It’s that time again. As Moira Rose would eagerly retort to the question of what her favourite season is, “Awards” is the singular reply. I just love the return of awarding the elite in an industry that treats people like auction-worthy objects in outfits they didn’t have to pay for all while winning trophies for playing pretend. The sweet, sweet smell of synthetic realism.

Be it social conditioning or simple repetition, in the new year I can get lost in thoughts of what’s new, what’s over, and what will stay the same. I try not to fall into the full-on sure to set oneself up for failure, “New year, new me,” mantra, but I’m likely splitting hairs. All that to say, come the new year I pose the following question to myself: what is new in the world of fashion in 2023? 

It’s been a minute since I have posted. I’ve been racking my brain trying to articulate exactly why that is. Sure work gets hectic and you always have the demands of home life and loved ones. Usually sharing my thoughts is a priority. It’s not hard to see that even that truth is shifting.

Okay. A reminder that first and foremost, fashion is a buffet. You don’t have to like everything let alone eat everything or pay. And second, American fashion is inherently tacky. As is America. This year’s theme explores this notion at its most formal event: the Metropolitan Museum of Art Fashion Exhibit Annual Fundraising Gala where the 2022 theme was: Gilded Glamour.

I’m stoked to be chatting with the gals at Wine, Women, and Well-Being YYC this Thursday March 24 at The Brownstone. It will be my first, in-person speaking gig since January 2020. Wow. That really hits.

Being a Pisces, I get all sorts of reflective come this fishy-featured season. All sorts of signs of renewals or important days cluster together for me: my birthday, the day I married my partner, forthcoming family get togethers, spring is nearly here but not quite yet, fashion weeks, and International Women’s Day celebrations. All that to say I’ve been sensing a shift.

Calgary is a casual city in a lot of aspects. Come to think of it, basically all aspects. I am struggling to find an example of something that is buttoned up or formal. I dare you to bring up a not casual example. If you can think one up I’ll buy you a distanced take-out coffee.

Preparing for a holiday away from home is a feat all in its own. Thankfully I have had lots of practice. My recommendations include shipping all gifts not going to that location by December 01, personally packing really light, and wrapping the final gifts once you get there.

The notion of shopping local is not a new one. My mom ran a sewing alteration business out of our home that relied solely on the support and investment with locals. My family is currently on the fourth generation of grain and cattle farming. My dad builds houses. Supporting local is what we in part relied on.

Yep, I’m about to be that person. You know the kind. They say they’re all about one thing, one true love – for me, fashion – and then they date someone new, or get a cat, or have a baby and suddenly there’s not as much room for you in their life.

I have been an adult for coming on eighteen years so I feel like my body has had plenty of time to settle in and be what it is. I’ve be fortunate to not have any surgeries, significant illnesses, or put my body through childbirth – unless my own nearly 36 years ago counts? It doesn’t.

Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, the TLC show “What Not to Wear” gave high-school-me some solid hope. Someday I could get to a city and turn into the adult I wanted to be who dressed the way I wanted.