Moda Mama

Honest Straight Shooter

October 16, 2015
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4 COMMENTS

I don’t like it when I think too much about others expectations of me.
It’s a trap! *and I said that like in Star Wars, by the way*
But you know, sometimes I fall into it as well. I become a little too preoccupied with playing the game, or behaving how others expect me too. And then I get frustrated and grumpy.

It takes a while, but usually I figure out why this is. Then I have to right the train.
Now I’m not talking major things here. Just little things. But still, they add up.

It’s usually a matter of a few honest conversations – no biggie. Nothing earth shattering, or life changing, just a matter of, “Hey, this is where I’m at and this is what I think.”

Because to be fair. I’m a straight shooter. Mostly because I have neither the energy, nor the inclination, to be anything but.

Anything else feels inauthentic.

Spell-Designs-Gypsiana-Dress-Womens-boho-fashion

Dress – Spell Designs // Jacket – F21 // Necklace – gift from Poland // Boots – thrifted

A Poem by Rumi

September 28, 2015
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4 COMMENTS

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field. I’ll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass,
the world is too full to talk about.
Ideas, language, even the phrase ‘each other’
doesn’t make any sense.

– Rumi

Dress – Spell Designs // Purse – Lucky Brand *hand me down* // Shoes – Threadsence // Sunnies – UO // Rings & Necklace – F21

*linking up with Not Dressed*

Dance Like Everyone’s Watching, And No One Cares

June 22, 2015
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2 COMMENTS

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There’s this thing you can do here in Toronto. It’s called dance. I know what you’re thinking, “You can dance anywhere Jo.” But this isn’t regular dance. It’s a drug free, alcohol free, no talking, no judgement kind of dance. It’s called Ecstatic Dance. And for about two hours you dance.

You move. You feel the beat. No one is there to ‘pick-up.’ You don’t have to worry about creepers. There’s no club wear, just comfy clothing you can move in. People dance in silly ways. However they want, and it’s all great. Some do contact improv. Some, like me, just dance. Just get out of their heads, into their bodies, and enjoy the rhythm of the music as it flows through their body. It’s like Grey’s Anatomy where they dance it out – just for two hours.

And it’s glorious.

Shirts Dress – Spell Designs // Hat & my left hand ring – ThreadSence // Boots – Aldo // Belt – hand me down // Bracelet – eBay // Sunnies – F21 // Necklace – Vanessa Mooney // Rings *my right hand* – from my Babcia

Sartorial Loves and Being Shoeless

May 27, 2015
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1 COMMENT

Light rompers are so great. I really can’t get enough of them. But it seems there are a lot of things I can’t get enough of: fringe, kimonos, lace, dresses…..okay pretty much everything. I think it’d be easier to list my sartorial dislikes *like Uggs and Crocs* rather than my likes. But back to my point, rompers are great. Really great.

I especially loved the purple and blue mix on this one.

Also, can I just please apologize for the lack of shoes in this post? I spent little time actually wearing shoes, but more than that my tripod wouldn’t fit in my suitcase. Therefore, I was limited to shooting by placing my camera on things that happened to be around – which was needless to say a little awkward. Ah the troubles of being in paradise, am I right?

Playsuit – Arnhem

How I Despise “Must” Haves

March 23, 2015
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7 COMMENTS

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Xanadu Dress – Spell Designs // Sweater – UO // Boots – Aldo // Sunnies, Necklace & Belt – F21 // Bag – Target

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.

Woman at Work

January 16, 2015
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2 COMMENTS

Cardigan & Top – UO // Pants – Free People // Boots – Locale // Scarf – SheInside

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.

Clean

December 31, 2014
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4 COMMENTS

Dress – Ruche // Sweater – hand me down // Cardigan – – UO // Boots – Aldo // Long Necklace – I forget // Short Necklace – Vanessa Mooney

The end of 2014. To be honest, I’m kind of glad it’s over today. The last year has been challenging *let’s use that word shall we* and though 2015 is not off to a great start, at least with the unknown there’s the possibility and the *dare I say* hope that things will change for the better.

One thing is nice, I’ve been working my way through the house slowly over the last few days, cleaning everything. I mean everything: washing walls, washing baseboards, moving all the furniture out of the way, emptying, cleaning, and sorting everything. And it feel so much better to walk through the areas of the house that have been done. They are as clean as when we moved into the house and it de-stresses me in a wonderful way.

New Year, clean start. Symbolic perhaps? Let’s hope.

Love For The Disgusting Hallmark Moments

December 23, 2014
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4 COMMENTS

Dress & Fringe Scarf – SheInside // Cardigan – Ruche *old* // Tights – gift // Socks – – UO // Boots – Aldo

As everyone scrambles to get their shopping done, I’m enjoying the little things with my family. We have free passes to Casa Loma, so that’s on the agenda today. And yesterday we traded with a neighbor for an espresso machine.

None of it took shopping or money, all of it just took some good will. The result is that this morning we’re nursing our first homemade lattes, and heading out to spend a day as a family.

I know, it’s disgusting how Hallmark the day is…but I love it.

Hope in Exhaustion: A Sartorial Discussion

September 18, 2014
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Sweater – Zara // Top – FreePeople // Pants – Urban Outfitters // Bag – Target // Necklace – Homegrown Boutique // Sunnies – F21

It seems these pants are being worn with white tops and buns. But I swear it’s accidental. What they are really worn with is exhaustion. Exhaustion is the motivator, and it just so happens that exhaustion goes with white tops – less to think about – and buns – less to do.

Plus a warm sweater, ’cause it’s chilly. Really exhaustion. But this goes to show * I hope* that being an exhausted mother, with a husband away on a business trip so no help, doesn’t mean you can’t have some modicum of style.

*Again… I hope*