CHECK YOURSELF

If you’ve been with me for awhile, you’ve probably noticed I spend a lot of time in the prairies. While I’ve lived in Calgary for the majority of my adult life, I grew up on an acreage in rural Alberta, and my family still lives at my childhood home. The prairies are a huge part of who I am and they’ve become almost therapeutic for me over the years. They offer me space to think, space to breathe and time to reconnect with my family — which I’m very grateful for. Some weekends I pack a bag and drive out to the prairies to get away from the hustle of the city, reflect and check in with myself. The prairies are a place where my spirit feels free, inspired and grounded.

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Gentle Fawn & Keep a Breast Charity Kimono | Caslon Novelty Stitch Dolman Sleeve Tunic Sweater | Paige Denim Verdugo Ankle Deconstructed Skinny Jeans (similar) | Faux Suede Booties | Layered Arrow Necklace | Dreamcatcher Ring | Lip Liner | Gloss

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Every time I come home from a visit to the prairies, I’m also reminded of the importance of family — especially as we all grow older. I come from a big, blended family with lots of sibling and step siblings.

My step siblings mother passed away from breast cancer when they were just 1 and 4 years old. She was only 34. So, women’s breast health is something near to my heart. When Gentle Fawn asked if I’d wear this beautiful charity kimono they created in partnership with the Keep a Breast Foundation to help empower women to play an active role in their breast health, of course I said yes.

My step father raised my step brother and step sister as a single parent for years before he met my Mom. Having them become part of my family and seeing my Mom become a wife and mother to them as well made me realize even more what an amazing woman my Mom is. I couldn’t imagine what we would all do without her, because she gives so much of herself each one of us. I’m sure most of you feel the same way about your Moms.

Have you ever wondered who’s behind the lens in my fashion posts? It’s my Mom. My Mom is an amazing, compassionate, hard working, powerhouse of a woman. She’s always my biggest cheerleader and helps me endlessly with all of my creative endeavors, though I imagine it’s not always easy to be supportive with all the crazy ideas I have. She’s always encouraged me to go my own way and do whatever makes me happy — and I’ve recently come to realize what a big pillar of strength that is for me.

These fashion posts have become something fun and creative we can do together on weekends.

So take a few minutes to check yourselves, ladies. Do it for yourselves and for your families. Perform a breast exam each month and keep your annual appointments. Encourage the women in your life to do the same. If you need some help remembering, you can set up an automatic monthly reminder at checkyourselfie.org. And if you like, you can purchase the Gentle Fawn & Keep a Breast Charity Kimono I’m wearing in these photos — 35% of the proceeds will be donated to the Keep A Breast Foundation.

SHOP THE LOOK

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Gentle Fawn & Keep a Breast Charity Kimono | Caslon Novelty Stitch Dolman Sleeve Tunic Sweater | Paige Denim Verdugo Ankle Deconstructed Skinny Jeans (similar) | Faux Suede Booties | Layered Arrow Necklace | Dreamcatcher Ring | Lip Liner | Gloss

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P.S. – The light changed a couple of minutes into this shoot — which images are your favourite? I can’t decide if I like the light and bright or dark and stormy photos better! I almost wasn’t going to include the dark and stormy ones, but they actually came out pretty cool.

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Disclaimer: Thank you to Gentle Fawn for gifting me with this beautiful kimono to help raise awareness about women’s breast health. This post is not sponsored, and contains my genuine thoughts and recommendations. JustineCelina uses affiliate and referral links, which allow me to receive a small commission when you make a purchase through one of my links. Your purchases help to support JustineCelina.com!