Sometimes the thrifting gods shine down on you and you find a piece that is in brand spanking new condition and fits you almost perfectly. That’s what this overalls/pinafore/jumper was for me. I generally thrift only for the shop, but when I find a piece that is not vintage but suits my taste, I pick it up for myself. And save for the few times it needed adjusting while out and about (pinafores tend not to stay in one place, and the skirt likes to hike up a bit – eep!), it’s one of my favourite things in my closet right now. After Gertie’s passing, I’m going to be honest, it was hard for me to care even slightly about the way I looked. I left the house very little, and when I did it was a ‘no make up, normcore’ situation. Which is fine on others, but it’s just not for me. One of the best things I could do for myself was do my usual makeup routine and wear things that made me feel good, and leave the house, even if it was for a short period of time. Clothing has a way of making you feel better, a way of making you feel like everything is normal. And during times of grieving, life can often feel like you are just passing through it, completely unmindful. But clothes can make you feel a part of it all – “I feel like shit, but gosh, you would never know, cause I’m wearing this sassy pinafore and my shoes are RED, and we are discussing the relationship between Beyonce and Jay-Z, which I normally wouldn’t care about, but it is a mindless subject” But I digress… I won’t pretend every day gets easier when you lose someone you love. Everyday is just different – some harder than others. Keeping my mind focused on my art, on the loves in my life that are still here, and on the clothes that bring a smile to my face are just a few of the ways I keep myself feeling like me.

On a separate note, Ryan and I are looking for a new place to live. My wee bachelor is just not enough space for the two of us, and it pains me to leave this place that has been my home for almost 3 years now, but this year has been about changes. I don’t know how many of my readers are Torontonians, but if you come across a cool place, let a girl know! We found a dream place, but it got snatched away from us quite quickly. So we are still on the lookout.

*photos by Ryan

Pinafore & tote: thrifted

Dress worn as shirt: H&M

Shoes: Seychelles