Moda Mama

Responsible Fashion

August 7, 2015
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2 COMMENTS

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Heading up to the cottage this past long weekend, I was yet again struck by the beauty that we have in nature. Also, the profound meaning and connection we can achieve by just sitting quietly and letting the world move around us.

In my daily life, I try to live as ethically and sustainably as possible. It’s a daily journey, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be 100% there. It’s hard when daily conveniences are, well, convenient.

Though having recently partnered with Ungalli clothing, a 100% sustainable and ethical Canadian clothing company, I had a lovely moment standing on the dock wearing the softest hoodie possible, knowing that in wearing it I had not brought harm to any of the beauty around me.

Hoodie – c/o Ungalli Clothing

This hoodie was the perfect running and lounging layer around the cottage – not too heavy and ultra snuggly. Kind of perfect for a day spent swimming, laying in the sun, and warming around a campfire.

Tank Top – c/o Ungalli // Overalls – Spell Designs // Necklace – Monserat de Lucca // Sandals – ThreadSence

Ungalli has a threefold mission. First, their clothes are made from recycled material. Second, they’re made in North America under our labor laws. Third, they partner with different environmental organizations to both promote *through their designs* and to donate money from every sale.

Yay!

But lest you think that these are only cottagey, camping clothes. Let’s be clear: they totally belong in any urban fashionistas arsenal. This tee is definitely in my favorite tees list. Not just because of the softness, but also because of the lovely uplifting message it has. Personally, it reminds me to be present in my life daily. To embrace and feel every moment, and imprint it in memory.

Tee – c/o Ungalli // Pants – Jens Pirate Booty via ThreadSence // Necklace – Gypsy Love Store // Hat – Threadsence // Rings – Etsy, F21, and heirlooms // Sandals – c/o Easy Spirit

Love to you and all the lovely creatures we share our planet with. Let’s do the best we can by making conscious choices, including clothing choices whenever possible.

*this post has been brought to you in

collaboration with Ungalli clothing*

The Dress I Didn’t Wear

July 20, 2015
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2 COMMENTS

This past Friday I had a friend’s dance party, to celebrate her birthday. Now, you know I love to dance, and I love me a great dancing dress. I put this fringed backless dress on thinking it would be perfect for the evening. I do love it. But after taking these shots, I came home and did the test. Always do the test. Test out what you’re wearing with what you’re doing. Why? Because I dislike fashion holding back my actions. I don’t want to be limited in my motion. I like the freedom.

So the test: I danced like I would for one song. During that time, the slip moved too much for my liking. It moved too far north, if you know what I mean. And that was after one song of dancing.

Nothing, not fire, not weather, not fashion will take dancing away from me. In this and all cases, if it doesn’t function, it ain’t happening. So, though I wanted to wear this, I decided that dancing all night with no worries was, and always will be, my priority.

What does this mean for the dress? It means that until I manage to get an inch or two added to the slip, it’s a going out and hanging out dress. Not a dancing dress – that calls for some very specific requirements….which I’ll talk about in my next post when I show you what I did wear.

I know, you’re on the edge of your seats.

Here’s To Our Friendship Flaws

July 13, 2015
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6 COMMENTS

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I have very imperfect friends. Some overshare, some drink too much sometimes, some say stupid things at the most inopportune moments, some can be harsh …basically they make mistakes and have flaws, and are human.

All of them are well meaning, and caring, and accepting, and honest.

I can tolerate a lot as long those things are present. Tolerate isn’t the right word. A lot of things don’t bother me because of the presence of the others – that’s a better way to put it. In fact, I count on my friends being imperfect, because that means that they’ll hopefully be forgiving of my own imperfections. Of which I have many, and I try to surround myself with people who will forgive me when I say/do something stupid at the most inopportune of moments knowing that I probably don’t mean it, because I’d like to think I’m well meaning, caring, accepting, and honest.

Tee – Thrifted // Kimono – Arnhem // Shorts – Spell // Boots – Aldo // Bag – Target // Sunnies – I forget

Are You Sexy?

July 8, 2015
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9 COMMENTS

Sexy. That’s always been a hard one for me. I’ll admit it. I had this idea of what a sexy woman was, and frankly, I imagined it as far removed from me as the sun is from Pluto….so veeeeery far. I know that logically, this is silly. We’re all humans, therefore sexual beings, therefore sexy. But I ain’t talkin’ ’bout logic here. I’m talking feelings and self-image.

Cute. That was how I have always been described, and how I always think of myself. Cute. Smart. Girl next door. All good things, and I never had an issue with them. Just as you can tell, not sexy. Frankly, it has always confounded me.

But now, I’m sexy! No I’m totally kidding you. I still don’t really think of myself that way. I still think of myself as dorky, smart, cute, and well frankly awkward *Who’s got a talent for putting her foot in her mouth? ME!* But now, I think I’m accepting things a bit more, like I mentioned in this post about being past thirty.

There’s a fake construct of sexy in my head created by the world I live in, and there’s a self-perception of myself created by me growing up in said world. And I’m recognizing the two for what they are. Doesn’t mean they’ve changed or gone away, just means that hopefully their power over me is a little diminished.

It’s made me start to consciously reframe what ‘sexy’ means to me. I’m trying to/starting to see it as an energetic sucking the marrow out of life, combined with a playfullness, and comfortable acceptance of ones physical self. It’s also made me look at the people in my life with this eye and it’s made me realize that damn! I’ve got a lot of sexy friends.

Dress – Spell Designs // Necklace & Sandals – ThreadSence // Belt – F21

Ruffled and Backless Dress

May 25, 2015
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4 COMMENTS

It was so warm and lovely and I was frankly really excited to finally wear all my lovely new Spell purchases. It’s been so cold, and I was just itching to get a chance to wear all this pretty stuff.

Honestly, what’s more perfect than a backless ruffled dress for a day spent at the beach and the pool? Nothing. Except maybe one of those delicious mojitos they offered. Those were amazing. As were the Jamaican patties…

…wait, why did I come back again?

Dress – Spell Designs // Bag – Jamaican vendor // Sandals – I forget *old* // Sunnies – Lace Affair

Adventuring in Kimonos

May 22, 2015
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2 COMMENTS

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I shared a hotel room with two lovely ladies: the Groom’s sister and cousin. The first was the sweetest woman, and the second was the coolest, so I felt pretty lucky. They both enjoyed staying up later than I *I’ve never been one for staying up late as I love being awake and having adventures during the day* So, that meant that early in the morning I tried to quietly get dressed and vacate the room so they could continue sleeping.

It also meant that I was awake and walking around the resort earlier than a lot of people. But I kind of loved this time. The beaches were clear of people, and the only ones awake and bustling about were the lovely Jamaican people themselves. It meant I could walk about and explore areas, and take photos, with relatively few people caring about what I was doing.

Though to be fair, I think by this time I had earned myself the “crazy photographer lady” title as on the wedding day and the day before during the detail shots I was both a contortionist and throwing little ants out of my shot. People generally just gave me a wide berth, after all I might snap at any second. Even the ants did not escape my wrath.

Maxi Kimono – Spell Designs // Top – SheInside // Pants – Jens Pirate Booty via ThreadSence *sold out*

*linking up with Passion for Fashion, and Style Elixir*

I Love My Job

May 14, 2015
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6 COMMENTS

As an artist freelancing her way through life, I have many jobs. Three….well four: actor, photographer, blogger, and mother….more if you add partner and producer…oh dear Lord! But right now I’m talking about photographer. Sartorially.

As a photographer I get to wear whatever the heck I want. Within reason of course. No pasties and feathers…though to be fair I don’t usually wake up wanting to wear that anyway. As long as I’m not too provocative and can move around, I get pretty much free reign.

For example, this day I spent shooting a lovely client, and I got to head into work in casual shorts and a fun denim shirt. So I reiterate: I love my job.

Helps that I’m the boss too.

Top & Shorts – Spell Designs // Tee – SheInside // Necklace – vintage // Sunnies – Lace Affair

If I could Coachella…

April 17, 2015
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10 COMMENTS

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….I would. If I could take the time off. If I had the finances. If I lived closer. I totally would. But I can be there in sartorial spirit. In fact, I pretty much live there in sartorial spirit. Here’s to all of us who wish to be there. Here’s to the dreamers, the lovers, the make believers. I’m right there with you.

Love. Peace.

Duster & Tee – Spell Designs // Jeans – Dittosbrand // Boots – Aldo // Necklace – bought in Spain // Belt – Lucky Brand // Sunnies – UO // Bead Bracelet – Ruche // Silver cuffs – gifts from Poland.

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.

Miami Outfit: Wynwood Walls

March 16, 2015
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4 COMMENTS

Overall – Spell Designs via Turquoise Lane // Tank & Bralette – F21 // Boots – DIYed by me // Bag – Target // Necklace – Monserat De Lucca via Beau and Bauble in Toronto

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?

*linking up with Style Sessions*

Category :Spell Designs