Shadow Play | Style Session with Volerra, Finders Keephers Boutique and Boheme Goods
Ain't nothing like photographing other creative souls. I could give you a thousand reason to book a soul session or brand session, but I'm just going to let the photos do the talking today. If you have any questions let me know!!
Ain't nothing like photographing other creative souls. I could give you a thousand reason to book a soul session or brand session, but I'm just going to let the photos do the talking today. If you have any questions let me know!!
Styled by Tammy Swier Design for Volerra and Finders Keephers
I didn't mean to make you feel bad. | Ethical Fashion
I just wanted to say sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad. Truly I didn't. In fact, causing you to feel less then was one of the main fears I had when I started to share this journey...In case you are feeling a little lost, let me give you some context. ***cue that weird musical transition they always do in movies when they change scenes for a memory haha** The past few months have been filled with many wonderful events and photo sessions. I got to met and chat with so many incredible women and like-minded souls. I dressed in clothes that I feel great in (and didn't immediately get covered in food, dirt or duck poop)! For this fairly introverted, rural Mama of two it was somehow completely energizing and exhausting in the best kind of way.It was during these wonderful get-togethers that I began to notice a reoccuring dialogue that went something like this...
A says, "oh I love your shoes, where did you get them?!"
B uncomfortably replies, "ahh, shoot, you had to ask me in front of these capsule wardrobe people haha."
OR
C says, "you look incredible in that dress, I would love to find something like that."
D looks towards me with shame, "ummm, Zara."
There was a lingering guilt or shame or maybe it was something else. Either way, I have begun noticing it more and more where people feel that they need to explain to me why they can't currently purchase responsibly-made fashion. But let me tell you, whether it's a postpartum body, the initial investments, or the fact that you just really like shopping, you DO NOT owe me an explaination. I never have and never will look at your outfit and decide what kind of person you are. And in that same breath, I do not think buying ethically made clothing makes me a better person then someone who doesn't. It is, quite simply, a place in my life that I felt a need/desire/ability to make a positive shift.I began sharing my journey because I couldn't have made this change without the incredible help of those who bravely shared theirs with me. You might notice the use of the word brave there and feel a deep desire to roll your eyes, but it IS scary to put yourself out there.So, long story short, I will continue to share about responsible fashion because I think it is a fabulous and much needed conversation, but please don't let it discourage you and if you ever have any questions or thoughts please share!! You DO NOT need to own a single piece of responsible made clothing to join this club and conversation!!!Warmly,Karmen
The Straight Facts | Honest Reviews
Hello Friends!As you know I began my journey into capsule wardrobes and responsible fashion just over a year ago. I have learned so much and have discovered sooo many incredible brands and makers along the way (I'm talking rule-breakers, wave-makers who are genuinely making the world a little better). And as promised, I am going to share as much of this info with you as I can!Before I get started, I do really want to clarify a few things. 1. Most of the clothes I will be sharing I have personally purchased. BUT some have been given to me in exchange for photos. 2. NO ONE has given me clothing in exchange for my review. Now why, am I telling you this? Because if you are anything like me, you find it exhausting to try and navigate whether someone truly loves a product or if they are only saying so because they want to make money selling it! (UGH) So to be perfectly clear, I am making ZERO dollars telling you my thoughts on these pieces of clothing.Now all that said! I am so exciting to start sharing some of my favourite ethically made garments, in hopes that it might help you! Because ordering online is scary!!! OK so are you ready?
I am going to start out with a review of the
! You have almost definitely seen me wearing this top whether on Instagram or around town. I L O V E, love it. Seriously.
Pros:
It is incredibly soft and flowy
Made from Bamboo cotton which is breathable, antibacterial, biodegradable and sustainable!
Washes incredibly well. I wash mine on the hand-wash cycle in my washer and hang to dry. It has been washed ALOT and is in perfect condition.
It can be dressed up or down. Ladies, I wore this top layered over a little black dress for a fancy dinner, and I've also worn it with yoga pants to dance class! It's very versatile!
It's reversible!!! You can were the tulip in the front or in the back.
Made in Canada by lovely people
Cons:
There really isn't one. I love this top!
The cost seems scary. (it is worth it though)
If you have ANY questions! Let me know. I am more then happy to help!
Explore Edmonton
I jussssst realized that I have never blogged my session with the lovely J. She was writing a an article about hidden gems in Edmonton and I had SOO much fun wandering around some of her favorite neighbourhoods. Edmonton has become such a special place to me. It is where I went to school for photography, it's where Brad and I bought our first home, it where our oldest daughter was born!! And even though we live outside of the city now, it will always feel like home. I absolutely adore our frequent visits with it's places and wonderful people.If you are an Edmontonian or will be visiting this summer I highly recommend checking out Justine's blog posts about Highlands and Westmount. Below I've linked up some of my favorite stops, come tag along with us!
OK now let's hop and the car and head over to Highlands, shall we?
...
Randee For The Skinny | Lifestyle Fashion Brand
Randee. "I hate getting my photo taken". Also Randee. "I need to apologize in advance for how awkward I am going to be!"Well I am so glad that despite all of her fears this lovely babe travelled down from Edmonton to model some clothing for the beautifully curated shop she works at, The Skinny. I have worked with The Skinny before, but this was my first time shooting some of their women's wear and I LOVED it. So much goodness.Also, it was summer. Man, I really miss summer. Anyone else pretending this warm 0 degree day is the beginning of spring??XO,KarmenP.S. There is a part two of this shoot coming and it is fire! So stay tuned! 
Could we really part with everything we have built?
Maybe it's because I was completely exhausted from a 6.5 hour red-eye flight with two children. Or perhaps it was the cute little off-the-grid cottage that we stayed at in Maui (pictures above!!). Or it could have even been the wonderful simplicity of living with only a bag full of clothes and toiletries. But after two weeks of travelling, when I stepped back into the home I adore, it suddenly felt HUGE and overwhelming. I turned to Brad and said, "I've never felt more ready to downsize"It's something that has loomed in the back of our minds for a while now. But the truth is, we absolutely love our home. We built it ourselves, planted the grass and trees. We love it here and have hundreds of little (and big) projects in mind to make it even better. But neither of us can seem to shake the feeling that we just don't need the extra space, the extra stuff, the extra costs.The idea of downsizing is sort of intoxicating. But will it actually be a positive forward step for our family? Or will it turn out that cute little homes are really only practical for a two week vacation? Have you ever toyed with idea of downsizing your home? Anyone actually done it?! I would love to hear your thoughts!Warmly,Karmen
Maui Lifestyle Boudoir Sneakpeek
Can I just travel the world and photograph all the incredible women? Their stories, strength, families, business, love.Feeling so grateful to have been able to spend a few minutes capturing this lovely human while we were on Maui!! It has got me thinking about potential travel dates! Where are you from? Any place you would love to have a lifestyle session?