Current/Elliot Denim Shirt, Aritzia Effortless Pants, Zara Trench Coat, Chanel Flats, Saint Laurent Handbag
We’re currently experiencing a heat wave here in YYC, as I’m sharing photos from last month, when we had the chilliest June, shorts not optional. The actual first day of summer was so brisk my daughter insisted she wear her winter parka to school. A touch dramatic, I would say so, but I also donned a Fall/Winter rated coat. To be honest, the older I get the less I love the +25 degree weather. Anything under that I thrive, but once it creeps up I become a sensory overloaded mess. I’m already feeling guilty about how much time I will be spending indoors in my air conditioning this week, although I fully plan on running bright and early in the mornings. I also looked into the outdoor pools the second I heard they opened back up, and I imagine there will be slurpee runs galore this week.
I’ve been trying hard to pull items from my closet to pair in ways I typically don’t. As much as I would love to shop as abundantly as I did pre-kids, to hop on for the vast majority of trends, and have new pieces constantly coming in the mail, it truly isn’t realistic for me at this point in time. I would say these three pieces, the Effortless Pants, my trusty trench and my denim shirt are the most worn items from this spring. All three can be dressed up, worn casually, and truly go with everything. I paired my denim shirt tucked into my tailored pants, when typically I would wear it open over top a tank or tee with denim or leggings. Small styling moments like that can easily increase the versatility of the pieces in your closet, without having to make a new purchase. Lightweight pieces like a denim shirt are also great as spring/summer jackets in lieu of actual jackets when the temps heat up. Or in the case of Calgary this week, no jacket at all.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Abercrombie Sloane Pants, Abercrombie Tee, Adidas Samba Sneakers, Valentino Handbag
The long weekend has come and gone, showcasing a “typical” long weekend in Alberta, which meant snow and rain. I ditched the kids and the hubby and drove down to Montana, all by myself ( ok, just one way, I got a ride home, but I digress). For anyone who knows me well, they’ll know just how big of a deal that is for me. The past few years have been riddled with big life changes and challenges, and my anxiety was at an all time high. For me, anxiety has always manifested in the discomfort of driving. So, for years after my son was born, up until the past year and a bit, driving has been my greatest struggle. So many times when the kids were young, I felt isolated and alone, I would pack them up to take them to the zoo or the mall, just to get out of the house. I would arrive at our destination, not knowing how I made it there, and spending the time we were there in a state of numbness, worrying about how I was going to drive home. I avoided going almost anywhere if it meant I had to drive, and highway driving was an absolute hard no. I would avoid driving in the winter months as much as I could because there weren’t as many places to pull over if I felt like fainting, which was pretty much the entire time I was in the driver’s seat. I spoke at length to my therapist and family physician. I implemented tools and tricks that they passed along. Slowly, as life has settled down, I’ve gone from surviving to thriving, and my anxiety towards driving is nearly gone. I got teary eyed near the end of the 7+ hour drive this past weekend, just so grateful for where I’ve landed, for the amazing humans and family in my life, and a little bit for the gal I was, struggling on the daily seven years ago.
Hands down one of my favourite looks is a monochromatic one. Specifically, I’ve always loved light hued monochromatic looks. Head to toe taupes, tans, and camels and creams. As someone who has always gravitated to black, I’ve loved from afar, as I never had the pieces in my closet to recreate the looks. I’ve recently been conscious about adding items in a lighter colourway, being careful that the underlying tones are similar enough to be able to mix and match the pieces together. I started with these amazing Sloane trouser pants from Abercrombie, and I’ve built out from there. I wore them through the winter, pairing with a tan wool coat, and love that I can participate in a light ensemble moment. You don’t always have to rush out and buy an entire look, but you can always build towards one. Whether your entire wardrobe needs a revamp or just a certain cluster of ensembles, you can build it thoughtfully piece by piece, you just have to start somewhere.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
H&M Ribbed Tank, AGOLDE Denim, Zara Blazer, Zara Slingback Flats, Chanel Handbag
Halloween has been tucked away (let’s be honest, it got tucked away in the early morning hours on the 1st) and I’m giving myself a couple of weeks before it’s go time for decorating. I try to wait until after Remembrance Day in Canada to put the goods up, but I have to admit, making it past then hasn’t always happened. October was a whirlwind of appointments, school activities, viruses and hockey, and thus far, the calendar in November is showing multiple days of down time. I am someone who does not thrive on constant “busy-ness” and I absolutely need unscheduled time to decompress and recharge. I’m looking forward to enjoying the month of November, the anticipation of the holidays, the cozy snowy days spent indoors, and getting into a groove for the last couple of months of the year.
Amongst all the trends that come and go, for me, there’s certain ensembles that follow a fool-proof equation for a classic look. When you’re in a style drought, a rush, or a fashion emergency, this formula fits for almost every type of occasion. It’s important to have an updated fit in the pieces, this outfit would not read the same if I was wearing skinny jeans paired with a fitted blazer. As we come into the cooler months, swap the ribbed tank for a chunky sweater, crisp white shirt, or long sleeve tee. Replace the flats with a boot or a heel and you’re ready to go. Or for a more relaxed put-together look, throw a hoodie under your blazer and a pair it with some sneakers. Honestly the options are endless and the formula simple.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Abercrombie Bodysuit, AGOLDE Denim Shorts, Zara Blazer, Zara Slingback Flats, Rebecca Minkoff Belt
This weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving with today being a holiday across the country. I always like taking a few moments to reflect during the weekend, and even during the darkest of years, there’s always been things to be thankful for. In a world where up can become down in an instant, where the news of the world can be absolutely paralyzing, and life can change in the blink of an eye, I’m so thankful. Thankful for my family, for friends who are more family than friend, for the health of myself and everyone in my orbit, and for the beauty of life, little and big. The older I get the more sentimental I get, about how beautiful this life can be, despite, or perhaps because of, the hardships that come along throughout the journey.
I love sneaking in shorts through September, pairing them with Fall pieces such as blazers and sweaters gives less of a summer feel and a much more distinct transitional touch. We’ve been absolutely spoiled with the temperature of the weather this weekend, and you better believe I’ve been baring my legs all weekend long. The best part of an ensemble such as this is how easy it is to switch the shorts over to a pair of denim or trousers as the temperature drops, making for an easy get ready formula. I think we can all agree, that that is a good thing.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Valentino Sweater, Abercrombie Tailored Shorts, Louis Vuitton Handbag, Sam Edelman Sandals
Once again we’ve been blessed with the most beautiful Autumn weather, and it further secures Fall as my favourite time of year. I love the rituals of September, I love the routine of school starting, and I love walking into the hockey rink in sandals. There is a crispness in the air that brings me renewed energy, and so many activities and holidays to look forward to in the months to come. I sleep better in the Fall/Winter when the house is cool and my blankets are piled high. I can run the paths and take in the beauty of the leaves changing, without being too hot or too cool. Don’t get me wrong, I love having four separate seasons, but unlike when you have children, I wholeheartedly have a favourite.
Trouser shorts popped up everywhere this summer and I jumped in with a pair in a beautiful caramel colour. I’m loving an option that’s not a casual workout short, but also not your typical denim short that I would usually reach for. I appreciate that you can elevate them to wear to work, but also throw on a t-shirt with sneakers or flip-flops for a more casual feel. I can’t describe how much I adore them and am already envisioning a pair in navy or black paired with other items in my closet. I can easily make a dozen distinct outfits, and that’s how you know an item deserves a spot in your closet.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
