A Friend is a Gem

There's nothing better than sitting down with someone knew over a coffee. An acquaintance that after three hours of chatting has turned into a friend. Finding someone who laughs with you, who is easy to talk to, and further someone who you can tell doesn't judge but just accepts people as they are.

Those people are a rare gift. Treasure them because talking trash is easy and there's always someone up for the job. But understanding and a sense of humor don't come along all that often. It's a precious gem someone like that, and one I plan on appreciating.

Top - gift  //  Cardigan - TnA  //  Beanie - eBay  //  Jeans - Gap  //  Boots - ThreadSence  //  Necklaces - Vanessa Mooney  //  Rings - Fair Trade Artisans 

Sustainable When Possible

I don't know if you know that the fashion industry is one of the worst polluters. Our cheap clothes are made in a way that damages our environment, and damages our fellow humans *low wages, and poor working conditions.*  It's true. As part of that industry, I try to be mindful of buying sustainable or fair trade, or both when I can.  I'm not perfect, clearly, but it is something I keep in mind and make conscious choices when I can.

Star Wars Fashion for the Star Wars Movie

Yesterday was probably a geek girls dream. I treated myself to a decaf Almond milk latte from the awesome coffee shop in the 'hood - SuperCoffee.  Then had a blast recording several new podcasts for the D&D game I'm in. Yes, I play D&D and in this game I'm a hesitant doctor who prefers to use her sword.

Frak, I'm Growing or Something

It's quiet here. And not in a good way.

A Casual Day...

...calls for casual clothes.  Though, as we all know I'm never all business-y anyway.
But having been blessed with come milder weather, I made sure to take full and complete advantage.

Sartorial Rabbit Hole of Joy, or Lyst

I've recently been going down the best rabbit hole ever. And I do mean that. I've been spending time on Lyst. It's seriously like a fashionista's online Mecca. You create an account and answer a whole bunch of questions about which designers you like and don't like, then your own private boutique is curated for you. Basically, Lyst scours a whole ton of online shops and puts them all in one place. Imagine, instead of tons and tons of boutiques spread across they're all in one place - like a mall - but so much more awesome because no one steps on your toes.

Truly The Best Gift

An evening spent with two friends.
Both of whom respect me, accept me, and love me.
With dancing. And Wine.
Truly that is the best thing I could ask for...

Without A Care...

....I dance.

Exposure - Or Paying Artists, One Fashion Bloggers Rant

Let's be honest. Many of you who are online a lot have probably heard of Essena O'Neill and how she quit her instagram modelling account and came clean about the back deals with companies to promote brands.  There's a whole lot of controversy over whether it's real or a hoax, as well as general other thoughts about the validity of instagram/social media accounts.

Great Expectations

We're constantly surrounded by them aren't we?
They're a double edged sword.
When expectations are placed on us by others, or placed upon ourselves from unhealthy places they can do a lot of damage.
But expectations themselves are beautiful.

True

True, the weather's getting colder.
True, the sun is setting sooner.
There is less daylight. And it feels like we're lacking.
And yes, it'll be hard the next few months without the heat on my skin.
With all the layers I'll be forced to wear instead of feeling the unfettered freedom of wind rustling through summer fabrics.

Heels and Leather Pants

Kind of a natural pairing, you know? Like jeans and a tee. Coffee and croissant. There's something about putting the two together that feels right.

TIFF 2015 in Full Swing

The Toronto International Film Festival is in it's full blown glory. That means parties and events.  Which means getting all dressed up. I'm okay with that.

You Say That Like It's a Bad Thing

Many people, most really, when they first meet me are surprised to learn about the raging nerd I am.

Responsible Fashion

Heading up to the cottage this past long weekend, I was yet again struck by the beauty that we have in nature.  Also, the profound meaning and connection we can achieve by just sitting quietly and letting the world move around us.

A Millions Things....

...go wrong. Everyday. You wake up with a certain expectation of the day, at least I do, and everyday it turns out different.  Sometimes better, sometimes worse, and sometimes just different.

Takin' It All In Stride.

Saturday: my girl's birthday party.
Saturday eve: our games night.
Saturday middle of the night: Carbon monoxide detector goes off and we spend a total of two hours outside while the fire department comes, checks our house, concludes it's a malfunction and false alarm, and leaves.
Sunday: coffee.

Sunday after coffee: if this is the problem I'm dealing with right now, life's pretty okay. People are being persecuted and hunted around the world just for being alive. Which is right up there with me losing a couple hours sleep right? *that was sarcasm in case you missed it*

Here's to perspective. Happy week everyone.

Pants & Shoes - ThreadSence  //  Tee & Cardigan - UO  //  Necklace - Homegrown Boutique

Free Spirited and Willful Child

I love that my girl is strong willed and free spirited. But does she have to be soooo strong willed and free spirited?  About bed time? And about food?  And about, oh well, everything??? It's like corralling sheep where the sheep are baring their teeth, not listening, have spikes on their hides, and laser beams shooting at you from their heads.  It's just like that.

She's freakin' cute and sweet as hell, but when that other side comes out, watch out! Plus, you know there's only so many questions a woman can answer in a day before that questioning inflection at the end of a sentence makes your brains explode.

Obviously, I love that she's very inquisitive, but dear Lord do I breathe a sigh of relief once she goes to bed and I have no more questions being pelted at me in rapid fire succession.

Pass the wine.

Vest - H&M  //  Cardi - Old Navy  //  Dress - Ruche  //  Boots - Aldo  //  Socks - F21  //  Necklace - FreePeople

On the Road Again

On my bike that is.  My bicycle is tuned up and on the road. I know, I know, some people continue riding all year 'round. I admire those people.....those crazy people. Me? I like to ride my bike when it's warm - ride all around the city - but not when it's cold. So there's this moment in Spring that occurs when the days are reliably warm enough that me and my bike are traipsing about town getting errands done.

It's also really cool to be able to do that first 30 km ride and be totally fine afterwards.  Here's to cycle season!

Kimono - Arnhem  //  Romper - Ruche  //  Fedora - ThreadSence  //  Boots - Aldo  //  Necklace - FreePeople  //  Sunnies c/o Woodzee

One Woman Dance Party

You know when you're driving and you pull up to a red light alongside other cars, and in the car beside you you see that person?  There's that person who is blasting music, bobbing their head, drumming their hands, and is clearly singing as loud as possible.  Either unaware or not caring that people are watching them, they make faces, act out all the bits of the song, and wait with anticipation for the guitar or drum solo acting it out on their steering wheel.

That person is me.

Janis Joplin, Rolling Stones, '70s hits, and Queen. Yup.

For the record, my driving is superbly precise - I just do it while having a one woman dance party.

Kaftan - Arnhem  //  Pants - Lululemon  //  Boots - Aldo  //  Necklace - Gypsy Love Store  //  Turquoise Bracelet & Hat  - ThreadSence  //  Turquoise and Red Bracelet - eBay  //  Rings & Sunnies - F21

*linking up with Honest Mom*