A Big Bag Of Mush

Sweater & Scarf – thrifted  //  Cords – Le Chateau  //  Boots – Locale  //  Necklace – Ruche

Sitting on the metro today I looked around me and saw a ton of put together adults. *as well as some not so put together, but that’s not relevant here* In a single moment it dawned on me that we’re all the same.  On the outside I’m a put together adult as well.  I’m about their age, and that’s what I look like on the metro, but I’m a mess of insecurities and neuroses, and that’s when I realized that so are they.  Everyone, every adult, is a bag of insecurities and neuroses.  *Anyone who says they’re not is lying*  That made me feel better.  Everyone I meet, audition for, anyone who intimidates me, etc. etc. is just a bag of mush like me.  It was a comforting thought that made me feel better in that we’re all on the same playing field.

Drums Really Are Best Played On Your Head

Young and Stupid

Top – Timing via ModCloth  //  Dress –  Everly via Ruche  //  Tights – Hansel from Basel  //  Belt & Socks – F21  //  Boots – Locale
Did I ever mention that I’m smart?  No really, I swear I am.  I’m so smart I decided that standing in a dress with no coat on, in the middle of a snowstorm, on the way to kids group just to get some pretty pictures was a good idea.   Me and Baby Girl walked there, though maybe I should call her Baby Abominable Snowman since by the time we arrived she was buried under a two inch layer of snow in the stroller, not moving and just glaring at the world with her toddler brows furrowed.  
It was all worth it though because not only did she have a great time playing, but I was also asked if I was the babysitter and got a huge, “NO! You’re too young!” when I said I was the mama.  So, I would do it again.  ‘Cause I’m just brilliant that way, or I’m just too young to any better.  *wink wink*

You May Stop Traffic…

Dress – Line & Dot  //  Top – Jacob  //  Belt – thrifted  //  Tights – HUE  //  Boots – Feet First
…but I bring down fences.  Or so I would have you believe.  The truth is a lot less glamorous and not at all flattering to me.  We had a huge storm that blew off the fence separating our backyard from the neighbors.  That’s it.  Nothing fun or glamorous, and kind of depressing considering we’ll have to pay to get the fence re-done in the Spring.  So for now, I’m going to pretend that the fence was just totally blown away by the awesomeness of my dress. ‘Cause that’s a lot more fun, and kind of superpowery too. 

Free Shopping Spree

Dress – Le Chateau *hand me down*  //  Tights – F21  //  Hat – made by my mom  //  Boots – Locale
Zebra necklace – Lustre from Montreal  //  Gold Necklace from Ten thousand Villages

I love it when my mom cleans out her closet.  She comes down with garbage bags full of great clothes.  It’s like a fun shopping spree for free!  The best kind, of course. Though we may not be the same size, I always find some fun tops, sweaters, and even the occasional dress. *like the one above*

That’s something to consider when swapping, you don’t have to be the same size.  My mom is shorter and she’s got a little more junk in the trunk.  So I don’t usually get pants because it’s hard to lengthen pants and get the perfect fit, but because she likes her clothes more fitted, and I like a lot of things looser and more flowy I still end up with a great haul.  Something to think about when debating a clothes swap with your friends too – you don’t all have to be the same size. 

Now the issue is how to get a bigger closet.

Clothes Shopping : A Few Handy Tips

You’ve go shopping and come home with a lot of things and a lot of
money gone.  Within a couple of weeks you
realize it was a huge mistake since you’re not actually wearing any of the
things you’ve bought and there’s a looming credit card bill to be paid.  Does some of that sound familiar?  Well, it’s a common theme in many people’s,
and not just women’s, lives.   There are
a few things that you could keep in mind when next you head out to the shops,
that might help you avoid another such experience.

1. What do you like?  Be honest
about this.  Think about the trends,
styles, colors you really like and, more importantly, the things you actually
wear.  That bright yellow, peplum top
looks great in the store and on the hanger, or online, but if you never wear
peplum and or the color yellow, then it’s a colossal waste of your money.  Consider the trends, but don’t be swayed by
them into buying something that is completely not you.
2. Consider the promos, deals and sales.  Are there specials promotions or coupons right now, or
any coming up?  Boxing day, annual sales
might be a great time to stock up on some great items at really great
prices.  Often online shops offer
discount codes to first time buyers, or for end-of-season sales.  Thank about that.  The best time to buy something is off season
or end of season.  You could grab a
fabulous coat for the following winter.
3. Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.  Following right on the heels of the above
advice, do consider that a sale does not make it a wise purchase.  That bright yellow peplum top might be 50%
off, but if you’re never going to wear it that’s still money sent down the
drain.  Don’t get suckered in by,
“75% off!” tag lines, but do consider if the item, or items, are
something you are looking for.  If it is,
then great you just got it %75 off.
4. Pick your friends wisely. This is true for life as well as in
shopping.  Choose who comes shopping with
you very carefully.  That one friend may
be fun to talk to and a great shoulder to lean on, but they might also have a
tendency to encourage you to spend more than is within your means.  This isn’t a malicious thing, it’s just
different personalities have different approaches, and if your friend’s
shopping attitude does not go with your shopping goals, then opt for meeting up
for coffee afterwards instead.  Perhaps
that practical, analytical friend is a better shopping buddy this time.
5. Use cash.  It’s all about
credit and interac, but the true psychology is that we as humans have a much
harder time parting with physical cash than abstract numbers.     So whenever possible use cash.  If shopping at a physical store, bring the
cash you intend to spend and leave the cards at home.   Not only does the harder task of
relinquishing hard cash make you think twice about purchases, but you are
guaranteed to not spend more since you won’t have access to more than the cash
in your wallet.  For larger purchases, or
online shops, take a post it and consider how many hours of work you would have
to complete in order to pay off said item. 
This cost benefit analysis helps, as does cash,  to solidify the choices we make.

With these simple tips at hand, hopefully the next time you shop it
will be a delight. The best part is that you’ll go home satisfied that you got
some great things and stayed on budget.

Sometimes I’m An Idiot

Top – Threadsence  //  Pants – Lush  //  Tank – Gap  //  Scarf – thrifted  //  Jacket – TNA  //  Gloves & Boots – Walmart  //  Bag – Ruche

Seriously, sometimes I’m just plain dumb. I saw this outfit on Threadsence as part of their winter New Years feature. I fell in love.  Since I already had pants exactly like that from a sale here in T.O. and plenty of gift card money, I decided to nab that top and play copy cat.  *Not like it’s my first time*  

Of course, I’ve been dying to rock the outfit and thought that a sunny January day was the perfect time.   Once I left the house and it was too late to turn back, that’s when I suddenly put all the pieces together: Threadsence in based in California.  This is a Californian winter outfit.  Not at all an Ontario winter outfit.

The pants, while awesome and my new love, are not at all warm.  The material gets so cold, that I might as well not be wearing pants at all.  Really, it’s like wearing pantyhose in sub zero temperature.  What the heck was I thinking?!?  The day was spent walking on two icicle stilts. 

So there you go.  You will not be seeing these pants again until mid-spring… which is like a Californian winter.

Quote of Today:
“Get that girl inside and get her pants off.”

Coo Coo Ca Choo

Top – Zara  //  Pants – Gap  //  Vest & Sunnies – F21  //  Boots – Aldo // Necklace – thrifted

I’m up. I’m down.  Life’s throwing me one way, then the pendulum swings the other.  My metaphors, my similes get turned upside down and inside out.  The brain starts thinking, while the heart keeps feeling.  I spin. Don’t ask me to walk a straight line.

I wish I could write some linear, understandable witticism today.  That ain’t gonna happen.  It is what it is.

Man, you been a naughty boy, you let your face grow long.

I am the eggman, they are the eggmen.

I am the walrus, coo coo ca choo
–The Beatles’ “I Am The Walrus” 

Lena’s Takin’ Over: A Guest Post

:: animal print jeans: Old Navy  sweater: Joe Fresh  flats:  Payless ::
Hey! I’m Lena… from Lena B, Actually & I am honored to be hanging out on ModaMama today!
I LOVE hanging out on Joanna’s sidebar wish I could afford to stay there forever because I just love her!  Not only is she Canadian, like me, but she’s a fashionable mama with a spunky style all her own.  I’ve said it before… When I’m staring blankly at my closet, I will say to myself  ”What would Joanna do?”  So yeah, I’m a bit obsessed with her & her style.
However, Joanna & I have VERY different bodies.
I used to have her body… I swear, when I was 18, I looked JUST like that.  But age, 2 babies and a lazy exercise regime changed all of that!
2013 is my time to start fresh.  The hubs & I have already started watching what we eat… no more unhealthy snacks or beverages have been banned.  It’s also the year I plan on celebrating my size!
Over at Lena B, Actually I’m hoping to start up a fun new weekly linkup where women of all sizes can link up and FEEL GOOD about themselves!  It’s all still very new & I’m working out all the kinks… but keep your eyes peeled! It’s going to rock!
Hopefully, by the end of 2013 I will be styling a much different body shape, but until then I’ll have fun dressing the one I have now!  
Thanks again to Joanna for letting me be here today.

Tried and True, T-Shirt and Jeans Blue

Tee & Jeans – Gap  //  Blue Shirt – Ruche  //  Boots – Le Petite Pieds
Gold Bracelt – Threadsence  //  Jacket, Turquoise Bracelet, and earrings – F21

The unseasonably warm weather had the whole family heading out to the pond for a fun, if muddy, walk.  And the laid back attitude of the whole day had me reaching for the trusty jeans and t-shirt combo.  But knowing me, I couldn’t let it go by without sprucing things up just a touch with some layering and fun accessories.  I mean, what’s the fun in just leaving it plain?  There’s no reason that even a tried and true combo can’t be different and unique.

A family walk is also a great time to just play with some combos, ’cause if you look ridiculous it doesn’t matter.  You’re with your family and they have to stick with you all the way home.  

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