Love at First Blush

Sheer Delight

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:21:00 +0000

I've been collecting beaded chiffon pieces and sheer tops lately, so I'm all for the embellished sheer trend gracing the runways lately. Every designer has a different interpretation, but here are my favorites.

Prabal Gurung/Alberta Feretti/ Gucci via style.com

Colour Palette

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:05:00 +0000

Purging from shades of black, I am drawing inspiration from soft pastels, naturally formed rock layers and lightness. On another note, I am working on a large project slated for April. I might post bits and pieces of it here.

Valley of Fire, Nevada by walking along via : Flickr

Source unknown via: pinterest

Sketchbook: Reasearch and Development

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:02:00 +0000

My moleskin is an organized mess of fabric, ribbon, leather, and lace. Bits of inspiration, dye tests, and colour stories, are all written down in my book for ideas I'm considering. I guess you can tell I really like pinks and blacks. That wasn't always the case though; I grew up hating the color pink. It was also the color of my room which I repainted when I was old enough.

Something tells me I need to get a new moleskin. It's already exploding at the seams!

dye testing colors

swatches of fabric

Spring Haute Couture 2012: Cosmetic Hues

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:36:00 +0000

The Haute Couture shows didn't disappoint this spring. The models are gorgeously swathed in cosmetic pales, delicate lace details at Valentino and Elie Saab. Always something to inspire our imagination.

Inspiration for the sketchbook.

Elie Saab / Valentino via style.com

Heritage

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:12:00 +0000

Perhaps its the lack of Asian role models in mainstream culture or the fact that I was born Canadian that has attributed to the disconnect of my Asian heritage. Traveling to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia last year has proven otherwise...

Finding my roots has become an important journey for me, one that I hope will take me back to my family's origins in China. If the small town still exists today.

As we enter the year of the Dragon, I wish you success and prosperity. I hope you will continue to follow my visual inspiration and personal exploration on this blog. There will be more travels and adventures in the year ahead.

♥ Sabrina

Lantau Island, Hong Kong.

Chinese New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:28:00 +0000

Chinese New Year is like the Asian version of Thanksgiving, except you chow down on Chinese food and exchange red lucky envelopes. Or at least that is how we celebrated it in our family. Usually there's an overabundance of mooncakes that don't taste very good and Asian snacks littering the house.

How am I celebrating this year? Cocktails and dim sum of course. Happy Chinese New Year!

Workends

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:28:00 +0000

Workends are weekends that are work days too. Say that ten times fast. Since starting my business, I am constantly thinking about it; What to improve, what to add, new inspiration, what to change. There really is no off switch. Vacations, sometimes, okay most of the time, turn into opportunities to take photos and seek inspiration.

On that note, our official website is now live. You can view our full lookbook of fashion lingerie and accessories. The new styles will be available via the etsy shop. Meanwhile, take a peek at our facebook page for updates and sneak peaks.

Now to find that off switch?

www.loveatfirstblush.com

Valley of the Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:15:00 +0000

A photo diary of my time in Phoenix and everything in between. I couldn't get enough of the burritos and Horchata drinks around town. They were delicious everywhere we went. The extended vacation has helped refuel and recharge myself for 2012.

H&M leopard print tank

Franco Sarto Spike boots from The Artist Collection

Edge of Glory

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:38:00 +0000

The sun was setting on New Year's eve just as we touched down into Phoenix, Arizona. The weather has been good to us; we've been greeted by warmth and clear skies all week. Just a short break to spend time with the bf's family, it's been an enjoyable few days away from wintery Montreal.

We headed to Camelback Mountain for a short hike. It's a spectacular view of red rocks overlooking the valley.

the view of Phoenix, Arizona

Making Noise

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:59:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I sat down with Sacha Jackson from the Montreal Mirror, a local arts and music newspaper here in Montreal. With her Blackberry sound recorder in hand, we talked about how Love at First Blush got started and the new collection, Nine Lives. Fashion-oriented and informal, it was an enjoyable conversation over a cup of coffee.

Thank you to the Montreal Mirror for choosing me as a Noisemaker in 2012. For the full article, please click here.

Singapore: Top 5 Things To Do

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:14:00 +0000

I arrived in Singapore unprepared for the hot and humid weather. Packing my suitcase at 3am on the eve of Christmas, I forgot to check the weather forecast. Earlier that day, I was enjoying holiday dinner with family, then catching a drink with a good friend of mine in downtown Vancouver, so I barely had time to rest.

Singapore reminds me of a futuristic city. It's inhabited with a mix of Indians, Malays, and Chinese. Everything is clean, high-tech, air-conditioned and within close proximity to a mall. Please don't try chewing gum or littering here as you might end up in jail.

My five days here were spent seeking out the unique, local, and undiscovered spots around Singapore.

Scroll down for my Top 5 highlights from Singapore.

omakase at Mikuni

Tuna Wasabi Tartare at Kilo

Here are my highlights of Singapore:

1. Haji Lane - the colorful shops and indie designers make this a favorite place of mine. I enjoyed checking out Soon Lee for their edited collection of clothing and Pluck for their homemade ice cream. Try the Lychee martini ice cream made with real alcohol.

2. Chinatown - Brightly colored and lined with red lanterns, I ventured around one of the cleanest Chinatowns I've been to. I found some small trinkets and lucky knots along the way.

3. Little India - I found a bountiful selection of ready made saris, and summer dresses in the Tekka market. The Mustafa Center nearby is a 24 hour shopping center and was too overwhelming for me. You could get lost here.

4. Dining at Kilo - A recommendation from Tony, we decided to try this little joint featured on the Layover. It was a place where no taxi driver was familiar with and located on the 2nd level of an apartment building. The food was simple and uncomplicated. The ambiance reminded me of a little resto in NYC. Definitely a hidden gem.

5. Hawker Stalls - Finding cheap and good food in Singapore is easy, especially with the abundance of Hawker Stalls. You can find anything from noodle soup, grilled satay and local cuisine.

And if you're not bitten by the travel bug yet, here are last year's highlights from Hong Kong.

Sleepless in Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:22:00 +0000

Most of my Christmases are unconventional. When your family lives on the west coast and your sister subscribes to California weather, it's hard to coordinate holiday plans.

Two years ago, we had our family reunion in the crazy town of Las Vegas. This year, my Christmas was spent on a 15 hour flight to Singapore to meet my bf. While he's been working hard over the holidays, I've just been soaking up the Singapore lifestyle and exploring the city. It's nice to have some downtime after such a hectic past few months.

Sunrise in Singapore from our hotel

Sunset over Hong Kong airport (while en route to Singapore)

In Her Boutique: Vincent Park

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:26:00 +0000

I met Cara from Fashion Design School and we were the few lucky girls who went to London, England, for the design exchange program (a life-changing, mind-altering experience). I remember our sketchbooks would be bursting at the seams full of research material and images, but our design teacher, Zowie Broach, would always demand more.

Cara opened up Vincent Park with her sister 3 years ago and I've always wanted to stop by every time I was in Vancouver. It's a boutique on Main street with beautifully curated selection of clothing and accessories hung upon industrial drain pipes and vintage furniture. I wish my closet looked this nice.

Since everything is carefully edited, you can easily find pieces that are special and unique. If you're tired of the mass market fashion in the malls (like I am), this boutique is definitely a refreshing change and worth a visit.

If you enjoyed this series, please also visit my other 'Closet' posts.

beacuse no boutique is complete without Jeffrey Campbells...

covetable rings in repurposed brass

Vincent Park

www.vincentpark.ca

4278 Main St. (at 27th Ave.)

604-879-6665

Holiday Craft Fairs

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:35:00 +0000

For the past two weekends, I've been doing the Holiday Craft Fair circuit in Montreal. That would explain my absence from the blog. Let me tell you, I've been getting Craft Fair withdrawals. (Is that even a symptom?) I miss the ambience, friendly crafters, and the buzz of customers around my booth.

Puces Pop was 'poppin' with people on both days and Smart Design Mart was equally fun. Thank you to everyone who stopped by my booth. I met some great stylists, photographers and local bloggers at both shows.

Getting Ready

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:16:00 +0000

I just finished tagging, sewing on labels and picking up postcards for the Smart Design Mart Craft Fair this weekend. It starts tonight and I'm still doing some last minute tasks!

Holiday Craft Shows and Pop-Up Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:55:00 +0000

It's been an absolutely busy month! I've been accepted to 2 Holiday Craft Shows and our very first Pop-Up shop for the Holidays. I haven't really been sleeping much as I've been trying to get the new collection ready for the shows, plus a booth display ready! I'll be posting a DIY later about my display for Smart Design Mart.

If you are in the Montreal area, come say hi!

Smart Design Mart / Puces Pop Craft Show and Pop-Up Boutique

Optical Illusions: Trompe l'oeil

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:05:00 +0000

Trompe l'oeil is the art of deception, perception and optical illusions to trick the eye.

People normally don't think of fashion designers as trompe l'oeil artists, (it's reserved for painters and graphic artists), but I can't help thinking that fashion designers are in this category too. We're often asked to make waists thinner, or a bust fuller with just a slight curvature of a design line or careful placement of seams. In a way, we are illusionists (the fashion industry did invent Vanity sizing and push-up bras).

I can't remember where I found these images, but they caught me off guard for just a second.

The Golden Hour

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:44:00 +0000

I love taking photos when the sun is just setting. Colors turn into warm golden hues at the first and last drop of sunlight during the day. These photos remind me of carefree summers and a heart full of adventure.

via pinterest, original sources unknown

Time Out New York feature

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 02:12:00 +0000

Last week our Raven Feather necklace was featured in Time Out New York's web and print magazine. I just got the copy a few days ago and I must say, it's much cooler in print. If you want to check out the online article, it's here.

Follow me on Facebook to see our latest updates.

Day of the Dead: Día de los Muertos

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:34:00 +0000

If anyone can capture the beauty of death, it's Canadian fashion photographer, Lucyna DanUta Bakowska. Yes, she's Canadian and she's talented.

There's something strangely eery, yet entrancing about these photos. I don't know what she does with her camera or what kind of rabbit she pulls out of her hat, but these photos have me spellbound.

via Behance

wardrobe: Carol Ambrosio
model: Elora B
makeup/hair: Tami El Sombati
photography: Lucyna DanUta Bakowska

Halloween Inspiration: Birds of Prey

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:07:00 +0000

Posing with wild fowl is just another day in a model's life and Toni Garn makes it look so easy. Photographed by Greg Kadel for Numero, leather, lace, fur and feathers never looked so good together.

This Halloween weekend, I made some last minute costumes with what I had in my closet. I rocked a Vampy Goth costume the first night and then dug around in my closet for a puffy underskirt and leggings the next night. I managed to find a sparkly cat mask that I couldn't help but wear all night.

I hope you all had a great Halloween weekend!

via Fashion Gone Rogue

wardrobe: Patti Wilson
model: Toni Garn
makeup: Mariel Barrera
hair: Laurent Philippon

photography: Greg Kadel

The IFB Weekly Roundup: Links À la Mode: Oct 27th

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:01:00 +0000

Our post with Laura's closet was selected as one of IFB's link for the week of Oct. 27th! Check out the top 20 links below.

Still Evolving

Edited by: Fajr Muhammad of Stylish Thought

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: OCTOBER 27TH

I love how multi-faceted fashion blogging has become. In the beginning it was mostly celebrity style driven but has evolved to include everything from personal style, social commentary, fun fashion trends and high fashion! While blogging is becoming a staple of our everyday world, fashion blogging is continuing to push the envelope.
Fashion is converging into lifestyle and we are defining the medium and what it means to be a fashion blogger. Check out the diverse links this week that our pushing our craft to new places.

Alex Drake Vintage: Vintage Photography Inspiration
Being Zhenya: Friday DIY
Beyond Fabric: Urban Menswear Myth #3
Brunette Blogging: The Blogger and the Brand
Cadence and Clementine: A Cut Above the Rest
Consider Me Lovely: Defying Expectations
Consumerism Killed My Soul: Arguing for Barbie
Ethical Fashion Blog: Ethical Fashion Conundrums
Fashion Dynamite: Soft Dressing
Fashion Tales: Game Art
Love at First Blush: In Her Closet- Print Designer
Oranges and Apples: Workwear, Women & Aging
Practically Spoiled: Closet Challenge- Lace and Lines
Shrimp Salad Circus: How to Day- Piano Clutch
Simply Frabulous: Spend or Save- Low Price High Style
Snapshot Fashion: Fashion Icons We Grew Up with
Style. Love. Repeat: The Printed Blouse
Stylish Thought: 33 Tips on Finding your Passion Today
The Chic Sheet: The New Geometrics
What 2 Wear Where: Day of the Dead Hulaween

Halloween Giveaway! - Closed-

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:55:00 +0000

Love at First Blush has teamed up with The AntiCraft for a Halloween Giveaway! So if you've been lusting after one of our cuffs, here is your chance to win one!

If you haven't heard of The Anticraft, they are a quarterly web zine devoted to crafters with a darker aesthetic or twisted sense of humor. For your daily dose of macabre finds please check out and follow The AntiCraft Facebook page.

We've also started a Love at First Blush Facebook page! Follow us by liking our page. We will be announcing more giveaways in the future and you will gain instant access to behind the scenes.
Good luck to everyone!

Rules
1. This giveaway is open to US, Canada and International residents
2. Giveaway runs from October 24, 2011 to October 28, 2011 at 8:00 pm EST
3. One winner will be selected at random from entries submitted. The winner will be contacted through email.
4. The winner will win ONE item from the Love at First Blush shop.

How to Enter
1. Leave a comment in our entry form and tell us which item from our shop you would like to win and wear for Halloween. Make sure you enter your email address so we can contact you if you win!

For additional entries:
2. Follow our blog via Google Friend Connect located on our side bar.
3. Join our Newsletter located on our side bar.
3. Tweet about this giveaway on your twitter and include our tag @Loveatfrstblush with our url link.
Example: I just entered the @Loveatfrstblush and #TheAntiCraft Halloween Giveaway! http://loveatfirstblush.blogspot.com/

***update: The winner for our giveaway is Jena. Thank you to everyone who participated! ***

In her Closet: A Print Designer's Pad

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:01:00 +0000

Laura is like the girl that everyone wants to know. She works as a print designer, moonlights as an aspiring rapper on weekends, and writes on her blog, noeud noir. If you're lucky, you can catch her performing live at bars on St. Laurent.

We first met at "The Corporation" while working closely on print repeats, embroidery placements and re-colorations of patterns. I visited her desk a lot as we worked on about 8-12 prints each season (overkill with the prints if you ask me).

Her apartment is filled with purple, gold and black accents, very much the same palette as everything in her wardrobe. She has a treasured collection of vintage cameras passed on from her father who was a tailor and a professional photographer. He has left her with some incredible heirlooms, a vintage Rolleiflex and Rapid Omega that appear to be still functional. And sometimes her camera bag functions as her purse.

We took her bike out for a spin, but it was pretty windy outside and her brightly colored Marimekko print dress didn't exactly keep her warm. It did look good though.

For more fashion closet stories, please click here.

Patterned Metallic print nails

Every girl needs a Singer sewing machine

Marc Jacobs Zipper necklace/ Marimekko dress

Sushi Addict

noreply@blogger.com (Love at First Blush) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:57:00 +0000

There are a few things that I can't live without and one of them is sushi. It may be because I grew up in Vancouver and sushi shops were as abundant as convenient stores, but here in Montreal, good sushi is hard to find.

Visiting the Tsukiji Fish markets in Japan is hardly fashionable, but you definitely won't find fish that is fresher. Eating sushi-on-a-stick is unheard of in North America and seeing a guy hack up a chunk of Bluefin Tuna is as authentic as it gets.

I miss this stuff. Bad.

Tokyo, Japan, photos taken by my bf

Tsukiji fish market, Japan