Summer Has Come and Past..

As the sun sets on Toronto's warmest months of the year and we all hit the books again, its important to remember to enjoy the little things and take nothing for granted. This was one of the last sunsets of August, which I thoroughly enjoyed watching along side a glass of chardonnay and a good book!

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

The Art of Celebration

In less than three weeks, City Nights Entertainment will be holding one of the biggest public events to ever hit the Toronto club scene. "Self Made", an event that is not only being held on the biggest weekend of the year for the city, is hosted by none other than Toronto's own Tristan Thompson - first round draft pick to the Cleavland Cavaliers. Spotty, the event coordinator, predicts nothing less than perfection for the event, and is working every single day to bring it to its up-most potential. In the midst of this chaos, he has been able to put together a campaign for his company City Nights, as well as the "Self Made" event, which includes a professionally produced commercial. The film titled, "The Art of Celebration" features the beautiful Chanel Reyes, getting ready for a classy night out on the town - City Nights style. "I just wanted to take the city on a visual journey of our representation of the ideal night life experience." says Spotty. This is only the beginning of big-time status for this mogul and his team, and with NBA celebrity guests to kick off with, the sky is hardly the limit!

Without further adieu... the official release of "The Art of Celebration"! 

Concept By: Spotty [ @SOOHANDSOME ]
Directed By: Joe Gunner [ @JOEGUNNERTV ]
Edited By: Bobby Fresh [ @BOBBYFRESH ]
Starring: Chanel Reyes [ @_IAMCHANELMARIE ]
Behind the Scenes Photography: Shelby Morell [ @SHELBYMORELL ] 


Of course, I was on set for a majority of the filming of the commercial, and logged the action behind the scenes for all of our City Nights fans!

 

For more information regarding the event "Self Made" please visit the facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=246782785334858

or contact me directly at 647 227 0091

See you there! 

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

Get Your Foot in the Door

Aspiring models do not have it easy. There are auditions, runway classes, casting calls - and lots of criticism and rejections to top it off. But there are ways to be one step ahead of the rest. First, you have to do your research, whether it be on the agency or the production you are auditioning to be in, you cannot face a potential job with no knowledge of what its about. Secondly, you need a great portfolio. This doesn't mean you need a lot of money and experience, you just need to network and be prepared. Here are a few tips for creating the portfolio that will get you noticed:

1. Have a model composite card made, containing 5 of your best shots in various locations and outfits, with several different angles of your body being shown. Also make sure it has your full name and stats on it (age, weight, height, etc.)

3. Do NOT walk around with a disk or link to your online portfolio - even in the age of technology taking over the world, agencies and such still want to see what you look like on print, 'cause there's a big difference. Make sure your pictures are at least 8x10, and matte finish is best.

2. Put the money into a buying decent portfolio, which you can easily find at Staples or Micheal's. Preferably a black 11x14 or larger folder with clear page inserts for your pictures. Have your name on the cover or, if you have a composite card, put it in the first page.

4. Last but not least, make sure you find someone with a decent camera, or better yet experience doing portraits, to take your pictures. Depending on what you are applying for, they may expect more or less experience, and your pictures are the tell-tale of your experience - they cannot read minds. Make sure your photographer takes photos of you outside and inside, and some with a plain white backdrop (can be studio-style or simply a white wall). Make sure he/she knows that you need one of each of these shots: full body, torso, shoulders up, and 3/4 profile. For these basic shots, do not wear make-up and keep your clothing simple and flattering to your figure. Have your hair out of your face, and be all over camera-ready!

Here are a few examples of my latest portfolio shoot, which I did in my personal studio. I did not edit these or use any fancy lighting, just a camera and a flash. Use these as examples to get your own portfolio started.

 

Now that you've seen how easy it is to make a portfolio, get out there and do it! Photographers are always looking for models to to TFCD shoots (trade your time for a cd of the session) - its both free and great experience. Networking websites such as Model Mayhem bring industry people and models together, so join today and begin your career! (Now I sound like the Everest commercial haha) 

Good luck!

- 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!