Xquisit Issue III
April 2012
The
Age of Aquarius
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Issue
XQUISIT CONTENTS
Xquisit EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Caileigh Kyle
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Emily Soto Faye Sampson Vivienne Mok Arkadiusz Janjowski Kirsten Becken Daniela Majic Tetty Kim Akrigg JJay
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alison Smink
Cover image by Kirsten Becken
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FASHION AND BEAUTY 6 Spring Trend: Coloured Jeans 7 Age of Aquarius Inspired Nails
EDITORIALS 8 Sky of Wind by Emily Soto 18 Above and Beneath by Faye Sampson 28 Emma by Vivienne Mok 36 Sights by Arkadiusz Janjowski 44 A Glimpse of Venus by Kirsten Becken 52 Colour Me Spring Time by Daniela Majic 60 Wood by Tetty 68 Beatnik by Kim Akrigg 78 Two of a Kind by JJay
LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE 86 For the Love of Blogs by Alison Smink 88 Meet the Bloggers
WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO XQUISIT? We are seeking
writing and photography submissions for our upcoming issues. Email xquisitmag@hotmail.com to submit!
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XQUISIT EXCLUSIVE FEATURE
BEHIND THE
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XQUISIT FASHION
JUICY COUTURE C R O P P E D L O W- R I S E SKINNY JEANS
J BRAND DENIM 811 MID-RISE CROPPED SKINNY JEANS
RAG & BONE B I S C AY L O W R I S E LEGGINGS-STYLE JEANS
SPRING TREND: COLOURED JEANS BRIGHTEN UP YOUR WARDROBE FOR SPRING!
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TOPSHOP MOTO CORAL BAXTER JEANS
RAG & BONE B I S C AY L O W R I S E LEGGINGS-STYLE JEANS
: D E R I P S N I S U I AGE OF AQUAR
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H S I L O P L I A N
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1. NICOLE BY OPI Follow Me on Glitter 2. NICOLE BY OPI Shoot for the Maroon 3. DEBORAH LIPPMANN - Happy Birthday 4. DEBORAH LIPPMANN - Boom Boom Pow 5. BUTTER LONDON Knackered 6. BUTTER LONDON Rosie Lee
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XQUISIT EDITORIALS
SKY OF WIND Photographer: Emily Soto Model: Codi Babcock (M Model Management West Hollywood) Makeup & Hair: Maira Gomes Designer/Stylist: Kenneth Barlis
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ABOVE AND BENEATH Photography: Faye Sampson Model: Lauren B (Elite Toronto) Makeup: Carmen Goetz Photography Assistant: Stuart Berham
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Blouse: Vintage, Pleated Shorts: Topshop, Garter Belt: H&M, Socks: Tabio
EMMA Photography, Styling, Hair & Makeup: Vivienne Mok Model: Emma B. (Metropolitan)
Lace Poncho: Asos, Panties, Topshop
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Bodysuit: Eurodif, Knit Bolero: Kookai
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Bodysuit: Pins & Needles. OPPOSITE: Silk Dress: Vintage.
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SIGHTS Photography & Production: Arkadiusz Janjowski Model: Anna Jaroszewska (Golden Models) Fashion Designer: Dominika Latalska (DZL) Makeup and Hair: Julia Wojciechowska
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XQUISIT EDITORIALS
A GLIMPSE OF VENUS Photography: Kirsten Becken Model: Paula Weigel (IMM Models) Hair & Makeup: Phuong Thai Styling: American Apparel + Vintage
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COLOUR ME SPRING TIME Photography: Daniela Majic Model: Kate (B&M) Makeup/Hair: Thai Vuong Styling: Thea Acierno
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Jumper: Peacock Chic Boutique, Shoes and Jewellery: Stylists Own
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Top, Skirt, Shoes, and Earrings: Stylists own; Bracelets: Peacock Chic Boutique. OPPOSITE: Dress, Earrings and Bracelet: Peacock Chic Boutique; Hoisery and necklace: Stylists own.
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Top: Brose, Under tank: American Apparel, Jacket: Muubaa, Short: Jessica Mary Clayton, Ring: Models Own, Hat & Shoe: Aldo
BEATNIK Photographer: Kim Akrigg MakeUp/Hair: Shawnna Downing Styling: Emily Gray Model: Skylar (Elite Models)
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Top: Chloe comme Parris, Pant: Jessica Mary Clayton, Jewelery: Kara Ross & Vintage, Shoe: Aldo
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Cardi: Wildfox, Bathing suit: American Apparel, Sunglasses: Linda farrow luxe, Necklace and Earrings: Kara Ross, Bracelets- Chloe comme Parris, Shoe: Aldo
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Suit: Kova & T, Belt: American Apparel, Earring & Ring: Kara Ross, Bracelet: Vintage, Shoes: Aldo
Dress: Chloe comme Parris, Earrings: Kara Ross, Shoes: Aldo
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Skirt: Joie, Top (dress worn as top): Lhoshanna, Necklace & Left bracelets: Chloe comme Parris, Right bracelets & ring: Kara Ross, Shoes: Aldo
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XQUISIT EDITORIALS
TWO OF A
KIND
Photographer: JJay Makeup & Hair:Grace Coole Green Stylist: Rebecca Louise Parker Models: Zoe Parker & Isidora (Adage Models) Assistant: Adam J. Baumgartner
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XQUISIT LIVING
FOR THE LOVE OF
blogs The world of blogging has developed into an extensive portfolio for ideas, design, and shared personal experiences. From recipes to interior design, surfing the blogging atmosphere simply lets anyone access information that excites individual interest. There is most definitely something for every creative difference, unique style, or personal perspective. One positive perk to blogging is the vast amount of people you encounter, as blogging lets you make numerous amounts of new friends. It keeps you connected with individuals that you otherwise might never have the chance to encounter. The loop of “blog rolls” can suck you in until five minutes of browsing turns into an hour of surfing! Another great quality: anyone can create a blog! Although the blogosphere is competitive, it’s not exclusive and you can create a space solely for personal use. It’s also a great way to spark some inspiration or imagination! To help the process along here are some recommended reads of our favourite blogs, as well as some tips to help any new wannabe blogger become a master of the web (or at least get you started)!
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TE N TIPS Discover your niche and set a target audience! Decide what you want your blog to be about specifically. It’s a lot easier to stick to a ‘script’ if you have a set objective.
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Write about what you love. You’re not going to keep up with posts and research if you don’t enjoy what you’re writing about! Stick to things that make you excited or just plain happy!
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Write about what you know. In close accordance with the previous tip, write about topics you know. That doesn’t mean you can veer off into unknown territory (research goes a long way), but stick to your own knowledge as well – or you might end up getting confused in your own words.
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Make a schedule of posts. Sometimes it’s hard to be consistent because of other commitments, but setting a schedule will help! It guides your ideas, and lets you plan ahead.
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Make a “business model” for your blog. Make a list of goals and guidelines that you want your blog to focus on so you can make sure that all of your posts relevant, consistent, and specific.
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Create a blog that you’re proud of. Don’t settle for something you don’t like and don’t structure your blog based on what you think others will like. A blog is your space – it can be anything you like!
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Share your blog with family and friends. The best way to develop a “fan” base is to get the support of the people you’re already closest to!
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Have fun with it! Blogging shouldn’t be a chore! It should be something you look forward to! Get inspired, get creative, and have fun!
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- Alison Smink Don’t give up! Take the time to keep up on posts. Make sure that you don’t fall behind on producing new content. Following number 3 will help, but dedication is key.
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Alison is currently a first year student at Western University, studying English Literature with a minor in Creative Writing. She is the co-founder of the student lifestyle, design, and decor blog titled, “Two of a Kind”. Check out her blog at: www.twoofakindblog.blogspot.ca
Get connected! Make new friends! Tweet, “Like”, or email the author of your favourite blog – you never know what wisdom or feedback they could pass down.
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XQUISIT FEATURES by Alison Smink
//MEET THE
BLOGGERS Authors: Sally Ann and Molly Bernadette Type: Lifestyle Blogging since: 2010 Where: Dallas, Texas A PIECE of TOAST, co-authored by sisters Molly and Sally, has recently caught my attention, and has rapidly developed into a daily must read. They are the type of people in the blogging community that you absolutely want to connect with; just a few emails back and forth and their sweet sides shone through! From their catchy and clever name to their colourful aesthetics, their personal vision of style is displayed in every post. The explanation of the blog’s name can be found on their “about” page, and is perfect; the ample love that I have for this blog spiraled from the reading of this particular page. They’re writing style is fun, eloquent, and keeps you wanting been if we were not doing it together. We’re a team more! Some highlight posts to check out (as noted by the two) are and in it together every step of the way! “Diane” – when Molly met Diane von Furstenberg, and “BHLDN Part 2” – a bridal boutique pre-opening in Houston! X: Describe your blog in 5 key words or less. We were lucky enough to ask Molly and Sally a few questions about APOT: Real, fresh, stylish, humorous, contemporary. their blogging experience, and they graciously agreed to participate; X: What are some of your favourite blogs? here’s what they said: APOT: Oh gosh, our list could literally go on forever (and our Google readers are out of control) but our X: What’s your favourite season of décor/accessories? daily must reads are: Cheetah is the New Black, Could APOT: We love autumn and spring… Autumn means that it’s finally time to wear cozy clothes, our favourite boots and jackets and I Have That?, Peppermint Bliss, Roses & Rags, vmac & cheese, The Southern Eclectic, Apartment 34, and we get to cozy up our apartment with throws and candles. Spring Lark & Linen. We also love checking out The Glitter brings wonderful weather to Dallas (where we both live together) Guide every day… and we love that we finally get to wear shorts, maxi skirts, wedges and the like – and our apartment gets fresh flowers and windows X: What is the best piece of advice to give someone open! starting a new blog? APOT: It’s not easy – so don’t beat yourself up if X: Do you find it difficult to co – author a blog? (Different ideas, success is not coming as quickly as you hoped! Be personal tastes etc.) yourself, be authentic, be consistent, don’t replicate APOT: We are lucky that we are sisters and trust each other comdesigns, posts or ideas, and always give credit where pletely – it makes co-authoring the blog a joy and takes the risk credit is due. Make friends – comment on your favouout of worrying about the other sister’s writing style or taste level. rite blogs and engage in Twitter and Facebook We’re sisters so of course there is bickering at times but we have that unconditional love and respect thing going on so it’s a 5 Check out their blog here: www.apieceoftoastblog.com minute average before we kiss and make up! Both of us know that we could never run the blog as successfully as we have
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READING MY TEA LEAVES Author: Erin Boyle Type: Lifestyle and Photography Blogging since: January 2009 Where: a combination of Wilmington, North Carolina (where the blog holds its roots) to Providence, Rhode Island Blogs give you a glimpse into the perspective of so many unique, creative people, and viewing the world through Erin’s photographic eye is a treat with every post. Her series entitled ‘life in a tiny apartment’ is of great value to anyone in the same situation (like me – being a university student and all). Also, the series of posts called ‘my downtown’ displays her photographic edge, while exhibiting a certain love for her current location. Her simple pleasures and joys are shown through the ‘my week in objects’ feature which lets us explore her world more closely; with that being said, Reading My Tea Leaves is one of my simple pleasures to read each day! A few noted posts to peruse, as suggested by Erin, “tisane de tilleul” and “flower escape” which both demonstrate her talented photographic skills!
sities about my acceptance. I found myself spending a lot of time imagining what my future might look like. Eventually, I decided that rather than focusing on the things I couldn’t predict, I’d start documenting the things I already knew, the details of my daily life. From there, Reading My Tea Leaves was born. X: Do you have a blogging ‘routine’? RMTL: My blog routine has often been at the mercy of the other things I’m busy with: jobs, school, family. I try my best to post every day, but there are definitely periods when that’s not been possible. Early morning is my favorite time to work on a post. It’s a quiet, creative start to my day. X: What are some of your favourite blogs? RMTL: This part is always so hard. Some of my old standbys: Hula Seventy, Heart-of-Light, and even*cleveland. X: Describe your blog in 5 key words or less. RMTL: Simple, Thoughtful, Inquisitive
Erin agreed to answer a few questions for us about her involvement in the blogging community; here’s what she had X: What’s your best piece of advice to give to someone who is new to the blog community? to say: RMTL: To be equal parts gracious and patient, with yourself and others. X: What sparked your interest in blogging? RMTL: In the winter of 2009 I had just applied to graduate school and was waiting impatiently to hear back from univer- Check Erin’s blog out here: www.readingmytealeaves.com Brunch at Saks - It’s Tiffany blue header encompasses its sophisticated name that envelops elegance. Brunch at Saks: simple and classic, I mean who doesn’t like brunch? This LA based blog inspires chic living, and guides us with tips on subjects from interior to beauty to DIY projects. Check it out here: www.brunchatsaks.blogspot.ca
MORE BLOGS
A Beautiful Mess - This blog is truly beautiful; the mash of collections, from recipes to style, collaborate in perfect harmony. With a catalogue of topics, and frequently updated posts, she invites you to “grab a cup of tea and read for a while…” I think we’ll take her up on that offer, and you probably should too! www.abeautifulmess.typepad.com A Cup of Jo - Following the everyday life of its author Joanna Goddard, this blog ranges in numerous topics from fashion, to recommended products, and even fun giveaways! Her blog is honest and fun, any blog fan or aspiring blogger would benefit from the passion and dedication that is A Cup of Jo! www.joannagoddard.blogspot.ca
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XQUISIT COMINGUP
stay tuned for our summer issue release
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