Aritzia Sweatshirt, Agolde Denim, Sunday’s Best Coat, Adidas Sneakers, Chanel Handbag
We’re officially more than halfway through the first month of 2021, and while it hasn’t been a spectacular start, I’m holding out hope for this year. Today my beloved little vehicle, that I’ve had for 15 years, is getting towed away forever. I was rear ended on New Year’s Eve and my vehicle deemed a write off. I’m incredibly sentimental, with a distaste for change, especially change that takes place out of my control. I had an intense sentimental attachment to my vehicle, and it was the last piece of my ‘old’ life that remained after all the change that came crashing down four years ago. Maybe that’s what needed to happen though, to completely clear the slate to be able to start fresh. I admittedly have had trouble letting go of what life looked like a long four years ago, and perhaps saying goodbye to this last piece will allow me to fully move forward. It feels silly to be so emotionally connected to a material possession, but I assure you, it’s less about the item, and more about the meaning behind it. Anyone else out there reeling from a big change up and trying to find your footing? I imagine in a year as tumultuous as 2020, I’m not alone.
I think we can all agree that this season of pandemic life has influenced our sense of style in ways we never imagined. Who could have predicted that sweatsuits would be the uniform of choice at the start of a new decade?! While it’s been in the making for some time already, sneakers have been taking over my feed, and I’m here for it. I’ve owned this pair of classic Adidas Superstars for years now, but it’s been in the past year that I’ve really started reaching for them consistently. They’re the perfect option if you love the look of Golden Goose or Axel Arigato sneakers, but without the price tag of those brands. If I’m being completely real, this casual ensemble is what dressing up looks like these days. My denim has yet to see any action in 2021. And I can’t say I’m mad about it.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
J. Crew Plaid Jacket, Vince Cardigan, Spanx Leggings, Chanel Handbag
One of the biggest trends this fall/winter has been the versatile shirt jacket, half shirt, half jacket, known as the “Shacket”. It’s been presented at every price point, from plaid to plain, and it seems like everyone’s favourite influencers have one. Pre-kids I loved jumping on trends like the shacket. This one in particular because of all of the fabulous variations offered at fantastic price points, it would have made it an absolute necessity for me to have. I’m much more conscious these days about what comes into my wardrobe, both for financial and material reasoning. I’m trying to be more thoughtful about my purchases, and if there is a trend that comes along, I try to get inspired by the items I already own before I run out to make a purchase.
In response to my desire to add a shacket to my own wardrobe, I wondered if there wasn’t something I already owned that could work to tide me over. Upon further investigation into my own closet, I rediscovered my fabulous plaid J. Crew jacket, last seen on my blog back in 2014, here and here. It’s missing the length of a proper shacket, as well as some shirting details, but I’m happy to report it’s completely satisfied my shacket cravings. Now if only there was something that could satiate my unrelenting appetite for chips and chocolate during this pandemic.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
I can distinctly remember writing my blog post on New Year’s Eve exactly one year ago. It was the eve of a new decade, and there was so much to process from the previous ten years. Looking back on 2010 felt like watching a reel from someone else’s life. This year doesn’t seem that much different. Although it’s only been a year since we welcomed a the start of a new decade, with so many hopeful for a fresh slate and a new beginning, I think it’s safe to say this year played out in a way NO ONE could have predicted. Looking back at our lives a year ago, it’s unbelievable how much has changed. For me, so much so that even a year ago feels like a different lifetime.
We decided at the beginning of 2019 we were ready to move, and called on Sam Corea, the absolute best human and realtor, who sold our home within a couple of days of listing it. We had planned all along on moving in with my parents at the lake while we searched for our new home in Calgary, but we had no idea what was coming. The possession date on our home landed just days after the entire country shut down due to Corona Virus, and our moving day fell on the weekend that Calgary shut everything down. During that crazy time, we had friends that came out and helped, and to them we are forever indebted. The market in Calgary became unpredictable, and long story short, we’re still living at the lake, searching for a house that we can call our own. Sam has been one of the few people I’ve seen in real life this past year, and we couldn’t and wouldn’t have wanted to wade through this with anyone else.
Like so many others out there I’ve struggled this year, feeling extreme loneliness and isolation as we are doing our part to keep family safe and well during this time. I am so grateful for my girlfriends with who I have regular Facetime dates with, which has saved my sanity. It was an absolute blessing being up at the lake with my parents, and I feel lucky my kids have gotten to spend so much time with their grandparents. It’s nice to indulge in Happy Hour with someone other than just yourself. 2021 does bring some hope of normalcy, I can’t wait to see my friends in person, to have play dates with our kids, to go out to eat without worry, and all the other little moments I took for granted. I get emotional any time I see someone get the vaccine, and to all of the researchers and scientists and healthcare workers out there, I am forever grateful for your acumen, bravery, and commitment to humanity. Here’s to moving forward and healing from a year that felt traumatic and unrelenting. Happy New Year my friends!
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Aritzia Coat, Vince Sweater, Citizen Denim, Rebecca Minkoff Belt, Chanel Flats
Is anyone else out there looking forward, not only to the holidays, but to biding adieu to 2020? While there will be nothing remarkably different with the start of 2021, the pandemic is still very much happening, there will be renewed hope that 2021 will bring a vaccine, and with it, the ability to see our friends and family. I don’t know how everyone has been going about their lives, but while living with my parents, (please 2021, help us find the perfect house!), we’ve been extremely isolated. It’s been an incredibly tough and lonely few months, and there’s nothing I want more than to see my people. We’ve officially hit a new level of boredom, and thinking up activities for the kids everyday is an enormous challenge. How is everyone else holding up out there?
These photos were taken just before the weather turned and we got hit with the snow. I often wonder what it would be like to live in a climate where you could wear flats all through the winter, where you wouldn’t have to remember you toque, mittens, and scarf just to insure you didn’t freeze. Although at the same time, the stylist in me automatically goes to the missed styling opportunities of additional accessories. I think it’s worth noting that I have literally not donned a pair of denim since these photos were shot over a month ago. I am surviving these cold months in jogging pants and leggings. At this point I’d say I’m going more lightly on the thriving and heavy on the surviving. I’m also able to indulge in considerablely more Christmas baking in Lycra, so that’s a solid win.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
Sunday’s Best Dress, Jimmy Choo Boots, Chanel Handbag
I cannot believe what a dream this Autumn has been here in Alberta. I can’t remember the last time the warm days of summer snuck into the shorter days of October, and to say I’m loving it would be a complete understatement. I live for Fall, it’s by far my most loved season, and before kids it was my favourite time of year to travel. The past three years we lived in a new development in Calgary, where the community was short on fall foliage and heavy on small, newly planted trees. As we search for a new home, living in an older neighborhood with an abundance of mature trees is a high priority.
I love when trends are a mashup of items already residing in your closet, versus the ones involving items that need to be purchased. Hence, the trend of pairing combat boots with dresses immediately resonated with me and of course I had to share with all of you. Combat boots are such a classic item, and an investment that will last years to come. I purchased these boots back in 2014 and they are as current today as there were six years ago. Combat boots are having a resurgence, with Dr. Martens making a comeback. It just goes to show how cyclical fashion is, and investing in classic items rather than trends is always the way to go. This pairing is a trend I will absolutely be donning into next year.
Photos by Kiera Schussler
