DECONSTRUT | Taking things apart and making it your own

DIY | WRAP DRESS

October 11, 2018 No Comments

Well this post totally got past me and I guess better late than never? So here is my tutorial for a ruffled polka-dot wrap dress! A super popular and flattering silhouette, you can’t go wrong with a wrap dress. It cinches you in in all the right places and it is the perfect go-to for any occasion! I created this wrap dress earlier in the summer, you may have seen a few of my Instagram posts in the past featuring this dress but alas, the amazing weather of the summer had me out and about and not in front of a computer screen very often.

I’ve been dying to share this project with you guys since the wrap trend was quite the hit this summer but with such a timeless and flattering shape, I’m sure it will still be a popular shape for many seasons to come! Honestly, it’s a pretty forgiving project as a wrap dress is easily adjustable once it is worn, so don’t be afraid to attempt this DIY! I’m sure you guys will want to create your own in a multitude of patterns and colours, I would honestly love a skirt version of this dress (future project maybe?). You can peek some of the other dresses I was inspired by in my summer moodboard posts here! But no doubt this style will be here to stay and you can definitely make some variations on this wrap style for the fall!

The creation of the wrap dress was definitely a longer process than some of my other DIYs but the results are well worth it! I’ve already worn this dress multiple times this summer and I can’t wait to wear it some more! I’m thinking of pairing it with some thigh high boots for fall… how would you style it? Read on to get the full details on the DIY wrap dress!

TIME | 4-6hr

COST | $$

DIFFICULTY | moderate

Photography, Youtube

PHOTOGRAPHY | FIREWORKS

August 22, 2018 No Comments

Every year, countries from around the world come to Ottawa to compete in the fireworks show, the Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound and Light competition. It’s a spectacular summer event with beautiful fireworks lighting up the sky paired with music. I remember when I was a little kid, waiting three hours in advance before a show to get the best viewing seats as my dad was the keen photographer in the family back then. Since then, I have joined the ranks of photography, and I love to challenge myself on these mini photoshoots I do with friends around the city.

For this shoot, the challenge was to get nice firework shots but with a subject in the foreground. It took a bit of fiddling but I think we managed a few great shots amidst a bunch of blurry trial and error ones. You can view the behind-the-scenes of our shoot below!

There are many locations to shoot from when viewing fireworks but my favourites are where you can see the light reflections in water. I think it provides great interest to the photos but also increase illumination which will be your friend when shooting in such low-light conditions. Read on for my tips on shooting fireworks and some of the final images!

DIY, Youtube

DIY | DIAMANTE BODYSUIT

August 17, 2018 No Comments

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Well I can’t afford real diamond chains but these diamante stand-ins are shining bright and catching the light giving this old bodysuit a new glo up!

I was first inspired by an image I saw of a singer wearing a similar item with dainty rhinestone straps and knew I had to try recreating the look! I love the subtle and dainty injection of glam to this basic outfit and you will definitely see me pairing this with a pair of nice high waisted jeans and calling the outfit done! No need to accessorize, these diamante straps will be all the bling you’ll need!

TIME | 30mins

COST | $

DIFFICULTY | easy

DIY, Youtube

DIY | 3 EASY T-SHIRT TRANSFORMATIONS

July 31, 2018 No Comments

I’m trying something different… something a little bit new and unusual but I think it will help in sharing my DIYs with you! I’ve decided to launch a channel on Youtube for Deconstrut! I don’t have any video training so this will be quite the journey getting the grasp of shooting and composing videos!

For my very first video, I decided to do a tutorial on 3 super easy t-shirt transformations! A white tee is already very versatile on its own but its also a great base to build things on top of! I created all of these projects within an afternoon and there is no rule to say you can’t do these projects with other t-shirts, new or thrifted!

I used men’s Hanes T-shirts from here in a size Small.

TIME | 5mins – 30mins

COST | $

DIFFICULTY | easy

T-shirt Transformation #1: CROPPED TEE

T-shirt Transformation #2: OFF THE SHOULDER PEASANT TOP

T-shirt Transformation #3: TUBE TOP

DIY

DIY | BACK BOW TIE CAMI CROP TOP

July 17, 2018 2 Comments

Wearing DIY Back Bow Tie Cami Crop Top with Abercrombie Girlfriend denim shorts, Reebok Classics hightops, and Mejuri star choker.

Yes, it’s another bow styled top, and no, I am not sick of bows yet! But who doesn’t like how cute and sweet bows look? I made this crop top on a random Saturday at home and I think it’s my favourite summer top to date! Super cute and sweet, I used some scrap fabric I found at the Fabricland scrap bin so this mini top cost next to nothing! Sorry not sorry, but this is all you will see me wearing this summer!

TIME | 1hr

COST | $

DIFFICULTY | easy

DIY

DIY | SHIRRED TIE BOW TOP

June 5, 2018 1 Comment

Wearing: DIY shirred bow top, Mejuri Star Necklace, Zara jeans, vintage Moschino backpack and Adidas sneakers.

Summer time is here and with the warmer weather I was finally able to wear this cute DIY shirred top! I wanted to create this sweet shirred bow top after seeing similar ones circling around on Instagram last season. The bow straps give the sweetest girly vibes and provides this top with a unique twist to your standard crop top. I’ve paired it with jeans and sneakers to edge it up a bit but I think it could also look pretty sweet with a high-waisted midi skirt. Definitely going to be making this DIY in other colours! I’m thinking white or maybe even yellow next? Let me know what color I should do next in the comments! Onwards with the tutorial…

TIME | 1hr

COST | $

DIFFICULTY | easy

Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY | HOW TO BE LESS AWKWARD IN PHOTOS

May 16, 2018 1 Comment

Lately I’ve been getting into photography and the whole Instagram game; and as a result I have not been as present on this platform as I should. As I’m creating more content for my feed, I’ve gone through so many awkward and embarrassing moments that I feel like I could share a plethora of Instagram vs Reality shots for you guys. The feeling of awkwardness still creeps up on me during most shoots but I’ve figured out some go to poses that will give you an awesome shot with minimizing some of the awkward-taco-ness. I wanted to share some of my photography posing tips in hopes that some of you will feel more comfortable in front of the camera!

So if you’re feeling mighty awkward in those Instagram photos, here are some go to tricks that I use and I promise you’ll look oh so good with these posing tips. (These tips are also good for photographers working with non-professional models, these are some tips you can use in helping them feel at ease…Hopefully!)

DIY

DIY | SUMMER MOODBOARDS

May 1, 2018 2 Comments

Definitely over the cold and the bulky nature of my winter jacket and I’m ready to shed all the layers and break out all the dresses and shorts to show some leg! In anticipation for summer I’ve been perusing the internet and falling in love with a lot of beachy summer wear and I thought I would share some of my favourite styles that may make their way into my closet this season! These are all projects with DIY potential, so vote on your favourites in the comments so I know which projects you guys would like to see!

1. The Alexandra from Realisation ($195), 2. The Goldie Dress from Realisation ($195), 3. Riveria Dress from Faithful the Brand ($169), 4. Isabel Marant Etoile Linen Mini Dress ($475), 5. Ginger – Carmel Dress from Faithful the Brand ($159).

Wraps & Ruffles

Super in love with the design from Realisation, the ruffles are super cute and I love the star print. I’ve seen this style of dress a lot from Reformation as well and I can’t get enough of it. I love that it’s a wrap design which is flattering on everyone! The ruffles add the perfect amount of girlieness and help with extending the hem length so everything is a bit less risque! Definitely pinned to the top of my to do list for DIYs!

1. Anabelle Eyelet Crop Top from For Love and Lemons ($151), 2. Harvie Top from Reformation ($78), 3. Splice Top from Faithful the Brand ($99), 4. Toiny Stripe Ella Crop Top from Coolchange ($162)

Delicate straps

Tiny straps are making a comeback! I love the daintiness and these shoulder baring styles! I especially love the ones where they are self-tie for easy adjustment and the bow is a super cute touch! I think this could also look cool with thicker straps as well!

1. Garnier Top from Faithful the Brand ($129) 2. De Fiori Top from Faithful the Brand ($139) 3. Botany Print – Kaya Midi Dress from Faithful the Brand ($179), 4. Tropicana One Piece from Reformation ($128), 5. Tartine Tie Dress from Bec+Bridge ($250).

Tied details

Tiny bows, long wraps, knotted details… give them all to me! I love this! It’s a new way of cinching that is super flattering on the waist and boob area. Definitely will be making a variation of this as it is super easy and forgiving if measurements aren’t exact! I think its a super flattering style to give the girls a lift in a cute cropped style or as the focal point of a dress.

1. Ark Bamboo Clutch Bag from Cult Gaia ($138), 2. Macrame bag by Staud ($677), 3. Hexagonal Crossbody Bag from Zara ($40), 4. Balaio Tasselled Woven Rattan Bag by Wai Wai

Macrame and natural bags

I love the natural looking bags. Materials like cord, raffia, and rattan with woven aspects and knotted details brings back casual beach side vibes. I think a pom pom beach bag is definitely on my list of DIYs! Can’t wait for the warmer weather to bring on more nautical and beachside vibes to my closet!

Don’t forget to comment your favourite trends and stay tuned for some awesome summer DIY projects!

Travel

TRAVEL | KELOWNA

April 12, 2018 1 Comment

Flying into Kelowna, I couldn’t contain my excitement as I saw white peaks through the clouds and I knew I was almost in the mountains. Coming from Eastern Ontario, where it’s fairly flat, the change in elevation and scenery was a breath of fresh air and brought on the anticipation of new places to discover and adventure. This was my first trip out west in the winter months to experience my first big snowboarding trip!

Last year I was unable to make it out due to a knee injury but this year I was determined to travel out west to see friends and to hit up the world renown slopes of British Columbia. To say the least, it did not disappoint. The week was filled with fun times laughing with friends and a lot of fresh powdery snow that we never seem to get back home. A week was more than enough time to take in all the views that Kelowna had to offer and maybe… just maybe… next year, I’ll be ready to hit up other famous mountains. Once you get the taste of that fresh powder you just can’t wait to go back.

Read on for some great spots to check out if you’re ever in Kelowna, British Columbia!

Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY | #MICHAELSCHALLENGE

March 15, 2018 3 Comments

Winter is still blowing outside in full force with late winter snow hitting us daily, it gets a bit discouraging to get creative and to get ourselves motivated to be outdoors to shoot. But with the recent popularity of the #uglylocationchallenge created by Kelsey Maggart, the #michaelschallenge was born and it’s a perfect excuse to grab a few friends to try your hand at shooting in the arts and crafts store! You can briefly pretend that it’s actually spring and get your garden thumb ready for summer in the floral aisle.

Originally deemed the #hobbylobbychallenge, it quickly turned sour when Hobby Lobby’s didn’t want photographers entering their stores. Michael’s clearly saw this as an opportunity and in turn welcomed pro and amateur shooters to flock to their stores to try their hand at the newly minted #michaelschallenge. I had a blast doing this challenge and would recommend anyone who’s looking to practice their portrait photography to try this challenge out! The craft store has endless possibilities of colour and backdrops that you can get creative with. So grab some friends and head to your local Michael’s Arts and Crafts store to try this challenge out!

How do you think we did? Read on for more on the whole experience!