Fall is Coming and I'm Not Okay About It
Have you ever been at a party or watching a show or reading a book and right in the middle of it, panic washes over you as the looming, inevitable fact that the end is drawing near? That’s my current mood dreading the forthcoming fall and then, I am loathe to say, winter.
Credits: Photo - Natalie Cote, Styling - Sarah G. Schmidt
Have you ever been at a party or watching a show or reading a book and right in the middle of it, panic washes over you as the looming, inevitable fact that the end is drawing near? That’s my current mood dreading the forthcoming fall and then, I am loathe to say, winter.
Rationally I know two things: first, summer is still well on - in a current heat wave to be exact - and second, the fall was always going to come at some point. While I jump with both feet in whilst summer dressing - all options are at your disposable especially if you run cold like me - I already am feeling warmer weather clothing FOMO. The idea of layers and spicy warm coffees repulse me currently.
This is a new feeling.
Part of me thinks that maybe this is just because I’m so into summer clothing right now. The other parts at me barks like a guard dog on duty that I’m in danger, girl.
There’s no need to beat around the bush; I know what this is really about. It’s silly and comes from a place of privilege. I’m dreading cooler weather because that means I have to go back indoors. Physical distance yard visits and outside all weekend camping trips with immediate family will not be a thing. Popping over to a friends and chatting with them safely from the sidewalk will likely be too cold. Basically, I know that we’ll have to go inside and stay inside this winter and it’s not super exciting.
Of course I will do right by my community and follow any guidelines that medical experts advise.
Of course I’m grateful for a home to cosy back into.
Of course I can hear my privilege oozing out of the audacious act of verbalizing my reluctance. I know I have more life options than many.
Of course there are things around the house to do to keep me busy. I can adult.
But I’d be lying if I didn’t share I am going to be a little sad to return to an indoor version of physical distancing.
I’ve started to have conversations with loved ones about getting weatherproof gear so we can comfortably visit in yards covered in snow this winter. I’m keen to gear up: get on my snow boots and winter pants so I can keep the visits doable. Suffice to say some are more gentle than others when replying, “Yeah, maybe?”
I’m sure the fashion industry will have spikes in sales for winter gear - along with the cosy sweats and comfortable clothes the early spring brands enjoyed - and winter activities. But it’s one thing to convince someone like me to self tent outside in the summer when the overnight low is 20 degrees. I can do that. It’s safer than say a hotel. But come winter - usually stark and harsh - there’s little chance I’m tenting in the snow. Yard visits yes, all out extreme camping, ah nope. I’m ding-dang sure my winter activities will not include overnight anything’s. Home is where I’ll be.
I realize how early I am muttering on about the distant reality, but it has been seeping into my thoughts more and more everyday.
New theory: I think August is the month for me that has the bittersweet mix of trying to enjoy the dog days of summer while also trying to avoid the dire reality of the changing weather of September and after. Circling back to my post’s opening, I simply don’t want it to end.
But it will.
New ways to enjoy things will be found.
And I’ll be fine.
But for now, sunscreen, car road trips, and ridiculous, extra AF cotton dresses over swim suits it is.
Summer Sales Are Worth Stocking Up For
As much as it hurts me to admit it, summer is half over. Cue wailing ugly cry. Before we know it the chilly nights will creep in and the leaves will do that nasty drop off of their golden trees. Let’s keep it real though: we’ve still got plenty of time left to enjoy the sun.
As much as it hurts me to admit it, summer is half over. Cue wailing ugly cry. Before we know it the chilly nights will creep in and the leaves will do that nasty drop off of their golden trees. Let’s keep it real though: we’ve still got plenty of time left to enjoy the sun.
If you are at a loss of how to seize it, take an audit of your summer wardrobe and be honest: is that white sundress looking a little rough? Has she, the dress, had too many nights out of the town and not enough laundry time? Sometimes they just look a little dank and are too far gone.
How about that tank top, fellas? Is the washed out look the suns fault or just too many wears? If you have the budget and you have some time, head out for Christmas (from yourself to yourself) shopping in July.
Here’s the inside scoop, if, and only if you want to, you buy summer clothing now, you won’t find cheaper prices. It’s the same with January winter stock sales. All you favourite stores are going absolutely gangbusters with the prices. They are rock bottom, fashion friends.
Also, times are pretty tough right now. It's a bit of a sh*tstorm and we've got a ways to go. I know it's not the best way to deal with it all, but sometimes a little escapist retail therapy is something.
Now just may be the ideal time to update a few pieces that you know you’ll want to wear now and again next year. I take advantage and buy my swimsuits, dresses, and fresh whites now. I feel good knowing that I’ll wear them a bit over the next little while, then visit them again next year. It’s kind of a sneak-a-peek style present. Good now, and most excellent later. If I’m lucky, this fall and winter I can drudge my new duds out for a hot vacation. If not, it’s not a big deal, they’ll still be there waiting for me come next May.
It’s not just summer stock that you can find on sale. Right now you’ll find sweet deals on cashmere for layering, the last of the winter coats from last season, or that pair of shoes you’ve been lusting over. If you’re going to get it, get it now.
While my relationship with shopping is ever evolving, I do not see it as a sin. I’ve become more savvy but that initial joy of fashion and how it can impact my personal style remains. Now I make a list, make a budget, and head to my favourite stores. If I pass on a dinner out or a night on a patio downtown, I can use that cheddar to buy me something delicious, like a lightweight sweatah (dress).
I like a little mall action, discount department store action, and I got to have a little second hand love in there too. Recently I have been making more of an effort to buy from local places too. They also have deals worth writing home about and you get that bonus feel good feels knowing that you supported the local economy and the actual families of those who work there. Have your cake and let others eat too.
My recent purchases include a sunglasses chain for all those lake days I have coming up. I also got a couple mis-matched swimsuit separates for the lake and the warm vacation in the works this fall. You never know when you’ll get invited to the mountains and find a hot tub calling your name. Why not feel fresh to death in as many situations as you can think of? I am still after a forest green slip dress for a wedding guest outfit this fall so that’s on the style radar as well.
If you’re staying home one of these rainy days, take a look at what you have and consider a purge and revival. Be sure, of course, to recycle the clothing via consignment, donation, swap with a friend, or even cutting them into household rags.
But be quick. Most of the final sales warp up after the Long Weekend and before you know it, wool and thick knits will take over.
Need some help shopping? Purging? Organizing? Childcare (Nope. Kidding. I draw the line there)? Call me.
This Summer: Try Styling More and Shopping Less
Recently I was gob smacked by something a friend told me. When another friend complemented her skirt she said thank you. She quickly – almost in the same breath - followed that with, ”I plan to wear it to every wedding this summer. Don’t tell.”
Recently I was gob smacked by something a friend told me. When another friend complemented her skirt she said thank you. She quickly – almost in the same breath - followed that with, ”I plan to wear it to every wedding this summer. Don’t tell.”
I wasn’t gob smacked that she was going to wear it on repeat; I was taken aback by her apparent apology for her savvy. She looked over to me and said, “I know you’d want me to wear it over and over and not shop new every time, it’s just different than what I’m used to.”
I don’t think she’s alone in that feeling. Many people feel pressured to wear a new outfit for each event. It’s also not lost on me that as a professional shopper, it seems counter intuitive that I am the one encouraging my clients and loved ones to rework what they already have. Shopping is fantastic – it’s my favourite workout - but it’s not the first go-to for me. I say work with what you have and only shop after you’ve identified a real gap in your wardrobe.
Especially now that we’re soaking up the sun in wedding season I suspect many people feel pressured to get a new outfit for each separate event. That seems silly – and outrageously expensive - to me. I love a good value and I want every client and friend to get that cost per wear working hard AF for them. I much prefer my friend’s approach of wearing the same piece on high rotation.
Naturally, I would encourage her – and everyone interested in fashion, really - to flex her styling muscles a bit and try wearing that piece with different things in different combinations rather than the same outfit again and again. While a totally functional approach, that can get tired, quick. If you mix it up a bit, the article will feel fresher for longer. But I continue to get reminded that coming up with new styling can be a bit tricky.
Fashion friends, please know that I want to be a person that motivates and encourages your personal style expression. I don’t endeavour to be another harsh critic, though I understand that critiquing style can come out that way a lot. Real talk: know that I only want the best for you. That’s why I push. Please know, too, that I know that fashion can be exhausting for most people. Knowing that, I’ve got some ideas for you using stuff you likely already have (or can borrow).
Oversize White Dress Shirt
Little Black Dress
Midi Pleated Skirt
Slip Dress
Square Silk Scarves
Are you having fun yet? Please, please, pretty please, tag me on your looks this summer. There’s nothing more delicious than seeing you living your YOLO-dressed life – and having some fun along the way.
Gallery Photos - Kaycee Foy
21 Last Days of Summer "It" List
August has felt like a “last chance” month for me for many years and 2015 is no different. With just over three weeks left of summer before Labour Day ruins our sunny fun, it’s now or never. I work best with a deadline that empowers me to make the most of the self-imposed pressure. Get after it. Why not tackle a list of summer sartorial to do’s that will balance frivolity with a sense of accomplishment?
August has felt like a “last chance” month for me for many years and 2015 is no different. With just over three weeks left of summer before Labour Day ruins our sunny fun, it’s now or never.
I work best with a deadline that empowers me to make the most of the self-imposed pressure. Get after it. Why not tackle a list of summer sartorial to do’s that will balance frivolity with a sense of accomplishment? I’m calling this the 21 Last Days of Summer "It" List.
- Clean out your closet – I suggest you do this Saturday AM when you’re either A) back from a workout and want to put those feel good endorphins to use or B) are hungover from last night’s sangria’s and need to feel like you got something done. Remove at least three items. Need help? I’m here.
- Wear a crop top - No matter gender, shape, colour or age, sport the crop. Let your midsection feel the summer breeze.
- Wear a swimsuit as a regular piece of clothing - Board shorts and a button down, why not? Onesie bathing suit under a full skirt? Just go for it. I dare you to try not to smile.
- Go swimming with your clothes on - Whether you’re dipping into the river or jumping into a lake, there’s something about not giving a damn and just getting in. The clothes will dry.
- Shop at a local market - There are fantastic local and second hand gems just a market away. Jackets, art, jewellery are all there for a bargain. If nothing catches your fancy, buy some fresh baked or grown goods and chow down.
- Snag last of the season sales at the mall - Go ahead and buy those shoes you’ve been lusting after all season to go on sale. Now that they are discounted, buy ‘em. Wear them into the fall with socks and wham bam - new look.
- Wear loud makeup - Slap on some extra thick eyeliner or a lip colour you’re hesitant to try. Loud and proud. It’s just one day.
- Don’t wear any make at all (and go out) - Harder than it sounds, hey? Be brave and show your community your au natural self. Again, it’s just one day.
- Mend an article of clothing - Pull out your sewing kit (or stapler) and try to fix that hole in a shirt or a pants hem that let out. It’s better to try than to just let it sit there unworn. If all else fails, take it to a tailor.
- Wear a piece of clothing from another gender - Wear men’s jeans. Wear a feminine scarf. Who cares? If outwear is too visible for you, there’s always underwear where no passer-by will know what under your clothes. Except you, of course. *Wink
- Get a temporary tattoo - Try henna if you get the chance or a street vendor downtown. If that’s too conspicuous, pop $0.50 into a movie theatre vending machine. Where you choose to place it on your body is up to you.
- Donate gently used clothes - Remember that closet you cleaned out? Time to give your unwanted items a new life. If you are unsure where to donate, call me.
- Try a DIY style project - Want to distress jeans? How about cut the sleeves T shirt to expose those guns? Even slapping fabric paint on a zip up hoodie may provide fun personalized customization to even the simplest garments.
- Don’t brush your hair before you head out of the house - Channel your inner Einstein and just walk out the door the way you woke up. You can chant, “I woke up like this” and be telling the truth.
- Go for a makeover - Want to try a new look but want to skip the effort of doing it yourself? Book time at a makeup counter.
- Get dressed up to the nines and go somewhere that’s a two - Get gussied ups in formal wear and go somewhere mundane like a drug store or grocery store. If people ask, which they won’t, lie and say you’re headed to a wedding.
- Stay in your pyjamas all day - I wear a full flannel set every night. To pull this off I’ll just channel my inner Rihanna. If you’re a nude sleeper family breakfast may get a bit strange. Channel you other inner Rihanna (NSFW).
- Buy someone dear a gift just because - Think about someone special and go get him/her/they a small gift that shows you care. It needn’t be fancy, just thoughtful.
- Try out a new fragrance - The counters at the department stores would love you to keep them company and are willing to send you home with some free samples.
- Dance with no shoes on - Kick off your shoes at the next backyard BBQ and just dance. Watch your step if there are dogs.
- Wear your sunglasses inside - Why take them off when you look so cool? Wearing your glasses inside will tell others how bright your future is.
Enjoy the last of summer with style exploration. It doesn’t have to be all these to-do’s. Maybe try a few and just have fun. Who knows, maybe one of these small challenges will inspire some new personal style tricks that last longer than those soon to fall eaves on a tree?