COOL AIR, DON'T CARE: HELLO WINTER

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It's all in the waves

I'm back from my mini road trip to see my fam jam and their munchkins! We spent last week and labour day weekend at the park, beach, and roasting marshmallows on the fire. So you can pretty much assume it was perfect. 

Summer is not over!!! I refuse to believe it. Why does Summer come and go so fast? I feel like it's over faster than you can say Margarita. Margarita. See, it's Fall!

This is a perfect example of yet another topic that graces my brain quite often. Impermanence. More specifically, why are we so afraid of change? Why does the thought of something ending scare us me so much? Why don't we I take more risks? 

Why are we judgemental when people change? Why are we scared of ourselves changing? Why do we grasp so tightly to the person that we think we are? Why do we repeat the same story and fall victim to our circumstances? 

Well, my friends, I've been doing some reading. In my Inter-web travels, I came across this site which discusses impermanence from various religious perspectives. While I'm not religious, but rather spiritual (and apparently philosophical, who knew?), I connected deeply with these two lines: 

According to Hinduism, impermanence can be overcome by locating and uniting with the center of permanence that exists within oneself. This center is the Soul or the self that is immortal, permanent and ever stable.

Ah. The Soul. I wasn't aware I had one until about a year ago when I began practicing yoga and meditation more seriously. Hey guess what, guys? I have one. And you do too. We sometimes just forget it's there. 

So, wait... "I have a soul!" How does this help me live more fearlessly? 

Your soul is your essence. Your true self. When we disconnect from our soul, we feel confused, overwhelmed, fearful, anxious, and these emotions may cause us to live in fear. Living in fear is not for free spirits, dreamers, or happy people. 

The key is to connect to your soul. I think that may look different for everyone. I personally do this through meditation. By silencing my mind, I can hear my intuition that I often forget I have. I feel at ease, peaceful, fearless, and my dreams not only seem in reach but in fact aren't quite BIG enough. 

And that's pretty cool, amirite??? 

Being in water also helps me. I look at the water glistening in the sun and watch how fast the waves move up and down – so wildly in every direction. Water is in a constant state of change. It has no choice but to literally go with the flow, as they say. I try to be more like the water. Just like life, you have no control of where situations, people, and things take you. But, if you let your soul guide you, you'll be ok no matter what happens. 

Befriend your soul tonight and see where the waves take you. 

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Minimal outfit + thoughts on commitment

While my personal style mantra is and always will be more is more, in the Summer time I like to keep things real simple. I also just moved to a new apartment a week ago so I have limited access to the full tundra that is my wardrobe. This particular Saturday was spent brunching and running errands. 

Since we haven't chatted in a while, I wanted to touch on a topic that's been on my mind: commitment. But more specifically, why is everyone so flaky???

I've noticed that people have a very hard time sticking to plans in general. I'm guilty of it too but for the most part I'd say that I do what I say I'm going to do. I've been talking to friends about this phenomenon and I feel like it boils down to the fact that social media makes it seem like there is soo much going on (FOMO) and making plans can happen at the click of a mouse. While this has its benefits, I think it makes people feel like they could be doing something better with their time at all times. It's like there is always something— even last minute— that could happen that they would rather be doing. It's not that the new activity is better than the ditched plan but it's the illusion of it. Has the Internet also made us scared of face-to-face interactions? So much so that we avoid them? 

Are we so disconnected from what is real that we can't even commit to a hang out? I'm not bitter about anything in particular I swear but I've just noticed this occurring a lot and felt the need to share. 

I see this happening not just in friendships but also in the wonderful world of dating. It seems like nobody would be caught dead looking for a relationship or wanting something serious. And even if two people were dating for over six months or even more, it still isn't "cool" to become exclusive. Hear me out. I've never had the dream of marriage and the white picket fence but I do believe in love and intimacy at a deeper level but fear it isn't even having the chance at being explored or experienced. Have we traded the experience of deep connections and close relationships (friends and romance alike) for the convenience of casual encounters? 

I feel blessed to live in a world of more opportunities and less expectations of women to fit into a cookie cutter lifestyle but is it getting a little out of hand when a person can't even commit to a having a drink? Have we become too protective of our time? 

Tell me your thoughts. 

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FLORIDA LOOKS

A WELL HELLO THERE! 

I think this has been the longest break from blogging I've ever taken. And I promise it was not on purpose. I literally have so much content but lacked the time to curate it.

Quick update before I tell you all about my vacation! I finished my Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training course in early June. Yay! I am now leading early morning yoga and meditation every Wednesday at Shunnya in Ottawa. I am planning a post all about that experience and I have so much to share with you so stay tuned for that! That occupied much of June. The second half was spent relaxing in the sunshine state of Florida. And with Mickey. He's my man. 

Which, in a nutshell, leads me to where I am now. Finally home and sorting things out. Getting back into the groove. I also have plans for a blog makeover in the hopefully near future. It has been on my mind for a while so I am hoping to set aside some time soon to work on that. 

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Shine Bright

First post of 2016.

I've been feeling really good these past few weeks. A bit invincible but maybe just more like myself. I've been on a journey of doing what I love and following my heart. I've been making space in my mind to let my inner light shine. In other words, I've been 'taking out the trash' in my mind and making room for my truest self to come through. This will help me become my greatest version. After all, this is why I'm here. To be the best me. 

I'm starting this year on a deeper note because I want to connect with you on a more personal level. Of course, my posts will always be fashion inspired, but I wanted to make the writing portion of my posts more real. Less talk about what I'm wearing and the weather. 

I'm too excited for what this year will bring. I haven't set any resolutions in stone because I'm going to continue to listen to what my heart says and embrace it all - the good, the magical, the messy, and the sometimes uncomfortable. I trust in my most authentic self.  

This month, I'm beginning a self mastery course (Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training) for the next six months. I'm doing this for me. To strengthen my yoga practice and better my relationship with myself. I also want to share what I learn in hopes that it will help others like it has helped me. Let's just say I don't know how I functioned before knowing what Kundalini yoga is. 

I wish you love and happiness and light in 2016, and always. 

Hello head-to-toe Value Village!

PHOTOS BY AURELIA

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Vintage Pink Coat OOTD and Merry Christmas Eve-Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve-Eve! 

I wore this last weekend to do a bit of shopping and then to go out for Rosie's birthday. I've been loving this super mild winter weather this year. I get to wear all my lighter, thrifted coats and boots. I'm trying to milk it before the real winter hits. I've been obsessed with these faux leather leggings. I have a hard time finding pants that fit well, mostly due to my booty-waist ratio that doesn't fit the standard size. But leggings. Leggings always fit me well because they just snap to the curves. I also bought them in navy. 

Tell me, how are you? I know this is such a busy month for everyone so I do hope you find some relief this week and time to relax. Rest is so important. Remember that you can't pour from an empty cup. You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others. 

I wish you the happiest holidays! 

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Smiley 50s Housewife

My sister told me I looked like a 50s housewife in this outfit. As much as that can be a very classy look, I can't help but laugh! If you know me, you'd know I'm near opposite to wanting to be a house wife. Women have so many opportunities today than in the 50s when all they could amount to is cooking and cleaning for their husband and children. Not that those experiences aren't profound and life changing too, I just feel so lucky and blessed to be living in a free country with so many golden opportunities and I want to experience as much of that as I can. I just want to live a life true to myself, help others, and keep dreaming big. 

This dress was the only thrifted piece of clothing I bought in England last summer. I didn't adore it at first but couldn't leave the country without something thrifted! While packing up my clothes this summer, I came across it and almost gave it away. I just couldn't. The granny inside of me needed it. 

It's one of those pieces that doesn't look good on the hanger. You might even mistake it for a table cloth at a quick glance! Once I tried it on again, I remembered that I actually love the fit. 

I wore this to meet up with Rosie and grab some bday balloons. I'm now a 24 year old!!! It feels weird to say but I do enjoy aging. I find it classy. Aging means that I've survived another year and I'm grateful to have had so many beautiful experiences. I'm reading Oprah Winfrey's book right now, yes me, I'm reading!! And in her gratitude chapter, she talks about aging and how it's actually such a wonderful thing. I completely agree. So many children and teenagers don't live to see 24 because of illnesses, accidents, and suicide. So who am I to moan and groan that I'm OLD?! I won't. 

I've also been a follower of Advanced Style for some time now and that blog has truly changed what aging will look like for me. I WILL be an Advanced Style lady someday and I'm looking forward to it. 

Dress: Thrift store in England, $10. Necklace & Earrings: Joe Fresh, $4-6 each. Backpack: Giant Tiger, $20. Similar here. Shoes: JuJu, Little Burgundy, $40. Similar here.

PHOTOS BY ROSIE.

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Blonde Ambition / Bedtime Stories: Madonna Rebel Heart Tour Concert Look

Last night I saw my queen for the second time. It was the world premiere of her Rebel Heart Tour in Montreal. 

If you know me, you know that Madonna is hands down my favourite artist and icon. She constantly inspires me. She's a perfectionist and is always re-inventing herself. I love her attitude towards life and love. 

I'm not sure if you can really call her concerts just that. They're more of a broadway musical / production. From the costumes, dancers, performers, and stunts, to the props and special effects, you truly do get your money's worth. This time she had screens that lifted from the ground and dancers who would dance / fly off them in coordination with the images on the screen. Hard to explain in words, but it was really cool! She also had many stunts including men on crosses that would bend and almost reach in to the audience. My jaw definitely dropped a couple times! 

Her concerts also make me cry. Firstly when she comes out because I'm in complete awe of her presence and then again whenever she plays a song that I really personally connect to. Her music makes me feel like anything is possible and it's all going to be okay. Her performances and dancers make me feel like our bodies can do anything if we have passion, determination, and persistence. She overall just inspires me to do more, create more, and not care what anyone thinks or says. 

She played a lot of her new songs off of Rebel Heart, check it out. But of course she had to play some classics like True Blue, Like a Virgin, and Material Girl. She surprised the audience with a cover of "La Vie en Rose", it was perfect. 

Let's talk about my outfit shall we. I've always been inspired by her Blonde Ambition tour hair and make up with the long ponytail, wearing the iconic Jean Paul Gautier cone bra. You know that one! However, finding a similar cone bra is near impossible so I opted to wear a dress inspired by her Bedtime Stories album. The fur purse was hand crafted by my aunt and I felt it was perfect to go along with the "bedtime" look. I also wore a black blazer later in the evening. 

It was a day filled with the amazing sights and tastes of Montreal, constant laughter with friends, and of course Madonna! Perfect day-after-bday celebration if you ask me! 

Dress: Value Village, $4. Purse: Bev Kidd. Shoes: Expression, The Bay, $32. Lips: Deep Red lip liner, Joe Fresh, $7.

PHOTOS BY LISA KIDD

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End of Summer Reflections + Greekfest

There's something about summer and Greekfest that just makes me want to wear white! All white. 

This outfit is also inspired by new frames. My sister spotted them first and showed them to me. I fell in love. The rest is history! 

You might notice I look a little bare. I couldn't wear many accessories since all of mine are currently packed up in boxes! I move to a new apartment this weekend and I'm so excited. It's really all about the little things. It has a storage room and a dishwasher. A cheaper and better laundry room. I could go on but I won't bore you! 

Summer is coming to an end but I'm just grateful of all the wonderful experiences I've had this season. I spent a lot of time outdoors, riding my bike, swimming, and running. 

How will you remember this summer?  

Top: Value Village, $2. Skirt: Zara, $30. Sandals: Joe Fresh, $10. Purse: Value Village, $4. Glasses: Clearly.

PHOTOS BY LISA KIDD

Greekfest celebrates Greek culture with live music and performances, delicious food, and unique vendors. 

Greek Supreme Fries. Topped with feta, oregano, salt, and tzatziki!!

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pinstripe 70s vibe

The thought of getting dressed in the morning has always motivated me to go to school or work. College is when I began really experimenting with clothing and it was the driving force waking me up from bed at 6 am. I loved school and I love my job now but sometimes I need a little help getting excited to get out of bed and on with my day. Dressing just does that for me. 

I wanted to share another work outfit with you. One of my favourite things to do is get dressed for work. Every morning is a fresh slate and I can look completely different from the previous day. These days it feels like anything goes for workwear but I know some workplaces have rules. I work in a hospital in a corporate environment so I try not to show too much skin but I don't hold back my personal style. Some days I'll wear a blouse and pants like below but other days it might be a shift dress and kimono or maxi skirt and beaded top. My colleagues have said: "You just never know what you'll turn around the corner wearing!" 

On this very hot and humid day I grabbed an iced green tea with mint. 

Blouse: Joe Fresh: $7. Pants: Value Village, $6. Shoes: Franco Sarto at The Bay, $50. Purse: Valentina, $26. Sunnies: $10, Camden Market London. Headband: Forever 21, $5. 

PHOTOS BY LISA KIDD

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Floral Pants and Gelato

This is one of the comfiest outfits I've EVER worn. I tend to dress for style over comfort but I think I somehow got the best of both worlds in one outfit here! Who knew! Seriously though I'm generally comfortable in everything I wear but this, this felt like I was wearing straight up PJs in public! These pants are a recent find from The Bay (sale- hayy!!!), and the shirt has been my go-to for weeks. I wore this to get my first gelato of the season with some friends. I inhaled it too quickly to show you a picture but I'm sure you know what ice cream looks like. At least I hope you do. If you don't, we need to talk. Over ice cream. 

My hair was lazily thrown up as I had spent part of the day swimming! Ah summer. I love you. I really do. 

ps- mini anxiety update for the curious: I'm feeling much better, still not 100% but I'm noticing improvements from a month ago. I've been making a conscious self care effort and life has come to a leisurely slow for the moment which helps! 

How is your summer so far? 

Shirt: H&M, $18. Pants: INC, The Bay, $35. Sandals: Gap, $17. Purse: Value Village, $6. 

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BLUE VELVET

I know these pictures probably look so wintery but we had a few colder days last week so I had to pull out the faux fur and velvet. I wore this to have drinks for my friend's birthday. We went to a place in the market called Social and it was my first time there. They recently renovated and it was super pretty and chic. I got to see a lot of friends that I haven't seen in a while so it was nice catching up. Isn't it crazy how fast time flies? 

Let's talk about my dress! It's so luxe and glam yet comfy and warm. I love the colour and the slit. On the hanger it looked shapeless but once I tried it on I fell in love with it. It reminded me to always try things on because the difference between how it looks on the hanger and on you is like night and day. Clothes truly come to life when put on a person! 

Coat: Vintage, gifted. Dress: Value Village, $10. Purse: Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show, $10. Shoes: New Look, $30. 

PHOTOS BY LISA KIDD

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Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show - Spring 2015

Last Sunday was spent at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show. It's essentially a HUGE room filled with vintage clothing vendors. I think it's the biggest in Canada. They seemed to have a few new vendors this time around and each vendor switched up their stock from the last show. It's not only a shopping event but also a time to catch up with some of the vendors and a chance to be around people who share the same adoration and passion for vintage clothing.

I fell in love with two purses, check them out below. The bucket bag was one of the first things I saw and I couldn't get it out of my head. It's so sparkly and was very clean on the inside. I thought it would add a nice touch and some dimension to any outfit. The second purse is such a treasure. I almost walked right past it but I saw it in the corner of my eye and had to have it! 

Getting dressed for the show is always a major part of the fun! My steamer died last week so I had to choose something that wouldn't require any ironing. I recently picked up this suit and paired it with some light blue heels to make it more spring-y. They weren't the best shoe selection for shopping but I did almost make it the whole show in them! 

Suit: Vintage, The Royal's Thrift Store, $2.50. Heels: Spring, $12.50. Purse: Value Village, $4. Top: Value Village, $5. Necklace: Value Village, $1. Headscarf: Value Village, $3. 

    

   

photos by Michael Tundo and myself. 

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