As the seasons change, we want to change up our wardrobes too. We have to admit that we feel amazing when we have a new outfit that shows our true style and makes us look FABULOUS! Your style and mood may change as quick as the weather does here in Edmonton but of course, most of us cannot afford to be buying a new outfit every week so we have to be able to revamp what we have or find ways to update our existing wardrobes and make them seem new and exciting! Here are some tips for re-creating your wardrobe on a budget!
By Gabriela Tellier
Like many Alberta mamas, I am an immigrant mother. I arrived in Edmonton when I was 17 years old and was welcomed to a beautiful city, to a beautiful province and country, that I now call home. Today, I am the mother of two young children and am privileged to introduce to them the culture of their homeland, as well as that of their mother’s. My children are Canadian, and they are also Peruvian.
We recently celebrated Canada Day, a day that is very special for all Canadians, those who were born here, and those who arrived later in life. Inspired by that, I share this DIY. As a mother raising bicultural children, I am always looking for creative and fun ways to teach my children about both cultures. By getting the kids outside to explore, and making art together, I embrace multiculturalism in motherhood and honor the land that gave a home to my children and to the culture that came before them.
I feel like we may have by-passed Spring and headed straight into summer around Alberta…. This sudden change of seasons always seems to create some inner panic in me every year. It’s suddenly hot during the day, colder in the morning and evening and not totally appropriate to wear full on summer clothes yet BUT I’m totally over my winter threads. The panic is real, guys. This year, I’ll admit, I do feel a little more prepared. Maybe it’s because winter lasted so damn long this time around. None-the-less, I thought I would share my favourite spring fashion ideas with you.
1- The Kimono
I was rocking this item last year as well, and thank goodness it seems here to stay! My reasons for loving the kimono are: it covers you up when you need it (spring) and it makes you look put together in an instant when all you are really doing is throwing it on over your yoga pants and a tank top. The best.

A selection of my personal Kimonos from Hot Dame (Sweet Boutique), Belle & Bliss Boutique & The Hudson’s Bay.
2- The Flats
As tempted as we are to wear sandals, some mornings are just not quite warm enough yet and nothing is worse than stepping in some wet, cold, mushy spring grass…. Investing in a pair of easy to slip on flats either in a sporty style or with a more dressed up flair will take you from the playground to a meeting to dinner, all without having to tie them or do up annoying straps. Heels, you say? No mama has time for running around in heels. None.

Esprit flats from a clothing swap!
3- The Leather Jacket
Leather jackets can be difficult to wear in Alberta. It’s usually way too cold in the winter for them and then by full on summer you are sweating just thinking about wearing one. That’s why I wear my leather jackets as much as possible during spring. It’s so easy to throw on over jeans, a dress, even with yoga pants. No, I never stop wearing yoga pants #sorrynotsorry.

BCBG Leather Jacket, yet another gem I acquired from a recent clothing swap!
4- The Mini Backpack
When this trend started, I hated it. It reminded me of the 90’s when girls would wear them. I guess it just made me feel old? I broke down and got one and I am now eating my words. A leather (or leather-like) mini backpack is like the crossbody purse, but even cooler. You look trendy, but you are actually just allowing yourself to be hands free and a super multi-tasker. This style is really difficult to pull off with a pouffy winter jacket, so I think it’s a great spring item.

My first adult mini backpack from Miniso.
5- A New Pair of Jeans
I’ve been coveting the casual and cool look of ripped jeans over winter, but who wants holes in their pants when its minus 20? Now that we’ve got some warmth out there I am loving this look.

Spring denim from Grace & Lace
6- The Jumpsuit
I never, ever thought I would take the jumpsuit plunge. I tried one on recently and it was love at first fit. I feel like the jumpsuit is the new maxi dress. Once you find one that works for your body type, it’s so easy to wear! Note, I said jumpsuit, not romper. Spring gives you a chance to try the one piece trend with full pants first. I’ll report back to you if I ever get brave enough for the romper, haha.

Chris, one of our gorgeous founders, rocking her jumpsuit from H&M.
7- The Swimsuit
Ok. Ok. This one isn’t exactly spring. BUT warm Alberta sun does get you thinking of beach season. And, we still take our kids swimming to the pool, so there. No one wants to be rushed once they realize they have to go to the beach and last year’s suit is just a little worn out. So, start looking now. Selection is at its best and you might need time for this one.

This sexy little one piece is from The Hudson’s Bay
I hope this helps you sort out some quick and easy ideas for updating your wardrobe into spring/summer/whatever season it decides to be today. If you want some more ideas, visit us at St. Albert Centre on May 16th where we (The Alberta Mamas) will be sharing some of our favourite curated Spring looks at the Denim and Dresses event!
Let us know, what’s your favourite new Spring fashion item?
Those aren’t strands of grey hair, they’re strands of glitter.
There are many things I learnt about growing out my grey hair. I thought it was going to be all about buying purple shampoo and looking cool like Stacy London. While it’s not been hard, it’s been an eye-opener into other peoples opinions on how I should treat my hair, but also really very cool seeing my hair make the transition from dark brown to grey.
Have you heard of Pink Shirt Day? On February 28th show your support and take a stand against cyberbullying by wearing pink!
There’s a few big reasons why I can get behind Pink Shirt Day. Here’s Why:
- If you think cyberbullying isn’t a thing, think again. 1 in 5 kids are affected by it. (source: pinkshirtday.ca)
- It is impossible to escape/avoid this type of bullying. In the “old” days we could go home after a rough day and at least get away from a bullying situation that was taking place at school. With technology and connections everywhere, this is so much more difficult.
- We all know that bullying, of any kind, is devastating and can have major impacts for the victim. I was bullied by a particular boy in elementary school. 25 years later I can tell you exactly what the bully said to me, how he made me feel and how no one did anything about it.
- Fundraising, awareness and net proceeds from official Pink Shirt Day shirts, texting gloves and other accessories (sold exclusively at London Drugs) goes to support youth anti-bullying programs- including local Boys and Girls Clubs. Previous to my becoming a mom, I worked for Boys and Girls Clubs and I can tell you first hand the amount of work that goes into these programs and that they have the power to change a child’s life!
- Pink, it’s my favourite colour:)
Purchase your official Pink Shirt Day t-shirt, texting gloves & more from London Drugs and wear it on February 28th to stand up to cyberbullying! Net proceeds of the official t-shirts will support youth anti-bullying programs. This year, Pink Shirt Day is encouraging everyone- no matter what age- to think twice before posting something negative online, and instead use the internet to spread kindness. Nice needs no filter!
We’ve teamed up with London Drugs to support Pink Shirt Day and we’ve got a $50 Gift Card for one lucky winner! Enter below via Rafflecopter. Good Luck!
Tis the season to be inspired! Alberta Mamas has put together our 2017 Holiday Guide. Enjoy our suggestions for gift giving, seasonal recipes, holiday experiences, and enjoying the spirit of the season with your family. Check back often as we continue to build on to this guide.
See the Alberta Mamas Holiday Guide
We all love the idea of shopping locally, but often we forget how important it is to actually go out there and spend locally! There are so many local businesses in Grande Prairie, but we thought we’d make a list of all the places you can shop locally in Grande Prairie this holiday season.
Spending money in a local business isn’t just about supporting a local family, but it’s good for the economy! It’s known as the Multiplier Effect and Wikipedia can go through the details for you here, but essentially it means that when you spend your money in your community with a locally owned and operated business it circulates the wealth back into your community. It’s a win-win. Really, who doesn’t love their locally owned coffee-shops and boutiques!
In no particular order, here are some places we’ll be shopping this holiday season.
Kids
Cute as a Bugs Ear
Web: https://cute-as-a-bugs-ear.myshopify.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cute-As-A-Bugs-Ear-Childrens-Clothing-Inc-
Address: #104 – 10605 West Side Dr.
What to shop for: Anything kids!
Mini and Kind
Web: https://www.miniandkind.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miniandkind/
Address: Online only
What to shop for: Organic and ethically made baby clothing and toys. We LOVE this little fawn.
Web: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/WithLoveIdeas
Address: Online only
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErniesSports/
Women’s Clothing
Address:
Experience Gift Ideas
Art Gallery of Grande Prairie
Web: http://aggp.ca/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ArtGalleryofGP/
Address: 9839 103 Avenue #103
What to shop for: Memberships to the art gallery are an inexpensive gift for an art lover or for a unique gift for those that love experiences over things.
Local Handmade
Fox and Chaos Naturals
Web: http://foxandchaos.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoxandChaos/
What to shop for: Handmade organic bath and beauty products such as bubble bath, lotions and lip balms, perfect for our Northern Albertan climate.
Rustic Little Lamb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rustic-little-lamb-120637391932907/
What to shop for: Custom homemade signs for your home.
Timber + Gray Design Co.
Web: https://timberandgray.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timberandgray/
What to shop for: Fun tees, wooden signs furniture.
Chickweed and Clover
Web: http://www.chickweedclover.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chickweedandclover/
Address: RR1 Site 6 Box 19 , Sexsmith Alberta
What to shop for: Their new product, Wild Rose and Magnesium body butter and spray which may help for a restful sleep.
When I buy Christmas gifts for the women in my life I really like to purchase something unique and local. Little treasures that were lovingly created or designed by other women in Alberta who have far more creative vision then myself. Enter the perfect collab: Twig and Velvet + ANNAËL!
The owners of these two local companies, Monika & Leanne, have actually been working together for quite some time, but have finally made it official with their new online shop, twigandvelvet.com!
Twig and Velvet offers stunning silver, metal & semi precious stone jewellery designed and handcrafted right in Beaumont Alberta. ANNAËL is a creation of wearable art (handwoven silk scarves and cotton shirts), and is the brain child of the owner who is also a professional photographer from Beaumont. Both of their unique designs are sold on their new online platform as well as their newest collaboration and “love child”: Anna’s Velvet. This collection includes wares like modern pearl items, leather wrap bracelets and a to die for 3 way poncho scarf.
Last year, I purchased gifts from both of these companies: sparkly bracelets with gold clasps and a silk infinity scarf with the most beautiful photograph of a flower on it. All were very well received by their happy recipients! What I like most, besides the constantly evolving designs (they really never stop creating, ever), is that these local ladies have a “Chosen Acts of Kindness” program. With this program, they will give back in some way with a random act of kindness that they will be sharing via social media and on their blog. I can not wait to see what creative ways they come up with to give back!
My TOP Gift Picks from www.twigandvelvet.com
- Stockholm Sterling Silver Earrings: Simple, yet elegant with some movement created by the delicate hanging chains.
- Women Uplifting Women in Business Silk Infinity Scarf: A versatile piece with an important message.
- 3 Way Poncho/Scarf in Olive: The pleather trim and wooden stamped buttons on this beauty make it so special and perfect for everyday.
You can shop all 3 collections (Twig & Velvet, ANNAEL and Anna’s Velvet) here! Don’t forget if you are in Beaumont there is free pickup as well. Happy Holiday Shopping!
*This post was brought to you by Twig and Velvet. As always, all opinions stated are my own.
One of my favourite things about the holiday season is cozy, snuggly fashion! With all the visiting and celebrating it’s a huge mom time saver to have a few new items in your closet that you can literally grab and put together an outfit in an instant. Thankfully Belle + Bliss, a local online boutique, has just launched their Winter 2017 Collection and we’re in love with pretty much all of it- for ourselves as well as gifts for the stylish women in our life!
Belle + Bliss Boutique was started by a local mom in 2014 who was looking for alternatives in fashion that suited the busy mom life. It all started with bringing in tunics that paired easily with leggings and since then they have focused on carefully curating women’s fashion that is comfortable, stylish, flattering and affordable. Most of the pieces can be mixed and matched and easily paired with boots or heels and your favourite pair of leggings or jeans (though they do sell those too!).
Here’s a little peek at some of the gorgeous new items from the Winter 2017 Collection!
Since it’s the season for giving, we can’t forget to mention some easy yet thoughtful gifts! Check out my top Christmas Gifts from Belle + Bliss Boutique below:
The Blanket Scarf
This is the perfect gift, women love these! They make a boring outfit on trend instantly, plus add warmth and can be used as a shawl or blanket when travelling. Shop here.
The Slippers & Mittens
These cozy slippers & mittens are guaranteed to keep toes and hands nice and toasty. They are 100% wool with comfy fleece lining and handmade in Nepal. Each pattern is one of a kind!
Shop the mitten collection here!
The Toque
Adorable and functional, plus the best accessory for a bad hair day! Browse beanies, messy bun toques, classic knits and pom toques here.
Shipping is ALWAYS free on orders over $99 and if you are from the Edmonton Area you can take advantage of local pick up. Available in Beaumont, South Edmonton, and Sherwood Park.
Happy Shopping!
*This post was sponsored by Belle + Bliss Boutique. As always, all opinions are our own.