the sweatshirt is king.

This is by no means new news, but I (along with the rest of the world) am really into sweatshirts lately. The rise of the sweatshirt has been well documented by others already so I won't wax and wane about the practicalities and amazingness that is a sweatshirt. Needless to say, I've come a long way since my hoodie obsession of high school (of the American Eagle variety, usually), and even longer since my beloved blue Club Monaco sweatshirt (remember those? I wish I had it still).

This week's selection features embroidery and some silk flamingos. It was a happy one-monthiversary gift to myself and although it looks nothing like Montréal, something tells me it will always remind me of this snowy, sometimes lonely, month, where I stepped into the belief that I am completely capable, given the opportunity.

More inspiration following, including a lovely snakeskin variety and of course, Kenzo. What's my favorite styling? Well keeping it pretty but tough, and never contrived. But who can really do that, except maybe these ladies after the break (Chloe Sachdev has my personal favorite, a Boy London variety).

the tote bag dilemma.

In moving to Montréal I've gained a lot of things: work experience in an industry I'm passionate about, the knowledge that snow doesn't have to melt into a sloshy, city-closing mess, exposure to more concerts than I know what to do with, and amazing croissants. But I've also lost some things...in this case, my car.

I'm a huge believer in public transit, and a huge lover of cities that make good use of mass transit systems. However, Victoria is not a particularly bus-friendly in my neck of the woods, and I've always been fortunate enough to have the use of a vehicle for transportation. The thing about driving to work is, you don't really have to plan how you transport everything! For me, throwing a handful of odds-and-ends on the passenger seat and zipping to work in a mad rush was the norm. But when I have an hour commute to work, carrying everything for the day gets to be a bit of a challenge. Enter: the tote bag.

Of course I'm drooling over things like this, but I really need less pretty, more sturdy. You know, the kind of bag that I don't mind putting extra shoes in. Googling "cute tote bags" was probably one of the more embarrassing experiences of my life so I don't recommend you trying it anytime soon. However, maybe you can help me narrow down my options.

happy birthday beautiful.

"True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." -Audrey Hepburn

Happy 22nd birthday to my dearest Rachel. She's the kind of woman who gives others passion for their own passions simply by pouring her whole heart into everything she does. I'm blessed. Love you lots.

sending winter out in style.

I'm a West Coast girl through and through, which means that winter to me usually involves two bouts of snow (where the city shuts down completely), a whole lot of rain, and the trees welcoming Spring in March with heaps of pink blossoms. While I admit BC has its own troubles with the perpetually gloomy grey skies, I still haven't quite learned how to bundle like an East Coaster.

For Easter weekend I'm lucky enough to have the opportunity to explore Mount Tremblant, and so I needed to do one final round-up of what I was inspired by this winter. Rachel will probably laugh and pity me as she moves on to more Springy style, but I have a few more weeks of parks and toques ahead of me!

So what were my go to's in the snow? A toque with a thick fold, leather gloves, Sorrel boots (or wedge sneakers if the sidewalks were clear), and a puffy parka. I'm still missing wool socks and the perfect scarf, but those will just have to wait til next Winter...

the little risks

Just reflecting on this today. A life is not built in a day! Even these cuties spent years crafting their careers and are still working hard. I took my own leap of faith recently by moving to the other side of the country, and I've been blessed and amazed by the opportunities I've had in just two weeks. That to say, though, that once you take the first leap, there's hundreds more to follow. Time to buckle down, swallow your pride, and pay attention to the little promptings in your heart.

Although those promptings aren't always huge. Today mine was to make myself a latte and sit in the warm house surrounded by the fresh snowfall outside. This West Coaster is a little perplexed by that thing people call "going outside in the cold".

Kidding. I am armed with beautiful Sorrels, and keeping bundled for my daily transit rides (but hoping that Spring marches out here soon!)

xx

Nat