The Dilemna of Black and Brown

I was recently faced with the dilemna of  having only brown boots to wear with an almost all black outfit. Just before I put them on, I stopped myself. I always knew the rule to never wear black and brown. I was always told that black and brown clashed cuz they are too close in color. Theoretically this made sense because I agree too that two colors that are almost the same should never be worn together - like different shades of the same color. 

But I want to challenge the black and brown rule. Unless it’s a very dark brown they are honestly totally different. I don't think any neutral colors clash. You maybe have to be a little more cautious how you wear both colors at the same time, but please don’t let that rule limit your fashion. So I’m giving you the freedom to have at it. Wear black and brown. But even if it's "okay" fashionably, you always have to keep it balanced. Anything becomes unfashionable if it's unbalanced. So here's some tips to guide you through the Black and Brown dilemma.

If you wear brown boots with an all black outfit, throw on a matching brown belt to balance it. Or a brown cardigan or purse. Like the images below. What I did with my dilemna is I put on a kahki green jacket. It tied the brown with the black. So it totally works wearing brown and black. Just make sure the brown isn’t so dark that it’s very close to black. But honestly, have fun and add 2 tone layers, stripes, and other earthy colours. Also I find that the brown always dresses the outfit down a notch. Which normally in my case I always like to wear classy pieces and find some way to dress it down. But in cases wear you are going for the all black classy look, you want to keep away from the browns. Do not wear brown heels or boots in that case. 

 

The fun about fashion is that you can always find away to make it work. You just got to work it! So screw the don't mix Brown and Black rule! Happy Friday!

Street Casual

I am slowly transitioning into spring. The weather isn't quite keeping up with the calendar, but I feel like I'm helping it along a bit by shedding the heavier coat for my lighter leather jacket, barefoot in my toms and the short cut pants. And oh baby, those pants are very dear to me. I've been waiting for the right moment till I found the perfect pair for me. Tan, short cut and oh so comfy. I feel fashion smart every time I wear them. They add edge that normal jeans can't. The lighter color and material are perfect for spring and summer. So spring please do come!
 I love the street casual style of this ensemble. Give me leather, something tan, and a graphic tee these days and I feel good!
I had to throw in my hometown hockey team shirt. They can always use some support. Go Jets!

Leather Jacket: Sirens

Graphic Tee: Giant Tiger

Tan Short Cuts: American Eagle

Photos by Clara Loewen

It seems to be a long transition into spring. It's hard not to get depressed and discouraged as all of creation seems to be holding it's breath till summer will finally burst upon us. I feel like I'm in transition in every area of my life as well. Death, love, career, dreams, and discouragement all seems to be happening at once right now. Transition can be scary. The waiting can get depressing. Especially if you have no idea what your waiting for. You may have disappointments happening in your life right now. But listen to me. Take a deep breath in. Breathe it out. There's no use stressing out. As sure as the dawn will come, so will Summer. Without fail every year summer does come. No matter how dark things seem right now, hope and light will come. Dreams will come true. Clarity will come. You'll get your job. Money will come. You'll regain your health. You'll find something to laugh about again.

How do you get that hope? How can you help the stress of spring still not being here? How can you keep from not getting depressed? Here's what I realized I needed to start doing again. Take a deep breath. Slow down. Eat well. Get some fresh air and exercise. Be with people that make me laugh and feel safe. Do the things that I like doing just for fun.

Just before this photo shoot, I was saddened that I wasn't feeling more excited about doing what I loved doing. But I decided to go into it cuz I knew this was my passion. This shoot will show a person who has come way too far to stop now. She has fought, pressed through and cried and loved and succeeded.  This person carries a certain glory that is unique to her. And I will carry it well. This is you! Love yourself back to life. And everything around you will become alive! Spring is coming!