Sunday 29 June 2014

I Must be a Mermaid









Summer has begun, and to hit it off, I spent the day at the beach! Though the wind was blowing and the sun was hiding most of the time, it was still well-spent! I wore my comfy "Mermaid" tank, and light washed distressed denim shorts.

What I wore:
Mermaid Tank - Kittens Den (Kittens Den ships worldwide!)
Shorts - Forever 21
Backpack - VS Pink

Photography by Thomas Birney

Friday 27 June 2014

Style Profile: Lyndsay Lazar

Lyndsay Lazar is probably one of the most fabulous, talented, and fashionable women I have ever met. She also happens to be my boss. She is Owner of Downtown Cobourg's newest women's clothing boutique, Kittens Den, and Co-Owner of the well-known blog, Style Darling. She has accomplished many things in the fashion industry such as creating her very own hand made jewelry business, Shine! Couture, to planning for her clothing collection, that is launching soon.

Not only is she very fashion-savvy and experienced, she is also very sweet and easy to talk to. It takes someone very special to be able to not only run a clothing boutique seven days a week, but also be a Mom to three children. Lyndsay's optimism and attitude for success is what drives her to keep it up!

I had the opportunity to visit Lyndsay in her shop, Kittens Den, and ask her a few industry-related questions. So here it is! :)


Mikayla: 

Tell me a little bit about your personal style, and what would you describe it as? 

Lyndsay:  

I definitely have a sweet spot for anything with a feminine touch. Most often I hear people describe my style as "girly" and it's hard to argue with that. I would prefer wearing a dress to pretty much anything else. Playful fabrics and special little details always capture my attention. And it's always a bonus if I can find it in pink!
Mikayla: 

Where do you get all of your fashion related inspirations? 

Lyndsay: 

I love staying on top of what's fresh and exciting in the fashion world. Instagram, Pinterest and following along with my fave fashion bloggers keeps me inspired and in the loop of what's happening out in the world in real time.



Mikayla:

You are the owner and creative director for your boutique, Kittens Den, tell me what you love most about your job? 

Lyndsay:

Every morning I feel like I need to pinch myself. Opening the Kittens Den has been a dream come true. Narrowing my life in the boutique down to a favorite is tricky but I would have to say there is nothing like watching an overjoyed shopper twirl with delight when finding that perfect dress. That moment a hand picked piece comes together with an elated fashionista is incompatible to any other feeling.

Mikayla: 

What is the newest garment/product you have gotten in to sell at your store?

Lyndsay: 

We get new products in at the den every week. Recently I'm really excited about Vancouver line Cake For Breakfast coming into the shop. Their collection of fun printed tees and tanks are a huge hit with our clients. Hooray for Canadian designers!!

Mikayla:

If you could pick one quote to describe Kittens Den, what would it be? 

Lyndsay:

"Getting dressed should be FUN!!" It's our motto!!


Mikayla:

You are also an avid blogger. What do you blog about most? 

Lyndsay: 

I'm currently working a re-launch for my style blog which I'm really excited about. The blog is a fun way for my friend Jeannette and I to get creative and showcase our love for the local fashion scene. Our community is peppered with some really amazing shops and inspiring personalities. Expect lots of shop tours, interviews with fave fashionistas and fun lookbooks this Summer.

Mikayla: 

How do you think your blog is unique compared to all other blogs out there? 

Lyndsay: 

What makes Style Darling unique amongst other fashion blogs is not only our celebration of the small town fashionista but the collaboration between trained fine art photography and fashion styling. Jeannette and I have very different styles and when we combine our strengths the outcome is always something fun and a little unexpected.



Mikayla: 

What stores do you mainly shop at? 

Lyndsay: 

Kittens Den!! Personal business plug aside I love supporting my favorite local boutiques. 
Impresario Artisan Market in Cobourg is a favorite as well as Mad Monkey Clothing and Faun Boutique in Port Hope. I love thrifting as well...the thrill of the hunt!! I'm also weak in the knees for a little online shopping. Finding one of a kind pieces on Etsy is a favorite pastime.

Mikayla: 

Tell me about your favourite designer, and what qualities you admire most about them.


Lyndsay: 

I can't get enough Kate Spade. Hopelessly addicted. Lilly Pulitzer is another favorite - both the new and vintage prints are always on point and fun while remaining a classic.

Mikayla:

You are yet to launch your very own clothing collection. What kinds of things will be included in this collection? Any names generated yet? What kinds of patterns, colours, and fabrics can we expect from it?

Lyndsay: 

I'm really excited for the launch of my own collection. The line will be called Phyl + Gwen, named after my grandmothers. To start the collection will consist of dresses and skirts with more pieces added as the brand grows. The collection as a whole is easily described as feminine whimsy and keeps with the signature style that the Kittens Den is becoming known for. Playful patterns, extra special touches and details and flirty textures are what will make the collection really shine.

What Lyndsay Wore:

Blouse: Vintage Lilly Pulitzer
Shoes: ALDO

Photography by Mikayla Kuehn

Thanks for reading!

Tuesday 24 June 2014

Jungle Leaves







This print I am featuring today, is a jungle leaf print on a crop top. I love this trend with anything tropical looking, or anything with palm leaves. To make this top stand out, I just wore it with some basics; a black skater skirt, a white blazer, a thick gold chain necklace, and some black wedges.

What I wore:

Crop Top: Garage / Skirt: Sirens / Blazer: Urban Planet (similar) / Necklace: Juicy Couture 

Photography by Nick Kuehn

Sunday 22 June 2014

Pink & Polished

An all-pink manicure was what I decided to give myself this week! I normally do some kind of hand-painted nail art design, but I thought that playing around with some of my favourite pink polishes was a better idea :)







Nail Colours:

1. "Sugar Daddy" by Essie
2. "Neon Pink" by Cosmetic Arts
3. "Fusion Neon" by Sinful Colors
4. Scented "Cotton Candy" by Revlon
5. Mineral Effect "Rose Quartz" by Ciate
6. "Carnelian Chrome" by Sally Hansen
7. "Pink Blink" by Sally Hansen
8. "Shimmering Pink" by ellemno
9. "Shocking Pink" by China Glaze
10. "Sweetheart" by OPI

All images captured by Thomas Birney

Saturday 21 June 2014

Florals by the Flowers

Happy first day of SUMMER!









I have a love for both floral prints, and leopard print. When I saw this dress on the rack in H&M, I knew it had to be mine. It is a basic fitted dress, but the print is very unique. Dressing it up with some accessories made gave it that much more of a pop! With the right hat, the right shoes, the right belt, and the right bag, this look is complete in no time. 

What I wore: 
Dress - H&M
Belt - Suzy Shier
Hat - My Grandma's Closet (literally!)
Purse - Forever 21

All photos by Thomas Birney

Thursday 19 June 2014

Pink & Gold Apparel

Tonight I took an evening stroll downtown Port Hope. The sun was shining and the weather was perfect! It is finally starting to feel more and more like summer.






 I wore a plain white long sleeve with a light denim vest, and paired that with a mini pink chiffon skirt. Of course I added pink! As for my accessories, I have the usual MK watch, silver Pandora charm bracelet, and lastly, a nude & gold coloured chain necklace.

While I was downtown Port Hope, I took advantage of checking out some of the trendy clothing shops. I had the opportunity to take some shots in one of my favourites, Mad Monkey, while also chatting with the lovely owner, Grace.




What I wore:
Denim Vest & Gold/Nude Chain Necklace - Urban Planet
Pink Chiffon Skirt - American Apparel
Earrings - Sugar Coated 

All Photos by Thomas Birney

Thanks for reading!

XO, Mikayla


Tuesday 17 June 2014

Blog Launch: Meet Mikayla


Hello Fellow Fashionistas! My  name is Mikayla, and I am the owner and creative director behind this style blog, and my recently launched jewelry line, Sugar Coated. I am a newly graduated high school student, currently working towards getting accepted into Ryerson University for the Fashion Communications program. I am also getting started on creating my very first clothing collection, Princess by MAK, hopefully releasing by this time next year.

I would describe my personal style as "girly & fabulous". I am a sucker for anything trendy in the colour pink, and I am always seeking inspiration through others in the fashion industry!







For this outfit, I styled a thick-striped white and navy top with a full and totally twirl-able pink midi skirt. To match the black beading at the top of my shirt, I paired this ensemble with black flats that have a gold plated embellishment. My gold watch accents the shoes as well! This outfit was perfect for my day, while I worked busily in-store at a little boutique called Kittens Den.

What I Wore:
Juicy Couture Top
Pink Midi Skirt - Choies
Black Reva Ballet Flats - Tory Burch
Gold Watch - Michael Kors
Sunglasses - Coach
Lipstick Shade : Rose Glow by Clinique

All images photographed by Thomas Birney

"Life is too short to wear boring clothes"

XO, Mikayla