Why I haven’t gone shopping for myself in 4+ years…
OK, so that’s not entirely true, I have picked up the odd item here and there but it has pretty much been out of necessity! I have honestly not just gone shopping or purchased clothing that I love AND feel amazing in (and about) since I became pregnant with my oldest, and here are a few of the reasons why:
- A changing body and breastfeeding. The past 5 years I have been reluctant to invest in much clothing because I just might not fit in it a couple weeks later. I don’t know what other ladies have experienced, but I found that it drove me crazy that none of my clothes fit for more then a week or two. And I am not just talking about pregnancy, but postpartum as well! I basically lived in dresses, cardigans and leggings during this time. And now let’s talk breast-feeding for a second, if it doesn’t unbutton, pull-down or lift up it’s a no go. I really don’t have the time or patience to change in order to feed my child. And let’s be real, I didn’t really have much time to think about this whole fashion and shopping ordeal during this little phase of my life haha!!
- I’m not a impulse buyer. I don’t see something I like and swipe my card. Much to the dismay of my shopping companions, I generally need to research and compare what I am buying. I DON’T WANT A LOT OF STUFF, I JUST WANT A FEW GREAT THINGS.
- Ethics. I feel completely overwhelmed when I walk into a mall and see thousands of things for sale, many of which were essentially made to be disposable. I can’t help but wonder who made them, where they are made and where they will end up. I often don’t even bother with ‘fancy expensive stores’ because I just am not all that fancy, and yet in the same breath how are all those fast-fashion chains selling these clothes for so cheap?! I am not saying that clothes shouldn’t be affordable (trust me I LOVE a good deal as much as anyone!) but it’s just the lack responsibility that I cannot get behind.
- I am picky. If I am spending my hard earned cash, I want to love the way it fits and feels and I want it to last!
So ya, I guess now you know. I am a super up-tight shopper, a total prude really. But my body seems to have found it’s new normal and I am no longer nursing! And I am sooooo, so ready to LOVE getting dressed in the morning. I want my wardrobe to feel like an extension of myself, rather then just something I have to put on in order to leave the house.Like with most things, I likely won’t rush into this little project and I will probably start with researching ethically and locally sourced companies. I am also debating creating a capsule wardrobe (because after 4+ years sans shopping I am basically starting from scratch anyways)!If you guys have any advice or tips or favourite shops, designers or makers I would LOVE, love, LoVe, to hear from you! I have tried to navigate into ‘slow fashion’ previously and found it incredibly difficult (and kind of depressing). But I am hopeful that after nearly 5 years away from the shopping game that there are lot’s of hidden gems to be uncovered! And I promise to share any little nuggets find you <3. EEEK, wish me luck!Warmly,KarmenP.S. Thanks so much Erinn, from www.shoptheskinny.ca, for sending this amazing dress with me to Hawaii! I had so much fun wearing and photographing it (and it is bonkers comfy) 💜. I am so stoked for you to be launching a ladies clothing line next month! YAY!!! Heck here's one more of The Skinny's 'Willa' dress, just for good measure ;)
Nora's 2nd Birthday
So I haven't blogged in a while... let's be real I am terrible at it! I have so much to share and yet somehow I never seem to find the time to do it. I would like to make it one of my New Years Resolutions but I am a bit afraid that I will fail miserably haha... Resolutions are so much more fun when they are attainable right?!Anyways! I am popping in here because my baby, ahem... toddler, just turned 2! We just love this little girl to bits and had such a blast throwing her a Tea Party for her birthday. My sister-in-law recently started up a birthday planning business (The Small Details) and did such an AWESOME job decorating... it was so beautiful and us adults loved it every bit as much as the littles!!Cannot wait to see what this next year brings for our sweet, girly, independent (stubborn), smart little girl. It really is a joy watching your children grow up. A true blessing <3.
Miss T | Alberta Lifestyle Boudoir
Miss T, here is a little sneak-peak of your gorgeous lifestyle shoot. Thank-you so much for sharing your story with me, I am 110% stoked to be one little stop on your journey. I hope you when you look at these photos you see all the strength, kindness and beauty that I see!! XOX
Julie and Clifford | Edmonton Wedding Photographers
It's cold and rainy (or is it that snow?!) here, so I am editing away and reminiscing about warmer days!!As usual YEG's river valley didn't disappoint... this engagement shoot is an absolute charmer. ENJOY!