Shot by Kimberley Gordan (I Love Wildfox) of Wildfox Couture (another favourite line, as we all know), these behind the scenes shots from Odylyne‘s Fall Lookbook are what my dreams are made of: gentle light and flowing fabrics, natural backdrops and ethereal settings. The styling is simple and effective, capturing the decidedly vintage and bohemian mood of the line and leaving one word in my mind: beautiful.
After coming across these shots, I think you can expect more from Odylyne on the blog, as these have got me hooked, and I think the aesthetic is very closely aligned with that of Bicyclette.
Free People just launched their Vintage Loves line, a collection of specially picked vintage pieces sold on their website. I’ve always been a fan of Free People, not just for the clothes but also their branding and overall image. The style is very bohemian (which I love), and this translates into their scrapbook-like graphics and layered styling, creating an incredibly cohesive brand experience.
I think the addition of a vintage line makes sense for them: a lot of their pieces are vintage-inspired, and so the integration is seamless. And there’s no doubt that the pieces they’ve selected are gorgeous, I’m just a little wary of the high-end prices.
It has, however, got me thinking that perhaps a vintage collection may be in Bicyclette‘s future … hmmm?
Love this little scrapbook-like collage. Will definitely use as inspiration ...
Always a pretty way to display clothing
How perfect is this, with the clothes-pinned roses? I've done something similar in the studio, pinning jewellery to vintage nightgowns
Another good idea. I've had this in my mind for awhile, a display against the chalkboard wall, perfect for displaying a new collection and styling
... and now I want an exposed brick wall in the studio
Product shots on the site from the lace collection. The old book pages ... !
photo cred: free people
I have a slightly odd obsession with vintage nightgowns, and thus have managed to build a fairly impressive collection. There’s something about the pastel tones, layers of sheer fabric and an abundance of lace and other intricate detailing that I fall victim too so easily.
So when I found the below photo on Fashion Toast, I decided that it was a sign that I should share my obsession with the world and hang my pieces along the Bicyclette studio window. How perfect! Love the way they catch the light and the whimsical, nostalgic quality of the display. I believe this is from the Free People headquarters, which makes perfect sense. Have I mentioned how much I love Free People? Always in my inspiration folder.
I’ll post photos when I have a chance to actually execute this. For now, it was just a little side tracked thought as I continue posting product to the site. Don’t worry, I’m hard at work, I promise!
photo cred: fashion toast
I’m in the midst of doing some hardcore cleaning, but I just had to share one image that I’ve fallen in love with. I always eagerly await new issues of Lula Magazine, and I am never disappointed with the styling and photo shoots, teasing me into wanting to try to recreate each one. If there was an easier way to do it, I would scan every image from the most recent issue, but alas, one photo will have to do for now, from the shoot entitled ‘Sophisticated Boom Boom: Sparkle, Shimmer & Shine’. I’m seriously contemplating covering the studio walls with all of the images, but there’s something sacrilegious about destroying a Lula …
Love the makeup. And the hair. And the vintage styling, overall.
Technically this isn’t a Bicyclette specific blog post, but because it has to do with shopping, dresses and floral prints, I figured it was fair game. Plus, I’m curious to see what other people think of this.
So here’s the situation: last week I was window shopping at 69 Vintage, which quickly turned into real shopping when my eyes fell on this dress, Exhibit A:
The sweetheart neckline, slim silhouette, slightly impressionistic floral print, and cool colour palette were perfection, and upon trying it on and discovering that it was practically made for my body, it was a sure purchase.
Throughout the rest of the day, as I had lunch with my girlfriends and gave them a mini-tour of the studio, the dress remained on my mind, not because of shopping guilt (it was too fantastic to regret), but because I kept thinking of how familiar the shape and print was.
And low and behold, it came to me. Allow me to present Exhibit B, the Minkpink “I Ken Done It” dress:
How close are these two prints? And the style? I know mine is vintage because the fabrication is different than this Minkpink style, and the tag is obviously vintage.
So what do you think? Did this vintage dress inspire the Minkpink style? Purely coincidence?
Between hunting for thrifted pieces to use in my thesis exhibition and starting to think about my new studio space (more on that later!), I’ve been especially keen on various forms of interior inspiration and on the lookout for ideas to borrow. I love vintage furniture, there’s so much character and a raw quality to them that is so hard to find in new pieces.
Meet Factory 20, and their family of beautiful vintage pieces.
Dutch Early Century Iron Wooden Stool
Dark Belgian Claw Foot Center Table
19th Century Tailors Work Bench Table
Mercantile Oak Glass Display Cabinet
The pieces I’ve found so far are nowhere near this caliber (or price range), so I’m focusing on repurposing them and adding a little bit of bicyclette flair. I guess I need to step up my thrifting game …
This post is somewhat selfish. My “brand” spotlight is on Needsupply, which isn’t exactly a brand but an online store that I frequently window shop and can always count on for at least a few covetable pieces. As we’ve been teased these past few days with sunshine and higher temperatures, it’s hard not to think ahead to summer and start planning out new purchases and outfit options.
Quiksilver Day Tripper Dress
This nude colour is perfect for accessorizing with bolder pieces , and the semi-sheer, breezy material lends itself to summer layering with ease. I love how they’ve styled it: open on the bottom over a tank dress.
Dolce Vita Patricia Dress
I love the details of this dress: the coral colour, the small graphic print, the peplum skirt, ruching and exposed zipper. Oh, and the fact that I’ll be carrying the Dolce Vita clothing line very soon, and this is just a small sampling of amazing styles.
Denim Vest
This vest, made from recycled mens denim, has the perfect amount of military inspired detailing and the slight acid wash has summer written all over it. I’m picturing it styled with floaty summer dresses, giving them a little more structure and edge.
Flat Stud Pattern Drawstring Bag
I love the fact that this is white. Always a fan of studding, I think this is a great way to carry it into summer without it being too heavy, and the flat studs are a little softer. The drawstring shape is great as well. Hmmm, might there be another studding DIY in my future?
Maslodesign Mint Julep Drop Earrings
These earrings are amazing, and I don’t think they need much explanation. Bold but not heavy, the perfect opalescent sea green and the vintage detailing make these the perfect topper.
Oh dear. Must. Refrain.
I’m running on very little sleep and still have a lot of work to get through tonight, but I wanted to get in a quick interiors post. I was working on a project last week (or was it the week before? Oh my…) for my visual merchandising class in which we had to research and design an idea for a window display, and the first step was to find two inspirational stores. The first one I used was Love of Mine, which I posted about here, and the other choice was easy: Anthropologie. I had the pleasure of working at the opening of the location in Yorkville back in the summer, assisting with setting up the store and being part of the visual team, and it was a great experience, as there is no store that has such a strong vision when it comes to interiors. Anthropologie does an amazing job with their visual displays and merchandising, using found materials, handcrafted props and art to create stories and themes that are innovative and inspirational. They make organized clutter and chaotic creativity work and breathe new life into seemingly useless junk.
Here are a few of my favourites, collected over time and tucked away into my inspiration folder, so unfortunately I’m unsure as to sources …
Also, here’s a quick snap of the thrifted goods I found this past weekend that I mentioned yesterday, to give you an idea of what I’m working with. As soon as I finish my brand book (due next week, wow), I’ll be focusing my attentions on the exhibition props and adding a bit of bicyclette flair …
I’m finding it harder and harder to balance school with “real” life. I’ve taken this huge step forward with the trade shows in Vegas (we’re talking about 250 pieces for the initial buy!), making the reality of it that much closer and bringing my excitement to the next level. I just want to dive in, full force.
So I’m looking at finding a studio space now, somewhere that I can work out of and use for storage, shipping and photo shoots, as well as developing the online store and looking into my different options in terms of hosting. And then I get to start styling and shooting the clothing, and selling online!
Inspiration is such an important process of this for me, and putting together this blog has been such a valuable experience, being able to gather my thoughts and explore my creativity and receive your feedback and comments. So thank you for being part of this with me, and as always, I would love to hear from you!
And with that … Happy Monday!
One of the things I love about Queen St. West, the area I live in and the future home of bicyclette, is the constant source of inspiration that the various stores provide. A walk down the street offers a multitude of creative window displays and covetable products. I was first captivated by the butterfly collage that greets customers as they enter the store, and then upon glancing at the jewelry on display and the interior of the store itself, was intrigued. Love of Mine is a fairly new store on the Queen St. West strip in downtown Toronto, offering a well-curated collection of jewelry and accessories.
Love of Mine is for the individual. It was designed to provide each client with a unique shopping experience by connecting the loves of the store’s creator to those of the shoppers. Think of Love of Mine as a way to express your sophisticated creativity and individuality. For us, craftsmanship and artistry define each piece. With this in mind, our modern designs maintain a classic sensibility, always unique and always in style.
The pieces all have a vintage-inspired aesthetic, marrying old with new and offering truly unique pieces that it is hard not to fall in love with. Owner Anna Damelin says,“I like things that are natural and organic; modern with a little bit of kitsch. It’s about picking the special things that no one else has. I want to be able to love it now and still love it 10 years later.”
Prices range from $12 for headbands to upwards of $500, with trendy pieces priced in the lower range and those with semi-precious stones and more intricate details higher. The store itself has a gallery-esque quality, allowing the pieces to stand out and draw you in.
Images Credits: Eat.Live.Shop, BlogTO & Love of Mine
We’re all aware of my love for jewelry, vintage trinkets and one-of-a-kind pieces, and so when I stumbled upon Les Jumelles Boutique, it was as though I had found my own personal treasure chest.
Coup de Couer Bracelet
Le Carousel Pendant Necklace
Mes Reves Locket Necklace
Alice in Wonderland Inspired Necklace
Promesse Necklace
Fleur de Lys Perfume Bottle Necklace
Mes Souvenirs de Woodstock Necklace
I love the stories and personality that go along with each of these pieces, and the vintage pendants and antique chains add whimsical touches. I picture these layered together and with other necklaces, creating a story and adding a unique, personal touch to any ensemble, an idea that is at the core of what bicyclette stands for. And the Parisian themes are simply perfect.
Curious, which pieces speak to you?
And if you have any other jewelry line recommendations that have a similar feel, I would love to hear about them…
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