Category Archives: Personal Style

Martinis & Mistletoe Skirt

Posted on November 20, 2017March 13, 2018 by Melissa Harrison

I don’t usually design pieces so obviously for specific holiday but when I saw this cocktail harlequin fabric, I couldn’t resist. It’s so cheery and festive without being completely over the top; the print designer says she was inspired by vintage wrapping paper. I knew it would be just darling as glamorous tea length skirt – and I lined it in soft pink voile, to make it even more charming. The whole time I was making the sample, I couldn’t help but get excited for dark nights, Christmas lights, snow and hot toddies. I’m so glad I decided to add this festive little number to my design repertoire.

Sweater H&M
Skirt Sophster-Toaster
Petticoat ModCloth
Tights Pretty Polly
Shoes ModCloth
Necklace Emery & Opal

All photos by me.

Finding those Fall Vibes

Posted on November 14, 2017March 13, 2018 by Melissa Harrison

I’ve been struggling to find my fall style this year. The weather was unseasonably warm until it suddenly wasn’t. A wind storm came in, dropped the temperature several degrees and stole most of the leaves the trees around my house before they’d really had a chance to change. I’m able to wear most of my regular wardrobe again since bringing the puppy home, but she’s still a little too rambunctious to wear anything too pretty or delicate around. I’m spending more time than ever outside thanks to Pepper but I feel like I’m not seeing much of it. The seasonal changes keep surprising me when I have a minute to look up from her and focus on my surroundings.

Now that the sun is low all day, the leaves are gone from the trees in the backyard and the garden has stopped giving us fresh tomatoes and zucchini, the world is looking more and more winter-like every time I let Pepper out back. Embracing the cold and reminding ourselves it’s about to get a whole lot worse, Matt and I sweatered-up and took the pup for an amble in a nature area that is quickly becoming one of our favourites. The sites for day camping at the edge of the woods had become quiet and calm, with almost no one around at all. Instead of taking a path, we wondered around, explored and let pepper chase after falling leaves until our fingers got cold.

Coat ModCloth
Dress hand me down
Flannel Boathouse
Sweatshirt Sophster-Toaster
Tights Target
Shoes ModCloth
Hat Larmoni
Gloves ModCloth
Earrings Designs by Amber
Necklace gift
Camera Bag Amazon

Afterwards, we drove home as the light grew dim. We put Pepper in her cozy crate for a nap and made butternut squash soup for dinner. It was a beautiful, peaceful way to spend one of the last days of autumn before the snow comes.

All photos by me and Matt.

Holiday HandMade Market Lookbook 2017

Posted on November 2, 2017March 13, 2018 by Melissa Harrison

I am very excited to be doing my first Holiday HandMade Market this weekend! I’ve spent the last few weeks and months prepping lots of festive party dresses & skirts, gift-able t-shirts, retro Christmas garlands, and bows & handkerchiefs that are just waiting to be stuffed into stockings! Here’s a look at just some of the things I’ll have at the market.

For market hours, directions, and other details, see HandMadeMarket.ca.

The Shark and Mary Tyler Moore

Posted on October 31, 2017March 13, 2018 by Melissa Harrison

I haven’t worn a costume for Halloween since my first year of high school. The very last time, I was watching scary movies with my two best friends on when we decided we would raid the giant box of elaborate, homemade costumes my mom had made over the years and go trick-or-treating at the last minute. It was fun but we all knew we were too old and it would be our last time.

I think most people stop dressing up because they feel like they are too old or mature for it, but I’m not sure why I never picked it back up. My mother is a talented seamstress and has made some of the most amazing, creative and unique costumes I’ve ever seen – and she still dresses up for costume parties. My brother’s birthday is on Devil’s Night so he never really stopped and always crafts impressive costumes. The house I grew up in was on a dark street with houses only on one side, so we didn’t get many trick-or-treaters and last year was the first time since that I’ve lived somewhere they come at all.

I’ve always regretted not acting on my costume idea when the day comes, knowing it means I now have to wait a whole year to try again. Last year was especially upsetting when I saw how much my new street gets into the spirit. So this year, with a house I can give out candy from and an adorable puppy I can dress up, I decided to use one of the easier to achieve costume ideas I’ve had over the years to ease back in with.

I bought myself a cheap wig and vintage-leaning sweater from the used clothing shop to pair with my favourite Laura Petrie-esque black jeans and for Pepper, a fancy, handmade and custom painted shark fin from Labrashark. Pepper stole the show at the Halloween party, but with that face, I didn’t expect anything else.

I’m so excited to choose and build next year’s costume!

Wig Value Village
Sweater Value Village
Pants ModCloth
Shoes ModCloth
Pepper’s Shark Fin Labrashark

Photos by me and Matt Harrison.