“One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.” -Oscar Wilde
“Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!” -Mae West
“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.” – Dale Carnegie
“Life is short. Eat dessert first. ” ― Jacques Torres
The creation of this shoot was an absolute pleasure and guilt-free indulgence with fellow fashion stylist Monique Andrew, Style Hunter Fox. We share the same love and passion for creating a story with styling and decorative design. We agreed that if we were to join forces, then we must go big. In truth, I think going small would have been an impossibility for us together. When those creative juices start flowing, it can be difficult to reign them in. We knew that with both of us throwing our passion into it, it would have to be fantastically bold, and so, what better subject than Marie Antoinette and her over the top decadent and indulgent lifestyle.
I was fortunate enough on this shoot to collaborate with some amazing local businesses and talents. All of the mouth watering baking was provided by Winnipeg gem, Pinky’s Bakeshop, and YES, we ate it! The incredible one of a kind, re-worked vintage jewelry was provided by Vintage Bling. The intricate and beautiful white lazer-cut bustier worn by model Madeline Brandt was provided by designer Rebecca Johnson. The photography was done by Winnipeg photographer Dano Tanaka, and the location of the shoot was graciously provided by my Grandmother, Judy Cole. The gorgeously elaborate hair was the creation of Monique Andrew, Style Hunter Fox. The creative concept, artistic direction and styling was the collaborative love child of both Monique and I.
I am a true believer that when you feel good, you do good! When I am feeling joyful and excited and my cup runneth over, I am my most generous and giving self and it feels effortless. I think it is really important to indulge and treat ourselves every once in a while without guilt or shame. We feel wonderful when we can pamper or treat someone else, so why not ourselves? In this case, I think that balance is key. We know how distasteful opulence, excess and extravagance can be when it becomes someone’s everyday lifestyle. No one in history has taught us better than Marie Antoinette, how shallow, short-sited and ultimately destructive excessive indulgence can be. However, self deprivation and habitually denying yourself pleasure can be just as destructive and leave us feeling resentful and un-able to give back to the world around us. True happiness lies somewhere in the middle. Sometimes we go without and focus on others and sometimes we should have our cake and eat it too. Hopefully we enjoy our cake not with a side of guilt and shame, but instead, with a cherry on top.
It is my wish and desire, especially as the holiday season approaches, that this post inspires you to suck the marrow out of life a little more than usual. Don’t just eat that macaron, savour it. Stop to smell the crisp fall air or study the colours of the sunset. Drink champagne instead of your regular bottle of wine and celebrate that you are alive! Why do we need more reason than that to celebrate? Wear something decadent hiding in the back of your closet, like the satin or velvet that makes you feel gorgeous and treat yourself with a manicure or new hairdo, or even something as simple as whipped cream on your hot chocolate. Go over the top, just because. You don’t have to spend money or be wasteful to indulge either. Wear those sexy underwear and silk robe you’ve been saving for a “special occasion” on a weeknight just for the hell of it! Use those fancy dishes you inherited that are collecting dust in the basement. Put on Grandma’s diamond ring and the fur coat she left to you that you tucked away in a box somewhere and host a tea party! The point is, life is short and it’s okay to indulge sometimes.
Like Oscar Wilde said, “Everything in moderation, including moderation.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: Dano Tanaka
STYLING & ARTISTIC DIRECTION: Monique Andrew, Style Hunter Fox and Tara Cole-McCaffrey, Patron of Dreams
HAIR: Monique Andrew, Style Hunter Fox
MAKEUP: Each model applied their own makeup
MODELS: Monique Andrew, Madeline Brandt, Tara Cole-McCaffrey
JEWELRY: Vintage Bling
BUSTIER: Designer, Rebecca Johnson
BAKING: Pinky’s Bakeshop
* Special thanks to Angela Brandt for all her help and support at this shoot! xo