Archives for June 2017

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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Fashion

Pattern Play.

“There’s a whole category of people who miss out by not allowing themselves to be weird enough.” – Alain De Botton

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it, oh wait…a circus? A horse? Commedia dell’arte performance? Oh I give up! I have no idea what is happening on this dress, but that’s what makes it so incredibly awesome! The pattern is fun and bizarre, and is a great conversation starter. Can we also talk about these star earrings? They were quite the find at a local vintage boutique that recently closed its doors. This whole outfit just makes me want to sing and dance and just be silly! I think anyone can pull off bold prints and wacky accessories as long as they’re just as charismatic on the inside as they are on the outside.

Dress: Dezzal. Shoes: Seychelles (old, loving these). Bag: Mansur Gavriel. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Earrings: Vintage (similar vibe here and here). Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Stella&Dot. Lips: MAC Lady Danger.

Photography by Skilla Studios

Fashion

Paint it black.

“The little black dress expresses a moment of freedom and individuality every time.” – Andre Leon Talley

I think it’s a given that a little black dress is a wardrobe must-have, though it’s typically not something I usually gravitate towards because I tend to favour bold colours and patterns. This one, however, caught my attention. I just adore bows and pockets, and this dress has both. A black dress such as this one can be easily dressed up or down, worn to work or out for dinner, to a wedding or to a funeral. Black dresses can be fun to accessorize as well because they match with anything. Basically, when in doubt, remember wearing a black dress is always appropriate.

What are your favourite wardrobe staples? Be sure to leave a comment below!

Dress: RW&Co. Shoes: Le Chateau. Bag: Louis Vuitton. Earrings: H&M (old, quite similar here). Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Louis Vuitton. Lips: Dior Rouge 999.

Photography by Skilla Studios

Fashion

Out of the blue.

“Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life.” – Yoko Ono

I just adore the one shoulder and ruffle trends! In the past I would avoid anything that required a strapless bra because I found them to be quite uncomfortable, but with so many pretty items in stores and online, I just had to give them another shot. I’m sure glad I did because I found this super cute dress that has my favourite fit and flare silhouette with a classic pinstripe pattern and perfectly placed ruffles. I also love all the mules I’ve been seeing lately. These caught my attention for their unique block heel. I find that I’m often drawn to things that are classic with a little bit of edge – kind of like me!