I’ve been reading “Gypset Style” by Julie Chaplin. I got it as a gift once, and well, every style blogger I know and every brand I know was singing its praises; so, I figured I should probably read it. And I don’t like it.
“The world is full of things that are tragic or comic, heroic or bizarre or surprising, and those who fail to be interested in the spectacle that it offers are forgoing one of the privileges life has to offer.”
– Bertrand Russell.
Some days I like to chat with people and share, and have boundless laughs and energy.
“To observe people and find pleasure in their individual traits. To wish to afford scope for the interests and pleasures of those with whom you are brought into contact without desiring to acquire power over them or to secure their enthusiastic admiration.” *Bertrand Russell*
Many of you don’t know that I was born and partly raised in Poland. I literally came to Canada on a boat. Yup. That’s right. I learned to speak English and adjusted to life in Canada. It’s just me, my Mom, and my sister here.
Right now I truly consider myself Canadian. As much as I love Poland, and of course all the family still there, if I had to choose an identification it would very much be Canadian. But that doesn’t mean I’m not Polish. I read books, and consume media, and there are habits and traditions very much alive amid all that Canadian-ness.
And I also can’t resist throwing a little Polish traditional garb into my style occasionally, like this scarf.
Denim shirt – Chi’qle // Tanks – H&M // Pants – Lululemon // Boots – Aldo // Scarf – from Poland
The sun is gone. Well okay, it’s not actually gone. It feel like it’s gone though as Fall is firmly here.
Normally I really loath this time. I loath it because it means layers and for all my love of fashion, I actually dislike wearing clothes. I’m happiest when I can spend a day in a bathing suit, or wear a light dress that just grazes my skin. That is my bliss. That is my happy place. So yes, I normally loath this time of year when I know that the heat is leaving and the cold is settling in.
But I don’t loath it. Surprisingly. I don’t mind it too much. The layers are coming on, but I’m not minding it too much. I’m enjoying the layers. Maybe it’s my new love of Victoria Secret slips under clothes that make it feel like summer is still here. Maybe it’s a milder season, and my hatred will only come out once the snow falls. Or maybe it’s that my perspective is shifting.
Whatever it is. I’m just gonna go with it.
Duster – Spell Designs // Jeans – Zara // Tank – *I forget, old* // Belt – American Eagle // Shoes – ThreadSence
// Hat – UO 
// Necklace – Monserat de Lucca // Sunnies – F21
That moment. That moment when you are pushed too far.
You know that moment? You can feel it coming. There’s a build up. There’s a wave and a rising. It’s palpable and tangible. At least for me.
It takes a lot to get me really angry. Though I have a fiery temper, and a fierce capacity for anger, it takes a lot to push me to the edge.
What I’m talking about is real anger. Not what you might think of as anger if you were in the passenger seat with me. I yell and curse like a sailor at stupid drivers, but my driving itself doesn’t get angry – nor do I, despite what it sounds like – that’s just my dramatic nature and Polish heritage.
But real anger. Over injustice and pain caused to friends, for example. That. That gets me angry. And well, as my Mom has said to me several times, she much preferred my sister’s teenage years. Because my dear sister would explode and rage but get over it quickly. With me, it was slow but when it happened, it was seething and could last eons.
All of this is to say, “The way I look is so fragile, yet here in my hand is an assurance of eternity.” *Rumi*
Or as my shirt says, “She’s whiskey in a tea cup.”
Jacket – Le Chateau // Tank Top – Gunny Sack & Co. // Jeans – Lucky Brand // Boots – thrifted // Necklace – Monserat de Lucca via Beau and Bauble // Ring – Body Blue
*linking up with Not Dressed*
As much as I try, as much as I claim to be jaded and cynical, I often fail. As a friend once said to me, “You think you are, you hope you are, but you’re not.” That same friend now routinely calls me ‘innocent.’
I think I’m far from that. I think I’m very pragmatic. And I am. But at the same time there’s a part of me that believes in unicorns and magic…or in my case, spaceships and heroes. *Think Mal from Firefly riding in on his beat up cargo hauler and rescuing the girl. He’s jaded and cynical but highly idealistic.*
I guess there’s that part that hopes people have the best intentions, and hopes that people have love in their heart, and will speak their truth. To be fair, as much as that will get me hurt, I don’t want to stop believing and hoping that every person I meet will be as truthful and gentle with me as I try to be with them. I know that’s not the case, but I choose to believe and act until shown otherwise.
No mystery here. I’m an open book. I hope you come to me the same.
If so, we can get a coffee.
If not, well…..speak softly and carry a big stick.
I carry a sword.
Overalls – Spell Designs // Tank – I forget *old* // Boots – Aldo // Sunnies – F21 // Bracelet – made by me.
Heading up to the cottage this past long weekend, I was yet again struck by the beauty that we have in nature. Also, the profound meaning and connection we can achieve by just sitting quietly and letting the world move around us.
In my daily life, I try to live as ethically and sustainably as possible. It’s a daily journey, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be 100% there. It’s hard when daily conveniences are, well, convenient.
Though having recently partnered with Ungalli clothing, a 100% sustainable and ethical Canadian clothing company, I had a lovely moment standing on the dock wearing the softest hoodie possible, knowing that in wearing it I had not brought harm to any of the beauty around me.
Hoodie – c/o Ungalli Clothing
This hoodie was the perfect running and lounging layer around the cottage – not too heavy and ultra snuggly. Kind of perfect for a day spent swimming, laying in the sun, and warming around a campfire.
Tank Top – c/o Ungalli // Overalls – Spell Designs // Necklace – Monserat de Lucca // Sandals – ThreadSence
Ungalli has a threefold mission. First, their clothes are made from recycled material. Second, they’re made in North America under our labor laws. Third, they partner with different environmental organizations to both promote *through their designs* and to donate money from every sale.
Yay!
But lest you think that these are only cottagey, camping clothes. Let’s be clear: they totally belong in any urban fashionistas arsenal. This tee is definitely in my favorite tees list. Not just because of the softness, but also because of the lovely uplifting message it has. Personally, it reminds me to be present in my life daily. To embrace and feel every moment, and imprint it in memory.
Tee – c/o Ungalli // Pants – Jens Pirate Booty via ThreadSence // Necklace – Gypsy Love Store // Hat – Threadsence // Rings – Etsy, F21, and heirlooms // Sandals – c/o Easy Spirit
Love to you and all the lovely creatures we share our planet with. Let’s do the best we can by making conscious choices, including clothing choices whenever possible.
*this post has been brought to you in
collaboration with Ungalli clothing*
Languorous stretching.
Laziness.
Breathing deeply.
Smiling.
Soaking in the heat.
Let’s all do that today.
Let’s wallow in the glory that is the summer, and the beauty that is the heat of another’s body close to you.
Route 66 Romper – Spell Designs // Crop Top & Sandals – ThreadSence // Bracelets – Ruche 
& Threadsence // Sunnies – UO // Necklace – Vanessa Mooney
