Happy Halloween from Sunnyvale Trailer Park. Oops! I mean, Ms. Plourde’s portable!
Channeling Julian from the Trailer Park Boys
Archives for October 2016
Singing in the Rain.
“I need the seasons to live to the rhythm of rain and sun.” – Sophie Marceau
Rainy days don’t have to be a drag. As long as the temperature isn’t too frigid, it’s fun to go out and walk around in the puddles – just bring along waterproof boots and colourful umbrella and you’re set. I like this particular umbrella because it features the famed Hudson’s Bay stripes. Having a degree in history, I find that the stripes remind me of Canada’s past, which also makes me feel patriotic.
I also think it’s a good idea for everyone to have a trench coat in their wardrobe. It’s classic and works well in all seasons. I bought the one I’m wearing last year, and it’s particularly well suited for me because of its skirted style. I wear mostly dresses and I find that most coats look awkward when buttoned or zipped up with a fit and flared dress underneath. This trench coat solves that problem. Cropped or shorter styles work as well.
Next time it rains, don’t be afraid to splash around.
Jacket: H&M (old, similar here). Dress: Aritzia. Scarf: Gucci. Boots: Nine West (available in suede here). Umbrella: Hudson’s Bay. Earrings: H&M (old, similar here). Bag: Louis Vuitton. Lips: MAC Viva Glam II.
Photography by The Wilde Photographer
Hat and Boots.
“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” – Oscar de la Renta
I’m not always one to buy into items that are super trendy, but these over the knee boots caught my attention. I was hesitant at first, because at 5’1″ I thought the tall boots would make me look shorter than I am. I think the trick to make these types of boots work for a petite frame is to make sure the dress or skirt you are wearing comes above the knees. This allows for a more flattering look without looking frumpy.
I bought this hat last year and haven’t worn it until now. I sometimes find it challenging to wear such a hat because it looks best when you’re walking outside, and I honestly don’t do much of that in Windsor, and I feel that I look overdressed when wearing it indoors. I’m going to try to wear hats more often and try taking more risks with my style!
Dress: Forever 21 (floral print here). Hat: Aldo Accessories (similar here and here). Boots: DSW. Bag: Saint Laurent. Watch: Chanel J12. Necklace: J.Crew (old). Lips: MAC Diva.
Thirty One.
“About astrology and palmistry: they are good because they make people vivid and full of possibilities. They are communism at its best. Everybody has a birthday and almost everybody has a palm.” – Kurt Vonnegut
Every year for my birthday weekend my husband and I have a tradition of going to Franklin Cider Mill in Michigan and then shopping at my favourite mall, The Somerset Collection. Before venturing out, my husband and I had breakfast in Detroit. Now, if you know me, you know I have a deep admiration for Detroit. Not only is the restaurant scene amazing, but there is so much to see and do. I love that great food, scenery, music, shopping and more, and it’s only minutes away from the quiet street I live on in Windsor.
For our day out in Detroit (and surrounding area) I decided to wear a new dress in my favourite colour for fall, dark red. I also paired it with the most comfortable booties, a classic scarf, and my birthday gift – a Celine vertical cabas tote. The weather has been so beautiful lately that I haven’t even had to break out my black nylons!
Needless to say, I had a wonderful birthday, and I look forward to seeing what my 31st year on this planet will bring!
Dress: Threadsence. Scarf: Burberry. Necklace: Baublebar. Watch: Chanel. Bracelets: Baublebar. Shoes: Nordstrom. Bag: Celine (limited, similar here). Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Lips: YSL Rouge Pur Couture #1 Le Rouge
Longer Lengths.
“Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.” – Coco Chanel
It seems that everywhere I look in stores and online, midi dresses are becoming more popular than ever. While they look amazing on the models, it’s not always the case being 5’1″. Here are my tips for finding or wearing a midi dress if you’re petite:
- Make sure the length isn’t too long. You want the bottom of the dress to hit absolutely no lower than mid-calf. If the dress is below that point or closer to the ankles, the shorter and more disproportioned you’ll look.
- Fuller skirts look too overwhelming, so opt for softer draping fabrics.
- Do not wear opaque tights/nylons. This will make your look appear less modern and stylish.
- Try avoiding pairing a midi dress with shoes that have ankle straps. I already find straps around the ankles make me look shorter, so this is intensified when wearing longer lengths. Also avoid boots for the same reason.
- Higher heels in general look better with midi dresses in order to elongate your frame.
- Don’t be afraid of patterns.
- And when in doubt, just get the dress hemmed or buy petite sizing!
Dress: Anthropologie (currently eyeing this and this). Bag: Gucci. Shoes: Max Studio. Watch: Chanel. Necklace: Kate Spade. Bracelet: Kate Spade. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Lips: Guerlain Rouge Kiss.
On Giving Thanks.
“The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
Thanksgiving is the time of year when I become nostalgic for the days of elementary school when we would create turkeys by tracing our hands, and learn new and exciting words such as cornucopia. As a child you’re also taught that this holiday’s origins revolve around the European settlers and First Nations breaking bread together. Now I’m not going to get political with this post, but focus mainly on the name of this day – Thanksgiving.
I think I say ‘thank you’ at least 5 to 10 times each day. The phrase is a part of my daily speech, as I’m sure it is for many others. But how thankful am I really? Is it just something to say? I think it’s important to reflect on what you are truly grateful for, not just on Thanksgiving, but everyday. Often I find myself stressed and overwhelmed with work and life in general, but when I stop and think about all the positive things in my life, there is a sense of comfort. But how often do I express to those who provide me with these happy thoughts how grateful I am? I strongly believe that more people need to give thanks wholeheartedly and truthfully to those who have made an impact in their life. A simple ‘thank you’ can go a long way and make someone’s day. I know that when I’m finished teaching a lesson and student thanks me, it makes me feel appreciated and validated.
This Thanksgiving I challenge you to reflect on what you are truly thankful for and to actually make an effort to say it aloud.
Thank you to my loving husband, Brandon. You are my best friend, my partner in crime, and there is no one I rather have by my side. You are supportive, creative, hard working, and understanding. The love I have for you is truly indescribable.
Thank you so much Mom and Dad. The two of you taught me to work hard, have fun, and appreciate life. I love you both so much.
Thank you to my sister, Amanda. You are so talented and my inspiration to be creative. Also, thank you Tristan, for being the best brother in law ever. Thanks to both of you for bringing my incredible (and adorable) nephew, Imriel, into the world.
Thank you to my mother in law and grandmother in law (is that a term???) You are always so proud of me and Brandon and are always there to support us.
Thank you to all my colleagues and students. Teaching has its challenges, but it also has its rewards. I have supportive coworkers, and work in a positive environment that allows me to teach what I am passionate about and love, and to reach out and promote social justice. I have taught some pretty amazing students who have educated me too.
Thank you Ken G. for giving me the chance to see Europe for the first time. Since 2010, I have seen so many incredible places and have learned so much from these adventures!! I’m so fortunate for the opportunities I have had exploring the world.
Thank you to my two best friends Sara and Julianna who I have known my entire life. Even though we don’t see each other all the time, I know we’ll always have each other’s backs.
I am also thankful for my fur baby Boris, my home, my country, and simply this beautiful universe we live in.
What are you thankful for?
Blade Runner.
“One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress.” – Karl Lagerfeld
Confession: I didn’t pick out this dress, my husband did. He told me it reminded him of a dress from the future, like from Blade Runner. I followed through on his suggestion, tried the dress on and fell in love with it. Honestly, my husband is my favourite shopping partner because he often picks things out I didn’t notice and he’s honest. I love the days we spend shopping together, as it’s both fun and relaxing.
What I like most about this dress is that it elevates the basic black dress. I’m also a sucker for fit and flare styles, and I find that this dress in particular really emphasizes my waist with the full pleated skirt. I also think that the cap sleeves are unique, adding a bit of edge. Also, I’m loving the block heel trend and hope it’s here to stay!
Dress: Sisley. Bag: Gucci. Earrings: J.Crew (old). Bracelet: Louis Vuitton. Shoes: Tahari (similar here). Watch: Chanel J12. Lips: MAC Diva.