Happy Canada Day!

Get outside.  
Have some fun.  
Happy Canada Day!

Coffee Talk : Posing

So I gave in and did a Vlog after all.  Here’s the first of *possibly* many Coffee Talks. 
It all depends on your feedback, really
If you can’t see the video click here.

Summary:
* Keep it simple and natural.
* People watch. 
* Read magazines
* Channel Tyra and play!
* Take lots of pictures – you can always delete.
* Work your angles – hips, waist, shoulders, head turned, twisted – never square on.
* Hands on waist, or in belt loops.
* Weight on one leg

A New Kind Of DIY

Sunnies & Hat – F21
Dress – Ruche

Went to the wading pool with Baby.  Technically we weren’t allowed in the pool, but who’s going to listen to “technically” on such a beautiful day.  It was all fine and dandy until she slipped face first into the water and came up screaming from the fear.  She immediately lunged into my arms and I held a scared, shocked, and soaking wet toddler to me until she calmed down. 
In other DIY news, to cool down immediately hold a scared, shocked, and soaking wet toddler to yourself until she calms down.  Your whole front will be wet and cool for the next foreseeable future.
p.s. clearly the fall didn’t leave a lasting impression since all these photos were taken afterwards and there’s still a fierce wading pool determination in her. 

I Swear I’m Not Naked!

Dress – Threadsence
Cardi – Yumi
Shoes – Payless
Sunnies – Lace Affair
Bracelet/Necklace – c/o TwillyPop
Sometimes you don’t really notice what you look like until you see a picture.  Now, I would like to think that had I had a full length mirror, I would’ve noticed that I look totally naked underneath this dress.  I assure you, I was not!  I had on a nude colored bra, and skin tight, nude booty shorts.  But despite my covering up underneath, the sheerness and the silhouette created do indeed project that image and therefore I find it indecent.  A half slip is being purchased as we speak.  
However a misfortune this incident was, I have to share how much I’m adoring this necklace.   It’s gorgeous! And I think it walks the line of simple and chic while still being a stand out item.  What’s great about it is that it’s so flexible you can do whatever you like with it.  I often get a rebel-without-a-cause satisfaction out of wearing things the way they’re not ‘supposed’ to be worn.  That, coupled with the fact that it was so humid I couldn’t bear to have anything on my neck for more than 15 minutes, resulted in the move of this piece to my wrist and my wearing it as a bracelet for the rest of the day.  It’s gorgeous, and not only did I get compliments on the dress, I got more than a few complimentary looks at my wrist.  
True Story:
Baby spilled something.  
She went around to the other side of the bed to get a kleenex to wipe it up.  
On the way back, she was distracted by something Andrew said to her.  
Once done, she looked back in the direction she had been originally going and stood there. 
She had totally forgotten her determined and resolute mission.  S
he stood there for several moments clearly trying hard to recall what it was she had been so focused on.  Then she dropped the Kleenex, did a 180 and walked away. 
Her mission aborted. 

The Best Fashion Advice I Can Give

Dress – ASOS
Sandals & Necklace – Ruche (last summer)
Earrings – c/o This Enchanted Pixie
Though I’m not a famous fashion blogger, nor a famous stylist, I do sometimes get asked about fashion advice.  Now I’ve got a lot to say mind you, about aesthetics and style, but I often get asked what’s the best fashion advice I have.  I usually say something regarding general style and confidence, but that’s not really the best fashion advice I have.  The best fashion advice I have is this – have a strong and healthy body. *notice I didn’t say “perfect” or “thin”* 

On a strong and healthy woman – exercise and healthy eating habits – anything looks good.  You can put a paper bag over some healthy figures and they make it look couture – and the opposite is true.  I remember seeing pics of certain celebrities/models in high couture just before a major breakdown and they looked horrible.  So my best fashion advice is this – eat well and get a move on, the rest is just details. 

P.S.  The winner of the Summer Lovin’ Giveaway has been decided and it was Rebecca!  

Quote of Today:
“Don’t put them away, we might need the Nazis.”
*this one needs context – said during a game set in the 40’s.  But still, not a sentence you hear everyday*

The Fantasy Does Not Become Reality

This is the fashion blogger I sometimes fantasize I am.

But then, just like that blurred head in the foreground of the photo, reality infringes.
And this is the fashion blogger I really am.

I’m okay with that.

Tee – Gap
Belt – Spotted Moth
Dress worn as Skirt – Guess 

Seeing A Lot Of Blue

Cardi – Old Navy
Tee – Gap
Belt & Socks – F21
Skirt – Uncle Phuncle c/o Emerging Thoughts
Boots – Feet First
I wore this a few days ago, but forgot to post it.  Then I had so many other things that it got shuffled around. But finally, eventually, if only several days late here it is.  Love this skirt – simple, elegant yet completely feminine!   I’m a huge fan of a simple gray and blue palette.  There’s something soothing, and so put together about it.  I’m a huge fan of blue in general however.  I think it has moved up the list over pink and purple to become my new favorite color.  A clear, bright, bold blue is so joyous to me, so clean and so chic.  Yup, you’re definitely going to be seeing blue here for a while to come.  
Quote of Today:
“You’re tipsy.  I might actually win!!”

Spent Some Time Walking With A Friend

Shirt – Esprit
Dress worn as skirt – bought in Valencia, Spain
Belt – Ruche (old)
Shoes – Threadsence
Sunnies – F21

Sometimes it’s nice to talk to someone.  Just talk with a girl friend you’ve known for years, who’s done stupid things with you in University, and smart things with you out of it.  Our conversation made me realize how much harder everything gets, but at the same time how much better it would be if everyone had to grow up and stop acting like 19 year olds.  What I mean by that, is just responsibility for yourself and your actions.  We’re all imperfect, we all screw up, but you have to stand on your own two feet and accept that.

I know, easier said than done.
No, no smart ass remarks today for you…I’ll try to keep you entertained and captivated on twitter.
Or tomorrow, there’s always tomorrow.

Quote of Today:
“Are you saying I have to make my vegetable have sex?”

Out Of Focus

Hat – Ruche (old)
Dress – BB Dakota
Shoes – Payless

I went for a walk with my friend Emily around the pond.  Her and Baby girl had a great time. Mostly Emily had a great time giggling at all the things Baby girl does.  What’s funny is that Emily took my outfit shots, and when I reviewed them that evening they were all out of focus.   All except the ones you see here. Guess that’s why she’s a dancer and not a photographer. Oh Emily!

The full length body one had Baby Girl’s beautiful face in it, so I had to obscure that quite a bit. *if you’re a new reader you may not know that I don’t show her face on the blog.  My personal choice regarding her privacy*  But my favourite one of the day was the one of the three of them just walking along without a care in the world!  It took a while for Baby Girl to warm up to Emily, but once Emily brought out the chocolate covered almonds the deal was done!  Then they were best friends.

Walking along we stopped by a teen soccer game and a lady came over with her little dog.  She started asking about Drake, and when she asked,”Who’s dog is it?” – meaning mine or Emily’s – I was tempted to say, “Ours” and hold up my wedding ring.  I just like to challenge assumptions sometimes.  I didn’t though,  because I knew it was the smart ass in me that was tempted to do it. But I was tempted.

Quote of Today:
“Drake’s bone doesn’t belong in Dora’s backpack.”

An Ode To A Friend

Jacket – Old Navy
Top – thrifted
Skirt – C’est Moi
Shoes – Payless
Hair clip – Melinda Rose Design
Necklace – bought in Europe
Earrings – F21
I received an email from a friend of mine about Friday’s post, specifically regarding my saying that I need to photoshop out my bruises.  He’s one of the most aware people I know.  What I mean by that, is he’s sensitive and aware of the various pressures and constructs that are present in our society, and he’s specifically aware of the representation of women, or more the mis-representation of women.  He encouraged me not to photoshop my bruises out in order to stay true to the mantra of ModaMama – which is honesty and reality in the life of one woman.  So, I’m not.  You’re going to see all the bruises and other things – like my famous spaghetti burns.  
Thank you for reminding me to stay true to myself and not to fall into the trap of fashion magazines and other misrepresentations of women. 
True Story:
I played with my swords today in the backyard.  
I’m fully aware that the neighbours were watching me, and what’s more is, I don’t care.   
Maybe now they’ll think twice about throwing their cigarette buds in my garden. 
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