Moda Mama

What to Wear to an Indie Launch Party.

February 17, 2015
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4 COMMENTS

Lace top – FreePeople // Jeans – Gap // Belt – Lucky Brand // Scarf & Clutch – gifts from Poland // Necklace – Natalie B.

Just before the mountains of snow descended upon us, before the weather fell to a painful minus thirty nine degrees celsius, before Toronto turned into the ice planet Hoth, I went out. I went out and got some photos on a balm plus one degree day. It’s sad to think that I long for the warmth of plus one.

I stood there taking pictures for the launch party of another brand, and I remember thinking, “This isn’t too bad. I could handle this kind of Winter.” Oh what a fool I was. I had no idea what was coming. Every year around this time, the outfit posts slow, because I doubt you guys are interested in seeing the same pair of eyes peeking out from under the same blanket day in and day out…sitting beside a space heater.

*sigh*

*linking up with Style Sessions*

Spelly Service

February 13, 2015
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10 COMMENTS

Spell-gypsy-collective-kimono-fringe-scarf

Kimono – Spell Designs via Turquoise Lane Shop // Top – Ruche *old* // Jeans – Dittos via UO // Necklace – TopShop // Scarf – SheInside

I know customer service. I run my own business, and to me customer service is paramount. There are many talented people who can deliver a wonderful product, and that’s true of any business. But what sets certain companies apart is their customer service.

I recently had a terrible experience with a company that shall not be named because I don’t like to speak ill if I can avoid it. Without getting into details, they did not disclose certain aspects of the product and were downright rude when I contacted them regarding it, and did nothing to resolve the situation. The whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth – metaphorically. I will certainly never shop there again.

What’s poignant is that at the same time I had an issue arise with Spell. It was simply an unfortunate series of events, with no one being at fault per se. They could have done what the other company did, which was essentially to say, “Whatever. What are you gonna do about it?” But no.

Not only did Elizabeth, one of the owners, contact me and make sure I was taken care of, but also Emma, one of the customer service reps, was methodical in her resolution. They went above and beyond. Above and beyond what I hoped, and certainly above what I expected.

By doing so, I felt like I was valued not just for my credit card number, but valued as a person who they want to have great retail relationship with. I feel like customer service is about the bigger picture: knowing what your company’s mission statement and attitude is towards others. And Spell certainly has a very positive one.

Plus, the clothes are super awesome! That Hendrix jacket on my dreamlist. And clearly, not even a snowstorm will stop me from wearing one of their kimonos.

*linking up with Trend Spin*

Functionality and Personality

February 10, 2015
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2 COMMENTS

Raglan Top – Spell Designs // Blazer – Zara // Jeans – Gap

A bad cold all week *read: snot, coughing, and other yuckiness* plus -24 degree temperatures outside meant that I’ve been living in PJs and fleece pants in the house. And knitting. I’ve been on the couch binge watching Law & Order: SVU and knitting. I know how to party y’all!

Or I know how to sit on my butt and be sick.

But, this blazer, jeans, and graphic shirt combo was something I wore a bit ago to work on a photoshoot. I was shooting the promo shots for a web series, and there’s always that fine line that I have to tread in my wardrobe as a photographer.

My clothes have to be functional – I move gear, balance, build, and twist myself into strange positions if need be to get the shot – but I also need to maintain a certain level of professionalism. So, it’s that balance of professional cool and functionality.

And hey, a little personality doesn’t hurt either.

Here’s an action shot from the day that my assistant took.

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em

February 4, 2015
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2 COMMENTS

Cardigan – ThreadSence // Lace top – FreePeople // Corduroys – Gap // Boots – Locale // Scarf – SheInside

That’s the saying isn’t it? Well, it’s a full on snowy gray winter here, so I guess since I can’t beat it and I have tried, I might as well join in. It seems that no amount of wishing and hoping, and wearing bright colors and lace dresses will make this bitter chill or tufts of snow leave.

I think the time has come to embrace the snow and the cold and see what will happen. The least I can do is try to make the white and gray as fabulous as possible.

p.s. I think it’s awesome that no one noticed that I got rid of my highlights and dyed my hair back to dark brown about a month ago. I guess it was only a dramatic to me. It always is.

No Labels

February 2, 2015
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5 COMMENTS

Maxi Lace Dress – Arnhem // Sweater – Ruche // Belt – Hadley Pollet // Boots – Aldo // Necklaces – F21

I love this gorgeous maxi dress from Arnhem. It’s really a summer piece meant to be worn over a bikini rather than layered for this Winter weather. But as you all know, I don’t like labels like “Summer” and “Winter” on clothing. So I’m playing around and trying to figure out ways to wear this gorgeous piece all year round.

Thoughts? Other ideas on how to wear it? You guys always inspire me.

This Is Who You’re Dating

January 30, 2015
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2 COMMENTS

Star Wars Leia Shirt – TeeFury // Cardigan – hand me down // Jeans – Gap // Beanie – UO // Socks – FreePeople // Boots – Locale

Andrew and I went out on a date. Dinner, a little shopping, and a movie. Yup, this was my hot date night get-up. Just a little reminder of exactly who he’s with…sci-fi obsessed nerd girl.

Some ladies might put on a sexy red dress and heels, I put on my Star Wars shirt and beanie. Oh yeah, hawt.

*sarcasm fully intended*

Winter Unicorn

January 28, 2015
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10 COMMENTS

Sweater – ThreadSence – huge sale now! // Dress – Ruche – huge sale now! // Thigh High Leg Warmers – Free People // Boots – Aldo // Necklace – TopShop

Here’s a quick outfit from a couple of days ago, you know before it got too cold to breathe. It was a unicorn of a Winter day: I could wear bare legs. Crazy I know!

The day also made me realize that I miss wearing dresses. But frankly my dear, it’s too cold. Right now, I’m into the double pants, or thermal long underwear scene.

Or just bundling up in front of the space heater and never leaving the house.

Limited Time, and Reading My Mind

January 26, 2015
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2 COMMENTS

Lace Top – Ruche // Sweater – hand me down // Jeans – Lucky Brand // Boots & Natalie B Necklace – ThreadSence

Apologies for the lack of photos today. There are legitimate reasons.

One being that I’m very picky with photos and therefore dislike the majority that Andrew takes when he takes my shots. I prefer to tripod self-timer it, because that way I get exactly what I pictured in my head. It’s very hard to get someone to read your mind, I’m still working on it.

Two, it was so freaking cold outside that day. I had only about two minutes worth of fortitude in that wind and weather and as we all know, good photos take time.

merci
xoxo

p.s. You can totally tell in that full picture that I’m freezing my butt off.

No Pants

January 22, 2015
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6 COMMENTS

Romper/Jumpsuit – ThreadSence // Top – Gap // Boots – Aldo // Scarf – thrifted // Necklace – Lustre Boutique

Lately, despite my sheer love for them, I’ve been wearing very few dresses. The fault I believe lies in the discomfort while I was ill that has carried over subconsciously, and the general Winter malaise that tends to set in this time of year.

Plus, it’s damn cold! That alone is enough to chase a girl away from tights to the double layers of tights and pants. Plus, the abundance f cute pants and rompers in my closet doesn’t hurt.

No worries, the dresses will reappear shortly. I promise.

Merci
xoxo

Trying But Not Too Much: Events That Aren’t Too Fancy

January 21, 2015
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8 COMMENTS

Beaded Sequined Top – UO // Jeans – Lucky Brand // Boots – Browns // Bag – Target // Earrings – ThreadSence

I had the pleasure of meeting up with a girlfriend for an exclusive fashion show preview. Quelle beautiful fun! It was a fairly intimate event that didn’t call for the most glamorous of get-ups, but still required a bit more effort. So skinny jeans, thigh high boots, and a sequined top seemed like the perfect way to say that I tried, but not too much.

As much as I love the fact that my daily life calls for super casual, I love to dress up. So when given the chance I’m all over it. I would’ve worn a freakin’ ball gown if not for the fact that it’s Winter, and therefore freezing.

Merci.
Xoxo

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