NORTHERN REFECTIONS: Blue Christmas

I’m delighted to collaborate with Northern Reflections again! I love promoting this great Canadian company!

This blue buffalo check sweater caught my eye while browsing through their online store. It also comes in red and black which I love, but I decided to go for the blue this Christmas season.

“Here at Northern Reflections, we are on a journey
towards more sustainable practices. We are
embracing decisions to reduce our footprint
and positively impact the world around us.”

Northern Reflections

Made in Canada

It has the five “Cs” that I look for in a sweater…

Chic – Classic – Casual – Comfortable – COZY

plus QUALITY

Looks great paired with jeans and perfect for layering.

On sale now!

I always find something I love whenever I shop at Northern Reflections. They have lovely accessories and jewellery, I purchased this pretty butterfly necklace, it has an adjustable chain so I can wear it any length I prefer.

“Beauty is in the details“

“With the world becoming more conscious of the impact we have on our environment, we at Northern Reflections have increased our efforts to create look-good, feel-good and do-good fashion. With a focus on being kind to ourselves and our planet, we have launched many new initiatives to decrease our carbon footprint and become more sustainable. Take a peek to read about three of our newest fabrics we have introduced to our new Conscious Choice Collection.”

https://www.northernreflections.com/social-responsibility

Let’s make a difference and keep spreading the word!

Happy Christmas shopping!

Sweater Season: chic and unique

One of the things I like about fall is wearing cozy sweaters. This chic sweater with a unique design was from Maggie’s Clothing exchange. It has a velvet turtle neck and a bit of bling on one sleeve. The detail with diagonal trim of lace and velvet makes it chic and unique.

I paired it with these pants, also from Maggie’s Clothing exchange. I like the trim with silver studs along the side seams.

New faux suede booties are perfect for dry autumn days. My canvas backpack is also pre-loved.

Something old, something new:

My corduroy cap is several years old and my faux suede booties are new.

My first time attending a Clothing Exchange Party was in Seattle which my daughter Jean hosted. It was a lot of fun! Since then, my friend Maggie has hosted three fashionable and fun Clothing Exchange Parties!

Here’s Jean’s list to help anyone who wants to host a party:

• Guests, don’t forget to RSVP (that means reply with a yes or a no) so your host can prepare accordingly.
• Bring as little or as much as you want to get rid of, but don’t worry if you’re taking more than you bring. Others will probably bring more than they take. It all evens out.
• Swap gently worn items only and leave items with holes or stains at home.
• Shoes, purses, belts, hats, and costume jewelry are also great to swap (plus, with the exception of shoes, accessories will fit almost anyone).
• Don’t fight over the goods! Remember that you wouldn’t have had any of the items if you hadn’t been invited. And you won’t get invited back it you don’t play fair.
• Gather up and try on a few pieces at a time. Keep what you like, and return the rest promptly so others can discover them.
• Wear something that’s easy to slip in and out of and make sure you have on decent underwear. I wear boy shorts and a full-coverage bra so I don’t feel quite so undressed.
• Hosts, set aside a bathroom or bedroom for shy guests. Not everyone is comfortable changing in a group environment.
• If you host a co-ed clothing exchange (I’ve been to one), it’s best to set men’s stuff up in one room and women’s in another. Most people don’t want to sort through clothes they won’t wear. Plus, I’m not aware of too many people who want to try on clothes in mixed company.
• Thank your host by bringing a bottle of wine or offering to drop off the leftover clothes at a donation center for her.

Have you ever hosted or attended a Clothing Exchange Party?

These boots are made for walking!

I planned this outfit around these burgundy booties; not only are they pre-loved, they are also vegan. I pulled out my burgundy polka dot leggings, added a burgundy hemp scarf and topped it off with my pre-loved burgundy beret. Another casual autumnal look with one of my favourite colours.

Berets are perfect for this time of year and I’m glad I have a collection of colours so I can match any outfit. All but one of my berets are pre-loved ($5 or less).

These boots are made for walking the trails of our forest, the sound of crunching leaves is music to my ears. Leisurely autumn strolls along the shore of Lake Huron or just a walk in the neighbourhood, these booties are up for the adventure.

My little shoulder bag is just the thing I need for essentials on a hike: cell phone and keys and lipstick.

The first time I ever heard the term pre-loved for second-hand items was reading fashion blogs! Let me know one of your favourite pre-loved finds in the comments.

Hydrangeas and Autumn Leaves

Ruth’s garden

The photos above were taken in my dear friend Ruth’s amazing garden. She gave me a bunch of hydrangeas and I put them in vases in every room.

Beret: Zack’s (Canadian women’s apparel)
T-shirt: thrifted – made in Canada
Hoodie: Roxy (over 15 years old)
Heart necklace: Little shop Whidbey Island, Seattle
Houndstooth pants: Maggie’s clothing exchange
Vegan Purse: Marshalls
Non-leather booties: Pre-loved
Hydrangeas: Gift from my dear friend Ruth from Church

These pre-loved houndstooth pants have a little stretch and are as comfortable as jeans but more style! Houndstooth will never be passé and always a classic. Do you have houndstooth in your wardrobe?

One of my favourite things about autumn is the glorious hydrangeas, and another is autumn leaves of gold and crimson.

“Autumn Leaves” echos in my mind as the majestic trees are garbed in gold and crimson. A walk on a little country road is a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Kincardine. 

Faux suede and faux leather pants from CLEO

As my friends and regular readers know, I promote cruelty-free fashion and a compassionate lifestyle. People, animals and our planet should not be exploited and suffer.

I’m happy that many companies and businesses are getting on the bandwagon, but it’s the consumers that make it happen.

What we buy, they will supply.

For example: did you know that the fashion trends of the 1920s saved the birds? What we buy and what we won’t buy makes all the difference.

These long cardigans were bought this summer at a sidewalk sale in another beach town on Lake Huron. It’s one of those times I can’t decide on the colour. Does that ever happen to you? The sleeves and pockets are embellished with embroidery and lace trim.

White cotton sweater from Zacks (Canadian store)

Thanksgiving sunset

While teaching September dance classes for four weeks in Waterloo (near where I used to live) I found out one of my dance students has a charming cottage in Kincardine (where I live now). What a special day to spend it with her and her family and friends, and enjoy this amazing autumn sunset!

Orange and White for Autumn

Time for sweaters!

This pre-loved sweater is made in Canada. The large buttons are off-centered. I paired it with these white cargo pants that I’ve had for ages. It’s a warm autumnal look and we’re enjoying some lovely autumn days in Kincardine.

Leopard skechers are comfortable and neutral, goes with any colour.

I don’t start decorating for autumn until October. This year my theme is orange and white. I’m almost ready for Thanksgiving, there’s so much to be thankful for! In Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving in October.

mini pumpkins and pumkin spice candle warmer, such a sweet fragrance fills the dining room!

kitchen corner shelf

Another gorgeous orange sunset lights up the horizon!

Happy October!

The long, lazy days of summer

It’s been a lovely summer filled with adventures, our first summer living in Kincardine by the lake. You never know how many friends you have till you live in cottage country, we’ve had lots of visitors!

Garden parties, picnics and bon fires are fun ways to enjoy the summertime! Summer is more fun with family and friends!!

Denim jacket: gift from a dear friend in Germany 2015
Monet T–shirt: The Metropolitan Art Museum in NYC
Jeans: Hollister California
Sandals Romika (non leather)

Lazy summer days? It has been far from lazy, most of the time we were occupied with lots to do: some exciting activities like kayaking, dancing on the beach, dancing in Victoria Park gazebo and dancing at the beach pavillion with a live swing band.

We enjoyed going to car shows, the Kincardine annual Scottish Festival, an Open House for our local Airport’s 50th anniversary, as well as day trips to other beaches on Lake Huron and weekend getaways to Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

first time kayaking

July car show in Kincardine

August car show in Kincardine

September car show in Kincardine

Parade of the Pipe Bands in Kincardine

Kincardine airport’s 50th anniversary Open House

Southampton

Goderich

visiting our oldest son and family in Hanover

my beautiful friend Maria in Crystal Beach, Lake Erie

vegan dinner at a restaurant patio overlooking the lake

a pleasant summer afternoon with friends, refreshments served in a gazebo

There are dozens of decorated bicycles in this charming beach town – Crystal Beach

I will say the mornings are lazy and relaxed: wake up when I wake up (no alarm clocks!) enjoy a morning smoothie or a nutritious and delicious vegan brunch before the action starts!

One of my favourite dances – Sokkie from South Africa.

Watch on Instagram

I’m thankful for the long days of summer even though summer is never quite long enough!

Dear Summer, wish you could stay longer but I know you are leaving us. Please hurry back! I will miss you so much!

The Traveling Gingham Frock

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Gingham, always in style and a favourite of mine because it brings back the happy memories of my childhood, living in a house with a pink gingham kitchen. I decorated the kitchen of our first home with red gingham; it looked like a cozy little Italian café.

This little black and white gingham frock made it’s debut on the beach of Lake Huron. It’s perfect for traveling during summer and I wore it on our holiday to Niagara-on-the-Lake (Lake Ontario) and Crystal Beach (Lake Erie). It’s part of a collection of pretty black and white gingham lingerie and loungewear that I bought at La Vie en Rose. Chic enough to wear in public on hot summer days when you don’t feel like wearing anything–so cool and comfortable!

Gingham–as timeless as a white picket fence.

LA VIE EN ROSE had a BOG3 sale (buy one get three) so I got the matching gingham capris and a T-shirt with a little gingham pocket.

I like it when I can wear something pretty and comfortable to lounge at home and be ready to go to town at the drop of a hat, or in this case, throw on a hat and some red sandals (Romika vegan) I’m ready for the classic car show in uptown Kincardine.

Click to watch the reel

Enjoy the last of the summer days!

La Vie En Rose

La Vie En Rose has feminine lingerie, lounge wear, pajamas, swimwear and more. I bought several items that are great for mixing and matching. My bracelet is a handmade gift from my dear friend Maggie; she up-cycles used jewellery which she buys at thrift shops and creates new accessories.

My camisole is part of the collection of this pretty floral print.

Matching capris and a T-shirt with a heart full of these little flowers

In total five pieces to mix and match for all these fun looks.

Coastal Grandma Style

Coastal Grandma Style

Did you know this is a trend?

Well, I am a grandmother, I live on the coast of Lake Huron and I love stylish clothes – so I guess that’s me – Coastal Grandma Style. I did not know this was a trend. 

According to this list, I qualify.

• floppy hats ✅
• big sunglasses ✅
• linen dresses, pants and jackets ✅
• sensible shoes ✅

Floppy hats and big sunglasses

Sleeveless shift dress is from Maggie’s clothing exchange (made in Canada). I wore sleeveless shift dresses in the ’60s. Still love them because they are cool and comfortable. This groovy black and white print reminds me of the mod style I loved so much!

floppy hat and big sunglasses

I am a grandmother with three grandchildren

I am blessed with three children and three grandchildren. I must say, having granchildren is a lot easier! My top is part of a two-piece set (matching skirt). Cotton capris might be Grandma Style but it was Audrey Hepburn that made them popular. Sandals are vegan (Romika) sensible shoes for sure!

I live in a tourist town by the lake that looks like an ocean

I wear this gingham nightie on the beach. It’s part of a collection of lingerie I bought at La Vie en Rose. I figure I can pull off this look on the beach with everyone wearing far less fabric in bikinis. Right?

I love stylish clothes

Cool blue chambray shirt and breezy palazzo pants are great for summertime and perfect at the beach.

Since we moved to a beach town on the southwest coast of Ontario, I enjoy leisurely strolls along the sandy shores at sunset and especially dancing on the beach.

What a delightful adventure when six of my dancing friends from where I once lived came to visit. By coincidence, we are all grandmothers, here on the coast, wearing stylish clothes!

Chic, funky and fashionable is how I describe my fabulous friends. We even got compliments from strangers about how lovely we were dressed.

Are you Coastal Grandma Chic? Add a link in the comments to one of your outfits.

❤️carmen

How many lighthouses can you find?