Polka Dots and Plimsolls

  

Yay for overalls! I'm so happy I got these back because I remember how hard it was to find some sleek black ones. I decided to pair them with a polka dot off-the-shoulder top for an interesting combination. I really like the resulting look! A little edgy, a little playful and a little sexy. I decided to roll the cuff of the pant legs and wear my white canvas plimsolls to complete the look. I feel this would be a perfect look for a fair or even to go to Disneyland... I'll keep that in my back pocket! Although I wore this to work, I kept a bright red scarf warped around my shoulders to make it more modest. The scarf matched my lips so it was all good!

Overalls: Zara | Top: Zara | Earrings: (handmade) | Sneakers: Old Navy

Mimi's Back!

 

Words cannot express what it feels like to be wearing my own clothes again! Today is the first day I get to wear an outfit comprised entirely of my own clothing. I had a shipment delivered over the weekend and was like a kid on Christmas morning! It took me no time to sort through it and hang it in the closet. Who knew I'd be so excited to see stuff I've been wearing for years? The old saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder definitely applies to me and my clothing. We're tight! Now, I don't yet have all of my closet, but I figured I wouldn't be needing summer stuff in the foreseeable future. I also have not gone through the many boxes of unsalvageable clothing yet. I think I will want to take my time and mourn, so to speak, the pieces that did not make it. I think seeing the items with my own eyes, seeing what state they are in, will help me accept the fact I no longer have them. I personally feel the exercise will give me some sort of closure. It will also allow me to make a list of things I will want to replace. But for now, I'm thoroughly enjoying the clothes I do have! It has never been more apparent to me that wearing something you love, gives you that extra boost of confidence. I am definitely smiling from ear to ear. My partner said it best when I came down the stairs today. He said: "You look like yourself again!" I could not have said it better myself! It's the small things!

Skirt: Zara | Shirt: Old Navy | Belt: Old Navy | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Necklace: (old) | Shoes: Kiss & Tell

It's All in the Collar

Although I got to go through the racks of my clothing and select some stuff, it won't arrive for a couple days. Since the seasons are changing, I need warmer clothing. It will be nice to wear my own clothing again! The comfort that will bring me is beyond measure! I am very appreciative of the donated and borrowed clothing, and feel I made the most with what I had. It was not an easy thing, to swallow my pride and set aside the importance I normally put into my outfits. For the last month, I've been extremely grateful I had something to put on my back and will never take that for granted again! One thing became very clear to me, clothes does not make the person, no matter how often that is said. Clothes is merely the outer shell we put on to face the world. A person is made from within, and that is what really counts. I'm realizing how blessed I truly am and how humbling this experience is proving to be. The journey is just beginning, but I feel I will be able to get through it helped by what is inside me and not by what envelops me.


Pants: Dynamite | Belt: (donated) | Top: Reitmans (donated) | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Shoes: Payless Shoe Source

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

TBT - Showing Off my Stripes

I am definitely experiencing more nostalgia than ever when doing these throwback pictures. I don't know if this top survived, but I know it was a very unique piece. That's what made me fall in love with it! It is a high-low top in an animal print. It's a fun, expected cut in a somewhat timeless print. Surprisingly, I had found many different ways of styling it and really hope I will get to wear all of those pre-planned outfits one day. I do happen to know that the pictured necklace is unsalvageable... The pop of coral really brought a nice does of colour to the look. I kept the other elements neutral and the look came together effortlessly. I happen to remember I had a bit of a happy hour get together with old colleagues the day I wore this. It makes for a happy memory!

Top: (old) | Shorts: RW&CO | Belt: Smart Set | Necklace: Fame Accessories | Bracelet: Pandora | Earrings: RW&CO | Shoes: Shoe Company

Pastels & Denim

 

I was given this denim skirt by my mom and decided to pair it with the coral blouse and light yellow tank I was also given. I figured the entire look would come together with the addition of this heavy, pastel ribbon necklace. This is an old necklace that I had tucked away in a drawer in the bathroom. Ironically, my least worn jewelry survived the smoking and that's what I'm wearing now! I've always loved this necklace, the only downside is its weight. The thing weighs a ton! I liked that I had a couple tops in the same shades as the necklace. It allowed me to wear it and make the most of my outfit possibilities.


Blouse: Smart Set (donated) | Tank: Joe Fresh (donated) | Skirt: Armor Jeans (donated) | Belt: American Eagle | Necklace: Aldo (old) | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Flats: George (Walmart)

Morning Chills

 

 

Layering season is upon us! There was a heavy fog this morning, and I found myself reaching for a sweater. Besides, I was going into work on a day off and figured I'd wear something cozy. Skinny jeans and a sweater was a winning combination. It was a very productive day. I listened to a Disney playlist and the day just flew by! I can always count on Disney tunes to lift my spirits.


Jeans: Jordache (Walmart) | Tank: George (Walmart) | Cardigan: Champion (donated) | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Shoes: Payless Shoe Source

Formal Repeat

I wouldn't typically wear the same, or almost exact same, look to two formal events within a couple weeks from one another, but I'll make an exception! Seeing as this is my only formal dress, my only formal shoes and my only clutch, I guess that's what I'll be wearing to the wedding! After all, this dress is super cute so it's not as bad as it seems. It just goes against my dressing habits, that's all. And we all know how hard breaking a habit can be, especially when I don't have the desire to break said habit... Anyways, I'm sucking it up and wearing my cobalt lace dress, and that's that! It was absolutely wonderful attending our friends' wedding, it was just want we needed! A healthy dose of fun, laughter and lots of dancing!


Dress: Banana Republic | Earrings: Kendra Scott | Necklace: Kendra Scott | Bracelet: Pandora | Clutch: Aldo | Shoes: Banana Republic

Blue Times Two

Casual Fridays call for denim! The temperatures are finally dropping a bit in the mornings, which means it's comfortable to wear jeans again. I was wearing them in august, but not because I wanted to, it's all I had! Not the end of the world, I survived. There are worst things than having to wear jeans in 35 degree weather... Now, I'm actually wanting to wear them. Fall is just around the corner, and let's face it, I'm more than ready for a change of scenery! I'm definitely turning a new leaf, lol!


Jeans: Jordache (Walmart) | Camisole: Dynamite | Tank: Joe Fresh (donated) | Belt: American Eagle | Earrings: Payless Shoe Source | Necklace: Garage (old) | Flats: George (Walmart)