I want to explore something fun today - I want to talk about your style.

Years ago I was a part of the OG fashion bloggers (we're talking 2009!). I had just left Banana Republic and moved back to Toronto and started working for Joe Fresh. 

Unfortunately, that role was less-than-satisfying and things were tough at home as we navigated my husband’s illness. I needed something just for me and someone suggested that I start a blog. Soon, In Life and In Fashion was born.  

In my happy corner of the internet, I wrote about how to embrace beauty regardless of what your life situation might be, how to turn lemons into lemonade, and how to dress in a way that made you feel confident and most like yourself.

On some of the hardest days in my life, I still committed to intentionally getting dressed.

I dressed for how I WANTED to feel, not for how I actually felt. (There were days when there was literally nothing I could wear that could reflect how low I felt 😞)

But I have always understood the power of style to shape how you feel.

As a kid, I would mix and match outfits with the clothes my mom bought me and she was always surprised at how I pulled it all together (like my daughter Nova does now!). I had so much fun expressing myself through clothes.

Later I went on to work in fashion and helped inform what others wore.

That was my favourite time in my style-life.

My small walk-in closet was perfectly organised with uniform wooden hangers and my clothes organised by category and colour. I loved choosing my clothes every day, figuring out how to make unexpected combinations, and polishing off the ensemble with the perfect earrings, necklace or shoes.

My life is much simpler now. I work from home and often drop off my daughter at school half-dressed 😅 (me, not her! She always looks great)

But I still derive so much pleasure and power out of getting dressed.

Knowing what suits me but more importantly what makes me feel amazing.

For me, it's less about following trends, and more about the timeless style that supports me in feeling authentic, vibrant, and my best self.

Right now I love feminine clothes, in simple silhouettes that play up the features I love and appreciate the most about myself. I also lean a little bohemian - just a touch ☺️

As we get older, what we wear might change (or maybe not!) but choosing your wardrobe and getting dressed is an opportunity to not just dress for what feels comfortable today, but for the woman you want to be.

What would future-you wear? At her fullest expression, at her most confident and at ease with herself?

If it's anything different than what you're currently wearing, it might be time to get creative. ✨

Tell me, what styles make you feel beautiful, amazing, your absolute best you?

athletic wear?
jeans and a t?
dresses?
full-on trendsetter?

With love,

Kena ❤️
Kena Paranjape, Founder, All You Are