Zara Trench Coat, Lululemon Leggings, Aritzia Socks, New Balance Sneakers
The past couple of months have been an absolute whirlwind, and I’m truly stunned we’re already halfway through June. I celebrated my 40th birthday in March, and carried those celebrations into May, running the Vancouver Marathon and celebrating afterwards with some of my most favourite humans. As clichéd as this may come across, in utmost sincerity, I feel so blessed to be celebrating 40. To grow old and settle into myself. To have grey hairs popping up and wrinkles settling in. To see my children growing up. I know so many who didn’t get to see what 40 held for them, that I just will never take aging for granted. Of course there are days when I feel the impact of aging, my body doesn’t respond and can’t perform the way it used to. I’m slower and need more sleep than I did previously, but overall, I’m feeling nothing but love for this fourth decade of life. Truly.
I have a good number of trench coats from years past, but all in a very fitted silhouette. I was on the hunt for an oversized trench that could be dressed up or down, and this one in particular fit the bill. I love it’s oversized fit, specifically that it can accommodate a hoodie or blazer underneath without cutting off your circulation. I keep debating on whether I should shorten it up a couple of inches or leave it as is, but for now I’m into the length. I’ve worn it over denim and a blazer, a dress and heels, and casually like this ensemble, multiple times. It’s a welcome addition that plays nicely with all of the outfits in my closet.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Abercrombie Tee, AGOLDE Denim, Loeffler Randall Boots, Danier Leather Jacket, Chanel Handbag
As we’re nearing the end of April, we’re getting closer to being able to confidently declare Spring is here. It is Calgary however, so there’s always a chance of snow anytime up until June, and I promise, I’m not being dramatic in saying that. I’m on the tapering end of my training for the Vancouver Marathon taking place at the beginning of May, and I can confidentially say this is the hardest run I’ve trained for. The first full marathon I ran in 2011 at age 28, and subsequently ran two more at ages 29 and 32. At age 40, after having two kids, with numerous life stressors, a lack of childcare and winter weather in play, this has been a tough four months. To be honest, I tallied it up and actually only completed 80% of my training runs, which makes me feel incredibly less prepared than all the other runs I’ve done. I contemplated quitting nearly every day in March, and for a stretch of three weeks insisted I was quitting to numerous individuals. I’ve never trained for a full marathon alone. I’ve always had friends or family running alongside me for those four to five hour weekend runs so training for this has been incredibly isolating and lonely. Highly do not recommend training alone. Another factor that makes me incredibly nervous for race day. But all of that said, running makes me feel like me. It eases my anxiety like nothing else. It gives me time to think and ponder things through, and it makes me feel strong. So I’ve signed up and we’ll see. I anticipate there will be more bathroom breaks than all of the marathons I’ve run combined (thanks kids), there will be a ton of walking and stretching along the way, my finish time will be my slowest of all my races and I can guarantee tears, all of the tears.
While we’re swaying somewhere between snow and sunshine, this is what I would deem a perfect transitional ensemble for YYC’s “spring” weather. I’ve actually owned this leather trench since the 90s. Back in high school I wanted a leather coat so badly, so my Dad and I struck up a deal. Instead of taking his shirts to the dry cleaners I washed and ironed them for $1 a shirt. I had a chart counting down, and after a year I had saved enough to purchase the jacket. Perhaps the sentimentality of it is why I kept it all these years, but whatever the reason, I am so glad I did. Leather and faux leather trench-style jackets are back in, and I’m in like gin on this trend. I’ve worn this coat with leggings, sneakers and a hoodie for a more dressed down look, and I’ve paired with a dress for a more elevated ensemble. While I tend to pass by the vast majority of trends these days, I’m loving the look of this one.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Abercrombie Denim, Alice + Olivia Top, Zara Blazer, Sam Edelman Boots, Chanel Handbag
I would wager I’m not alone in the realization that it’s mid January, and I’m already left wondering where the time went. We’ve been back in the groove for just over two weeks now, with the kids back in school, hockey going full tilt, and a ski weekend under our belts. For the first time since I can remember I felt so hopeful and motivated by the start of the New Year. I typed out a list of goals that I have, and I made a vision board of what I’m working towards this coming year. I’m basically a New Year’s cliche, and I’m not mad about it. The past few years my goal has literally been to make it through the year intact, but this year feels different. Many moons ago I would write out a list of 10-15 “resolutions” if you will, but I’ve never really done that practice in my adult life. I have a girlfriend who has always taken the time to draw up her goals, broken down by year and month, and over time it’s astonishing at what’s been achieved off that list. I’m all for throwing things out into the universe and seeing what I attract back these days. If even a single one comes to fruition, I promise to let you know at year end.
In trying to embrace all of the new silhouettes and styles of denim, I ventured into the realm of “Mom Jeans”, and I have to say, I kind of love them. A roomier fit through the hips and thighs that taper down to the hem, they’re unlike anything I’ve worn, at least in the past couple of decades. Like many of you, I still struggle with what to pair these new denim silhouettes with. Combat boots have been my go-to, but honestly, I’m anxiously awaiting warmer weather to bring on the ballet slippers and leather sandals. I would absolutely recommend this pair of denim, comfort is a 10/10, and it’s been fun and refreshing playing around with a new style. Who else out there is trying something new in the denim department these days?!
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Vince Sweater, Rag & Bone Jacket, Abercrombie Faux Leather Pants, Mason by Michelle Mason Coat, Loefller Randall Coat
Christmas has long been my favourite time of the year. As someone who loves baking, hosting, gifting and socializing, there are few times of year that encompasses all of those amongst sparkling lights and glittering trees. I started hosting Christmas get togethers in University, amassing a fabulous collection of holiday appropriate dishware, decorations that still make me smile, and memories that will last a lifetime. Around the time I had my babies there were some big changes that followed, and between all of life’s challenges, hosting and participating in Christmas activities fell away. I have to say, when Covid hit and everyone was staying close to home, it sadly didn’t feel much different than how isolating my life had become in the previous years. This holiday season has been the first in years that we attended work parties, broke bread at gatherings in friend’s and family’s homes, and got to be in attendance at a couple of holiday performances. It has been absolute magic, and the best is still yet to come (barring the colds we currently have hit the curb, stat). Christmas Eve and Day, as well as a trip up to the lake to celebrate with my family will be the proverbial icing on the cake of an amazing season.
It can be so challenging dressing for the holidays with the weather in Calgary. Whether it be an outing to the theater, an outdoor Christmas market, or wine and cheese at home, when you’re possibly dealing with flurries and temps feeling like -42 degrees Celsius you have to layer up. Leather or faux leather instantly elevates an outfit, giving it a holiday feel. Adding just a pop of festiveness, such as a plaid, a pop of red or green, or a sequin and sparkle, mixed in with your winter neutrals is such an easy recipe to navigate the holidays without feeling like you need an entire new wardrobe. Since I haven’t been to a Christmas party in ages, I was tempted to run out and buy something new, but truly, buying something to wear for a single event or season just isn’t my jam these days. Digging deeper and mixing some older pieces alongside some more updated items, such as these faux leather cropped pants paired with my almost 10 year old plaid Rag & Bone jacket was the perfect solution. Bonus is I don’t have another item that I’ll never wear again hanging in my closet. That’s a holiday win.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
H&M Hoodie, Abercrombie Denim, Aritzia Coat, Reebok Sneakers, Louis Vuitton Tote
I can’t believe it’s already December. We spent most of the month of November battling illness after illness, much like so many of you. I’m crossing all fingers, toes and limbs that the kids can hold off on another round until after the holidays. For the first time in years we have had Christmas activities on the books. Fun moments like holiday parties, Christmas performances, and family and friend get-togethers, and my gosh, how I have missed these sorts of activities.
I wear this look or a version of this look more often than you can make me admit to. If I could wear a sweatsuit every day in the winter I would, but when I do don denim, I’m apt to pair it with something comfy up top, and/or below. In Calgary we’re not blessed with many days that you can wear your favourite sneakers in winter, between the fresh snow and the melting slush, but when you can, I often do. If you’ve bought cropped straight leg denim, which was so easy to pair with flats and sandals in the summer, and have been struggling with how to style them in the colder temps, fear not. Pairing your sneakers, chunky loafers, and ankle Uggs with white crew socks keeps those ankles warm while still looking chic. Win-win.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
