There are some changes going on here at Bicyclette in regards to the blog and the website (now that our Bespoke dress collection is launched, we had to find something to keep us busy!), so in the next couple of weeks we’ll be experimenting with some potential new blog features and topics, and also asking for your feedback throughout the process. I also hear there might be a gift certificate up for grabs for those who help us out, so you won’t want to miss out on that.
One such blog category will be a ‘From the Studio’ feature, where we share behind the scenes details about running the business, including how we tackle certain projects and some of the tools and processes we use to do so. Inspiration is something that is extremely important to us and often the first step in launching a new project or task. Over time we’ve developed certain methods to gather, organize and share the sources of our inspiration, so I thought that I would touch upon a few of my favourite methods today.
1// Desktop Necessities I’m a self-proclaimed post-it note addict, and use them constantly to jot down brainstorming notes, to-do lists or anything else that needs to be documented quickly. I always have a stack on my desk, a few on my computer, tagging pages in books and magazines, and in my notebook. Bright highlighters and pens are also great for colour coding notes, and keeping things organized. I usually have a few books and/or magazines on hand for inspiration as well, and the coffee goes without saying.
2// Curio My dad introduced me to Curio a few months ago, and I’ve never looked back. It’s a great visual tool for brainstorming, mind-mapping, project management and overall creative exploration for both information and images. We used it constantly when we were gathering inspiration and documenting the process of designing our first Bespoke collection.
3// Instagram Technically a photo-sharing tool, Instagram has become a great tool for us to share sneak peeks of our projects or store happenings with our followers, quickly document what we’re working on for future reference, and gather inspiration no matter where we are. Yes, we’re slightly addicted.
4// Pinterest I think Pinterest is a pretty obvious one and doesn’t need much of an explanation, but it’s become an indispensable tool for us to quickly gather inspiration and categorize it, so that it’s easy to pull out when we’re looking for something specific. It’s essential for a quick dose of inspiration, and another way for us to share our inspiration with our followers.
I came across the lovely Beatrice Ost on Advanced Style and have since been enamoured by her style and way of life. She is a visual artist, film and theater producer, designer, actress and style icon. I am always impressed by true fashionistas who allow fashion to influence a way of living rather than just determine what clothes to wear. She is an eccentric artist who exemplifies what it means to let your true colours show at any age. “I think most people give up. In some ways you should always be in love and never say I can’t wear that because of my age. It’s all how you feel.”
As we get ready to welcome the long weekend (and a much needed one, at that!), we’re looking forward to embracing sunny skies, higher temperatures, bright colours, and eclectic pairings.
I saw Emily Haines play with Metric for the first time over 8 years ago and instantly fell in love with everything about her. She was wearing an extra small t-shirt and a mini skirt, rocking out with her piano and dancing in ways I’d never seen before. Everything from her boyish shag to her awkward confidence added to her rock star persona. She is now the queen of Canadian indie music and whether she is rocking a wrinkled tank or a full sequins mini dress she has a remaining authentic uniqueness that makes her performances undeniably charismatic.
Wildfox never ceases to impress us with their creativity and imagination, and their new pre-fall collection, Magical Creatures, is no exception.
Magical Creatures is a story written for Wildfox by critically acclaimed author, Francesca Lia Block. Francesca has been an inspiration for Wildfox creators, Emily Faulstich and Kimberley Gordon, since before the birth of Wildfox in 2007. Together Francesca, Emily and Kim have based a collection of dreamy T shirts on the story of 3 very different, magical girls who live in our favorite Wildfox cities – Ella, a fairy from Los Angeles, Cherie, a gypsy from Paris, and Dahlia, a witch from New York. Francesca tells a story of these three girls and their important friendship, a metaphorical weaving of magic and mystery, beautiful clothes, and romantic back drops.
See the rest of the images and read the full story on Kim’s blog.
[images via ilovewildfox]
Gwen Stefani is most definitely one of the coolest girls on this planet. From rocking out with No Doubt in bikini tops and silk coats to designing L.A.M.B to being the the best dressed mom in LA, Gwen Stefani is always colourful, glamourous and 100% original. With springs arrival this week I’m definitely being inspired by Gwen’s zesty style and colourful composure, so for that she is our Monday Muse.
I can’t get over how beautiful these dreamy images are from Designlovefest. They make me want to dress up, twirl in tulle and sip champagne.
If you’re not already familiar with Designlovefest, I would highly recommend heading over there and getting lost in the pretty pictures, impeccable design, quirky feminine style and overall inspiration. It has quickly become a favourite daily read, and I think it would be safe to say that I have a bit of a girl crush on Bri.
[images via designlovefest]
photography: max wanger
art direction: bri emery & jen gotch
styling: jen pinkston
hair & makeup: alex michael may
wardrobe: shareen vintage
copy: shoko wanger
Mia Farrow is this weeks Monday Muse with her fresh beauty and face full of freckles. At least once a month I contemplate cutting off all my hair like Mia and whether you enjoyed her in Rosemary’s Baby or not, you can’t deny that she rocks a perfect pixie cut. Hair and freckles aside, Mia also has a huge heart and now uses her fame to advocate for humanitarian charities around the world and was name one of Times most influential people of 2008. We love you Mia!
Whether it’s bunny ears, matching floral suits, bright wigs or leather visors, Frassy is full of fun and creative fashion ideas. There are so many fashion bloggers out there now that is is really refreshing to see one posting consistently, showing creative and varying style, resisting a certain mould and most importantly having fun! With one look at her blog you can see the excitement and passion she has for fashion. Located in Paris (sigh), Frassy is busy with photography, writing, blogging and running her online shop Frassy Rags. Whenever I feel my style getting repetitive and bland I re inspire myself by taking a look at all the playful ways she pairs pieces fearlessly.
As I walked to work this morning the sun was out and spring was in the air. We dodged a ‘big snow storm’ this weekend so maybe we are in the clear and we really will have an early spring. I know I’m not the only one excited to get my bicycle back out and hit the streets. Here are some fashionable ladies who know how to ride.
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