Style

A few years ago, after many RMT/physio/chiro appointments, I realized that carrying around giant tote bags with half of my belongings wasn’t doing my back any favours.  My neck and right shoulder was chronically sore.  My entire alignment was leaning a bit to the side, which was throwing everything off.  Looking for extreme change, I kind of stopped carrying a purse.  I retired all bags and would just stuff my wallet, phone, and keys into my pockets.  Not the most flattering, but my ailments absolutely improved and it was freeing to not have so much clutter on me at all times.

This, of course, isn’t a great long term solution, as there are plenty of outings that require more than just 3 items on hand.  The answer finally came to me in the form of a backpack.  And I’m telling you, ever since the backpack purse came into my life, I am a changed woman.  Houses a reasonable amount of things (even my DSLR camera when needed) and wearing one kind of makes me feel like a kid again, which I don’t totally hate.  I can’t stop wearing it!

If you’re into this one, I got it in an adorable media kit from Garnier (thanks, guys).  It’s from Call It Spring and is currently on sale for $24!  Can’t go wrong, I’m telling ya!

SHOP THE LOOK:

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My version of “florals for spring, how groundbreaking” is blue and white for summer.  This was my absolute go-to combination last year and I can already tell it’s a favourite this season because I keep filling up online shopping carts with blue and white blouses.  It’s honestly a problem.  I glanced at Adam’s closet this morning and noticed that he has an abundance of blue shirts as well – are we already at that point in our relationship that we’re dressing alike?  Is this was 10 years together does to you?

Looking at what else to invest in this summer, I think a straw or similar looking neutral bag is key.  They just go with absolutely everything, I adore this trend so much.  I also still love the ease of a nude flat sandal that again, pairs well with most.  I have worn this pair from last year into the ground, they are literally almost in two and keep making me trip while walking.  I should really replace them.  Like, now.

SHOP THE SUMMER LOOK:

I’m sure this will come as no surprise to you, but I basically live in denim.   The fact that I’m in the Pacific Northwest and work from home or a shared office, means that the comfort of denim is kind of my jam.  And have you noticed how many fun spring denim trends popped up this season?  I find it so exciting and the perfect excuse to discover new silhouettes!  I had a blast visiting Mavi in Yaletown and shopping the latest for spring/summer.  They are my go-to for denim and have been for many years.  I just find their fits work well on me and that they consistently carry the classics, but are also stocked with the hottest new looks.  I very much appreciate that they keep their quality with the trendier denim too, always making them as flattering as possible.  My kinda people!

There’s so many new (or re-surfacing) denim trends at the moment, that I’ve rounded up my favourites below, as well as some inspiration to achieve the look.  All of the denim I’m sporting is from Mavi, and luckily they just launched an online store, so it’s even easier to shop!  I’ll try to outline as much about each pair below that I can, but if you have any questions about a particular style, let me know!

Embroidery

This is definitely the boldest trend in denim this spring, but I just love it.  There’s such a variety of embroidery styles and placement out there and I just think it’s so darling.  When there’s embroidery on jeans, it often requires there to be little to no give in the denim, so I opted for the look in a jacket instead.  Stretch in my jeans is kind of a must!

Wearing: Mavi Rose Back Embroidery Gold Denim Jacket 

Shop the look:

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Last summer, I complimented my friend’s jacket and she explained that it was from Zara but online, because there was better selection/size range and you could bring it back at the stores if it didn’t work.  The pain of returns by mail are my biggest deterrent from making online purchases (which saying it out loud, is probably a helpful thing for my finances), so this was a game changer.  Ever since, I’ve been intermittently browsing their selections, but had still somehow never actually purchased.

Recently, there was a pair of trousers and some tassel earrings that caught my eye (similar to these) but they were both sold out, so I made the mistake of signing up for an email notification if either one was restocked.  A few days later, the earrings appeared in my inbox, back in stock, and with a compelling call to action.  They were swiftly added to my cart, but I couldn’t stop there. I can never seem to purchase one single item. I’m from a retail background, it’s all about multis!  This gingham ruffle dress was also added to the cart because I knew this breezy frock would be a spring favourite.  I sure was right!

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Nothing keeps me going like a large Americano and new glasses!  I’d settled on an oversized pair of tortoise frames a few years ago (you guys have seen them a million times, I’m sure) that kind of turned into my signature look.  It was about time to branch out though, and give my face a chance to be seen once again.  Plus, I finally got my eyes checked again and the prescription changed ever so slightly, so it was definitely time.  I love these specs from Bonlook but they have taken some getting used to.  My other glasses are SO giant that they even covered peripherals, and now it’s confusing to my eyes.  Never considered this to be a thing, but starting out in shorter increments to avoid any headaches or strain.  They look adorable though, it’s nice to have slightly daintier frames as an option!

That’s about enough in terms of my eyesight today.  I’m far more excited to report that it is the FOURTH sunny day in a row here, which hasn’t happened here since probably September.  It is amazing and I barely know what to do with myself.  Good thing Adam and I cleaned up our patio on the weekend, I just might have to get out there and work outside!

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The blossoms mean something different to me this year.  Seasons past, the cherry blossoms in particular were a pretty pink city decoration.  I would admire them while I hurried my way from point a to b, or I’d be out of town during their most impressive, yet short lived display.  For the last month, I have taken the time to absorb and appreciate the blooms more than ever before.  I feel like I’m blooming too.

There seem to be some parallels between this spring’s florals and my business.  They showed up a bit late, thanks to an unusually slow and cold winter.  For many of the same reasons, I too have had a delayed start to the year.  My resolution to ‘come alive’ in 2017 meant propelling forward.  Finally putting all my ideas into motion, and shining bright as an individual in this industry.  What has become abundantly clear lately, is that, as per usual, I’ve been standing in my own way.  I got a bit caught up in what other people were doing and whether I ought to be doing that as well.  The world of blogging and influencers is a strange one.  Maybe I was feeling a bit lost in it and in turn, stuck.  And it’s tough being a one woman show, especially when your brand is, well, you!  I’ve since been finding some clarity, and it finally seems like things are coming together.  As always, it’s a gradual process though, and often two steps forward, one step back.

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