H&M Linen Shirt, Abercrombie Denim, Manolo Blahnik Sandals, Prada Handbag
It’s officially summer break around here, and I’m already loving the easy morning routine. We have only one week this summer planned out and the rest has been left to fill in as we go. There’s absolutely moments where I wish we had exciting plans, a European vacation, road trip along the coast, camping trips scattered throughout, but I know that one day I’ll look back and treasure these easy days of summer when the kids are still little. I guarantee lots of days running through the sprinkler, water balloon fights and entertaining friends in the backyard, and most importantly, the memories that will be made.
There used to be a time where come summer I donned all the colour one could possibly wear. The past few years however, I’ve been more drawn to neutrals, and am an absolute black ensemble stan. The dedication to black doesn’t end when the warmer weather picks up either, I’ve found pieces like this linen button down that help beat the heat, despite the dark colour. I love that linen is so prominent this year. I purchased this black linen button down to pair with matching black linen shorts, but it works with everything else in my wardrobe. I sized up so I could not only wear as pictured, but so that I could throw it over top a bathing suit in the summer as a cover up. I feel it’s so important that pieces in our closets pull double duty, they can’t all be one outfit wonders. If you don’t have any linen, now is definitely the time to add a piece to your arsenal, and you can thank me later.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Aritzia Pants, H&M Shirt, New Balance Sneakers, Chanel Handbag
Are there any other moms out there feeling the rush of the last week of school?! The past couple of weeks have been ridiculously busy, in the best way, and I’m so looking forward to summer break. Not having to pack lunches everyday, being lackadaisical on bedtime, not having evenings or weekends scheduled with sports practises and games. I know the summers where they’re little enough to still want to spend time with me are fleeting, and I plan and taking in all the moments, big and small, fun and not so much.
I have to say, I was reluctant to buy into the Aritzia Effortless trend, mainly because I wasn’t sure how much wear I would get from them. I absolutely loved the look on others, so I finally took the plunge, and am happy to report I was not disappointed. I have worn them consistently since purchasing, in a multitude of ways. These days anything that comes into my closet has to pull it’s weight and must be able to be styled into a variety of different looks. I would highly recommend, and will be wearing them throughout the summer, ribbed tank and sandals, heck yes. They’re such a great option to have when you want something other than denim, and they’re casual enough to pair with sneakers, or dress up with heels. At this point I’m thinking I need in another colour, yes?
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Zara Trench Coat, Lululemon Leggings, Aritzia Socks, New Balance Sneakers
The past couple of months have been an absolute whirlwind, and I’m truly stunned we’re already halfway through June. I celebrated my 40th birthday in March, and carried those celebrations into May, running the Vancouver Marathon and celebrating afterwards with some of my most favourite humans. As clichéd as this may come across, in utmost sincerity, I feel so blessed to be celebrating 40. To grow old and settle into myself. To have grey hairs popping up and wrinkles settling in. To see my children growing up. I know so many who didn’t get to see what 40 held for them, that I just will never take aging for granted. Of course there are days when I feel the impact of aging, my body doesn’t respond and can’t perform the way it used to. I’m slower and need more sleep than I did previously, but overall, I’m feeling nothing but love for this fourth decade of life. Truly.
I have a good number of trench coats from years past, but all in a very fitted silhouette. I was on the hunt for an oversized trench that could be dressed up or down, and this one in particular fit the bill. I love it’s oversized fit, specifically that it can accommodate a hoodie or blazer underneath without cutting off your circulation. I keep debating on whether I should shorten it up a couple of inches or leave it as is, but for now I’m into the length. I’ve worn it over denim and a blazer, a dress and heels, and casually like this ensemble, multiple times. It’s a welcome addition that plays nicely with all of the outfits in my closet.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Abercrombie Tee, AGOLDE Denim, Loeffler Randall Boots, Danier Leather Jacket, Chanel Handbag
As we’re nearing the end of April, we’re getting closer to being able to confidently declare Spring is here. It is Calgary however, so there’s always a chance of snow anytime up until June, and I promise, I’m not being dramatic in saying that. I’m on the tapering end of my training for the Vancouver Marathon taking place at the beginning of May, and I can confidentially say this is the hardest run I’ve trained for. The first full marathon I ran in 2011 at age 28, and subsequently ran two more at ages 29 and 32. At age 40, after having two kids, with numerous life stressors, a lack of childcare and winter weather in play, this has been a tough four months. To be honest, I tallied it up and actually only completed 80% of my training runs, which makes me feel incredibly less prepared than all the other runs I’ve done. I contemplated quitting nearly every day in March, and for a stretch of three weeks insisted I was quitting to numerous individuals. I’ve never trained for a full marathon alone. I’ve always had friends or family running alongside me for those four to five hour weekend runs so training for this has been incredibly isolating and lonely. Highly do not recommend training alone. Another factor that makes me incredibly nervous for race day. But all of that said, running makes me feel like me. It eases my anxiety like nothing else. It gives me time to think and ponder things through, and it makes me feel strong. So I’ve signed up and we’ll see. I anticipate there will be more bathroom breaks than all of the marathons I’ve run combined (thanks kids), there will be a ton of walking and stretching along the way, my finish time will be my slowest of all my races and I can guarantee tears, all of the tears.
While we’re swaying somewhere between snow and sunshine, this is what I would deem a perfect transitional ensemble for YYC’s “spring” weather. I’ve actually owned this leather trench since the 90s. Back in high school I wanted a leather coat so badly, so my Dad and I struck up a deal. Instead of taking his shirts to the dry cleaners I washed and ironed them for $1 a shirt. I had a chart counting down, and after a year I had saved enough to purchase the jacket. Perhaps the sentimentality of it is why I kept it all these years, but whatever the reason, I am so glad I did. Leather and faux leather trench-style jackets are back in, and I’m in like gin on this trend. I’ve worn this coat with leggings, sneakers and a hoodie for a more dressed down look, and I’ve paired with a dress for a more elevated ensemble. While I tend to pass by the vast majority of trends these days, I’m loving the look of this one.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Abercrombie Denim, Alice + Olivia Top, Zara Blazer, Sam Edelman Boots, Chanel Handbag
I would wager I’m not alone in the realization that it’s mid January, and I’m already left wondering where the time went. We’ve been back in the groove for just over two weeks now, with the kids back in school, hockey going full tilt, and a ski weekend under our belts. For the first time since I can remember I felt so hopeful and motivated by the start of the New Year. I typed out a list of goals that I have, and I made a vision board of what I’m working towards this coming year. I’m basically a New Year’s cliche, and I’m not mad about it. The past few years my goal has literally been to make it through the year intact, but this year feels different. Many moons ago I would write out a list of 10-15 “resolutions” if you will, but I’ve never really done that practice in my adult life. I have a girlfriend who has always taken the time to draw up her goals, broken down by year and month, and over time it’s astonishing at what’s been achieved off that list. I’m all for throwing things out into the universe and seeing what I attract back these days. If even a single one comes to fruition, I promise to let you know at year end.
In trying to embrace all of the new silhouettes and styles of denim, I ventured into the realm of “Mom Jeans”, and I have to say, I kind of love them. A roomier fit through the hips and thighs that taper down to the hem, they’re unlike anything I’ve worn, at least in the past couple of decades. Like many of you, I still struggle with what to pair these new denim silhouettes with. Combat boots have been my go-to, but honestly, I’m anxiously awaiting warmer weather to bring on the ballet slippers and leather sandals. I would absolutely recommend this pair of denim, comfort is a 10/10, and it’s been fun and refreshing playing around with a new style. Who else out there is trying something new in the denim department these days?!
Photos by Kiera Schussler
