo shoots and informal work such as interning and outdoor events. Mind you, I wouldn't wear something like this to shoot a wedding though, (that calls for another Polyvore creation! ;)) Anywho, this is what I wore today to shoot some scenery along the Lake Shore. I find with simple outfits such as this, accessories are key to personalizing it and standing out while remaining cool and effortless.

The Simple Life: A Photographer's Set by shelbiina featuring a black fedora

Printed t shirt
$56 - topshop.com

T shirt
$22 - romwe.com

Miss Selfridge short shorts
£47 - missselfridge.com

Rue21 sandals
$25 - rue21.com

Cara Accessories beaded bracelet
$42 - nordstrom.com

Coral bracelet
€30 - welikefashion.com

Kendra Scott 14k stud earrings
$70 - maxandchloe.com

Urban Outfitters oversized sunglasses
$14 - urbanoutfitters.com

Bop Basics black fedora
$65 - shopbop.com

xoxo - Shelby

Street Style: Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer

On Tuesday we officially welcomed summer to our beautiful country - which means get out the beach towels we're headed to the cottage! Or, not. Some of us are stuck here in the big smoke trying to find jobs and finishing extra summer courses. Anyway, in memory of Spring, here is one of my favourite outfits I found on an excursion downtown in May. This is Shaun, and although he was skeptical of me taking his picture, I'm glad he let me - he has such a cute swag!

L is for Leggings!

The campus life can be hectic and stressful, but some girls still manage to make casual chic work - because everyone knows pajamas are meant to stay at home. As my first attempt at Street Fashion, I used my best friends as guinea pigs and did a shoot right on campus at my university, Guelph-Humber. We threw in a couple of our dudes to keep things interesting and voila: spring fashion coming to you live from right outside the classroom.

Thanks and love to Cherelle, Payge, Sara, Daisy, Sherice, More, Steve, Michael, and Kemycha!

- Shelby xox

Winter Wonderland

As we prepare to say farewell to Winter and hello to the warmer weather, we pack up our sweaters and fur and get out the cut-offs and light blouses. As a tribute to this past winter which brought unbarable cold and lots of snow, I want to share with you the promotional shoot I did with a couple beautiful ladies on Toronto's waterfront. The scarves featured are part of the Lulu Dash "Enzo" collection. 

 

 

- Shelby xox

New Threads

I went fabric shopping for the first time in Toronto with Lulu Dash's Reese, and I must say its amazing what you can find in these disorganized, narrow-aisle stores. There are roles and roles of fabric, in every colour you can imagine, and every texture you desire. I snapped a few shots that I think really capture the essence of this small portion of the world of a clothing designer, the vibe that you experience when walking in Toronto's fashion district. I promise next time though, I'll get a picture of the giant thimble.

 

(Those last roles of fabric are a few of Reese's favourites! She uses them to create her signature scarves that are perfect for this time of year!)

Takin' it to the Streets

So I'm starting a new project, which I will be focused on - for once - and I plan to start adding posts to the blog very soon! I am starting a street fashion segment called 'Fashion <3's Toronto' starting with some fashionable ladies I know at my university. I can't wait to share some of the most stylish people with all of you, and I hope everyone enjoys it. To kick things off, here's a photo of from the King West district of Toronto; she's keeping warm in a Lulu Dash 'enzo' scarf, and awesome combat boots - so chic!

Look out for more Toronto street fashion coming soon!

A Lovely Association

Hey guys! So since September, I have been working with the team of Reese Cromwell and Zoey Mckenzie on their project titled "Lulu Dash". The blog is a Toronto-based lifestyle outlet for those who want to be in-the-know with the most up to date trends and local fashion. They also have their own line of clothing and accessories, part of which was released for the first time today. As of midnight, their blog features 5 exclusive one-of-a-kind bracelets designed and made by Reese herself. As their intern, I had the privilege of snapping some product shots for the jewelery launch on the blog! There will be more colabo photos in the future but for now, check em' out!! -->

To purchase a bracelet visit the blog at: http://www.luludash.blogspot.com (also listed in my blog roll)

xoxo
- Shelby