Sam Edelman Womens Yardley Dress Sandal Port Wine

"It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit." – Robert Louis Stevenson

In addition to my Mansur Gavriel clutch gifted to me by my husband, one of my favourite gifts I received for Christmas was this Bay poncho from my mother-in-law. It's a great piece to layer over solid coloured dresses, or jeans and a turtleneck (though you're more likely to see me in the former than latter). Being petite, ponchos tend to overwhelm my small frame, however, I like the length of this one, especially how it's a bit shorter in the back, because it doesn't just look like I'm wearing a gigantic blanket. It is also very warm, therefore being both functional and fashionable – perfect for a walk in Ojibway Park!

Poncho: Hudson's Bay. Dress: Aritzia. Shoes: Audrey Brooke (old, similar here) Bag: Mansur Gavriel. Necklace: Baublebar. Bracelets: Baublebar. Lips: Dior 999.

Photography by Simon Giroux

"Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." – Carl Jung

When I first spotted this dress online, I thought it looked so weird, yet so beautiful at the same time. The heart in the middle reminds me of church, and could possibly be seen as sacrilegious to some. I, however, think it's fantastic. I really love the embroidery trend, and feel that lately I have been gravitating towards anything with such colourful and intricate details. While some may say this dress is loud or bizarre (my husband said the sleeves remind him of fishnet stalkings), I think it matches my quirky personality. Your clothes are an extension of you; it's how you display yourself to the world. That's why I wear patterns and bold colours more often than solids. I like to be daring and adventurous, and sometimes, just plain crazy.

Dress: Dezzal (similar style here). Bag: Mansur Gavriel. Shoes: Tahari. Earrings: H&M. Bracelet: Kate Spade (old, similar here). Watch: Chanel. Lips: Dior 999.

Photography by Amanda Bentley

"And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been." – Rainer Maria Rilke

A lot of people have been declaring 2016 as the worst year ever, whether it be due to politics, or the death of many beloved celebrities including one of my favourite artists, David Bowie. Though 2016 may have had its disappointments (heck, every year does), for me it was another successful trip around the sun. The year started off with great, as I became an aunt for the first time. I was also able to visit Italy, not once, but twice in the span of five months. In Italy I paid my respects to the Canadian soldiers who fought in World War II, saw the incredible sights of Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice, sailed Lake Como, and ate some of the best food I have ever tasted. I even travelled to New York for my school's band trip, taking in both the sights and sounds of the Big Apple. Also this year, my husband and I cracked down on our eating habits and continued strength training where I have reached many personal bests. In November I rekindled my love of theatre by acting in my first play in 13 years (and successfully auditioned for another show that will be performed in April 2017). I also started this blog, a vision that was several years in the making. From the big, exciting adventures, to the small moments of happiness and laughter, 2016 was one for the books.

Wishing all my readers a very happy New Year! All the best in 2017,

Vanessa

Views from Assoro, Sicily | March 2016

Beautiful Florence, Italy | March 2016

Paying tribute to John Lennon in New York City | April 2016

When in Rome… | July 2016

Celebrating 3 years of marriage on a food tour in Bologna | July 2016

In a Venetian dream| July 2016

I'm on a boat (in Lake Como)! | July 2016

The blogging life | October 2016

The God of Ecstasy | November 2016

Feeling festive | December 2016

"Bright reds – scarlet, pillar-box red, crimson or cherry – are very cheerful and youthful. There is certainly a red for everyone. " – Christian Dior

I may have mentioned it before, but I love the colour red. Red is glamorous, sexy, festive, romantic, and daring. If I had to wear one colour for the rest of my life, red would certainly be it. What I like most about this particular dress isn't just its colour, but the open back. In the past I would shy away from anything that showed too much of my back because I was self conscious of my scoliosis. Scoliosis is the curvature of the spine, and it is most common in preteen girls and is believed to be hereditary. My older sister had corrective surgery for hers, but mine is not severe enough at this point, though it is at a 60 degree curve. It was first noticed on me when I was 11, and since then I have seen specialists in Hamilton and Toronto, and was even braced throughout all of high school. Unfortunately, my scoliosis has progressed in the last 5 years, so to combat the pain, I've been weight lifting and strength training to make my back stronger. The older I become, the more I have embraced my imperfect back. My spine is a part of me; it makes me who I am. The world would be a boring place if everyone were the same; we should try to do more to celebrate our differences and embrace what makes us each unique.

Dress: Lulus (old, similar here). Scarf: Kate Spade (new style available here, similar here). Bag: Mansur Gavriel. Shoes: Max Studio. Necklace: J.Crew Factory. Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Baublebar. Lips: MAC Russian Red. 

"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling." – Edna Ferber

Christmas is my favourite holiday. I enjoy celebrating with family and friends, the decorations, and the all-around festive spirit that is in the air. I also appreciate tradition, seeing it as a way to relive and honour the past. My most loved traditions include making pizza on Christmas Eve with my husband, lunch/dinner on Christmas Day, and of course, putting up the tree. When I was young, my mother was very particular when it came time to decorate our tree. It had a theme: red and gold musical instruments and angels. I promised myself that when I was older and had my own tree, it would be a mix of whatever I wanted, disregarding any kind of motif. I have since kept my promise, and our Christmas tree truly represents my husband and me. From the macarons, to Star Trek and Star Wars, souvenirs from our travels, and The Beatles, each ornament holds significance to me.

Every Christmas I look forward to all the gatherings and spending time with the ones I love. Christmas isn't just about the gifts and other material things; as Dr. Seuss wrote in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, "Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought… doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps… means a little bit more!"

Dress: Dezzal (similar styles here and here). Earrings: H&M (available in gold). Watch: Chanel. Bracelet: Monserat De Lucca (old, similar here). Bag: Mansur Gavriel. Shoes: H&M (old, similar here). Lips: Dior 999.

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Source: http://thepetitephilosopher.com/page/19/

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