I’ve always loved dressing up, and I have a closet full of gorgeous dresses in all silhouettes and colours. But after having my son a mere 15 months after having my daughter, I struggled to find anything in my wardrobe that would accommodate my vastly different body shape. As someone who was already struggling just to keep up with daily tasks, shedding the baby weight wasn’t on the agenda. I had a variety of planned and unplanned events to take place throughout the year, and I knew I would need something to don. So I bought one dress and it saw me through brunch dates, a fabulous outdoor dinner party, Thanksgiving dinner, a television appearance, and so much more. The whole concept was something I have promoted throughout the years to personal styling clients, but have never truly put into practise myself. As someone who used to consider herself something of a fashion-forward blogger, I constantly felt the need to keep up with the newest and glossiest of ensembles. Practical it is not, and as life has changed in unexpected ways, practicality has become my game.
As I mentioned before I needed something to accommodate my postnatal bod, ergo, something loose and flowing was on the docket. Most of the dresses already in my closet are body conscious or have a fitted waist, making it unrealistic that I would be able to fit into them within that first year, or two. I wanted something with a trapeze or shift silhouette, something black (as black goes with everything), sleeves were a must and I required a hemline around or slightly above my knees for more versatility. I found a dress that checked all the boxes from Aritzia in August of 2017, and it by far has received the most wear of any dress I have owned. It’s oversized with a shift silhouette, has sleeves, a hemline that is slightly above the knee, and a fabulous appliqué floral design for added oomph. It’s a touch sheer so it came with a slip, which when I acquired, didn’t fit. I had to purchase one in a larger size from a different store. The dresses above are options that check all the boxes from back then and I would have happily bought any of them at the time. I love the versatility of a little black dress no matter what the silhouette. Being able to throw on a phenomenal pair of coloured pumps, changing the look with tights or creating a certain vibe through hair and makeup. This dress was hands down a lifesaver and proof that we don’t have to put pressure on ourselves to lose the baby weight, feel bad about not being a certain size, or stress about fitting into the items in our closet. We can sell, consign, or donate the items that no longer bring us joy and find articles of clothing that get us from event to event, or through the day, while feeling fashionably fabulous.
Mason Coat, Vince Shirt, AG Denim, Loeffler Randall Boots, Chanel Clutch, Escada Scarf
It’s been a solid three weeks of polar vortex weather, keeping us hunkered down inside, and to be honest, dealing with a serious case of cabin fever. Too cold to even bundle the kids up for a quick walk around the block, I’ve been Marie Kondo-ing, list making, cleaning, organizing and watching The Grinch on repeat. I’ve also spent an unhealthy amount of time dreaming of when I can don my ‘fashion’ outerwear, without having to worry about frost bite. We snapped these pics before Mother Nature turned temperamental, and now I’m longing for the mild days of -5ºC. It looks like the weather may break this week, for a day, but hey, I’ll take it. Chances of my repeating this entire ensemble on that single mild weathered day, are looking 99% on the doppler radar.
Back when I resided in Vancouver I lived within walking distance to the Williams Sonoma on Granville Street, and it was there that I discovered red velvet cupcakes. Up until then I had yet to hear about the mild chocolate flavoured cupcake, known best for it’s deep red hue. At that time Williams Sonoma sold a line of cupcake mixes from a company called Sprinkles. There were only three flavour options and while I initially tried all three, it was the red velvet that stole my heart. I can’t tell you how many tins of Sprinkles’ Red Velvet Cupcake Mix I purchased during those five years, but when I say it was a mainstay in my kitchen I’m not exaggerating. I made those unbelievably delicious cupcakes more times that I can count, for birthdays, showers, stagettes, parties big and small and often just because. At some point after I left Vancouver Williams Sonoma stopped carrying the Sprinkles line, and I’ve gone without since. Considering how much I loved and adored those red velvet cupcakes, I’ve spent a long time searching for a recipe that matches the Sprinkles recipe in quality and deliciousness. I do believe I have finally found one. I used the Red Velvet Cupcake recipe from the Sweet Bake Shop book, and luckily for all of you, she also has the recipe on her website! I paired the cupcake with the original Sprinkles Cream Cheese Frosting recipe that came in the tins with the cupcake mix, as it’s by far my favourite cream cheese frosting recipe. The combination was deadly, completely taking me back to those wonderful west coast days. Perfect for any day of the year, these beauties would make the perfect treat for your loved one on Valentine’s Day, and then every day following.
Champion Sweatshirt, Lululemon Pants, Mackage Leather Jacket, Love Quotes Scarf
I talked not so long ago about building my everyday, casual uniform, for lack of a better description, my ‘Mom Look’. A look that isn’t pyjamas from the night before, but something that absolutely does not have to be dry-cleaned. An ensemble that looks pulled together enough that a glimpse in the mirror throughout the day doesn’t make me cringe or question my choices. I’ve stayed true to my overall concept and created a formula that is basically a combination of chic joggers or leggings, an on point hoodie or tee, fab outerwear and styling sneaks. While I love getting dressed up, this type of look is more realistic for hitting the zoo, changing diapers or chasing kids to and fro. I applaud the individuals out there that can drop a deep squat to pick up their screaming child in tight denim. That, unfortunately, is just not me. I used to be so judgemental when I saw women wearing leggings as pants outside of the yoga studio. I used to say to myself, I will never. Well, you can just go ahead and add those words to the looooong list of others that I have eaten since having my own kids. But don’t worry, I’ll be eating them from the comfort of my own leggings/yoga pants, whilst not doing downward dog.
Mason Blouse, Stella McCartney Blazer, Paige Denim, Loeffler Randall Booties
While my current season of life is less lunching out and more grilled-cheese-crusts-in, I still like to keep some ensembles ready in the wings for when I do get to break free for an afternoon or evening out. This type of ensemble is one of my favourites for going from meeting to drinks or errands to appointment. Let’s be honest though, the last time I wore something this pulled together to run errands was before kids. I’m lucky if I get out of the house with a shower, coordinated sweat pants and the children with all of their accessories. The majority of the time it’s two out of the three at best. Motherhood is such a mixed bag, of desperately counting down the days until you can send them off to school, and simultaneously shedding tears because time is passing too quickly. I do know I treasure my time with them fiercely, and that the day I can starting donning fabulous outfits in the regular will come all too soon.
