Details: H&M top, Maeve skirt (both Poshmark), Rebecca Minkoff belt (thrift), Copper Canoe Woman earrings (gift)

Thoughts: These pieces are made for each other and you can’t tell me otherwise. The judicious use of black to ground rainbow outfits never ceases to impress me. Yes, I am easily impressed by myself, haha! I added the earrings — a BFF gift from my bestie (she has a matching set) — because I wanted that pop of colour paired with black, to echo the rest of the outfit. 10/10 would do it again.

Details: Topshop dress (thrift), Zara shoes (retail)

Thoughts: I love this dress a lot, but the fabric kills me (softly?) every time. The cut is fantastic, the print is lovely … why waste all that on cheap polyester? Why, Topshop, why? I make it work, but it does bug me. I’ve worn this dress a few times already but this might be the first time I’m wearing it by itself. You can see the cut properly this way; the bodice suits my body type very well. It has a slightly retro vibe but it’s not costumey at all.

Details: Pilcro top, Thiermann skirt (both thrifted), Stella & Dot necklace, Anne Marie Chagnon ring (both Poshmark), Prairie Trail Goods jacket

Thoughts: Fully leaning into teal with this outfit, and that always makes me happy. And a counterpoint to the previous grumble: this skirt is silk, and it’s a bit of a PITA in its own way. It’s the kind of silk that loves to pick up greasy stains, and I’m not even talking about food and the usual culprits — I have to be super careful about hand cream and stuff like that. It’s all a bit too high maintenance for me. But it does feel divine to wear, I must say. Still, I’m pivoting more towards cotton and linen (and wool) these days because they are much easier to care for (especially when you’re a klutz like me).

Details: Foil top, Max&Co skirt (both thrifted), J. Crew belt & shoes (retail)

Thoughts: Another counterpoint, this time in colour theory. Magenta has become my second favourite colour, I think. Definitely top 3. It’s not even the Barbenheimer influence because I still haven’t seen either movie, lol! I just love how energetic (and energizing) magenta is, without being the least bit irritating. It’s hard to explain, but I find some bright “warm” colours like red, pink and orange to be overstimulating in a way that feels mildly unpleasant over a longer exposure. Is that weird? It’s probably weird. It’s why I tend to gravitate towards cool colours (blue, green, purple) because they don’t excite my nervous system in the same way. But magenta is an exception — I think because it’s cool-toned, with blue undertones in the pink. Aaaaaanyway … this was a cute outfit even though this top is on probation right now because the shoulder seam sits at a weird angle on me and annoys me. Why do I sound so crochety all of a sudden? *shrug*

Details: Toni T dickie, Vince top (both thrifted), Banana Republic Factory jeans (retail)

Thoughts: Guys, I think it finally happened. I think I finally found the palazzo trouser jeans that I’ve been looking for. Only, what? Nine months later? Hahahah! This was a totally random find; I happened to pop into a Banana Republic Factory store in Calgary because it was right across the street from our hotel, and stumbled onto these jeans. I swear they are a dupe of a style I tried back in December/January at the regular BR store. In fact, they’re more or less the jean version of the corduroy pants I got there. I’ve got tiny reservations about the front pleats and the rise, but the cut and length (inseam) are both perfect. I got them on major sale for less than $40, which is a decent deal. If you’re looking at these, I would check measurements; I’m usually a 27/28 and comfortably took a 26 (even though they’re not even truly high rise). Also, this is the Regular length and I can wear it with low heels and even flats, so keep that in mind if your inseam is longer than, say, 29 inches.

Details: Aerie crop top (retail), Ralph Lauren shirt, Cotton Pickers skirt, Nocona belt (all thrifted), Chie Mihara shoes (swap), Prairie Trail Goods tote, Nina Ricci necklace (from my mom)

Thoughts: I decided this outfit would be all about playing up textural and pattern contrast. Sticking to a simple colour palette allowed these other elements to be the focus. The colours are one of my fave summer combos though: blue, white and brown. The vibe was my usual prairie romantic thing, with a little dash of southwestern flair. It’s my summer style sweet spot.

The Proust questionnaire came out of a parlor game popularized (but not created) by the famous French writer, Marcel Proust. It’s been a feature in Vanity Fair, my favourite magazine, for decades – in each issue, they have a different famous person answer the questions. The idea behind the questionnaire is that the answers given reveal the person’s true nature.

I love anything resembling a personality quiz, so of course, I enjoy the Proust questionnaire – both answering it and reading others’ answers. I’ve done it before and I think it’s a fun thing to revisit every, say, 5-10 years and see how things change. The last time I wrote down my answers was in 2015; you can read them here. I did the questionnaire again this time without looking at my previous efforts. It’s fascinating to see what has changed and what hasn’t over the last 8 years. I recognize the person who wrote the old answers, but she ain’t me — you know? I can only imagine who she’ll be in another 10 years.

If this sounds like fun, you should follow along at home and write everything down. It’s like a time capsule only much less work-intensive.

1. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Sitting in my garden with a good book and a cold Diet Coke.

2. What is your greatest fear? Dying with regrets about things I wish I’d had the time or courage to do.

3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Selfishness

4. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Selfishness.

5. Which living person do you most admire? Nobody famous. I don’t believe in heroes. I admire people who are living life true to themselves and with kindness for those around them.

6. What is your greatest extravagance? Buying books.

7. What is your current state of mind? Alternating between franticness (still adjusting to a post-pandemic pace of life) and gratitude.

8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? I had to Google the seven virtues for this one, hah! Chastity, probably.

9. On what occasion do you lie? When necessary to avoid hurting someone’s feelings over something trivial.

10. What do you most dislike about your appearance? I wouldn’t say I dislike them, but I am most insecure about my teeth. North Americans’ obsession with blindingly white teeth is a disease.

11. Which living person do you most despise? Anyone who uses their power or privilege to oppress others. So, like, pick a billionaire or politician.

12. What is the quality you most like in a man? Kindness and curiosity.

13. What is the quality you most like in a woman? Kindness and curiosity.

14. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Actually, literally, like. I am a Valley Girl, apparently.

15. What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband and kids.

16. When and where were you happiest? At a macro level, right now. I’ve had lots of individual happy moments and memories in my life, but true contentment is a different beast.

17. Which talent would you most like to have? To be able to sing like Adele.

18. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To be more patient.

19. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Learning to live with a grateful and curious frame of mind. It’s the key to contentment and a step towards living meaningfully.

20. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? I hope I don’t. But if I do, something like a redwood on the Pacific Northwest coast.

21. Where would you most like to live? In principle, in a charming Georgian detached house somewhere in the English countryside. Having said that, I am not sure if actual country living – or England – is for me. I love my house and my city.

22. What is your most treasured possession? I’m a materialist who loves beautiful things. I love all my things and am deeply attached to them! But I am not sure if any single one of them has sentimental value above all the others.

23. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Being forced to live contrary to your values.

24. What is your favourite occupation? Reading.

25. What is your most marked characteristic? Over analyzing everything.

26. What do you most value in friends? Loyalty and kindness.

27. Who are your favourite writers? Jorge Luis Borges, Umberto Eco, Alain de Botton, Milan Kundera, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Anthony Trollope.

28. Who is your hero of fiction? Honestly? Probably Jane Marple. I am nosy AF — invite me to all the mysterious goings-on and let me bring my popcorn. And an older woman running (mental) circles around EVERYbody? Yes!

29. Which historical figure do you most identify with? Madame de Sevigne. Inveterate and witty letter writer who loved gossip and had a front seat to her era’s greatest show (the court of Louis XIV).

30. Who are your heroes in real life? My parents.

31. What are your favourite names? Luka and Theodora, obviously – my kids’ names. I also like Nicholas, Leo, Iris, and Alice.

32. What is it that you most dislike? Late-stage capitalism.

33. What is your greatest regret? I have no real regrets, other than wishing I’d had more time with loved ones who have died. Every choice and decision I’ve made in my life has led me to where I am today and I am content to be here.

34. How would you like to die? When I feel ready, in my sleep.

35. What is your motto? Live in discovery.

Details: Primavera dress, Elizabeth & James vest, vintage bag, Fluevog shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I know this isn’t exactly my “usual” colourful style, but it was one of my fave recent outfits. I love the simplicity of this restrained palette; there is enough detail here that makes it non-boring. Pairing this greige tweed with black looks ever so sharp, for some reason. The contrast creates a richness that belies the simplicity of the outfit.

Details: Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo shirt, Ralph Lauren jacket, Chico’s necklace, Rebecca Minkoff belt, Issey Miyake skirt, Stuart Weitzman shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: Back to my comfort zone of monochromatic southwestern-inspired fits. This skirt is absolutely perfect for it. It has a romantic fullness, but also an edge with the intricate pleating detail. It creates depth where a plainer skirt might look too “heavy”, too much of a black hole, so to speak. Pairing it with a crisp white shirt is instantly classic, and such a great “canvas” for building an outfit. Just change the jacket and accessories and you’re set.

Details: no label top, vintage vest, Cotton Pickers skirt, Echo scarf (all thrifted), Steve Madden shoes (retail)

Thoughts: Remember my obsession with Jo March’s outfits in the most recent adaptation of Little Women? Turns out, I’m still obsessed. I was experimenting with this scarf and it ended up looking a bit like an ascot, which really complemented the vibe. I decided to pull back from looking too “historic” by adding some stompy, chunky, 90s platforms. Which, in a strange way, seems fitting; weren’t we all a little bit in love with Christian Bale’s Laurie in the 90s? Full circle.

Details: Pilcro tank, Gomaye duster, Urban Outfitters pants (all thrifted), Rafael Alfandary necklace (eBay)

Thoughts: I can’t say enough good things about dusters; they’re such an easy way to elevate a simple outfit — and it doesn’t get more simple than black pants and a cream tank top — and as a bonus, you’ll feel like a superhero when you’re going down stairs and the air lifts your duster like a cape. I also can’t say enough good things about these pants. They have a regular waistband in the front, so they look dressy enough, but the back is elasticated which ensures a nice (and comfortable) fit. The material drapes nicely too. They look much fancier than they are, too. It’s always good to have a few, staple pieces like that in your arsenal.

Details: Uniqlo sweatshirt, CoH jeans, Stuart Weitzman shoes (all thrifted), Dooney & Bourke bag (Poshmark)

Thoughts: Ok, if the last outfit was pretty basic — minus the duster — this one scrapes the bottom of the basic barrel. This is one step away from sweatpants … almost literally, since I’m wearing a sweatshirt. But I zhuzhed it up a bit, because I always need to zhuzh things up. I played up the colourfulness of the top with my accessories to create a little extra contrast and visual interest. These red slip-on sneakers are always a good bet for that sort of thing; one of my most versatile pairs of shoes, for sure.