The Petite Philosopher

Four years.

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu

Four years ago my husband and I said “I do” and tied the knot. It seems like just yesterday we were busy planning our wedding and European honeymoon. Though we’ve been together for 15 years (yes, we’re high school sweethearts!) our love still feels fresh, new, and exciting. What’s the secret? He’s more than just my companion or my partner in crime; there’s no one I’d rather spend my time with. We enjoy the same things, whether it’s science fiction, rock music, or watching Twin Peaks. I agree with Friedrich Nietzsche who said, “It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages” for I know first hand that true love is real, and it’s when you’re in love with your best friend.

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Happy Anniversary, Brandon! I love you!

Photography by Brandon Scott

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Fashion

Short and sweet.

“We love life, not because we are used to living but because we are used to loving.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

To be completely honest, these are the first pair of shorts I have bought since, oh, I can’t even remember! This outfit was actually put together by both me and my husband. After convincing me to try on a crop top, I knew I would want to pair it with either a high waisted skirt or shorts. Usually I find crop top difficult to fit because my torso is short. Sometimes crop tops are actually full length shirts on me! If you’re petite and looking for a crop top, be sure to try on ones that almost appear too short on the hanger or almost like a bra – these will be the most proportionate. I also think high waisted bottoms are the best option when wearing a crop top because it accentuates the waist and is modest and revealing at the same time. I;m glad I took my husband’s advice – I just love this look!

Top: Aritzia. Shorts: Aritzia. Shoes: Le Chateau. Bag: Gucci. Necklace: J.Crew. Watch: Chanel. Bracelets: Stella&Dot, Stella&Dot. Lips: MAC Lady Danger.

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Fashion

Red hot.

“Heat cannot be separated from fire, or beauty from The Eternal.” – Dante Alighieri

Oh Windsor…where the weather is cold one moment, boiling the next. Every year it feels as if the time frame between the extreme temperatures is getting smaller. I do prefer the heat to the cold because I much rather bare some skin than wear layer upon layer.

Besides the frills and the bright, bold colour, what I like about this dress are its adjustable straps. Being petite, most dresses tend to be too long in the torso, so straps like these save me a visit to the seamstress. It just makes sense to me for spaghetti-strap dresses to have this feature because it allows for the perfect fit.

Dress: Urban Outfitters (sold out, similar here and here). Shoes: Le Chateau. Bag: Nannacay. Earrings: Beloved Crafts. Bracelet: Madewell. Watch: Chanel. Lips: MAC Lady Danger.

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Fashion

Checkmate.

“One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood.” – Agatha Christie

I vividly remember visiting the Peace Fountain in Coventry Gardens with my mother and Nonna when I was younger. I especially enjoyed looking at all the beautiful flowers, but most of all, the hedges shaped like animals. I love how several years later on a beautiful summer day, I can visit the same place and feel those fond memories I had as a child. I miss my Nonna dearly, and it’s moments like these that, as cliche as it sounds, warm my heart.

It’s not just the place that makes me nostalgic for my childhood, but this cute little romper too. I feel like I could do cartwheels in it, though I know any attempt would be comical at best. It’s comfortable, casual, cool, and best of all, an easy outfit to put together.

Romper: American Eagle Outfitters. Sunglasses: Celine. Hat: Hinge. Shoes: Kate Spade (old, similar here). Bag: Saint Laurent. Earrings: H&M (old, similar here). Bracelet: Baublebar. Watch: Chanel. Lips: Marc Jacobs Je t’aime.

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Fashion

Fresh as a daisy.

“Beauty surrounds us, but usually we need to be walking in a garden to know it.” – Rumi

Detroit is full of interesting spots, but one place my husband and I had never really explored until now is Belle Isle. We have been to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum for a wedding, but never ventured out, though I was vaguely aware the island had more for us to see. Belle Isle really is a gem. The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is beautiful, with a large variety of lush green plants, including a cactus house. There is also an aquarium, plenty of places to set up a picnic, and a beach with awesome views of downtown Detroit. I also wanted to check out the old casino and the James Scott Memorial Fountain, but they were unfortunately blocked off the day we were on the island.

As for my outfit, it was perfect for a warm and relaxing day exploring. I love the vintage vibes it gives off, and the bracelet I’m wearing was actually my mother-in-law’s! Something old, something new, the sunny weather, a day with my husband – it’s most certainly a perfect summer day!

Romper: Voodoo Vixen. Shoes: Aldo. Bag: Cult Gaia. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Earrings: Kate Spade. Bracelet: Vintage (similar here). Watch: Chanel. Lips: Colourpop Trust Me.

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Philosophy

On Change.

“Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.” – Simone de Beauvoir

Change can be sudden. Change can be gradual. Change can positive. Change can be negative. We encounter changes throughout our lives in a multitude of ways. Over a month ago I received exciting news, that I was going to be starting a new adventure at a different high school in September as a drama teacher in an enriched creative arts program. I thought that change was certainly coming my way. I would have been leaving the high school where I started my career and developed as an educator over the past nine years. I would have also been leaving the Philosophy course I admire so much. But I thought that sometimes change is necessary. Change allows for growth and reflection. In my case, I saw change as a fresh start, a new beginning. When the job was posted, I had to follow my heart and apply. Though the change would have been terrifying, I had to take a chance. I knew that if I didn’t take a chance, I would have regretted it. We are naturally creatures of habit, and any change, whether big or small, can be scary due to uncertainty. But change, if anything, is inevitable, and I think that in my case, it was positive because I was in control of the change.

Fast forward to today, and the position I was appointed to is no longer available due to a mountain of issues that I won’t go into detail here. It almost feels strange that I was so excited for the change, and now it’s not coming. It did, however, make me think about change in general. I believe that if we were to embrace change more, we would be able to get more out of it. As I mentioned earlier, I referred to my anticipated change as an adventure. It would have been a new chapter in the book of my life. It wouldn’t have been easy, but if it was, I don’t think I would be able to gain much from the experience. I’m looking forward to teaching grade 10 Canadian History next year, though it isn’t the change I was initially hoping for. I also plan on starting a Philosophy club and I’m passing the torch as teacher facilitator of our school’s Gay-Stright Alliance. Not only that, but I’m moving out of the portable into a new classroom. I definitely plan on making the most of these small changes. There will be some preparation on my part over the summer, but I’m up for the challenge. Time may change me, but I can’t trace time.

Goodbye portable! It’s been swell!

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Fashion

Hat trick.

“Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.” – Democritus

The sun is up, the birds are singing, the weather is warm, and the new dresses are out! I just can’t get enough of the sunshine we have been enjoying lately, and look forward to more of it to come! Prior to taking pictures, my husband and I enjoyed a delicious meal at our new favourite lunch spot in Detroit – Taqueria El Rey. This no-frills, cost-friendly restaurant serves up some of the yummiest tacos I’ve had, along side some super flavourful barbecued chicken. My husband first discovered this place over a month ago while searching out some quick eats in the vicinity of downtown Detroit before we headed to a concert. It was an instant hit not only with us, but with our friends as well. Needless to say, a day with sunshine, Mexican food, and my love is one well spent!

Dress: Madewell. Hat: Hinge. Sunglasses: Celine (available in tortoise shell here). Shoes: Seychelles (old, love these). Bag: Celine (similar here). Earrings: Madewell. Bracelet: Madewell. Watch: Chanel. Lips: MAC Brick-o-la + Lady Danger.

Photography by Brandon Mousseau

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