Fitness Swellness: Everyday lifestyle essentials at Mark’s

I have a new category of clothes in my wardrobe, and it’s all because of my rescue pup, Billie Jean.

Until recently, my clothing could be broken down into three categories: my running gear, my actual clothes for going out, and my at-home clothes (which is essentially my pajamas–I’ve always been one of those people who put on PJs as soon as I get home no matter what time it is). Given that I work from home, this means until a few months ago, I spent a lot of time in PJs.

But now that I actually have to be out in public several times a day when working from home to walk and play with Billie Jean, I’ve found that I need comfortable clothes that are easy to get on quickly (especially for those morning walks, because I’m not an a.m. person!) and look presentable. My flannel PJs weren’t cutting it.

Fitting this new niche in my wardrobe is the Mark’s Shambhala line, which I’ve only recently discovered. Did you know that Mark’s launched in 1977 in Calgary (love that city!)? I only found that out now. That’s not to say that I’m a Mark’s newbie. I’ve shopped there since high school (although, in Quebec–where I grew up–it’s called L’Equipeur) and I’ve picked up sweaters, gifts, undies and socks throughout the years there.

Their Shambhala collection is a mix of workout gear and activewear, and the items are easy to throw on quickly (think easy to mix and match pieces of mostly solids with a few graphic prints). The pieces work for me because I can put on an outfit from the collection in the morning for Billie Jean’s first walk of the day, and then I’m super comfortable as I work from home. But I can also easily go for a run (or do any workout, but I just tend to gravitate towards running), or I can just as simply pop into my favourite coffee shop or pick up some groceries and my ootd is perfectly fine for any of these occasions. And that suits me well given my lifestyle (I’m typically juggling a lot of different things and just making it work with my schedule).

Which is like many of us these days, after all? Our responsibilities call for clothing that’s versatile. There’s a reason the active  look is sticking around, after all–being on the go is the new normal.

I’ve got on some of my fave pieces here but there’s a crisp striped tank that I think would be great for spring. I knew adopting a dog would change my lifestyle, but didn’t realize it meant a new day-to-day wardrobe, too.

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Leave a Comment May 11, 2017

Style Swellness: Denim days

With a nearly two-week trip to China last month, I wanted something new to add to my travel wardrobe. I knew we’d be on the road a lot, and walking a ton (so I’d be in comfortable shoes), that it’d be spring temps, and I needed it to be something I could roll up into my suitcase and not worry too much about wrinkles in the fabric.

This GAP swing tank dress fit the bill perfectly. It’s loose fit makes it easy to throw on, it works with my Vans from J. Crew but just as easily could be worn with sandals, and it’s as casual as wearing a pair of jeans, but just a bit more pretty and feminine (especially with the cut of the neckline and armholes–that’s actually what caught my eye at first with this number).

The weather in Fujian and Jiangxi turned out to be much colder than any of us expected, so I only got to sport this dress once, but I can’t wait to frolic in it when spring finally arrives in Toronto.

Leave a Comment April 12, 2016

Style Swellness: Speechlust Jewelry

Ikigai: Your reason for waking up in the morning; the passion that drives your life.

When it came to choosing a Speechlust Jewelry tag and selecting what I’m most passionate about, it was tough choice between wanderlust and ikigai. I do love to travel (or lust to wander, as it were), and I’m always dreaming of my next adventure and clamouring to fly or drive to discover places new to me (or even just walking and discovering places within my hometown), but in the end, I went with ikigai (which is the combination of two Japanese words, iki for life and gai meaning “the realization of what one expects and hopes for,” because there are many things I’m passionate about that drive my life.

Some days I’m passionate about running (although some days, I can’t bear the thought of it because I feel drained mentally, nine marathons and 13 halfs and numerous other races will do that to you if you’re not careful). Some days it’s my lovable cats. Often it’s the laughs I have with my friends. And, let’s face it, sometimes what I’m passionate about is the simple deliciousness of homemade granola sprinkled on top of Greek yogurt.

Ever since I’ve been wearing my Speechlust Jewelry, I find myself touching the smooth gold tag hanging around my neck and reminding myself to enjoy the little moments of each day that drive my life. Because it can be all too easy to get caught up in meeting deadline, gossiping and what have you.

For more about the Canadian line Speechlust Jewelry, check my post on Vitamin Daily.

Leave a Comment February 29, 2016