Skims Body Suit

Curious about the hype, I invested in this simple soft and form fitting body suit for wearing underneath outfits or for around the house. The fit is more comfortable than I had expected coming from a shape wear company. It was pleasing to realize that Kim K does designs her various body suits to match the exact needs and desires of a vast array of customers. This suit wears and washes well. I will definitely investing in another body suit when the need / desire arises.

Tentree Pants Green

I have been eyeing this specific pair of Tentree pants for the better part of five years. I began noticing they were not showing up in my local searches and were running low on the stores main website. I snagged a pair before the autumn ended. They are soft, comfortable and relaxed. Perfect for Autumn weekend nature walks.

Abercrombie Plunge Neck Midi Dress

Although I have not returned to public partner Blues dancing since early 2020’s pandemic beginnings, I still hold space for solo blues dance moments at home and relish the return on the public dance floor.
This dress, I bought with that desire in mind, knowing that hopefully within the next 365 days, there will be a moment where close breathing in a dance partners space might not seem so overwhelming to me.
For now, this item is reserved for date nights.

Top Centre - Clockwise: Blanket Grey Scarf | Chapters, At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon | JWD Bookstore, Heart of the Wolf Necklace | Pyrrha, Sweater Dress | La Vie En Rose, Tan/Brown Loungewear | Abercrombie & Fitch, Walking Boots | Sperry, Canon EO7 RP | Canon, Jeans | The Gap, Mixed Media Pleather Pants | RW&Co, Yoga Long Sleeve | LuluLemon, Yoga Pants | Aerie, Heartbeat Necklace | Gift from the bestie, Black, Brown and Burgundy Turtlenecks | RW&Co, Black Cami | H&M, Beige Cami | Ambercrombie & Fitch, Brown Turtleneck Oversized Knit Sweater | H&M, Butterfly Sweater | Winners

Autumn was a very full and busy few months. The back-to-school routine, preparation of Christmas, the celebration of Thanksgiving all have a way of creating those 'in the blink of an eye' moments.

The theme this month, seemed to be in replacing items that had broken down or were of low quality.

NEW TO ME

Cable Knit Sweater

I have always wanted a quality sweater that would last years. It's always bothered me how often the sweaters marketed to women are low quality that wears out within a year or two. Getting this sweater was a financial commitment, but I recognize it will last me a decade, if not longer.

Sperry Walking Boots

Not a purchase I was planning on making, but one that was necessary. These boots do the job of keeping my feet warm while walking through wet leaves and muddy places.

Canon Camera

Purchased for work, I hope to spend more time in the following seasons learning how to use this camera as an additive to my documentary filmmaking.

STILL GOING STRONG

Scarf

Purchased from Indigo years ago, this blanket scarf is a staple for me.

Mixed Media Faux Leather Pants

Love these. They pair perfectly with the majority of my capsule wardrobe.

Turtle Necks

Must have in the professional winter / autumnal wardrobe. When one finds a good turtleneck, buy more in varying shades.

TIME TO GO

Soft Moc Boots (*not pictured here)

It seems I forget to take pictures of the items which wear out and are on their way out the door into the garbage. A pair of walking autumnal boots that I used in autumn and winter met their end early this season. I didn't notice how bad they were until quite literally one boot fell apart in my hand. Upon close inspection, it was clear both boots were crumbling down with various splits and holes around the zippers and creases. They met with the garbage can after being deemed irreparable.

Tank Tops (*not pictured here)

Although I still have these, I am working towards replacing them. Over six years ago, I walked into Forever 21 (they have since left Halifax, Nova Scotia) and bought three tank tops of the same style and size. A black, white and tan, as something to wear underneath shirts.

They show their age, and although one may be good to keep for an option to pair with pyjama pants, the other two are beyond themselves. It's time to let them go and find a new set of tank tops.

Top centre - Clockwise : Black tank romper | The Gap, Blue tank | Modcloth, Tank dress | H&M, White silk tank | RW&Co, White/Grey striped cropped pants | RW&Co, Jean Shorts | The Gap, White T Shirt Dress | La Vie en Rose, Brown Purse | Modcloth, Butterfly Sweater | Winners, Dock Candle | Gift from Jasmine Alexander, Biker Yoga Shorts | Aerie, Sun Glasses | Prada, Blue / White Striped Romper | Aerie, Daisy Jones & The Six | Chapters

Summer this year was not what we expected. Kidney Stones, selling our first home, buying a new home, preparing our little for Grade Primary during a pandemic… compared to others these are minor problems. We are well overall, we have a roof over our heads, our daughter has what she needs. That being said,

I would be remiss if I didn’t say we are experiencing whiplash from a certain amount of the heightened stress we’ve had to journey the past year (much which is unmentioned and I talk about minimally).

The above picture indicates the clothes I wore on routine this season. Even though I had other options, exhaustion, lack of ‘outings’ etc meant that much of my beloved summer clothes went unworn and I chose to re-wear these select items for ease.

I trust that next summer will be different than this one.

New to Me

Under Armour Sneakers | I wore out my sketchers of 10 years. Thus it made sense to invest in a new pair of runners.

Butterfly Sweater | My first solo shopping trip out after the pandemic restrictions lifted, I saw this sweater. It has become a symbolic piece during the wild months we have been living.

Still Going Strong

Blue silk tank | My first thought out purchase postpartum, August 2015, goes strong. I ADORE this shirt and hope it stays with me for the next five years.

Prescription Sunglasses | I picked these up at All About Eyeware in Bedford, NS. Having Perscription sunglasses change everything. I had a few very embarrassing moments occur while I was out for a walk where people were trying to get my attention and I didn’t realize who they were or that they were gesturing to me. An upfront cost, but very worth it.

Time to Go

Sketcher Sneakers | The state of my Sketchers was embarrassing. Of course, making shoe purchases amidst a pandemic poses its challenges. In the end, I dragged myself out and purchases this pair. A middle ground pair of sneakers that I can do my cardio workouts in, and get out for walks in,

Jean Shorts | Another one of my first purchases postpartum in 2015. These jean shorts have been my only jeans shorts and are one of 2 ‘non workout shorts’ that I own. This pair was begging to be replaced this year, and although I didn’t get around to it, I know it will be first on my list next summer. They are falling apart in embarrassing ways.

Inside our new closet I was able to see the clothes I didn’t wear this season and want to appreciate my love for them and hopes that next summer will look different than this one.

I think it’s safe to say I have a colour pallet for the warmer months of the year.

Top Centre - Clockwise - Black/White Dress | H&M, Dare to Lead by Brené Brown | Indigo, White Silk Tank | RW&Co, Black Blazer | H&M, Glossier Tint, Glossier Highlighter, Glossier Boy Brow | Gift From Jasmine, Lavender Shirt | Pseudio, East Coast Lifestyle Hoodie | Pseudio, Psalms | Gift from Jasmine, Girlfriend Jeans | The Gap, Missing in the gap is Green Pants | RW&co, Graphic T | Threadless, Blue Tank | RW&Co, Silk Rose PJ Pants | La Vie En Rose, Patent Leather Shoes | Birthday Gift from mom, Essie Nail Polish | Shoppes Drug Mart, Grey Dress | Second hand from Jasmine, Cotton Candle | Foxhound, Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon | Indigo

New to Me

Black & White Dress was a last minute whim moment with the bestie Jasmine. After lunch together she nudged me to go for a quick shop to see if we could find a new dress for me to wear to my 30th birthday party. I was BEYOND thrilled to come across this dress and realize I had been eyeing it for about a year. Now was the perfect excuse to buy it. Jasmine get’s all the credit for this lovely addition into my 30th year.

Glossier Products were introduced to me via Jasmine. ‘For the busy woman doing all the things’ is something like what she said to me when she gave them. I am already hooked at their natural affect and how easy they are to apply.

Lavender Shirt with the bat like sleeves which is folded here, was a purchase made out of necessity and also a ‘need-to-add-a-bit-more-style’ to my wardrobe.

Patent Leather Black Flats are everything! I have been yearning to find the perfect pair since having to throw my last pair out. Thankfully, my mother came to the rescue and helped me hunt these down and gave them to me for my 30th birthday. They are the perfect addition when you want something simple that says ‘smart & classy’.

Still Going Strong

Graphic T from Threadless bought in 2012 is still a staple and is obviously made to last because it is thriving.

East Coast Lifestyle Hoodie continues to be the first thing I grab in the morning after I put on my exercise clothes. This hoodie may have been a ‘trendy’ purchase but it sure does the trick and I like representing my favourite coast as I start my day.

Girlfriend Jeans are everything. The perfect fit and feel for the weekend life.

Time to Go

Rainboots from Winners. Of course I always forget to take pictures before I pass things along or throw them out. I had bought a pair of rain boots back in 2011 with money from my first year of working and felt so utterly proud of them. They were purple rimmed with coloured rain drops with a white background. This year I wore them out and sadly realized they had cracked in more than a few places. I was sad to see them go. ESPECIALLY, as a Nova Scotian woman… I am now in need for rain boots / shoes.

Top Centre - Clockwise : Pink Scarf | Suzy Shier, Reading animal socks | Indigo / gift from my Aunt, BlueBella Blue silk pyjamas | ASOS, Bedazzled Black Mittens | Bootlegger, Headband | gift from my mom, NARS duo orgasm blush | Sephora, black & gold tank | Reitmans, Peppermint Candle | Gift from a close friend - Saje, White knit Sweater | Suzy Shier, Black skirt | H&M, Black pants (bottom right corner) | RW&Co, Pleather pants | Zara, Blue jeans | the Gap, rose gold watch | Fossil, Pink Sweater | Aerie, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon | Chapters, Black Basic long sleeve | H&M, Glasses, Grey Joggers | Roots, Yoga Pants | Aerie, Cabin Socks | Roots, Red Flannel shirt | Winners, Wool Winter Jacket | RW&co

This winter started out mild & became cold quickly! This made my additions to the Winter capsule focused on warmth over other pieces I may have been looking at.

New to Me

Bluebella Silk Pyjamas was a late autumn purchase that took forever to arrive due to the Canada post mail service interruption. Thankfully they still arrived & they were 100% worth the wait. I am not a fan of many ‘silk prints’ & finding a classic look in the city was difficult. ASOS is a great place to check for what you can’t find in your own city.

White Knit Sweater was a fun purchase from my mom to me. I was griping about my lack of sweaters and although she knew I was looking for something of a high quality, she thought this one might tide me over until I can make my mind up. & it has done the trick. Although already pilling a great deal it has given me a winter level up & received compliments where ever it goes.

Wool Winter Jacket was a combination of my own money and gift money from Christmas. I was given a lovely tank top that was a size too small (busts are a thing ya’ll) and upon return I realized that although we had gift cards to this store that would allow me to find other various tops and then some, the smartest and most valuable purchase would be to FINALLY get a proper winter coat. This coat is EXCELLENT at keeping one warm and although it won’t be one that I romp in the snow in, it is one that I can wear any other time and feel stylish while also staying ‘oh-so-toasty’.

Black Yoga Pants from Aerie are a lesson learned. Last year I bought a pair from them that had meshing along with some ‘hole’ patterns. It was my mistake to buy a design I knew full well may not stand up to my daily use. This pair of pants from Aerie has meshing and some stylized lines but do not have any places where wear and tear should show. Yoga pants being something I wear at least once a day , are a purchase not to be taken lightly!

Black Bedazzled Mittens from Bootlegger that my mom gave me for Christmas are the WARMEST mittens I have had in a LONG LONG time!

Still Going Strong

Roots joggers bought late Summer have continue to be a high enjoyment during a snow day or just any day that I am preferring cozy comfort wear.

Eye glasses I ‘had to’ purchase almost two years ago are still doing their job. Although I am due for a check-up…. my biggest decision is should I buy a new pair or forgo a new pair for an actual pair of prescription sun glasses?

Time to Go

The red flannel shirt pictured hear has MANY rips on the sleeves. Being a purchase from winners it continues to prove to me that shirts from winners don’t hold up as well as one would hope unless they are of a silk variety. I will not be getting rid of it per say, but I will be looking for a replacement next autumn.

The zipper on the Zara pleather pants is becoming a problem. It’s not the pants that should go, but the zipper itself should be looked at and possibly replaced.

Utterly ecstatic to pull out the warmer weather clothes and remind myself of what outfits are in store for me again!

1. Innisfree Masks 'bamboo'

Not crazy over mothers day, so these masks from Innis free fit the bill for me.  Some simple pleasures to enjoy during busy weeks. 

2. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

I am savouring this book.  Knowing it was coming out as a film this year, I wanted to make sure I had read it before going to see the film.  Crazy Rich Asians is a deep dive into the various dynamics of the modern Chinese culture around the world.  It is deliciously descriptive, hilarious in it's delivery and so relatable to anyone who is remotely near or in the asian culture.  Cannot wait to see the film adaption!

3. Life Factory Water Bottle

Getting my H2O is more enjoyable when I am drinking through my 'bubbles'.  Easier to keep track.

4. Champagne Bubbles DW Home Candle

I typically enjoy having a small candle on my desk to light when I am working.  I replaced one that was emitting too much scent with this little one from Winners Homescense.  What I love most about it , is that it literally is amazing in the dark, showing lots of different bubbles.

5. Essie Coral Nail Polish

This colour added so much fun to my wardrobe this season.

6. Loreal Boho Babe Nail Polish

As much as I like a good shade, this nude colour is great for anything. 

7. Saje Zap Toner

Never having toner I thought I would add this acne fighting toner to my repertoire.  Ever since stopping breast feeding last summer I have noticed my monthly hormones are less predictable.  

8. White linen button shirt from Old Navy

This cheap linen shirt was all I needed to complete many outfits.  This is a staple I will always maintain in my wardrobe. 

Also enjoying 

- The Americans : for the history, intrigue & incredible actors
- Chardonnay: for that refreshing warmer weather beverage
- Gourmet Burgers : for the thick patty with cheese, and interesting condiments
- Wildewoman by Lucius : for the swing in my step
- Having a fan on while we sleep : for the deeper sleep

Clockwise from centre:  Summer Darling Magazine | Darling.com, Heart Locket Necklace | first gift from my boyfriend now husband over ten years ago, Brown Felt Hat | Indigo, Black romper | The Gap, Modern Lovers by Emma Straub | Indigo, Navy T-Shirt Dress | The Gap, A Giving Key | The Giving Keys, Green shorts | The Gap, Pink Graphic T | Modcloth.com, Starfish Keds | Soft Moc, Jean Shorts | Bluenotes, Sun Glasses | La Vie En Rose, Clenser, Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Facewash | Sephora, Coral & White Striped Silk Tank | Pseudio, Black silk tank top | H&M, Sports Bra | Aerie

This Summer I found myself desiring new pieces I didn't truly need but knowing that I would be best to focus on the ones that counted.  Not pictured here are a few summer dresses that I wear often during the summer, various tanks that I at times wear underneath clothes, along with athletic wear.  I own two 3/4 length yoga pants and 2 yoga tops that I wear for workouts and other various athletic activities.  

The Navy T-Shirt dress was 100% the most used and best all around item I committed to adding to my wardrobe.  I have 2 other Navy Dresses. One is formal, and the other is more silk and good for summer day outings, but both leave me feeling a bit more dressed up than if I am just kicking it during a weekend.  So I found this T Shirt Dress at The Gap on sale and I LOVE it.  Dressed up or down, this is a winner.

Also added was the green shorts which I needed badly.  Since having a baby over two years ago I have only owned that one pair of jean shorts and this summer I found myself wanting to wear shorts more than dresses and needed a pair that would pair with more dressier shirts but wouldn't leave me feeling too formal.  This pair is perfect with dressier tanks or shirts tucked half way in but also relaxed with a graphic T.

Lastly, of note, I had broken my heart locket last year that Jeremy gave me when we were teens and it was his first gift to me.  I wore it 24/7 while he was away at sea over the past two years for a month at a time.  One would think that it would have been a babies grabby hand that broke it, but it was me, leaning over a table, getting it caught in-between slats.  I was a bit sad about that.  Recently we got it fixed for our six year wedding anniversary.  It's a simple and inexpensive piece but it means more than anything expensive.

Which goes to my last point:  It always pays to put more towards a classic piece and less towards the trendy.  The core base of my capsule wardrobe tends to be expensive items but those extra details are where I choose to find cheaper alternatives or wait for the right sale.  

Want to see how my Summer Wardrobe has evolved?

SUMMER 2016

In this episode I talk about my Summer Shorts.

IN THE PAST:
Summer Toddler Capsule Wardrobe

Top Left - Clockwise: Second hand shirt - from bestie, Darling Magazine Issue #19 - Darling Magazine, White Yoga T - Bavhana Yoga Boutique Halifax, Black pants - H&M, Lace sleeve shirt - Amazon, WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere - Indigo , Home is Where the Anchor Drops Pyjama set - La Vie En Rose, Homemade Painted Succulent planter by Nicole Payzant and my daughter, Giving Key : Claim - The Giving Keys, Jean Shorts - Bluenotes, Heels - Call it Spring, Striped long sleeve - Pseudio, 3 sockets - Psuedio, Felt Hat - Indigo

As the season began I realized I needed a few practical items. A long sleeve shirt for the chill that still hung in the air, a light weekend pyjama set that was warm but cool enough for the changing temperatures, and finally, a pair of black heels that I can truly wear and use.  Every woman who wants to add that touch of heels should have a black pair.   Although I do own a pair of black heels they are what theatre would call "Character Shoes".  My character shoes are thicker, with a strap and are perfect for performances but not the type of heels I want to throw on for a classy night downtown.  These new heels are the perfect size for me.  They are not very tall but still add a kick of 'sass and sexy' to my dark jeans or dresses.

Coral has begun to creep into my wardrobe and I am enjoying that pop of colour when I desire to stand out a bit more. 

What isn't pictured here is 4 other sweaters that I have out year round along with 2 pairs of jeans (light and dark), tank tops for wearing underneath shirts and a few other t-shirts that tend to stick around from season to season.  

What I am loving the most lately about my capsule wardrobes is that with every season change I am seeing my needs lesson as I purchase items carefully and complete enjoyment with the clothes that I do wear.  Nothing makes a woman feel more of herself than a well curated wardrobe.  

In this video I share about what items from my closet won't be making the June - September cut. Halifax. Nova Scotia has temps of -20s in the Winter and +30 degrees C in the Summer. Although we fluctuate often in warm and cool, we need various clothing items to match our seasons.

Spring has kept me on my toes and amidst the weeks that have flown by I have found these items have brought joy into my life.  
Clockwise from Middle.

1. Darling Magazine Issue #19. - A gift from best friend Jasmine Alexander.  She knows how much I adore creatively driven work and this magazine does creative women to a whole new level.  

2. WE : A Manifesto for Women Everywhere by Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel -  I purchased this book to read over the Spring months.  It is a beautiful ode to what the elements of living an intentional whole life would look like for any person.  It also specifies  what it means to also carry womanhood along with these values and is a perfect way to drive home how important values of 'honesty, kindness, grace etc' in life and with each other as women.  I will re-read this when I need a boost.

3. Succulent in Mini Planter  - The planter painted by my Best Friend Nicole Payzant and daughter Zoë for my birthday.  It was such a touching item to receive and filled me with joy to know that they both enjoy time together doing various activities.  The succulent is a perfect addition to my spring decor. 

4. White Life Factory Water Bottle - I had a light blue bottle that broke when I dropped it without the lid attached.  They have since come out with many designs and sizes, but I realized that white is just fine for me.  I adore this brand, due to the glass (I don't like metal made bottles that leave an aftertaste of the metal) , and shape.

5. Sephora Face Sheet Masks - A gift from my husband and daughter on Mothers Day.   These masks are fun and good to have around when I feel my skin needs a bit of self care.

6. Essie Nail Polish  - A new shade for every season is a fun thing to look forward to.

7. Fiction by L.A. Eyeworks Eye Glasses - As a first time eye glass wearer I didn't know what to think, but not that I have these I realize how blurred my vision had become for long distance and TV screens.  I love how this pair makes me feel more of myself.  I don't feel different.  Just more of me. 

8.  LA LA LAND Film - Growing up I loved collecting movies.  It's hard in a culture where media is becoming more and more stored electronically to collect copies.  I made the decision as I embraced a more minimalist/intentional life that I would commit to buying and collecting musicals.  Musicals are not only a childhood enjoyment for me, but my favourite art form.  Having a copy of a musical fills me with joy.  

Gallery wall in living room.

We used starting a family as a catalyst into analyzing our own excessiveness.  As we have progressed over the past two years we have found that a few things for us will always remain true.

We value quality over quantity in every aspect of our lives.

We often regret impulse buys or decisions.   We've never regretted taking our time.

We value fresh air, good food, in-depth story telling, a spacious atmosphere and quality time with those we love.

When we focus more on our values and less on what we can show off of our lives, we have realized that we are able to truly be enjoying and at peace with the lives we lead. 

Your values and life goals may be different than ours and that is okay.   Honouring those values and goals is a sure way to find direction, peace and insight into the life that will bring you stability.  

*Other lifestyle priorities - capsule wardrobes, buying local, reading books, family time, healthy eating, walking and bed time routines.