Skims Body Suit

Curious about the hype, I invested in this simple soft and form fitting body suit for wearing underneath outfits or for around the house. The fit is more comfortable than I had expected coming from a shape wear company. It was pleasing to realize that Kim K does designs her various body suits to match the exact needs and desires of a vast array of customers. This suit wears and washes well. I will definitely investing in another body suit when the need / desire arises.

Tentree Pants Green

I have been eyeing this specific pair of Tentree pants for the better part of five years. I began noticing they were not showing up in my local searches and were running low on the stores main website. I snagged a pair before the autumn ended. They are soft, comfortable and relaxed. Perfect for Autumn weekend nature walks.

Abercrombie Plunge Neck Midi Dress

Although I have not returned to public partner Blues dancing since early 2020’s pandemic beginnings, I still hold space for solo blues dance moments at home and relish the return on the public dance floor.
This dress, I bought with that desire in mind, knowing that hopefully within the next 365 days, there will be a moment where close breathing in a dance partners space might not seem so overwhelming to me.
For now, this item is reserved for date nights.

This spring, I set myself to look for a legitimate trench coat. (the current one I have, is clearly a knock-off, is not insulated by any sense of the word and is purely fast fashion to appear nice). Finding a good quality trench coat seemed simple enough.

Wrong.

I did find one I adored after weeks of online and in-person looking. Unfortunately, the company that sells this trench coat doesn’t ship to Canada directly and quickly ran out of my size.

I reluctantly gave up my trench coat search and pivoted to my other top needs.

For this Spring

Open-Front Cardigan Sweater

This cardigan I ordered from Nordstrom. The brand is CASLON. I purchased it to be a longer term replacement for a cheaper cardigan of similar color that I have had for a handful of years. The older one has holes in the seams, and is of a cheaper fabric. This new one is warm enough for an East Coast spring, yet being open, leaves space for when the spring sun is shining.

Indoor Training Shoes

Last year, I bought a pair of these same Under Armour trainers to replace my worn-out pair. After loving them for the past year, I decided I should buy a second pair to use as my inside-the-house set when I do workouts in my home gym. I appreciate having them for only indoor use so that I am not cleaning the bottoms every time I am on the mat. (no one wants to do yoga on a mat that just had outdoor sneakers all over it)

Pink Kate Spade Clutch / Purse

A beautiful soul that I know had this purse and was looking to find another home for it and thought of me. I felt so seen and loved to be identified as its possible new owner. I have loved Kate Spade for years, especially the o.g. items. This purse gives a great pop for a date night or social outing, and it’s making me hopeful that it will see lots of life this Summer.

Amy Grace sits down with Elana Camille from Elana Camille Creates to discuss how she has managed her business and life through a pandemic and global tragedy in regards to systemic racism.

A brilliant conversation with a brilliant and deep woman.

INSTA LIVE LINK <——

Top centre - Clockwise: Facemasks | Mothers Day Gift, Bye Bye Undereye - It Cosmetics | Sephora, Rythmns of Renewal - Rebekah Lyons | Amazon, White/Gray Knit Sweater | Winners, Femme T-Shirt | Dynamite, The Fiery Cross - Diana Gaboldon, Brown pleather Purse | Modcloth.com, Hunter Rain Boots | Softmoc (birthday gift from my parents), Yellow Rain jacket | London Fog, White/Grey Pants | RW & Co, Blue Crop Pants with White Ribbon | Aritzia, Tan Turtle Neck | RW&CO, Girlfriend Jeans | The Gap, SOJO Bluelight Glasses | Amazon, White Linen Shirt | Old Navy, Spring Anthologies | Amazon, Brown Pleather Keds | Soft Moc

Entering Spring during a Pandemic introduced some challenges. It changed my goals for the spring Capsule and it quickly showed me that my lack of waterproof (non-winter) footwear was an issue. Along with more lightweight pants and sweaters that were still warm but not suffocating.

New to Me

White/Grey Sweater | Before the pandemic hit Nova Scotia, I went to winners on a whim with my daughter and saw this hanging on the rack. Already a good eye and sharp shopper, she said “this would be nice for you mama”. I had to agree. Knowing that our damp spring days and my love for walks outside would make this sweater a great addition to an admittedly older and worn hoodie that I wear for those times. (I still have that old hoodie…campfire days are perfect for the old raggedy ones)

Femme T-Shirt | I am finding that I have a budding love for the simple white t with words that corroborate with my values and vision statements for work. This one is simple and to the point.

Rain Jacket | My old rain jacket (not seen here) was black, long and form-fitting. It was from a store called One Tooth (Canadian Yoga wear company) it has sense moved/shut down. That jacket was purchased over a decade ago and has seen me through college, theatre school and every outdoor adventure possible. Due to it’s broken zipper and permanently stained front I decided to retire it and invest in this lovely London Fog when it went on sale. I love it so much already. I hope it lasts longer than my last one.

Rain Boots | As with my rain jacket, my old pair of rain boots from winners I purchased during my first ever professional job in 2010 split open and were irreparable. I managed for a year without rainboots. For my birthday this year, my parents helped me purchase this pair of Hunter Boots. I like that they are mid-length. They do the job and hopefully, they last as long as everyone says they do.

Tan Turtle Neck | RW&Co has a variety of turtlenecks. Once I knew my size and the style I liked, I bought a few more when they went on sale for future work outfits in the winter and autumn. This tan one was a great addition to the colder days in early spring. (the rest I packed away for Autumn.)

Still Going Strong

Leather Brown Keds | I adore this pair of Keds. I will wear them to the ground before I let them go.

Girlfriend Jeans | This pair from the gap is a perfect fit for my body type. Again, will wear till they fall apart.

Yoga Clothes | Not seen here my 3 pairs of yoga tops and 3 pairs

Time to Go

*not seen here:

Rain Jacket from One Tooth. It lived a long life with me. Worth the investment in ‘07/08’

Top Centre - Clockwise - Black/White Dress | H&M, Dare to Lead by Brené Brown | Indigo, White Silk Tank | RW&Co, Black Blazer | H&M, Glossier Tint, Glossier Highlighter, Glossier Boy Brow | Gift From Jasmine, Lavender Shirt | Pseudio, East Coast Lifestyle Hoodie | Pseudio, Psalms | Gift from Jasmine, Girlfriend Jeans | The Gap, Missing in the gap is Green Pants | RW&co, Graphic T | Threadless, Blue Tank | RW&Co, Silk Rose PJ Pants | La Vie En Rose, Patent Leather Shoes | Birthday Gift from mom, Essie Nail Polish | Shoppes Drug Mart, Grey Dress | Second hand from Jasmine, Cotton Candle | Foxhound, Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon | Indigo

New to Me

Black & White Dress was a last minute whim moment with the bestie Jasmine. After lunch together she nudged me to go for a quick shop to see if we could find a new dress for me to wear to my 30th birthday party. I was BEYOND thrilled to come across this dress and realize I had been eyeing it for about a year. Now was the perfect excuse to buy it. Jasmine get’s all the credit for this lovely addition into my 30th year.

Glossier Products were introduced to me via Jasmine. ‘For the busy woman doing all the things’ is something like what she said to me when she gave them. I am already hooked at their natural affect and how easy they are to apply.

Lavender Shirt with the bat like sleeves which is folded here, was a purchase made out of necessity and also a ‘need-to-add-a-bit-more-style’ to my wardrobe.

Patent Leather Black Flats are everything! I have been yearning to find the perfect pair since having to throw my last pair out. Thankfully, my mother came to the rescue and helped me hunt these down and gave them to me for my 30th birthday. They are the perfect addition when you want something simple that says ‘smart & classy’.

Still Going Strong

Graphic T from Threadless bought in 2012 is still a staple and is obviously made to last because it is thriving.

East Coast Lifestyle Hoodie continues to be the first thing I grab in the morning after I put on my exercise clothes. This hoodie may have been a ‘trendy’ purchase but it sure does the trick and I like representing my favourite coast as I start my day.

Girlfriend Jeans are everything. The perfect fit and feel for the weekend life.

Time to Go

Rainboots from Winners. Of course I always forget to take pictures before I pass things along or throw them out. I had bought a pair of rain boots back in 2011 with money from my first year of working and felt so utterly proud of them. They were purple rimmed with coloured rain drops with a white background. This year I wore them out and sadly realized they had cracked in more than a few places. I was sad to see them go. ESPECIALLY, as a Nova Scotian woman… I am now in need for rain boots / shoes.

Top Centre - Clockwise: Blue tank top | Frenchies, Blue / White striped Dress | Banana Republic, China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan | Indigo, Blue T-Shirt Dress | The Gap, Blue dress | Second Hand from Jasmine Alexander, ‘Faux’ Lipstick | Mac, ‘There in Heartbeat Necklace’ | Bryan Anthonys from Jasmine Alexander, Blue Tank top | Modcloth.com , Folded up Black romper | The Gap, Sleep Aromatherapy Body Cream | Bath and Body Works, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop | Bench, White and Yellow Striped Scarf | Indigo, Starfish Keds | Softmoc, Nutragena SPF moisturizer | Shoppers Drug Mart, Joggers | Roots, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser | Sephora, Green Shorts | The Gap, Tribe Engraved bracelet | From the bestie Nicole Payzant, Jean Shorts | H&M, Off White Jersey Summer Dress | H&M, Lagom Book | Indigo, White silk Tank | Bootlegger

BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE….

Can you tell what colours I like by now?

This summer I finally felt like I had a fully well developed capsule wardrobe to pull out for the summer.

What I Added

Banana Republic Blue Striped Dress : Bought for the purpose of wearing to the Wedding Shower I was hosting as a Maid of Honour, and for any future special summer events that happen in our coastal city / atmosphere.

Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Tank : I wear my two yoga tops on a weekly rotation and one is loosing it’s appeal, I thought adding something motivational and different for my ‘spring/summer’ workouts would be a great boost and also practical way to get me motivated.

Roots Joggers : I looked high and low. It could be that I was looking in the late spring into summer, but even still the joggers I found for women were either too cheap / thin in fabric or had insane detailing that ruined the look. I do not want ‘rips’ pre-made into my joggers thank-you….let’s leave those for the girlfriend / boyfriend jeans! Roots joggers although expensive on the outset, I imagine, will last me many years. They are plush, cozy, durable and make me feel attractive. There are many a rainy day or Sunday early writing morning that I don’t want to be in jeans or yoga pants. These are a great alternative, & admittedly, my husband is glad that I am not stealing his joggers to wear on a damp day!

H&M dress : insanely cheap. This jersey dress cost me about $18 give or take , has pockets and flows perfectly. Being short in stature with ample sized breasts, most dresses that hang without some sort of form to it make me look pregnant, but this one doesn’t! It has just the right shape to indicate my body shape underneath and also just enough flow to feel like I can be out and about with a more relaxed posture.

Bootlegger White silk Tank: I bought this knowing I wanted it for work occasions. Although it is a bit low in the cleavage area I have found that when I wear it, I only have to be aware when I am bending down and in awkward positions. Of course, being a mom, that seems like all the time, but wearing this to events has been a a confidence booster. White in the summer is such a breeze.

What I am thinking of letting go of

The blue dress that Jasmine has in my closet that we have shared through out the years has a slight rip near the top of the back. I am reticent to get rid of it, even though I know it is not fixable (The fabric is sheer there and just not worth my time to fix it, although this specific dress has certainly given Jasmine and I years of wear and memories.)

What isn’t pictured here:

Swim suit, flip flips, runners, workout shorts, pyjamas.

Clockwise from centre: White & Gold Tank - Bootlegger , Apple Bourbon Candle - Foxhound Collection, Brown Felt Hat - Indigo, Denim button shirt - Banana Republic (technically my husbands...but I like to wear it too), Green Dress - Second hand - Jasmine Alexander, The Little Book of Hygge - Meik Wiking, Sherlock Holmes Book, Dark straight leg Jeans - The Gap, East Coast Lifestyle Hoodie - Psuedio, Charcol Grey Sweater - MEC , Black Pleather Pants - Zara, Plaid Pajama Pants - La Vie En Rose, Autumn 2017 Darling Magazine - Darling.com, Black Sheer tank top - H&M.

Keds.

These brown leather keds were being sold at Little Burgundy at the Halifax Shopping Centre.  The moment I saw them I fell in love.  What is not to like about these Keds?  They match perfectly with Jeans or black pants or basically any outfit you want to give a taste of sophisticated casual to.  

Black pleather pants.
 

Bought from Zara. I have learned to love the way different fabrics and textiles compliment eachother and I noted how amazing a leather texture mixed with other fabrics can be.  It's endless fun.

White & Gold tank.  

I love highlights of chromatic tones, so it was a no brainer when I found this top from  Bootlegger.  

Autumn

was a crisp blast and I found a lot of growth in this season.  Personally, professionally and even stylistically.  It's been enlightening to see how my wardrobe has shifted with it.  How worn pairs of pyjama pants had to be tossed, socks got holes in them, legging tights worn through from not enough care and what new items make their way in to curate and cultivate a style that gets worn daily.

Gillian has been a powerful presence in my life.  Her integrity, her joy, her desire to go deep and her insatiable eye for beauty in nature and in fashion has a way of captivating anyone who knows her.  

How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as a designer, a grower, a writer, a beauty seeker, and an adventurer.

What role does creativity play in your life? 

Creativity gives me freedom and joy. It’s what brings me life. It gives a voice, a visual and a vessel to the things I feel led to communicate and share with others.  I like to capture and create beauty and share it with others so that they might be inspired and reflexively be given the permission to pursue what is in their own hearts.

What are you currently working on?

I have come to realize I have a trio of creative outlets that are all supporting of one another to uphold my creative fulfillment.  Fashion is a way for my creativity to express itself visually and sculpturally. I am currently working on a collection of women’s outerwear –coats specifically. Some are sculptural, others have clean lines. It’s been a lot of fun but a huge challenge as it’s the first time I am hoping to have the collection made into multiples to sell in the future.  Fashion can be a very intimate art form as you are making something for someone to literally put on themselves to embody the art you have created.  I want women to feel confident and inspired when they wear my designs.

I grow vegetable gardens, all through the year in the cold climate of Nova Scotia.  Gardening has been my solace in times of creative blockage and self-doubt.  Gardening gives me a peace that I do not get from my other work.  In some ways it is a spiritual practice that teaches me to be joyful and thankful for the abundance in my life, and what I was able to co create with the earth!  Last year I was harvesting cold tolerant lettuce varieties all winter long. These were grown underneath mini hoop tunnels that we built over my garden beds. 

And finally in the last 3 years I have gotten into writing a lot. I write poetry, and I am looking to find an outlet to share it with others very soon.  Writing is a way that I can communicate my ideas and feelings very directly and uninterrupted. It gives a voice to my creativity, and it also keeps mesane.  With some of my other creative outlets that involve a much longer process to completion, there is not an immediate relief and encouragement that comes from the output of creative energy. For me, when it comes to writing, there is this immediate relief and satisfaction. I’ve come to realize I need this trio in order to feel positive and like there is a healthy flow and balance to my creative expression. 

What was the last book/movie/podcast ect that left an impression on you?

The gifts of imperfections by Brene brown was the last book that left an impression on me.  She researches shame and vulnerability, and how overcoming shame and living a life where we allow ourselves to live fully present and be vulnerable in relationships with others is what guides us toward living a more wholehearted life.  What resonated with me most was how cultivating a sense of gratitude for the good things in our lives really positively shapes both our self-image and our relationships with others.  Brene brown really outlined to me areas I could improve in to live a more healthy and positive creative life that is well balanced. She talks about cultivating authenticity, self-compassion, resilience, gratitude, faith, creativity, play, rest, meaningful work, and laughter. She talks about how cultivating these key positive traits and practices in our lives, help us to live in a way that engages with others from a place of worthiness.  

What advice would you give to other creatively driven people? 

Advice I would give to other creatively driven people would be that I’d like to tell them not to compare themselves, and their accomplishments to others but I know they still will, because in today’s world it’s difficult not to. However, it is just not a fair thing to put yourself through. It’s so easy to stack everybody else’s accomplishments and lives so high and measure yourself as falling so far behind. It is not an accurate representation of the truth. Everybody feels the same way at some point in terms of not feeling good about where they are at. Everybody has different opportunity’s and advantages or disadvantages that make it easier or harder to end up where they are, so it’s never fair to measure your life next to someone else’s when all the variables are completely different. Instead try to remind yourself of the progress you have made, even if your progress is slow, because sometimes slow is the only manageable pace for the season you are in. seasons of progress and productivity come and go. The kinder and more gracious you are with yourself, the more confident you will be in what you have to offer the world creatively. I have found that seasons of productivity will come a lot easier when you are loving and respecting your inner artist in all its goodness as well as shortcomings. Another piece of advice would be If you feel stuck in some way, sometimes finding another creative outlet can support and jumpstart the area you felt stuck in. 

IN This video I discuss my Grandmothers vintage Maid of Honour Dress and get a little Julia Child on.

In this video I share about what items from my closet won't be making the June - September cut. Halifax. Nova Scotia has temps of -20s in the Winter and +30 degrees C in the Summer. Although we fluctuate often in warm and cool, we need various clothing items to match our seasons.

In this video I tell my bestie about the trench coat from Pseudio I just bought.  
xo

In this Episode Zoë and I show and discuss her dresses.  

In this episode I share with my best friend the details behind my new glasses and the process of getting them.  

Clockwise from top Left: Indigo Reading Socks , Pink Sparkle HeadBand | Winners, White Mittens | Bizou , Love Warrior by Glenneon Doyle Melton, Black Long Turtle Neck Quarter-length sleeves | Winners, Grey Hooded Button Sweater | Suzy Shiers, Folded Blue sweater | Passed on from Nicole, Pink Scarf | Suzy Shiers, Rose Gold Nail Polish | Essie, Simplicity Earrings | Modcloth.com , Champagne Toast | Bath and Body Works, Black gloves | Winners, A-line Grey Dress | modcloth.com, Grey Journal | Leuchtturm , Rose Gold Journal | Kate Spade, Ultra Repair Cream | First Aid Beauty, Grey Romper | From Jasmine Alexanders trip to Korea. Pink Sweater with White Ribbons / Aerie

Ultra Repair Cream recommendation from Beth Enman at Living While.  A true life savour during the harsh winds off the water during my winter walks.

As more seasons pass curating and developing a capsule wardrobe, I find the additions are becoming necessity or statement focused.  Winter season began, I took note of what needed to be replaced, added and eyed a statement item or two to complete the set, then I let it be.

For me, where I live, a four season wardrobe is not only enjoyable but necessary.  Halifax, NS is used to all kinds of weather, famous for it's fog and short summers.  From my perspective, it's more like our seasons have a bit of every mild version of a season inside them, but we do expierence every season fully.  Which means, things like winter gear, rain gear, beach gear, autumn jackets etc. are all things one needs.  We get frigid temps at times during the dead of winter, and absolutely sleepless heat temps late summer.

Along with the items pictured above I was also given another long grey/black sweater from Jasmine Alexander, purchased a pair of shorter brown boots to replace a pair I have been wearing for almost ten years and wore the Gap Dark Skinny Jeans and H&M Black Stretch Pants.

Winter, although cold inspired me this year.  It felt like a complete reset.  Maybe it was because I started the first day of the year standing in my best friends wedding in that grey dress.  Or maybe it's because I got to visioning and goal setting in that romper.  Or maybe, it's because I truly relaxed and enjoyed many cozy moments with my family in that cute warm pink sweater.

Either way, this capsule is my favourite so far.  

Cozy, Pretty & Me.

Polka Dot shirt From Hong Kong.  Seen many theatre and rehearsal days.  Completely stained in the arm pits and around the neck.  A sad but warm goodbye.

One of two winter house socks from Winners.  Didn't hold up well and bit the dust early. 

Clockwise from the top left:  Stuffed Monkey became this seasons favourite.  (He was a stuffy of mine that I was willing to get rid of and my mother, Zoës Grandma, did not want to see go.  She slyly let Zoë take it home with her on a day she came down with a fever...sneaky grandmothers...), Blue/Grey light jacket | A gift from Auntie from Korea, Grey hair band | Carters, Grey hoodie sweater | Kids Gap, Flower Baseball Shirt | Carters , Duckie/Chick Halloween Costume | Winners, The Secret Life of Squirrels Book | Gift from Great Aunt & Uncle during a visit, it makes us all laugh.  Slip on Shoes | Joe Fresh, Jeans | Second hand from a boy at Church (they are girl jeans).  Girlfriend Jeans | Carters (they did not fit this season due to the width), Plaid Shirt | Carters, Polka Dot Pants | Gift from Auntie from Korea, Grey Flower Dress | Carters, Blue Romper | Joe Fresh, gift from Grandma.

I am finding more and more that no matter how many clothes my child has, it is those few favourites along with the few that work and fit so perfectly that end up being worn over and over again.  

It was fun to go out and purchase a halloween costume for her this year and a few Autumn staples like the Plaid shirt and the baseball long sleeve shirt.  It was even fun to have her Auntie to return from Korea with a few clothing goodies.  Polka dots on a toddler girl is immense fun.

The biggest realization after Autumn was over was that it was time to go buy more socks.  Summer, the season of bare feet, is officially over.  After the first few colder weeks I realized four pairs of socks on rotation were not going to cut it.  So we went out and bought a few more pairs and of course are constantly loosing them...

Toddler socks are so so small.

I just love seeing her seasonal life come to a close like this.  

If anything, these are great memories.