Icing & Glitter
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Inspiration

Inspiration

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Pants: Zara (similar here and here); Coat: Dawn Levy Design (similar here and here); Shoes: Adidas; Bag: Coach (similar here and here); Scarf: Aritzia (similar here and here); Watch: Nicole Vienna

Real talk: since I arrived back in Toronto after my winter holiday in February, I’d been feeling uninspired and dispirited in general. I don’t think I can point to one thing in particular that caused these feelings, but rather a plethora of reasons. I kept falling sick, my apartment was a mess, my eating habits had spiralled out of control, I missed home, the weather was terrible, etc. Because of the way I was feeling, I knew I wasn’t doing my best at work and my blog started to feel a lacklustre as well. I was producing sub-par work, which I was just not proud of. But at the same time, I felt totally helpless, I didn’t know how to pull myself out of that rut.

I’m a big believer of surrounding myself with positivity in order to be my best self. It wasn’t until a few weeks back that I realized the reason I was feeling the way I was could be because of the books I was reading. I’m a big fan of historical fiction and tragedies, and over the past 3 months, I’d read four books that were beautifully written, but undeniably devastating. A few weeks ago, I started reading Love x Style x Life by Garance Dore, and suddenly felt a surge of inspiration I can’t really explain. Suddenly, I wanted to cook, I had creative stories ideas at work, I wanted to take better pictures for my blog, I wanted to organize my apartment, and most importantly, I wanted to be my best self. I never thought a book, and that too, a lighthearted autobiography, could give rise to such powerful feelings, but it was exactly what I needed to snap out of whatever I was going through. I finished reading it a few days back, and although the next book in my lineup was A Train Winter In Winter, I decided to give the World War 2 books a rest, and instead picked up the autobiography of DVF.

What do you guys do to stay inspired?

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61 Comments

  2. Erica
    April 10, 2016 / 4:13 pm

    Wow great look! I adore this coat!
    I had the same issue when I was living in Barcelona, I was reading a psychological book and I felt very sad!
    I think sometimes what we read, what we watch on TV can change our mood!
    Have a great day I’m happy that you fell better!
    XO Erica
    p.s I love your blog and your outfit 🙂
    http://www.ericavoyage.com

  3. Ann
    April 10, 2016 / 4:26 pm

    Perfect outfit!

    benaturalb.blogspot.com

    xx

  4. Violette
    April 10, 2016 / 5:46 pm

    I really loved Garance Doré’s book as well! I’m inspired by everything like the sky or movie or someone, maybe it’s crazy but I’m so sensitive in every sense of the word! Glad you feel better, hope you’ll enjoy reading the other books!

    http://violettedaily.com

  8. Angela
    April 10, 2016 / 8:04 pm

    love this grey outfit. and grey is going to be my fav. color of the season cous im becoming bored of black and white 🙂 and pale pink is fab. 😛
    http://www.angelasmode.com

    xx

  9. Amy Ann
    April 10, 2016 / 8:28 pm

    I’s amazing how inspirational books can be. So glad you are feeling refreshed. Love this grey look.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  10. Lili
    April 10, 2016 / 8:36 pm

    It’s amazing how what we read, and for me watch on TV, creates an energy of feelings inside. I’m glad the Garance Dore book brought you positive energy! Your outfit is gorgeous. Love the monochrome grey!
    ~Lili
    http://www.thefashionsalt.com

  13. Adaleta Avdic
    April 10, 2016 / 10:37 pm

    Such a gorgeous fashion look & you look stunning. You’ve nailed looking at the camera with a sexy gaze. Love it! xx adaatude.com

  15. Raysa Garcia
    April 10, 2016 / 11:43 pm

    Gorgeous in all grey babe!
    Love, Raysa

  18. Amber Shannon
    April 11, 2016 / 3:36 am

    What an awesome look… it’s both fabulous and casual basic… amazing styling!! Loving the grey!

    ♥
    Amber
    All the Cute

  20. Julia (The Velvet Runway)
    April 11, 2016 / 8:38 am

    I agree that what we read and watch on TV can really affect our mood. I also think coming back from a winter holiday to the cold and grey can be quite depressing (I felt exactly the same when I came back to France after a break in Los Angeles and I’m still struggling to feel inspired, so I may follow your example and buy Garance Doré’s book).

    I’m so glad you’ve found your inspiration again and I love your outfit, especially that beautiful coat – almost worth the cold weather to wear that!

    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

  22. Viviene Kok
    April 11, 2016 / 9:20 am

    Just so you know, it’s okay to feel that way Siffat 🙂 I’d spend time off everything that is weighing me down, stay away from negativity, browse travel pictures online, look at outfit inspirations on pinterest, go out with mummy and watch ‘How to Pack for a trip’ youtube videos 🙂 Inspiration will flow in when you’re open and happy.

    Hope you are feeling alright dear! x

    Real Life Nerd
    http://www.vivienekok.com

  23. Prudence
    April 11, 2016 / 10:00 am

    I read books to stay inspired too (mostly Grace-based Christian books) and window shopping also inspires me at times since I love fashion!

    Prudence
    http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com

  24. Izabela
    April 11, 2016 / 11:06 am

    I felt a bit uninspired a few weeks ago so I reached for some magazines that I piled next to my bed. Reading them somehow made my creative juices flowing.

    http://www.mydailywear.co.uk

  27. Zarrah
    April 11, 2016 / 12:52 pm

    Its nice that you are reading a lot that helps you to stay inspired.
    Lovin this monochrome look.
    You look so chic.

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

  29. Len Parent
    April 11, 2016 / 1:47 pm

    GORGEOUS! Girl, I love reading your blog. This is amazing post! You are beautiful person inside and out! Thanks for the daily inspiration!
    Have a wonderful day!
    Much love, Len
    http://www.lenparent.com

  34. jess
    April 11, 2016 / 4:01 pm

    you pull this outfit off! i can never as i am very short:(

    jess x | wellwellgirls.blogspot.com

  37. Darlene
    April 11, 2016 / 6:27 pm

    Totally need that kind of warm coat for Toronto! Love the look hun!

    The New Girl Blog

  38. Jill
    April 11, 2016 / 6:40 pm

    Great look and perfect for todays Toronto weather…
    Jill
    http://www.jilldap.com

  39. Tania
    April 11, 2016 / 8:47 pm

    You always have the best all grey options! I adore this look however I’m quite excited to wear less clothes with spring here x

    http://thelondonthing.co.uk/

  40. Leftbankgirl
    April 11, 2016 / 10:08 pm

    Stunning look! I realized sometimes we just don’t feel inspired. It’s time to do something different, even one tiny thing can change this. I love to read and realize this too, that a book will put me in a certain mood. Loving WWII books also but you need a break from them too. Loved the Garance book!

    http://leftbankgirl.blogspot.com

  42. Ramona
    April 12, 2016 / 12:31 am

    So glad to hear you feeling better and inspired again. Since I’m blogger and jewelry designer too, my days go by so busy with both of these things, so I haven’t had a chance to ready any book in a while. I get lots of inspirations from nature. If I’m not feeling like myself I know I need some vitamin-sea or have a nice long walk. I have always flowers. Good movies, sometimes I watch just old ones. Little things.
    Siffat, you looks so chic and stylish wrapped up in this grey look. Love! Wishing you wonderful day!
    xoxo
    Ramona

    http://www.ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie

  46. Mica
    April 12, 2016 / 2:36 am

    Glad you enjoyed the book and that it gave you some inspiration again! 🙂

    Really like your monochrome grey outfit here, looks so cosy! 🙂

    Away From The Blue Blog

  47. Maddy
    April 12, 2016 / 2:36 am

    You look beautiful! Grey is definitely my favorite color when it comes to clothes, interiors, nail polish, it doesn’t matter!
    Also, to get inspired, I love to cook and take photos as well.
    Lovely post 🙂

  48. Lily Rose
    April 12, 2016 / 4:51 am

    This outfit you put together is amazing, looks so cozy and chic! I love you watch.

    -Lily from With Love Lily Rose

  52. Sofie Martine
    April 12, 2016 / 10:27 am

    Love your outfit so much 😀

  53. Hun
    April 12, 2016 / 5:09 pm

    Loving your outfit! I usually take some time off when i feel uninspired and then it comes back naturally. 🙂
    xoxo

    http://www.myinfinitystyle.com/

  58. Anouk
    April 13, 2016 / 6:37 am

    Fab outfit! Love the all grey; suits you very well!

    LUXESSED

  59. Aurelie | Surface 85
    April 13, 2016 / 10:46 am

    Reading about WWII is certainly heavy! To be honest with you I have my ups and downs too. I know when I feel down and uninspired I need to take a break and do something different (read a book, meet people, go shopping…). I agree with you about surrounding yourself with positive people, positive energy in general, I think it has even a bigger impact than we think.
    Concerning this look, I totally adore all grey look so I’m a big fan! I will pin that 🙂

    xoxo,

    Aurelie | http://www.surface85.com

  60. Meghan
    April 13, 2016 / 1:56 pm

    Absolutely stunning!! Loving it

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