Alberta Canola Fields

by Sandy Joe | Aug 29, 2019 | Blog, Style

Alberta Canola Fields

Alberta Canola Fields AKA the sun was high and we went for a ride down a country road and found a field of rapeseed. Yes, canola, for those who don’t know, is called rapeseed. I don’t have much else to say on the topic. Blue skies and fields of canola is a classic Alberta moment that I do enjoy. Anyway, here’s a bunch of photos that we shot in high sun which is ~unusual~ for me. So please enjoy the dress I couldn’t stop wearing! (Perhaps you remember it from my previous post on the Aga Khan Garden) 😎

OUTFIT DETAILS

BAILEY’S OF HOLLYWOOD black hat – c/o (similar here)
RAY BAN aviator sunglasses – c/o Shopbop
ARITZIA dress
VANS authentic shoes – c/o

Thanks for stopping by!

In conclusion, this was just one of those shoots that wasn’t planned but the lighting and backdrop all came together. It was too gorgeous (in my opinion) not to publish. So despite me not having a larger idea or message to convey here, I hope you enjoyed the photos. Do people even read blogs anymore? Am I typing these words to publish into the abyss? Does it even matter? Nope.

photographs – Jesse Sand

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CARBON COPY Edmonton Brewery District

by Sandy Joe | Aug 17, 2019 | Blog, Style

CARBON COPY Edmonton Brewery District

There are many things that bother me about Edmonton. The lack of vision when it comes to historic buildings, most of the new architecture… maybe my issues are with developers. 🤔I digress. When it comes to the public art, that’s the department where the city truly shines. Between the large scale art installations (like the Talus dome) we also have Rust Magic. Last summer this 1988 Plymouth Caravelle popped up in the Brewery District and I was naturally stoked. That’s when I had my first glimpse of Carbon Copy Edmonton Brewery District. It looks dope all while expounding a thoughtful commentary on the car culture surrounding the city of Edmonton. AKA we rely very heavily on vehicles and have made very slow progress changing that…. especially with the continuing urban sprawl. Oh and here’s a cute outfit next to it.

OUTFIT DETAILS

WINNERS gold hoop earrings (similar here)
VINTAGE hawaiian dress
THRIFTED woven bag (similar here & here)
ZARA platform heels – c/o (similar here)
JIN SOON Aero Polish – c/o
BUXOM Va-Va-PLUMP Shiny Liquid Lipstick in Heat Wave – c/o

Carbon Copy Edmonton Brewery District

Sooooo I guess what I’m trying to say here is, everyone should be looking into the public art around their city. In fact, I heavily encourage self directed art walks. It’s a fantastic way to experience a hometown and see it with new eyes. Plus, it’s a free way to take in art… especially if you hate the building art is housed in within your city. (Hello AGA, the glorified event space). Thanks so much for popping by!

photographs – Jesse Sand

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The Thrifted Corn Dress

by Sandy Joe | Aug 12, 2019 | Blog, Style

The Thrifted Corn Dress

The thrifted corn dress, where do I begin? Discovering this dress on an overstuffed rack of meh-ness was like finding a unicorn in the doldrums. First of all, the pattern spoke to me in such a deep way. That colour of green reminded me of shag carpet from the 60s – which is a selling point to me. After closer inspection I realized that the pattern featured giant husks of corn. Despite all these positive points, the actual shape of the dress was concerning. It looks like a potato sack a few inches too long for my height. Irregardless, I still took a chance. Let this be a lesson to everyone: never prejudge the shape of a dress before you try it on. This fact has rang true in my decades long thrift experience. Belts can do wonders to change the look of a garment!

OUTFIT DETAILS

WINNERS gold hoop earrings (similar here)
ALDO  agrerasen sunglasses – c/o (similar here)
THRIFTED  dress
VINTAGE woven bag (similar here & here)
THRIFTED  leather belt
ZARA  platform heels – c/o (similar here)

The Thrifted Corn Dress

Ugh. Isn’t thrifting just the best? I truly cannot get enough of it. For those interested in more thrifting/fashion related content, check out my style section on my blog. And feel free to leave me your best thrift finds – I always get a buzz while living vicariously through fellow thrifters tales!

photographs – Jesse Sand

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Aga Khan at the U of A Botanic Garden

by Sandy Joe | Jul 14, 2019 | Blog, Style

Aga Khan at the U of A Botanic Garden

Last year was the official opening of the Aga Khan at the U of A Botanic Garden and I was lucky enough to be invited to the preview. The massive garden is both impressive as it is serene. Then again, all of the different gardenscapes there are on the calming side – the Kurimoto Japanese Garden being one of them. For those of you into serenity, symmetry, and nature, then this garden is a must-see. The best part is the space can be enjoyed beyond its summertime splendour. The Luminaria event has become one of my favourite winter time experiences…. but more on that in November!

OUTFIT DETAILS

WINNERS gold hoop earrings (similar here)
ARITZIA dress
THRIFTED knit bag (similar here & here)
VANS authentic shoes – c/o

Aga Khan at the U of A Botanic Garden

In conclusion, the Aga Khan at the U of A Botanic Garden is a must-see during the summer and everyone needs to go. Nature / forest bathing is a real thing and this is definitely the place to be practicing it. Be sure to check back here for a peek at the winter Luminaria event in November! It’ll be here before we know it.

photographs – Jesse Sand + last shot by Marielle Elizabeth

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Vibrant Layers OOTD

by Sandy Joe | Jul 9, 2019 | Blog, Style

Vibrant Layers OOTD

As a great fan of kitschy things, I still have a deep love for brightly coloured facades. Even better when those brightly coloured facades are paired with some zany vintage finds. Is this my favourite formula for a blog post? Why yes, it truly is. So let’s dive into my Vibrant Layers OOTD. 🌈

OUTFIT DETAILS

OLLIE QUINN isabella sunglasses – c/o
VINTAGE pearl drip necklace
PORTS velvet corduroy jacket/dress
THRIFTED striped top
LEVIS thrifted denim jeans
VANS canvas sk8-hi true white – c/o
VINTAGE tapestry purse

Vibrant Layers OOTD

Thanks so much for popping by! For more fashion related content, be sure to check out my Style section. And on a random note, these photos were shot on both my Nikon D810 camera as well as my Samsung Galaxy S10e! As an old school blogger, these advancements in technology are mind blowing. The ability to blog has become much easier than it was when I first began The Pretty Secrets and that’s so rad!

Photographs – Jesse Sand

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A Thrifted Stampede Outfit

by Sandy Joe | Jul 3, 2019 | Blog, Style

A Thrifted Stampede Outfit

A summer staple is going to a Stampede… or at least dressing like you’re attending one. A thrifted stampede outfit is the best way to go. Regardless of the situation, I always think a thrifted outfit is the best option. That shouldn’t be a surprise around here. Did I wear a tablecloth as a skirt? It’s very possible. Would I do it again? Of course. Anyway, keep scrolling for this 90% vintage / 10% new outfit. But Sandy, which part is the 10%!? Just guess.

OUTFIT DETAILS

VINTAGE denim ish cowboy hat
RAY BAN aviator sunglasses – c/o Shopbop (the 10% not thrifted item 😉 )
THRIFTED jacket striped tie top
THRIFTED tablecloth
VINTAGE western boots inherited from my mom!

A Thrifted Stampede Outfit

Let this be a lesson that anything can be clothing if you really put your mind to it. Shirts can be worn backwards, tablecloths can be skirts! There is no limit to what the imagination can create. A truly spectacular look is just a thrift store away! This goes for a thrifted stampede outfit or for any other occasion really.

photographs – Jesse Sand

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