I have been incredibly thoughtful about the items I’ve introduced into my wardrobe over the past couple of years. While I have persisted in taking items to consignment on the regular, I’m still struggling to find my style, and therefore have been hesitant about adding anything. While my look these days is definitely more casual nights in than fancy nights out, I’ve been searching for a coat that has the versatility to reside in more than one category. Last season teddy bear coats were everywhere, and it looks as though they’re here for more than a hot minute. I love the look, the comfort factor, the coziness and the fact they look amazing with everything from denim to joggers. I’ve rounded up my favourite selection that’s currently available, and I have to say, I’d be hard pressed to pick just one.
- alo Norte Sherpa Coat
- J.Crew Plush Fleece Bomber Jacket
- BRUNETTE the Label Josephine Teddy Jacket
- Splendid Olympia Faux Fur Jacket
- Jack by BB Dakota Soft Skills Sherpa Faux Fur Jacket
- alo Foxy Sherpa Jacket
- UGG Jackeline Teddy Bear Jacket
- TOPSHOP Fleece Jacket
- Aritzia Wilfred Free The Teddy Jacket
- I.AM.GIA Pixie Coat
Alice + Olivia Dress, Elizabeth & James Blazer, Reebok Sneakers, Loeffler Randall Handbag, PIPERWEST Watch
There are very few trends that I jump on board with these days. Some I see coming and I turn and run in the other direction. Some I see and immediately love but know that the shelf life of the trend is short lived, so I swerve. Others I care not if longevity is a factor, but the overall look and comfort indicates that I’ll have it in rotation long after the trend dies off. This summer the dress and sneaker trend hit hard, and I fell even harder. I love the idea of an easy piece like a dress paired with the comfort of a sneaker. Athletic, casual, classic or coloured, it matters not, I’ve seen an array of sneakers paired with dresses, although admittedly, it seems as though the current white sneaker trend is dominating this particular look. If you’re like me and struggle with transitional ensembles for fall, simply pair your dress with a blazer or coat, or pull out that midi dress with sleeves and the look immediately goes from summer to fall. My look has major Working Girl vibes, complete with Classic Reebok, and let me be clear, I’m not mad about it.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Aritzia Dress, Valentino Sandals, DVF Clutch
I honestly cannot believe that we are in the last week of summer, is anybody else wondering where it went? While autumn is my absolute favourite time of year, my love for summer is lingering, as this summer was the best I’ve had since before having my children. They’re finally at an age where packing up and spending the day at the beach is enjoyable, going to the farmer’s market is appreciated, and playing outside in the sprinkler is a legitimate afternoon activity. We spent a good portion of the summer visiting my family at the lake, and we embarked on our first big family vacation, traveling down to Montana. There was an abundance of blissful, simple, uncomplicated togetherness, and so many moments of contentment in this season of stillness. Don’t be fooled, there were many, many moments of messiness, toddler tantrums, and tremendous tests of patience. All in all, however, it was wonderful, and the memories of the difficult times are already fading away as the joyous occasions become etched into remembrance. I think when you have kids that’s the only way you can survive, wouldn’t you agree?
Myne Blouse, Levi’s Denim, Chanel Flats, Louis Vuitton Handbag
Since having kids I’ve been drawn to basics and neutrals more than I ever have before. Black, white, neutrals, and monochromatic classics are the ensembles I’m currently craving. I’ve been working on narrowing my closet down to these sorts of classic basics, hoping to edit into somewhat of a capsule wardrobe that will take me from the park to the zoo to dinner out with friends, the latter of which happens less than ten times a year. I just don’t get the opportunity to leave the house wearing fushia florals as much as I used to, or would like to. I also wear leggings more than should legally be allowed, but I know this is all just a season, and I have a feeling I’ll miss it when it’s over. Of course I mean the leggings and sweat pants and t-shirts, that get dirty first thing in the morning and then I end up wearing all day, are just a season. The classic basics are here to stay, obviously.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
When summer rolls around I get an unexplained urge to eat ice cream at every single meal. It’s like the rules change during these hot months. While we typically don’t have dessert as a family after every single dinner, in the summer that goes out the window and ice cream and popsicles are the finale to every single dinner, and sometimes lunch too. While I love walking for a cone at the lake, and the convenience of having the store bought variety on hand, there truly is nothing like fresh, homemade ice cream. I especially love using fresh fruit, which, when combined with the creamy base layer of homemade ice cream, makes for the most delicious treat. In the past I’ve made Blueberry, Cherry Chocolate Truffle, Bordeaux Stawberry, Blackberry, and Strawberry. This time I was craving lemon, and found a recipe for Meyer Lemon Ice Cream from the book Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones, that didn’t disappoint. (You can find a version of that recipe here.) It was tart and sweet and so incredibly creamy, everything I was hoping for and more. The only disappointment was the fact it was eaten so quickly I didn’t get a chance to have a scoop topped off with Limoncello. Good thing there’s a second batch in the works.
