Tag: freelance

  • Balancing Two Polar-Opposite Jobs

    Balancing Two Polar-Opposite Jobs

    Daily Inspiration

    Whenever I’m lacking motivation, I turn to my favourite source of inspiration – Pinterest. Sure, it’s visually stimulating, but I get an extra special kick out of the quotation boards.

    She designed a life she loved.

    Follow the call of the disco ball.

    Remember why you started.

    Short one-liners are sometimes all I need to remind me why I do what I do. Working from home, as a freelance writer, will certainly test one’s limits. When does the work begin and when does it end? Have you ever checked your inbox at 1am only to start preparing tweets and Facebook updates for the next day?

    While I know I’m not alone here, I do know that balancing two very different jobs can be a challenge. When I have a pile of blog posts, social media updates, and newsletters to complete for my freelance job, (which, by the way, I adore!) there’s nothing I want less than to shower and put on my most fashion-forward outfit. Rushing out the door to my other job as a stylist can be daunting. After all, who really wants to leave the comfort of their apartment with its endless supply of French press coffee and atmospheric candles?

    On the flip side, the constant isolation from being a freelancer can be terrifying. I’ve learnt the importance of scheduling coffee dates with friends, and in-person meetings rather than relying solely on Skype. And I know I’m lucky. I’m able to juggle a social, customer-focused job with a more internally, self-guided position. It’s just my time management skills that need a bit of fine-tuning.

    What do you do for work? Are you happy in your current position?

  • Life Update and Fall Trends!

    I’ve now been a stylist at Club Monaco for nearly two months, which has been a fantastic experience in itself. I’ve been obsessed with Club Monaco since its humble beginnings in the early 90s. My store, on Queen Street, was actually the very first Club Monaco to open in 1985.

    I am also happy to report that I’ve recently taken on much more freelance work. I am now writing and editing for Nyeus Inc., a digital start-up that crafts websites and multi-media platforms for a variety of companies and organizations. I’m currently working with Dayle Haddon of WomenOne. I’m incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity to do what I love most, write.

    I’m also becoming increasing excited for autumn, my favourite season. There are so many reasons to love fall, and I’ll be compiling a list of my favourite fall activities later today! But first, let’s talk fashion! Spending 25-30 hours a week at one of my favourite stores has enabled me to get a sense of what Toronto’s best-heeled will be wearing this year. Here’s a list of my must-have fall trends (mostly from the Club Monaco collection, of course!) So, without further ado…

    1. Faux fur shrugs.
    Image

    Yes, I said it. I am obsessed with this look because it has just enough volume and texture to an pizzazz otherwise bland outfit. It’ll also take you into the colder months of October and November before we all bust out our Canada Goose/knee-length down jackets here in the Great White North.

    2. Neoprene dresses.
    Image

    A dress or a wetsuit? You either love it or hate and believe me, these have been a point of controversy at Club Monaco Queen Street. But I am a huge fan of this material. For one, it’s high quality, have you ever bought a cheap wetsuit? I lived in the South Pacific and my surfer friends spent a pretty penny on their wetsuits. The shape of the Autumn Dress adds shape to even the boyish of figures. Win!

    3. Leather detailing
    39874b21d77441eba1dfce0efe87644f (1)
    As they say, the design is in the details. I’m a huge fan of leather, as it adds luxury to simple wardrobe staples like cotton shirts and crewneck sweaters. Club Monaco has incorporated real leather into many of their skirts, dresses, pants and shirts this season, making dressing up a lot more fun! My favourite pieces are the Christine skirt (pictured above), the Janice top, the Cecilia dress (in black), the Witherbee dress, the Gabi varsity jacket and the Kaylan jacket (pictured below in white).

    4. Quilted jackets
    tumblr_mmsgcj3H6I1sph5opo1_500

    I predict that quilted jackets (especially when roughened up with a bit of leather detailing) will be all the rage this fall. I have the above coat in navy and I’m in love! I think pairing navy with black is an absolute DO this season, and will provide much-needed versatility in all of our wardrobes.

    What are you most looking forward to wearing this fall?

    xoxo, Vanessa