Paswera Label fashion show for Winnipeg fashion for a cure

Decided to edit this video and had fun doing it smile emoticon it was a great show for great cause:) We miss doing a fashion show or being a part of one. Slowly working on new pieces to put together a mini fashion show and/or a fashion video for you guys . Paswera loves you xoxox, feel free to have a look.

Paswera label mini capsule collection (Created with @Magis

For more information about the inspirations about our designs and photo shoot behind our mini capsule (3-4pieces) collection, please have a read below. Paswera label loves you.

-Hannah

My top 5 memories of London, England

This post definitely brings back lots of fond memories of London, England.  I had never documented or have written about my experiences in a city that exudes both class and anarchy. For the most part, I took my trips for granted (in a later post I will explain why) but I'm forever grateful for this experience.

London is a leading global city with strengths in the arts, entertainment, fashion, media, tourism and transport, just to name a few.  The British accent alone conveys such regalness and poise no matter where you go.  London has a lot to offer: from the edgy and lively atmosphere of the East end of London, to the more mainstream and popular tourist destination of Oxford Street.  Here are my top 5 personal memories of London.

1.  Camden Market

I've always been a vintage type of girl growing up in Winnipeg, so when I first visited Camden Market it felt somewhat like home.  It was full of great vintage finds, and has a very down to earth nature.  I love the fact that you don't necessarily have to be all dolled up to walk around this part of London.  You can be as bohemian or old-school pin-up style vintage as you'd like.  This part of London has always been dear to me because it is the neighbourhood where one of my favourite artists used to live, Amy Winehouse, may she RIP xoxo

When I think of Amy's songs , i think of Camden Market, where i go "back to black", my favourite song of hers :)

2. Piccadily Square

This is also another type of place full of free spirited people.  On saturdays it's packed and when I went, there were live bands playing on the streets, fresh fish and chips being served :) mmmm and alot of cute little trinkets and souvenirs to buy.  This was also one of the homes of my favourite store All Saints.  There is always some street events happening in this part of London.  Just be ready to listen to some reggae london type of music all day long. Love it .

3. Carnaby Street

Oh Carnaby, I wish I had lived in the 60's because I would be swinging into my short mini skirt and go-go boots galore.  After all, this was the birthplace of the fashion and cultural revolution during the 1960's.  When I went, it was part of a work trip where we look at trends in all the different stores.  I wish I took a picture of me under the iconic Carnaby arch, but back then I was camera shy (which i'll explain in a later post).  But instead I found this picture from my old phone.  Here, you'll find an eclectic mix of stores as well as independent boutiques, heritage brands, new designer names, plus, you'll have a lot of options when it comes to restaurants, bars, cafes, and great English pubs.  I'm not a beer or  a pub type of girl, but I did enjoy some fish and chips :)

4. Oxford Street

At first when I heard about Oxford street, I thought about the Oxford dress shirt lol.  (sorry just went off on a tangent there).   The hotel that I stayed at was pretty close to this street, so it was a joy having to sleep in a bit due to jet lag, and start my day off a bit later.  FYI, I found myself jet lagged on this day and trend shopping for me was pretty exhausting, considering how many people shop here, OMG. Even if I was wide awake, I would have been stressed out with so many visual cues around me.   But other than that, Oxford street is the heart of London shopping.  It is the home to the legendary Selfridges, and other well known stores.   Don't be surprised if you make a wrong turn to a side street thinking you've seen it before because all the streets here looked the same lol .  I still had fun and managed to take some decent pictures.

5. Victoria Palace theatre

I was blessed to have had such a wonderful boss when I travelled to London.  As part of her thank you to me for a long work trip, she had surprised me with a pair of tickets to see Billy Elliot the musical with her this night.  I was dancing like a little girl, and i was extremely excited.  I had watched the movie Billy Elliot and had fallen in love with it :)  The movie's message was all about the love and support of family, and that no matter how different you are, you can dance your way to success and happiness :)  I strongly recommend watching this show or movie if you get the chance,  I promise you that it will change your life forever.  The play itself was amazing.  The costumes, singing, dancing to the acting were all memorable . I love love it xoxox

I'm not sure when I will get to experience London again.  But i do hope that if and when I do, this time around I would want to share it with family and friends.  Now if only our Canadian dollar can match the pound it would be so much better :)

Thanks to all of our Paswera lovers out there that's reading this blog.  I'm not sure who's reading these posts but if you are, I hope I had made you smile and laugh, and convince you to go to London.  P.S.  For those who'd like to see a some fun videos just go onto our Paswera label youtube page below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWYIHm7lJpg

xoxxo Hannah

3 Pieces of a brokenheart

This was yet another spontaneous collaborative photo shoot session with my talented brother William, our editorial/creative director, and our equally amazing stylographer Colin ( short for stylist and photographer ) and myself, the designer and the model.  

What better way to start and set the mood but by listening to Edith Piaf, a beautiful haunting and tragic voice, with the glamourous Oscars 2015 being played in the background.  Hopefully one day, if and when all the stars line up, we will have one of our dress worn on the red carpet by one of the many starlets xoxox.  Just putting it out there in the universe :) Making dreams a reality!

The next 3 series of photos were inspired by the feelings and emotions of a breakup.   There is anger, the need to embrace your vulnerability, and the joy of starting new and moving forward.  We have all experienced all of these emotions whether it was through a breakup or the lost of a dear friend and/or family.  But always remember to love yourself, and strive to be a better person in the end.

Our pale pink column gown is made out of sheer organza with a plunging neckline that is fitted through the hips and flares out.  We wanted to channel the old mystical glamourous but tragic world of our heroine Edith Piaf.  The main focus of the makeup were the eyes, a subtle smoky eye, with dewy luminous skin and nude lips. We also wanted to play with the accessories and turn a simple metallic fabric as a magically inspired head wrap.  Find a way to express your anger through a non-destructive way and become a better person.

check out the mini video clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGZoPgPN590

This sheer lace outfit below was created with 2 different colours of lace.  The top layer was hand appliqued onto the sheer dress.  The layers created a natural and organic pattern that cascades down from the top to the bottom.  We wanted to show the vulnerabilities that a person has gone through or is going through.  Embrace your vulnerabilities and imperfections for this is what makes you beautiful and genuine. The makeup focussed on the eyes, and the lips were kept neutral.  We kept the hair slicked at the side and added volume at the back and the side.  Love and accept all of yourself, to be able to give love back.  

check out the mini video clip here :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pKElf1ccXM

The design below was perfectly captured by Colin which shows freedom and independence.  This is another side of Paswera Label.  A fun and youthful ivory lace/crotchet top.  Enjoy and live a passionate filled life.  Have fun and dance your sadness aways.  As for the makeup, we kept the eyes simple but played up my red lips  (perfect for kissing someone special on the cheeks )

- check out the mini video clip here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3gW4tIeN-M

We will continue to create more pieces this coming week.

I am seeing life through rose-pink eyeglasses. Je vois la vie en rose - Edith Piaf  

Enjoy and live your life always xoxox 

Hannah

Paswera Label's 5 reasons why we love NYC

New York is definitely one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.  We were lucky enough to visit it more than once :) and we will keep coming back, simply because we LOVE NYC!  The city that never sleeps is home to some of the world's best restaurants, museums and attractions.  It is impossible to just pick 5 , but this list is just the beginning of many NYC posts to come.

1. Central Park

A park within the concrete jungle of Manhattan, with its 843 acres of gardens, streams and playgrounds, Central Park is the city's backyard.  Central Park is the country's most visited urban park.  When my friend and I visited during the summer,  we had so much fun watching many different street performers, and artists alike.  It's also full of beautiful places to take some really amazing pictures, so I just had to strike a pose, like there's nothing to it :) vogue vogue vogue ooohh lol.  It was extremely hot on this day so I decided to wear my high waisted navy shorts and my black crop top with my chain purse.  If you guys do plan on going , make sure to set aside at least 2 days to fully appreciate Central Park in the summer, and wear comfy shoes! it's a must.  

2.  Time Square

Time Square is for you , IF...... you want to feel alive. You can feel the pure energy, chaos, and the smell of several hot dog stands, plus you never know who you might just bump into, like for example I personally met the biggest DIVA in the world, her majesty The Statue of Liberty (my friend and I ran out of time to visit the actual statue, so she was the next best thing), amongst several Comic book heroes/performers.   What I wore this day was my favourite white lace top and pink camisole, paired with the most comfortable high waisted cut off denim shorts ( I do love me some high waisted shorts anytime of the day!)

3.  New York Public Library

Ok , so how we got to the New York Public Library was unexpected.  My friend Lexi and I, being such fabulous tourists/fashionistas, ran to the steps wanting to take a picture, thinking that this was the place where they filmed the show Gossip Girl, you know, the part where they all sit on the steps and gossip ? lol.  Turns out that it wasn't the place (they filmed the show at the Met steps, we did see it but from up the tour bus,  so no Gossip girl worthy poses on the steps).   Anyways, we did go inside the Library, and it was beautifully furnished with marble stones and grand staircases.  I was expecting to see some books but that wasn't the case.  Perhaps we missed a room or two? I'm not really sure but it's worth going to again for our next visit.  As for my outfit, I decided to bring out my inner bohemian with my maxi polka-dot dress.  This outfit always made me smile, and it's perfect for a hot suny summer day while we walk around NYC.

4.  Meatpacking District

Now for all of you Samantha's of the world, this is your playground!  Some days I feel like Samantha in Sex and the city, especially when she doesn't give a F*#@.  I love the vibe of this part of Manhattan.  This place is glamourous, full of socialite wannabes and celebrities who love to party and enjoy the nightlife.  I remembered that on this night, my friend and I couldn't decide where to go, so we were walking endlessly in heels tired and bitchy lol (take note: a true New Yorker girl always carries some flats to wear).   We finally ended up in a nice quaint restaurant with really good food surrounded by a few male admirers, how Samantha of us.
After dinner, however, we felt more like Charlotte and decided not to party and get our beauty sleep instead.  I will save that New York party life till next trip, and hopefully meet Aiden or Mr. big :) 

5.  Gershwin theater on Broadway

This was the highlight of our trip.  After all, we both love to sing and dance, ok maybe that's just me, not sure about my friend.  I do enjoy dancing like no one's watching or singing like Beyonce slash Whitney slash Mariah.  This beautiful theater was named in honor of one of America's greatest composers, George Gershwin, and his brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin.  I was so excited to see my very first show, and we got a really good deal on the show Wicked.  I laughed, I cried, I got inspired. The play was nothing but magical.  It made you dream, and every note stuck to me.   I know that if you believe in yourself you can be Defying Gravity just like Elphaba did.  

Those are just some of the reasons why we love NYC.  It's a special place and once you visit, you will always come back.    It's a city that never sleeps, but it will leave you with the greatest memories to cherish and remember forever.  Paswera Label loves you NYC. xoxox

Easy 5 Step Healthy No Bake Granola Bars

Help keep your new year's resolution to eat clean with this simple 5 step, 5 ingredient, no bake granola bar recipe!  It's easy, healthy, and best of all - it's absolutely delicious!

Before you get started, here's what you'll need:

•  a large mixing bowl
• a wooden spatula
• 1 pan measuring 8" x 8"
• measuring cups

Ingredients:

You can substitute rolled oats with instant oats.  Just be sure to use the sugar-free kind!  Oat products are filled with many benefits including being able to help the immune system fight off bacterial infections! Read more here

You add whatever dry ingredients here for your desired flavour.  I chose to keep it classic with trail mix and dried cranberries.  For me, this mix keeps me energized and feeling full longer. You can also try dried coconut, currants, dates, and yes - chocolate chips!

Peanut butter!  My favourite!  You can opt to use the organic and/or raw kinds here.  You can also try it with other nut butters such as almond butter and even macadamia  nut butter.  Get creative and try mixing various nut butters together to create a completely unique flavour!

Honey.  You can also use Agave nectar but I personally find it too sweet for my liking.  I chose to go with a local Wildflower Honey.  Absolutely delicious!  It was priced decently as well.  For a 1kg jar, we paid $13.55.  Well worth the dollars.

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Finished product 

You won't regret making these little breakfast cuties.  They're quick, simple, healthy, and cheap to make!  Have it with some tea and fresh fruit before you start your day, or pack a couple in your lunch bag for a quick and clean snack on the go!  They can even be wrapped up in a nice box to give away as a last minute gift (or you could just stuff as many in your mouth like I do because they're so tasty)!  Enjoy! #pasweralovesyou

4 Piece Collection (Weekly)

So we've put our minds together and decided just to create, create, create.  Whether or not it becomes a collection, our main focus is to keep on pumping out new pieces every Monday.  We had fun photo shooting my sister in her own designs.  We had a makeshift photo session in our living room, with Colin taking on the role of photog.  It was hilarious, fun, and therapeutic.  Paswera Label is taking a step back and just enjoying itself in its most raw and vulnerable form.  

At the moment, we're inspired by drapes that are knitted and comfortable.  A perfect way to treat oneself in a lounge-around-yet-luxe kind of way to get over a broken heart.  

#pasweralovesyou

Our travels to the Land of the Rising Sun: Tokyo, Japan

Paswera loves Tokyo, Japan.  A picture's worth a thousand words, so it is said - which is why we've uploaded about 50 of them. Well, 46 to be exact.  Check them out.  Where is your favourite place to travel?