Je Ne Sais Quoi

You may think I'm obsessed with those words. You may be right. 

There is something about the French style that is particularly magnetic, something so effortless that you just want to put in effort to achieve it. How could I put this? Precisely, I cannot put it in words since the very core definition of the je ne sais quoi is 'the something that cannot be described'. It revolves around many spheres, starting with lifestyle. Think Paris, 1950s, existentialists discussing over wine and cigarettes on a balcony overlooking the city's sunrise. Another image would be a late afternoon nonchalantly cooking in your boyfriend's shirt under fall's hazy sky. Style-wise - skinnies, a thrown on blazer topped with perfectly undone hair and a red lip. Complement with a bold yet feminine personality, giving life to the entire look. (For a better idea, men give their own hilarious definition here.)

Now I don't think we should be trying to copy their style, but I see no harm drawing inspiration. As a French people ourselves, digging back into our own roots and fusing our ways with theirs is just another way to express the ongoing multiculturalism. Personally, I am exposed daily to a dose when I go to school since 1/3 of my grade consists of French human beings. The West is usually only able to draw its inspiration from the much coveted style through pictures - I see it in action. They pull it off so candidly, all of them, in their own way too, whether it's walking down the hallways or giggling with me. As a matter of fact, the style ultimately comes to add an additional dimension to their already innate sense of je ne sais quoi. 

Point is, here below is what I draw from it so far. 

Pictures by the talented Marissa. 

Boots: Shelly's London

Enjoy!

Katia

Waiting Game

I'm thinking it over - the way you make me feel all sexy but it's causing me shame. I want to lean on your shoulder, I wish I was in love but I don't want to cause any pain. And if I'm feeling like I'm evil, we've got nothing to gain.

What if I never see you because we're both on a stage? Don't tell me listen to your song because it isn't the same. I don't want to say your love is a waiting game.

I'm thinking it over - what if the way we started made it something cursed from the start. What if it only gets colder? Would you still wrap me up and tell me that you think this was smart? Because lately, I've been scared of thinking about where we are.

What if I never see you because we're both on a stage? Don't tell me listen to your song because it isn't the same. I don't want to say your love is a waiting game.

-Banks


Uni has been great. Too great. I'm always busy doing something, whether it's attending cocktails, networking events, conferences, team activities or simply studying. And I don't even mind - I actually really enjoy it! Being constantly stimulated just makes me feel alive, not to mention appreciate free time far more. This is prone to intensify, so recently discovering the effects of coffee also helps.

It has also been the start of many new friendships. But most of all, a whirlwind of unexpected events occurred, one leading to another, without having much control over the situation. Being able to internalize the gush of vitality and emotions now that everything happened is the strangest feeling of all. Something you want to remember but forget. Context. Circumstances. Guts. A rush of blood. Self-interest. Ties. Breath. Confusion. Decisions. Nothing makes sense anymore, you can only accept the fact that everything just happened, that those moments existed.
..As I said, Uni has been too great. That is why something had to be done to balance things out. So came Karma - or whatever you want to call it - to drag me back to reality. Well, here I am.

Photos by Dahye

Enjoy!
Katia

Context

Super simple outfit, a little more elaborate photography this time. I'm always looking for outfits that are appropriate for several occasions at once. Usually, I like to throw on a dress with a unique hem, but this shirt and shorts - not just any - also does the job quite well. See, I look for a rich blend of textures when simplicity is at the base. Here, a backless silk top, boxy leather shorts and a meticulously detailed dark green suede tote balance each other out. The grungy heels tone it down while still adding flare to the integrity of the outfit. The tote was going to be my beloved schoolbag for the year, until I just bought a laptop that is way too big to fit inside, so sad. It's pretty hard to find big and comfy yet stylish backpacks eh?  

Photos by Dahye

Shirt: Club Monaco
Tote and shorts: Zara

Enjoy!
Katia

'Back' at it

Last one from this series.

I just lived through one of the most intense experiences of a student: frosh. Also, I happen to attend one of the most froshee-intense institutions. Day one, I was like ¨okay, I get what this is all about¨, then day two, I thought ¨oh hell no I did not know what frosh is¨. They 'kidnapped' all 1000+ of us and brought us to the middle of a field. Disoriented, the frosh leaders suddenly started throwing ketchup, mayo, chocolate syrup, flour, honey, vegetable oil, cat litter, eggs, etc. on us while stuffing us with booze. Unimaginably wild activities then followed - I'll spare the details. I still shiver when I think about my ride home in public transportation, mostly feeling bad for my co-commuters and what they had to endure. Luckily day three at the beach was a cleansing?

Aside from the madness, I do see the purpose of Frosh, and it is surprisingly relevant. In our case, our frosh group remains our class group for the rest of the year. This means that we are bound together since the very beginning with ice-breaking activities, thus showing a completely different side of our personality that might've only been revealed later on during the year, or possibly never. Being able to see fellow students in this completely different perspective is so great, since most of the time, we're spending silent time with them sitting in class. The group dynamic is enhanced since the very beginning.

However, even after just one week of serious classes, I do realize that university is so different from high school and cegep. At its basis, it's not a school anymore - but an institution. And by 'school', I am here mostly referring to the entire social dimension that encompasses the friendships and relationships that are woven. During our childhood and teenage-hood, we grow up with individuals who still have more or less time to bloom similarly, and are more likely bounded to last a lifetime. Now, it is generally harder to find someone along your vibes. When you do though, you appreciate them way more, like a rare pearl. We are so much more on our own and most of the time attend class and then go study. Luckily, there are still many, many extracurricular activities that allow such networking.

Nevertheless, this is already the start of an exciting year. So many things can happen when venturing through uncharted territory. Happy semester!

Enjoy!
Katia