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The Petite Philosopher

Thoughtful Style.

Archives for August 2016

Philosophy

On Luck.

“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”  – Thomas Jefferson

Whenever my husband and I are on vacation, I look around at my surroundings, then I say to him, “we’re lucky”. But what does it exactly mean to be lucky? What is luck? In this particular circumstance, I attribute our “luck” to hard work. My husband and I work hard at our jobs and save our money so that we can enjoy travelling. Some even say that I was lucky to have been hired straight out of teacher’s college. Once again, I don’t see it as luck, but working my butt off in university, and being at the right place at the right time. Saying I’m lucky doesn’t give me much credit. So, does luck exist? I’m not too sure. In my experiences, what people see as “lucky” is just the result of hard work, perseverance, and determination; it always has a cause. In terms of gambling and winning money, once again there’s a cause – taking a chance. I don’t think luck is as spontaneous an occurrence as others may believe.

There’s a video of actress Angelina Jolie receiving a humanitarian award where she says that she is lucky, for there could be another person somewhere is the world better looking and more talented than her, but she is the one who is famous. Her case is convincing, but is it really luck or the fact she has famous parents who worked hard to get to stardom? What about me? I could say that I’m also lucky because I live in a free country and I never had to worry about food or shelter, but I think that is thanks to my parents and grandparents. Though I may be skeptical of luck, I do wonder about when bad or “unlucky” things happen to good people. In the end, I think we make our own luck, whether it be by taking a chance or making the most of what we are given.

And speaking of luck, check out the latest issue of my favourite magazine, New Philosopher. Every issue is not only visually beautiful, but full of interesting essays and ideas that force you to think about yourself and the world around you. I guess I am feeling “lucky” as I’m featured in the current issue’s “Living Philosophy” section! See where you can get your copy in Canada here.

Do you believe in luck? Be sure to comment below!

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August 26, 2016

Fashion

Black Casual.

Confusion in her eyes that says it all
She’s lost control
And she’s clinging to the nearest passerby
She’s lost control

– “She’s Lost Control” Joy Division

It’s a Saturday night and we’re going to hang out with friends and make sandwiches. Do I need to dress up? Not necessarily, but every day is a fashion show in my mind. However, I wanted to keep it casual and comfy for an evening full of food. This skirt is a wardrobe staple for me, especially when paired with a peplum top, but for this night I wanted to show my love for music with a Joy Division tee I bought in London back in 2014. And FYI, I actually listen to Joy Division, I didn’t just buy it because it looked cool. I think your clothing choices should be honest.

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Shirt: Bought in UK (similar here). Skirt: Aritzia. Shoes: Toms. Bag: Saint Laurent. Eyeglasses: Chanel. Bracelet: Stella and Dot (sold out, similar here). Lips: Colourpop “Lost”.

August 22, 2016

Fashion

Red Lips.

“Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them.” – Marc Jacobs

I don’t own too many maxi dresses, as they are usually WAY too long for someone my height. This dress in particular was bought in a petite size, so no alterations were necessary. I find that Anthropologie offers some of the best petite selections, however, they are often only available online. If unable to buy a dress perfect for your height, don’t hesitate to find a good seamstress. I cannot recommend Seams to Fit in Windsor enough – she’s amazing!

Other stores that have petite sizing include: Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, ASOS, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Nordstrom

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Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese via Nordstrom. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Necklace: J.Crew. Bracelet: Anthropologie. Bag: Louis Vuitton “Neverfull”. Lips: Dior 999.


 

Now, let’s talk lipstick. I LOVE red lips. I find that every time I look at lipstick, I’m gravitated towards shades of red. Red is classic and flattering. Here are some of my favourite reds (left to right, bottom to top):

2016_0818_153227002016_0818_15330600MAC Matte – Diva A74

Colorpop Satin Lip – Lost

MAC Matte – Viva Glam I AC3

YSL Gloss Volupte – Fauve 208

MAC Amplified – Brick-o-la

Chanel Rouge Allure – Enigmatique 135

Dior Rouge – 999

MAC Matte – Lady Danger A65

YSL Gloss Volupte -Rouge Shantung 205


 

And my favourite summer red, Guerlain KissKiss in Rouge Kiss:

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August 18, 2016

Fashion, Travel

Ciao Italia.

“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca

Our adventure in Italy ended in the first capital of Italy, Torino. What I liked about this city was that it had beautiful sites to see without the crazy throngs of tourists. We enjoyed visits to a cinema museum, Egyptian museum, a Savoy palace, and just walking around the covered streets. For the first day we were there, I wore an older dress paired with a new necklace. As long as the dress still fits, doesn’t look scrappy, who cares if it’s old! On our final day I opted for a newer dress with longer sleeves – I waited to wear this one because the trip was so hot! Overall, our trip was fantastic, and I look forward to new travelling adventures in the future!

 

DAY THIRTEEN – Torino

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Out for a stroll in Torino

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Dress: Target (similar here). Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Shoes: Dolce Vita. Necklace: J.Crew. Bag: Louis Vuitton. Lips: MAC Brick-o-la.

 

DAY FOURTEEN – Torino

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Outside the twin churches

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Dress: Corey Lynn Calter via Anthropologie. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Shoes: Banana Republic. Necklace: J.Crew Factory. Bag: Louis Vuitton. Lips: MAC Crosswires.

August 17, 2016

Fashion, Travel

La Dolce Vita.

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

The next four days of our Italian adventure were busy, but we certainly found time to relax. We took a day trip from Venice to Vicenza so I could see the earliest indoor Renaissance theatre, and then to Padua to visit the famous Basilica of St. Anthony. Both these towns were lovely, and a great quick getaway from the chaos that is Venice. We also spent one night in Verona, and were stoked to have caught a show at the ancient Roman theatre – Kraftwerk! Our busy schedule slowed down for the next two days as we relaxed in beautiful Lake Como. We stayed in Bellagio and rented a boat in Varenna. Our four hour boat ride through the lake was definitely a highlight of our trip! As for outfits, it remained pretty hot, so dresses not only looked nice, but were cooling too!

 

DAY NINE – Vicenza and Padua

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Enjoying the shade in Padua

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Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese via Anthropologie. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Shoes: Dolce Vita. Necklace: J.Crew Factory. Bag: Louis Vuitton. Lips: MAC Ravishing.

 

DAY TEN – Verona

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Beautiful views of fair Verona

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Dress: Sour Puss via Blame Betty. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Shoes: Dolce Vita. Earrings: Kate Spade. Lips: MAC Crosswires.

 

DAY ELEVEN – Bellagio, Lake Como

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Taking a walk in Bellagio

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Dress: Madewell. Necklace: Bauble Bar. Shoes: Dolce Vita. Bag: Louis Vuitton. Lips: Chanel Rouge Allure Enigmatique.

DAY TWELVE – Lake Como

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I’m on a boat!

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Dress: Anthropologie. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Necklace: Kate Spade.

August 16, 2016

Fashion, Travel

Canal Life.

“Beauty is certainly a soft, smooth, slippery thing, and therefore of a nature which easily slips in and permeates our souls.” – Plato

Venice is an interesting place, being both absolutely beautiful and extremely touristy. Besides the intense crowds of people, everywhere I looked there was a perfect place to snap a photo. It was very humid when my husband and I were there, so it was pretty tough to stay and look fresh all day. I really recommend Urban Decay’s “de-slick” makeup spray whenever you know you are going to be sweating all day. Though my hair would get flat, my makeup stayed put!

 

DAY SIX – Venice

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Picture-perfect alleyways

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Dress: Unique Vintage. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Necklace: Kate Spade. Shoes: Dolce Vita. Bag: Chloe. Lips: MAC Brick-o-la.

 

DAY SEVEN – Venice

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Inside an old palazzo

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Dress: Banana Republic. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Eyeglasses: Dior. Shoes: Dolce Vita. Earrings: Kate Spade. Bag: Chloe. Lips: MAC Cosmos

 

DAY EIGHT – Venice

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Getting ready for a gondola ride

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Dress: Anthropologie. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Shoes: Dolce Vita. Bag: Louis Vuitton. Lips: MAC Crosswires.

August 15, 2016

Fashion, Travel

That's Amore.

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” – George Bernard Shaw

Three days in Rome was great, but it was time to move up Italy’s boot to Bologna. My husband and I chose to visit Bologna because we heard it was minimum on tourists and maximum on food. For the two days we were there, it was HOT. Anyone who knows me barely sees me with my hair up, but desperate times call for desperate measures. My long hair is my security blanket, but when it is beyond hot, it must go up. Since I hardly put my hair up myself, I keep it simple by pulling my hair to the side to create a small bun. On day two of Bologna, you’ll see me sporting some really nifty sanitary gear because we visited a small factory that make parmigiano reggiano, as well as other places in Modena focusing on balsamic vinegar and prosciutto. Believe me, it tasted as good as it looked! A perfect day for our third wedding anniversary!

 

DAY FOUR – BOLOGNA

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Enjoying some gelato street-side

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Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese via Anthropologie. Sunglasses: Karen Walker “Anywhere”. Shoes: Dolce Vita via Nordstrom. Bag: Louis Vuitton “Totally”. Earrings: J.Crew. Necklace: Stella and Dot. Watch: Chanel J12.

 

DAY FIVE – MODENA

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Outside of a villa that makes balsamic vinegar

Dress: Black Milk. Eyeglasses: Dior. Shoes: Banana Republic. Necklace: Stella and Dot. Watch: Chanel J12.

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August 8, 2016

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About me



My name is Vanessa and I’m a senior social science secondary school teacher who has a passion for the dramatic arts, philosophy, and music. On my spare time I love to attend concerts, shop, and travel.

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Based in Windsor, Canada

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