Tag: Casual Wear

Fifteen

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#BellLetsTalkDay

There are so many different sides to this story.  So many depths, and facets to mental illness.  So much behind the stigma, and so much more behind the warriors who are challenged by it every single day.  This is just the view from my side of the fence.

“Handle With Care.”  There are times that I wish I could affix this label to my forehead before leaving my house.  Some days it would just make things so much simpler…but I’m not looking for pity or sympathy.  I simply seek to find understanding, just as countless others do.  Understanding that we are humans.  That we having feelings and emotions.  That we have an organ that has carved a different path for us than others.

I’ve been told that I come off as a very confident, put together person, and some days I’ve honestly had to laugh at that sentiment.  “I’M confident and put together?!”  Tell that to the laundry basket of mismatched socks sitting in my closet…  Or the crumpled pile of kleenex that didn’t quite make its way to the garbage tin.  I am not always confident, or strong.  I have moments where I feel more fragile than a dried rose petal.  Sometimes these moments last for just that, moments.  Sometimes they last for hours, days, weeks.  I’m not ashamed of the days that my sun doesn’t shine quite as brightly, and you shouldn’t be ashamed of yours either.  Yin does not exist without yang.  My light does not compete with the dark that sits beside it, or the fleck that rests within it.  They are both a part of me, a part of my life, and so I am learning to love both of the halves that make me whole.  I am seeking a better understanding of my inner self so that I can more appropriately share that with others; to break through the glass plate that separates us from each other.  To remove the barrier, to create dialogue, to lift the stigma off and my fellow warriors up.

Every person has a past, a story.  Whether that story is available in the public library for checkout or in a private home library depends entirely on the person.  Each of us fights our battles in our own way.  Some people eagerly share their stories, while others have a hard time even reading it to themselves.  Whichever way you face your own battlefield each day, know that you are not alone in your fight.  We all have our battle wounds.  You are NEVER alone, and it is OKAY to not be okay.  Each scar is a reminder that we have survived.  We have overcome.  We have conquered.  We are BADASS.

Living with mental illness is not easy; in fact, it’s incredibly difficult.  To always be fighting an internal battle that no one else is witness to;  to carry not only everything heavy within you, but to also have the extra burden of the stigma that society has created towards it.  It’s like carrying around a backpack full of textbooks that nobody else can see. It is arduous and punishing, and you are NOT alone.  We are in this together.  Do you know how remarkable and courageous you are to wake up each day and fight against the demons within you?

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness, or are just prey to the trials that life brings – always remember, it is okay to not be okay.  Every single one of us is faced with struggle at some point in our time on this Earth.  Every single one of us has a strength within that we are unaware of.  You are a warrior.  You CAN conquer.

As we open up the lines of communication and start our conversations, let’s remember one thing – something that one of my favourite blondes delivers on a daily basis:
“Be Kind to One Another.”

I encourage anyone out there struggling to seek help in a way that you are comfortable with – whether that be a hotline, a doctor, a friend or family member.  There are avenues out there available to you, and people out there who want to help.  ❤

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The shirt and bracelets in this post are from a pretty awesome little Canadian company, founded on the East Coast, called Wear Your Label.  I first stumbled upon them last summer and fell in love with what they set out to achieve – and are surely on the fast track to doing so.  They’ve created a clothing line to get the conversations about Mental Health Awareness flowing, while giving back in support of mental health initiatives.

Check them out at www.wearyourlabel.com or on social media @wearyourlabel !

 

Fourteen

Happy Monday, world!

Recently I saw Dirty Dancing on Broadway Across Canada.  I LOVE the arts and theatre, as does my family – so much so, that we are Season Ticket holders.    It’s become a little tradition for my mother, grandmother and I to attend these shows together.  I hadn’t watched the movie for ages, but watching it on stage was so nostalgic and lovely!  I went home and watched the film after because I had forgotten how moving the story was (and how catchy the tunes are!)… it was incredible to see it played out live – and that lift!!!  Overall, it was so well done and I would HIGHLY recommend anyone who gets the chance to see it to take that chance.  Even the actors looked so similar to who they were portraying from the film – Johnny looked and sounded so much like Patrick Swayze it actually started to freak me out a little bit.

Generally for these shows people love to dress it up fancy.  It’s sort of like going to the opera, though less ball-gown-esque.  I see and admire so many amazing looks, but for myself, I usually stick to something “business casual”.  Opting for a soft blazer with a single pocket tee and a darker wash, bootcut jean are always a great choice!  I added a pointed leather bootie to finish the look off, keeping that caj feel.  Ya feel me?  Sometimes I swap out the jeans for a great pair of black pants, or the tee for a more relaxed button down, but that all depends on how I’m feeling that particular day.  Or hour, or minute…

I also couldn’t resist purchasing this (hilarious*) hoodie from the merch stand.
*I’m a regular Zumba junkie (any Zumba fans out there?!!), and spacing is a HUGE issue in our class.  For some reason, I always seem to find myself in a football huddle, so I chuckled to myself when I first laid eyes on this hoodie; my immediate thought went straight to, “This would be PERFECT to wear to Zumba class”… Needless to say, it did NOT go over well initially –LOL- but after a brief explanation of it’s origins, others seemed to get a kick out of it as well 🙂

Thirteen


When the winter temperatures begin to mild here in Canada, I get super excited.  By mild, I mean instead of -30*C, it jumps to between 0*C and -10*C – that’s shorts weather here… haha!  We’ve actually been really lucky this season so far, as we haven’t had too many really cold days.  One of the things I dislike the most is having to layer really heavy articles of clothing to keep warm.   There’s an old Danish proverb that states, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.”… Well, I have to agree, but there’s only so much a girl can layer on while still looking fab!

Last night was one of those days where I just felt like dolling up and hitting the town.  I was so grateful for the warmer temps – that means I could delve into my skirts!  I tend to be a bit of a fashion chameleon – going from one end of the style spectrum to the other – and this outfit definitely brought out the “Rocker Girl” side of me.  I grew up a country girl, but that doesn’t mean I’m exclusive to it.  Play around with your style, ladies! There’s no rule book for this – and if by chance somewhere there is, throw it out the damn window.   Have FUN with your fashion!

Pairing a simple black and white cropped top, with my high waisted button down skirt and my all time favourite leather jacket, brings out the rebel side of my personality.  This skirt, by the way, I picked up at H&M on Clearance for SEVEN.DOLLARS.  Yes, you read that right.  Fashion doesn’t have to break the bank!  My boots from Dune London are making a comeback … but honestly, you’ll see a lot more of them because they are probably THE most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.  Finishing off the look, I’ve included some of my favourite accessories in complementary colour schemes – Quattro G Perforated Crossbody Bag by GUESS and my beloved Jacqueline Gold-Tone watch by Fossil.

Most of my wardrobe is neutral.  I love working with neutrals as it gives me more room to play around with textures and patterns.  What are some of your favourites to work with?

Phone Case: Ardene
Cologne: Atelier Cologne , Collection Azur, Cedre Atlas (Sephora)
Lippy: Buxom Lips in Amber

Eleven

 

I did it.  I’m a yogi – as of almost 2 weeks ago.  …. Albeit, a SUPER noob yogi, but a yogi none-the-less!  I’ve participated in yoga in the past, but I never could make the commitment needed both physically and mentally to make it a permanent thing.  It’s something I’ve been thinking of revisiting for a really long time now – I was just afraid to take the first step.   This year, I decided that I’m going to do whatever it takes to become a better, more authentic version of myself – so I took the plunge and signed up for an entire year.  I know, I almost peed myself….but I figured, go big or go home, right?!

The studio I’ve joined is so great.  Almost all of their classes are beginner oriented, and the instructors are so lovely.  I’ve really been enjoying my time there, and I know this may sound crazy, but I’ve actually been noticing some pretty significant changes already.  I don’t know how or why it happens, but yoga practice and meditative breathing changes you.

When life gets stressful, I’m usually one who goes straight to “worst possible outcome” and then I park myself in my worry chair, and rock forever on the front porch.   Since I’ve begun classes, I’m noticing that each day it gets easier and easier to stress less, and gently guide my mind in a more positive direction.  I’ve noticed myself being more kind to my reflection; instead of spewing words of hatred and loathing, it’s becoming natural to speak to myself out of love.  To recognize the qualities I look for in others, and manifest them within myself.  I’m also learning to project this new-found light of love on those around me.

I’ve learned coping skills in the last two weeks that I never would have thought of in my entire 28 years.  I’m learning to see my life (and myself) in an entirely new perspective, and it’s so amazing.  Gratitude.  Self-Love.  Appreciation.  Calm.

Slowly, but surely, I’m moving towards where I’m meant to be, and this journey is bringing me so much happiness.  Don’t get me wrong, I still have a lot of progress to make but somehow things just feel so much easier, lighter.  This is something I’ve needed, yet denied, for far too long.  Follow your instincts.  ❤

PS: I went shopping in the ‘big city’ this weekend, and Victoria’s Secret had an INCREDIBLE sale on so I managed to snatch this super comfortable new outfit!  These pants are so awesome – they are thick, yet not too constricting, which means you won’t feel like you can’t breath and your entire bum will not show through in downward dog.  Bonus!

Eight


So, I was thinking.  As I was getting myself ready to head off to a Broadway show this weekend (more to come later about that awesomeness), I started to think.

As a teenager, and a young adult, I used to wear a lot of makeup.  Most of it started up when I hit puberty and my skin flipped overnight to something I was so ashamed of.  Even once it began to clear up a few years later, I still kept caking it on.  It wasn’t to feel pretty, and it wasn’t because I loved playing with it – it was simply to hide.  To hide myself, and to hide everything that I was ashamed of within me.  I became so accustomed to this literal mask I would paint on each day, that eventually I forgot what a farce it truly was and I started to just accept that it was part of who I am.

Last year, I was forced to throw it all out since my skin once again took a nosedive.  I haven’t been able to wear cover up since.  I guess this must be my body’s way of finally pushing me to ‘face the music’ and live my true self.   It hasn’t been easy….but it’s also been an incredible blessing.

Sometimes, it is just exhausting to function in this society.  As a woman, there are so many expectations of who I should be, how I should behave and speak, what I should wear or how I should look…. eventually I grow tired of trying to keep it all straight.  Unfortunately, men are not immune to the stereotypes of our society either.   So, I was thinking.  Why is it that I allow myself to feel less accepted when I choose an outfit like the one outlined in this post?  When it’s not all “glitz and glam”, when it’s comfortable, when I choose not to wear anything on my face?  Why do I allow myself to feel less than I am?  Is this really how society has spun the arrow for us?   To constantly be set in a direction that so many of us can’t follow.  It shouldn’t be about how we are told or made to feel in comparison to the tabloids that we read, but how we actually feel in the presence of those who know us for all of our faults and insecurities, and love us anyway.

There are going to be days that you don’t want to even brush your hair.  You’ll leave your house in sweats… but don’t sweat it.  ROCK the SHIT out of those sweats honey!  There are going to be days that you get all dolled up, even if you have nowhere to go looking so fab (and you KNOW you look so fab that you take 26 selfies just to document that perfect wing).

Both of these days are okay.  In both of these scenarios, you are still as important, and attractive, and valuable.  It’s OKAY to give yourselves a break; in fact I encourage it.  Cut yourselves a little slack.  You’re amazing, and talented, and worthy.   You deserve it.

Six

 

 

It’s 2016!  I can hardly believe it, to be honest.  How time flies…I’m not the only one who has minuscule recollection of the last two years, right?!!!

Well, we all know that the tradition to follow New Year’s is the New Year’s Resolution.  So many of us will resolve to the phrase, “New Year, New Me!”…. but the older I get, the more unrealistic I feel that goal is.  I don’t want to be ‘new’, I’d rather just be ‘improved’.  This year, my only resolution is to work each day to move closer to becoming the person I want to be.  Seems easy enough in theory, but in reality it’s much more difficult.  Obstacles arise, suddenly bumps in the road start popping up – sometimes it’s even your own self that gets in your way.

This year, I want to smile more, just for the heck of it!  To see more and do more and be present in each moment of each day.  It’s so easy to get caught up in the bustle of the world around us, forgetting to take time to just BE.

My other goal, which may or may not be easier than my first, is to collect all the oversized knit sweaters I can find because let’s be honest – these things are like wearing a fashionably acceptable housecoat.  They’re amazing!!!  Also,  I have a studio to shoot in now, so I definitely want to write more and photograph more.  It’s a great escape to every day stresses of life.

I hope you all had an amazing New Year’s, and all the best wishes for the year to come xxoo
Sweater/jeans – H&M (my obsession)
Gorgeous lipstick – NARS

 

Three

 

Wow!  Am I ever glad that exams are over and semester is officially done!  I did not anticipate school to absolve my entire life, but it happens and I am so glad to have some time now to get back to the wonderful world of fashion blogging!  Hopefully over break I can get a few more posts out.  🙂

Now, I love dressing up as much as the next girl, but sometimes you really just want to throw on some jeans and give your feet a break from the heels (or maybe that’s just me?).  Even though you are “dressed down”, it doesn’t have to look like it!

My first casual look consists of your basic skinny leg jean, and two things that go remarkably well together for fall: leopard print and wintergreen.  Throw these two together and you’ll always have a chic fall look, no matter what the garment.  I chose to wear a basic long-sleeve tee in a leopard pattern, and my velvet wintergreen pointed flats (with scalloped edge for added awesome).  Easy as pie!  (If anyone can actually explain that saying to me, please do.  If it refers to making pies, then it is a LIE…. it’s true to meaning for this reference of fashion anyway!)

Jeans – American Eagle, Belt – Guess, Shoes – Ardene, Top – Jules & James