GOOD BUY | Johanna Ortiz x H&M

via H&M

Scroll down a few posts and you'll see my 2020 fashion pledges. Let it be known that I am inserting an addendum; one that seemed implied at the time but let's make it offish by adding it here:

7) WEAR IT OUT

Before I 'add to cart', I'll ask myself this question: will I wear this multiple times? Many sustainably-minded peeps subscribe to the '30 Wears' philosophy made famous by Livia Firth (Colin's wife), whereby if you don't see yourself wearing the piece 30 times over its lifetime, it's not worth the buy. I'm less of a strict rule follower so my take on it is that I ideally want to add things to my closet that will last for years (not months), and will look amazing for several different occasions and in multiple contexts.

At the H&M Spring 2020 Press Preview in Toronto last week, I fell head over kicks in love with the new Johanna Ortiz x H&M Collection. If you don't know Ortiz, then it's time you did; powerhouses like Michelle Obama and Beyoncé and style-setters like Olivia Palermo and Sienna Miller are all fans of the Colombian designer. Sadly, her designs have remained in my 'life goals' bucket since her full-priced line runs in the $2-3 K range. Ortiz's maximalist aesthetic manages to be bold yet timeless - and such a welcome change after so many years of basics. 

All of the racks on display at the H&M preview were beautiful, but I found myself camped out in the Johanna Ortiz x H&M section, fondling the beautiful fabrics, entranced by the vivid colours and smitten with the chic AF florals, doing some serious fashion math.

FASHION MATH

Cost of dress / 20 wears = approx $4 per wear. Less than a flat white? Done.

20 wears / 4 years = 5 occasions per year.  I have 1 vacay planned for June, at least 2 summer parties sure to happen, a grade 6 grad to attend and I'm sure my sister will want to borrow it at least once. Add weddings, family photoshoots, date nights, and work events to the mix and I'm golden. If I want to amortize it over 30 wears, I'll either consign it or simply book more vacations & enroll myself in some salsa lessons, which I've always wanted to do anyway. Everybody wins.

Cost of the sadness I'll experience if I miss out on a rare amazing designer collab = priceless.

I feel strongly about picking up one of the red palm print dresses (the ruffled one is insane), the B&W one-shoulder bather, and that white shirt dress. I've done fashion math on all 3 pieces and I think it's all highly justifiable, since the collection ranges from only $19.99 - $79.99 CAD. That's it. Uh, I KNOW. Some designer collabs feel watered down but I can tell you from getting handsy with the collection that the pieces feel decidedly luxe and totally legit. 

Click on the thumbnails below to check out the stunners for yourself. The Johanna Ortiz x H&M collection will be in select stores and online March 12th so mark your calendars and tell me what you end up buying. Hope you've enjoyed watching me wrestle with my fashion demons as much as I've enjoyed doing it ;)

Happy Tuesday, beauties! 

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Making a DIFF

via @diffeyewear 

Some people collect shoes (I do), some collect coats (I do that, too), but then others collect glasses (to confirm: yep, still me). I have a few "collection" "issues" but I'm working on it. 

You see, here's the thing: curating fashion is a valid pursuit, especially when it has a purpose. I could go on and on about why stockpiling stamps or Pokemon cards or multiple husbands is a waste of time and resources, but accessories? Let me break it down for you. Shoes keep your feet protected and stop you from embarassing ejections from public spaces. Coats shield you from the elements, of course, while allowing you to wear pajamas to school drop-off and cover up coffee spills. And glasses? Well, they shade you from the sun, hide lack of sleep, and make you look cooler at all times of the day (just ask Corey Hart). While most people are obsessed with sunglasses, my particular fetish is for the non-shaded, non-prescription variety of glasses. I have my creative glasses (pink, tortoise, clear), my take-me-seriously spreadsheet glasses (no-nonsense black and heavy rims fit the bill) and then I have my 'my outfit is basic today' glasses that instantly elevate any 'fit.

I scored my first pair of DIFF glasses at Winners last year and while I fell in love with the style and comfort of these shades, it was their company mission that made me a repeat offender. Every pair of DIFF glasses sold helps to provide the gift of sight to someone in need through eye exams, glasses, medicine, and surgery. To date, DIFF Eyewear has donated over 1.5 MILLION pairs of glasses worldwide. So yup, kinda like Toms but in the eyewear space.

With all of the time I spend on my laptop writing, I've recently become a huge fan of DIFF's Blue Light Blocking collection. Not only do these glasses look dope, they minimize eye strain, prevent dry eyes and blurry vision, and reduce headaches that come from too much screen time. 

I'm a fan and I think you will be, too. Ch-ch-check 'em out below. Epic website problems seem to be fixed for now so will be sharing more scores on the regular, kk?

Happy Friday, beauties!

Bella in Clear Crystal

Carina in Clear Leopard

Selena in Cream Tortoise

Carson in Light Pink Crystal

h.e.r x DIFF

Bella in Black

Becky II in Himalayan Tortoise