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The Petite Philosopher

Thoughtful Style.

Fashion

The simple things.

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius

It’s the simple things in life that make it enjoyable. Some of my favourite days include just vegging out at home with my husband; I do laundry, he plays guitar, and we cook and watch television or a movie together. Our days out are just as simple and fun. On a day off, you can catch us running errands or just wandering Detroit or its metro area. We especially enjoy spending early afternoons in Ferndale, with a lunch at Imperial and a trip to Found Sound. Good food, good tunes, and most of all, good company – these are the things that make our days bright. Sometimes we forget to how to relax, so I think it’s important that we take the time to savour those little moments or weekend routines where we can unwind and just simply enjoy the little pleasures in life.

Top: Sezane (sold out, loving this and this). Denim: Abercrombie & Fitch. Jacket: Zara. Scarf: Louis Vuitton (old, similar here). Boots: BP. Bag: Sezane. Watch: Chanel. Lips: Marc Jacobs Infamous.

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March 21, 2018

Fashion

Morning glory.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu

Spring, is that you? I sure hope so! I’ve been really feeling the winter blues lately, and I’m just itching for warmer weather and more sunshine. I guess it makes me feel like beautiful spring days are ahead when I accessorize my outfits with pops of colour. I think that encapsulates the power of clothing; it can make you feel however you want. If I want to feel uplifted, I wear bright, bold colours, and when I’m feeling tired or unmotivated, I love to wear big baggy sweaters. I really feel that you can become what you wear, or better yet, what you wear can become a part of you. Clothes are a powerful tool that let other people get a sense of who you are and how you feel. That doesn’t mean you should completely judge an entire person on what they look like, but it definitely can be an outward expression of their inner self. What do I think this outfit says about me? I think it says that I’m feminine, trendy but edgy, and as I said earlier, desperate for spring!

Dress: Blackmilk. Shoes: Le Chateau. Bag: Mansur Gavriel (smaller version available here, calf leather version available here). Earrings: My Beloved Crafts. Bracelet: Madewell. Watch: Chanel. Lips: Marc Jacobs Infamous.

Photography by Vicki Bartel

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March 7, 2018

Fashion

Star struck.

“One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

There are many things that I love, and dressing up for an event is definitely one of them. From chaperoning school formals, to weddings, or just a night out, it’s always good to feel glamourous. I have had a love for formal events for as long as I can remember, which I think was influenced by my mother. I can recall watching award shows with her when I was younger, and the two of us waiting in anticipation to see the gowns worn by the celebrities. Even now, when an award show is on, my mother calls me on the phone to hear my picks for the best dresses. Dressing up makes you feel special and enthusiastic to share in the excitement of the event you’re attending. Now if only one day I could get invited to the Oscars…

Dress: H&M. Shoes: Zinda. Bag: Mansur Gavriel. Earrings: Baublebar. Bracelet: Madewell. Watch: Chanel. Lips: MAC Sin.

Photography by Vicki Bartel

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February 28, 2018

Fashion

Heavy metal.

“The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.” – Francis Bacon

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about my love for art galleries, featuring the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. With just a short drive across the border, I was able to visit another art gallery I enjoy, the Detroit Institute of Arts. The gallery is quite diverse, with exhibits in contemporary and modern art, Indigenous art, African-Amercan art, and art from Ancient Egypt and Asia. Not only did I enjoy looking at the paintings and sculptures, but the warmth indoors and shelter from the rain. Winter really is the best opportunity to investigate local or nearby museums, since many may find it too cold for outdoor activities (I for one much rather watch winter sports than engage in them).

For our day at the art gallery, I opted to hop on the metallics trend. I think that the skirt I’m wearing is a good transitional piece because it’s so versatile. I could bundle up more with a black turtleneck and nylons, or wear it when the weather warms up with a white sleeveless or short sleeve top.

How are you styling the current metallic trend? Be sure to comment below!

Top: TNA. Skirt: Wilfred. Boots: Le Chateau. Bag: Sezane. Necklace: J.Crew (old, loving this statement piece). Earrings: Baublebar. Bracelet: Madewell. Watch: Chanel. Lips: MAC Viva Glam I.

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February 21, 2018

Fashion

Dress the part.

“Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.” – Coco Chanel

Though I have actually been wearing jeans lately, my go-to clothing will forever remain dresses. Sometimes people are surprised to hear that I’ll even wear dresses in the winter. Long sleeve dresses have been easier to find in the last couple of years, so my dress addiction continues in the colder months. When looking for a dress in the winter, not only do I make sure the sleeves are long, but that that fabric is thick enough to keep me warm under a coat. Sweater dresses really are a blessing, especially if they are in the fit and flare style that I prefer. When it’s cold outside, my favourite nylons to wear with dresses are always waistband free. Seriously, they are a game changer. There’s no restricting elasticized waistband that digs into your skin, and they still stay up! My husband still thinks I’m crazy when I wear a dress in the cold, and sometimes I do have to agree with him. I just can’t totally give up my love of dresses!

What are some clothing trends or items you just can’t let go of? Feel free to share in the comments below!

Dress: Eliza J. Shoes: Le Chateau. Bag: Clare V. Earrings: Baublebar. Bracelet: Wanderlust & Co. Watch: Chanel. Lips: MAC Russian Red.

Photography by Vicki Bartel

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February 13, 2018

Fashion

Ruby Tuesday.

She would never say where she came from
Yesterday don’t matter if it’s gone
While the sun is bright
Or in the darkest night
No one knows, she comes and goes

-The Rolling Stones

Whether your relationship is new, old, or you have children or not, a date night is always a good idea. Going out for dinner with my husband is one of my favourite things to do! We enjoy treating ourselves to a special meal and have found it particularly fun to do so in Detroit. On this evening we opted for sushi at Maru, which has an expansive menu from simple rolls to some crazy concoctions. Other restaurants we have enjoyed for a night out include Wright & Co., Grey Ghost, Takoi, and Republic. On my side of the border our favourite is definitely F&B in Walkerville. No matter the location, it’s never a bad idea to spoil yourselves as a couple once and a while.

Where are your favourite date night spots? Be sure to comment below!

Dress: Lulus. Nylons: Silks. Boots: Nine West. Bag: Sezane. Earrings: H&M. Bracelet: Kate Spade. Watch: Chanel. Lips: MAC Viva Glam I.

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January 31, 2018

Fashion, Travel

Mellow yellow.

“He who is of calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition youth and age are equally a burden.” – Plato

It’s officially sweater weather, and there was no better time to cuddle up in some thick, warm knits for a little getaway to Toronto. My husband and I joke that every time we go to Toronto, the weather is at its worst, and this weekend was no exception. With the windchill it was minus 30 degrees celsius! Though it was nice to cozy up in our room at The Drake, we did brave the cold and ventured outside for some shopping. Though I’m typically not a pants kind of girl, there really isn’t any other option when you’re walking outside in such frigid temperatures. Sometimes I have to make sacrifices, but it was all worth it to spend some quality time with my husband away from home.

For more Toronto picks, check out my post from last year.

Sweater: Wilfred. Denim: Abercrombie & Fitch. Necklace: Baublebar. Earrings: J.Crew. Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Wanderlust & Co. Lips: MAC Russian Red.

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January 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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