Disclosure: The underwear set in the photos was kindly gifted by Thief & Bandit. However, I am a repeat customer and superfan of this brand! None of the below links are affiliate. All opinions are my own.

I don’t know if anyone else feels the same way, but ever since the world shut down in March and I started working from home, I just cannot be bothered with overly fussy or uncomfortable clothing. Things that I wore without question in the Before Times strike me as odd now that comfortable dressing has become the new normal. I used to live in blazers, but now I feel they are restrictive and confining when working from home. These days my daily uniform consists of leggings and sweater dresses or comfortable tops. I want to look good in virtual meetings, but I also want to be comfortable.

One of the changes I’ve made is in the underwear category. I’ve started to reject underwire bras, which is new for me since I’ve worn them without question for many years. I will most likely take them up again when the world goes back to normal, but for now all I want is to wear something a lot more comfortable that still offers a little support.

I discovered Nova Scotia brand Thief & Bandit while I was Googling ethically made size-inclusive bralettes. It’s rare to find a fashion brand that is doing something completely different, but this one hits the mark. Not only is their clothing handmade in Nova Scotia from organic cotton, but they actually hand-print the fabric in-house. The brand carries sizes from XS-4X, but if you fall outside of that range they will custom make the garment for you. Amazing.

I am a huge fan of Thief & Bandit’s underwear sets. They are incredibly comfortable. I’ve washed mine many times and they still come out looking like new. They are ethically made in Canada and of beautiful quality, so the price reflects that. In my opinion they’re totally worth it.

A couple of tips if you’re thinking of placing an order:

• Consider sizing down. On the size chart it says that the garments have up to 5″ of stretch. They are not kidding about that.
• I recommend cutting the tag off the back of the bralette. It can be pretty scratchy. Once it’s gone, you’ll forget you’re wearing anything at all. [Update: Thief & Bandit messaged me to let me know they’ve swapped out the old tags for non-itchy satin.]
• Everything is made to order which cuts down on waste but adds a couple of weeks to the processing time, so be sure to take that into account when ordering.

Overall, I love this brand and what they stand for, and their designs are traffic-stopping. They just came out with their Holiday 2020 collection and I kind of want everything! I ordered the Stardust Turtleneck last week and am impatiently awaiting its arrival.

Be sure to follow Thief & Bandit on Instagram, and let me know if you have any questions or if you decide to make a purchase!

XO – Annette

Not only has my work situation changed, but 2020 is also the year that I decided to stop buying clothing from fast fashion companies. I’ve hardly bought any new clothing items this year (this dress from Tangente is one of the only exceptions), but I do have a wishlist that I thought I’d share. Although the initial cost of purchasing clothing from small, ethical businesses is higher, the cost per wear is so much lower as you get a lot more for your money in terms of quality and longevity of the garment. I don’t have the budget to purchase all of the items on my list, but I may open my wallet to add a beautiful piece or two to my closet and support a small business at the same time. (Bonus: everything on my list is made in Canada!) I’ve linked my picks below.

[A note on size-inclusivity: a couple of the brands below only carry up to an XXL. I have chosen to include them because they fit up to an 18/20; however, I know that this excludes many people from wearing their designs. I do my best to include brands that cater to more diverse bodies and will keep you updated on the blog when brands further extend their size ranges.]

Cherry Velvet Marie Dress in Floral Fireworks

Not only would this dress from Cherry Velvet look great on Zoom, it’s a timeless style that I could easily wear to the office post-pandemic. This dress also comes in an amazing glow-in-the-dark dinosaur print. Available in sizes XS-3X.

Smash + Tess Sweater Weather Dress in Teresa Tiger

This Smash + Tess tiger-print dress paired with my Lisa2 leggings from Miik would be a match made in heaven. In sizes XXS-XXXL.

Miik Emily Soft Blazer

Miik has been working on extending their size range this year and I am Here. For. It. They kindy gifted me a pair of their Lisa2 leggings in XXL earlier this year, and I’ve been living in them ever since. They released the Emily blazer in XXL in their Fall 2020 collection and I’m drooling over this colour. I love the idea of a structured blazer in a soft fabric that would look great on Zoom and still be comfortable enough for working from home. In sizes XS-XXL.

Thief & Bandit Stardust Turtleneck

I own a couple of pairs of Thief & Bandit’s organic cotton underwear, and the fabric is so incredibly soft. The organic cotton Stardust turtleneck has been on my wishlist for quite a while. The patterns on all Thief & Bandit’s fabrics are hand-printed at their workshop in Nova Scotia. Pro tip: if you are planning on ordering from them, take the size down. They say in the size chart that their fabric has five inches of stretch, and they’re not joking around. Available in sizes XS-4X. They do custom sizing as well.

Encircled The Comfy Blouse

The Comfy Blouse from Encircled is just so pretty. I have never made a purchase from this Toronto-based brand, but this top has me tempted. Available in a variety of colours, although this soft pink is my favourite. In sizes XS-XXL.

That’s it for today! I hope you’re staying safe and well. Be kind to yourself. XOXO – Annette

We are living in unprecedented times. The pandemic has thrown our normal routines into chaos. If you’re lucky enough to be able to work from home (as I am), you have found yourself adjusting to the new work environment. Your work-life balance might be off as you navigate this new world. After a few weeks of adjustment, I found that I enjoyed working from home. Not having the commute, not putting on heels and a blazer in the morning, not having to pack a lunch, meant more time to be creative once the work day was done. Or so I thought.

I have struggled to produce anything of creative value during the lockdown. At the beginning, I thought that this would be a great opportunity – to work out, to learn to cook, to practice piano, to write my blog and create Instagram content. Instead, I’ve found myself producing very little. I’m watching more Netflix, reading more books, napping more, and delivering very little in the way of value.

And that’s okay.

If you’re struggling during this time, you’re not alone. Humans are social creatures and it’s very difficult to be separated from friends and family during an unfamiliar situation. It’s not as simple as “I have more time so I need to produce more,” especially if you’re beating yourself up about it. Which I know I have been.

Years ago my sister recommended I read the book “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield. In the book, the author discusses his process of writing while fighting “the resistance.” I’ve encountered that resistance many times over the past few months. I sit down to the piano only to close the lid. I sit at my computer to write my blog, only to quickly open YouTube and spend hours absorbing the creations of others instead of working on my own. Even this blog post was meant to be about how my shopping habits have changed during the pandemic, but every time I sat down to write I felt that resistance pushing back.

I don’t have an answer for how to get motivated during the pandemic. Maybe there isn’t one. There definitely isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you accomplished a little more than you did yesterday, that’s a victory. If all you did was make it through the day, that’s okay too. Be kind to yourself, you deserve it.

Whether you’re training for a marathon or eating ice cream while watching Netflix, you’re going to be okay. It’s all okay. Things aren’t going to be back to normal for a while. Hopefully we can each find a new normal that works well for us and allows us to accomplish our goals.

If you’re looking for a bit of mental clarity, I highly recommend a short meditation to get your thoughts in order. Headspace has some free resources for anyone to access during the pandemic, as does Calm. Headspace is also offering a free year subscription to anyone who lost their job during this time.

Be kind to yourself, be kind to your mind. Whatever stage of life you’re in right now, embrace it. Be okay with it. You are doing the best you can.

I hope you have a great day! – XO, Annette

I’ve spoken before on the blog about how difficult it is to find ethical and sustainable clothing in plus sizes. There are some great ethical brands out there, but most are simply not accessible to anyone above a size 14. So you can imagine my excitement when I was contacted by Canadian company Miik to let me know that they were planning to expand their size range to XXL and asked me if I’d like to try a pair of their Lisa2 leggings, the first design they’ve rolled out in the new size.

I am not exaggerating when I say that they are the most comfortable pair of leggings I’ve ever owned. They’re made from rayon from bamboo and are soft and breathable. I’ve been practically living in them since I received them (I’m wearing them now, in fact!) and after owning them for a few weeks, I can’t picture myself without a pair of these in my closet. They are perfection.

I decided to pair the Lisa2 leggings with my super-comfy crop top from local Ottawa designer Rebecca Rowe. I love the versatility of this sweater – I wear it both on its own and over a flowy top or dress, and have found myself reaching for it regularly ever since I purchased it at her pop-up shop this winter. It’s a workhorse that truly belongs in anyone’s capsule wardrobe.

If you’re looking for the perfect leggings, I strongly recommend the Lisa2 from Miik. You can use the discount code Annette15 for 15% off your purchase (not an affiliate code, just a discount if you’re interested in giving them a try. )

I’m excited for Miik to release more designs in larger sizes. I’m always on the lookout for ethically made styles in my size, and I’m crushing hard on Miik’s comfortable yet professional aesthetic. Thanks Miik for listening to your customers and offering your clothes in my size!

[Side note: this was my first-ever solo photoshoot! It took a lot of tries to get this right, but I’m happy with the results. Still, I can’t wait until we don’t have to self-isolate anymore and I can work with a photographer again (Charlotte Rosalyn Photography I miss you!!!! )]

xo – Annette

I was feeling pretty stressed earlier this week about everything that’s going on. I called my sister on Facetime to talk about how I was feeling, and she mentioned that she was taking time each day to write down a few things that she was feeling grateful for. This simple act of self-compassion inspired me to write this blog post.

I’m so grateful that my job allows me to work from home. I’m grateful that I’m here with my family. I’m grateful that we have a roof over our heads and food on the table. I’m grateful for our health care workers, grocery store clerks, delivery personnel, and everyone else who is keeping things moving during this unprecedented time in modern history.

Practicing gratitude does not mean you have to be upbeat all the time. Things are strange right now, and it’s normal to ride a roller coaster of emotion (I know I am). But taking the time to think about all the things you are grateful for can help ground you when things start to feel overwhelming.

I’ve found a few techniques over the past few weeks that have helped me feel better when I’m down, and I’d like to share them with you. If you have any tips that have worked well for you, please feel free to share in the comments below.

Meditation

I started meditating a little over two years ago when I was going through a bit of a rough time. My first meditation session lasted a grand total of three minutes, and it changed my life. I have been using the Headspace app from the very beginning and would never be without it. Right now Headspace has opened up some of their content for free to help people get through self-isolation, so if you’re interested I recommend checking that out. There are also free apps out there (I’ve heard good things about Calm). If you’re interested in learning more about meditation and how to get started, I recommend the book Unplug: A Simple Guide to Meditation For Busy Skeptics and Modern Soul Seekers by Suze Yalof Schwartz as a fun read to help you on your way.

Staying Connected

Calling family and friends with a video app is a good way to stay connected. If you’re feeling down, make sure to reach out to someone. You might be by yourself but you don’t have to face this alone. You can also reach out to your connections on social media. Lots of local gyms and other groups are offering free workouts and online meetups, so be sure to check out what’s available in your area. Joining an online community can go a long way towards boosting your mood.

Not constantly checking the news

I have discovered over the past few weeks that too much news can be a bad thing for my mental health. I decided to stop continually refreshing my news feed, which has helped enormously. I try to check the news only once, later on in the day. You can’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, and you don’t need up-to-the-minute coverage. You won’t miss much by distancing yourself a little from the constant bombardment of headlines.

Journaling

Although I was an avid writer as a child and always kept a diary, I moved away from this habit in my adult life. However, since self-isolation began, I’ve started writing down a few things I accomplish each day. Anything that feels like a win goes in my journal (and yes, making my bed counts). Journaling doesn’t have to take too much time – writing down something you’re grateful for, or something nice you did for yourself or for someone else, can really turn your mood around. I find it very satisfying to look back at the week and see everything I accomplished, no matter how small.

Getting enough rest

It can be tough to go to sleep when you’re feeling anxious. I use Headspace for Sleep to help me drift off in the evening. If I’m feeling stressed or worried, I also do a brief meditation before settling in for the night. Small things like dimming your computer and phone screens can be very helpful. If you’ve never established a nighttime routine, now could be a good time to start. A nice cup of tea and a hot bath could help you relax enough to be able to drift off to sleep.

Taking care of your body

I try to approach taking care of my body with a lot of self-kindness. I’m not here to tell you what to eat (or what not to eat), whether, when, or how to exercise, or anything else. This is all about you. What is right for someone else may not be right for you. Listening to your body and paying attention to how you are feeling is a great way to approach this. Personally, I have found that adding a daily walk to my routine has been a great mood booster. It gets me out of the house and enjoying the early spring weather. Be kind to yourself here, and unfollow anyone on social media who is making you feel like you have to achieve some kind of “quarantine body.” Love yourself, as you are, right now. You’re already perfect.

Working on your hobbies

Is there something you love to do, but you never have the time? Is there something you always wanted to learn? There are lots of great online classes out there on pretty much any topic you can imagine. You don’t even have to pay to learn new skills; no matter what the subject, someone has posted a video on YouTube about it. A lot of websites have made their courses free for the month of April (Nikon, for example, has made their entire online photography course catalogue available for free). Do some research on the internet and see what comes up. You may discover a new passion!

Doing what’s right for you

I’m sure there is a lot of content kicking around the internet right now about how to use your time productively and get “the most” out of quarantine. You are not on a schedule here; don’t put any pressure on yourself to achieve something. If all you’re doing is hanging in there, that’s amazing. I wish you health, happiness, and finally getting to the end of that Netflix series you’ve been meaning to watch forever.

Take care. xo – Annette

Hi there. I hope you’re doing well. We all woke up to a strange new world a few weeks ago, and with no immediate end in sight, it’s more important than ever to take care of our physical and mental health. Stay home, stay safe. We’re in this together.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately on the fashion industry and sustainable fashion. Since we’re all stuck inside I thought it would be a good time to share a few of my favourite books on the subject. If you have any additional suggestions, please feel free to add them in the comments below. Happy reading! – Annette

The End Of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever by Teri Agins (2000)

Written by Wall Street Journal fashion journalist Teri Agins, this book provides a fascinating glimpse into the marketing of clothing brands and the shift in focus from design to brand recognition, a change that went hand-in-hand with the takeover of fashion houses by multinational corporations like LVMH. Written two decades ago, The End of Fashion nevertheless remains relevant in our brand-saturated world. I recommend this book if you’re looking to educate yourself on the wide-ranging effects of fashion marketing.

Key Quote:

Today, a designer’s creativity expresses itself more than ever in the marketing rather than in the actual clothes…In a sense, fashion has returned to its roots: selling image. Image is the form and marketing is the function.

Teri Agins, The End of Fashion

Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Luster by Dana Thomas (2007)

This book provides a fascinating look at how luxury brands have evolved over the last hundred years. I loved reading about the birth of the major fashion houses (Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior…) and how they morphed into the giant global companies they are today. I was especially interested in the chapter on the “it bag” phenomenon and the marketing machines behind the iconic bags that made it to the top. A very enjoyable read and one that will have you asking the question: are “luxury” goods that are mass-produced and sold at dramatically inflated prices really that luxurious?

Key Quote:

The luxury industry has changed the way people dress. It has realigned our economic class system. It has changed the way we interact. It has become part of our social fabric. To achieve this, it has sacrificed its integrity, undermined its products, tarnished its history, and hoodwinked its consumers. In order to make luxury “accessible,” tycoons have stripped away all that has made it special.

Dana Thomas, Deluxe

Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion by Elizabeth Cline (2012)

Overdressed offers an in-depth look at fast fashion: its desirability, its ubiquity, its cheapness, and its tremendous human and environmental cost. Sparked by the desire to know more about how the clothing items in her closet were produced, the author embarked on a journey that took her to New York’s garment district, to clothing factories in China and Bangladesh, and even to H&M with Youtube influencers. It’s an entertaining and thought-provoking read that brings our wear-once, throwaway culture into stark relief.

Key Quote:

Building up a wardrobe over time, saving up and investing in well-made pieces, obsessing over the perfect hem, luxuriating in fabrics, and patching up and altering our clothes are old-fashioned habits. But they’re also deeply satisfying antidotes to the empty uniformity of cheapness.

Elizabeth Cline, Overdressed

Wardrobe Crisis: How We Went from Sunday Best to Fast Fashion by Clare Press (2016)

Written in a conversational style by VOGUE’s first-ever sustainability editor, Wardrobe Crisis is filled with anecdotes, interviews, and interesting facts about fashion history. The author doesn’t shy away from the ugly side of the fashion industry and is frank in her descriptions of terrible working conditions, toxic pollution, and animal cruelty. I learned a lot from reading this book and recommend it if you are interested in diving deeper into the issues surrounding our global addiction to fast fashion.

Key Quote:

Eco is no longer a dirty word. As public opinion swings, it is beginning to look like guzzling resources without thinking about the consequences for people and the planet might make crap business sense.

Clare Press, Wardrobe Crisis

Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes by Dana Thomas (2019)

This is another great read by Dana Thomas, the author of Deluxe (above). Opening with a history and impact analysis of fast fashion, the book goes on to look at businesses and techniques that are revolutionizing the fashion industry. From small-scale ethical clothing production to cutting edge technology and the textiles of the future, this is a fascinating up-to-date look at the current state of the fashion industry and the ethical and technological breakthroughs that are on the horizon. Definitely one to add to your reading list!

Key Quote:

The revolution is not only going to be born from the makers. We all have to step up. Buy less. Wash our clothes differently. Repair or upcycle them more. Consider the impact of the material they are made of. Consider the supply chain that produces them. Consider the tenets of the company that created and distributed them. We need to fashion a personal style that does more good for the world than ill.

Dana Thomas, Fashionopolis

The Conscious Closet: The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good by Elizabeth Cline (2019)

This is the latest book by Elizabeth Cline (author of Overdressed, above). I enjoyed Overdressed so much that I bought The Conscious Closet on the day it was released. I was not disappointed! The Conscious Closet is a guidebook on how to build an ethical, sustainable wardrobe that you can look good in and feel good about. From finding your personal style and ridding your closet of clothes that don’t serve you to identifying quality fabrics and construction and making minor clothing repairs, this book has it all. (Am I the only person who discovered they’ve been sewing buttons on wrong this whole time?). Having a closet full of clothing items you wear and truly love is life-changing. This is one of those books you’ll come back to again and again.

Key Quote:

By buying less, sharing more, choosing sustainably, and acting together, we really can change the world.

Elizabeth Cline, The Conscious Closet

xo – Annette

I’ve been gravitating lately towards timeless accessories that I can enjoy now and 50 years from now, and this one definitely fits the bill.

The maker of this particular brooch had a big booth at the fair with hundreds of jewellery pieces. There was such an overwhelming selection that I’m surprised I found the spider at all! But when I saw it, it took my breath away.

I can’t really explain why I was so drawn to this brooch. I’m scared of spiders (I know I’m not the only one!), but I respect them. They are incredible creatures that play an important role in their ecosystem. They’re terrifying in real life, but boy do they look good in jeweled form!

I wear this brooch on my white tweed blazer when I want a little extra sparkle in my day. It’s very heavy so it needs to be placed on a thicker fabric that can support its weight. It would also look great on a wool coat lapel, or pinned at the waistline of a dress.

Hope you’re having a great day! xo – Annette

Jakke collaborated with Canadian brand Addition Elle to do a plus-sized run of coats, and I am totally in love. (I own the robin’s egg blue version as well!) Addition Elle has been doing a good job lately of bringing more ethical, sustainable, and high quality brands to Canadian plus-sized consumers and I am here for it.

This is without a doubt the most luxurious faux fur I’ve ever encountered. It’s warm enough even for a Canadian winter, which says a lot! I get lots of compliments when I wear it and it makes me feel like a million dollars. And what are our clothes for but to make us feel good when we wear them?

Jakke has shared more about the company’s sustainability practices here if you’re interested in checking them out.

Apparently the groundhog didn’t see his shadow, so hopefully we don’t have to endure the cold weather for too much longer. Here’s to staying warm until spring!

Stay cozy – Annette

Looking back on the last ten years, it’s almost hard to believe how much has changed. I’ve had a lot of good times, and a lot of difficult times. I’m personally ending 2019 on a high note, having been offered my dream job earlier this month. I can’t wait to see what the next decade has to bring.

These photos are from my last shoot of 2019 with Charlotte of Charlotte Rosalyn Photography. I arrived at her place completely exhausted, having had an absolutely crazy few weeks at the end of November/early December. I had been finishing up at my current job to prepare for my new position in January and was feeling the strain. I felt torn because I loved my job and the people I’d been working with, but when an exciting new opportunity came along it felt like the right time to pursue it. I’m certain I’ve made the right choice, but I was still sad to walk away from something that has helped me grow so much, both professionally and personally. Looking back at the photos, it seems to me that this shoot really captured how I was feeling – a little drained both physically and mentally, but over-the-moon excited about the next chapter in my career.

I have lots of personal, professional, and financial goals for the coming year. I also have lots of plans for this blog. I’ll be posting a lot more, and being more conscious of how my clothing budget can be used to support small businesses that are doing positive things for their workers and for the environment.

In 2020 I’ll be sharing more on the blog about how I budget for clothes, new sustainable brands I like, and how to choose quality clothing that will last for years. So stay tuned for more content in 2020!

Everything I’m wearing in these photos is ethical and/or sustainable. The dress is from local Ottawa designer Rebecca Rowe. I love purchasing from local designers; not only are they as excited as you are when you love one of their pieces, but they can do alterations for you on the spot, as Rebecca did when I wanted more room in the sleeves on this dress. Thanks Rebecca!

These incredible shoes are by Jimmy Choo, purchased secondhand through Poshmark at a fraction of the price I would have paid had they been new. The quality of these shoes is unreal, and I feel lucky to have something so unique and striking in my wardrobe.

The tights I’m wearing in these photos are from Canadian startup Sheertex. These tights are comfy, look great, and are made of something that can’t be torn by human hands. You have to try them to believe them. I didn’t buy them for a long time because of the price, but I’m glad I finally made the leap. They are worth the money and will last a long, long time.

2019 has been absolutely transformational for me. I can’t wait to see what 2020 brings.

Wishing you peace, joy, health, and happiness in the new year – Annette

Hope you’re having a wonderful day! xo – Annette