March 2016 – M A T E J K A

Twenty Eight

I wore my WYL tee to Zumba tonight. This was a personal big step.

It’s always been tricky for me to broach the subject of mental health (especially when it comes to my own), much less wear it on my chest like a neon sign.

I’m now pretty convinced that they should add “magic” to the list of what goes into these shirts. I’ve never felt as confident in my class as I did tonight.

There’s something about wearing a shirt that says “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay”: implying that I’m human, that I live with Depression and/or Mood Disorders, that I am sad/down/confused/lost a lot of the time simply because of the way my brain is wired…

…and yet, here I am: singing, smiling, laughing, dancing, [sweating my arse off]

GENUINELY having the time of my life.

It’s a reminder, a humbling moment.

It’s not always grey skies and rain clouds. There are times of sunshine and unicorns and lollipops. And I’ve come to realize that I can be free, and I can be ME, by focusing on the things that coax the sun out from behind the clouds (like Zumba!)… and being okay with sometimes not being okay. It’s not a crime, it shouldn’t be taboo – it’s all a part of being a living, breathing, growing soul.

Even though I saw curious eyes drift over to what I was wearing, nothing was said. And that’s okay. I wasn’t expecting any conversation to happen, but I know that unspoken words speak volumes; if by wearing this magical t-shirt to my class I encourage another woman to accept and love herself for her own rainy days … that would be something amazing in itself 🙂

❤

I really need to get on ordering more of these wonderful pieces!

Twenty Seven

I will always love playing with neutral colours.
Navy and beige/tan/camel are pretty much a match made in heaven.
You really can’t go wrong.

I also really love the oversized collar on this jacket, and the extra panel along the back shoulder.

Top: H&M (similar here)
Jeans: H&M (similar here)
Jacket: Le Chateau (some time ago…)

Peace & Love ❤

Twenty Six

When you live in Canada, and it’s “spring” (okay, almost) but you’re straight up sick of having to dress for winter weather. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about.

SOLUTION:
Step 1 – Wear a dress, and bare legs (cause f**k snow, right?).
Step 2 – Throw on faux fur vest that, let’s be honest, is more like a giant rug with arm holes.

(FAB Winners Find! Still bloody awesome.)

I was playing around with looks last night. I recently got this ridiculously adorable dress (from Garage! Get it here) but I obviously bought it on a whim, and when I got it home I realized in horror that I had no idea how to style it.

That’s when I discovered that it goes exceptionally well with these amazing boots (courtesy of my S/O’s mama) and this ballin’ vest. Boho spring/summer chic, anyone?

One of the first things I thought of immediately after I threw it on (like I was a member of the Russian mafia) was a quote I’d seen online that goes like this:

“Walk in the club like what up I have social anxiety and I wanna go home.”

LITERALLY ME.

THESE BOOTS THOUGH. I am obsessed with them. I received them in November, and had tucked them away for summer. You can’t tell from a distance, but they are perforated and are technically “summer boots” so – not so Canadian-winter-friendly.

I caught a glimpse of the bright floral out of the corner of my eye, like the blinding of the sun when a cloud once covering it suddenly dissipates. IT WAS LIKE CHRISTMAS ALL OVER AGAIN.

“OH YEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!!!!”, I gleefully exclaimed.
“THESE ARE PERFECT!!!”

Since this weekend marks the official beginning of spring, I am hoping with every atom in my body that the snow will disappear promptly, and I can whip this styling out in real time sooner than later.

Additional bonus: Floral is SUPER in right now (I’m looking at you Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana – you masters, you). Rediscovering these boots couldn’t have come at a more perfect time! ❤

Gold accents.
THREE HUNNED HASHTAG SWAGGA.

Yeah, I went there. Happy Friday! 🙂

Twenty Five

Any ladies out there with itty bitty legs like me?

Ever find yourself checkin’ them luscious gams in the mirror, but think: WHY CAN’T YOU JUST BE A COUPLE INCHES LONGER?!

Have no fear, I have a solution for you – one that doesn’t involve a wheelchair and extensive rehab for months (I’m looking at you, leg extension surgery).

Pumps!

Look for a pair that has a pointed toe. The narrowing lines of the point will elongate your beautiful legs, boosting your height (sort of) – and your confidence.

** Extra length if you buy the pumps in nude!

I’m always looking for ways to feel taller, because yes, I do have a complex about my height. *insert blushing emoji here*

I saw these babies at Winners (right?!), and I LOVED everything about them. The colour obviously caught my eye first – hello, they’re cobalt blue – but the design was what really drew me to them. I’m loving the lace-up style with the sexy little cut outs.

Side note: There is a “rule” about little legs and ankle straps. That rule is to avoid them as they ‘cut off’ your leg at the ankle and therefore actually give the illusion of shorter legs. Let’s just avoid that rule for now. It doesn’t always apply.

I decided to play around with things since my usual go to is very black, or very white.

I feel like I’ve achieved “global” status with this look.

Global…get it?

You know, green/blue/tan? Earth colou…….. nevermind. I’ll just see myself out…

I paired these blue suede beauties with my favourite jade pants (Urban Behavior), and this AH-MAZING faux fur coat (H&M). Honestly, this jacket makes me feel so thug…but like, Beyonce thug. Is that even categorically correct?

MY POINT IS, I feel so badass/Queen-like in this piece (also, very warm so very practical).

If you don’t already own a ridiculous(ly awesome) jacket like this, you should definitely invest in one. You’ll cherish it and BONUS: if you’re socially ~~awkward~~ quiet like I am, it’s a GREAT conversation starter. People will be asking if they can pet you, left – right – and – centre.

It’s not that creepy, I swear.

If it does start to get overly weird, then you’ll look fabulous as you run the opposite direction. I recommend practicing the running if you’ll be wearing your blue suede shoes.

This post got kind of weird. Sorry.

(Not sorry)

For a 4 inch heel, these shoes are actually quite comfortable. Especially for naps mid-shoot (see below).

Ladies, don’t be afraid of heel height. It all depends on the style of the shoe. If the shoe supports you in all the right areas, then the height of the heel won’t be so intimidating.

Now that you know what to look for — Happy shopping! 🙂 ❤

Bonus Material

If you REALLY want to feel small and insignificant, take a journey into the mountains. Every so often I need that escape, and I had the privilege this past weekend.

To remind me to stay humble, and to remind me that my troubles really are non-existent in the grander scheme. The fresh mountain air also does wonders for a soul. I swear, it’s truly magic at work…like some kinda Harry Potter sorcery. Ya feel me?

Twenty Four

I don’t know why I always seem to find myself blogging at midnight, but there I was last night – 12:01 a.m. – sitting at my computer uploading/editing photos.

No wonder my sleep schedule is so screwed up.
I decided it was best to just go to sleep and finish the post today. Even though it IS the weekend, I still need sleep to function!

I just had the privilege to see Johnny Reid in concert. If you’re not familiar with who he is, GET FAMILIAR. He’s the country artist with so much soul that you feel yourself becoming a better person just by listening to him.

Side note: I’m not sure why people are always shocked when they find out I am a country music fan, but there it is…

Now…usually I will throw on my Justins and take my wardrobe colour advice from Mr. Cash, but I felt compelled to ‘spice things up’ for Mr. Reid. I opted for a more Classic look – with my fringe close by as always.

(Okay, I left the hat at home, though that was a decision I carried immediate regret for.)

If you’ve never been to a Johnny Reid concert before, you need to add that one to your bucket list. Whether you’ve heard of him or not, it’s a decision you will not regret.

I knew who Mr. Reid was. I was familiar with his wee songs, but I only learned about the man when he lit up that stadium like the Sun.

Now, I’ve seen many an artist in my time. Music is a huge part of my life, and I go to as many concerts and shows as I can. Perhaps to just feel the rhythm match my own, or perhaps as Johnny said so eloquently himself – to experience something greater than myself. Which I can honestly say I did when I entered those doors to his show.

I was NOT prepared.

Not prepared to laugh so hard because his humour is relatable and so on point.

Not prepared to feel so incredibly surrounded by love, and have it reach my very core.

Not prepared to sing, in such communion, with every other heart and soul beside me there that night.

Not prepared to cry so many tears, for being truly touched with the stories that he shared with us. Stories that reminded us all that we have so much in common; that we all stood there as one.

I was just not prepared at all to feel so many incredible emotions in one night. It was an amazing experience; it’s a night I will never forget. I don’t think I can say I’ve ever been to an event that was so humbling. You could FEEL his gratitude wash over the space, for every single person there, every time he thanked us all for spending our dollars to see him perform. It was absolutely dollars well spent. It is dollars I will spend again and again each time that he rolls through my city.

I left feeling inspired to pursue my dreams even harder. To spread love to all around me. To strive to love within myself just a little more each day. To share my gifts with as many people as I can. To do good, and to be good. ❤

Today, I can more concretely say, Mr. Reid – you are definitely my cup of tea.