Mizdragonfly

Sneak Peak Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

2012-01-30T19:25:00.000-08:00

Listening to the pumping, soulful beats of Basement Jaxx, Karine and I are busy in the Mizdragonfly studio creating the Spring/Summer 2012 collection - Empire. Purple, turquoise and coral crystals paired with leafs, wings, and Victorian accents make for gorgeous floral rings, dangling earrings, daring necklaces and chunky bracelets. Every time we finish a piece we gasp, do a little dance and continue on to the next amazing piece of jewellery. The excitement is palpable and we can't wait to share this collection with you!

As a little teaser, here are some pictures of a few pieces we have created so far. Take a deep breath and admire ladies...

Ciao,

Kristy

Mizdragonfly’s new ‘it’ girl.

2012-01-29T15:57:00.000-08:00

There’s a new fashionista about OTown who is going to make you more stylish one funky jewellery piece at a time. Hello! My name is Kristy Lennox and I am Mizdragonfly’s new assistant (and blogger). I’m excited to keep all our fans updated on Mizdragonfly’s latest adventures and inspirations, fashionable events and behind the scene moments live from the studio.

Now a little bit about me… Indie music, street style and other fashion blogs inspire me. I love to live life to the fullest, hang out with friends and stay on top of what’s happening around Ottawa. My favorite hobby is laying on a blanket by the river with a mini bottle of wine and the latest edition of Vogue while listening to Sweet Disposition by the Temper Trap. This memory of perfect summer days is my inspiration while collaborating with Karine on the upcoming Mizdragonfly Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

Every piece is a little bit of sunshine with bright crystals, nature pieces like leaves, wings, and flowers, and pearls. I can’t wait to flaunt this collection! It's going to be Mizdragonfly’s best collection yet, so stay tuned…

Ciao,

Kristy

Got Silk?

2011-07-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

Silk is my favorite textile for its soft, luxurious and lightweight feel. I own quite an impressive collection of silk scarves, tops, and jumpsuits. My wedding dress was made of gorgeous cream Shantung silk; cool for the summer, light as a feather, perfect for dancing!

If you are a silk lover like me, Brooklyn artist Rachel Rose’s one of a kind hand painted silk tees collection is sure to strike your fancy. Her bold, yet classy designs can be worn both at the office and at play on top of being well made and well priced.

Like what you see? Visit RR's shop on Etsy.

Some Mizdragonfly RR favorites:

Weekend Suggestion: Catch a Sunset

2011-07-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Almost two weeks went by since my last post. After revamping my website I dived right into the preparations for my upcoming participation at the Pooltradeshow. Ordering material, figuring out Customs, booking travel: no time to stop. Organizing such an event is quite time consuming and it feels like summer is passing me by. So tonight I took a stroll on my bike to the Aylmer Marina and refocused catching a beautiful sunset.

Fresh (Online) Start

2011-06-23T08:57:00.001-07:00

After hours of frustrations, days of uploads and downloads, weeks of updating text and pictures and design, and months of driving my husband crazy because I was changing my mind on everything over and over again, the new Mizdragonfly website is now up!

New design, new galleries, new buttons... new EVERYTHING! And it was about time - I was sick and tired of the old one. There are still a few kinks to be worked out (e.g. the contact form still isn't working), but thankfully, the bulk of the work is done.

I'd love to hear your feedback - what you like most, what could be different, etc. It's always interesting to hear constructive criticism and fashionable opinions :)

www.mizdragonfly.com

In somewhat related news, my friend and work colleague Melanie recently got married in Provence, in the south of France. Photographer Anne-Marie Bouchard from AMBphoto tagged along for the wonderful ride and took some amazing pics of the love birds.

Before leaving on their trip, Mike (Mel's husband) dropped by to buy her a Mizdragonfly bracelet that she had been eying for some time, so that he could give to her as a wedding gift in France. Even if I wasn't physically there, I'm so happy I could be, in some way, part of their celebration! Congrats Mel & Mike :)

(All pics taken from ambphoto.com)

Sun Follower

2011-06-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

Ever wished the sun could stay in your backward the whole afternoon, and not get behind that neighbor's tree after 3 p.m.? Italian railway engineer Angelo Invernizzi solved that issue... in 1935!

Verona's Villa Girasole is a two-part building connected by 40-metre-high pivoting turret, powered by diesel rails, allowing for a complete rotation of the building in nine hours and twenty minutes, with its main windows always facing the sun.

Think I can upgrade my house in time for next summer? ;)

June Fashion Buys

2011-06-20T10:05:00.001-07:00

A few fashion buys from the past couple weeks...

I've been wearing the new dress so much, it's now on a timeout for the rest of the ~~month~~ week, and the new makeup bag has made my life so much easier - it's one of those things that make you go why have I waited so long to buy it? (in this case, the ridiculous price tag!)

(Lucy Love poppy dress, bought at roadtrip -
here with Coach purse and Versace sunglasses)

(Makeup bag from Benefit)

(Gladiator sandals - gift from my mom :)

It's Not Easy Being A Birdie

2011-06-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

As my husband was getting ready to water the flowerbeds on Friday evening, he had to put his plans on hold as an American robin chick was comfortably resting on the hose reel cart. With the mom surveying the scene, we were able to snap pictures for 5-10 minutes, with the chick staying put - our initial thought was that he was injured and too weak...

Throughout the whole weekend, the chick and his mom have been around the house - the mom feeding the young one, and little one trying hard to master the secrets of flying. As of Sunday morning, what we thought was a desperate, sick chick at first is becoming a confident flying expert!

(hey buddy, whatcha doin' there?)

(we were able to get pretty close to it)

(that's one confident chick)

(who said learning how to fly was easy?)

(Mama Bird encouraging the young one)

Weekend Suggestion: Go Outside

2011-06-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

Again this weekend, it's suppose to be hot & sunny - just the way I like it! Give me sweltering heat over freezing temperatures anytime... I should really think about moving to a more exotic location with palm trees instead of January snowbanks!

Great weather = outdoor activities. Walking, biking, swimming, gardening... as long as it ends in -ing :p

Images via Google Images

Or if Mother Nature's not cooperating in your neck of the woods, you can always fall back on the beautiful song Go Outside by Manhattan duo Cults - it'll make you dream of open roads and endless fields :)

Preferably, you'd be able to listen to the song first and then go outside and play... yes, that would be very nice indeed :)

How are you planning on enjoying your weekend?

ps: Sunday is Father's Day - happy FD to all the daddies!

Yellow Mellow

2011-06-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

Yellow is synonymous with sun, warmth, great weather... I'm not the biggest fan of it, because my skin complexion doesn't always agree with it, but it's such a fun summer color, how can I resist?

I love this ASOS mini - so light, and it looks like it's floating and dancing when you're walking.

And what about this Alice + Olivia tube top & long skirt combo? You cannot wear that outfit and be in a bad mood - impossible!

More Alice + Olivia, more yellow - a classic cut, perfect for work and play.

More Flowers, More Beauty

2011-06-14T17:21:00.000-07:00

If you've been reading me in the past few weeks, you know all about my love for the 2011 floral trend - as seen lately in last week's post.

You can only imagine my love and complete admiration at the 2012 Givenchy Resort Collection. Oversize digitally manipulated floral prints on block colored backgrounds... *swoons*

Banana Savings

2011-06-10T07:13:00.001-07:00

My colleagues at work went to Banana Republic earlier this week, and discovered that they had a mega-sale going on - 40% off most of the stuff in store, taken off the last marked price. So if something was already 30% off, you could add another 40% on top of that.

Well, I'm not one to let such opportunities slip away, and took advantage of my lunch break to add a few new cute things to my wardrobe!

Four items MINUS the 40% sale MINUS a couple of old gift cards that were lying at the bottom of my purse = 68$ CAN. Can you say GREAT DEAL!?! If you know of other good deals, in store or on the web, I'm all ears! :)

(These jeans are so comfy!)

(Perfect for work!)

(Not exactly the one I bought, very similar, without the ruffles)

(It was originally priced at 62$... I would've NEVER paid that!)

Flower Power

2011-06-08T08:47:00.001-07:00

I've always been a big fan of floral prints, whether it was in or not. And now that it's one of the big trends of the current season, half my closet has become instantly very fashionable!

Perfect for the hot season, florals easily add a tad of femininity and tons of color to any outfit. Some inspiration for the months ahead...

(Classic flower overload, by DandG)

(Flowers and palms for a resort feel, by Dior)

(Garden party, by Erdem)

(Pics from glamcheck.com)

You Snooze, You Lose

2011-06-06T09:08:00.001-07:00

The past weekend was full of fun, amazing weather and shopping, with a great night out with friends on Saturday... which made the sound of the Monday morning alarm even more dreadful.

Here's one option to help me get up in the morning: a money shredding alarm clock. Though designed more as a joke, I think it can act as be a pretty good motivator, wouldn't you think? And since destroying money is a federal crime, losing money
+ 100$ fine + possible jail time = no more snoozing! ;)

(Pics and info via freshome)

Weekend Suggestion: Angles

2011-06-03T05:16:00.001-07:00

A bunch of boys, being pretty and playing rock and roll... ah, how life can be so easy sometimes!

The Strokes have been at the forefront of the post-punk revival scene since the early 2000s, and they've just release their fourth studio album, Angles, after a five year hiatus. I wasn't a big fan at first, but after a few listens, it's growing on me.

Upbeat rock n roll music... the sweet sound of the weekend!

The video for their first single off the Angles album, Under Cover Of Darkness

Three Quick Things

2011-06-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

Numero uno: I'm debating whether these Chloé suede trimmed-acetate pumps are perfect for summer OR perfectly suitable for high-end escorts. Maybe both. But I still really like them... does that say anything about me? (hey, watch it there! :p)

Numéro deux: they're insanely expensive, but how cool and pretty are the Dyson Air Multiplier bladeless fans! But 300$ for the small one, and 450$ for the big ones? I think I'll spend it on new shoes (or dress... or shirt...)

Number three: Thank you so much to Ashley from a topography toward a parallel universe for presenting me with the One Lovely Blog Award - it definitely put a big smile on my face!

Now passing the award along to these 5 fine ladies and their blog:
- Get all sorts of unique and amazing design ideas with Carol at The Design Pages
- Enjoy pretty outfits and plenty of laughs at Like Spinning Plates
- Ottawa's own fashion remix expert Kat at A Second Glance
- Photography and crafts with Kendra at A Grimm Tale
- Tons of inspiration at Sunny Days and Starry Nights

Moby's Castle

2011-05-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

Castle from the 1920s on three acres, view of the Hollywood Hills, in-ground pool, a guest house that's bigger than my own house... life is pretty sweet for Moby, wouldn't you say?

Some of you might not know who Moby is (real name: Richard Melville Hall), but back in the 90s, he was THE name in electronic music. He hit mainstream success with his 1999 album Play, selling over 10 million copies worldwide, and all 18 tracks on it have been sold HUNDREDS of times for ads, movies and TV shows licenses...

The lesson: if you want a castle, all you have to do is write songs and sell them to big corporations! ;)

(can you see the Hollywood sign in the background?)

(what a great view - eating at the table with the Hollywood hills in front of you)

(pretty sweet view from the backyard deck...)

And it also gives me an excuse to post the video for Porcelain, a sublimely melancholic track from 2000.

Royal Getaway

2011-05-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

After a very successful weekend at the Toronto Clothing Show (more on that later this week), I could really, really use a nice getaway for a couple of weeks. Working 30 hours over three days = sore legs, feet, back... pretty much sore everything!

And since this is only blog-wishing, might as well make this a royal getaway... and follow Will and Kate's escapade to the North Island. I don't know if you've already read on this tiny island in the Indian Ocean, but it sounds like my kind retreat:
- 600 acres of beaches, cliffs and coconut trees;
- Only 11 villas, each with a plunge pool and a butler;
- A 20-minute massage on your arrival to ease you into the island life;
- Ecology tours, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking...

Let me grab a bikini, sunglasses, flip flops, hat and sunscreen, and I'm on the next flight!

Visit www.north-island.com and start dreaming...

Spring 2011 Toronto Clothing Show

2011-05-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

If you're visiting (or living in) Toronto this weekend, come and see me at booth 346 at the Toronto Clothing Show - Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibtion Place. I have a few boxes of exclusive jewelry made especially for the show, and with over 150 vendors at the event, there's something for everyone!

Have a great weekend - and for my friends to the South, enjoy your Memorial Day Long Weekend!

Summer Brightness

2011-05-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

I'm all about bright colors and golden accents this Summer. Three things have caught my eyes while browsing today...

I really like this Christopher Kane sleeveless dress - the neon yellow overlays guarantee that you don't get hit after a night out with the girls ;)

Bright red J Brand mid-rise skinny jeans? Don't mind if I do!

And what about those Giuseppe Zanotti natural calfskin sandals? Oh... my... GOD! I'd wear them even to bed!

Etsy Shop Reopened

2011-05-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

After almost 5 years of running my online Etsy shop, it was time for a fresh new look. The devil is in the details as they say, so I reviewed everything; my profile, picture style, shop policies, sections, shipping fees, banner and shop avatar.

I worked especially hard on re-writing my profile and trying to give it a more personal spin. I also spent many hours working on developing softer vintage picture backgrounds to give my shop a consistent look and feel.

I spent over 60 hours coordinating the reopening of my shop: taking pictures, writing descriptions, and finally, posting listings... I thought I was going to lose my mind at some point! But seeing my shop hearts steadily increase and being included in multiple treasuries made this craziness worth while!

I'm still adding new pieces every week, aiming to get back to 70-80 available items this summer (I'm at 26 right now...). Any comments and feedback on the new look of my shop is much appreciated - have a peek at mizdragonfly.etsy.com! Look for a big giveaway in the upcoming weeks :)

Glance of my Etsy photography styles of the past 5 years... that's what I'd consider nice progress, huh? ;)

Long Weekend Gardening

2011-05-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

I always thought that Spring/Summer long weekends were made to relax, sit back, and enjoy the nice weather... well, I guess there has to be exceptions, and this Victoria Day long weekend definitely turned out to be one!

It all started nicely with a double rainbow on Friday evening.

We started our gardening on Saturday morning, with the help of my parents - the plan was to create two new flower beds in the backyard.

Did a lot of this.

And ended with this on Sunday evening - over 16 hours of gardening, 300 square feet of grass removed, 3 yards of garden soil and more than 25 perennials later.

It's only May so the flowers and colors of the perennials aren't out yet - by July, I'll know if my plan to mix Japanese maple, honeysuckle, Japanese keria, Napier Grass, Oriental lilies, hostas and roses together was a good one! And I'll really only see the the results of our efforts when everything will have grown into their space - in two to three years. Patience is a virtue, or so they say...

But for now, I'll take this day off to rest - I've rarely been that sore! What a workout the last two days have been!

Weekend Suggestion: Turtleneck and Chain

2011-05-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest, I haven't had the chance to listen to Turtleneck and Chain, the new album from The Lonely Island. But I laughed all the way through their 2009 Incredibad (especially with I'm on a Boat with T-Pain - I still make jokes and references to that song, even two years later!), so I'm expecting much of the same this time around.

(NSFW, some pretty explicit language)

If you don't already know them, The Lonely Island (Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone and David Andrew Samberg) are a comedy trio better known for their sketches and musical skits on Saturday Night Live. They've managed to release two well-reviewed albums, with tons of guests on their tracks like Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Norah Jones, Natalie Portman...

There's nothing serious about their music and their lyrics, so it's a fun diversion from the everyday routine. Their latest release, Jack Sparrow, featuring Michael Bolton, is one of the weirdest combination/video I've seen in a while! (again, NSFW with some explicit language)

Have a relaxing weekend; for all my fellow Canadian bloggers, enjoy the Victoria Day long weekend!

Eclectic Spring

2011-05-19T07:16:00.001-07:00

Flats, runners and low heels are what my feet live in on most days, because it's all about comfort during the work week. But I also have a few 'out-there' kinda shoes for special occasions - low on comfort, but very high on the WOW factor!

Vogue France recently had a very eclectic list of Spring/Summer 2011 shoes - a mix of colors, textures and patterns that are sure to turn heads wherever you go. Any one of these pairs would make a for a great addition to my collection ;)

Louis Vuitton - Zebra heels, with lizard,pearls and satin patchwor

Dior - Lamb & calfskin sandals, with turquoise velvet and feathers

Nicholas Kirkwood - Black & white leather heels with red leather straps

Miu Miu - Neon green, silver and black leather heels

Rupert Sanderson - 'Lightning' platform sandals, metal blue/pink/green leather (my favs!)

May Movies

2011-05-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know how I'll be able to fit 'going to the movies' in my schedule, but the last weeks of May has a few releases I'm hoping to see... anything you're looking forward to catch on the big screen?

The Hangover 2 - I know, I know, it won't be as funny as the first one (when is a comedy sequel better the second time around), but still, I'm sure there'll be plenty on good laughs.

Midnight In Paris - Woody Allen's movies are hit-and-miss; I like the preview and it looks like a fun, easy, Spring-y movie.

The Tree Of Life - very curious to see this one, as it marks the return of director Terrence Malick, one of the most intriguing figure in film-making in the past half-century (see: Badlands, 1973; and Days of Heaven, 1978). If you have 10 minutes to spare, there's a great story about him (and his very peculiar personality) in this 1999 Vanity Fair article.

The cinematography looks simply amazing...