Still desolate, still snowy ice caps, but it’s a beach. The wind was cold and howling but…. It’s a beach and it’s not covered with piles and piles of snow. It’s a beach. That in itself makes me very happy.
What’s making you happy today?
The sun is shining, the temperature is up and the breeze is blowing through my dress.
Walking around I finally felt that beautiful thing that is the breeze blowing through your dress, and the sun caressing the back of your neck. It was warm – well warmer – than it has been for a long time. This deliciously light, soft, and breezy dress has been in my closet for a little while. It was calling, nay screaming, out for the barometer to rise. A long and light dress with floral prints epitomizes Spring to me. There’s something about that feeling when you’re walking down the street and can feel sun, material, and a warm breeze on you at the same time. It’s a calming feeling, a soothing feeling, a moment that makes you breathe and love life
I don’t know if it’s my rebellious nature, or just my cynical view on things, but I seriously dislike when anyone posts articles on “Must Haves.” It’s applicable across the board, but I’m mostly referring to fashion posts here. The “Must Haves in Every Closet”, “Must Haves for Spring” etc., etc. You know what I’m talking about. Us women have seen them, and continue to see them every season.
Every magazine and blogger always has these “Must Have” articles. Frankly, I think it’s ridiculous. Why ‘must’ you have it? What’s gonna happen if you don’t? You don’t need to have anything except weather appropriate clothing to keep you safe from the elements. That’s what you ‘must have’ and even then, if you don’t well, that’s at your own risk. You’re a grown up and can make those choices for yourself.
Further, these must haves are not applicable to everyone, so why must you have them? I don’t own a crisp button up white shirt. I haven’t owned one for about eight years. It’s on everyone’s ‘Must Have’ list, yet I haven’t needed it for eight years. So perhaps it’s not actually a ‘Must-Have’?
These are generic lists for generic people and they don’t reflect individuality. They should be called “suggested haves.” Because not only do they paint you inside a generic box, but they also make you feel like you are somehow without or lacking if you don’t own these things. I call bullshit on that. I don’t own a set of classic black pumps. And thought I do have a classic black blazer, I honestly have worn it for about nine years. So why must I have these things? Clearly I don’t.
What must you have in your wardrobe? Those pieces that define you and that function in your lifestyle. That’s it. That’s all you ‘must have’ and tell anyone who says differently to shove it somewhere.
It’s the last of the Miami outfits today. Then we’re back to Toronto, and the chillier weather.
These walls were so stunning, and every new one gave me a new idea for a shoot. Basically, I could’ve shot in the area for a whole year with each new wall giving me new inspiration for a new story to tell.
How do photographers ever walk away from here?
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.
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.
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
Now that we’re in the deep throes of Winter, I’m drawn to simple, monochromatic, and cozy. Layers, layers, layers – that’s the name of the game. Chunky knits and things that pile on to add warmth.
Basically, I’m turning myself into a big marshmallow puff ball, if possible.
This day I was on my way to assist at a shoot all day. So the mantra of the day was comfortable, movable *to lift and adjust gear etc* and no jewelry *you don’t want it getting caught on some lever*
Since I couldn’t use accessories to brighten my wardrobe, I went for what Andrew calls ‘loud’ pants. I love a good paisley. Much more so than a floral, and this grey and cream pant was perfect. They’re a bit big *they were on sale and the size left was a touch bigger than mine* so once I break them in it’ll need a good belt, but I kind of like the baggy boyfriend cord look once in a while.
No surprise, I would love to be in a Star Wars film, and put my sword skills to good use with a light saber. That dream is right up there with being in a Star trek show/movie, and fighting Jet Li in a scene – any scene. If I could achieve all three of those, I could die right there and then a happy woman.
In the meantime, I’ll snap up little things like this hooded blanket scarf that allow me to play subtle Jedi knight dress up in my daily life.
What’s that line? “If you build it, they will come.” If I wear it, Yoda will come?
