Can we find something odd even when we know it’s coming, we know it’s going to happen, we try to comfort others when they are going through change, but when it happens directly to ourselves – or perhaps me specifically - we’re like, “Hold on just a minute, cowgirl.”?

Fashion friends: do you fear being judged for what you wear? “Who doesn’t?” you may think. I’m here to tell you: I don’t. More accurately, I make a conscious effort to care less and less about external feedback. And can I share how emotionally liberating that is?

It’s that time again. As Moira Rose would eagerly retort to the question of what her favourite season is, “Awards” is the singular reply. I just love the return of awarding the elite in an industry that treats people like auction-worthy objects in outfits they didn’t have to pay for all while winning trophies for playing pretend. The sweet, sweet smell of synthetic realism.

Be it social conditioning or simple repetition, in the new year I can get lost in thoughts of what’s new, what’s over, and what will stay the same. I try not to fall into the full-on sure to set oneself up for failure, “New year, new me,” mantra, but I’m likely splitting hairs. All that to say, come the new year I pose the following question to myself: what is new in the world of fashion in 2023? 

It’s that time of year again. Shop, shop, shopping. With the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations humming alongside the best sales of the year, it’s easy to get white hot this Black Friday week(s). Like hidden underneath the Christmas tree flat as a ginger cookie caught up.

As I finish packing for a long-time-coming trip to Italy with family, I am busy with finessing my bags, double checking my various lists, and contemplating adding another layer to my flying outfit: shall I add another jacket on top, si or no, mi amore?

I, like every other thirsty adult, am hooked on watching Love Island. What is not to love? A new batch of fumbling barely adults bumbling their way through finding love on international streaming television. There’s one million episode a week, perfect for the dog days of summer.

It’s been a minute since I have posted. I’ve been racking my brain trying to articulate exactly why that is. Sure work gets hectic and you always have the demands of home life and loved ones. Usually sharing my thoughts is a priority. It’s not hard to see that even that truth is shifting.

Okay. A reminder that first and foremost, fashion is a buffet. You don’t have to like everything let alone eat everything or pay. And second, American fashion is inherently tacky. As is America. This year’s theme explores this notion at its most formal event: the Metropolitan Museum of Art Fashion Exhibit Annual Fundraising Gala where the 2022 theme was: Gilded Glamour.

I’m stoked to be chatting with the gals at Wine, Women, and Well-Being YYC this Thursday March 24 at The Brownstone. It will be my first, in-person speaking gig since January 2020. Wow. That really hits.

Being a Pisces, I get all sorts of reflective come this fishy-featured season. All sorts of signs of renewals or important days cluster together for me: my birthday, the day I married my partner, forthcoming family get togethers, spring is nearly here but not quite yet, fashion weeks, and International Women’s Day celebrations. All that to say I’ve been sensing a shift.

Calgary is a casual city in a lot of aspects. Come to think of it, basically all aspects. I am struggling to find an example of something that is buttoned up or formal. I dare you to bring up a not casual example. If you can think one up I’ll buy you a distanced take-out coffee.