Over the next few days I’m going to do a little series on connecting with your true self by revisiting past passions. I discuss this topic in chapter 20 of “Elevate the Everyday.

I think a lot of woman lose touch with themselves during mid-life. This is usually when heavy adult responsibilities around careers and parenting start to take hold. Mentally travelling back to childhood allows you to revisit places, people and activities that really brought you joy. Is it possible you have forgotten them? Could they bring joy to your life today?

Physically returning to a happy place from your childhood is a great way to get in touch with the past. I’m lucky enough to visit our family cottage every summer. I wasn’t that disappointed about our cancelled trip to Italy this year, but missing the cottage would have been a big blow.

Walking the same beach I did as a child is very grounding for me. My morning walks on the beach reiterated just how important a daily dose of nature is for my well-being. Days on the coast always solidify my love of nautical style and home décor. As a child I loved beachcombing and collecting seashells. I love doing this as an adult too, and always bring home a few special shells to add to my collection. 

Have you recently visited a special place from your childhood? Did it allow you to reconnect with your true self? Please share!

I posted a photo of this faux little black dress (it’s actually a romper) a few weeks ago when I was highlighting some of my favorite Canadian sources for fashion and style inspiration. This little series was to honor my own personal goal to “stop peering over the fence”, as I discuss in Chapter 18 of my book, “Elevate the Everyday”. Although it’s rainy and foggy today, the sun was shining in full force yesterday. I’m making an effort to continue wearing my favorite summer pieces for as long as possible. I want to soak up every last bit of warmth possible (because we all know what will be soon heading our way ❄️☃️). With the flowers still blooming and the sun shining, it feels like summer to me.

On a side note, I want to mention how practical this romper from @shopwonderland is for day to day life. I drive a large SUV and shorter dresses can be tricky when reaching up to close the trunk. (I’m not a fan of flashing my bottom to people in the grocery store parking lot). I picked up a load of groceries yesterday and this little number kept me securely covered! Chic and practical make a wonderful combination!

 

One of the reasons I’m putting out so many fashion related posts lately is because I am working on a new book.  I will be releasing it sometime this fall.  If you read my current book “Elevate the Everyday” and enjoyed the fashion and beauty chapters, you might this new book will be for you!  I’m really excited about it because I think it is going to offer inspiration in a very relatable and approachable manner.  I’m certainly not a fashion expert!  I’m just a regular, everyday woman who is having fun expressing herself through her personal style. This was not always the case, so the book includes my story of how I transformed my wardrobe, presentation and self-esteem.  There are lots of funny and personal stories that I think many people will relate to!   

Pulling out your fall clothes in August doesn’t mean you are wishing the last precious days of summer away. I am still savouring the warm(ish) temperatures and sunshine. Today I’m wearing shorts, a t-shirt and sandals! I’m always planning a season ahead because I enjoy the process of carefully curating a selection of clothing that really matches my personal style. Over the years (and after many mistakes) I have learned that I need time to let things simmer before pulling the trigger on a purchase. I like going into each season with a well-planned wish list, instead of giving in to unplanned and impulse purchases. I’m also trying to stick to a budget and keep my closet from getting too cluttered. Planning helps so much! I do a lot of off-season shopping on the second-hand market. You can usually get a much better deal on a winter coat during the hot days of July. I also like taking my time getting my clothes ready for wear. Yesterday I pulled out my wool coats and took them to the dry cleaners. I tightened a few loose buttons. Over the next week or so I will iron or steam the fall pieces I have hanging up. Many of my summer clothes are still hanging up and I will be wearing them until things really cool off. I love this transitional time, and love the anticipation of the fall pleasures to come. It is a way I inspire myself to embrace cooler temperatures with some enthusiasm (I’m always cold so this is a challenge). Is anyone else in the process of transitioning their closets? I’d love to hear your approach. 🍁🍂👖👢 

 I’m playing dress up today. The crisp chill in the air inspired me to start moving a few fall pieces into my closet. I love pulling out favourites that I haven’t worn in months! It kind of feels like Christmas! Since I enjoyed my straw hat so much this summer I just committed to wearing this Greek fisherman’s cap this fall. My dad wore one growing up so there is a nostalgic feeling associated with it. Do you notice when you wear hats it often attracts peoples attention? Being a huge introvert, I think this may be why I sometimes shy away from them even though I love the look! ❤️

Do you enjoy wearing hats? It is something I am experimenting with for both practical and fun purposes. In the last few years I have been taking sun protection more and more seriously. This is something I wish I had done long ago! Once I hit my forties, I really started to notice dark spots popping up on a regular basis. I am now faithful with my sunscreen, 365 days a year, rain or shine! I have been wearing this sun hat regularly as an extra line of defense. I actually really love the elevating effect it has on an outfit. I’m thinking this fall I might experiment a bit more with hats. Do you have any favorite styles?

Have you been thinking about your fall wardrobe? I’m always planning a season ahead since I like to buy second hand as much as possible. I bought a beautiful plaid silk blouse in July. I feel like I got a better deal since most people are not looking for plaid in the heat of summer. I’m trying to keep up with Coco. He’s gone mad for plaid this fall. 🤣

A chill in the air today on the beach! Sporting classic nautical stripes today before fall descends! 🐳🐚🌊

 

Spotted these two on the beach. We all love a good street style photo so I thought I’d share it. She has definitely nailed that beach wave hair we all strive for 🤣. Thank you to whoever did this. It puts a smile on my face every time I walk by (Coco has finally stopped growling at them since he marked his territory🐶)

I got such a sweet comment the other day from one of my readers. She told me that after reading the first couple of chapters she dusted off her suction cup bird feeder and installed it outside her work-from-home window. It made my day to hear that this quick little idea brightened someone’s day. I hope some cute little feathered friends find her soon! 🐦❤️ There is nothing earth shattering in my book! I wrote it to inspire and remind people of little things we can all do to “Elevate the Everyday” (myself included). Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded of the simple pleasures in life, or have a suggestion worded in such a way you feel inspired. I love hearing that everyone is cleaning their cars!!! Chapter 1 has a lot of people inspired to elevate their rides! 🚗🧽✅

 

 

Apparently the mere sight of water activates ones dog paddle mode. He’s pre-programmed and ready for action. 🐕 😂

 

First tracks this morning on the beach. I can’t help but wonder why we were the only two out there. It was 6:30 AM, so certainly not a crazy time to be up and out the door. I’m not complaining we had it all to ourselves. This must be one of the most beautiful beaches in Atlantic Canada. I love the quiet of the morning. Getting up early gives me lots of time to focus on things that bring peace, energy and happiness to my days. My mornings always include some form of exercise. Are you a morning person or a night owl? What is your favourite way to kickstart your day? 

 

Beach day with my Coco Puff ❤️🐶🌊

Heading out on a little road trip today! It’s Coco’s first big outing 🐶 I’m trying to wear this scarf more lately because I love it. For some reason I rarely bother to reach for it and make the effort. I don’t love having my photo taken. My son took these and said “Mommy you just don’t look that good in photos. You look fake ”. Gotta love his innocent honesty 😂🤣 So here I am being fake and inauthentic so I can share my OOTD. What I lack in front of the camera I think Coco makes up for it ❤️.

 

Like many of us, I use Instagram as a source of style inspiration. I follow a few accounts that really capture the overall aesthetic that appeals to me. A few weeks ago, I was scrolling my feed and something caught my eye. I recognized something from my own wardrobe! One of my favorite stylish women to follow is Claire Teixeira @theworkinggirl . She is the founder and CEO of @rosaeparisofficial (love, love, love). Her OOTD post included the Olympe blouse from the Isabel Marant Etoile SS2014 collection. I had just recently purchased it for $60 on Poshmark. Buying second hand is one of my key weapons in elevating my wardrobe with special pieces I could not normally afford (and even if I could I would not pay full price for these things). This one boasts an original retail price of $700. Yes it is six years old, but it is a timeless, high-quality classic. If it is good enough for the streets of Paris, clearly it will do just fine on the backroads of Nova Scotia! 🌲🐚

 

I was perusing old photos again today and came across this one that I thought some of you Royal Watchers might enjoy. It’s hard to believe that Prince Charles and Princess Diana actually visiting little old Atholville, New Brunswick 🇨🇦 in 1983. This photo was taken at the Sugarloaf Provincial Park and I remember the moment so vividly . I’m the little one in the Brownie uniform directly under her hands, staring up with a wide grin. I remember her being elegant, graceful and softly spoken in those few seconds our paths crossed (or rather hers passed my gawking position). And I can’t help but admire her navy and white dress. Such a classic color combination I will never tire of! 💙💙💙

I am continuing my series on highlighting my favorite Canadian sources for fashion and style inspiration. 🇨🇦 This is in honor of my own personal goal to “stop peering over the fence”, as I discuss in Chapter 18 of my book. This particular one also ties in with Chapter 16, “Acquire Intimates that Inspire”. Today I am sharing one of my favorite lingerie brands, Ellesmere Lingerie @ellesmerelabel This is a Montreal based company that creates stunning handmade lingerie, each one being a little work of art. If you are looking to add a couple of very special items to your underwear drawer, look no further. Even if you are not currently in the market for new undies, window shopping the website is inspiring. The product photographs are beautiful, tasteful and dreamy. The owner Julia is very sweet. She custom made a couple of items for me to ensure a perfect fit. This was a little tricky to share visually, because I’m a rather private person and have no desire to flash my undies publicly! This image is a close up that demonstrates just how beautiful and intricate the fabric is. 💖 

In my effort to “stop peering over the fence” I am highlighting a few of my favorite Canadian sources for fashion and style inspiration.  As I mentioned, my next book is going to be heavily focused on personal style, so this is top of mind for me lately.  Alyssa Beltempo @msbeltempo is one of my go to sources for inspiration.  Her focus in on slow fashion, making the most of what you have in our closet and shopping responsibly.  In particular, I love her “shop your closet” videos.  I also just love her!  She absolutely exudes warmth and enthusiasm that feels contagious.  If you haven’t heard of her already, I encourage you to check her out.  I’m guessing you might have some binge watching in your future!

In Chapter 18 of my book I discuss the topic of peering over the fence, or feeling like the grass is always greener on the other side.  In my case, I’m dreaming of a Euro-chic life complete with fresh baguettes, Roman ruins and fabulous boutiques.  As I mentioned yesterday, I am currently writing my next book and delving deeper into the topic of personal style.  The truth is, there many chic and stylish options being produced on Canadian soil!  Over the last few years, I have been enjoying discovering these gems.  I thought I’d share a few over the next couple of weeks. This little outfit comes to you from @shopwonderland, a fabulous Canadian designer.  At first glance, it appears to be sleek black shift dress, but it is actually a romper.  This makes it super practical for my “messy” life with a puppy and boys.  Since some warm weather has finally come our way, I’ve been wearing it a lot.  It really suits my minimal, simple style.  I also think Allison herself is a sweetheart.  She once whipped up a dress for me in my size when it was showing as out of stock!  I own several of her jumpsuits and dresses and they are extremely high quality and will be enjoyed for many, many years.  Right now I am eyeing the Elysees dress.  I think it is very elegant and understated.

 

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I enjoyed writing my latest book so much that I am already working on my next title.  It’s going to focus on personal style, so I have been thinking about this topic a lot lately.  Yesterday I had to take my 13 year old to the mall to buy some back to school shoes.  I wanted to avoid this situation, but he has been walking around in bare feet and flip flops for months.  I had no idea what size he was.  Turned out he’s gone from a 6 to a 9! I decided going in that my only criteria (other than a budget) was that he could wear them comfortably for Phys. Ed. class.  I know my son pretty well, so it was no surprise when he picked out the sparkling white shoes embellished in a rainbow of neon colors.  I resisted the temptation to steer him towards the more versatile and maintainable black pair.  Because I have been exploring the topic of researching and tapping into personal style, I knew I had to let him go with the pair that spoke to him.  It was pretty clear that the colorful pair did in fact match his style and personality.  It’s evident in so many areas of his life, but particularly his art work.  He creates the most amazing cartoon art and I always admire his use of color.  Despite a slight sadistic undertone, his art makes me smile.  Obviously, he is a lover or color and flash.  My husband was shocked when we walked in the door, but I’m  happy with his choice.  What’s your take on allowing our kids to experiment with style?  I think that since they are growing, it’s a great time to play around.  I’m  hoping these at least fit him for three months!!!  

“Tackle What You Are Avoiding” is the title of Chapter 4 of my book. At any given time, I think each one of us is avoiding something! I like doing a “check in” with myself from time to time to help me identify what I’m dodging in life. I had to laugh the other day when my best friend commented on the very first photo I posted on my Instagram account. It is a picture of me swimming in Croatia. I love this photo because it reminds me of how calm and free I felt in that moment (vacation state of mind). My friend noted that I looked so graceful, until she remembered that under the water I was doing the dog-paddle! Yes, I am a dog-paddle champion.  Although I’ve lived near the water most of my life, I can barely swim. Since the water here is freezing and I hate public pools, I’ve never felt that motivated to do anything about it. I’m actually still not motivated (avoiding?). The only time this becomes an issue is when I travel. Our family was in Guadeloupe this winter and my husband and the boys were having so much fun snorkeling. I am usually the one on the beach, guarding the bags and wallets and reading. I take little dips, but I avoid anything beyond that. I knew I was missing out! This time I finally bought myself a snorkelling vest and ventured out to the reef with them. Certainly, when it comes to water, throwing your fears aside recklessly and diving in over your head is not the solution. With my safety net in place though, I was able to enjoy myself and finally participate. I’m not sure why I waited so long to do this, but I’m glad I finally did. Do you have a list of things you are avoiding?