rennes: late winter 2012

julia of rennes just released her new collection: pale white, named after this song by Yann Tiersen and Shannon Wright. the collection is as supple and textured as the song, with just the right mood and layers of complexity. i have always loved julia's designs, craftsmanship, and simple aesthetic, but this late winter collection truly hits a new note. it captures late winter perfectly, when the seasons are about to turn and you can sense spring in the air. the combination of earthy tones and pale pastels is perfectly enchanting.

i also love how lately it seems that artists and designers aren't afraid to break out of the conventional F/W, S/S seasonal collections and are embracing the in-between. not only does it relieve expectations and pressure, but it also makes for an extra touch of magic. even if not fully appreciated, late winter is one of the best times of the year, and julia hits it right on.

visit the rennes shop to view the entire collection, and to celebrate the turning of seasons.

photos from rennes

53 - blooming leopold

Lauren Winter of blooming leopold recently released the lookbook for her fall/winter 2012 handmade collection, and it is gorgeous! featuring brown wool tweed, black velvet, floral corduroy, and ivory & black organdy in loose, boyishly feminine fits, the new designs are elegant, laid back, and perfectly rustic. shot at the Historic Rock Castle in Hendersonville, Tennessee, the photos have a dreamy, nostalgic charm that captures the lure of fall. while i might be drawn to the stone house in the background because i am currently staying in one (not to mention that historical stone houses have a particular place in my heart!), i find its inclusion in the photos to be wonderfully inviting, making we want to nestle in for the season—in brown wool tweed and black velvet....

view the full lookbook here and visit the blooming leopold shop (where all items are made to order) for more details.

49 - what two things go together: felines and fieldguided

this photo of a cat in glasses by Toronto photographer and cat-lover Robin Sharp of instantt just made my day! the sophisticated feline pairs perfectly with this handprinted tote bag that i recently purchased from Fieldguided, which is becoming something of a collective sign among fans who carry the unmistakable lyric totes around the world. also based in Toronto, the lovely Anabela Carneiro of Fieldguided (which she runs together with her partner Geoff) is a self-professed cat lady in the best kind of way. in addition to occasionally writing about cats on her ever-inspiring blog, she also co-curates a collection of dreamy cat photos together with Erin Gilkes of Atlantic Treefox, called Dream Cats, and has a feature in this playful cat zine produced by Little Burgundy. the magazine also features wonderful illustrations by (and an interview with) Canadian artist Melinda Josie, another one of Canada's leading cat ladies. so much cat love!

naturally, when i unwrapped my lovingly packaged tote, my cat hunter inspected it for approval (i think the photo shows that it definitely met his standards!). i'm waiting to find him curled up on it one day so that i can snag more dreamy photos....

31 - nova lily!

i'm so exicted to share that as of friday, i finally opened the nova lily shop! over the next few weeks (and months), i will slowly be adding new items as it continues to grow and take shape. it feels amazing to have finally taken the leap and planted root.

in celebration, i am happy to offer a 10% grand opening discount. simply enter coupon code: NOVA10 at checkout. coupon expires at the end of july.

all items are available in the nova lily - handcrafted jewellery & artful goods Etsy shop. 

you can also follow nova lily on facebook for info and updates. 

xo

28 - paperie: handmade wedding card

my cousin is getting married this weekend (so excited!), so i threw together this homemade card with supplies i already had kicking around. they are a musical couple and play together in a band (he plays guitar and she has a wonderfully sweet, sultry, and rugged voice), so when i happened upon the sheet music paper, i thought it would make a fitting theme. i also couldn't resist the neutral (and natural) colours....

they are absolutely perfect together and warm my heart. i am so happy for them. cheers Lindsey and Leslie!

14 - in love with leather and lace

a recent nova lily creation:

vintage lace over recycled piece of soft and thick darkest brown leather, hung from a solid brass hand antiqued fancy chain. 

12 - nova lily sneak peak

a few things i am working on in anticipation of opening up my Etsy shop.

sample of materials: wool felt, recycled glass beads, lace, vintage filigree medallions, paper beads, and antiqued brass chain.