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The Petite Philosopher

Thoughtful Style.

Fashion

Urban Explorer.

“As a remedy to life in society I would suggest the big city. Nowadays, it is the only desert within our means.” – Albert Camus

urban explorer
[ur-buh n] [ik-splawr-er, –splohr-]
noun

  • A person who seeks adventure in the city
  • An individual who walks through a city, observing and locating new points of interest
  • A city wanderer, not focused on a particular place or destination
  • Either (a) a permeant resident or (b) a visitor
  • A person who appreciates architecture
  • A person who pursuits new discoveries in the city

Example: Vanessa enjoys spending her weekends as an urban explorer in Detroit, Michigan.

Dress: H&M. Top: Aritzia. Jacket: Aritzia. Tights: Secret. Boots: BP (old, new version here). Bag: Burberry. Earrings: H&M. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban. Lips: Colourpop.

December 4, 2018

Fashion

Black Friday 2018

‘Tis the season for shopping! This weekend is definitely the best time to purchase gifts for the holiday season. Check out the deals offered at my favourite retailers, as well as my picks for gift giving or to treat yourself:

Abercrombie & Fitch | 50% everything + $5 shipping. My picks: plaid zip mini skirt, brushed leopard cardigan, buffalo check poncho, flowy shirtdress

American Eagle Outfitters | 40% off + free shipping. My picks: turtleneck cable knit sweater dress, lace up sweater dress, boucle cardigan boyfriend sweater, next level high waist jegging

Anthropologie | 30% off everything. My picks: block letter monogram necklace, bow-backed sweater, Baird sweater dress, ivie ruffled lace top, Seneca boucle scarf

Aritzia | Up to 50% off everything in stores and online. My picks: Luc sweater, diamond mosaic blanket scarf, Delaney blouse, Tartine dress, Karmen skirt

ASOS | 25% off everything with code EPIC25. My picks: mini velvet skater dress, tea dress in star print, C’est la vie slogan jumper, fluffy sweater, leather look pleated skirt

Banana Republic | 50% regular priced items. My picks: pleated fit and flare dress, vegan stretch suede seamed mini dress, chunky cable-knit mock-neck sweater, faux shearling cocoon coat

Baublebar | 30% off with code . My picks: all in the wrist gem bracelet stack, 9 to 5 hoop trio set, Scarlette bow drop earrings, elysian bracelet, Camille hoop earrings

Chicwish | Extra $10 off $70+ with code BF10, extra $20 off $120+ with code BF20, extra $30 off $180+ with code BF30. My picks: ruffle knit dress, pearls are always fave knit dress, ribbed knit dress, check knot knit dress

Cult Gaia | 20% off site wide with code GAIAGAIA. My picks: gold Gaia’s ark, Stella bag

J.Crew | 50% total purchase with code TGIF. My picks: lace top with pleats, long sleeve striped dress, pointelle knit crewneck in colour block, orbit earrings, sweatshirt with embroidered flowers

Kate Spade | 30% off purchase with code GIVECHEER. My picks: Hayes street sam, houndstooth Ponte dress, going places silk scarf, white rock road Mariana tote

Lulus | 20 to 90% off everything + free shipping. My picks: bit of bubbly velvet skater dress, burnout velvet dress, floral print ruffled long sleeve shift dress, chenille long cardigan sweater

Madewell | 25% off total purchase with code DEALWITHIT . My picks: silk ruffle hem top, 10″ high rise skinny jeans, hazelwood wrap front mini dress, night star statement earrings, Holland shoulder bag, Esme bow boot

Na-kd | 30% off everything with code BLACKWEEK. My picks: cuadro dress, boho lace strap dress, puff sleeve dress, mesh long sleeve midi dress,

Nordstrom | Up to 60% off select items. My picks: WAYF Rozy Glen plaid minidress, Halogen leather jacket, Eliza J stripe mock neck fit and flare dress, Steve Madden Brinkley over the knee stretch boots, Vince Camuto Crystal western bootie, Loeffler Randall straw tote, ALLSAINTS cami leather shoulder bag, CeCe pompom pullover

Pixie Market | Take 15% off site wide with code THANKYOU. My picks: Carolina tan bustier dress, Aime sleeve tie knit dress, white ruffle trim midi dress, croc embossed shoulder bag, wood mismatched earrings

Revolve | Up to 65% off. My picks: Shona Joy knot draped dress, Amanda Uprichard Toni dress, Likely Manhattan dress, Clare V Alice tote, Rebecca Minkoff super nova triple hoops

Shopbop | 15% off orders 200+, 20% off orders $500+ 25% 0ff orders $800+ with code MORE18 . My picks: WAYF manor ruffle bib mini dress, Lioness baby doll mini dress, re:named floral long sleeve dress, the fifth label adore dress, BB Dakota Jack clever girl leopard faux fur bomber, Staud mini Shirley bag, Mlouye Naomi bag, dolce vita bel point toe booties, Missoni zigzag scarf

Unique Vintage | 25% off everything with code BESTWEEK. My picks: black velvet floral long sleeve skater dress, knit cat button up cardigan, gingham pleated flare skirt

Urban Outfitters | Buy one get one 50% off. My picks: Bobby boyfriend stripped sweater, Vagabond Shoemakers Joyce lace-up boot, polka dot square neck mini dress, corduroy button-down mini dress, leopard print mock-neck midi dress

 

Happy Shopping!

 

November 22, 2018

Fashion

Warm Apple Cider.

“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” – Aristotle

Nothing comforts me on a cool fall day like the warmth of a cup of hot apple cider. The tradition continued again this year with our annual visit to Franklin Cider Mill, and as usual, it did not disappoint. Their cider donuts are so delicious, that I think I ate four in one day! I have a sweet tooth, so cider and donuts are a treat that I just cannot resist indulging in. After all, we do only visit the Mill once a year!

It’s always fun for me to look at our pictures from Franklin Cider Mill from the past years, and I’m glad to once again add more to our book of memories. We tend to look different every year, but the Mill stays the same. This tradition is very special to me and my husband, and we look forward to continuing it in the years to come!

Do you have any fall traditions? Feel free to share in the comments below!

Sweater: Forever 21. Pinafore: Forever 21. Jacket: H&M. Boots: Design Lab. Bag: Burel. Earrings: J.Crew. Bracelet: Madewell. Lips: MAC Chili.

November 13, 2018

Fashion

Dinner Date.

“I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.” – Vincent Van Gogh

One of my favourite restaurants to go on a dinner date with my husband is Takoi in the Corktown neighbourhood of Detroit. Their menu can be described as Asian fusion, with flavours from Thailand and Vietnam, and can change each season. I like how I can eat at the same restaurant several times and not get tired or bored of the food. The interior of the restaurant has a futuristic Blade Runner vibe, which Brandon and I also appreciate. Good food, good atmosphere, and most of all, good company, make for the best evenings out.

Dress: Asos. Boots: Call it Spring. Scarf: Madewell. Bag: Clare V. Lips: MAC Chili.

October 30, 2018

Fashion

The Cat’s Meow

“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” – Buddha

I have mixed feelings about autumn. I love summer so much that it feels as if we’d be breaking up if I would confess some admiration for the changing of seasons. I much prefer warmer weather, so fall ends up making me anxious for the colder months ahead. What I need to do is just embrace it more. It’s easier for me to do when the change in temperature is gradual and I can still enjoy myself outdoors. Walking down the Dequinder Cut was the perfect opportunity for Brandon and I to spend a beautiful and brisk autumn afternoon. At a distance of around 3 kilometres, the Dequinder Cut was not only a nice walk, but another great site that showcases Detroit’s street art. I love how a quick visit to Detroit can feel like a mini vacation, which is especially perfect when the fall routine is setting in.

Sweater: Out From Under Dress: Urban Outfitters. Boots: Call It Spring. Sunglasses: Ray Ban. Bag: Staud. Hat: H&M. Earrings: Melanie Auld. Lips: Colourpop Gracie.

October 23, 2018

Fashion

Murals in the Market.

“It doesn’t make much difference how the paint is put on as long as something has been said. Technique is just a means of arriving at a statement.” – Jackson Pollock

If you’re a follower of my blog, you know that my husband and I love to take pictures in Detroit’s Eastern Market. It’s filled with vibrant murals, and every year more are added during the Murals in the Market event. This year we were able to attend and greatly enjoyed watching the artists at work. I love how the walls around the market are blank canvases waiting to be filled with creative imagery. It almost feels as if the market itself is a live art gallery, which makes for a really fun and unique experience for those who love and appreciate art. This also proved to be a great opportunity to wear a summer dress one last time before the weather cools down!

Dress: Lulus. Shoes: Cole Haan. Hat: Aldo (old, similar here). Earrings: Asos. Bag: Clare V. Sunglasses: Ray Ban. Lips: Colourpop Goldie.

October 2, 2018

Fashion

Monochromatic Girl.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aurelius

When the work week is busy, for me there’s nothing better than enjoying the awaited weekend with a nice brunch. For me, it feels like I’m treating myself to something special. In Windsor, my favourite brunch is served on Saturdays only at Rino’s Kitchen, while I also enjoy the options at Twisted Apron and the classic fare at The Lumberjack. In Detroit it’s fun to explore brunch menus as well. For this day, Brandon and I tried the brunch at Selden Standard, and were not disappointed. We have also really enjoyed the indulgent brunch at Grey Ghost (Sundays only), Gold Cash Gold, and the make your own Bloody Mary or Mimosa at Bobcat Bonnie’s. After our tasty meal at Selden Standard, Brandon and I took in the beautiful weather while wandering the neighbourhood, soaking up the last moments of summer before the fall temperatures fully kick in.

What are your go-to spots for brunch in Windsor and Detroit?

Top: Aritzia. Skirt: H&M. Shoes: Old Navy. Bag: Toino Abel. Earrings: Le Magasin Général du Vieux-Montréal (also available here) Bracelet: Souvenir from Venice. Watch: Chanel. Lips: Colourpop Trust Me.

September 24, 2018

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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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