BE IN PEACE, NOT IN PIECES.

Crochet bra: Urban Outfitters / Denim shorts: Vintage Levi's / Floral Headband: Vidakush

As we approach mid-summer, I can't help but soak in all the sunshine, buy out all the farmer's markets, live outside, and smile unconditionally. This is the bliss I've been waiting for. This is the time of year that inspires me, teaches me, and makes me a better person.
Unfortunate that this all had to come to an end one fall day, so soak it up, and smile.

SNOWY STABLES.

A preppy, riding-boot accessorized outfit is quite unusual for me. I found these topshop boots a month ago, tried them on, and for whatever reason decided not to get them. Thankfully when I came back a couple days ago, they were marked down more than 70%. Total steal for the quality and how wearable they are! 

The Ray-Ban aviators are also a brand new addition to my wardrobe. They are a part of the new Summer 2013 collection, and despite their current out-of-season appeal, I love them to pieces!

Also, yes, I finally decided it was time to start wearing an actual coat, unlike this outfit post.

Are you proud of me? My blood temperature is!

See you soon,

xo

Coat: Romwe / Jeans: Hudson Jeans / Boots: Topshop Premium / Purse: 3.1 Phillip Lim / Sunglasses:  Ray-Ban / Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs / Buckle bracelet: Chicnova

THRIFT SHOP.

Lavender sweater: ROMWE / Lace skirt: ROMWE / White High-tops: Converse 

Truth be told...

I don't think I've ever been as cold as I was while shooting these pictures. 

I often get asked: "Sonya, aren't you cold in just a sweater in the winter?" Or.. "wow it must be really hot in Canada!" Yes- I am very cold while shooting my winter outfit pictures. But allow me to explain, they in no way realistically portray what I wear when it is -4 degrees outside. The reason I don't wear jackets often is because: 

a) I am a summer-fall outfit kind of girl. I love skirts. I don't like tights on me. I don't like puffy winter jackets.  I am also in denial that it's not hot outside. I like to think of the winter as a temporary cold front.

b) I have two winter jackets that I switch between. I don't think it would be very fun to show outfits using the same exact articles of clothing, so I kind of just subtract those pieces.

So no, it is not blazing hot in Canada. It is cold. I am just insane =) haha

Additionally, I wanted to make a list that is actually very relevant to my life right now: 

How to make the most of the winter. 

I really really don't want to count down the days until summer, because that's not living life to the fullest. If I can't escape the cold- I have to learn to like it. So here is a list I made:

My wonderful friend Anat posted a gorgeous outfit post on her blog, check it out!

See you soon 

xo

GIVING UP ISN'T AN OPTION.

Hey hey!

So I thought I'd do something a little different today: share a lesson I learned recently. For the past three months, I've been trying to sell a super over-priced blender I purchased this summer because I just wasn't into making smoothies anymore (it's way too cold and I'm over it). I got offers every day to buy the blender for way, way under how much I was generously asking for. I just kept the ad up because I was frankly too lazy to take it down. Well, three months later, someone took my offer and I sold the blender yesterday.
What has this taught me? Or rather, re-assured me?

Don't give up. Don't settle for less than you are asking for. Someone out there will agree with what you require. Not everyone will, but that's okay- because agreeing to sell yourself, or sell something, for less than it is worth is essentially giving up your dignity.

You will ultimately earn people's respect by setting standards and morals you stay true to regardless :)

Cardigan: Style Stalker (bought on PLNDR) / Camo shirt: vintage (similar) / Jeans: Citizens of Humanity / Red booties: Shoedazzle (similar) / Purse: 3.1 Phillip Lim / Chain necklace: Forever XXI

TWENTY THIRTEEN.

Happy New Year!!

I had an unforgettable night yesterday, thanks to my amazing friends and the incredibly kind-hearted spirit of Toronto last night. I don't know, maybe it was because most of us were "champagne happy", but everyone's positive attitude had an almost euphoric effect on me. I spent the actual 3-2-1 countdown running on the street, some random man gave me a rose, I got pushed into a strip club (whilst screaming "no please I don't want to get raped"), had a couple encounters with my subscribers, and then obviously froze to death because it was -3... and I was wearing a skirt. 

Nonetheless, I decided to finally wear my new studded denim jacket today, paired with my favorite everyday jeans and some combat boots. I call it effortless bad-ass, or what have you. 

Don't get too carried away with your resolutions and don't verbalize them until you're already doing something to achieve your goal. I'll be seeing you all lots this year and hope to be even more active on my blog. Despite the gross weather :)

See you soon!

xo

Jacket: ChicNova / Grey sweater: American Apparel / Black jeans: Hudson Jeans / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban / Beanie: Urban Outfitters / Purse: 3.1 Phillip Lim / Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

WHITE & BLUE.

White and blue: that's how I would distinctly describe what the outdoors look like right now :) 

I've always been a lover of the snow, but I wish it came in the summer time. Imagine how pretty that would be! Can I re-arrange nature? No? Not how it works? Oh okay.

Truth be told, I planned on shooting this outfit outside. Then when I opened the door to get out, I realized the snow must have been knee-deep, at which point I decided a blank wall would work too!

I absolutely love my new leather skirt- I don't know why I waited so long to get one! They are such a chic take on the plain black skirt, which you already know I am a fan of.

See you soon!

Faux leather skirt: ROMWE / Plaid shirt: Forever 21 (very old) / Belt: Nasty Gal / Chelsea Heels: ASOS

TUESDAY MOOD BOARD.

Everything I love, and pretty much "urgently" need, I decided to disperse on this mood board. Sometimes throughout the day I look into the sky, see an airplane, and smile like a freak for the next few seconds. It's always been this way. I just can't wait: about a month of school and I'll be graduated, and 6 months until I'm legal age to travel alone :) 

By the way, this suede black balenciaga bag... it's just perfect. Definitely my next bag purchase!
See you soon! xo

GIVING SUMMER 'THE BOOT'.

As the cooler weather has began to creep up,  I found myself searching for the perfect fall boot. Here's a few of my personal favorites, be sure to let me know which one you like the most! I need help deciding!

1. Velvet Dr. Martens

Classic Dr. Martens with a twist: the sole appears to be less chunky and overall these shoes are adorable if you think the leather dr. martens are way too chunky (like myself)! 

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Chelsea Boot

Ever since I saw these boots online, I couldn't stop myself from stalking these in person. They were even more gorgeous in real life! I don't know what intrigues me so much about the green colour, but these boots are simply stunning! So perfect for the autumn season! 

3. Ash Studded Engineer Boots

I've been head-over-heels in love with these boots for about a year. I can't even express my love for them! I think this will be the year that I save up and purchase these babies...and then probably sleep in them.

4. Jeffrey Campbell Zorro

A new boot by Jeffrey Campbell, and a wonderful twist on the classic combat boot that everyone and their mother seems to have. The only thing I don't know if I'm crazy about, is the pointy toe. Other than that- stunning!

5. Chloe Susanna Boot

Think these boots are hideous? So did I. Until I saw them on a girl while I was walking through Holt Renfrew and couldn't stop staring.. and then thinking about them for the next hour. They are such a statement shoe and look absolutely breath-taking when paired with the right outfit! Problem? The price of these boots could eat your wallet alive.

6. Steve Madden Trroy Studded Combat Boots

I've seen so many people rave about the new Steve Madden combat boots, that I almost felt obligated to include them here! I had a pair of boots from them last year, and they got deformed, shriveled up, and thrown away within 3 months. Disappointing to say the least. 

THE INNER WORKINGS OF MY MIND.

Hello friends!
Do you like the new layout? Is it too colorful? I'm colorful ;)
I'm still not 100% satisfied with it, but I'll consistently change the background up because I feel like too many fashion blogs are plain white and black. I mean it's fashion right? Why are we so traditional?
I have a math exam super soon, and honestly... today all I've managed to do is online shop for belly button rings, buy a 6 pack of zevia, and then change my layout. Oh the life of an overachiever.
Hope you guys have a splendid weekend (it's not friday is it...well who's keeping track of days anyway?), and I'll see you very soon!
xo

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

Can you make a russian video about your acting experience?

I don't really plan on it. I definitely do not consider myself an experienced actor, and I don't want to be praised as one. I made a russian video about how to become an actor, and honestly the topic doesn't interest many russians as it seems because the industry is very different over there, and it's hard to get started.

What grade are you in? 
I'm going into the 12th grade, which is also the last year of high school in Ontario! Hopefully, with my homeschooling I'll be done school by winter time :)

What camera do you use?
As of February, I have been using a Canon T3i (600D). I started off using a 50mm 1.8 lens, realllly hated it, so now I have a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 lens, which is great! My first videos and current vlogs are filmed with a point and shoot camera, the sony dsc-h20 (which is actually amazing quality!)

How do you edit your videos?
Handy imovie does it all! When I'm using more intense editing, I turn to Final Cut Pro, but I hate using it because it's so complex and I don't need all the functions usually. All of the programs I use are for apple computers only, sorry PC-ers!

How long have you been a vegan?
I'm actually not a vegan, or a vegetarian. I occasionally eat fish because of it's nutritional benefits and taste, and probably once in 4 months eat some chicken or turkey. I don't eat foods heavy in dairy because I have lactose deficiency/sensitivity, and I'm neutral about eggs. I haven't touched beef for probably 5 years, and I have never in my life eaten lamb, rabbit or any other "delicacy" meat. I first started wanting to be vegetarian when I was 11 years old after watching a film documenting how animals are killed for meat. My mom freaked out and made me eat pork that very night... it was quite traumatizing I'll admit. Since then I've fluctuated with being pescetarian every year, but only this year I was introduced to veganism, which is quite interesting and almost a "hobby" to me. The reason I refuse to label myself is because I believe a balanced diet is the best, but of course, I understand and respect the fact that limiting meat consumption does incredible things to the earth, animals, your skin, and of course your health! Raw vegan food is my favorite! The picture below is of a raw pad thai! The noodles are made from zucchini and kelp (kelp noodles are my addiction).

Who do you work as?
Since last year, I've worked as a background actor, but this has never been a steady income and I've kind of dropped it recently. Right now I'm a YouTube partner, blogger, and as of recently, I've been doing acting jobs (which pay way more than youtube and blogging combined).


Do you really play the guitar?

Well, kind of. I know the basic chords, and I know how to play a song if you give me the chords, but I don't know the name of each string and technical stuff like that. 

ABOUT ME

I’m Sonya Esman, 17 years old (yes, really). 

I was born in Russia and moved to Toronto when I was 5 years old, with my parents of course. Since then, I’ve developed a passion for the arts including acting, fashion and makeup. Creating is one of my fondest hobbies, so whenever the chance and desire arises, I always prefer to make something myself oppose to buying it. 

Thanks to my burning desire to pursue my passions and furthur develop my YouTube channel & blog, I decided to leave public school in the eleventh grade to get home-schooled. Despite dealing with discouragement and doubts from others every day, I ended up graduating a year early with an average of 97%. 

To put it simply: when I am learning, I am having fun.  I believe experience, whether it be through travel or practice, is the most important asset one can have. 
Something you probably didn't know about me is that I've been into acting ever since I was a little girl, and was a background actor on Camp Rock 2, Degrassi, and tons of other shows. 
I was the lead in a Much Music Anti-Bullying PSA this past year, which you can watch here. I'm a model and actor based in Toronto, so if you're interested in agency booking, please e-mail me.

I hope you'll join me on my journey :)