The Petite Philosopher

Step into Christmas.

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Before Windsor went into a deep freeze, I was excited to wear this dress I purchased last winter. I love this dress’s details, from the colour of green to the lace and bell sleeves, to the skin baring cutouts. To make it more festive, I paired it with a red clutch and glittery heels. I like glitter so much that when I worked at Hallmark during my undergraduate, I would shake the cards into my hair before a night out so I could sparkle! Though I think a dash of glitter can work for any occasion, I wouldn’t normally pair red and green together unless it was December. I think Christmas is one of the few times of year that it is okay to be cliche in your colour combinations.

Dress: Free People (old, similar here). Coat: H&M (old, similar here). Necklace: J.Crew Factory (old, loving this). Earrings: Baublebar (old, similar here). Watch: Chanel. Bag: Mansur Gavriel. Shoes: Mix No. 6 (old, similar here). Lips: MAC Russian Red

Photography by The Wild Photographer

Fashion

For the Record.

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” – Plato

My husband and I love collecting records. This hobby began years ago when we rediscovered our parents’ turntables, and now one of our favourite pastimes is searching for records and of course listening to them. When we go record shopping, we tend to venture out to Detroit and surrounding areas. Here are some of our favourite record stores:

Found Sound. This is the location of this shoot. I think they have the best selection of new and used records, and the staff is always friendly. 234 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI
Stormy Records. 13306 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI.
UHF. 512 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI.
Hello Records. 1459 Bagley Ave, Detroit, MI.
Peoples Records. 1464 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI.

When I first saw these pants, I said to myself, “what the heck?” and decided to try them on. I have been liking the leather legging look lately, but was unsure how comfortable I would be in them. On the hanger, these particular leggings reminded me of a garbage bag, but when I put them on I thought they looked really flattering. Best of all, they are very comfortable. The top I’m wearing reminds me of beatnik poets for some reason, or even Velma from Scooby Doo. No matter, I think it’s soft flowly texture pairs well with the faux leather leggings. I’m also using my new Mansur Gavriel clutch, which I just love. So far it has been durable, and it fits a lot (including my continental wallet), which I think is important feature in a clutch.

Where are your favourite record shops? Or better yet, records?

Top: Modcloth. Pants: Dynamite. Jacket: Aritzia. Scarf: Burberry. Watch: Chanel. Necklace: Baublebar. Shoes: Le Chateau. Bag: Mansur Gavriel. Lips: MAC Russian Red.

Philosophy

On Knowledge.

“The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.” – Bertrand Russell

The longer I teach, the more I find that Sir Francis Bacon’s theory that “knowledge is power” is ingrained in my students’ minds. Several years ago I attended a banquet for a retiring dean from the University of Windsor, and when he spoke in front of his students, friends, and colleagues, he said something that I will never forget; he said that knowledge isn’t power, but understanding. I have since taken his words and passed them onto my students to challenge what they have heard and been taught. We live in a society where it is very easy to obtain information. With a quick Google search, we can claim that we “know” a wide variety of things. But how much do we actually know versus understand? Some educators, not all, are very focused on ‘banking’ information. I believe that school shouldn’t solely be about the memorization of facts, but understanding our world. How do we understand something rather than just know it? We should be encouraged to think critically, work together to gain multiple perspectives, and actively engage in the subject matter we are learning about.

Our current education system isn’t the only thing we should place the blame upon, but also all the false information spreading on social media and the internet. We need to check our sources and take the time to investigate before we believe something is fact. Our prejudices also get in the way of knowledge because our feelings can strongly influence how we perceive information. Therefore, I think it is critical for people to keep an open mind by pleading ignorance before they acquire new knowledge. I also believe that we need more self knowledge, meaning that we learn to understand ourselves better. Before I can say I know something, I need to know who I am, my values, and my biases.

In the end, it should not be how much we know, but how we understand and use what we know; that’s what really makes knowledge powerful.

Fashion

Maiden Lane.

“We were born to unite with our fellow men, and to join in community with the human race.” – Cicero

When my husband and I went downtown to take some pictures and do a little record shopping, we were stopped by a group of friendly people as we passed through Maiden Lane. A woman asked if we would be models, as she is part of a group of locals who get together to practice their photography skills. Of course I was up for it, as my husband and I were going to take pictures anyway. Besides that, I thought it was so wonderful to see members of our Windsor community working together. Even though we didn’t know each other, we were willing to help each other out. Sometimes I feel Windsor has a bad reputation, but it’s moments like this that I’m reminded that our city is filled with such kind people.

The days are certainly a lot colder than they were, so layers are important when dressing for the outdoors. To mix it up, instead of wearing a jacket, I chose to pair my dress with a chunkier cardigan. Being petite, well fitting coats and jackets are the hardest clothing items to find, so it’s always fun for me to experiment with different ways to keep warm on cooler days.

Dress: Ruche. Cardigan: Anthropologie (old, similar here). Tights: Secret. Scarf: Louis Vuitton. Shoes: Le Chateau. Bag: Celine. Necklace: Forever 21 (old, similar here). Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Joe Fresh. Lips: MAC Russian Red.

Fashion

On Handbags.

“I’m thinking balls are to men, what purses are to women. It’s just a little bag but we’d feel naked in public without it.” – Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw (“Sex And The City”)

My name is Vanessa and I’m addicted to handbags. Admitting you have a problem is this first step, right? My handbag addiction starting back in 2010 on my first visit to France. It was a school trip and one of our stops was the Champs Elysees. Myself and some students were excited to visit the flagship Louis Vuitton store, but I had no intention to purchase anything. It wasn’t until a couple of students did that I said to myself, “I have a job. I work hard. You know what? Just buy yourself a purse.” And I did just that. My first Louis Vuitton was the monogram pochette, which was pretty much one of the lowest priced handbags available. As superficial as is may sound, the feeling I had when I bought the purse was incredible; I felt proud, excited, and in love. I told myself soon after that I would never need another designer purse again. Soon enough I proved myself wrong. It was only a few months later that I bought a Neverfull. Well, you know, that purse from France was just too small for everyday use. I swore to myself the same thing as before, and guess what? I have broken that promise many times since.

Now, I don’t just purchase these bags on a whim (unlike the first two). I budget, save, research, and put a lot of time and effort in my planning to buy a new purse. After all, designer bags are an investment. When I spend a lot of money on something, I always have the intention on keeping it forever. I make sure all my handbags are in rotation because if I have invested in them, I better love using them. What is it about designer handbags that I love so much? Like I mentioned earlier, they are an investment piece, something classic, and most of all, they are most practical accessory. Even more, on days that I feel that none of my clothes feel or look right, I know that my handbag always will; one may gain or lose weight, but a handbag always fits. I also feel like a handbag is like a miniature version of the person carrying it, both inside and out. When I’m looking to buy a new handbag, as I said previously, I want to make sure I’ll love it forever, so I tend to look for classic structures and designs. For example, Louis Vuitton’s Speedy will never go out of style since it has long since held its icon status since Audrey Hepburn’s use of it in the 1960s. I try to avoid purses that are overly trendy or difficult to match outfits with. Here are some other tips when looking to invest in a handbag:

Save your money. Don’t buy things you can’t afford. If it takes you a long time to save up, that’s ok; it’ll be a greater reward.
Do your research. Read posts on The Purse Forum to hear and see about other handbag lovers’ experiences and reviews.
Think about it. Try not to make impulse decisions. Remember, you want to love your bag for as long as possible.
Versatility is key. If you’re willing to invest, don’t buy a bag that would be appropriate for only one occasion or outfit.
Check out luxury consignment shops online for some amazing deals. My favourites are The Real Real, Fashionphile, and Tradesy.
Try, now I know it may be difficult, to look for bags that aren’t too high maintenance. From experience, I’m honestly sometimes too scared to use certain bags out in the rain, whenever it’s too hot (because of the sweat on my hands), or if I’m wearing colours that could possibly cause dye transfer. Canvas is usually the safest option.
Most of all, choose one that makes you happy. Your handbag looks only as good as the confident person who’s wearing it.

Below are some of my favourite bags I have been eyeing lately:

Fashion

In the Swing of Things.

“To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.” – George Santayana

The weather lately has been absolutely beautiful. I love the feeling of the sun shining down on my face with a cool breeze brushing my skin. On days like this I am in awe of the changing of seasons. And it’s not just the temperature, but the beauty of the colours. I recently said to my husband, as silly as it may sound, but in autumn, death never looked so beautiful (I’m referencing the dying leaves of course). I like to think of autumn as a time for reflection. It doesn’t necessarily have the optimism of the rebirth of spring, but it’s like the calm before the storm.

For my outfit, I paired my new favourite jacket with a swing dress I bought last year. What I like about this particular dress is that it’s lined underneath, which keeps me extra warm in cooler temperatures. This bag has also been a favourite of mine for several years because not only does it hold quite a bit, but can be worn cross body.

What are your favourite things about fall? Be sure to leave a comment!

Dress: Lulus. Jacket: Aritzia. Bag: Burberry. Boots: DSW. Watch: Chanel. Necklace: Baublebar. Lips: MAC Russian Red.

Fashion

Black Friday.

My wallet is ready!

Why go through complete madness at a mall when you can shop from the comfort of your own home? Here are the sales happening this weekend from some of my favourite retailers:

Aldo Shoes | 20% off new styles, 50% off everything else with code BLKFRIDAY.

Anthropologie | 30% off with code LETSGO. My picks: Faux fur bomber, printed silk dress, Inamorata dress.

Aritzia | Up to 50% off everything in stores and online. My picks: Toulin bomber, aubin jacket, maloney dress.

ASOS | 20% off everything wit code GOGOGO. My picks: Skater coat with fur collar, printed heart high neck mini dress, mixed print mini dress with cold shoulder and frill.

Banana Republic | 50% off 5 regular priced items. My picks: Flounce front moto jacket, dot ruffle sleeve dress.

Baublebar | 30% off holiday collection and gift sets with code HOLIDAY30. My picks: Livia tassel pendant, Eirini crystal drops.

Chapters | 40% off select home decor, 30% off select calendars and agendas, 25% off select toys and baby IN STORE ONLY.

Dezzal | Up to 50% off everything, $10 off $100+, $20 off $150+, $30 off $200+ with code OMGBLACKFRIDAY. My picks: High waist colourful dress, floral embroidered mini dress.

J.Crew | 40% total purchase with code HOLIDAY. My picks: Lightweight cardigan in zebra print, flounce silk dress, floral drop pendant.

Kate Spade | 30% off purchase with code THANKFUL. My picks: Cameron street glitter small birdie, bow fit and flare dress, party pearls open hinge cuff, going places silk scarf.

Loft | 40% off all orders with code THANKS. My picks: Crimson floral dress, snowbird shirtdress, V-neck swing sweater dress, peplum sweater.

Lulus | Up to 90% off. My pick: Scalloped dress.

Madewell | 25% off total purchase with code THATSALE. My picks: Lace up sweater dress, concept dress, anywhere jean, reversible cape scarf.

Modcloth | 20% off everything, 30% orders $100+, 40% off orders $200+. My picks: NASA sweatshirt, hit the book sale a-line dress, ethereal enchantress dress.

Net-a-Porter | Up to 50% off sale. My picks: Cutout mini dress, corded lace mini dress, gold plated bracelet, crochet trimmed wool sweater.

Nordstrom | New deals + 20% off sale. My picks: Chelsea boots, TOMS desert wedge bootie, lace fit and flare dress, floral mock neck shift dress, monochrome geo fit and flare dress, Benni sweater.

Ruche | 30% off all orders. My picks: Slow motion dress, colour block dress.

Saks | Designer sale up to 40% off.

Shlefies | 30% off everything. My picks: Philosoraptor t-shirt, constellations mini skirt.

Shopbop | 15% off orders 200+, 20% off orders $500+ 25% 0ff orders $800+ with code GOBIG16. My picks: Woven lace dress, plaid lace up dress, mock neck lace dress,

Ssense | Up to 50% off sale. My picks: Black mini tassel bag, Givenchy pandora zip wallet

Threadsence | 30% off all orders. My picks: Breakthrough velvet dress, grand farewell dress.

Urban Outfitters | Buy one get one 50% off. My picks: Velvet surplus mini dress, glitter bell sleeve mini dress, fringe pullover sweater.

Victoria’s Secret | Free shipping on orders $40+ and 10% off orders $100+ with codes HOLIDAY40 and CANADA10, 50% off bras.

Happy Shopping!

Instagram