// THE STORY BEHIND IT ALL

“Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I have learned deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: ”Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it/ Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it”. 

- W.H. Murray

That was the beginning for me. I somehow already made my way to New York City. I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. This first collection is about this story. Trusting yourself, regardless of how different it may seem at the beginning. It may end up to be your magic and boldness that eventually gives you the power to do incredible things. I hope you enjoy the collection x -C

 

// CAT WALK

// Collection N Eleven Media Launch

Good morning :) I'm finally sitting down with all of my photos from Tuesday's launch party. My eyes haven't been able to stay open, so to bed early was what I needed. I'm drinking coffee now while curled up in freshly cleaned sheets feeling finally awake. I've had that tired headache - you know the one the you can feel in your eyeballs - for a while now. It' gone :) ANYWAYS Tuesday was just so surreal. It's crazy to me that it even happened! I haven't received the photos from Bridget yet, and iPhone photos just don't do the night justice, so I'm waiting to show you. I want you to get the full experience, so for now - here's just a prep photo from my florist!

I'm lucky to have such creative and talented friends. Elisa - the master mind behind all the decor did such a beautiful job. I couldn't have asked for anything more, Maman looked stunning. Chinae was on the flowers - and matched my inspiration photo to a tee. I had my poor boyfriend running all over the city picking up things that I had forgotten. Kendal was there early to help set up. I arrived only to put up the wallpaper. Like how lucky am I?

I had strike off's made of all the artwork. Guys, the quality of the wallpaper feels delicious. I can't wait to show you all the prints, [there are a couple that I haven't shown you yet because I enjoy surprises] Rob and Kyra from Twenty2 wallpaper did an amazing job. The color matching could not be more perfect - I guess that's what you get when you work with high end companies. The beauty behind the collection is it's all made-to-order. So you're not buying more than you need to. It's a custom way of doing things, and I enjoy it :) 

Alright it's time for me to start my day. I promise as soon as I have the photos I'll get them up here! I'm going to work real hard to get the collection up on here by tomorrow morning! Stay tuned.  x -C

// MEDIA LAUNCH

// COLLECTION N ELEVEN 

GUYS!!!! It's here, the 5th of the 5th month of 2015. Want to know a little secret, I had that date written down in my journal about 4 years ago. I found it last night at around 3 am while I was putting the finishing touches on the website for the big reveal [to you] and needed a little mind break.

Tonight is the private media launch party. I just got word that some major publications will be there, and between you and I, I'm starting to get real nervous. I will be revealing the full collection + full video + full story behind the collection later this week!! Ah it's all coming together. Super crazy and fun and scary! Photographer Bridget Badore will be working her magic tonight - I wanted to make sure you had full exclusive coverage of the launch party tonight! Alright guys, here goes nothing. Wish me luck! x -C

// BEEN WORKING HARD

// Collection launch tomorrow 

Good morning guys! It's almost 7 am and I'm already on my second cup of coffee - couldn't sleep/ wanted to finish editing photos from a kick ass makeup/photos/Candice Kaye Design jam sesh Rachel, Holly, and I did Saturday evening. Above is an outtake from the shoot [I'll have more photos up later this week]. Rachel's apartment is so New York - white walls, large windows and a view that looks out to pretty New York buildings, it was the perfect shooting space. It was also nice to take my camera out again. I've been so caught up with all this design stuff that I forgot all about my handsome Nikon. Speaking of design, I've been working really hard these past couple months getting this collection together - which officially launches tomorrow for media. It's definitely been a testament to my stre... my everything. How hard I was willing to work, or how much time and energy I was willing to put into my work was completely up to me, and to be honest I never really understood how much pressure that could be. I purposely kept this collection at five pieces for this reason. I wanted to make sure I spent time on every piece. Each color chosen, each flower and leaf painted were all painted with careful detail and purpose. 

Beyond all this hard work, and [a lot of] moments of self doubt - the process of putting together this collection has been the most rewarding couple months of my life. The most exciting realization for me was that I could even put something like this together - and with this realization I am certain this is just my beginning. Which is why I signed myself up for an embroidery class starting in June. It's time to show this world what I gotz. Happy Monday peeps. Can't wait for tomorrow. 

x -C

// WEEKEND VIBES

// Brooklyn Flea

Searching for fun accessories for Collection N Eleven's launch party Tuesday at the Brooklyn Flea. Found all this baseball stuff right when I walked in. This is a sport that really does make pretty decor. 

// WEEKEND VIBES

// Greenwich Village

Doesn't even look real does it. New York is just so good looking when the weather starts to behave and be warm and lovely and sunny. 

Fridayyyy. I really do just love waking up in the morning knowing tomorrow is Saturday which means I have full range to act my age tonight and do whatever it is I feel like doing. Lately however it's been staying in with my paints and computer working on the new collection [which is launching TUESDAY], but still - I can totally stay up until like 2 am sipping on Bud Light[s] painting without pants on. See I'm just really crazy like that. Happy TIGF peeps. x -C

// DIY MOTHERS DAY CARD

Working with the Preserve.us team is like hanging out with a couple of really awesome people. Elisa and I genuinely look forward to our hangouts. About a week ago, we got together to do another DIY - this time with Mother Day Cards designed specially for the Preserve team. Blake liked Peonies, so the Peony they received! Read the full story here, and learn how to paint your very own Preserve Peony from my very careful instructions. The best part about this DIY - you don't feel like painting, print it out fully painted!

oh and PS, new horoscopes are up! If you're a cancer like me it's a good one! x -C

cxv

// COUNTDOWN

// Seven days until launch date

Hi! For about six months now I've been collecting iPhone footage of life - my collaboration with Roots Canada, seeing my wallpaper on the walls for the first time at Papa Poule, 6 am photo shoots with Preserve.us at Maman Cafe, nights out with Dan, family time when I get to fly back home to Toronto, late night painting parties - which generally lead to late night dancing parties [alone] to Drake's new album [I am so Canadian, eh] - all gearing up for the launch of Collection N Eleven. This collection means so much more to me than just pretty flowers and watercolor paint. There's a story behind it - a story that sort of sounds like, "follow your dreams, and be authentic while doing it". x -C