Design – Page 2 – M A T E J K A

Seventeen

It’s Saturday. Does this also mean that it’s date night?

If you’re looking for a little inspo for a last minute idea, I’ve got a great look for you. For me, date nights are special and I always want to look my best – but that doesn’t necessarily mean dressing ‘fancy’…I still want to be comfortable! Who says you can’t dress up comfort?!

If you want a look that’s casual chic, grab these: a fitted, dark wash denim, a statement piece top (ie: this insanely sweet H&M top that I’m wearing – that feels like it should be hanging in a gallery instead) and your fave coat to accompany it all. I always love to add a great pair of heels or booties to complete the look and give it that ‘dressy’ vibe. There’s something about a good pair of heels that makes any piece of clothing feel that much classier.

Details:
Top -> H&M (in stores now!)
Jeans -> True Religion Joey. These are my GO-TO jeans. Fashion doesn’t have to be expensive to look amazing, but investing in a great piece or two is wise. These jeans may have been a little pricier, but they’ve been in my closet for years (5+) and they’re still going strong.
Boots -> Call It Spring
Trench -> GAP
Watch -> “Jacqueline” by Fossil
Lip -> I’m not usually a lip girl, but I find that I always pull this combo out when I want to wear something. Both by MAC, Liner in Whirl and Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy.

Sixteen

In keeping with the conversation on mental health and wellness from yesterday, I want to focus today’s post on things that make me happy! Sometimes we don’t realize how much emphasis we put on the things that bring us down in our lives – let’s work to shift that focus onto the things that lift us up, that make our hearts giddy, that brush a smile across our lips!

So here we go – a few things that make me happy:

— COFFEE, or maybe I should say “cream and sugar with a splash of coffee” as I am a Tim-Horton’s-Triple-Triple-kind-of-girl. HA!
— Popcorn. It’s actually probably unhealthy how addicted I am to popcorn. I am that person who goes to movies literally JUST so I can get popcorn… most of the time I don’t even care what movie I’m watching. LOL
— Peanut butter and chocolate (specifically white). This list is off to a good start, as so far it only contains food items – which definitely make me happy.
— Seasons, and the changing, evolving beauty that they bring. I love that I live in such a diverse climate. I get to witness the birth, aging, death and rebirth of everything over and over again. To see this cycle around me is such a humble reminder that from every loss we can be renewed once again.
— Laughter. Those moments that rumble deep in your gut, surging up through your chest and bursting out the door of your mouth… you know, I really think there is something to the old adage “Laughter is the best medicine.” Especially when you engage in laughter with others 🙂
— Friends/Family. This is the obvious cliche, but it’s so important in life to acknowledge your tribe and be grateful for all they bring you. Family isn’t always blood. Your circle consists of who your soul connects with, those who love and appreciate you for who you are, and who lift you and bring you to the best version of you possible.
— Theatre/Film. I love the arts so much. I was very much involved in them throughout school. Being on a stage is such a natural thing for me. It’s a great expression of truth, and I love witnessing the growth of this expression in other performers – whether on stage or in film. I’m a HUGE movie buff. If I’m not roaming the lands for great deals on awesome pieces, you’re more than likely to find me watching a play or a flick.
— Writing. Ahhh, all my other writers – I bet you can relate to this 🙂 The older (and wiser) I get, the more I appreciate and am thankful for allowing myself to undress onto a sheet of paper. There’s something so therapeutic not only about emptying your thoughts and ideas onto a canvas, but also in the physical act of penmanship itself. I adore cursive, and it’s one of the greatest things I look forward to teaching my future children.
— Dancing and ZUMBA! Growing up a dancer, movement has always been a part of me. I danced my whole childhood and well into adulthood (from 6 to almost 22!). When I quit my dance studio, I just felt lost. A fire inside of me was snuffed out. Enter: Zumba Fitness! For real, Zumba gave me meaning again. It brought my light back; it got me back to dancing down the aisles of Walmart and Home Depot (lol I dance EVERYWHERE I go). I have been participating in Zumba for around 4 years now and it’s one of the most entertaining, enjoyable things I’ve been a part of. After a long week, it’s the one thing I look most forward to. So many smiles and laughs, and sweat! Who can ask for a better combo?! 😉

What is it that makes you happy?

Speaking of Zumba, I’ve decided to showcase my favourite Zumba style. These pants bring one thing to mind: This is how I roll, animal print pants outta control … Fun fashion definitely does not stop on the streets. Don’t be afraid to bring it to the gym with you! I love drop-crotch pants … I lovingly refer to them as my ‘diaper pants’ (HAHA) but honestly, they are SO comfortable. For Zumba they make me feel like I’m part of an awesome hip-hop group -which in a way I kind of am- and it makes the class that much more exciting. Get your thrills wherever you can, ladies and gentlemen!!! 🙂 I own these pants in black as well, and usually those are my go-to’s for class; when the sweat starts pouring, lighter colours are sometimes not the best choice, you know because…. well, I’ll leave that image to you! I altered one of my favourite Victoria’s Secret PINK tees (for better ventilation mostly), and I never leave the house for class without my Cons in hand. NOTE: If you have bad arches or just need more support for your feet, I recommend not dancing in Converse shoes.

Fitness can sometimes be gruelling, so aim to make it fun whenever you can! I encourage you to bring a little more of “you” to your style choice the next time you head to the gym! 🙂 See how it makes you feel! You’re already hella awesome for working on building a stronger you, both in mind and body – give yourself room to have a little FUN with it! ❤

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

Twelve

Thought Train Tuesday:

Today I’ve decided to include another one of my personal writings. It’s something I’ve had swishing around in my mind for a while now, and it feels more appropriate than ever. I see so many people, women especially, competing with one another and trying to tear each other down. Why? We are all unique and full of worth in our own special ways. We need to see each other through, to lift each other up. Look around – you probably see beauty and quality everywhere around you. In architecture, in automobiles, in flora and fauna, in clothing and accessories – so why not also in people? Think of the world you live in as a giant art hall. The people around you are moving exhibits. You’re not going to love every person, but appreciate them either way; appreciate the qualities that you love in someone, and appreciate that you might not feel connected to others. Art is evolutionary; artists hone their skills over years and years of practice, failure and accomplishment. Appreciate then, too, that the moving exhibits around you are the same.

___________________________________________________________________

“What people in the world think of you is really none of your business.” – Martha Graham

I have no desire to be perfect. I find it an insult to my character to be referred to this way. To be perfect means to have reached an end, to stop – stop growing, stop learning, stop evolving. I am flawed, in many ways, and I am wonderful in many others. Nothing about me is perfect, but I am a priceless masterpiece. I am a work of art.

Art is meant to be flawed; that is what makes it incredibly beautiful. It displays proudly every ridge and crooked line. It doesn’t pick and choose what it shows. It doesn’t care what you think because it doesn’t matter. Your opinion doesn’t change it. It simply is, alive and raw, and giving a damn for no one. You may notice every out-of-place element and conclude that this renders it ugly, a monstrosity. No matter; though you disagree, its beauty remains intact. Strong and steadfast, under scrutinizing light, it does not falter.

What if we all began to see ourselves as works of art? Our souls are the artist of our bodily canvas. None can take the beauty that is subjective to your opinion alone. After all, what others think of you is none of your business. What you think of you is, and you’re still beautiful and strong; you possess unwavering merit.

XXOO

PS: I am OBSESSED with these incredible DUNE boots that I just acquired. Fun, creative sunnies from SunglassSpot – TONS of adorable styles, and super super affordable. Also, featuring my favourite jacket from Le Chateau – I’ve had so long I could probably say that it’s vintage haha!

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!

Nine

I’ve been a little busy getting crafty these last couple of days. I’ve been searching forever for somewhere to organize all my nail polish; my random tub just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I had looked everywhere locally and couldn’t find anything, and everywhere I looked online it was either not quite what I had in mind, or the price point didn’t match what I wanted to invest. That’s when I thought, “If you can’t acquire, then create!“… and this is what came out! I’m so happy with how it came out (thanks to a little help from a pretty awesome guy), but a few things to note if you take on this project yourself:

1) Make sure you actually measure it out, and don’t just assume you can do it “by eye”. I know this seems obvious, but I was super confident in my skills until nothing fit haha!

2) Make sure you measure BOTH height and width. After measuring height and finishing the building, I realized that the width was way more than I needed. Take into account what your preference is; maybe you’d like a wider shelf.

3) COUNT YOUR BOTTLES. Make sure that what you’re creating is actually room enough for everything required. Oh man, I feel like such a rookie for this mistake but sometimes when my creative juices flow, I just do (and the thinking trails behind). I definitely did not count my stock and I ended up about 2-3 shelves short of what I actually needed.

4) Accept whatever happens. I was so excited about this little project that I just dove right in and left everything to fall into place. Sometimes, this won’t happen (lol oops!) but learn from it. Everything teaches us, even things like creating a little polish shelf. I’ve learned to double check everything beforehand. I’ve learned how to better plan for something in the future. I’m also learning to be okay with something if it’s not exactly what I had in mind. At the end of the day, I still have a shelf that holds what I wanted it to – and my imagination and elbow grease are there to be proud of.

Appreciate what is, and leave what is not. ❤

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

Two

Now that winter is in full swing (with approximately 2 feet of snow on the ground), I find myself reminiscing to warmer temperatures and fancier flora.

One of my favourite go-to styles of Summer 2013 was a peplum pleat. And who doesn’t love a good peplum? Not only is it a great slimming choice (hellooooo waistline!), but everyone knows peplum is a great choice for a dinner date. Food baby? No problem!

Classic black on black never goes out of style, and this is probably why 96% of my closet is black. It’s also safe for the days you wake up not wanting to wrack your brain about what patterns are ‘allowed’ to go together and which should absolutely be avoided. I don’t pay much mind to the fashion “rules”, because as I stated earlier, rules were made to be broken! I accredit my black closet to my laziness, plain and simple. Of course, solid colours are always fun to play up with accessories – such as a cherry red bag and black/white colour-block stilettos!

Hat – H&M, Shirt – Suzy Shier, Pants – Dynamite