When it comes to romantic relationships I’m at a bit of a loss. Since I was a young kid I questioned a lot of the traditions and norms set before me. Especially when it came to heterosexual romance. Sophisticated queries like, “But, like, why?” tumbled from my mouth at an annoying pace. This is the reality of someone who doesn’t get it.

Fashion friends, I’ve done the impossible. After thirty-one long mornings, days, and nights, I can proudly – and gushing with sweet relief – say that I have completed my no-spend January. Cue the extensive, raucous applause.

The past few weeks one thing I can’t seem to shake off is the idea of taste. Good taste, bad taste, the taste in my mouth. I think about the people who are deemed tastemakers and things that are perceived as distasteful. I ask myself questions like, “Who decides the taste? Who and why does one challenge set taste?” And perhaps the most paralyzing and completely self centred thought, “Do I have “good” taste?”

It’s confession time. It’s not so much a secret as more of an oddity. My stomach is a bit in knots because I feel a bit like a traitor. See, these days, I’ve been rocking underwear that I didn’t get at a ladies store. Nah. I’m wearing the tight white variety that I purchased in the men’s section.

Fashion friends, as you all know, I am in the midst of a “no spend January.” I’m at the halfway mark and appear to be keeping it together. At least that’s what I’m telling my partner. See I’ve still been lusting over wish list items; it’s just that - and here's the twist - I haven’t been buying them.

Oh what a night. Fuelled by the recent launch of the Times Ups initiative - which promises to give a voice and resources to those affected by workplace sexual harassment - Sunday night’s Golden Globes marked a new beginning. A new beginning that was overwhelming dressed in black.

Today marks a new adventure for me. Something I haven’t done for a very long time. This January I will be doing something wild. Here it is: I am already underway on a no-spend January. Yup, this professional shopper is taking pause on shopping.

As I prepare to close out 2017 I can’t help but reflect back on what went well and what was total, mind-boggling nasty shit. Ugh, right? I choose not to spend time regurgitating the awful bits. Nope, I will not. What reflecting privately does do is reminds me what I endeavour to be as a person and the services I provide through my business. AKA: trying to take the positive outlook.

We made it to another holiday season fashion friends. You may have a few things left to cross off your list in the next few days but soon enough, you likely be surrounded by loved ones. ‘Tis the season.

Every year, as part of my holiday preparation I am faced with the daunting task of packing everything ready for travel. It can be quite the challenge to get all the gifts, snow gear, and clothes home for family time. The added complexity being that we usually fly. Now I’m rarely scared of a logistical challenge, rather I tend to thrive. So humble of me, right?

Upfront, I am not pregnant nor have I ever been. This is an attempt at more of a commentary on those near to me. In other words what I have observed over my (short) lifetime from pregnant couples. Should I ever be a parent I’ll have to revisit this and laugh at my naivety.

How’d Black Friday and Cyber Monday go for you? Get a tonne of stuff? Oooooooo, I bet you did. Now that you’re loose and warmed up for the holiday gift-giving spree, may I provide a suggestion? For those left on your nice – or naughty – list, why not get a gift that actually gives?