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The Petite Philosopher

Thoughtful Style.

Fashion

Cut it out.

“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” – Oscar de la Renta

I am loving this season’s cutout trend! This dress is one of a few that I have recently purchased with a cutout detail. Though it’s not practical for work, it’s super fun on the weekends. I paired it with other hot trends, pompom earrings and Cult Gaia’s ark bag. Though this outfit is all about what’s “in” right now, I still find it fits my style. When shopping, I’m conscious of the latest trends, but I try not to buy into them too much because I don’t want to forfeit my personal style and vibe. I guess it’s just convenient when the trends match with your tastes!

More on my handbag – this bag is everywhere in the blogging world and Instagram. I don’t always like having the same accessories as everyone else, but this bag caught my attention because it’s just so cool looking. I purchased the large, and although the small would have fit my frame better, the large is big enough for everything I need to carry in a handbag. My bag is full in the pictures, so as you can see, it’s not as transparent as it would seem to be.

What spring/summer trends are you loving? Be sure to comment below!

Dress: Urban Outfitters. Bag: Cult Gaia. Shoes: Vicenza (old, similar here). Sunglasses: Celine. Earrings: Siam Hill Tribes. Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Stella&Dot. Lips: MAC Russian Red.

April 19, 2017

Fashion

Here comes the sun.

“Everything that is made beautiful and fair and lovely is made for the eye of one who sees.” – Rumi 

Though we had a very mild winter, I’m so happy to see (and feel) that spring is here. Frankly, there is nothing more freeing than not having to wear nylons! I feel more comfortable and more myself in warmer temperatures, and because of my weight loss I have so many new dresses I’m pretty pumped to wear. This particular dress caught my eye because of its bold pattern that reminds me of a circus tent. Not only that, but it’ll come in handy on spirit days at the high school I teach at because our colours are orange and blue.

Besides the warmer temperatures and sporting new dresses, I enjoy spring because it feels like a fresh start, a new beginning. The birds are chirping, people are out of hibernation, the leaves and flowers are blossoming, my cat stays outside all night (which allows me to have better sleep each night), and everyone’s general attitude seems to be more upbeat.

What are your favourite things about spring? Be sure to comment below!

Dress: Birds of North America. Bag: Louis Vuitton. Shoes: Le Chateau. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Stella&Dot. Necklace: Stella&Dot. Lips: MAC Lady Danger.

April 12, 2017

Fashion

Space Cadet.

“The important achievement of Apollo was demonstrating that humanity is not forever chained to this planet and our visions go rather further than that and our opportunities are unlimited.” – Neil Armstrong

When I’m not working, there is nothing I’d rather do than travel with my husband. Our adventures together  created some of the best memorizes I have. When travelling, we each bring a suitcase, with mine always being the big one. I have tried my best, but I just can’t seem to pack light. Travelling is one of my favourite opportunities to wear new clothes. Not only do I want my outfits to look good, but my luggage too. Now, luggage can only look “good” for so long considering the fact that they are thrown around on and off the airplane. Also, by good-looking luggage, I mean eye-catching. I love how easy it is to spot this piece in the baggage claim! I have used this suitcase on three trips so far and some of the graphic decal has peeled near the bottom, but the hardshell is still in great condition. I’m looking forward to the new adventures I will be bring this luggage on!

     

Dress: Black Milk. Jacket: Aritzia. Shoes: Le Chateau. Sunglasses: Celine. Bag: Saint Laurent. Luggage: Heys. Necklace: Baublebar. Earrings: J.Crew (old, similar here). Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Stella&Dot. Lips: MAC Impassioned.

March 29, 2017

Fashion

Grasping at Straws.

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman

One of the hottest handbag trends I have spotted this season are straw/wicker totes. Usually brought only to the beach or warm destinations, these modern takes on a classic can be carried anywhere. I especially love the bold colours and the tassel or pompom details I have been spotting as well.

Below are some of my picks for bringing a little slice of paradise wherever you go. Which one is your favourite? Be sure to comment below!

Cult Gaia Gaia Ark Bag
Nannacay Joana Multi Medium Tote
Pitusa Half Moon Beach Bag
Fallon and Royce Mel Straw Cobra Beach Tote Bag
SOPHIE ANDERSON Alicia half-moon straw clutch
Samuji Circle Straw Bag
Eliza Gran Venice Tote
Merona Women’s Straw Tote Handbag • Merona
Tory Burch Kerrington Straw Tote • Tory Burch
Aranaz Planta straw tote
Sam Edelman Sierra Straw Tote – Beige • Sam Edelman
MUZUNGU SISTERS Sicilian pompom straw tote

March 23, 2017

Fashion, Travel

New York, New York

“One belongs to New York instantly. One belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.” – Thomas Wolfe

When my husband and I were thinking of where to go for March break, we first thought of Los Angeles because neither of us had been there. However, after further research, we decided to choose somewhere closer to maximize our time. Both of us had been to New York City before and loved it, and thought it would be a great idea to see the Big Apple once again, especially because the flight time from Detroit is less than two hours. We knew it would be sort of a gamble in terms of the weather, but we did not expect it to be as cold and snowy as it ended up being. With that said, we made the most of our trip and made many incredible memories. Because it wasn’t our first time to NYC, we didn’t do too much tourist sightseeing.

 

We stayed at the HGU New York. The lobby and room were both modern and stylish. The bed was comfortable, and we had a nice bay window. The bathroom was clean and spacious, though I would have liked the water to be hotter than it was, especially since it was so cold outside.

Hotel lobby.

The desk in our room

The bed. This is a deluxe Queen room.

Simple and clean bathroom.

 

We spent most of our days wandering Midtown Manhattan, in addition to checking out the Museum of Modern Art, seeing The Glass Menagerie on Broadway and a comedy show at the Comedy Cellar (with a surprise appearance from Louis C.K.). One of my favourite highlights would have to be ice skating with my love at Rockefeller Centre. Though it was a very cold week, and I didn’t have many fashion options other than to keep warm, New York City is always a delight!

 

                

Coat: Alice+Olivia (old, similiar here and here). Scarves: Gucci, Burberry. Bag: Louis Vuitton. Shoes: BP, Nine West (old, very similar here).

March 20, 2017

Fashion

French Press.

“Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

I love all things French, and tend to gravitate towards accessories with motifs representing my favourite place in Europe. My handbag was purchased on our honeymoon to Paris at the famous Gallery Lafayette. I remember the handbag department to be the most chaotic scene, with some women literally throwing purses and buying them like they were candy. It is known the handbag are less expensive in Europe because of exchange rate and you receive the VAT (taxes) back, so I’m assuming these women were desperate to get their deals. I liked this particular bag because it would forever remind me of our honeymoon. I enjoy purchasing clothing and accessory items not just for their style, but for the memories and sentimental value they will hold.

My husband is aware of my love of not just France, but history as well, and gifted me this Napoleon scarf for Christmas. I paired it with a fitted pencil dress that makes me feel confident due to the dedication I have put forth in my fitness routine. I felt that this was the perfect outfit for a beautiful day taking in the art and culture of the Detroit Institute of Arts. We are so fortunate to be in close proximity to such a wonderful museum, and I highly recommend a visit if you’re in the Detroit area.

Dress: RW & Co. Scarf: Hermes. Shoes: Zinda (similar here). Bag: Longchamp. Earrings: Kate Spade. Necklace: Stella&Dot. Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Louis Vuitton. Lips: MAC Russian Red.

March 8, 2017

Fashion

Blue Velvet.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

Velvet? Check. Pom Poms? Check. Embroidery? Check. Can this dress have any more cute details? I’m not that sure! I wrote in a post back in November that I’ve been trying out Chinese online retails with success. Lately I have found that Ali Express has some really interesting pieces if you’re willing to take the time to search. This dress was one of those finds, and just screams “whimsical”. I paired it with navy suede pumps from Le Chateau and one of my new favourite handbags. Usually I would avoid dressing in all the same colour (except for black), but I think navy blue works. I even remember a friend telling me not too long ago that navy is the new black, and I think I agree with her. To me, navy blue is black, but colourful (if that makes any sense; believe me, it does in my head).

What colours are you loving this season? Be sure to comment below!

Dress: Ali Express (similar vibe here and here). Bag: Mansur Gavriel. Shoes: Le Chateau. Watch: Chanel. Earrings: H&M. Bracelets: Stella&Dot + Stella&Dot. Lips: MAC Viva Glam I.

Connect with my Stella&Dot hostess, Meghan here.

Photography by Vicki Bartel

February 28, 2017

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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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