It's been a while...

It's true, I've been MIA for some time now. Sometimes life gets a little busy and although it's hard to stay on top of everything in those moments, sometimes you need to follow life's priorities.

The good news is, I've been looking for the perfect moment to getting back into blogging. I've been revamping the idea and presentation of my blog behind the scenes and will be rolling out a new look soon. It's taken a while, but I've finally been released from an extended writer's block.

Stay tuned ;)

Uptown Photoshoot

Last Friday I joined Kiera, owner of Je Suis Prest Boutique, in photographing her store's latest arrivals. Amanda, the store's model of the month, quickly went through over 10 dress changes in under an hour, braving the zero degree weather outside for most of the shots! It was a race against the sun setting when we hit the uptown streets late that afternoon.

New holiday dresses adorn the walls

Gentle Fawn dress

BB Dakota dress

BB Dakota sequins

Jack dress / Gentle Fawn dress / BB Dakota dress

Kiera & Amanda

BB Dakota dress

Gentle Fawn dress

BB Dakota dress

Jack dress

Gentle Fawn dress

Jack dress

Textiles

Thanks to Kiera for letting me join her and Amanda- it was a great chance to practice with my camera. Although I've had it since I first got my DSLR over a year ago, it's time I finally learned to use my 50mm manual lens. Since I had to move around for different angles while adapting to the manual focus, it helped in staying warm!  

If you're wondering when I'll be back to photographing my own outfits, I should have something up in the next week! 

#shoplocalsj: Black Friday Sales

I've decided, that while trying to establish a regular posting routine, that I'm going to dedicate Friday's blog posts to local material pertaining to what's happening in Saint John. This week I'm sharing a list of the Black Friday sales [that I know about] in the Saint John area to support shopping local this holiday season.   There's really no need to waste your money on gas to cross the border to the US these days- you can shop in the comfort of your own city, save money, and save time while supporting our local businesses!

Uptown Saint John

Click on the store names below for more information on the sale, including the store's location.

• Element5: 20% off all in stock Aveda (excluding gift packs); 30% off OPI, SpaRituals, flat irons & blowdryers; 75% off all Distinctly Tea products
  
• Made You Blush: 20% all regular priced product, All Holiday Cake Sets 30% off, All Too Faced Holiday Kits 30% off, Principessa 50% Off, The Balm Jovi Kit 30% off, Lippmann Sets 50% off, All Urban Halos Buy one get one free!
  
• Manchester Shoe Salon: Starting today until Christmas Eve,they're having a BOGO event! Buy one, get one half price on ALL shoes, ALL fashion boots, ALL winter boots, and ALL handbags!
  
• Paddington Station: Today they are living away hourly prizes to shoppers plus you earn a $10 gift certificate for spending $50 or more
  
• PGal's: 40% off today 

These days I'm supporting shopping local in our city with the hashtag #shoplocalsj on Twitter. If you have something to share, show this hashtag a little love!

Je Suis Prest's Holiday Party

In previous years, Je Suis Prest Boutique has always gone for the big wow factor when it came to showing off their new holiday wears. (To see what I'm talking about- just check out my blog post from their Urban Glam Party they hosted last year with The Urban Shoe Myth.) I was excited when they announced their annual event on Facebook:

Screen shot from my computer screen (click to go to the event page as seen above)

While in Brunswick Square grabbing a coffee from Starbucks, I had chance to pop into the store yesterday and chat with Kiera for the scoop on the event. If you're wondering about ticket prices, attire, and the effort to round up your friends- don't fret! This year they've taken this event back to home base right within the store and created a shopping party. And really, I think this is a smart move. Kiera pointed out that when it gets close to the holidays, there's so much going on. We all know it can be difficult to divide your time and money accordingly, and still do everything this time of year. This is one store owner that really listens to her customers (and that's one of the many reasons I love her!)

Where everyone's life is so busy, sometimes it's nice to be able to do something on the fly and be able to attend an event where you don't have to worry about changing out of your work clothes or slouchy jeans. Forget about wasting your time making sure every hair is perfectly in place.  

Don't worry about ticket to this event, you can just drop by Je Suis Prest Boutique (on the 2nd level of Brunswick Square) this evening (Thursday, November 22) between 6pm and 9pm and spend your hard-earned money directly on brand new merchandise that is being released tonight. Everything might not be packaged into a fashion show this year, but the glam factor will still be present, directly on the racks. The store is already beautifully decorated for the holiday season:

An Instagram photo I took yesterday: check out the cute Free People socks hanging from the tree!

Pssst....I also heard directly from the source, that there will be some mark downs on [some of the] current merchandise. 

Oh, and just for fun (and a trip down memory lane), check out my blog posts from Je Suis Prest's previous holiday parties:

• Urban Glam Party: Saint John Theatre Company, November 2011
• Holiday Fashion Show: The Canterbury Lounge, November 2010

Coming up: Tonight I'm going to pull together my list my sales and savings for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so be sure to stop by again tomorrow for that scoop!

Saint John Cut 3: Catherine, Maryanne & Apryll

Continuing where I left off last week, here some of the shots I took of the remaining lovely ladies I had the pleasure of photographing at Saint John Cut, version 3.0.

Catherine

Dress: Free People from Je Suis Prest Boutique 

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Maryanne

Shirt: Kensie from Je Suis Prest Boutique

Skirt: Kensie from Je Suis Prest Boutique

Coat: from Je Suis Prest Boutique

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Apryll

Dress: Kersh from Silver Daisy Designs

Necklace: Silver Daisy Designs

Shoes: Manchester Shoe Salon

For all the models:

Hair: Adam Donnelly

Make-up: Carrie McGrath & Taylor MacDougall

Social Media Links: Adam Donnelly (Twitter/Blog) | Carrie McGrath (Twitter/Facebook/Website) | Taylor MacDougall (Twitter) | Je Suis Prest Boutique (Twitter/Facebook/Website) | Silver Daisy Designs (Twitter/Facebook/Website) | Manchester Shoe Salon (Twitter/Facebook/Website)

Saint John Cut 3: Kate, Julia & Kayla

As I mentioned in my last post, I had opportunity to play fashion photographer (amongst some really and truly talented photographers!) earlier this week at Saint John Cut 3.

I've really appreciated the opportunity to be included since the first event, always having a blast but switching up my role at each session. Initially, being a style blogger who documents her outfits from time to time, I dressed up and had my make-up done along side the models and fellow blogger pal Kate of O My Heart in March 2011. At version 2.0, I decided to step behind the scenes and help dress and style the models, look after wardrobe on set, and shoot a few pictures of all that was happening in November 2011. This time around, I decided to try my hand at actually photographing the models up front, using a little creativity, and getting a better handle on my DSLR.

I kept my equipment fairly basic and stuck to my 18-55mm lens so I could simply the process: concentrating a bit more on the subject, the background, and learning to use my friend Allie's external flash that I borrowed.

My first model was Kate Lordon, owner of Silver Daisy Designs. The theme for this event was Into the Wild, also known as the project name for the construction of the uber modern home of Judith Mackin and Robert Moore- which was our set location. I saw the into the wild pillow sitting next to Kate on the couch and thought it was only suiting that I get a few shots with the project title.

Kate

Dress: Press from Silver Daisy Designs

Earrings: from Silver Daisy Designs

Shoes: Guess from Manchester Shoe Salon

Hair: Adam Donnelly

Make-up: Carrie McGrath & Taylor MacDougall

Next up, I photographed Julia Hurst, blogger of Fortunate Fool.

Julia

Dress: Mink Pink from Silver Daisy Designs

Shoes: Vince Camuto from Manchester Shoes

Hair: Adam Donnelly

Make-up: Carrie McGrath & Taylor MacDougall

Later that day, these eye-catching Eames for Herman Miller chairs were just asking to be photographed. Kayla Cormier, who works at Silver Daisy, sat down next to Julia.

Kayla

Dress slip: OXMO from Silver Daisy Designs

Sweater: Press from Silver Daisy Designs

Shoes: Manchester Shoes

Hair: Adam Donnelly

Make-up: Carrie McGrath & Taylor MacDougall

I've got more photos coming up this week, plus I'll eventually wrap up my Saint John Cut 3 posts with a Behind the Scenes look, plus deliver all the deets on the who was involved!

Social Media Links: Adam Donnelly (Twitter/Blog) | Carrie McGrath (Twitter/Facebook/Website) | Taylor MacDougall (Twitter) | Silver Daisy Designs (Twitter/Facebook/Website) | Manchester Shoe Salon (Twitter/Facebook/Website) | Judith Mackin (Twitter/Website)

The Twitter Tale of #SaintJohnCut3

First, you might be wondering what precisely is Saint John Cut?

Essentially it's a creative collaboration that consists of multiple photo shoots taking place all in one intriguing location. Typically it's brought together fashion boutique owners, hair stylists, make-up artist, photographers, models and other creative types, all from Saint John.

In early March 2011, Saint John Cut 1 took place in the glamorous White Room on Prince William Street. The scenery for Saint John Cut 2 in November 2011 was set in an historic building Uptown that was completely gutted, dimly lit and under major construction. Yesterday, Saint John Cut 3 was hosted at the gorgeous home of Judith Mackin and Robert Moore.

Yes! #SaintJohnCut3 is today! Expect too many tweets with Instagram photos attached!!
— Barb C (@barbbarbbarb) November 4, 2012

Today is the day! SO pumped for #SaintJohnCut3!
— Chelsea Donaldson (@atlanticstyle) November 4, 2012

Ready for #SaintJohnCut3
— Emily Fraser (@canadianbetch1) November 4, 2012

@hurstjulia getting her makeup done by personabella and @taylormdougall #sjcut3 instagr.am/p/RnFpLaLSi5/
— Silver Daisy(@silverdaisyd) November 4, 2012

Checking out the scene for #SaintJohnCut3! twitter.com/atlanticstyle/…
— Chelsea Donaldson (@atlanticstyle) November 4, 2012

Hairdos and outfits with @adamdstyle and @silverdaisyd #saintjohncut3@ Je Suis Prest Boutique instagr.am/p/Rm_ZN_gx_a/
— Barb C (@barbbarbbarb) November 4, 2012

And it was! RT @atlanticstyle: Momentarily this space will be invaded by models & photographers. #SaintJohnCut3 twitter.com/atlanticstyle/…
— kellylawson (@kellylawson) November 4, 2012

#saintjohncut3 organizer extraordinaire barbbarbbarb with @gilliangoldie and Sam! Fun sunday afternoon. instagr.am/p/RnWe0Fw5Lj/
— Judith Mackin (@judithmackin) November 4, 2012

Thanks to @manchestershoes for loaning shoes for #SaintJohnCut3- helping @gilliangoldie line these babies up! twitter.com/atlanticstyle/…
— Chelsea Donaldson (@atlanticstyle) November 4, 2012

Sisterly love at #saintjohncut3 instagr.am/p/Rng3BsGB1o/
— Kiera (@JeSuisPrest) November 4, 2012

@mcgraths hard at work #intothewild #saintjohncut3 instagr.am/p/RnbkaTA7em/
— Adam T. Donnelly (@adamdstyle) November 4, 2012

Fun! RT @jeffroach @judithmackin taking depth of field notes from @kellylawson #saintjohncut3 #intothewild @tuckstudio instagr.am/p/RnxaTyAaG5/
— Judith Mackin (@judithmackin) November 4, 2012

Sean McGrath Photography!! #saintjohncut3 @mcgraths instagr.am/p/RnmA7IEJVw/
— Taylor MacDougall (@taylormdougall) November 4, 2012

@jesuisprest #GlenMclean #saintjohncut3 #intothewild instagr.am/p/RnfmnDA7St/
— Adam T. Donnelly (@adamdstyle) November 4, 2012

#SaintJohnCut3 instagr.am/p/RnXOiuR1nx/
— Julia Hurst (@hurstjulia) November 4, 2012

@thesamuellewis #saintjohncut3 #intothewild instagr.am/p/Rnbx7WA7fA/
— Adam T. Donnelly (@adamdstyle) November 4, 2012

@morganlanigan @markhemmings setting up for #saintjohncut3 #philippestark #corten instagr.am/p/RnUAmEw5Ja/
— Judith Mackin (@judithmackin) November 4, 2012

@markhemmings and @usjfifteen #saintjohncut3 #intothewild @ 'Into The Wild' instagr.am/p/RnXgccAx0q/
— Barb C (@barbbarbbarb) November 4, 2012

One from #saintjohncut3 today. on.fb.me/PPOTrR
— Sean McGrath (@mcgraths) November 4, 2012

Another Polaroid by @mcgraths #saintjohncut3 instagr.am/p/RnsBdzLSpb/
— Silver Daisy(@silverdaisyd) November 4, 2012

iPhone shot from the #SaintJohnCut fashion shoot today twitter.com/ab_photography…
— AB Photography(@ab_photography_) November 4, 2012

#SaintJohnCut3 is the most extraordinary collaboration of talent. It rivals any event held in a large city. SJ, you should be so proud.
— Dominique (@DominiqueOzelie) November 4, 2012

End of the Day. #saintjohncut3 @ 'Into The Wild' instagr.am/p/RnmAhFRoZl/
— G. Stewart-Robertson (@graeme_sr) November 4, 2012

Kitchen party! It's a wrap! #saintjohncut3 #intothewild great job barbbarbbarb instagr.am/p/Rnh0Ejw5G3/
— Judith Mackin (@judithmackin) November 4, 2012

Had such a lovely time today at #saintjohncut3. Thank you to @barbbarbbarb, @gilliangoldie, @judithmackin and all of the beautiful models!<3
— Kiera (@JeSuisPrest) November 4, 2012

#saintjohncut3 refreshed my love for the amazing people we have in our city of #SaintJohn | cc/@barbbarbbarb @judithmackin #intothewild
— Adam T. Donnelly (@adamdstyle) November 5, 2012

#saintjohncut3 was a success,we are so glad to have been a part of it! ❤ Thanks @judithmackin, @barbbarbbarb and everyone else involved! Xo
— Silver Daisy(@silverdaisyd) November 5, 2012

Uploading my 897 photos from this afternoon's #SaintJohnCut3! I wish I could dig into editing right away, but I have work to finish up 1st..
— Chelsea Donaldson (@atlanticstyle) November 4, 2012

Stay tuned: I have more #SaintJohnCut3 blog posts coming up this week!