Chrysanthemum

If you know me, then you definitely know that I'm probably one of the pickiest eaters on the planet but recently I've had a change of heart.  Most of my life I've pretty much ordered off the kids menu at restaurants because they had exactly what I wanted: Pasta with no sauce, just butter.  And for years, even in my 20s I would order the exact same thing restaurant to restaurant. I've tried numerous times to try new things and there are just some foods I just don't like and probably won't ever. I don't like fish, red meat, sushi, a number of vegetables, strawberries, oranges...the list goes on and on.   I was a vegetarian for the past 9 or 10 years or so mostly because I just never liked the taste of meat.  This past summer I decided to give meat another chance and for the first time since I can't remember, I'm starting to eat chicken!  I'm still weary about giving burgers another try but maybe I'll find the right one With this re

Things have been so hectic around here and the weather has not been cooperating with my outfit selection!  This week was up and down but I took the time to put together this outfit for work. I was channeling Meg White from The White Stripes the other day and ran with it.  As you can see, my room has reddish-pink walls, black and white comforter, and black and white posters. You'd think that they're my favourite colours by looking at me, but actually it's green! I like keeping the black and white scheme simple most of the time with a pop of red. I'll say this once, and I'll probably say it again: Never, ever  throw away your goth gear from the goth days.  There have been a lot of pieces that I wore when I was 14 that I now find myself wearing again almost 10 years later!  My mary jane shoes are from my working at Hot Topic days and I'm glad I kept them all these years.  The shoes are Anarchic by T .U.K  and the rugged outsole/creepers look is re

I wanted to take the time today to make a post about symbolic and important images concerning Chrysanthemums.  They are a focus on this blog and I wanted to share the images that inspire me most Artist: William Charles John Pitcher The artist of this illustration is William Charles John Pitcher, quite the name if you ask me.  He was a costume designer from England back in the late 1800's into the early 1900's.  In my research I've come across several other flower ladies but this one in particular is called "The Chrysanthemum."  I admire this piece because of the women's gaze and presence.  Her body is open and fearless.  In Japanese culture the mum is a symbol of fall and also a symbol of happiness and eternal youth. While it does mean those things, the color of the mum can also determine it's purpose or meaning.   White chrysanthemums are presented to those who are in mourning of a loss while the yellows and reds are used to show affection to

So I know acid has been in out of the fashion scene, but it's always something that I like to chill out in over the weekend.  Even though working at Timberland has a very "business casual" work environment I avoid the acid wash while on the clock. Since these have more of a light wash I tend to keep to brighter colours rather than throwing it together with a band tee.  I see that more as a dark acid-wash look, personally! I got the shirt a few years ago from Anthropolgie on the sales rack. It's a 3/4 length knit top and is very soft and comfortable.  The print is different and a bit quirky and is sometimes a good conversation starter Also these grey suede booties from White Mountain are quite comfortable and do nicely while being worn at work.  Just have to make sure that it's not snowing before I head out the door! This week will be pretty busy at work and with life.  There's so much to do in so little time but we all have to rememb

As a designer, I spend a lot of time doing research and looking up to designers and artists for inspiration.  There are so many creative minds out in the world but there are a number of people who really test limits and push boundaries. I love exploring the minds of others and then reflecting on myself and how I can be more like them. I've decided that on Thursdays I will post some looks and talk a little about the designer or artist being featured. This is Antonio Marras: He is an Italian designer and does collections for both men and women. He started showing his work back in the late 1980's and had his first show in Milan in 1999.  Since then he has become a well known Italian designer and shows 3-4 collections a year.  When doing some trend research for Timberland, I came across his 2014 Pre-Fall collection on style.com . At first I thought it was a strange collection with an even stranger back drop for the lookbook.  There were a few looks an

For month's now we've been dealing with all too many grey days and snow so when the weather decides to change it's tune (or sometimes not) I bust out the tights and skirts and do a little happy dance in the morning...or at least try to in efforts to feel better! I got this little skirt from H&M last summer with the Tiger screen print on it: I also loved the print SO much that I caved and got the dress too It's super comfortable and because it's black and very easy to pair with coloured tops or fun tights.  While I didn't in this photo, the coming spring/summer months will give me a good opportunity to do so again. It was quite warm out on Saturday, so I only needed my trusty cardigan and also my Savin Hill Boots from Timberland. They have amazing footbeds so that I'm comfortable all day AND they keep my feet dry.  They aren't water-proof but they're great in the snow. But unfortunately there's snow (and a lot

Hi all, Took me a little while to try and figure out how to put this post together, but here goes... I'm Kristina and I'm 23, I graduated last may with my BFA in Fashion Design and have been interning at Timberland HQ for the past 6 months in the women's footwear department. I help complete tasks and sometimes design shoes and prints for the current seasons. I've spent a lot of time trying to decide what this blog will be mainly about, but honestly I'm not too sure yet! I chose "Chrysanthemum" to be the name of the blog because it directly relates to my Grandmother who is mostly known as "Yiayia Chris" Chris being short for Chrysanthe. She may look like the typical little Greek Yiayia, but she is much more than that to me. She has always believed in me and pushed me to do well in what I love. We've always been very close and I continue to confide in her throughout my life. Currently I'm living in New Hamps