ModaMama

A Friend is a Gem

2016-01-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

There's nothing better than sitting down with someone knew over a coffee. An acquaintance that after three hours of chatting has turned into a friend. Finding someone who laughs with you, who is easy to talk to, and further someone who you can tell doesn't judge but just accepts people as they are.

Those people are a rare gift. Treasure them because talking trash is easy and there's always someone up for the job. But understanding and a sense of humor don't come along all that often. It's a precious gem someone like that, and one I plan on appreciating.

Top - gift // Cardigan - TnA // Beanie - eBay // Jeans - Gap // Boots - ThreadSence // Necklaces - Vanessa Mooney // Rings - Fair Trade Artisans

Rumi, Poo, and Threesomes

2016-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

We all take ourselves very seriously. Too seriously. Wandering about like high powered business people, or trying to be profound and making sure that every thing we write, say, or do is full of wisdom and enlightenment. Like witticisms just drip from our tongues, and quiet reveries give mindful epiphanies.

But even Rumi, the poet, knew that the key to life is to not treat oneself as sacred, to not be too serious. He wrote a whole poem about having a good poo. And another one where he gets distracted halfway through thinking about a threesome.

See? If Rumi in his wisdom knows to laugh at himself and acknowledge the absurdity and folly of humanity, should we not also take a lesson from that?

I'm sorry, I got distracted halfway through by...uh...never mind.

Long Cardigan - gift // Dress - Ruche // Boots - Call It Spring // Thigh Highs - FreePeople // Necklace - Reitmans // Sunnies UO // Bag - Lucky Brand

Fresh Start with a Fresh Year

2016-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

My energy has been so low these holidays. Not sleeping well, coupled with poorer than normal eating habits, and a touch of a cold all adds up to low energy. And that means low productivity.

What's also been hard is no school, which has meant no dedicated time during the day for work. That also hinders productivity.

But today the monkey is back to school. And today I will have my coffee, my breakfast, my weights workout, and then tackle that mounting to-do list. Fresh start and all.

Cheers to you!

Top - Anthropologie // Jeans - Gap // Necklace - FreePeople // Boots - ThreadSence

Happy New Year!!!

2016-01-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hope you all had an exciting, and safe, New Years Eve!
Wishing you a speedy recovery from last night.
Drink lots of water.
Much love!
xoxo

New Years Eve Plans

2015-12-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight's the night.
We've got our darling girl headed to Grandma and Grandpas.
And tonight, Mama and Papa are going out.
We're going to have some fun, and give Santa a reason to skip over us next year.

Have a blast where ever you are.
Y'all be safe, and see you in 2016!

You Don't Have To Go Anywhere

2015-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

"The world is full of things that are tragic or comic, heroic or bizarre or surprising, and those who fail to be interested in the spectacle that it offers are forgoing one of the privileges life has to offer."
- Bertrand Russell.

You don't have to travel far and wide to experience the beauty, horror, wonder, tragedy, and millions of other things life has to offer. It's all right here. In the eyes of lovers, and friends. Or people you thought you knew, but didn't really. If you explore someones story you will find all sorts of magic, pain, and wonder.

You don't have to go halfway across the world to feel joy, sadness, anger, or the glory of being alive. You can find that in life's journey. In the arms of someone who cares for you, or the pain as they walk away.

You don't have to go anywhere to experience life. And if you can't experience it here, I don't think you'll find it anywhere else either. Chasing the eternal elusive.

Jacket - c/o Lyst // Shirt - Zara // Jeans - Dittos via UO // Boots - DIYed // Scarf - Honey Bea Design // Necklace - Reitmans // Sunnies - UO // Ring - Fair Trade artisan.

Reflections on the Day of Birth

2015-12-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow's my birthday *Dec. 29th*, and it's always been really fascinating and fitting to me that it's right between Christmas and New Years.

Mostly because all three things - Christmas, Birthdays, and New Years - feel like annual watersheds. And somehow them being all lined up within the space of a week has always felt right.

When I was a young kid, I of course, couldn't wait to get older. Then, I was sad about getting older. But now, I think I'm realizing that it really doesn't matter all that much. Whatever I want, however I feel, it's going to happen. And to be fair none of it matters all that much anyway. In a beautiful joyful way, one person's life - or year - is barely a drop in the cosmic bucket.

It's a very freeing thought to me. It frees me of any pressure or expectations other than to be who I am fully. As Joss Whedon put it, "If nothing we do matters, then all that matters is what we do."

So I'm going to spend my birthday laughing with friends and family, and letting those memories burn themselves on my soul.

Dress - Ruche // Necklace - Thrifted // Socks - FreePeople // Boots - *I forget, they're oooooold*

Happy Holidays!!

2015-12-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday! Whether Christmas, or not, hope you get a chance to spend time with family and make great memories. Because that's always a good idea.

Christmas Wish: Next Generation

2015-12-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's almost time for Christmas. It's almost time to sit around and have laughs with family.

Yesterday, my girl and I sat down and watched Star Wars: A New Hope. I , of course, have seen in countless times. But it was her first experience. *I even live tweeted it*

We made a big bowl of popcorn, cuddled under a blanket and enjoyed Star Wars as seen for the first time through the eyes of my daughter. And proud Mama that I am, when it was over she asked, "Can we watched the next one now?"

Star Wars fan, the next generation. Parenting Win.
I've got my Christmas wish, hope you get yours.

Dress - ModCloth // Cardigan - Old Navy // Tights - Hansel from Basel // Shoes - Call It Spring // Pearl earrings - gift.

Sustainable When Possible

2015-12-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know if you know that the fashion industry is one of the worst polluters. Our cheap clothes are made in a way that damages our environment, and damages our fellow humans *low wages, and poor working conditions.* It's true. As part of that industry, I try to be mindful of buying sustainable or fair trade, or both when I can. I'm not perfect, clearly, but it is something I keep in mind and make conscious choices when I can.

It's sometimes hard. It's hard to find the styles and comfort in a sustainable brand sometimes, but it's becoming easier and easier as more awareness grows and more people make conscious fashion choices. It's also a lots easier with brands like Aventura designing clothes that you like, that are on trend, and that feel great.

Aventura began their sustainable effort in earnest in 2001. They do not claim to be 100% organic and sustainable, but they are committed to reducing the impact their clothing makes. I applaud that. We as individuals do the best that we can in our lives - but who among us can say we're 100% sustainable in our daily lives right?

It's about the effort and the initiative. And of course, as a fashion lover, about the really cute clothes. The Gemma dress that I'm wearing is soft, and really flattering for any sized woman. It has a slight a-line cut, and fun detailing on the bodice. I love that it's one of those timeless pieces, that a 15 year old girl could wear, as well as a chic 45 year old. Timeless.

Gemma Dress - c/o Aventura // Coat - TnA // Sweater - Zara // Socks - Free People // Boots - Call it Spring // Arrow Necklace & Earrings - Threadsence // Double string necklace - Reitmans

Star Wars Fashion for the Star Wars Movie

2015-12-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was probably a geek girls dream. I treated myself to a decaf Almond milk latte from the awesome coffee shop in the 'hood - SuperCoffee. Then had a blast recording several new podcasts for the D&D game I'm in. Yes, I play D&D and in this game I'm a hesitant doctor who prefers to use her sword.

And right afterwards I jumped downtown to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens with some other awesome people. What I tell ya, a nerd girl's dream.

Hope I never wake up.

Top - I forget *old* // Hat - c/o Disney Co. // Jacket & Skirt - Zara // Cardigan - UO // Socks - FreePeople // Boots - Aldo // Sunnies - F21

Frak, I'm Growing or Something

2015-12-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's quiet here. And not in a good way.

The season is busy with lots to do and lots of events. But the little monkey is sick. So the world comes to a halt. The house is filled with the sounds of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood on the tv, alternating with the sounds of as little as possible when she naps.

What's the worst is that I usually have little patience for whining and things like that. I'm a practical, tell me what hurts and let's figure it out kind of person. But of course, a sick 5 year old is nothing but whiny for the sake of being whiny. Therefore, this is an exercise in patience for me.

I am growing. Frak, am I growing.

Sweater - Jack // Top and Necklace - FreePeople // Pants - Le Chateau // Boots - ThreadSence // Purse - Cynthia Rowley *thrifted*

STAR WARS!!!!

2015-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

I don't have an outfit for you today.
I don't have any wise words for you today.
I don't have any witicisms for you today.

Because today all I can think about is that on Thursday at 11:30pm I will be seeing a new Star Wars films on the big screen.

Because right now, all I'm capable of doing is containing myself so that I only occasionally squeal "STAR WARS!!!!"

Because right now, I'm holding in all the happy dances.

Because right now I failed, and am full out happy dancing like the mega-geek I am.

May the force be with you.

*More pictures from this shoot coming at you later this week*

Annie Hall, or Menswear

2015-12-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, I love my flowy, boho, ruffles, with crochet, and fringe. We all know that far, far too well.
But sometimes even I am drawn to the clean lines of a great button up, vest, and tie.

Though a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic will never become part of my norm, as I love texture, color and pattern far too much, sometimes when my brain is busy thinking, and my heart is busy feeling, I like to calm things down with my wardrobe. Clean simple lines.

Perhaps a mental de-cluttering of the day.

Shirt - Esprit // Vest - H&M // Tie - Tie Rack // Jeans - Gap // Shoes - Naturalizer

A Casual Day...

2015-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

...calls for casual clothes. Though, as we all know I'm never all business-y anyway.
But having been blessed with come milder weather, I made sure to take full and complete advantage.

And if you haven't yet noticed, here and on Instagram, it seems all my casual days lately involve my Star Wars shoes.

On set this past weekend, I had several of the crew *jokingly* threatening to steal my shoes out from under me. We geeks will go do what needs to be done.

Top - Arnhem // Tee - Society 6 // Jeans - Dittos via UO // Hat - ThreadSence // Shoes - Converse // Purse - Lucky Brand // Necklace - F21 // Sunnies - UO // Rings - F21 & Fair Trade Artisans

Oshawa Center Holiday Giveaway!

2015-12-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

The holidays are here. And I have to say, that even though I love giving gifts, I'm not usually one who enjoys shopping. I know, that's shocking to say as a fashion blogger. But I love fashion, not shopping. I much prefer online shopping with a cup of tea in my hand.

It seems that the folks at the Oshawa Center completely understand this sentiment. They've gone out of their way to make it as easy and pleasurable as possible. There's a Holiday Nook that serves hot chocolate on the weekend, and provides a cozy place to rest and recoup during your visit. And there's the beautiful polar bear light village. It's so pretty and shiny - great for kids. And the clincher? Complimentary valet parking on the weekends! How great is that? You don't have to deal with trying to find a parking spot. I personally love that because dealing with the parking lot is one of my least favorite things about shopping.

So, armed with my list and a cup of tea *not a fan of sweets as you know* I spent a few hours walking around and trying to tick off as many people as possible from my Christmas list. I think I did pretty well. Taking advantage of a few Black Friday deals still in place, I managed to pretty much take care of my list. And I can tell you it feels great to have things done right at the start of December.

How about yourself? Would you like to enjoy the complimentary valet parking, hot chocolate, and beautiful display too? Oh I forgot to mention, I'm throwing in a $100 gift card too.

Thought you'd like that. Just enter using the widget below. Good Luck! Contest closes Dec. 11, 2015.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This post has been brought to you in collaboration with the Oshawa Centre. All opinions my own. thanks for checking out the folks who support ModaMama*

Sartorial Rabbit Hole of Joy, or Lyst

2015-11-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

I've recently been going down the best rabbit hole ever. And I do mean that. I've been spending time on Lyst. It's seriously like a fashionista's online Mecca. You create an account and answer a whole bunch of questions about which designers you like and don't like, then your own private boutique is curated for you. Basically, Lyst scours a whole ton of online shops and puts them all in one place. Imagine, instead of tons and tons of boutiques spread across they're all in one place - like a mall - but so much more awesome because no one steps on your toes.

Of course you can totally shop everything else, but it just selects the designers you like for an appetizer, shall we say. And oh dear, is this dangerous. The first time I think I spent like three hours browsing everything. It is addictive.

Because then you can Lyst things - meaning create a wants/love wishlist of your own, and if those items go on sale you get a notification. For a girl who only shops sales, like myself, it's perfect.

But what I'm really enjoying above and beyond all this, are the e-newsletters I receive. There's always fun articles and ideas and interesting education pieces about social media or fashion. I often find myself intrigued by the articles they have, and spend just as much time reading on the site, as I do shopping. I love that it's so much more than a shop, you know?

Anyway, I said I spent a lot of time on the site, and man was I loving so many things. I'm actually going back there to make my Christmas/Birthday wishlist to spend my present money on later in December. But first, I've been dreaming of a jacket like this one forever - and of course I could easily search their site and find this absolutely perfect one. Can we just stop for a moment and squeal 'FRIIIIIINGE' at the top of our lungs? Please? Thank you.

There was this moment when I opened the package, it's like I met my sartorial soulmate. We just get each other, you know? The jacket, she understands me and sings soothing lullabies to me *okay, I'm not actually hallucinating my jacket singing to me - it's a hyperbole for dramatic effect*

And this dress, okay we're not soulmates, 'cause right now I'm smitten with the jacket, but we're very much in love. I loved that Lyst has things in every single budget - from haute couture, to hot but much more affordable. I found this dress by just quickly narrowing the search parameters in terms of price and size *but when I say quickly, I mean not so much - they have a lot of great pieces and I found like thirty things I would love to have*

I have to say, Lyst is pretty freakin' cool. I can definitely get behind all their fun articles....and of course the pretty pretty things.

ASOS Jacket & Spell Dress - c/o Lyst // Hat - Threadsence // Boots - Aldo // Socks - Free People // Necklace - Gypsy Love Store // Rings - F21 and Etsy

*This post has been brought to you in collaboration with Lyst.

Thanks for checking out the fabulous folks who support ModaMama*
*linking up with Not Dressed*

Other Days

2015-11-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Some days I like to chat with people and share, and have boundless laughs and energy.

Other days, I want to drink whiskey, kiss, dance, and say very little.

I want to observe and hear you.

Both are necessary.

Skirt - ThreadSence // Shirt - H&M // Tank - F21 // Boots - ShopSosie // Socks - FreePeople // Feather Necklace - F21 // Long necklace - TopShop // Rings - F21 & heirlooms.

Truly The Best Gift

2015-11-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

An evening spent with two friends.
Both of whom respect me, accept me, and love me.
With dancing. And Wine.
Truly that is the best thing I could ask for...

...okay, maybe Star Wars.

Romper - Arnhem // Cardigan - c/o Wallis // Boots - Browns // Socks - Free People

Mixes

2015-11-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

It was a friend's birthday party. A party where you're supposed to bring an appetizer to share with everyone. She messaged me the week before and asked if instead of bringing an appetizer, I would make her birthday playlist. She had been to the dance parties I hosted with my curated list, and she asked if I would create an upbeat list with some of her favorite indie rock mixed in.

You know when you really enjoy doing something, and spend lots of time thinking about it and getting it right, and then some people start to say that you do a good job at that thing? Yeah, this was an instance of that. And it felt great! I was so pleased to create the soundtrack to her evening. And so pleased that people enjoy both that and the dance mixes I make. Warms my heart to be appreciated.

Much love.

Dress & Necklace - ThreadSence // Hat - I forget // Boots - ShopSosie

Without A Care...

2015-11-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

....I dance.

Without a thought to my troubles.
Without considering your looks, or questioning whether you judge me.
Without inhibition, or fear.

With wonder. With pleasure.
With eyes closed, and lips parted.
With freedom, and pure sensation.
With happiness....I dance.

Romper - Ecote from UO // Cardigan - FreePeople // Earrings - ThreadSence // Boots - Browns

Individuality

2015-11-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

"Individuality is not an end in itself; it is something that must enter into fructifying contact with the world, and in so doing must lose its separateness. An individuality which is kept in a glass case withers, whereas one that is freely expended in human contacts becomes enriched." - Bertrand Russell

Too often I hear people claim to be individuals. They claim it as a reason to remain distanced and separate from others. Like it's something to be proud of. Like the interactions with others will somehow lessen their individuality. But we're social creatures. We're designed to be with others - to lesser and greater extents as personality dictates.

And I ask, what sort of individuality is it that can not withstand a conversation, or a relationship? It is not individuality, but a fear I say. For the greatest test, I think, is to be in relationship with others, to share laughs, to hear their thoughts, to take pleasure in their pleasure, to ease their burdens, to be outside your self without losing yourself.

Dress - ThreadSence // Hat - I forget // Boots - ShopSosie // Cardigan - Ruche // Rings - F21, artisan fair, and heirlooms.

*linking up with WIW and Not Dressed*

Splendor in the Leaves

2015-11-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Don't worry, I haven't been to an asylum or lost the love of my life *Splendor in the Grass reference not withstanding*

I was just thinking about some of the themes, mostly the appreciation of what was, and embracing of what is. Though the two characters embraced their reality sadly at the end of the film, I think there's a way to positively embrace things as they are.

Not in a happy-go-lucky deluded positive way. But in an acceptance of what was, and a realization of the beauty that is. I'm not the same person that I was ten years ago - hell I'm not even the same person I was a few months ago. And nor are my relationships. They change. Should I ache for what once was? I think not. Should I embrace and love those in my life now? Yes.

Dress - Raga // Cardigan - UO // Boots - DIYed myself // Necklace - Vanessa Mooney // Sunnies - F21

Hey Sports Fans? A Parody

2015-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

So a girlfriend told me about this woman that does parodies of sports shirts. They parody the team logo and name. I, of course, bought the one for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Not that I dislike sports, I enjoy them. But I'm not a huge fan of any particular sport - though I'll happily watch a game over beer with friends. Mostly 'cause I'm not a team sport kind of person - running, and martial arts are more solo than team. And given the option, I'd much rather play and learn a new sport than watch it.

Anyway, all that is to say - "Go, Torrano Beisbol Birds!"

Skirt - Spell Designs // Top - Society 6 // Necklace - GypsyLoveStore // Boots - DIYed myself // Sunnies - UO // Rings - F21

Exposure - Or Paying Artists, One Fashion Bloggers Rant

2015-11-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

Let's be honest. Many of you who are online a lot have probably heard of Essena O'Neill and how she quit her instagram modelling account and came clean about the back deals with companies to promote brands. There's a whole lot of controversy over whether it's real or a hoax, as well as general other thoughts about the validity of instagram/social media accounts.

I just wanted to weigh in on one of the major issues: the idea that creatives - models, photographers, bloggers, actors, etc. etc. - should work for free or for exposure is ridiculous. It's frankly insulting. You wouldn't ask your hair dresser to cut your hair 'for exposure.'

I get asked all the time by small start ups, big businesses, and everything in between to create a blog post for them that "they will promote on their social media platforms;" so, 'for exposure.' I always turn them down. For several reasons.

1. It's unfair to the other brands and advertisers I work with to give them a different deal.

2. I am an artist with a family, and therefore I not only have bills, but also when given the choice of working for free to promote your company, or playing with my daughter....guess which one I'm going to choose?

The biggest argument I get is that they are a small company with a tiny advertising budget so there's no money being offered for the post. My thought is always, "Wow! 'Cause I'm a huge blog with tons of income and endless resources right?!?" *that was sarcasm by the way - ModaMama is a small blog in comparison to everything out there with a fantastically loyal readership - thank you by the way! I'd like to think that has something to do with my wit and honesty, but who knows*

3. Lastly, yes I do want to make money of my blog when possible. But guess what? I like to consider myself an honest person, and when I promote a service/brand I want it to be one that I genuinely use and enjoy. So yeah, I have affiliate links to stores that I shop at myself and that I love, so promoting them and monetizing that connection is not an issue for me. If I love a brand, why wouldn't I want to work with them? *p.s. I'm honest with you guys about it with making disclosures and writing c/o*

So yeah, I love writing my blog. And I love sharing my thoughts, and I do that for myself for free. But given the choice of writing a feature on some company/product I don't know 'for exposure', and writing whatever the hell I want to...I'm gonna go with writing whatever the hell I want to...'cause you know, hundreds of people die of exposure every year.

Dress - Ruche // Cardigan - ThreadSence // Hat & Socks - FreePeople // Sunnies - F21 // Necklace - TopShop // Boots - Aldo // Rings - heirlooms and misc.