Mason Romper, Brixton Straw Hat, Gucci Sandals, Celine Handbag
We have finally been blessed with a string of hot days, the first of all summer, making it feel like it’s actually, summer. We’ve parked ourselves at the lake for the last few months, and while the setting is beyond gorgeous, it’s been hard not to share it with our friends. We envisioned this summer completely differently, basically as a revolving door of company, and it’s been the exact opposite. While it’s been a complete letdown, I know it won’t always be this way, so until then I’m settling for FaceTime wine dates with the girls.
I feel like every post for the foreseeable future should be labelled, ‘what I would wear if I went anywhere’. This is exactly what I would be wearing if I was headed out to drinks with the girls, dinner with my man, or running errands, fashionably of course. In reality I don’t ever exit my lounge wear, but hey, a girl can dream, right?! I said farewell to the vast majority of my rompers, but this number feels less romper and more flowy dress, and it’s definitely earned its keep in the closet. I’ve always been a hat lover, and when I saw this one I bought it on the spot. Not only is the quality fantastic, but it’s 1/6th of the price of it’s hat competitors sitting on the shelf next to it. It makes me believe 2020 hasn’t been all bad.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Equipment Blouse, AGOLDE Shorts, Elizabeth & James Blazer, Chanel Flats
It’s been so long since I’ve shot for photos. We’ve been laying extremely low since Covid, and it would be a lie to say there wasn’t extreme boredom and loneliness hitting hard these days. Even our kids are itching to resume play dates. We’re living outside of the city as we search for a new home, which has been a blessing as there’s more room for the kids to run and be free. If this pandemic has taught me anything though, it’s confirmed that it doesn’t matter where you are, it’s who you have to share it with. I would give anything to have the girls over for wine, to have our family friends up to the lake, and host dinner parties and play dates. Contracting Covid comes with too high of a risk for myself and those in our bubble, so we’re erring on the side of caution.
At the start of the summer I went through all my shorts, many of which hadn’t fit since before kids, and did a complete overhaul, getting rid of basically everything. I purchased a couple of fabulous pairs of denim cutoffs that I’ve been wearing religiously all summer. My uniform day in and out has consisted of shorts and a tee. It was fun to style and dress up my cutoffs as I would if I were actually leaving the house. Come next summer my arsenal of ensembles will be on point, as I’ve spent the season of Covid perfecting them to a ‘T’.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Wolford Bodysuit, AGOLDE Denim, Rebecca Minkoff Belt, Aritzia Trench, Aquazzura Mules, Chanel Handbag
In Alberta, the first stage of reopening is happening, and while I’m admittedly not going to be lining up to go anywhere anytime soon, it’s positive to see things start to open up again. Since I’ll be staying close to home I thought I’d share another round of what I’m reading, cooking, and overall, what I’m doing to keep busy.
To spice things up around here I’ve been planning themed nights, and last night was the first. We did Greek for dinner, pulling out some of my favourite recipes, alongside a new one, and whoa, best. meal. ever. I used Half Baked Harvest’s Chicken Souvlaki Bowls to make the chicken skewers (first time using this chicken recipe, it was delish) and her recipe to make the Homemade Naan Bread (I’ve made her naan bread many times before and it’s unreal). I used Erin Ireland’s recipe for World’s Best Greek Potatoes, (also have made before and are insanely tasty). Ina Garten’s Greek Salad is hands down my favourite and is a regular in my rotation. Everything was beyond, the flavours paired so well together and I think it’s fair to say this was one of the best meals I’ve made.
Sheltering at home has given me some time to sit down and read, and I’ve definitely been taking advantage. I just finished The German Midwife (really enjoyed this, not mind blowing but an enjoyable read), as well as The Nest (it was meh at best, surprised it had a Heather’s Pick attached to it), and next on my list are American Dirt and When All Is Said: A Novel.
Each season I’ve been narrowing down what is missing in my wardrobe to a couple of items, being extremely conscious of what I’m bringing in. This summer I’m on the hunt for a pair of white woven mules, and these, these, and these are all in contention. I also recently purchased some shorts I’d been eyeing up, and I’m obsessed. Last summer I purchased a dupe pair to see if I’d like the length and I ended up loving the longer inseam.
I feel like it’s getting harder and harder to keep the kids entertained throughout this time, but it’s definitely gotten better since discovering Busy Toddler on Instagram. I’ve also stocked up on sandbox toys and fully plan on sending the kids out to the sandbox as often as possible. The water table we purchased two summers ago is being used on the daily, and has been doing double duty as it’s the perfect vessel for some of the activities I’ve found on Busy Toddler.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Zara Sweater, AGOLDE Denim, Zara Blazer, Loeffler Randall Booties, Chanel Handbag
May is the time I usually get excited about my spring wardrobe. By now my winter wears have been washed and packed away (don’t forget the moth balls or cedar blocks or you may be surprised with holes come the fall), and my spring/summer wardrobe has been brought out, steamed and hung/folded in the closet. I edit my wardrobe and pull anything that I’m not reaching for, no longer fits, or I don’t love, for consignment. My favourite place to consign in the city is Danielle’s Consignment, she has such an amazing eye and curates fabulous pieces. I was lucky to get my items to her before the shut down, but they’re currently doing curbside consignment drop offs and have an online store as well.
My go-to for selling my designer shoes and handbags is Forever Red Soles. They have an incredibly strong online presence on Instagram as well as a website. They’re based out of Edmonton, AB and the owner is a boss babe who is a gem to consign with. If you’re interested in shopping high-end designer items you definitely have to check her out, and likewise if you have designer items to sell.
I know I’m late to the game, but I’ve recently discovered Poshmark and I have to say, I’m obsessed. There’s a Canadian site, as well as an American site, and you can find everything from inexpensive flip flops to designer goods. You have to make an account, but it’s easy and worth it to go and take a look. I’ve purchased and sold off the site and both ways were seamlessly straight forward. The fabulous part is that buying second hand is environmentally friendly and you can hunt down that one item that got away. Because sometimes the search for the perfect item is the best part.
I have used other consignment services around the city of Calgary surrounding areas and they have all been fantastic. I’ve consigned with Vespucci, The Upside, and Rhoda’s Consignment and all have been wonderful experiences. With so much time on our hands, why not go through your wardrobe. Make sure you do your research on each one to determine what is going to be a good fit. Consignor terms such as pricing, percentage of what you’ll receive when your items sell, days on the floor, and whether you’ll be able to receive your items back if they don’t sell or if they’ll be donated all vary between stores.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Blogs aren’t read in the same way they used to be, with so many social media options out there to consume, actually taking the time to go to your favourite blog and sit down to have a read isn’t as high on the priority list. Even I’ve found that I’ve cut down on the number of blogs I consume compared to a few years ago. One of the things I have loved reading the most on blogs these days are what others are doing to pass the time and keep busy. I thought I’d start sharing what I’m cooking, reading, watching and doing to help pass the time and stay, somewhat, sane through this time of sheltering in place.
- I’ve made these Crinkle Top Brownies more than I would like to admit, and I’ve done all the heavy lifting in terms of polishing them off too. Half Baked Harvest is my absolute favourite food blogger, and all of her recipes are insanely delicious.
- When Corona got serious here in Canada and my anxiety shot through the roof, I searched out online yoga classes to help ease my anxiousness. I found this Yoga For Anxiety and Stress class from Yoga with Adriene and I was hooked. This class is under 30 minutes and her calm demeanor left me checking out her other classes too.
- I cannot remember the last time I attempted to do a puzzle. But since sheltering in place we’ve gone though six of them. We set them up on the dining table (there goes our dinner parties) so you can pick away piece by piece or sit down and invest some time. It’s been an amazing way to pass the time and still feel like you’re accomplishing something.
- We’ve been printing off free colouring sheets from the Super Coloring website on the regular. They have every character under the sun and I let the kids pick which characters they’d like to print off, which adds to the excitement. I’m not sure if the kids have more fun colouring the sheets or watching their choices get printed.
- When Tiger King came out we binged it like it was our job. Last week we started The Last Dance documentary on Michael Jordan, and whoa, it’s ah-mazing. We’ve been sitting on pins and needles for the next two episodes to be released, so if you need me tonight, you’ll know where to find me.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
