Political climate and literal climate of the world aside for a haute couture minute; I am encouraged. As New York Fashion Week wrapped up and we ride along the taffeta train to the other cities – London and then Paris – I am thrilled by some of what I see.

I can’t help it. For seventeen years straight I went to school every fall. While there are some years before school and certainly many more since graduating university, I still have the urge to shop. For back to school everything.

Ever the one to try and “make it fashion” in nearly almost situation, I’m excited I’m temporarily stuck in a small town. While out on location – and on pause from filming for a day or two – I’m wanting to seize the moment. By shopping, naturally.

Even though we are in the thick of summer, the fashion world is about to get all pumpkin spice latte on us. Soon we’ll be blasted with images of cosy sweaters, boots, and yes, hot drinks all set to a backdrop of turning leaves. The September issues are the thing, you know.

Full disclosure: what I’m about to bumble on about could be considered a textbook first world problem. That said, I’ve heard writers say – and movies and books about writing – that one will have the best success in coming across more authentic if you write about what you know.

Because of my work I am shopping in the malls, boutiques, and online all the ding dong day. The sheer volume and repetition allow me to see things. I can see what trends are being pushed, what colours in in season, and what brands are doing to try and get you to buy. It’s a lot.

This month marks my fifth year in business. Similar to divorce, the statistics for failure are high. It’s bleak. Closing a business is more likely than splitting up for the first time, getting hit by a bus, or being friends with a vegan. Though this reality is daunting, I’ve heard the only way to keep the doors open is to keep on. 

A dear colleague sent me a short clip of Marc Jacobs commenting of what he felt the future of power in fashion was: the consumer dressing however he/she/they wants with no implications. He went on to say that clothes don’t really matter. His blasé idea supposedly opens up what designers can design and consumers can consume.

With much joy, I saw Rocketman recently after much anticipation. It was a delightful, rhinestone filled ride with nasty bits thrown in between. That’s life, you know? Wonderful events – love, family, success – with a running gauntlet – ego, stress, xenophobia – bumping into and over obstacles as you bumble through, hopefully wearing sequins.

Yes. Yes, you can. I decided to skip the suspense because we have enough surprises - often horrible - in these times. Of course, you can pass. Just like the D.A.R.E. personal service announcement posters in my school urged, you just say no.

Calgary – the entrepreneurial city that could – is ever changing. Each industry, except for maybe the one we’re most well-known for, is growing. Breweries, pop up shops, restaurants, and summer favourites like gourmet ice crème places are huge. The art and fashion scene, too, have never been better.

The thing I love about Cannes Film Festival – besides the movies – is the extra AF fashion. The stars go bigger here that the Golden Globes and Academy Awards combined. Must be something in that salt and sun filled French Riviera air. The fashion is more, more, more.