So here we are, the Slow Dance Journal —

And you’re probably wondering what you can expect from this space, right? Simply put — this is where the magic happens.

Current inspirations, musings and wanderings, a peek behind the curtains of Slow Dance Studio (and life, because it’s all kind of intertwined at this point). We’ll share some peeks at what we’re working on, what we’re loving and who we’re crushing on (but not like, in a creepy way). There will definitely be some teaching moments, a look at our creative process (yes, the messy side too), and some real talk around what running a creative business really looks like. Sometimes it’ll get a bit personal, and other times, you’ll walk away inspired, or maybe with a new skill or way of looking at things.

Sound good? Perfect — let’s dive in.

A Lilac Love Affair

A Lilac Love Affair

Pastels for spring - groundbreaking, I know. But a couple weeks ago on Easter Sunday, our temperamental spring weather decided to treat us to beautifully mild day, and so it only seemed appropriate to take advantage and don an Easter inspired outfit. Given the fact that earlier this week it snowed (again) in April, I'm quickly learning how important it is to take advantage of those warm days when they're gifted to us. Because you truly never know what the weather holds one day to the next. Oh Canada, always keeping us on our toes.

StylingPaige BoersmaApril 13, 2016titika, fitness, style, free people, pastels, easter, spring styleComment

From School Project to Boutique to Studio // The Full Story

From School Project to Boutique to Studio // The Full Story

With the recent transition of Bicyclette from clothing boutique to creative studio and lifestyle brand, I figured it was time I retold my story a little bit and shared the journey of how I got here.

EntrepreneurshipPaige BoersmaApril 5, 2016Comment

DIY Easter Treat Holiday Crackers

DIY Easter Treat Holiday Crackers

Happy Easter Weekend! After a very long hiatus Alyssa of Random Acts of Pastel and I finally joined forces once again to make some holiday magic. A year ago we got together almost weekly to work on fun projects, but gradually life got in the way, and our sunny tea and treat filled afternoons faded into the past.

ResourcesPaige BoersmaMarch 26, 2016craft, DIY, DIY easter crackers, easter, easter treats, pastelComment

A Little Blog Break and Some Exciting News

A Little Blog Break and Some Exciting News

With a secret date set for the new Studio Bicyclette website launch - it's really happening! But all I'm going to tell you right now is that it's soon. Really soon - I've decided to take a little blogging break for the next week or so in order to focus all of my energy on the design and development.

EntrepreneurshipPaige BoersmaFebruary 19, 2016branding, graphic design, studio bicycletteComment

Coconut Mojito Smoothie

Coconut Mojito Smoothie

I must admit, this Coconut Mojito Smoothie is a slight departure from the healthy smoothie recipes I usually whip up, since it sips more like a dessert than anything. But any smoothie that reminds me of a tropical vacation (I swear if you close your eyes you'll almost be able to feel that sea breeze whispering through your hair) is fine by me. The balance of the rich, coconut creaminess with the fresh lime and mint is sure to delight your taste buds. And let's be honest, I think it's only fair to balance out all those green smoothies with one that's a little more decadent.

ResourcesPaige BoersmaFebruary 13, 2016smoothie, coconut mojito smoothie, mojito, recipeComment

5 Blog and Social Media Backdrops You Can Find and Create Yourself

5 Blog and Social Media Backdrops You Can Find and Create Yourself

We're all aware of how important visuals are in today's world, and with most brands and businesses utilizing blogs and social media to tell their story and engage with their viewers, there is no shortage of opportunities to create our own content and capture beautiful photos.

ResourcesPaige BoersmaFebruary 12, 2016backdrops, branding, instagram, photo styling, pinterest, social media, working girl Comment

Love Notes // Vol. 17

Love Notes // Vol. 17

1 // These backstage photos from the Reem Acra fall bridal collection a few years ago resurface every now and then and always leave me dreaming up how I can incorporate more florals and fairy lights into my world. The soft, glowing light, the delicate pairing with layers of lace and tulle... so dreamy. There's always something so magical about behind the scenes photos, giving a peek into a world that we don't usually have access to, and this collection tells such a beautiful story.

InspirationPaige BoersmaFebruary 9, 2016love notesComment

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

One of the things I love most about personal style is the opportunity to play dress up, to channel a character through an outfit, even if that's just a version of yourself. Sure, there's the functional aspect of clothing, but what I fell in love with years ago was the power of fashion for self-expression.

StylingPaige BoersmaJanuary 29, 2016leopard print, Outfit, perfect tee, personal style, Think Pink, WildfoxComment

Girl Crush // Sophie Kaftan of Kitten and the Bear

Girl Crush // Sophie Kaftan of Kitten and the Bear

My great-grandmother spent most of her beautiful final years crocheting. We have a collection of hundreds of her designs, with intricate details that only patient and humble experience could produce these works of art. I transformed some of these pieces into delicate dream-catchers, a nod to my bohemian spirit and an homage to her craftsmanship.

EntrepreneurshipPaige BoersmaJanuary 27, 2016girl crush, jam, kitten and the bear, parkdale, scones, toronto loveComment

DIY Tinsel Confetti Mug

DIY Tinsel Confetti Mug

The idea for this tinsel confetti mug hit me right after I made the tinsel straw embellishments for the Giggly Rose Cocktails for NYE. My counter was covered in shiny tinsel remnants after trimming the garlands, and instead of tossing the sparkly, confetti-like pieces into the garbage, I swept them into a plastic bag and figured they'd be perfect for something. You never know.

ResourcesPaige BoersmaJanuary 26, 2016ceramic mug, confetti, DIY, sparkle, tinselComment

My Creative Process

My Creative Process

As I've started the design process for the new Studio Bicyclette site, one of the most challenging aspects has been writing the content. Visually, I have a good sense of what I want, I've put together my brand inspiration boardand because Bicyclette already has a strong brand identity, those pieces tend to come together quite easily.

EntrepreneurshipPaige BoersmaJanuary 22, 2016bash party goods, behind the scenes, creative process, disco diamond, studio bicyclette, working girlComment

Embracing a Morning Routine

Embracing a Morning Routine

There are two things I can tell you about mornings: yes, they're hard, but there is hope.

Allow me to set the scene for you. My eyes are barely open before I'm reaching for my phone in order to make sure nothing incredibly important has happened in the online world since I fell asleep seven hours ago (eight on a good night), and my mind is already running a mile a minute with everything I need to do that day.

EntrepreneurshipPaige BoersmaJanuary 19, 2016book, brené brown, elizabeth gilbert, kitten and the bear, morning routine, wellnessComment

Winter White

Winter White

When it comes to style, I believe that rules are made to be broken, and the old "no white after Labour Day" mentality is one such example. Whereas summer is all about the little white dress and that perfect tissue thin white tee, when those first winter snowflakes start to fall and the temperature drops, I find myself coveting ivory knits in order to channel my inner ice queen and fully embrace the season.

StylingPaige BoersmaJanuary 18, 2016Armed, big bud press, breeyn mccarney, disco diamond, Outfit, vintage brooch, winter whiteComment

Girl Crush // Natalie of Pointe Break Retreats

Girl Crush // Natalie of Pointe Break Retreats

A little surf town called Nosara tucked away on the Pacific Ocean in the wild country of Costa Rica is like the best kept secret. The one you are wanting to gush about with every pulsating vein because it ignites your senses in the most profound way, but you hold on so dear because you want it to be your special place.

EntrepreneurshipPaige BoersmaJanuary 11, 2016costa rica, extension method, extension room, girl crush, natalie sageloly, nosara, pointe break retreats, surfing, take me awayComment

Love Notes // Vol. 16

Love Notes // Vol. 16

01 // This shot combines a few of my favourite styling elements: a desert location (on my list of dream shoots for awhile now), iridescent sequins, and the juxtaposition of an unexpected detail, in this case Converse paired with the showstopping dress.

InspirationPaige BoersmaJanuary 9, 2016love notesComment

Thoughts on New Years Resolutions

Thoughts on New Years Resolutions

To be completely honest, I was kind of avoiding doing a New Year's post of any sort, feeling like 2015 was a little bit too all over the place for a "year in review" post, and since I'm not really big on resolutions (at least not in the traditional way), I wasn't sure if I really saw the point, and didn't want to do it just because I felt like I "should" be.

EntrepreneurshipPaige BoersmaJanuary 8, 2016Comment

Giggly Rose Cocktail

Giggly Rose Cocktail

Besides the fact that this cocktail combines a few of my favourite ingredients, I must admit that it's really the name that I love the most: Giggly Rose Cocktail. With both gin and champagne, it's not only a perfectly pretty cocktail that's fit to accompany any party dress, but also a slightly deadly one that'll be sure to get you in your dancing shoes and kissing that handsome stranger by midnight.

ResourcesPaige BoersmaJanuary 1, 2016cocktail, DIY, giggly rose, new years eve, party time, recipe, rosewater, sparkle, tinselComment