Category :Florals

Dress 56: Tushy!! Tushy!!

Sun is shining and I’m feeling better!

Sweater – Old Navy; Dress – purchased in London, England; Tights – gift from my Babcia; Shoes – Town Shoes

Guess what?  I kicked this food poisoning in its tushy!!  *I love saying that word…giggle, giggle* That’s right….I’m feeling better.  Still a little shaky on my feet but otherwise I’m great.  Thanks for your patience everyone.  I hope you enjoyed the photos I posted while I was ill.  And now that I’m better, I’ve got a dress for you all.  

I thought I’d celebrate feeling better by wearing something bright red and cheery.  Can you believe that I bought this dress for 2 pounds in London??  That’s like, four dollars!!  It’s so cute and perfect for bumming around the house with Baby on a lazy Saturday.  How are you spending your day?  I’d love to hear.

Oh, and I have to say, I’m getting a touch antsy with this dress thing.  I have a pair of awesome wide leg flares that I’m dying to wear, so I may have to take a pause to put together a funky outfit featuring those pants.  Hope you’ll forgive me for cheating a little.  They’re just too cute to resist wearing, you know?

Dress 50: Mommy, Murder Victim, Wife…the many hats I wear.

Jacket – Jacob; Sweater – Esprit; Dress – Suzy Shier; Leggings – F21; Boots – Aldo

What I wore:  This dress was a cheapy purchase several years back and I’ve gotten so much wear out of it.  It came with me to many a class in University, and lots of outings. It’s my twist on the LBD because it’s just as versatile but has a little something because of the pattern and ruching down the front.  Best thing?  It’s a material that doesn’t wrinkle, so it’s perfect for travelling!

Trash, stash, or save?  Definitely save, no?

Today was a roller coaster of a ride – emotionally.  Husband and I bickered. *always fun* But who in a long-term relationship doesn’t have those days when your spouse is just not your favorite person at certain times throughout the day?  We’ve all been there.  We’ve all thought it.  Not all of us admit it to ourselves, or say it out loud.  Well, I for one am all about voicing what goes on.  Hence the blog, I think.  Enough about that.  It all works out in the end.

Then I had an audition in which I had to play a murder victim.  Fun.  Yeah, that was trying.

Auditions are a weird creation.  You walk in and great each other nicely, smile-smile, make small talk – just like in a job interview.  Then they say, “Okay, you’re a murder victim begging and crying not to die”  And go!  You  have to do that, be that, feel that.  Then you hear, “Thank you.”  And immediately you have to switch back to smile-smile mode.   Told you, weird.

I relaxed on the subway ride home by reading a book.
And the second I stepped through the door I had to jump into Mommy mode by putting away laundry, bathing baby, etc., etc..

See?  Roller coaster ride.

Ride over.
Now it’s me, chocolate, and some ‘Community.’

Dress 41: Puttering About The House

Sweater – Gap; Shirt -thrifted; Dress – Old Navy; Leggings – F21

how do you wear a tube dress when it’s -12 outside?  Put a t-shirt under it, and a cardi over it.  Plus, I didn’t have to think too hard since I was hanging out with Baby all day today; Husband’s at work.  We’re not independently wealthy yet, you know. So this is the outfit/dress I choose to spend the day puttering around the house in.  So?  Trash, stash, or save?  I’m not sure where I stand on this one.  So I need your help.  Am I too old for a flowery tube dress????  Seriously.

And, I’ll share a secret with you. *though you can probably tell* Ready?  I’m not wearing make-up.  Nope.  None at all.  Couldn’t be bothered.
True Story: I’m afraid that Baby’s security blanket will turn out to be my fuzzy fleece PJs.  She loves them!  She nuzzles right in sucking her thumb.  *sigh* There she goes stealing my clothes already.

Dress 34:There’s Got To Be More

Shirt – H&M; Dress – Mendocino; Leggings – F21; Boots – Feet First

So this is how I’m seeing the world today:  a little blown out, a little too bright and a little black and white.  I’m not feeling the world today.  In fact, I’m pretty checked out today.  Today’s one of those days that I’m just not a fan of life or something like it.  I’m wondering, “Isn’t there more?”  So, yeah I’m probably not very good company.  But guess what?  That doesn’t matter because as we all know the world does not revolve around us.  So I’m at work, on tv, trying to find the best things I can about today and trying like heck to entertain you. 

Since I’m feeling weird I thought this weird combo might work.  Not sure that it does.  What do you think?  And the dress I really like, I’ve had it for years, so I’m thinking “Save” on this one.  Am I right?

True Story: Best part of my day has been the large snitzel, avocado, tomatoe sandwich I brought with me to work.  I’m so exciting!

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 21: Things Old and Home Made

Boots – ??; Leggings – F21; Dress – ??; Sweater – made by my Babcia.

Hanging out in my new sweater.

My Babcia made me a sweater and I just had to wear it as soon as it was done. I love the fact that it’s totally one of a kind and made with love.  And it being winter, there’s always a reason to wear a sweater.  So I paired it with this easy to wear dress.  It’s the same style as this one, just a different pattern. I bought them at the same time…when I was still in high school.  And do not ask me how long ago that was.  Suffice it to say, it was a long time ago. But these dresses hold up so well, I have a feeling Baby will be wearing them when she’s big enough!  They’ll be vintage then…as will I!  Haha!

Trash, stash, or save?  I’m thinking save…since it’s been around this long already.

Dress 16: Pardon Me While I Babble On Way Too Long…

Pigtails : a great way to avoid doing your hair.

Drake the Dog is such a media hog.  He has to be in every photo!

Dress – vendor in Lagos, Portugal; Sweater – Zara; Belt – AE; Boots – F21.

This morning Husband took Baby after breakfast and I got a run!  I ran for a full hour – just over 6 miles. It felt wonderful!.  Having been sick the past couple of weeks, I haven’t been able to go full out – if I’ve been able to run at all. But today felt glorious!  I have to admit, I’m a bit of a workout junkie.  I love the high and I love challenging and pushing myself.  Plus, running and physical exercise help me to release emotion, focus my thoughts, and keep me sane (that and well…chocolate, a good scotch/wine, laughs with my girlfriends, and a greasy spoon breakfast).

Since having Baby, I’m not able to do a lot of physical things.  It’s one of the changes/challenges that I’ve had to adjust to.  But Husband is really good in understanding and he doesn’t kick up too much of a fuss when I ask him to take care of her. 
So, that’s me.
Whether you have a baby or not, how do you stay sane?

I don’t know about you, but I didn’t feel like doing my hair or make-up this morning (so really, today’s no different from any other day).  I just wanted to get my hair out of the way.  We all do it ladies – shove our hair in a ponytail and just forget about it.  It gets old, am I right? Lately I’ve been flipping through mags and found stylish models who have their hair in pigtails or braid(s).  It looks so chic, effortless, and like you’re totally above it all but still really cool!  Yes, please! Now I’m not saying that I’m particularily successful at the “stylish pigtail”, I’m just saying it’s possible.

Picturesque Lagos, Portugal.

One of my favorite memories. ( I had a cane because of an injury).

I’m always reminded of eating sorbet in Lagos when I wear this dress (that’s where I bought it).  I loved Lagos.  So beautiful and picturesque. I’m not so crazy about the dress, however, because the top is too big.  But I love the pattern, and I think if I altered it into a skirt it would be fabulous.  What do you think?  Alter? Trash, stash, or save?

Dress 9: Things My Grandmother Gave Me

Chez Joanna is still on quarantine.  And no one here is feeling bright and shiny!  So, yes I am spending another day  looking unfit for public viewing (just ask my in-laws who popped in briefly).  So, it’s back to my bag of magic to bring you another dress I wore, but saved for an emergency such as this *because heaven knows this is an emergency right?*

By now everyone knows that I love dresses far more than the average woman, so it follows that two things I love are leggings and tights as they allow me to wear dresses year round and not just the 3 months out of the year that it’s nice outside in Canada.   My second love?  Boots!  There is no such thing as a boot I’ve met that I didn’t like.  And if I could I would own upwards of 50 of those, but I don’t.  I own a lot though…and I love each and every pair.  So, I usually put the two together – dresses and boots – ’cause you know what?  It’s so easy!
 
On a side note, these are porcelain earrings that I made myself.  Now, I’m not too skilled at making my own jewelry, but I do enjoy the freedom to make exactly what I want.   And I love the retro feel of these – vintage without the price tag.  Everytime I look at these it also reminds of all the tilework I saw when in Spain, and Spain always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.  Mmmmm….Spain….

Now my Grandmother, or Babcia, recently flew in from Poland.  And as always she brought lots of goodies for me.  One of which is this lovely rose brooch that I attached to my cardigan.  I think we as women have lost some of the glamour of wearing jewelry well.  And, though I’m not trying to say that I do it well, I want to bring back brooches and statement pieces.  I don’t think we raid our Babcias closets as often as we should.

Dress 4: Blame It On The Dog

Drake the Dog is such a media hog!

It’s really all his fault.  What’s his fault?  Everything!
Cardigan – ShopRuche; Dress – can’t remember; Boots – somewhere in NYC

This morning I had a wonderful coffee date with three fabulous moms I met through a mommy group.  We get along great and it’s always wonderful to see them.  It’s fantastic to have a group of women who are going through the same thing I am at the same time.  We chat, and talk about baby stuff and no one is bored ’cause we all have kids.  It’s not like talking about babies to people who don’t have babies – they just don’t care!  And I don’t blame them, I didn’t care before I had kids either.  That’s just how it goes.  Anyway, we chatted and had a great time. 

Anyway, remember how I told you have dresses from waaaay back?  Well, this is one of them.  I bought it when I was in grade 11.  That’s right, in High School! I actually own two very similar dresses – same style, just different pattern and color – both of which I bought at the same time.  And I just love them.   Sometimes I go off them for a while and shove them to the back of the closet but eventually I return.  This dress is like that one boy you can’t seem to get over – except that this dress won’t break your heart! 

So sell, stash or save?  Definitely a save!

Dress 3: Why Don’t You All Kick the Bucket Then

The Dress

Styled for winter

Cardigan – Jacob; T-shirt – Smart Set; Belt – American Eagle; Dress – bought in Lagos, Portugal; Boots – Feet First

Okay, I actually wore this dress yesterday but since I already posted yesterday with a dress look I decided to wait and post this one today.  I wasn’t sure about the whole thing until I was in a store and the lovely salesperson said that she loved the color of my skirt.  Yay! I love the color of the dress too.  It’s what originally attracted me to it.  And I also love complements!  But who doesn’t right?

Sell, Stash or Save?  This dress is definitely a save!

Now onto something a little different. 

Everyone seems to be writing a Bucket List.  Everywhere I look it’s bucket-this, and bucket-that.  Frankly, I’m against it.  It’s not that I’m against living your life to the fullest and fullfilling goals and dreams.  It’s that I’m against doing it out of fear.  And the bucket list comes from fear – the fear that you’re not going to live the life you want before you die, the fear that your life will lack meaning, the fear that you won’t do/achieve what you want to do.  It assumes a negative – that you will die without something (having done or experienced something).  Chances are you will die without doing everything you ever wanted – that’s the nature of being human.  So if you set yourself up like that – you will die dissappointed.  Fear is not a good starting point. 

Why can’t we switch gears and look from joy?  Be joyful about what you have right now.  Be joyful about what you have achieved.  And be joyful about what you want to achieve.  Write your goals.  Write the things you want to see and do.  But do it from joy.  Look forward to it with glee.  Not a dread that you may die before you do it all, or that you have to do it all because you may die.  Do the things on your list because you want to have the best life ever.  Do those things because you want to experience meaning and wonder.  Do it because life matters – not death.    I’m going to write a Life List.  I’m going to die, everyone is eventually, but will everyone really live?

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