This past weekend I spent time catching up with old friends. I binged Netflix, cruised the Internet, and YouTube’d. Oh the joys of wifi. Outside of my home–centric activities it was a big weekend. There was mourning, celebrating, and for anyone still sleeping, we were asked to wake up. 

On my most recent trip to Las Vegas something stood out to me in a way I had never noticed before. This is a city that can be described as the best and the worst of western, specifically American, culture. Anything goes. It is the least judgmental place I’ve been. You can do almost anything here as long as you have the cash. To bring my point home, you’ve likely heard the city’s slogan, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

Last week the 2016 Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Awards took over New York City. The CFDA recognizes excellence in multiple categories including accessories, creative vision, journalism, menswear, womenswear and lifetime achievement. The complete list of 2016 nominees and winners are here. The most popular award for mainstream culture is likely the Fashion Icon Award.

Ladies, Have you ever asked yourself, “I wish I was taken more seriously.” Or how about, “I wish I felt more confident?” If you have, please know first, you are not alone.  Second, you are capable and attractive. Third, that said, it may start with something simple and fixable AF.

This past weekend I attended PARKSHOW at Chinook Mall. The event, while still young, is getting to be a Calgary fashion scene staple. Hundreds gather to see what local designers are producing and showing on the runway (or maybe we gather because it’s something to do.) It would be easy for me to put on my critical hat and share all my thoughts on the show. I will resist the urge for two reasons: I’ve already done that and there’s more to talk about.

Summer is just around the corner. Many 20 and 30 something young things calendars are full of friends and family inviting them to be a part of them getting hitched. In most cases there is an engagement period in advance of the big day. With engagement comes jewelry. More specifically diamond rings. It’s big business.

Fellas, a new season is upon us and it’s likely time to freshen up your style. I’ve got you. You’ve likely packed away the puffer jacket and are getting ready for summer (we seem to have skipped spring this year). Please know you don’t have to spend a lot to make things a lot brighter.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Met Gala. The annual Metropolitan Museum of Art Fundraiser Gala is a fashion follower must. For the select few invited, it’s the night to make your most stylish splash. This years theme mirrors the newest costume exhibit released, “Manus x Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology.” The dress code was rumoured to be “tech white tie.” Tech it was.

With this crazy nice sunshine weather we are having I wanted to give a shout out to one of summer style’s MVPs: the sunglasses. Throughout the season they take us through some pretty stellar moments. The come to the pub and help keep the sun out of our eyes yet our noses get too rosy. They go for long walks down 17th with our dates. If we’re really luck they can even take us poolside.

I spent the past weekend in San Diego soaking up the city and tried to soak up the sun but it was cloudy. Thus, I focused more on the sights. Trying to make the most of an overcast day I set my sights on going and seeing the sights. I bought my ticket for the super cheesy yet delightful hop on hop off trolley’s that promise you a slice of the best of the city. I got on the trolley and we were off. 

It’s a bit surreal to see the city you live in on the national stage in the media. Perhaps it's my small town upbringing flaring up again. This past week, Calgary was the musical darling of the country as it hosted the 2016 Juno Canadian Music Awards. Musicians, artists, celebrities, and fans alike flooded to our city to take in the festivities.

I’ll admit it, when it comes to spring I’m a bit of a hater. The season, to me, is a just a necessary stopover to the main attraction: summer. Why, you may ask? Well it’s a lot of little things. For one it’s bit messy outside and it makes it hard to wear what you want.