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.

Travelling all over the world to sit in close quarters with a bunch of other people who have also travelled near and far to watch clothing pass by does not seem like a sensible activity right now. So why are fashion weeks still going ahead during this latest variant wave crashing over us? For fashion, darling?

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.

It’s no secret that Corporate Social Responsibility is a business strategy must these days. No one likes a business that is not is the business of giving back. Whether it is a percent off of a sales promotion that goes towards a worthy cause or actually giving time and/ or funds to said cause, one is expected do something altruistic for the community.

Over the years, with a heavy heart, I’ve posted some thoughts on Remembrance Day. What I believe why it is important to remember and take pause each year. While this list is not exhaustive by any means, there is some good in here.

With the latest, fatal news of a death on film set, I don’t know what to say. What possible is there when a life is stolen needlessly. She’s gone. And she should be here. No one should die on a film set. My condolences go out to Halyna Hutchins loved ones, the director who is recovering, and the team making the New Mexico show RUST.

When a pandemic ravages the world, shopping for second hand scores likely wasn’t top of your list of things that you needed to do. Me either. As we settle in nearly two years later, for many, realizing that the little joys in life – a new sequin jacket or smoked glass cocktail tumblers – may provide a little pep in your step as we continue to navigate this challenging time.

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.