5 Reasons I Love Linen

 Sooo, it's no secret at this point.  Yes, even my grandparents have noticed my new-found love for natural fibres.  And my favourite, LINEN!  Oh my word, I just love it.  I can't stop wearing it, can't stop looking at it with all the heart eyes and I definitely can't stop talking about (sorry friends and fam).  You see, I don't just come across things and decide THIS for me.  I slowly consider, I research it, I save photos and create mood boards to see if it fits my life (again, my poor family) and then I finally take the plunge and try it out.  So when it gets here and lives up to, actually exceeds, my expectations I am gushing fountain of success filled enthusiasm and facts.So here we go!!  5 reasons I LOVE linen. 

1. The texture. Oh my word, I have always loved the texture of linen. Truly, before I even knew that linen was it own specific type of material, I was attracted to its character and old-world charm.

2. PET HAIR, fellow animal lovers have I got good news for you!! The pet hair doesn't stick. I mean, EEEEE!!! I love my animals but I just HATE walking around with their hair stuck to me.

3. It's very hard to stain. So if I am honest, my biggest fear when purchasing quality clothing is that I am going to ruin it. I'm a wee bit of a hot-mess, with kids and lot's of animals. But all my linen washes up like an absolute dream!! A little anecdote for ya: Last summer we went for a little girls day and took my daughters to get their fingers painted at the salon. Nora choose a dark sparkly purple because it 'looks like a galaxy Mom!!!'. Well she accidentally rubbed her wet nails on the chest of my blue and white dress (cue inner turmoil). By some miracle I kept my cool and calmly (while crying on the inside of course) asked for some nail polish remover. Most of it blotted out, but it remained just a little grey-er in that area. I honestly didn't have the heart to deal with it for months. But just a little while ago I decided to give it a go. I washed it on the delicate cycle in my washing machine with a little natural stain remover and oxy-clean and wouldn't you know it, she came out as good as new!!! I still cannot believe it but I'm happy as a clam.

4. It is environmentally friendly! 'Nough said.

5. It's wears like dream all year long!! Linen is very strong and becomes so wonderfully soft with time. It is warm in the winter and cool in the summer!

 Ok and I am all about balance so here are couple things that you may not love about linen.

1. It wrinkles. I honestly don't find this to be a problem for myself. I love its rustic look!!!

2. It costs more than synthetic fabrics. Personally, I find this is 100% balanced out all the benefits of linen.

3. It relaxes with wear. If you love tight clothes, this may not be the best fabric for you.

4. It can be a bit rough if it is brand new. But this won't last long at all, after a couple washes it relaxes and softens!

 Thanks for joining me fellow nerd, capsule-curious, clothing enthusiast!  I really hope this was helpful for you and I would love to hear what you think!  Are you already a linen lover?  Do you think you might invest in any linen this year?  What is your fav fibre to wear?Questions welcome, always.Karmen P.S.  My absolute favourite responsible linen brands are Pyne + Smith Clothiers, Not Perfect Linen, and Only Child. 

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!! 

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

FREE LABEL Tulip Tee

!  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! 

Solid Gold Esthetics | Brand Session Sneakpeek

Last month Carla hired me to capture some photos of her studio, as well as, one of her classes and I am so excited about how much we were able to accomplish in a quick one hour session.  Take a peek through the photos above!It really was such an honour to document some of Carla's incredible hard-work and talent.  Carla is the owner of Solid Gold Esthetics in Blackfalds.  She also happens to be the one to give my first ever tattoo!!  And I know a bunch of you have noticed because I get DMs about my fab new brows all the time haha.  Honestly, as girl who can barely handle mascara, Carla is basically some sort of magical creature to me.  This woman effortlessly free hands the most perfect brows a girl could dream of.Annnyways, now that I am done fan-girling, let's chat quick about brand sessions and how they can add value to your business:

1. They help tell your brand story. Let's be real. As customers we prefer to buy from people not faceless companies. Lifestyle photos show people who YOU are and why your work matters.

2. They are workhorses. You can use your images in print, on instagram, on facebook, on pinterest, your website, your blog, in brochures, on business cards (I really could go on). These photos are meant to give you a visual foundation for you online and offline presence.

3. They show you and your business in the best light. Literally.

4. Lifestyle sessions are versatile and totally customizable. In an organized one or two hour session, we can capture everything from products to behind-the-scenes. This variety can serve you (and your instagram feed) for months to come!!

If you have any questions about Brand Sessions OR my micro-blading experience let me know!!  I am all ears and would love to help ya out.Warmly,KarmenPS.  I took daily videos during the micro-blading process.  If you guys are interested and would find this sort of info helpful let me know!  I will happily post them for you! 

Summer Mini Session Style Guide | Alberta Lifestyle Photographer

Summer portrait season is in full swing, and I am sooo excited!  I know it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming to decide how dress for your session. So I thought I would post a little inspiration to help ya out. If you ever have any worries or concerns about what to wear for your photo session please feel free to let me know!! I would absolutely love to help you style it to perfection.P.S. In case you missed it! I am hosting mini-sessions for individuals, couples and families this July in DRUMHELLER! It's going to be so incredible and I have two sessions left!!  Click HERE to find out more.

Tami and Tommy | Badland Engagement Photography

You guys!  I just love exploring new locations with my clients.  Like, I am pretty sure there is NOTHING better.  Do you have a location that you would just loooove to have photo sessions at?!  Let me know below!And huge shoutout to Tami and Tommy, thanks so much for hanging out with me in Drumheller!!  I seriously cannot wait to photograph your BIG DAY!  It's gonna be amazing! <3 P.S.  In case you missed it, I am currently booking Badland Mini Sessions on July 28th and 29th!!!  Obviously so stoked!!  More details HERE.