The Petite Philosopher

Thoughtful Style.

Fashion

Red alert.

“I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.” – John Stuart Mill

My husband loves to remind (or maybe tease) me how fortunate I am to have two months off in the summer. I sometimes even feel guilty staying home while he has to go to work. I have to think, however, how incredibly insane the other ten months out of year are for me. The summer is needed to recharge my batteries, and reenergize for September. During my time off I don’t just lounge around and stare at the television, but engage in some self reflection. I lesson plan and set goals for the upcoming year, and I reevaluate my teaching philosophy. I really wish everyone enjoyed this luxury. When we allow ourselves to stop for a moment in this society that seems to be ‘go, go, go’ we are able to enjoy our lives more and cherish the relationships we have. Needless to say, I’m enjoying my summer and soaking up all the fun and relaxation I can get – whether dining out with my husband, catching up with friends, or just reading a book.

Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch. Shoes: Franco Sarto. Bag: Cult Gaia. Scarf: Hermes. Earrings: Baublebar. Bracelet: Louis Vuitton. Watch: Chanel. Lips: MAC Russian Red.

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Fashion

Short and sweet.

“We love life, not because we are used to living but because we are used to loving.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

To be completely honest, these are the first pair of shorts I have bought since, oh, I can’t even remember! This outfit was actually put together by both me and my husband. After convincing me to try on a crop top, I knew I would want to pair it with either a high waisted skirt or shorts. Usually I find crop top difficult to fit because my torso is short. Sometimes crop tops are actually full length shirts on me! If you’re petite and looking for a crop top, be sure to try on ones that almost appear too short on the hanger or almost like a bra – these will be the most proportionate. I also think high waisted bottoms are the best option when wearing a crop top because it accentuates the waist and is modest and revealing at the same time. I;m glad I took my husband’s advice – I just love this look!

Top: Aritzia. Shorts: Aritzia. Shoes: Le Chateau. Bag: Gucci. Necklace: J.Crew. Watch: Chanel. Bracelets: Stella&Dot, Stella&Dot. Lips: MAC Lady Danger.

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Fashion

Red hot.

“Heat cannot be separated from fire, or beauty from The Eternal.” – Dante Alighieri

Oh Windsor…where the weather is cold one moment, boiling the next. Every year it feels as if the time frame between the extreme temperatures is getting smaller. I do prefer the heat to the cold because I much rather bare some skin than wear layer upon layer.

Besides the frills and the bright, bold colour, what I like about this dress are its adjustable straps. Being petite, most dresses tend to be too long in the torso, so straps like these save me a visit to the seamstress. It just makes sense to me for spaghetti-strap dresses to have this feature because it allows for the perfect fit.

Dress: Urban Outfitters (sold out, similar here and here). Shoes: Le Chateau. Bag: Nannacay. Earrings: Beloved Crafts. Bracelet: Madewell. Watch: Chanel. Lips: MAC Lady Danger.

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Fashion

Checkmate.

“One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood.” – Agatha Christie

I vividly remember visiting the Peace Fountain in Coventry Gardens with my mother and Nonna when I was younger. I especially enjoyed looking at all the beautiful flowers, but most of all, the hedges shaped like animals. I love how several years later on a beautiful summer day, I can visit the same place and feel those fond memories I had as a child. I miss my Nonna dearly, and it’s moments like these that, as cliche as it sounds, warm my heart.

It’s not just the place that makes me nostalgic for my childhood, but this cute little romper too. I feel like I could do cartwheels in it, though I know any attempt would be comical at best. It’s comfortable, casual, cool, and best of all, an easy outfit to put together.

Romper: American Eagle Outfitters. Sunglasses: Celine. Hat: Hinge. Shoes: Kate Spade (old, similar here). Bag: Saint Laurent. Earrings: H&M (old, similar here). Bracelet: Baublebar. Watch: Chanel. Lips: Marc Jacobs Je t’aime.

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Fashion

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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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

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