Another holiday season is upon us. Other than my birthday, this is my most reflective and sappy time of year. Gratitude is something humans all have in common and I could certainly exercise mine a bit more. As we spend time with loved ones it’s nice to take a beat and be thankful for all the good.

Heading off to a vacation can take a lot of preparation. Travel, accommodations, currency, and of course – my favourite – packing a suitcase full of looks. Often times people purchase a new article or two for their time away.  

After many years – five to be precise – I have to share something that I’m not proud of. As a loud mouth, arrogant light packer, I’ve relapsed. Yes, this fall as I head on vacations, I’m packing heavier than I ever have before.

Halloween is a wicked good time. Candy, role playing, and costumes. All things that I love and that can also get out of hand. But for one night, how much harm can really be done, right? You’d have to ask my dentist.

Sometimes I feel like I’m right in line with my generation – activism, conscious consumerism, and Coveteur’s ongoing stellar meme game to name a few – and other times I’m left outside, confused, and alone… No matter the couple being celebrated, all over North America we are #squading and spending for our loved ones.

Full disclosure: what I’m about to bumble on about could be considered a textbook first world problem. That said, I’ve heard writers say – and movies and books about writing – that one will have the best success in coming across more authentic if you write about what you know.

This month marks my fifth year in business. Similar to divorce, the statistics for failure are high. It’s bleak. Closing a business is more likely than splitting up for the first time, getting hit by a bus, or being friends with a vegan. Though this reality is daunting, I’ve heard the only way to keep the doors open is to keep on. 

With much joy, I saw Rocketman recently after much anticipation. It was a delightful, rhinestone filled ride with nasty bits thrown in between. That’s life, you know? Wonderful events – love, family, success – with a running gauntlet – ego, stress, xenophobia – bumping into and over obstacles as you bumble through, hopefully wearing sequins.

Monday night is a night I look forward to all year: the Metropolitan Museums Annual Fundraising Gala for the launch of the rotating annual costume exhibition. In other words: the Met Gala. This year was Camp.

Hey planet, I know it’s was just your birthday - happy bazillion and twenty five (or is it six?) - so I’ve been thinking a lot about you. It’s is a hella good time to reflect and think a bit more about what’s really going on with us. We’ve got some work to do.

You know what I love? A city coming together for joy. Our city has seen better years – and worse I’m sure – but Calgary sure could use a unifying pick me up right about now. Oh wait, we’re going for the cup, aren’t we? Pull out your jerseys and hop on the wagon, kindly would you?

Ladies, gents, folks, non-binary, and cute fashion squirrels. I’ve got news for you. It’s time to open your wallets and hearts and get shopping. This weekend, Dress For Success Calgary is selling non-corporate women wear to the public for a fraction of what even the thrift stores would sell it for.