Old Navy Hoodie, AGOLDE Denim, Mason by Michelle Mason Leopard Coat, Reebok Sneakers, Chanel Handbag
I had the opportunity to step away from winter and land right in paradise for a quick 48 hours with one of my most treasured humans, and it already feels like a dream. We spent our time in Maui running along the beach, taking epic walks amongst the lush trees and gorgeous flowers, soaking up the sun on the sand and dining at delicious restaurants. All without being asked to fetch a water bottle, change a diaper, referee a fight or pick up a toy for the 15,732 time that day. It was bliss. I didn’t realize how badly I needed some time away to myself until I was away, and while I missed my kids, it was so nice only having to worry about myself. A luxury I took for granted when I actually only had to worry about myself.
I have a love for all things leopard, and when I purchased this particular coat I immediately knew that it was going to be in rotation on the regular. I envisioned almost instantly that not only would it look fabulous dressed up, but I knew I would be styling it atop a casual line up of ensembles as well. Hoodie, jeans and sneakers is as basic as it gets, but throwing a leopard layer on as you head out the door elevates the look instantly. I also love wearing a jogging suit,sneakers and a ball cap with this beauty of a coat topping it off, making this messy mommy feel somewhat put together.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
AGOLDE Denim, Madewell Tee, Vince Cardigan, Moncler Jacket, Chanel Handbag, Stuart Weitzman Boots
Sometimes the winds of change sneak up on you and without anticipating or preparing, it happens. Sometimes, change is something that is constantly gnawing, heavy on the heart to make a leap, to take a chance, to let things go. Something about the new year and new decade sparked a light in me, after years of being as still as I could be, to answer to those winds of change. Does the change look exactly like I envisioned it would, no, it doesn’t, but I’ve been working hard on my ability to adapt and readjust in an effort to succeed.
I believe that one of the biggest factors to looking chic in a city that can be warm and breezy one minute and arctic the next is to suit up in simple layers. I remember when I started blogging back in 2012, layering, often in J.Crew ensembles, was all the rage. It looked fussy and often involved a collared shirt beneath some sort of sweater. That look no longer speaks to me, but the idea of layering a fab wool cardigan over top my tee, and underneath my pretty parka…yes please. I’ve been shopping my own closet hard lately, and I’m so pleased with the abundance of classic pieces that mix and match and truly stand the test of time. Of course I have my special pieces, but what I reach for daily, it’s only the classics.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Aritzia Coat, DVF Blouse, AGOLDE Denim, Loeffler Randall Boots, Chanel Handbag, Agnelle Gloves
With the polar votex safely behind us, we’ve already made a trip to the zoo and will be spending as much time as possible outdoors, breathing in that amazing fresh air that isn’t cold enough to damage our lungs. Dramatic, I know, but it’s a miracle we made it though last week without leaving the house due to the extreme cold.
This type of outfit has been my go-to formula as of late, especially for those inbetween activities such as meeting up with friends while having to get some errands done. I used to spend so much time coming up with ensembles for the blog that were more aspirational than realistic, and that just doesn’t make sense for the season I’m in right now. If it’s not something I’ve worn in the past month, or will be wearing in the month to come, it no longer fits the bill to make it on to the blog. Perhaps that’s why there was such a long lull in the blog over the past couple of years, ain’t nobody want to see posts of mismatched sweatpants and dirty tees. Sometimes it takes a while to recover from the bumps and bruises of life, and I tried to protect all of you from that fashion disaster. You’re welcome.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Moncler Parka, Spanx Faux Leather Leggings, Chanel Handbag, Jimmy Choo Combat Boots
We are currently experiencing a deep freeze here in YYC, I’m talking -40 degrees celcius, and we’ve hunkered down hard. With two small children that have been house bound for the better part of a week, let me just say, the days have been LONG. I saw a meme that stated it’s the time of year where you either go to an indoor play place and leave with some variety of gastro or respiratory disease, or stay home and try not to kill each other. We’ve opted for the later, so my refereeing skills have skyrocketed to expert level.
These images were taken a couple of weeks ago when the weather was balmy in comparison. Alberta has always been a province where investing in a fabulous parka will never be a poor choice, and this week just confirms it. I’ve had this particular coat for over seven years (proof in this post from seven years ago), and it’s as relevant and in fashion as it was when I first purchased it. Proof that you don’t need dozens of options if you invest in something high in quality and classic in style.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Rachel Zoe Dress, Burberry Coat, Chanel Handbag, Aquazzura Pumps
New Year’s has never been a significant marker of time for me. To be honest, it’s always been September that has felt like an awakening, the time when I re-evaluate and take stock, make goals for moving forward and reflect back on the year. Ten years is a significant amount of time, and when looking back on the decade as a whole, it almost seems unbelievable that these past ten years have existed in the same lifetime. In January of 2010 I was living in Vancouver completing my fashion degree. I had met some of the most special humans who are still my closet of friends, and days were spent eating at fabulous restaurants, running along the seawall, walking everywhere, going to the theater, throwing parties at my townhouse, and late night fries at Fritz. We moved to Calgary in the summer of 2010, and it feels as though life has continued to evolve and change ever since.
In the past ten years I’ve had the opportunity to travel, to Germany, Austria, New York, France, and Bora Bora, just to name a few. I started this blog, Centre Street Style, in July of 2012 (which I couldn’t have done without the photography skills of my big brother, to whom I will forever be grateful), and traveled to both New York and L.A. for blogger conferences (RIP Lucky Magazine). I continued going to counseling upon returning to Calgary and found the most amazing therapist whom I still see today. There were endless trips to Seattle to cheer on the Seahawks and explore that fabulous city. I ran my first full marathon in Toronto in 2011 with my brother, after being utterly inspired by him running his first marathon. And we ran together again in marathons in Seattle in 2012 and Los Angeles in 2015, with many half marathons inbetween. When I returned to Calgary in 2010 I joined my sister in playing hockey, and am still playing with the girls today. I had my Eloise in 2015, and my Oscar in 2017, two of the biggest highlights in the reel by far. I married my absolute love in a surprise wedding in 2018, surrounded by our family. I hosted fabulous parties for Halloween, Stampede, the Academy Awards, and everything in between. I’ve been blessed to have a decade filled with an abundance of family, friends, good health and love.
This decade has also brought much heartache with it, and more tears than I thought humanly possible to fall. I said farewell to both of my furry babies, Tank and Dozer. My first marriage ended and we got divorced, which is as difficult and heart breaking as everyone says it is. There were losses of spectacular humans that broke my heart. My family was rocked by the economy in Calgary and they all moved out of the city, leaving me wondering where my heart went. I had to move out of a home I loved more than words, leaving me pondering the phrase, home is where the heart is. There were many times I felt lost, I struggled to keep my head above water, I questioned everything, and I got flooded with anxiety. It was a decade of accepting that, life is hard.
But as they often say, the hard times are what shape us, and I have to agree, I’ve discovered so much more about myself during the times of difficulty. If this decade has taught me anything it’s the people in your life that mean the most. So thank you to my friends and family that stuck around when things went sideways, who cried alongside me and picked me up when I had fallen. Heading in to 2020, more than anything, I want to live presently, fearlessly and wholeheartedly. No big declarations or lofty goals, but also not just getting by or barely surviving. So here we go, on to the next, and here’s to the next ten.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
