Pre-Raphaelite Nap Dress

I’ve heard the term Nap Dress bandied about the internet over the last year, and I have a mental image of what that refers to (which may or may not be accurate). Basically, it’s a long potato sack. Am I correct? Regardless, let’s talk about this dress. I’m obsessed with it. It was an impulse buy on Poshmark — is there any other kind of Poshmark purchase? — but je ne regrette rien, friends. It is amazing. It has a vibe that makes me feel like a Pre-Raphaelite model when I’m wearing it, but it’s also an aforementioned Nap Dress, aka the most comfortable thing on earth. I “styled” it (lol!) with pieces inspired by the runway photo posted on Poshmark — a chunky cardigan and big jewelry. In this case, two Lena Bernard necklaces layered together. This was one of my fave outfits of the year.

Winter, Baby

I hate winter. Look, you are going to hear that from me for approximately the next 5 months, better get used to it. I hate winter and I miss fall when wearing cute outfits outside was still possible. This is the best I can do, for now. It will get worse in another month or so.

Winter Baby, Part Deux

OK, I lied. Here’s another cute outfit. This is only possible because the temps are still hovering nearish zero (they’re below, but close enough) and I have become a layering master. You can’t even tell how many layers I’m wearing here, but trust me … it’s a lot.

Cute Coats For All

As you can see, this was a pre-snow outfit. I’m still obsessed with this coat. The skirt is also great. It’s a MarkAntoine x Simons collab. The former is a Montreal designer. I really dig the geode-like print and, of course, the colours scheme. Very Adina 2021.

Peacock Power

Here, I am revisiting a January 2019 (yes, I checked) outfit except that it’s been tweaked. Or “elevated”, if you will. The blazer has been upgraded (from Zara to Frame, which I recently discovered is a $$$ type of brand). As much as I don’t wear blazers that often anymore, I am willing to make an exception for this one. One, because it’s pretty comfortable. Two, because I am in love with the dark green velvet. The skirt has also been upgraded, or rather, upsized. I thrifted it in a size 4 years ago, and because it’s H&M, it was always snug. It would be even more snug now because I’m extra fluffy these days. Luckily, I snagged a size 10 on Poshmark earlier this year, and I’m loving the extra room in the hips and the extra length.

Summer, Revisited

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that I have to put away my favourite dress. Just layer a cashmere turtleneck on top, add a wide belt and “tuck” the sweater into it. Voila, outfit ready.

Hot (Pink) All Over

The dress above reminded me of this ridiculously over-the-top cardigan, and I had to wear it again. And, of course, double down on the colourfulness of it all by adding hot pink pants and a pink tee. I loved it and since no one else got to see this (except my family), that’s all that matters.

Getting Into The Christmas Spirit

This is what I wore to the Xmas craft fair (except with boots). Yes, it’s the same velvet blazer as above, plus a plaid maxi dress — it seemed like an appropriately festive combination. You can’t see it very well, but I also wore a very bright and colourful necklace which reminded me of Christmas lights.

Last week, I mentioned how important it is to support local and independent artists and makers (especially BIPOC ones), if you can. So, this week, I thought I would share some of my favourites (some local to me, some not) for anyone who might be interested. Please remember that these folks do not have Amazon-style resources behind them, so things like inventory and shipping may not be quite as on-demand as we’re all used to these days. Below, I will indicate the location of each artist and, if I know, whether they are able to ship within Canada and/or the US. I encourage you to check out their Instagram pages for more information if you are interested in their work.

Liezl is an Edmonton father-daughter duo who make incredible concrete art (like the example above) as well as wool needle-felting art. I have a few Liezl pieces myself, including a matchstick holder set (well, 3 of them to be precise) which is called the Adina set. So, yes, I am biased. But their stuff is legit amazing. I am also getting a couple of the plates in the style shown above; one for me, one as a gift for a friend.

Warren Steven Scott is a Toronto-based artist (ships to Canada and the US) who I have been admiring for a few years now. I have 3 pairs of his earrings, and I have plans to add more from his new collection Cedar in Sec-he Sky. His pieces are statement-makers, and I always get so many compliments when I wear them.

Huong is a dear friend and talented artist who paints using watercolour and acrylics. I have a few of her botanical watercolours (she makes cards as well as larger paintings) and plan to gift some for Christmas this year as well. She also paints custom pet portraits, landscapes, and more.

I have been coveting NYC-based Hola Luna’s pieces for a while now, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Their earrings in particular are stunning. They also have a website (shoplaluna.com) where you can see more.

Oscilatey makes incredible coats using vintage quilts which, some day, I will get to try for myself. She is based out of the US and has an Etsy shop as well (same name).

Speaking of upcycling, Prairie Trail Goods is an Edmonton-based artist who uses vintage granny squares and other thrifted materials to make coats, sweaters, totes and more. I am keeping a close eye on her page, as I am hoping to snag one soon.

My best friend, who is an earring aficionada, turned me on to Indi City and I am hooked. I recently purchased their Eagle Feather earrings, and have a few more in my cart that I’m dying to get. I just need an excuse … hmmm, maybe Christmas is perfect for that. They are Calgary-based, but I believe they ship both domestically and internationally.

Ross and Karen and friends of my husband and I, who also happen to be incredible glass blowers (among other talents). We are both obsessed with their pieces, and have a small collection started. I am planning to add to it this Christmas season, plus give a few as gifts. Their vases are like jewels — so bright and colourful and painterly. If you’re in Canada, you can definitely snag one, as they do ship domestically.

Samantha Chapelsky is an Edmonton-based artists who paints both abstract and landscape pieces. My best friend gave me one of her paintings as a birthday gift a few years ago, and I love it. Some day, I would love to add to it and make it a collection.

Last but not least Seven Prairie is an Edmonton-based jewelry artist. I have the exact pair of earrings pictured above, and it’s one of my favourites. It is even more stunning in real life. She usually has very limited inventory, but does make some pieces as custom orders. I believe she does ship domestically.

Hope you find some inspiration from these artists, and please feel free to share your favourites in the comments.

Chalet Chic

I almost forgot about this vintage Gap sweater, which is a shame because it’s so good. I got it for my son (I think it’s a kid’s size, it’s marked XL but is very small) last year, and instantly nabbed it for myself. Don’t worry; he wasn’t devastated or anything. But I do need to give it justice and wear it more often. I love how well it pairs with this Zara skirt; the pattern mix and the colours are excellent together. I already miss our early November weather, before the snow hit (because of course it did). It’s such a good time of year, sartorially speaking. You can wear sweaters (I love sweaters ) AND skirts (I love skirts) AND cute non-parka coats (I love those too) which is definitely a very nice trifecta.

Warm and Cool

I’m talking about the colour palette here, not the weather. Historically, I have always favoured cool colours over warm ones. I think it’s because I have a “warm” (i.e. pink and ginger) complexion, and I always feel like cool colours suit me better. But! I have been re-discovering warm colours lately, and enjoying them a lot, especially paired with one contrasting shade from the opposite side of the spectrum. Here, the blue YSL bag (my old favourite!) provides that contrast. I stuck with muted tones in both sides of the spectrum, so they would look cohesive, and I am very pleased with the result.

Geometric Mix

This might be my favourite way to wear this Carven skirt, which is saying a lot because I have enjoyed all my previous outfits very much. I just love the way the oversized polka dots match up with the irregular stripes in the skirt. Again, the colour palette is very cohesive, which is pleasing to my eye. But it’s the pattern mix that elevates this, imo. Is that predictable of me these days? Quite possibly. But hey, I’m all about leaning into your of-the-moment feelings.

Victorian Goth

Speaking of favourite ways to wear things, ditto for this Giambattista Valli x H&M dress. The way the dress is cut makes it a tad revealing in the bust for everyday wear, and this mesh turtleneck is my best (so far) solution. It looks like it belongs with this dress — like, if you told me it was a built-in mesh, I would believe it. I will say that this turtleneck has been one of those unexpected closet superstars in the sense that it has an uncanny ability to transform outfits. It’s just a cheapie one, too — nothing fancy. But if you enjoy a goth/dark romance type of aesthetic, I recommend looking into something like this, especially if you live in a cold climate where layering is de rigueur.