Fashion – Page 3 – M A T E J K A

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.

Twenty Two

This illness is seriously kicking my arse. HXC. Ugh.

I’ve been on a ‘positive’ journey this year, but let me tell you – it is HARD to stay positive when everything hurts or aches and you’re having trouble getting proper nutrition, which just further drags you down.

When the sun doesn’t shine anymore, so-to-speak.

It makes me realize just how much I take my health for granted. It’s time to make that shift back to appreciating my every day abilities, and spend less time pondering what I can’t do in this moment. Truthfully, I can do anything. It’s just difficult right now and I’ve been having a mini pity party the last few days about it.

Feel free to take out your tiny violins and sing along to the tune… wah wah wahhhhhh

Shoutout to all of the people in this world who live with chronic illness and constant pain, and still manage to kick butt and get shit done with a smile – you the real MVP.

On the brighter side, I’ve been able to hella level up in COD, so that’s the bonus to this whole situation. But enough about that. Let’s talk about clothes!
~~(Something that makes me super happy no matter what else is going on)~~

I’m still obsessing over the high-waisted jeans, and these ones that I found are extra awesome because they have a HUGE bell flare to them.

High waist. Massive bell. Clearance for Five Bucks (again). TRIPLE WIN.

You also may have noticed that beautiful blob of grey hanging beside my shoulder.

That is my new homegirl, Rhea (Kors).

I have been searching high and freakin’ low for the last year at least for a backpack that caught my eye. Something classic, something simple, something solidly coloured, something smaller. Seems like an easy enough list to fulfill, right?

WRONGGGGGGGGGGGG. SOOO SOOO WRONG.

It was totally on a whim that I decided to step into a Michael Kors that day and just “browse”, as I had done previously so many times. I have NO idea how I missed Rhea before on the countless times I’d visited MK, but it was fate this day when I happened upon her. Especially when I looked at her price-tag and saw a number under 250. HOLLA!

It was like a backwards Academy Awards speech. My wallet thanked me for spending reasonably within my limits. My heart thanked me for finally fulfilling it’s material wish. My right shoulder and neck thanked me for finding a solution to the constant torture they’ve endured carrying a single strapped purse filled with 5 lbs worth of crap…crap that I insist on carrying everywhere (even though statistically there is basically nil chance that I will need 95% of it, BUT THE CHANCE IS STILL THERE).

My left shoulder can now carry it’s weight ~~(haaaaaa, see what I did there…~~).

It’s only fair.

I am so looking forward to the days that I can step out in this outfit without having to layer a massive winter jacket over top of it. How much longer until the grass turns green?!

PS. I do NOT look like this currently. I took these photos a few days ago before this Throat Beast got a hold of me. Currently, I am curled up in sweats and tissues, with my Saje diffusor furiously working beside me. I smell good though, because I did make it to the shower today. Celebrate the little victories.

PSS. You’ll see these curls in quite a few posts right now (or maybe all). That is what happens when you decide that you need to trim your bangs but think you can handle it all on your own.

PRO TIP: If you’re me, you can’t and you will definitely mess it up.
At least my bangs grow fast.

It’s almost Friday. Hang in there, beauties! ❤

Twenty One

Well that was an interesting week.

I have been so ill, but the optimist (?) in me just thought,
“Oh this is just a stress cold. It’s fiiiiiiiiine.”

But, it wasn’t feeling all that fine, and so I drug myself to the doctors today to find out that it could be ~~(probably, most likely, almost certainly)~~ strep throat! Huzzah!

I’m actually okay with this. Any excuse to stay in the pj’s, amirite?!

Thank God for backlogged photos.

Aside from feeling horrid, I’ve also just been so distracted lately. You’ve seen that puppy video floating around … you know the one titled “When You Can’t Do Life Because You Get Distracted By Everything”?

Literally me. #TooSchoolForCool

In all honesty, I tend to get sidetracked and moved around often – I just blame it on my creative side. SO MANY IDEAS. SO LITTLE TIME.

To my fellow walking tornado’s – hi!
(I see you out there…you can’t hide).

I don’t know why but I’ve really been digging the retro styles lately. Maybe because so many old styles have been popping back up and planting their seeds in my subconscious.

I picked these jeans up a couple weekends ago for FIVE BUCKS. #ThanksHM

“I’m not a mom but I’ve got the pants for the job!”
…Who coined ‘Mom Jeans’, anyway?

These high-waisted flared babes are soft, and comfortable, and maybe they give me a “mom bod” (*insert controversy surrounding women wearing high-waisted jeans*) but that doesn’t offend me. Moms are humans who create other humans within their own bodies. Moms are badass…seriously, highest admiration for you all…and you read the part where I said they were 5 bucks, right?

Hell, if you can find any clothing item for 5 bucks I say buy it and rock the crap out of it. Who gives a hootenanny what anyone else says. Make it YOU.

It’s never your clothes that make you look amazing anyway; it’s the confidence you have in your glorious, incredible, strong, beautiful self.

(And a great pair of sunnies doesn’t hurt…)

Furthermore, I love these jeans because they give me a hint of a booty. All my “that’s-not-my-arse-it’s-just-extended-thigh” sisters will relate to me when I say I will take that hint WHENEVER I CAN. Who’s with me?!

Now, here’s to kicking whatever this is that’s dragging me down and onward to a wonderful (hopefully warm) weekend ahead!

❤

Twenty

I made it to Twenty. I can hardly believe it. This blog has been my love child for over 2 years now; it’s the execution that’s been the struggle. Woo for accomplishments, however small they may seem!

~~(note: no accomplishment is ever really small. celebrate every victory.)~~

Smiling tons lately because it feels more and more like Spring, which is ABSURD for February where I’m from…

(Canadian Prairies)

Spring Fever means florals!
This is one of my favourite shirts for obvi print reasons;
also it’s light and airy – perfect for Spring vibe-age.

Is that even a word? Vibe-age? Well, it is now.

Also, absolutely obsessed with these suede fringed booties from Aldo ❤
Something in my closet that is ACTUALLY IN SEASON for once.
(Style: WADIA -> Get them HERE)

I seem to have a favourite pose, but hey, if it works….right?

This leather jacket is from H&M (similar style HERE), and is easily the MOST worn item in my entire wardrobe. It’s been in my closet for a couple of years, and if I recall correctly I got it on clearance for less than 20 bucks. Super deal, right?! Fashion doesn’t have to break the bank, ladies (and gentlemen) 😉

Classic piece, goes with everything (literally), always in style.

Speaking of H&M, if you have never purchased a pair of Superstretch Treggings (trouser/leggings) THEN WHAT ARE YOU LIVING FOR.
But seriously.
These are a must-have staple. They stretch, they are black, did I mention they stretch?
They are also only $20…
So you really need to grab a pair. You’re welcome.

Something else we need to chat about before you return to your Hump Day activities.
Make-up related.

You probably already know since I’m a bit of a late bloomer in this department.

Recently got a sample of the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Original)
(find it HERE)

I’ve tried other primers in the past, and even become a little creative in making primers from things that aren’t actually primers… I’ve never been impressed.

Then this little purple tube of magic liquid fell into my black and white striped bag and I was blown away.
IT LASTED THROUGH A SWEAT FEST. LITERALLY.
I wanted to really test it out, so I threw it on before my Zumba class.
I used it under MAC’s ORB shadow* and Kat Von D’s Ink Liner in Bukowski.

*(probably not the best choice since it’s exactly the same colour as my skin but hindsight is you know…)

Guys, if you knew how much I sweat in my class your mouth would be agape like mine was. It did not BUDGE. Not a crease or a smudge what-so-ever.
I even had to include some heavy elbow-grease when I attempted to remove it;
NOTHING was taking it off (not even my make up remover wipes).

Moral of the Story:
If you’re looking for a primer, then this UD product is the jackpot. Pick it up.
Or shame me for only discovering it now. Same-same.

Note: These photos (^^^) were taken *after* my Zumba class, not before.

Nineteen

Pre-apologies for the RBF in these photos.
Sorry, not sorry; that’s just my face.

Generally, people do yoga to create “zen”, to relieve stress, to unwind, to just be. That’s definitely why I started my personal yoga journey. Apparently, I actually do yoga to induce creative ideas. No relaxing or unwinding what-so-ever.

In referencing Eat Pray Love once again, my yoga experience in a nut shell:

“Okay. Simply empty your mind. Breathe. … Stop thinking. Why is this so hard?
Screw you Corella, how the hell does she do this?
She looks like friggin’ Mother Teresa.”

(Perhaps it had something to do with my glasses constantly falling off and annoying the absolute crap out of me)

Honestly, sometimes you just get ideas in your head that you have to rush home and try out. Black on black on black – AKA my every day wardrobe.

Not my every day wardrobe? Playing around with my makeup and hairstyles.
This = fun!

Lighting will be the end of me….

Fun fact: My late grandfather served in the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) during the second World War. This ‘vintage’ bag find was a little feather from Heaven.
Now, I feel like I can carry a piece of such an important man everywhere I go.

To lighten things up:

PS: This hella cute jacket – an Ardene steal of a deal.

To end:
Here’s proof that I can smile (and in fact do so a lot IRL)

CHEERS TO THE FREAKIN’ WEEKEND!

❤

Eighteen

Tomorrow is Monday! The dreaded Monday… I’ve never really understood why Monday’s are so hated, honestly. Some weeks I’m wishing for a holiday only because I feel less accomplished than I’d like to…but I don’t have it out for the day like so many others seem to. What’s to hate about it?! It’s the beginning of a new week – a fresh start!

It can be tricky to transition from a day of relaxation to getting the gears back to work, but I always find that what I choose to wear has a great affect on my mood. Maybe for ‘Motivation Monday’ we need to focus on dressing the way we would like to feel, and cultivating that feeling through fashion!

I watched Eat Pray Love again the other day, and one quote stuck out to me more than ever. It states: “You have to learn to select your thoughts the same way that you select your clothes every day.” What a revelation! I feel like the two may go hand in hand – choosing your thoughts with intent, but also intertwining those thoughts and feelings with your wardrobe choice. Dress in a way that makes you feel motivated to GET OUT THERE and GET ER DONE!

Wide leg slacks have always been a favourite of mine, both inside and outside the office. As a more petite woman, I feel like they add length to my legs (which I will take however and whenever I can!). They also bring with them so much comfort, and from previous posts, you know that I love me some comfort in my wardrobe!
I received this wool trench for Christmas and it’s fast become one of my absolute favourite pieces. This jacket is SO warm, which is a must in our Canadian climate; it allows me to stay stylish even on the coldest of days. I fell in love with the structure of it before anything else. It fits like a glove, and its symmetrical lines are to die for.
A great bag is always a complement to a great outfit. I’ve spruced Louis up with a scarf to give him that extra *pop* he was needing. It’s a great way to spice up an older bag, and even the smallest addition (such as a scarf or a keychain) can give you the impression of a whole new bag!

What are your favourite ways to make Mondays more Merry?
(Perhaps a little unintentional alliteration?)

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! ❤

Fifteen

#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. ❤

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 !