Street Style – Page 3 – M A T E J K A

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 !

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.

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“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!

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.