The Petite Philosopher

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!

Dress: J.O.A. Shoes: Intentionally Blank. Bag: Mansur Gavriel. Earrings: Meg. Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Baublebar. Lips: Guerlain Rouge Kiss.

Photography by Brandon Mousseau

Fashion

Toile de Jouy.

“Nature uses only the longest threads to weave her patterns, so that each small piece of her fabric reveals the organization of the entire tapestry.” – Richard P. Feynman

There’s really nothing I love more in a dress than pockets. Even when I try dresses on in the store, my hands automatically search for a pocket, though I do tend to get a bit disappointed if I find there isn’t one. Pockets are practical, fun, and cute. The pockets aren’t the only aspects of this dress that caught my eye, but it’s pattern. In a previous post I gushed about my love of all things French, and this dress certainly exemplifies that. After a quick Google search, I discovered that toile originally came from Ireland in the mid-18th century, but was popularized by the French. The fabric is technically called “Toile de Jouy”, and translates to “cloth from Jouy-en-Josas”, which is a town located near Paris.

What fabric patterns are you drawn to? Houndstooth? Plaid? Polka dots? Feel free to share in the comments below!

Dress: Birds of North America. Shoes: Le Chateau. Bag: Louis Vuitton. Necklace: J.Crew (also love this). Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Stella&Dot. Lips: MAC Viva Glam II.

Photography by Brandon Mousseau

Fashion

Life is Sweet.

“It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder

Ever since my first visit to France in 2010, I have been obsessed with macarons. After trying my first one at the famed Laduree in Paris, I fell in love with the delicate sweetness of these charming desserts. For years finding macarons near where I live was pretty much impossible. Even for our wedding, my husband and I didn’t want a cake, but a tower of macarons. At the time, I could only find one pastry chef who could deliver – Shelby’s Sweet Shoppe. Now I see so many places offering macarons, which can be dangerous for my sweet tooth. Not only are macarons tasty, but they look darling – so why not put them on a dress?

Who do you think makes the best macarons? Be sure to share in the comments below!

Dress: Modcloth. Shoes: Le Chateau. Bag: Mansur Gavriel (similar here). Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Kate Spade (old, similar here). Lips: MAC Impassioned.

Photography by Brandon Mousseau

Fashion

Splash of Colour.

“We must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since, if that be present, we have everything, and, if that be absent, all our actions are directed toward attaining it.” – Epicurus

White has definitely become my favourite spring/summer colour. White is fresh, bright, and lends itself to fun accessorizing. When I first saw this tote, it just screamed “me” due its cute and whimsical pompom details. Paired with a splashes of blue from my earrings and shoes, this outfit is ready for sunny spring days and crisp summer nights. It most certainly is being packed for my summer vacation to Croatia and Slovenia. I know it’s going to be quite hot in both places in July, but there’s just something about wearing white that makes me feel cooler, even if the sleeves happen to be a bit longer on this dress. One of my favourite parts about planning a vacation is deciding what to wear. Though the trip is still 2 months away, I have already started a packing list because it gets me pumped for a new adventure.

Do you have any travel tips to share for Croatia and/or Slovenia? Be sure to comment below!

Dress: Lioness. Bag: Nannacay. Shoes: Seychelles (old, similar here and here). Earrings: Siam Hill Tribes. Bracelet: Souvenir from Venice. Lips: Colourpop Trust Me.

Photography by Vicki Bartel

Fashion

On Pointe.

“Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.” – Coco Chanel

There’s nothing as fun and feminine as tulle. This trend has been popular for quite some time now with reason – it adds a playful vibe to any outfit. Usually when one thinks of tulle, ballerinas or brides come to mind, but the fashion world has proven that tulle does not have to be reserved for certain people or occasions. Though my particular dress is more on the formal side, tulle can be made more casual by adding a denim jacket or even sneakers. If you are petite like me, I would advise against tulle skirts that are long or voluminous because they might overwhelm your frame or make you appear too juvenile. Instead, try looking for less layers or midi length or above. I just feel so pretty and luminous in this dress, and that’s exactly how I think clothes should make someone feel!

Dress: Anthropologie. Shoes: Le Chateau (last season, updated version here). Bag: Cult Gaia. Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Louis Vuitton. Earrings: H&M. Lips: MAC Cosmos.

Photography by Vicki Bartel.

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