currently coveting: ouma

I recently stumbled upon ouma's shop on etsy and was immediate smitten with her whimsical designs.

Monique, the owner and designer of Ouma, creates amazing dresses and skirts that are full of plumes and puffs of tulle. And yet, her creations are so light and feminine and ephemeral.

All of her dresses feel like a grown-up version of the tutu to me. So sophisticated and chic.

{Photos from Ouma's Shop}

music monday: bonjay

music monday: a new feature around these parts where we share music that’s on heavy rotation in our studio. this week: ‘stumble’ from toronto’s insanely talented duo, bonjay. we’re pretty smitten with their slick beats, sweet vocals and all-around awesomeness.

currently coveting: matcha green tea

My personal obsession with tea has been well documented, but it’s time to let you in on a little secret: while I love all teas equally, I have a penchant one kind in particular, and I love this one above all others.

I’m absolutely obsessed with Matcha, a form of green tea which is ground into an incredibly vibrant green powder. Aside from being packed with antioxidants, Matcha (or green tea powder) packs a punch of other health benefits. But let’s be honest, this is not at all about health—I’m absolutely obsessed with the flavor of Matcha. It’s earthy and slightly floral and completely unique. In the past six months or so, green tea flavored everything has been popping up everywhere, much to my delight!


You’ll often find me sipping on a Green Tea Latte from Starbucks, and sometimes I get really strange looks from fellow friends when I plop down into a comfy chair with a cuppa full of green. But since discovering Green Tea Lattes, I have eschewed almost all other coffee shop drinks. I’m a woman possessed.


Much to my delight, green tea is quickly becoming the flavor du jour at many bakeries, with places like Isobel’s Cupcakes here in Ottawa offering up green tea cupcakes and Asian grocery stores carrying Matcha-infused chocolates (above). It’s seriously like heaven for me!

So local chefs, bakers and confectioners, take note: green tea is the next big thing, folks. And if you add something to your menu with it, you can be sure that I’ll be there to snatch up every last bit of it!

in the shop: new lovelies for spring!

Oh friends! It’s been so long, hasn’t it? The first two months of 2011 were such a whirlwind for me, to say the very least. Wed By Hand—the handmade, eco-friendly & DIY wedding show that I produce—was an absolute smashing hit, to say the least. Our lovely official photographer, Anne Marie of AMBphoto took the most spectacular photos ever and was able to capture our day in a way that far exceeded my expectations.

After working on Wed By Hand day and night for months on end, I woke up the day after the show surprisingly refreshed and inspired—and ready to start planning the next show. Insane, but a total testament to how brilliant the show and all those involved in it were!

The rest of February was a complete blur of meetings, custom bridal consultations, fulfilling orders, and just plain relaxing for the first time since November. It’s been lovely! We’ve had amazing dinners, nights out, brunches and lunches with friends…mini trips to Quebec…and simple moments of solitude. It’s been brilliant, to say the least.

This is all to say…things have been quiet around the urbanite front as of late. But I finally had a chance to make, photograph & release some new lovelies for Spring (it’s so close—can’t you almost feel it in the air!?). A little peek at some of the new pieces:


Our Banff, Canada Necklace matches a pair of earrings that you’ll probably recognize. Totally stunning. $15 & available in the shop.


Our Chicago, Illinois Earrings are one of my personal favorites. They’re perfect with every outfit and I just can’t stop wearing them. $12. Matching necklace $15.


Oh man—this necklace has been a HIT at the craft shows since November! I finally got around to naming & releasing it online. We named after Cape Canaveral, Florida (where Kennedy Space Center is located) because the lines in the pendant remind me of a planet's orbit in space! $25.


Regal. Royal. Simple. Our York, England earrings remind us of royal crowns a bit. We really love these! $10. Also available in silver.


Well, hello Miss Sass. These earrings pack quite the edgy punch and are named after Los Angeles, California, which is the City of Angels. They’ve been supremely popular over the past few months & we think you’ll love them too!

Whew! And that’s just a little taste, folks! 7 other new styles are now available in the shop!