Apostle was at it again! Determined to provide clients with the best images, which not only includes product photos of every single piece of jewelry, or each jewelry item on a model to show how it looks when worn, but also stunning & captivating images that showcase how to style your Apostle jewelry. It is my goal to give you everything you need, right down to the last detail, to know exactly what to expect the jewelry will look like when it arrives at your door.

With that in mind, about four times each year we set out to different venues around Calgary to create a Look Book for you, the Apostle clients. Each photo shoot is a combination of efforts and talents, and it really is a coming together of great minds to create a story for you.

Apostle Boutique's Winter 2016/2017
Look Book Photo Shoot

The weather was perfect. All over the place (which is normal for this city). But perfect. There were moments of clear blue sky (which is great for indoor shots), clouds (which is perfect for outdoor shots), some wind (which is tricky with long hair and lipstick, but creates great movement in the shots), some rain (which isn't great for much, but we were inside for that)...but what really mattered is that there wasn't any snow (which is great for everything!).

The day started at Swizzlesticks Salon in Kensington. Being a born-and-raised Calgarian, Swizzlesticks Salon is a community staple, and in the red and green iron-building on Kensington Road, it's a landmark. I have memories of going to Swizzlesticks as a teenager as a special treat, thinking that I was really grown-up because I got to go to this renowned salon. Because of this, I was honored to work with Brianna, Missy and Molly to really create the foundation of the look for the model.
As we chatted about the vision for the shoot, Brianna gave our model, Katie, the perfect voluptuous wave and curl that lasted All. Day. Long. No matter what we did with Katie's hair throughout the day (and we brushed it, put it in a messy bun, pony tail, she wore a hat, the wind messed with it...), the curl did not fade. While I sat there and watched Brianna work, all I could think was "I want her to do that for me"...and to be completely honest, I also thought "#hairgoals", because yes, for those of us immersed in social media, we begin to think in hashtags (#embarrassing). 

Missy McIntyre was the go-to for creating the make-up look. We talked about doing a light smoky eye- nothing too heavy or done-up, but a great everyday smoky eye, with a neutral lip and fresh, healthy looking skin. Missy nailed it! There wasn't a single thing I would do to change the stunning look that she created. Katie is such a natural beauty as it is, but Missy made all of her features pop. The make-up was beautifully done and Missy moved with confidence and ease. And again, this look lasted All. Day. We didn't need to change a thing!

Our experience at Swizzlesticks Salon and Spa was truly amazing, and I look forward to not only working with them again, but also going back for my own personal TLC!

As I mentioned, Katie was our model and the face of this campaign, and it all came about a bit unorthodox. You see, before all of this, Katie and I didn't know each other. However, I was in a tight spot and left without a model one week before the shoot. Feeling the pinch, I started contacting different modelling agencies to see about hiring someone for the job and I was so close to moving forward, but it just didn't feel right. I took a step back to think and realized that when I started Apostle, I wanted to represent real, genuine, everyday women. Women like you and me. Nothing against professional models- they're beautiful women whom are extremely skilled at what they do, and they create beautiful photos. But I want to utilize the beautiful women who are aspiring veterinarians (like Katie), work alongside Doctors while in surgery (like Lesley), and teachers (like Victoria). Real, genuine, kind-hearted, fun women who walk through life alongside you and me. So, all that said, I opted against hiring a professional model and took to Instagram. I came across Katie's account and immediately noticed her smile and kind eyes. She appeared to be not only beautiful, but sincere, happy and completely genuine. At the risk of seeming totally creepy, I sent her a message to see if she would be interested in doing some modelling, and we met the next day for a coffee and to select the wardrobe.
While Katie was a bit nervous going into the shoot, you would never know it. She was effortless and I know that her kind, gentle spirit translated through each photo, and I couldn't be happier with how she did. She's a natural and was amazing both on, and off, set!

For this shoot I was thrilled to be working with Genevieve Renee, a "fine art Calgary wedding photographer" who's passion lies in capturing stunning, intimate moments. But she is also amazing at maternity shots, couples, and commercial work (such as endless images in the local & beautiful Dote publication, countless advertisements, etc). But whatever Genevieve Renee does, she does to perfection, and she maintains her Genevieve aesthetic throughout and you can truly see a piece of her in each image that she captures.

Genevieve Renee is a true gem through and through. Sweet, thoughtful and caring, her ability to take charge of the shoot in a gentle and encouraging way was such a great thing to be a part of. Genevieve's demeanor was professional, yet personal and fun, and she created an environment that made Katie feel completely comfortable and at ease, and her direction was straightforward and positive. I also loved how Genevieve jumped in to help out in any way, including the constant hair-style changes. She is a woman who is gently fierce, and there's no question as to why she is one of Calgary's top go-to photographers. Just follow her on Instagram and you will see what I'm talking about!

Wardrobe was provided by Crabapple Clothing in Marda Loop. This store is not only a staple when it comes to shopping for either a great everyday outfit, or something for a special occasion, but this store and the women in it are dear to my heart and a part of my story. Working at Crabapple Clothing throughout my 20's taught me a lot about fashion, styling and friendship. This was my favorite job- being immersed in great fashion every day, and exploring ways to stretch my own style, was so fun, and it is still a place that I visit frequently to shop, visit with the women, and to get inspired.

When Katie and I showed up to select the wardrobe, we both set to work grabbing items that we loved. You should have seen Katie's fitting room when we started- we had so many items that we ran out of spots on the hooks, that we were using a second room just to keep things organized. This speaks to the amazing variety at Crabapple! I had a vision for 4 different looks, and we not only found exactly what I was looking for, but we also ended up with 4 other additional items that I just couldn't leave behind.
All of the ladies (pictured below at the latest Crabapple Fashion Show) were, and always are, so fantastic to work with. Once they heard what I was looking for, and saw the items we were selecting, every one of them pitched in and helped scour the store for other pieces that would work. It was so helpful to have the help, because these women see the clothing every day and they know what they have. Looking through the racks myself was great, but oftentimes I would pass by something that would have been perfect. So having the Crabapple women there to work alongside me was fantastic. They truly are so great at finding pieces that the client is looking for, and also finding items that are perfect for you but you wouldn't necessarily grab yourself.

All in all, Crabapple Clothing killed it! The looks that we put together were incredible, and when I see the photos, I want every outfit!

A lot of the locations that Genevieve and I selected were outdoors- East Village, along the Bow River, and in front of the beautiful War Memorial along Memorial Drive. However, there is one location that we couldn't do without and that really gave the shoot substance, style and a storyline.



Kensington Riverside Inn is a cozy, intimate retreat that is perfect for those visiting the city, or those who just want to get out of the house for a wonderful & relaxing staycation. I initially approached the Riverside Inn because of the clean, modern and welcoming style. You can't help but feel both comfortable and sophisticated when you walk in and see the unique art collection, contemporary furnishings and stunning attention to detail. Everyone at KRI was kind, happy and beyond hospitable to everyone that came in, and it was refreshing to see people who really loved their jobs and had the gift of hospitality.
For the shoot, we did a few different looks in one of Kensington Riverside Inn's stunning suites. The bed was so comfortable that all I wanted to do was curl up with a coffee and magazine and spend the afternoon there. But, we had more important things to do! We were able to create a cozy "getting ready in the morning" type look, a sexy "getting ready for my date" look, and we also utilized the adorable, private balcony for a few shots. The suite had a wonderful sitting area with a fireplace, and a stunning view of the Bow River. From there we headed to the main lobby area for our "evening out" shots, and we also utilized some stunning art installments in the front reception area.




Our experience at the Kensington Riverside Inn was spectacular. The venue gave our shoot substance, depth and versatility, and I know that we couldn't have achieved the same look anywhere else. Hilary, the Rooms Operation Manager at KRI, was so helpful every step of the way and we couldn't have asked for anything more. Thank you, to everyone at the Riverside Inn for making it such a fantastic experience!

With each photo shoot that I do, I am able to get a better grasp on how to ensure a smooth, successful and enjoyable day. It's also been great to experiment with new outfits and styling techniques, different locations to make sure that each shoot results in fresh & captivating images, and learning more about myself and how I want to run this business. I love working with other local businesses and entrepreneurs, and I am so lucky to live in a city where small-businesses are happy to collaborate and support one another. 

This shoot was a big success and I couldn't be happier with how it all came together. It was a huge team effort, and I am so thankful to everyone that was involved!

Genevieve Renee - Photographer
Katie - Model
Whitney (and all the women) at Crabapple Clothing in Marda Loop - Wardrobe
Brianna and Missy at Swizzlesticks Salon & Spa - Hair and Make-Up
Hilary at the Kensington Riverside Inn - Venue
 

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What is Microblading?
Should I get it done?
What does it feel like?

If you're asking these questions, here is everything you need to know!

This post is to give you information about Microblading, as well as an account of the whole Microblading process based on my experience- from the moment I arrived at The Skin Care Studio in Calgary, through 5 weeks of healing, to the Colour Boost (or Touch-Up) appointment, and another week of healing time.

The Situation

My eyebrows weren't thin or sparse, but they were gnarly- I'd have random hairs that would grow out of my face at a 90 degree angle, and if I tweezed one hair I would end up with a bald spot in a whole different place, they were completely different shapes, and the growth pattern mimicked that of a Cheetah. About a year ago I picked up a brow pencil for the first time and was quite happy with the effect, but I couldn't ever get it quite right, and because of that, I spent a lot of time each morning trying to get my brows looking right (or as "right" as I could).

I became both bored and annoyed at the eyebrow-pencil game each morning, and decided to send a message to Christina at The Skin Care Studio to see about getting Microblading done. After chatting about what I wanted to achieve (not a whole new brow shape, but filling in some bald spots, as well as giving a good base and shape), and ensuring that my skin type and current routine would make me a good candidate, we scheduled the appointment.

What is Microblading?

Microblading (also called Semi-Permanent Makeup, 3D Embroidery, Hair Simulation Effect, or Hair-Stroke Eyebrows) involves a small handheld tool to etch ink into the skin to create a natural looking brow. The tool allows the Esthetician to create individual hair strokes to mimic your own natural hair to create a feathering, or 3D, effect.

Microblading doesn't deposit ink as deep as a permanent tattoo, and because of this, the ink will fade within 1-5 years (time is based on skin type, age, skincare routine, sun exposure, etc). While this may not seem so desirable, the benefit to having Semi-Permanent Makeup as opposed to Permanent Makeup, is that as the trends change, and as you age and your face shape changes, you can alter your brows accordingly. That said, there are some situations where permanent makeup might be the right choice. If you have an experienced and educated Esthetician, they can suggest which is best for you, or combine techniques to create the most natural look with the most desired result. In my case, I am in my early-30's, have a fairly solid eyebrow shape, but they needed some sprucing up, and I wanted the flexibility to change the shape as I age. So I headed to The Skin Care Studio in Calgary to see my old friend Christina to get some brow-help.

Getting Microblading Done

First things first- the numbing cream! A thick, gooey-feeling cream that was spread across my brow bone and had to sit for 30min to take effect. During this time, I read through my 5 pages of  procedure info (Christina is VERY thorough!), some chatting, and then through a process or measurements with different types of tools (including a mini level), my face, eye and natural brow shape were considered as Christina sketched out what she thought was the optimal brow shape. We looked in the mirror and scrutinized the area, and together we agreed on the final shape.

Then we picked the colour.

Going into this, I expected to lay down and hear the constant buzz of a tattoo parlour. Instead, I heard the tranquil spa music softly playing as Christina and I chatted away while she worked her magic. The Microblading tool she uses reminded me of a scalpel- the handle was similar in width to a narrow pencil and at the end is a "blade" the consists of 12 needles, all in varying sizes (some are longer, some are very rigid, while others are quite flexible).

The feeling of the Microblading was similar to a cat scratch- not painful, but not enjoyable either. Christina worked at different angles to ensure she got each stroke in the perfect, natural-looking place. To create a hair look, she would do a stroke to create a very natural looking strand. But what I didn't know, is that there's also shading. Now this part, it wasn't fun, and it shocked me at first because it was a series of many little pokes to create a natural shade. These pokes felt worse than the strokes, and could sometimes feel like stabs. But, it didn't last long and was definitely bearable.

Once she had completed both sides, I sat up and once again, we both scrutinized the shape. I pointed out things I saw that I might want to change, or add, and we went back and made sure we were both happy before I left. (And yes, if there was something that I didn't like, it could have been easily removed right then with a saline solution.)

The whole process took about 2-2.5 hours (plus some additional time for talking!) and I was so happy with the result. Obviously with it being a tattoo (or form of), I knew I would see immediate results, but it was just so cool to see how natural it looked and I was surprised by how happy I was with it right away.

The Next Day

When I looked in the mirror I saw two things:
1- I didn't look so "un-done". My new filled in brows made me look like some little fairies had happily woken up before me and started my morning routine as I slept.
2- The ink seemed to be darker than it was the night before! I could have sworn Christina and I agreed on a dark brown, but these puppies looked almost black (maybe not quite black, but definitely darker...although it could also be attributed to the fact that I didn't get home till 9pm and couldn't really tell what colour they were). When my husband saw me he stopped in his tracks and just looked at my brows, and with hesitation he said "So...what do you...think...?" And I laughed and told him that within a couple weeks the ink will fade approximately 50%, and that made us both feel better. I mean, the fact that he said I looked like the angry baby from The Simpsons... I am happy that there's some fading to come!

There isn't any swelling or pain, and the only redness I can see is slight traces around each new "hair".

1 Week

I am LOVING my eye brows! The color has already faded substantially, and I am am thrilled with the low maintenance, ready-to-go-at-all-times, brows that Christina created for me. I think that being able to wash my face made a big difference in the colour!

For the first 3 days after the Mircoblading procedure, I had to allow for a Dry Healing time. After the 3 days I could get my eyebrows wet, but not do any scrubbing and I had to try to keep soap and face wash away from the area. After each wash, I was to apply a very small amount of Recovery Balm to each brow to help with healing. 

I always thought that Microblading was just for women who didn't have brows at all, and thought it was silly to get this procedure done just to help with some bald patches and shaping, but I am so happy I decided to do it!

So far I haven't had any peeling or scabbing, and there is still some very slight redness (more of a pink) around some of the new "hairs".

2-3 Weeks

The number of compliments I have had on my brows or "makeup" (or what they think is just makeup) is amazing. Don't get me wrong, I don't have random strangers come up to me every day telling me how much they love my eyebrows. But I've had a number of compliments from family and friends who knew I had my brows done, and also from a couple people who had no idea.

The fading seems to have slowed down and I can see that the colour of the ink is pretty bang on to what my natural brow colour is.

Still no peeling, flaking or scabbing and the redness is completely gone.  

4 Weeks

It's nice to know that my love for my "new" eyebrows is still going strong and was worth every penny and every minute. I highly recommend Microblading to anyone who isn't completely happy with their natural brows, or to those who want to save time getting ready in the morning.

Colour Boost/Touch-Up Appointment : 5 Weeks

A second appointment (called the Colour Boost) is important because this is where you can touch-up the areas where the ink has faded more than you wanted, and it also gives you the opportunity to perfect the final shape.

When I arrived at The Skin Care Studio, Christina applied the same numbing ointment and we let it sit for 30min. At this time we looked at my brows and talked about what I wanted to do, Christina made her suggestions (which included changing up the pigment colour just slightly to create a more natural, 3D effect), and when the 30min timer went off, away we went.

The pain level during the "etching" was once again very minimal and bearable. At one point it started to hurt a bit more, so Christina topped me up with some more numbing cream. This Colour Boost appointment was much faster and I was out the door after about an hour. My skin was slightly red, but nothing close to what it would look like after a brow wax, and I felt totally comfortable going to mall right after.

For the next 24 hours my brows were slightly tingley and itchy, but it was very manageable and just a little annoying. Again I allowed for 3 days of Dry Healing time, and did my best to keep the brow area dry and clean (which meant using a damp face cloth to gently clean my face to try to keep water and cleanser off my brows). After the three days, I could wash my face as I normally did (but no scrubbing or rubbing around my brows) and again applied the Recovery Balm to the area twice a day. There was one day where I noticed a tiny bit of peeling in one spot, but that's it.

If one could love a brow, then consider me in love! When friends and family ask, I 100% recommend Microblading, and I definitely recommend Christina at the Skin Care Studio for anyone in the Calgary area.

This isn't what is known as a "sponsored post" (ie. Christina didn't pay me to do this), but when I am thrilled with not only the "product", but also the service, I truly believe in passing along referrals and positive word-of-mouth. Christina is an experienced Esthetician (which includes being an Instructor at one of Calgary's largest Esthetic Institutes), she is educated, and takes her career, and her art, very seriously! If Christina couldn't have, or wouldn't have, done Microblading for me, I wouldn't have looked anywhere else.

To contact Christina, and to learn more about The Skin Care Studio, visit her website : http://www.theskincarestudio.ca/

What I Wish I knew Before:

- As I mentioned, for the first 3 days after the Microblading procedure, the area needs to "Dry Heal". This means, keep it dry. No water and no sweating. If you aren't an everyday showerer like I am, I suggest showering that day so that you don't need to worry about keeping your face dry in the shower. Also, if you like to exercise, do this right before your procedure because excessive sweating before your skin has healed can affect the outcome of your brows (and I also learned that sweat stings- I thought it was a great idea to tackle turkey and mashed potatoes the night after my Colour Boost, and lets just say I got a bit of sweat on my brow and it didn't tickle. However, I patted the area dry with a tissue and had my husband do the rest of the cooking, and all was well!)

- Everyone is different and the way your body responds to Microblading, and the ink, can vary. Some women start swelling before they even leave the studio, some have to manage a lot of peeling, while some women don't have any after effects at all. It really depends on each individual and the amount of work that is done.

If you are considering getting Mircoblading done, make sure you look into the facility and the Esthetician that you are booking with. I have heard some bad stories about dirty facilities or inexperienced Estheticians. Do your research, ask questions, and look for reviews and referrals.

Happy 'blading!

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Photo shoots always take a lot of organization and time, and this one was no exception! Creating a Fall/Winter Look Book was exciting, and the vision was big!

I had a lot of moving parts this go-around...

Apostle Boutique's Fall/Winter Jewelry Collection
Style Photo Shoot

In past shoots I have always enlisted the help of friends to act as models for me. Based on inner and outer beauty, I ask people who I think would be a great representative of the Apostle brand. A woman who is genuine, kind-hearted, confident and inspiring - this is who I try to surround myself with both in work and personal life, and having a model with these attributes is important to me. This is why I reached out to Lesley from Mama By Design.

I had followed Lesley's Instagram account (@mamabydesign) for about a year. As I'm sure a lot of you do, I come across different Bloggers/Influencer's accounts and follow them, but eventually get a bit bored and click the "Unfollow" button. However, Lesley's account is full of beautiful style & fashion inspiration, some shots of her beautiful family, and her posts and blogs are an honest and positive account of her life. There is a light that shines through both her images and her captions, and that drew me in and has kept me tuned in. 
Back in July, Lesley's name was randomly brought up in conversation by a customer and friend of mine, and after hearing the great things about Lesley (which confirmed everything I had sensed about her), I decided to reach out and see if she'd like to meet for coffee and chat about a collaboration on my next shoot. And let me tell you, Lesley is lovely. What you see, is what you get. She is a genuine, sincere, beautiful woman and I felt a connection with her right away. 
It was such a fun, positive experience collaborating with Lesley for this shoot, and it truly was a real collaboration! After we chatted about what the vision was for the shoot and the different looks that I wanted to achieve, Lesley not only scoured her personal wardrobe, but she went shopping and texted me photos of things she found that she felt would fit the vision and be true to her own personal style as well. This truly was a coming together of minds and a mixture of her style with my vision.
Be sure to follow Mama By Design on Instagram, and check out her website to see all of her previous blog posts. http://www.mamabydesign.ca/  

For this first time, we had professionals to help achieve my vision for the shoot, and I could send Lesley to get her hair and makeup done!
First thing in the morning, Lesley headed to Vanity Vault to get her hair done by Bettina. We wanted a loose, easy wave with some volume at the roots- nothing too "done", and Bettina nailed the look! I have been to Vanity Vault myself a couple times, and I love how open, yet cozy it is. There are large windows that allow in a lot of natural light, and the pedicure area (which I am most familiar with) has a cozy, boutique feel. You should definitely pay Vanity Vault a visit, whether you need hair, nails, organic tan, or other aesthetic needs, this is a great little place to take care of all your needs! http://www.vanityvaultcalgary.com/
From hair to make-up! Kate is a wonderful Makeup Artist here in Calgary. She has done a lot of work for Avenue Magazine, as well as bridal, theatre, musicians, television...and the list goes on! Kate is talented and driven, and she is just launching her own high-end lash collection, called Kasha Lashes (100% handcrafted and made with fine silk). For this shoot, Kate used her Better than Bare style on Lesley, and they were so full and pretty. Be sure to check out Kate's artistry website (http://www.katebmakeup.com/), follow her on Instagram (@katebmakeup) and watch for the launch of Kasha Lashes by following that Instagram account (@kashalashes) or click on the Kasha Lashes logo above to visit their Facebook page.

The photographer for the shoot was the talented Chiara from c.f Photograph. If you don't know, Chiara is my sister, and there was a bit of hesitation to work with family, but it has been wonderful to work with Chiara behind the lens and combine our efforts, talents and creativity. Chiara has been Apostle's photographer since day 1, and we quickly got into our groove of working side-by-side.

Chiara, from c.f Photograph, has a passion for photography and her talent to capture people in a comfortable and natural way, is spectacular. She doesn't rely on trendy props or crazy locations, her focus is on the people and their interaction with one another and their surroundings. It is for this reason that I wanted to work with Chiara- I knew her talent and trusted her ability, and I haven't been disappointed!

Follow her on Instagram (@c.f_photograph). Facebook (C.f photograph), and check out her website to see past projects, purchase beautiful landscape prints, or to book your next shoot. http://www.cfphotograph.com/

The ladies at Adorn Boutique in historic Inglewood (in Calgary) are always so fun to work with! This was my second time working with them for our shoot wardrobe, and when you walk through their door (which has now been painted the perfect colour of pink!), you instantly know that their aesthetic is different. Pretty, feminine and fun (yet sophisticated), Adorn is the perfect place to find something that appeals to your girly side (and who doesn't love a beautiful lace, or pretty floral, or stunning colours all year round?!). Lesley and I found a lot of items at Adorn that fit in with the vision for the shoot, but Adorn has such amazing customers and they get so busy, that a lot of the items sold before the shoot, but we were able to get the perfect dusty-purple trench coat, and the coziest grey sweater (which I'm tempted to get for myself!). You'll see both of these items scattered through the photos (but I'm not releasing all of the photos from the shoot in this blog, but if you scroll down to the last image, you will see the beautiful grey sweater!)
If you are in Calgary, or will be visiting, don't miss a trip to Adorn Boutique! They have clothing for a casual day shopping, pretty work attire, and unique & absolutely beautiful formal dresses (plus tule skirts, outerwear, clothing for littles, and accessories!). They also have a great Instagram account (@adorncalgary), or visit them online. http://adornboutique.ca/

The locations were important to me, and I spent a lot of time scouting out the different spots. I wanted us to have three different looks: 1. Outdoor chic/cozy 2. Urban 3. Relatable but unique.
For our Outdoor location I knew exactly where we were heading! For months I had been searching for a spot in Edworthy Park that I knew existed (both from my memory as kid, and from other photos I have seen). It had two rows of towering evergreens trees that allowed streams of sunlight to come through. I found the spot back in July when I was in the park with my boys, and I knew that this was the spot for our shoot!

For the Urban look, I was planning on going to a couple different spots around downtown, but on a drive through East Village, I saw it- murals full of colour, different shapes and a cool, contemporary feel. This was it! Sure, these murals were on the sides of ultra-modern self-cleaning public bathrooms and City of Calgary storage units, but they were so cool and I knew that I had to incorporate them with our Urban look (which included an amazing leather jacket by uber-talented Calgary Designer Aleem, from Bano eeMee. Check out his fantastic designs - http://www.banoeemee.com/  Aleem is not only kind, fun-loving and inspiring, his talent and creativity are incredible! Both Aleem, and Bano eeMee are fantastic!!)

One of my favorite locations to date, was our third spot- Uniquities Architectural Antiques! This is another must-see in Calgary! Uniquities is chock-full of historic artifacts both big and small, and when we arrived both Chiara and Lesley were in awe and vowed to be back to do some shopping (they both tried to secretly shop around while on set, but I didn't mind because I was doing the same!). From lighting, to garden statuary, to furniture, to fireplaces, Uniquities has it all! And if they don't have what you're looking for, they offer "Locator Services" where they will source and supply anything you need. Visit them in person, or shop online! www.uniquities.ca

And that's a wrap!

The Fall/Winter Look Book showcases great style that combines amazing fashion with Apostle's newest jewelry collections. I hope the images you see here, and throughout the website and through our Social Media, gives you inspiration on how to incorporate jewelry with your style and how to make an outfit truly unique to you!

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 What jewelry should I wear for my face shape?

In the same way that a great haircut can really highlight your features, selecting the right jewelry can have the same effect and be complimentary to your face shape.

This blog is based on a segment I did for Breakfast Television on City TV. To see the quick 4 minute segment, click on the BT Calgary logo.

The first step is to know your face shape.

There are many different methods of finding this out : You can be very specific and get into measuring your face or tracing your face while looking in a mirror (click here for a link to Wiki on the steps), or you can print our a picture of yourself and outline your face with a thick marker. However, many of us aren't a "true" shape, rather we could be a combination of two, and it could be difficult to find one category that we fit exactly. In this case, knowing your features is all you really need.

For example, look in the mirror with your hair pulled back and see where is the widest part of your face, where is the most narrow spot, or if your face is symmetrical then you likely have a round or square face. Below, I will go through the different face shapes and point out some characteristics of each shape. From this you will be able to tell which category you fall under.

Remember that these are not rules, they're simply guidelines. These tips are simply tools that you can use while you are getting ready in the day or as you shop for new jewelry. To me, rules are very restrictive and personally, rules and I don't mesh well together. The most important thing is that you feel beautiful and confident, and that your personal style shines.

Oval and Diamond Face Shape

These face shapes are slightly longer than they are wide. Oval face shapes have a rounded hairline and jaw. Diamond face shapes have a narrow chin and forehead, and the cheekbones are widest part of the face.

Being that Oval and Diamond face shapes are already long, wearing long necklaces and earrings will only accentuate the length. Instead, opt for shorter necklaces that can add width- wide curves, rectangle pendants and collars are great options. For earrings, short to mid length dangles are great, but anything that falls at your jaw or below with make your face appear longer than it is. Oval face shapes look great with ear climbers, jackets or studs because they add some detail and width and the middle of your face, creating an illusion of a wider face.

Triangle and Square Face Shapes

Both of these face shapes have a nice strong jawline. A square face shape has an equal distance from the forehead, cheekbones and jawline, whereas a triangle shape gets quite narrow at the hairline.

To balance a strong jaw, adding length with long necklaces and earrings is perfect! With linear jewelry, you are drawing the eye up and down and creating a longer look. Long necklaces with eye-catching pendants are a great choice, and long, linear earrings are also a good option. You may also want to try earrings that are rounded at the bottom and hit at, or below, the jawline to add some curves and balance a square jaw.

Oblong and Rectangle Face Shapes

Similar to Oval, a rectangle and oblong face shape is has more length than width. However, a rectangle and oblong face shapes have even more length. Rectangle shapes have a square hairline or forehead and jaw, whereas oblong shape have a rounded hairline and narrow chin. (This image from Byrdie is titled "Rectangular" but I feel like that was a typo because it looks quite oblong to me...but I could be wrong.)

Thanks to the great lengths to these face shapes, the jewelry that is more complimentary are styles that add width (just like oval shapes!). Short necklaces that have a wide curve, circular pendants are also great, and short earring such as studs, climbers or jackets. Another earring option are chandelier styles or teardrop shapes.

Round Face Shapes

 Round is fairly straight forward, and it seems like people with a round face, know it. If you have nice round cheeks, rounded jaw and hairline, you have a round face shape!

To balance the curves of a round face, looking for jewelry with geometric shapes or necklaces that create a "V" or "Y" shape are very complimentary. Lariats (either short or long), long necklaces that create a "V" shape, or layering long necklaces. Linear style earrings, or earrings that are nice and long can create the appearance of a longer face shape.

Inverted Triangle or Heart Face Shapes

If you have a nice narrow chin and your face widens towards the hairline, you have a Heart or Inverted Triangle face shape. The difference between these two shapes is that a heart shape has a rounded hairline and perhaps a widows peak, while an inverted triangle shape has a more squared off hairline.

With this shape we want to balance the narrow chin by adding width at the jawline with wide earrings, as well as at the base of the neck with shorter necklaces. Earrings that are a teardrop shape are perfect, or chandelier styles, or anything with nice round edges. Collar necklaces, short statement pieces or bold curves are really nice options for this face shape.

Play around with different styles of jewelry and see what you like the best. Again- it's not about rules, it's about feeling your best.

If you want to learn more about accessorizing, click here to read about what jewelry works best for your body type.

If you have any questions, or would like help selecting jewelry that works well with your face shape, or body type, don't hesitate to send me an email. I love working with my clients to find jewelry that they love, and doing consults or personal styling is what I love! It's win-win!

All face shape images are from Byrdie- an amazing resource for all things beauty related.

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Ah...spring and summer! With winter behind us and the fun, carefree days of spring and summer ahead, it's only natural the Apostyle Online Jewelry Boutique would do a new photo shoot for our Look Book.

Our photo shoot with Chiara Fritzler of c.f Photograph has wrapped up and the stunning photos can be found throughout the Apostyle website and our social media posts (Instagram, Facebook and Google+). It was a wonderful time and Chiara's talent and skilled eye resulted in nothing short of beautiful images! Chiara knows how to make everyone feel comfortable and her ability to capture not only the beauty of the models, but the beauty of the surroundings, is impeccable! All of the images you see here, is one of Chiara's masterpieces. If you're in the Calgary area and want to book as session of your own, check out her website (she does family, maternity, and engagement sessions, plus more!!) 

It also doesn't hurt when you have women such as Kyla Haimes (the style influencer and mastermind behind Bubble Wrap Snaps on Instagram), and Victoria Parent. Let me say that I try to surround myself with authentic, kind hearted and positive women, because that is the goal for Apostyle, and both Kyla and Victoria embody this type of woman.

Kyla is free spirited, adventurous and inspiring. Her confidence in who she is, and what her style is, encourages those around her to step outside of the box and try new things.

Victoria is an energetic, kind woman with a gentle spirit. She is generous with her time, skills and abilities, and her passion for inspiring the teens in her classroom by creating innovative teaching methods is both intriguing and impressive!

Needless to say, working with these two women was such a pleasure and I have been honored to know them outside of Apostyle's photo shoots.

A jewelry photo shoot wouldn't be complete without the wardrobe! And who doesn't love clothes?! I had an amazing time working with two Calgary boutiques- Crabapple Clothing Company in Marda Loop, and Adorn Boutique in Inglewood.

The ladies at Crabapple Clothing are near and dear to my heart, as this is the place where my love and passion for fashion, personal style, and personal styling really came to life during the years that I worked there. Whitney, the owner, and all of the women there are fun, professional and really know how to find the perfect outfit to suit every individual customer.
Crabapple has outfitted us for a couple of different shoots, and Whitney and Rosalyn were there to help with styling the models. While Kyla tried on the items for the shoot, she also found a number of pieces she wanted to add to her own wardrobe!

Adorn Boutique is fresh and youthful, and with a slogan like "We do pretty!", feminine details aren't at a loss here! Though the store itself isn't huge, they offer a ton of beautiful pieces that are sure to make you feel pretty! When I was there with Victoria, the lineup for the fitting room was full of women in all different age ranges, body types and personalities, and they were all excited to try on their armful of clothes.

And of course, a photo shoot isn't a shoot without some spectacular locations!

4Living is a beautiful showroom located in the heart of Calgary on 17th Avenue and 14th Street. The massive windows make this modern furniture and home décor store bright and airy, and every item in there is more than worthy to be photographed. Thanks to the wonderful natural light, clean lines of the space & furniture, and the bright furnishings, this location was the perfect spot to do our close up product shots to show you, our customers, exactly what the jewelry looks like! 
Karen, and the ladies at 4Living, were very accommodating and have hosted us a number of times.

Limitless is another fantastic furniture and home décor store located in Inglewood. In contrast to 4Living, the dark walls, moody lighting and eye catching furniture inspired us to step outside of the box and try different things. Limitless isn't your run of the mill store, and is definitely worth a visit!

Whitehall Restaurant evokes feelings of familiarity, comfort and class. The high ceilings, white walls (hence the name, Whitehall), built in bookshelves, and comfortable seating really make you feel at home. Besides this, the bar is amazing and as soon as I saw it I knew I wanted it featured in some of our photos. Besides the atmosphere, the menu is unique and has something for everyone!

The moment I walked in to the Trickle Creek Designer Show Home in Watermark, I knew this was it! This had to be where we did our shoot. Ready to beg and plead, I talked to the Trickle Creek team and they were willing, and happy, to host Apostyle for a day of shooting! I was amazed (I didn't have to offer my first born) and so excited because this home offered comfort, desirable living space, and distinctive architecture, finishings and décor that I knew would suit Apostyle's aesthetic perfectly! Inspired by the Show Home itself, we moved throughout the home to relate a different feel with each image. Going out to Watermark in Bearspaw and seeing this Trickle Creek Designer Show Home is definitely worth the trip!

With the Spring & Summer Look Book photo shoots all wrapped up, I am beyond thrilled with the results and everyone that played a role truly made it special and I will be forever grateful to them.  Thank you!

For more details about any individual or business listed, please click on the business names for a direct link to their website.

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What is so great about online shopping? Here's the good, the bad and the ugly about the ever growing and ever evolving industry of online shopping.

Online Shopping : Why and Why Not? 

We have all done it- checked out an online store, found something we love, and in the end, got a bit trigger shy and decided to not complete the purchase.
Or, you did make the purchase and when you received the item you were shocked and disappointed because it wasn't at all what you had expected.
Or, you made the purchase and were thrilled when the beautiful parcel arrived at your door! You not only loved what you bought, but the whole online shopping experience was fantastic and the customer service was amazing! 

A little background- I have personally experienced the first two scenarios, and that is why Apostyle was born. Apostyle is the online jewelry boutique that will give you the online shopping experience that you deserve. Fun, simple and exceeds your expectations!

Why online shopping? Why should you buy jewelry online and not at a bricks and mortar store? What's so great about buying jewelry online?

Here a few of the biggest, and most obvious, reasons why many people opt for online shopping over going to a shopping mall or street.

1. A large frustration about going to a shopping mall or popular shopping street is parking. You don't have to circle the lot to find a space that will fit your vehicle, pay for parking, or walk a mile to get to an online store.

2. Do it when you want and how you want! 1:00 in the morning in your pajamas, mid afternoon at work, or while your kids are napping. Online shopping allows you to shop when you want! (And you don't have to worry about what your hair looks like or feel the need to look "decent")

3. No lines or crowds or commission paid salespeople.

Those three reasons are minor, but here are the biggest, most practical and economical, reasons why buying jewelry online should become your go-to destination:

1. Variety. There are few physical stores that are dedicated to jewelry. Many stores these days are a home goods/jewelry/furniture store, or a clothing/jewelry/handbag/shoe store. While these concepts are wonderful, this limits the number of designers and styles they can carry. An online jewelry boutique, such as Apostyle, gives you a fantastic selection of designers for you to choose from.

2. I'm about to let you in on a little secret. As you know, location is everything when it comes to bricks and mortar stores, and with prime location comes a hefty lease price tag. How do store owners pay for this monthly expense? Their products! If you shop around, you will see that many physical stores have higher prices on products than online stores have for the exact item, and this is to pay for their space and overhead costs. By shopping online, you will get the best price and keep some money in your pocket!
For example, a popular local store now carries the same line of watches that Apostyle does. However, they have priced them over $50 more than we have. Also, retailers that carry a certain Designer as we do, prices their collection 15% higher than Apostyle.

What about the negative side of online shopping?

Before Apostyle began, we conducted a survey to find out what deterred women from shopping online. Here were the top explanations as to why women were hesitant to shop online:

- Photos of the items weren't detailed or clear. This made it difficult to really know what you're paying for and could lead to disappointment when the order arrived.

- Shipping and return costs

- Poorly designed websites that make it difficult to find anything.

- There isn't an available employee to answer questions.

Apostyle is none of these things!

We personally photograph every single item that we carry and you will see each angle and detail, as well as photos of the jewelry on a model to show you exactly what the jewelry looks like.

We are proud to offer free shipping on all Canadian orders over $75, and US orders over $150. And no matter where you live, returns are free and easy.

The Apostyle online jewelry boutique has an easy to shop layout with everything organized by type (ie. necklaces, bracelets, etc), or by Designer. You can also sort the lists by price, name, newest additions, etc. Also, feedback from customers helps Apostyle evolve and improve.

As the Proprietor of Apostyle, I welcome and encourage customers to reach out and ask any questions. If you need additional photos, want to Skype to see an item in person, or need help styling an outfit or selecting different jewelry to go with something you already own, I am here to help and typically respond within the hour.

What's stopping you? When life is so busy, go for convenience and save money while you're at it! Online shopping, especially when it comes to jewelry, is enjoyable, simple and cost effective.

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