Every now and then, you find something beautiful hiding in plain view. Case in point? The Hidden Room.
During a visit to a favourite spot here in my home city with a pal, we stumbled upon a little nook boasting beautiful sky-high concrete walls, wonderfully strange angles and completely flooded in soft light. As we stood in the middle of this room staring up at its high ceiling, we wondered how nobody knew of this special little place.
The room itself signifies life today as we know it. We’re all so stressed, always in a rush, always seemingly focused on ourselves that we rarely take the time to stop, look around and appreciate our surroundings and the beauty hiding in plain view.
I knew I was running myself ragged in 2016, and during our summer staycation, I actively took the time to stop and smell the roses…literally. I found a rose bush growing behind a happy hydrangea in my backyard. There the rose bush was, hiding all of its yellow glory. I stared at it in bewilderment, wondering how I missed it (and thrilled that I now had a summer long supply of little yellow carpet roses). For the rest of that vacation, I put my iPhone down, sat back and just took it all in. It felt great.
I was reminded of those blissful summer days while looking around The Hidden Room, and vowed to take it a little easier in 2017 and appreciate “all the pretty” around me that I’ve been too busy and wrapped up in myself to notice.
The Hidden Room is now a treasured spot – one to be respected, admired and visited each time I’m in the vicinity. Maybe a visit to this special little place should usher in the beginning of each new year as a reminder to be thankful for the many treasures around us.
OUTFIT DETAILS
Off-the-shoulder sweater – RomWe | Skinnies – Citizens Of Humanity | Boots – L’Intervalle (similar version here; summer version here) | Initial Necklace – The Righthand Gal at Shop Vincent
*Photography courtesy of Worn Leather Media
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
DOM!!! I love this outfit! You look amazeballs, as usual.
What size are your feet… maybe we can start a shoe club! hahahaha
Author
AHAHAHA! I thought of you when I went to L’Intervalle and bought those boots. I was going to buy your blue suede ones though, but didn’t want to get a beat down. I’m at 8.5. I hope you are too! LOL!
Thanks for the kind words, babe. Hoping to style stuff as well as you one day!
Always good to take the time to enjoy what’s around you. Like how much I’m enjoying this awesome sweater and those heels, too!
Author
Thanks, Cheryl! The sweater is quite cozy and I had been stalking those boots forever. LOL!
I love this! Too often we get caught up and miss out on life! Your boots are fabulous as well 🙂
Author
Thank you so much, Heidi. I agree so I’m actively trying to slow down and appreciate more. Thanks so much for the kind compliment on the boots. Love ’em too!
OK all I have to say is ‘Oh. Ma. Got., look at your butt’! Keep up the great work Dominique. 😉
Author
AHAHAHA! Lisa! Your comment made my day. I miss you! I went to an event at Melissa’s house and was hoping to see you!! Talk soon!
Love your sweater.. the color, the fit … simply the perfect combination <3
Stunning photos dear!
xo,
http://cashmere-stories.com/2017/01/turtleneck-leather-new-year/
Author
Thank you so much, Geri!
I’m not going to lie- I wish the hidden room was my house. I love concrete like WOAH. Also, these jeans fit you like a glove! And the color of that sweater is on point!
xo, Aubrey | TheDandyLiar.com
Author
Haha! That room is so beautiful, Aubrey. We could really kill some shots there! And thanks for the kind compliments. Those jeans are a favourite!
I am not sure what I like more, your sweater or those amazing shoes! You look great babe!
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
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Thank you so, so much!! xoxoxox
Those boots are FIERCE!
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Thank you! I love them!