Operation Clothing Rescue

 

Today was a very big day for me. It was the day I visited the warehouse where all of my clothing was taken to be cleaned after the fire. I had previously received the list of all non-salvageable items and I must admit, I had a good cry while reading the list and recognizing some beloved articles of clothing. I know it's just stuff, unimportant stuff, but I can't help it if I am attached to my clothing. It's a big part of who I am. I'm not saying it defines me, but it's always something I've been passionate about, so it is extremely difficult to part (unwillingly) with items I still loved wearing. After having lost so much already (practically the entire contents of our home), I was holding out hope that my clothing would be mostly spared... I like to think I'm a positive person, so I was not thinking about the potential losses with regards to my wardrobe. I figured there was no use fretting over the "what ifs". I was dealing with one thing at a time and now was the time to face the facts and find out about the fate of my clothing. I literally sobbed over the list, I simply could not help it. I feel I needed to let it out and feel all the feelings for what they were in order to be able to move on. I have yet to see for myself the damaged items, but I will take my time to go through the boxes and mourn, so to speak, bits of my collection. After that, I will be able to draft of shopping list to try and replace a few of the favourites. It will not be an easy task, as a lot of items are unique, but I will take my time and I know I will one day feel like my closet is complete once again.


Shorts: American Eagle | Shirt: American Eagle | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Necklace: Dynamite | Sandals: Birkenstock

Finishing Touch

 

A scarf can really make an outfit and today's look is a prime example of that! I was able to dress up a basic white t-shirt and jeans by adding a brightly coloured scarf. The red pompoms really sand out against the white and turquoise print, making it a great focal point. I was lucky enough to find this scarf on clearance at Nordstrom and figured it would be a simple way of stretching the minimalist wardrobe I currently have. I've said it before, but accessorizing really is the key to making the most of a few basic pieces of clothing.


Jeans: Jordache (Walmart) | T-shirt: Dynamite | Scarf: Shiraleah (Nordstrom) | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Sandals: Birkenstock

Kid Party

I attended a joint birthday party for my little neighbours. They are my actual neighbours, they live a couple doors down from us, so I got to go back to my neighbourhood for a happy occasion. The little guys (brothers) are the most precious and we knew it would mean a lot to them for us to attend. The effort was worth while! The day was filled with giggles, face painting, balloons and a yummy spread! I ended up wearing a flip-flop printed skort. Yes, I said skort! This is one of those fun pieces found in the boxes prepared by my mom. I remember her wearing this exact piece, and how much I loved it as a kid! Who knew I'd be wearing it myself on day? I paired it with a black Jacob t-shirt she also gave me and finished off with my white flower pendant and Birkenstocks. I realize the sandals are not a great match. Actually, I probably never would have chosen this particular pair to go with the outfit, but they're my only pair so there really was no second guesses! Had I had the choice, I likely would have worn black flip-flops, just to stay on theme!

Top: Jacob (donated)  | Skort: Tribal (donated) | Necklace: Garage (old) | Sandals: Birkenstock

Sunset Cruise

When a friend invites you for a sunset cruise, you don't think twice! This was a spur of the moment decision and we had a blast! I don't usually like doing things on week-nights, as I'm a bit of a hermit and very routine oriented, but lately my routine has been non-existent and I don't want to miss out on the last of summer. I wore shorts given to me by my mom and a tank given to me by a colleague. I also got to wear my new swimsuit (it was on clearance) and away we went!

P.S. My mom is the sweetest ever! She put together a full two boxes of clothes for me. After a mega try-on session, I ended up selected a few pieces to add to my temporary wardrobe. She sure had a lot of cute stuff, and I even remember her wearing some of it! It's moments like these I'm happy my mom hangs on to things!


Shorts: Ricki's (donated) | Tank: Joe Fresh (donated) | Swimsuit: La Vie en Rose (top and bottom) | Sandals: Birkenstock

Teal Next Time

Party's over, back to reality. After a late night, the next morning came quickly. We grabbed a bite to eat with the family before each heading our separate ways. Keeping in line with my usual weekend packing habits, I decided to wear the same shorts on the way back. It might also have something to do with the fact I only have a couple pairs of shorts to begin with... Either way, I chose the denim ones as they are more versatile. I simply paired them with a teal tank, minimalist jewelry and my trusty Birkenstocks. I swear, I have never gotten so much wear out of a single pair of shoes! I've said it before, but I'll say it again. If you only have one pair of sandals, make them Birkenstocks, you won't regret it!


 Shorts: American Eagle | Tank: George (Walmart) | Belt: American Eagle | Necklace: Dynamite | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Sandals: Birkenstock

Discovery Day

We went for a little road trip on our way to my mom's banquet and stopped in a quaint little town at a B&B for the night. Once there, we were looking for something to do, when we found out about this new winery. I discovered a taste for wine a few years back on a trip to Niagara Falls and have loved touring wineries ever since. Let me tell you, this recent discovery was a real gem! It is called Potter Settelement Winery and is located right on the edge of the Canadian Shield. It is owned and operated by actor and model Sandor Johnson, who happened to also be the one to give us a private tasting. These wines were absolutely out of this world! This winery has revived a few traditional strains of grapes that had been developed by our French ancestors when they immigrated to Canada. Those strains have become extremely rare, seeing as they were fazed out by the bigger liquor companies in favour of more commonly preferred grapes. I am so happy Potter Settlement is reintroducing them to the world, one bottle at a time. While very exclusive, should you get the opportunity to try any of their wines, I highly suggest you do! 

Shorts: American Eagle | Top: (Donated) | Necklace: Dynamite | Earrings: Payless Shoes Source | Sandals: Birkenstock

Railroad Distress

Now that the show's over, I have to go back home so to speak... It's a little odd taking a train home, when you don't currently have a physical place to call home. The break was nice, but I was very happy to be reunited with my partner and the puppies. We've been through some tough times, but nothing compares to what we are currently experiencing. As much as this situation could create tension, it is definitely strengthening our bond. If we can get through this next chapter together, nothing will come between us. We have the luxury of rebuilding our life together and we are eternally grateful for that opportunity because so many aren't as lucky. I was pondering all of this as I was steadily moving forward along the tracks...

I decided to wear my newly acquired distressed shorts with a burgundy Walmart top and my trusty Birkenstocks, because they are really my only option right now!


Shorts: American Eagle | Camisole: Dynamite | Top: George (Walmart) | Belt: American Eagle | Necklace: Dynamite | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Sandals: Birkenstock

Travelling Blues

Back in December, I had won a pair of tickets to go see Céline Dion in Montreal. Seeing as my better half is not her biggest fan, I decided to invite my super-fan sister along. We had planned the entire weekend and it was all paid for. I figured there was no reason to miss out and that it would probably do me good, take my mind off of the situation for a little while. I opted for a full blue outfit to travel in. One bonus of being downtown Montreal was the proximity to rue Sainte-Catherine, a well-known shopping destination. Sister in tow, I hit the shops to purchase a bit more clothing and the very basics to rebuild my makeup kit. It felt very normal and fun to spend some quality girl-time with my sister. Shopping skills sure run in the family!

Top: George (Walmart) | Shorts: Walmart | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Sandals: Birkenstock

Stripes and Skinnies

Since I'm a firm believer in the Breton-striped top, I knew I needed one in my basic wardrobe rebuild. Lucky enough, I found one at Walmart. The fit isn't perfect, but I honestly can't afford to be picky right now. I felt like my old self wearing a striped top with skinny jeans. Today, we also sat by the water a bit for a change of scenery. I figured it was a good place for a nautical outfit picture! It was also the first rain following the fire, which was a full seven days later. I think it would be an understatement to say it's been a very dry summer. I remember the feeling of relief that swept over me when I heard the sweet sound of rain falling outside. I've never been so happy and excited for rain. It almost felt as if the downpour was washing away the remnants of the nightmare we had lived and was clearing the path for a fresh start.

Top: George (Walmart) | Jeans: Jordache (Walmart) | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Sandals: Birkenstock

Back to Basics

Seeing as the only clothes on my back when I evacuated were my nighty and housecoat, one very generous and thoughtful neighbour lent me some clothes for the next day. I didn't even have shoes on. I left the house barefoot! I guess having an abundance of shoes made no difference whatsoever, I did not grab a single thing on my way out. I was extremely lucky a fireman had grabbed my purse and phone for me. I was later able to reach into the entrance of the house (the fire ravaged the back) to grab one pair of shoes. Luckily, those were my trusty Birkenstocks. I guess if I only had one pair of shoes for the time being, Birkenstocks is not a bad choice! So, it was back to square one in terms of clothing. I literally had the clothes on my back and that's it. One of the first stops was Walmart. We needed to get the bare essentials. For someone who has/had an abundance of clothes, I was at a loss on where to begin. I got a couple pairs of jeans and a couple camisoles and t-shirts to start. I also needed undergarments and toiletries. It's amazing to realize how little one actually needs to survive. That has never been more apparent to me. Today's look was a very basic outfit of jeans and a t-shirt. No matter whether your clothes are name brands or not, this is a winning combination!


Jeans: Jordache (Walmart) | T-shirt: George (Walmart) | Camisole: (borrowed) | Sandals: Birkenstock

Go Shorty!

Weekends call for comfortable, easy-going clothing. Naturally, I wore my denim short overalls! I know many adults don't like the thought of wearing these, but I am a kid at heart and will wear anything I feel comfortable in! I don't think there is a particular age required to wear overalls. In my opinion, they are simply a denim version of a romper or jumpsuit. All that to say, that a lazy Sunday spent at home calls for a plain white tee and denim shortalls! Add some Birkenstocks and you've got the country chic look down pat!

Shortalls: Old Navy | T-shirt: Smart Set | Sandals: Birkenstocks