It’s been nearly a year and a half now since most of us have been able to travel much, and with that I think comes a severe shortage of inspiration, at least for me personally. Travel and fashion for me are inextricably linked, and travel has always inspired me style-wise. Every city on the planet has its own unique identity and style, from the people to the architecture to the energy itself. And one of the things I love most about about fashion and personal style is that escapism element.
There are few things that excite me more than planning outfits for trips, and echoing the unique identity of the destination in the pieces I bring along. Cities and travel and changes of scenery inspire me to no end, but of course with the lack of travel these past 16 months, I’ve been forced to stay local with the exception of a handful of weekend trips to the cottage. No longer having that source of inspiration was starting to suck some of the fun out of getting dressed for me.
I’m not sure what brought it on, but lately I’ve noticed myself putting together outfits and instantly thinking, “how nice would this be to wear in this destination.” From Paris to Rome to Palm Springs to Lake Como, the special essence of places I’ve been seeping through into these physical manifestations. And it’s been bringing so much of the fun and whimsy back into getting dressed.
When I thought this outfit up, the first thing that came to mind was a stroll along the Seine, perusing the riverside book stalls. An experience that feels so distant it could be fantasy, brought to the fore by a simple linen dress. And what could possibly be more French than Sézane anyways? Add in a basket bag and a sensible block heel, and the entire thing just felt like something that a chic Parisian woman might wear.
I’ve also started to appreciate those little corners of Toronto that feel like far-flung cities. Although Toronto isn’t necessarily known for its wealth of heritage buildings and historic architecture, there are some diamonds in the rough, and this little bookstore nestled on a residential street completed the story I had dreamed up in my head. Until I can hop on a plane to destinations that get my creative juices flowing again, I’m happy to keep pretending.
Dress – old season Sézane; Sandals – old season Via Spiga; Basket Bag – old season Cult Gaia
