Dress 28: The Sweater’s From Spain, The Dress Is From Portugal, And I’m Freezing My Butt Off In Toronto

Sweater – Stradivarius (in Bilbao, Spain); Dress – bought in Lagos, Portugal; Tights – hue; Boots – Feet First.

Okay, so this dress for some reason makes me feel very ’50s.   I feel I should be cooking while wearing pearls.  Except for the fact that I don’t cook, and I’m not wearing pearls around Baby. I think it’s the pouffy skirt that gives me that feeling.  So trash, stash, or save?

Today, Baby and I crashed a storytime meeting…we were late too because we first went to the wrong place.  As you can tell I’m not good at this ‘crashing’ thing.  But then we and the ladies went for another coffee and chatted some more.  I’m really enjoying hanging out with not only women who are going through the exact same thing I am at the same time, but more importantly, women who I get along with and like.  I find as I get older I suffer fools less and less; so when I don’t enjoy associating with someone I don’t.  It’s nice to find a group of women I like spending time with.  Because goodness knows, as new moms we all need the support!

Did you know that Valentine’s Day is just two days away???  When did that happen??

Random Happening:  Baby decided to put her head in her bathtub face first…*cue Baby crying/screaming*…yeah, not a good idea kid.

Dress 27: Don’t Let The Sunshine In These Photos Fool You

I managed to wear a neckalce around Baby for a total of three hours!!
Cardigan – H&M; Shirt – Smart Set; Dress – Esprit; Leggings – F21; Socks – MacGregor; Boots – somewhere in NYC; Necklace – from the Dominican Republic.

First off, thank you to everyone who emailed me or commented with their suggestions on how to resist temptation.  You’ve all certainly given me quite a few great ideas.  Hopefully, they’ll get me through the next 322 days.

Second, I’ve styled this dress before but what I like about it is that it’s so easy to style in a variety of different ways.  I think a good denim dress is one of those staples of a wardrobe, you know?  So trash, stash, or save?  I’m thinkin’ save.  You?

And I know you’ve all seen these boots for the past few days, but let me explain something.  It’s winter in Toronto, after a big snowstorm and it’s -23 outside.  This means that there are dangerous patches of ice on the sidewalk (means no heels), lots of slush from the salt (means no suede/fabric), and of course the aforementioned salt (means leave your favorite shoes at home if you want them to last more than a couple of months).  So, I’ve been wearing my cheapy boots.  And yes, I could wear cheapy shoes, but did I mention that it’s -23 outside?  Every bit of extra coverage helps!

Random Happening: Husband was convinced that Baby said his name today…it eas really just coincidental babbling…ssshh, don’t tell him that.

Dress 26: The Underappreciated Art of Layering

Cardigan – Esprit; Dress – Ruche; Tights – Hue; Boots – somewhere in NYC

When you live in Canada, you have to learn to layer.  If you don’t, not only will you never be warm, but you’ll never be able to look cute.  This dress started off with sweater tights and a long sleeve brown shirt.  Add a dress, cardigan and boots and you’re set for winter.  After all these layers I managed to stay warm today! Have any tips on how to layer to stay warm and look cute? So what do you think?  Trash, stash, or save?
Oh, and I’m only one day into my “No Clothes” thing (see below post) and I’m already thinking, “What have I done?!?!?”  I saw a pair of really cute ballerina flats today for only $15.  It.  Took. All. My. Willpower. To. Walk. Away.   But walk away I did.  Not easy, but I’m thinking it’ll be well worth it.  I need your guys help.  How do you resist a tempting purchase? Tips?  Tricks?  
I did buy something though….gourmet tea and coffee for myself and Husband.  I’m thinking that doesn’t count. 

Random happening:  I ask Husband, “Can you get me a bib?”  He gets up, gets the bib, comes back, and oh so casually… puts it around my neck.  Punk.  Maybe I should have been more specific.

324 Days With No Clothes

My closet and a few of my acessories.

Ever feel really overwhelmed?  I mean really overwhelmed?  I am.  And I don’t think I’m the only one. In fact, I know I’m not…I’ve spoken to a few of you…you know who you are.  Anyway, today I opened my closet door and I was assailed by that feeling again.  Why?  ‘Cause I’ve got a lot of clothes.  I mean a whole lot.  Ask Husband.  Ask any of my friends.  I swear.   And I still shop.  Again, I’m not the only one here that does that.  Retail therapy is a cliche for a reason, am I right?

Don’t get the wrong idea here.  I’m good with money, I have plenty of savings, I’m not in credit card debt, I don’t spend above my capabilities, I can’t relate in any way to “Confessions of a Shopacholic”, and I’m certainly no candidate for any reality tv series.  It’s just way too much for me.  And I really don’t need any more.

Fashion is suppossed to be fun,and it usually is for me.  But like I said, today I was overwhelmed.  I couldn’t do it.  I couldn’t face my clothes.  I didn’t want to get dressed.   And I didn’t.  I’m sitting here in sweatpants…sweatpants that should be reserved for the sole purpose of sweating – as in working out.

So, on the heels of a recent conversation I had with a friend about paring things down and getting down to the essentials I’m going to do something drastic, at least for me anyway.  I’m going to stop clothes shopping.  That’s right.  You heard it.  *Husband is probably thinking, “WHAT?!?!?!”* I need to simplify things.  I need to not get overwhelmed by my closet anymore.  So, yeah I’m going to do it.

Here are my rules:
1. Clothes includes accessories – bags, watches, earrings, shoes, etc.
2. Gift certificates that I still have can be used.
3. Anything I win (and that’s unlikely), like a credit or something, can be used.
4. If it’s an essential need – and here Husband gets the verdict – like underwear or socks that’s allowed. For example, running sneakers have to be bought this year.
5. I’m allowing myself a parole during Threadsence’s/Ruche’s winter and summer clearance sale to get no more than three things combined.
6. This is to last until my birthday week (December 29th, which also happens to be the last week of the year) – at which point, if I like I can go take advantage of boxing week sales and shop.
7.  Final rule:  I can break all the rules twice – as in two items.

Everyone’s doing a 30 for 30 days…I’m doing an *insert number of items I own here* for 324 days.  Who’s with me?

Sometimes a Girl Just Needs Pants

I love a bright colored eyeliner!

It’s snowing outside, and I’m really not impressed by February thus far.

Shirt – F21; Cardigan – H&M; Jeans – Mavi

Sorry guys, this was supposed to be published yesterday, but when I got home I had a pounding headache so I just couldn’t get around to it.  Hope you had a decent Monday!

Here goes…

Yeah, I know, I’m not wearing a dress.   But you know, sometimes you really just don’t feel like it.  There’s a certain association with dresses – feminity, being dressed up – a certain showmanship that goes along with it.  But today, I just didn’t want that.  I just wanted my old jeans and one of my favorite things – a cool band shirt.  So here it is folks.  Presenting Pink Floyd!

Random Sundays: Music Video

Husband and the band setting up.

Husband setting up the equipment.

Hey all.  What did you do with your day today?  You did what?  Cool! 

Well, you know what I did?  Baby and I were in Husband’s music video shot today in downtown Toronto. 
It was great to see all that talent come together to shoot a song he wrote.  So proud of him. 

Now, I’m going to have a cup of Oh Canada! Rooibos tea and maybe watch some tv!

Good night!  See y’all tomorrow.

Dress 25: Too Much Chocolate Is Good For The Soul

Cardigan – Gap; Dress – F21; Leggings – H&M; Boots – F21

Today…hmm what do I say?  
There’s a lot I could say.
But I won’t.

Let’s talk about this: 

I’ve lived in Toronto for over a decade…so I know it well.  Today on my way to an audition, I went the wrong way on the subway….twice.  Yup, that’s right folks.  Aren’t I spectacular?  I think so.

I did have far too much chocolate this afternoon…yippee!

But I hear ya, onto the dress already lady.

When I bought this little number I was attracted to the stripes and not too sure about the cut.  But as I’ve worn it, I’ve fallen in love with how easy it is to wear.  It’s one of those dresses that you wear on your off days because it’s forgiving, you can eat as much as you like in it, and you still look kinda cute.  Am I right?  But I’d love your opinion on it.  Trash, stash, or save?

Do you have a piece like that?  I’d love it if you sent me an email of yourself wearing it!

Dress 24: Knees Socks (Sans Shower)

Scarf – thrifted; Dress – Stradivarius; Leggings – H&M

Socks – MacGregor; Boots – somewhere in NYC

What I wore: Don’t have much to say about that today.  Except for the fact that I’m in love with wearing knee high socks and boots recently! *And yes, today I managed to shower without wearing socks…smarty pants* I’m not sure this sweater dress does anything for me though. 

So?  
Trash, stash, or save?

On another note…

A friend wrote me thinking they’re a “failure as a person.”  That got me thinking what is a “failure as a person”?  There are various ways to think about that I guess.  I won’t go into this person’s reasons – they’re private.  But here’s some things I think would qualify:

The obvious – pathological lying, thieving, violence towards others.
A lack of compassion.
Narcissistic self-obsession.
Inability to love – or desire not to.
Untrustworthiness.

That’s just my off-the-top-of-my-head list…and my friend certainly does not qualify.  If anything my friend excells at being the opposite of those things.  What would you add to the list?

Dress 23: Socks In The Shower

Dress – H&M; Flamingo Print Shirt – Cropp; Baseball T – F21

This dress is just a simple black knit dress.  It’s one of those that doesn’t have a whole lot to it by itself.  I layered it with a  baseball-tee, and a purple flamingo print button up that I bought a few years ago in Poland. I love this little top!  Trash, stash, or save?  Sorry guys, I’m trumping any opinions here.  This dress is a save!  It’s one every girl must have.

But here’s the thing, I ended up wearing it for about two hours.  And this time it wasn’t Baby’s fault.

A snowstorm people have been calling “Snowmaggedon” arrived and guess what? 
It’s just snow. 
Get over it.
Big whoop.

All it meant was that I had to go shovel about a continent worth of snow, which is fine.  I didn’t mind that.  But it was so much work that I sweated through all those layers.  Every single bit.  I know.  Gross right?  So that outfit went, “Bye! Bye!”  I jumped into the shower.  I was going to get all nice and dressed again, but Baby was screaming her head off for food, and I had to throw on clothes and rush downstairs to get her food prepped.  So, jeans for the rest of the day it was.  C’est La Vie.

Speaking of showers…thought I’d share a random, little tidbit with you all, and pardon me if I’ve already mentioned this.  A few days ago I was so tired that when I got in the shower I realized that I forgot to take my socks off. 
That’s sad…
And a little funny.

Please share with me some of your “socks in shower” moments so that I don’t feel so inane!

Intermission: Love Affair with Cuba

After a morning at the beach it’s time to change and head for lunch.

Beautiful view from a golf course nearby.

Even ‘stormy’ weather is stunning here.

The very first thing we did – before we even went to our room.

I was meant for lounging on a beach.

A house we trekked by in the town.

I love the way houses look and feel here.
A small break from fashion and dresses to reminisce…
Since it’s February again, it made me think of what was happening last February.  I was five months pregnant and we were in Cuba.  Aaahh…how lovely!  I’d love to be there again, instead of in the midst of the snowstorm of the winter.
You know, my life has changed so much since having Baby.  Some things are worse – I miss going out for drinks with the girls whenever I feel like it.  Some things are better – there’s nothing sweeter than when she looks at me and smiles.  Melts my heart, it does. But I do look back and think to myself…if only you knew.
I laugh.  
I laugh when I think about these two ‘stressed’ people.  
We didn’t know how good we had it!
Follow on Instagram