Month: December 2016

Best of 2016: Purchases, Part 2 – Accessories

OK, this is it, you guys: the last of my “best of” posts for the year. Whew! This series was starting to drag on much like the year did. Today, let’s look at my 16 favourite accessories purchased in 2016. Now, I know what you’re thinking and, yes, that is a long list. I wasn’t sure I could come up with 16 things I absolutely adore and can’t live without … and then I did. I even had to make a couple of tough calls, can you believe it? Erm, you probably can. Let’s have a look, shall we?

In no particular order …

Clockwise from top left: Stella & Dot necklace (thrifted); MaxMara necklace; Alexandra Leigh ring; Winners ring
Clockwise from top left: Stella & Dot necklace (thrifted); MaxMara necklace; Alexandra Leigh ring; Winners ring

MaxMara necklace

I don’t keep track of how often I wear my jewelry, so I can’t give you those deets, but I do know that this necklace has elicited compliments every time I’ve worn it. Even my husband, who called it a “third grader’s failed art project” when he first saw it, has come around to admitting that it is, in fact, awesome.

I’ve spied other MaxMara costume jewelry at Holt’s this year, and really dig the Iris Apfel-esque vibe of many of their pieces, but the prices put them outside the ‘casual acquisition” realm for me. (My necklace was something like $160, and I bought it with a gift card.) Some pieces do pop up on eBay though, and I plan to keep an eye out for them there.

 Stella & Dot necklace

There isn’t anything crazy special about this necklace; in fact, it’s wonderful in its simplicity. It goes with practically everything, especially given that the pendant is reversible (mint green on one side, brown on the other). I thrifted it for $6, and I like the quality at that price point. Finding it inspired me to start having a closer look at the non-showcase jewelry displays at my local thrift stores, which has been paying off like whoa.

Blue labradorite ring

I used to love the jewelry showcase at Winners (aka Canadian TJ Maxx), only to fall out of the habit of checking it out regularly a few years ago. Luckily, this year, I remembered what a treasure trove of unique finds it can be. There is usually a plethora of sterling silver pieces at reasonable prices, although the quality can be hit and miss in my experience. (Some seem more prone to tarnish than others, and the workmanship can vary.) I suggested to my husband that he should buy me this ring ($40) as a “just because” gift … and he did because he’s awesome like that. It’s definitely a winner, both in terms of quality and style. The blue flash of this labradorite stone might just be my favourite shade of blue.

Alexandra Leigh ring

This was a vacation splurge at the Nordstrom store in Vancouver (~$150). I love it, though – I’m a sucker for blue-tinged moonstone as well.

Clockwise from top left: D'Orlan bee brooch (thrifted); vintage bird brooch (via Swish); Rebecca Minkoff earrings; Alexis Bittar earrings; vintage bow brooch (thrifted)
Clockwise from top left: D’Orlan bee brooch (thrifted); vintage bird brooch (via Swish); Rebecca Minkoff earrings; Alexis Bittar earrings; vintage bow brooch (thrifted)

D’Orlan bee brooch

This is one of my favourite brooches, and one of my fave thrift store finds this year ($3). You guys know I have a terrible weakness for vintage brooches, and “brooch bouquets”. I love mixing two or more brooches together, and as much as my magpie eyes are always seduced by big, brash rhinestone statement pieces, a smaller brooch like this is the key to a successful “bouquet” – it complements and/or ties together bigger pieces.

Vintage bird brooch

I bought this little guy at Swish boutique (~$40) because I loved the jelly bean-like cabochon and the colours. Much like the bee brooch, this one is great for mixing.

Vintage bow brooch

OK, so the truth is that I’ve found a ton of amazing brooches this year, and it’s basically impossible to pick favourites at this point. This bow brooch ($6) edges slightly ahead of the others because it so easily accessorizes with my big, floral rhinestone numbers.

Alexis Bittar earrings

I love the simple elegance of these earrings, and the fact that they are an interesting and somewhat unusual take on traditional hoops. I can wear them to work, as well as to any number of dressier work and social functions – they’re sparkly without being too sparkly.

They were a splurge (~$100 on sale), bought with a gift card – which is how I usually justify my splurges. Although I will always love inexpensive, bold costume jewelry, as I get older, I’ve started to be more comfortable with spending a bit more money on pieces that are more timeless. I have a good feeling about these earrings.

Rebecca Minkoff earrings

On the other end of the spectrum, we have these Rebecca Minkoff studs that cost a whopping $10 (on sale). They’re simple and deceptively boring; the truth is, they go with everything, and are a cool alternative to plain, white CZ studs. Not my most exciting jewelry, but a piece that gets worn at least once a week.

Clockwise from top left: Ferragamo pumps (thrifted); Clarks booties; Sam Edelman pumps (thrifted); Kelsi Dagger loafers (thrifted)
Clockwise from top left: Ferragamo pumps (thrifted); Clarks booties; Sam Edelman pumps (thrifted); Kelsi Dagger loafers (thrifted)

Clarks ankle boots

These are not my most exciting pair of shoes, either, but they were a weekend closet staple during the fall (worn 15 times) and will be again come spring. I bought them for $60 at Winners, and have been very impressed with both the quality and the comfort level.

Ferragamo pumps

How’s that for a 180? These are a statement if there ever was one, and I love them. And so does everybody else, I might add. I found them at Goodwill in near-pristine condition for $30 (3 wears and counting), and I’m still amazed that no one else scooped them before me.

Kelsi Dagger loafers

This was such an unlikely love affair, you guys. I’m not even sure why I bought these loafers ($17/24 wears) because I wasn’t super into their “look” … and then, somehow, they became my go-to casual shoe over the summer. The taupe grey colour is super versatile with my weekend wardrobe, and the style works great with all my skinny jeans and pants – and even some skirts.

Sam Edelman Opal pumps

I know Sam Edelman is old news to some of you, but it’s a recent revelation to me. I thrifted a pair of Opal d’orsay pumps ($8/6 wears) at the beginning of December, and have been super impressed with the comfort level. I do wish mine weren’t suede (the black seems to attract dust/dirt like nobody’s business), but I have my eye out for a pair (or two) in sturdier leather on eBay. I can see these becoming my go-to pair of black shoes for the office.

Top row: Skagen watches; Bottom row: 14Th & Union scarf (thrifted); Chanel bag (via Swish)
Top row: Skagen watches; Bottom row: 14Th & Union scarf (thrifted); Chanel bag (via Swish)

14th & Union scarf

I wear scarves a fair bit, usually by necessity, but I wouldn’t consider myself a “scarf person”. Is there such a creature? I digress. I am, however, totally crazy about this scarf ($5) – it’s my favourite shade of blue again. I love pairing it with black, grey, and khahi, which are basically my weekend uniform all year round.

Skagen Anita watch(es)

OK, so this is a bit of a cheat, because I bought three – yes, 3! – of these watches in the past year. The first one was a fluke (I just fell in love with the face and rose gold mesh band, and bought it on impulse), and then I purposely went and bought the others because I loved the style that much. I went from never wearing watches to wearing one every day.

The Anitas are sleek and elegant, look more expensive than they are (I paid between $120-$140 for each of mine), and are super lightweight. The last part is key for me, because I hate the feeling of heavy bands (watches, bracelets, etc.) on my wrist. I used to lust over the Cartier Ballon Bleu watch (and, truthfully, I still do), and having the Anita watches has reconciled me to the reality that my dream of owning one won’t become a reality any time soon. In fact, when I recently had the occasion to see the BB watch in real life, I found myself thinking that I might prefer it to have a mesh strap. Shhh, don’t tell Cartier I said that!

Vintage Chanel Jumbo Maxi bag

I’ve bought some great bags this year, but none of them quite measures up to this one. It’s the perfect size, and I prefer the single flap over the classic double flap of my old Chanel bag. The colour is also quite versatile, and the longer chain strap is a bonus. I do worry about the soft lambskin leather, which is more prone to scratches than other types of leather; although that is a common issue for all vintage Chanel bags, I worry that wear will be more obvious on this lighter colour than the black. I’m not typically great at babying my bags, but I may have to make an exception in this case. She’s worth it.

 

 

 

 

Best of 2016: Purchases, Part 1 – Clothes

As promised, here are my best purchases of the year, as judged by me. They are basically a mix of things I love and things I find terribly useful, and sometimes both. I had a hard time narrowing down the selection, and ended up with a somewhat arbitrary 20 … so I decided to prepare a separate list for accessories capped at — wait for it — 16. It all makes sense, eh? And now you guys will have to come back tomorrow to check out my final “best of 2016” installment. [That’s how clickbait works, right?]

L to R: Club Monaco jacket (thrifted); Burberry trench (thrifted); Joe Fresh jacket (thrifted)
L to R: Club Monaco jacket (thrifted); Burberry trench (thrifted); Joe Fresh jacket (thrifted)
I thrifted a lot of awesome outerwear this year, but none as endlessly versatile as my Joe Fresh leather jacket. This moto style is perfect for casual outfits and dressy ones alike. It cost me $10, and I’ve worn it 30 times already. A close second in the versatility stakes is my Club Monaco short-sleeved field jacket ($8/19 wears). I’ve become a huge fan of khaki, especially in my weekend wardrobe — a totally underestimated, classic neutral. Speaking of classics, nothing could be more so than my Burberry trench. Even though it has a much shorter season here than in other climates, it’s a keeper. The cut is impeccable, and I always feel extra fawncy when I wear it. Also, $8 y’all. ‘Nuf said.

L to R: Theory blazer (thrifted); Cartonnier blazer (thrifted); H&M blazer (thrifted)
L to R: Theory blazer (thrifted); Cartonnier blazer (thrifted); H&M blazer (thrifted)
I also thrifted a bunch of great blazers, with a few true standouts. I’m sure you guys are sick of hearing about my Cartonnier blazer ($12/13 wears), but there it is again: it’s all around perfect. I love the heathered colour, the cut, and the feel of it. It’s the kind of blazer I never take off even when I’m alone in my office because it’s just *that* comfortable.

My greige Theory blazer should also be familiar to eagle-eyed readers ($8/15 wears). Although it’s a size bigger than ideal, the colour is so wonderfully versatile that I don’t mind the boxier fit. Whenever I’m not sure what topper to throw in with an outfit, this blazer is usually the answer.

The burgundy H&M blazer ($8/3 wears) is shaping up to be in the same category. The colour is a perfect “neutral” for my wardrobe palette. The fit is also great, though I have reservations about the quality; I like the ponte material, but the lining is not very breathable. I will definitely be looking to upgrade this piece next year, thrift gods willing.

L to R: Floreat skirt (via eBay); T Babaton pants (thrifted); Maeve skirt (thrifted)
L to R: Floreat skirt (via eBay); T Babaton pants (thrifted); Maeve skirt (thrifted)
When it comes to workwear, blazers were only the beginning. I love me a good statement skirt, and these two Anthro pieces definitely fit that bill. The pheasant skirt ($72/5 wears) tickles my whimsical bone, and it also garners compliments whenever I wear it. The Maeve number ($5/3 wears) is the epitome of comfort in pencil skirt form; the colour palette makes it a cinch to accessorize — it works with just about anything in my closet. But in terms of being a wardrobe workhorse, few things beat my T. Babaton trousers ($8/11 wears). If I knew their style name, I would be tempted to buy a back-up pair … at retail price, no less. They have proven to be a great (and slightly dressier) alternative to my beloved BR Sloan ankle crops.

L to R: Wilfred jacket (thrifted); Club Monaco turtleneck; BCBG jacket (thrifted)
L to R: Wilfred jacket (thrifted); Club Monaco turtleneck; BCBG jacket (thrifted)
I also found some statement pieces for my work wardrobe, like this Wilfred cropped jacket ($$25/3 wears) and BCBG kimono-style coat ($4/3 wears). Neither is a piece I can wear every day, but both of them can make a plain outfit look extra special. In fact, one of my favourite “looks” this year has been the “black column” + statement piece combo — and both of these pieces are perfect for that formula.

Speaking of the “black column”, my black Club Monaco turtleneck ($38/5 wears) is going to be giving my black crew-neck sweater a run for its money in 2017. I bought it (and its green and plum counterparts) in the latter part of December, but I have already worn it/them multiple times. Definitely a core wardrobe item, and great quality for the price point. As the rest of this post attests, I have bought very few things at regular retail stores this year, but I am happy I made an exception in this case.

L to R: Odille dress (via eBay); Moulinette Soeurs dress (via eBay); Allison Wonderland dress (thrifted)
L to R: Odille dress (via eBay); Moulinette Soeurs dress (via eBay); Allison Wonderland dress (thrifted)
You guys know my weakness for dresses, so it will come as no surprise that I added a few (ahem) to my wardobe in 2016 including the “piece of art” Odille ($40/2 wears); the “go for gold” Moulinette Soeurs ($60/5 wears); and the “perfect fit” Allison Wonderland ($8/1 wear). I have a lot of dresses (double ahem) in my closet, and while I try to get them all into a regular rotation, these are definitely favourites. As these show, I rarely go for dresses of the “backdrop” variety; I gravitate towards statement dresses, especially those with memorable prints, so remixing them in new and interesting ways can be difficult. That, however, is largely a blogger problem (keeping that content fresh and all); in real life, there is nothing like a statement dress to perk up a blah Monday. My two cents, at least.

L to R: Theory top (thrifted); Madewell sweater (thrifted); Pilcro jeans (thrifted)
L to R: Theory top (thrifted); Madewell sweater (thrifted); Pilcro jeans (thrifted)
With that said, I also have favourites that are the opposite of statement pieces. Take this black Theory peplum top ($5/10 wears): kinda unassuming, and pretty much the perfect building block for work outfits. The peplum is not very peplum-y, but adds a nice bit of definition at the waist. The neckline is high and serves as a good backdrop for statement jewelry, which is another weakness of mine. Last but not least, the material has some elastane in it, which makes it hella comfy without going into T-shirt territory.

This Madewell sweater ($7/7 wears) has been one of my fave casual wardrobe additions; I love the colour, texture and fit. It rivals my grey Joe Fresh sleeveless sweater (pic on the right) for versatility. [Note: I was convinced the Joe Fresh sweater was a 2015 buy, but it turns out I was wrong. I bought it in early 2016 ($29/21 wears). If I had a do-over on this post, I would probably pick it over the green sweater as a fave, but it would be a close call.]

Who knew white jeans would make the fave list this year? Well, consider me a convert — I’m crazy about them. I do wish these Pilcros ($12/8 wears) were just regular cropped skinnies instead of cropped flares, but it’s a minor quibble. They fit nicely and are a good weight/thickness — a small miracle for white denim.

L to R: Club Monaco dress; Vanessa Virginia dress (thrifted)
L to R: Club Monaco dress; Vanessa Virginia dress (thrifted)
Lastly, a couple more dresses. But of course! And, fittingly, two choices at opposite ends of my style spectrum. The Club Monaco dress ($240/2 wears) was a splurge whose wisdom remains to be revealed, though I have adored wearing it thus far. I can unequivocally say that I have and will have no regrets about the Vanessa Virginia number on the right ($17/5 wears); it’s just plain awesome — the melange of prints, the lace details, the comfort level.

An honourable mention goes to my Nicole Miller gown ($3.50/1 wear) which may or may not see the light of day again, but which made me feel like a million bucks for at least one, memorable evening.

Don’t forget to come back tomorrow to check out my last “best of 2016” post!

Best of 2016: Outfits 

What a year, huh? I will not even attempt to encapsulate it other than to say that it was, well, mostly just the worst of times. I’ve never been happier to write a style blog; it makes putting together a year-end post somewhat palatable, without the need for copious amounts of alcohol. Which is not to say that I am writing this without having partaken in the holiday spirit(s) *wink wink, nudge nudge* So, without further ado, my 16 favourite outfits of 2016.

casual outfits
casual outfits

One good thing about 2016? Weekends. My weekend style game was all skinny pants, cool jackets, and boho dresses. So, basically, all over the place but in a good way. I think.

lotsa red
lotsa red

For someone who loves red in small doses only, I sure wore a lot of it.

interesting skirts
interesting skirts (and dress)

Interesting prints are my Achilles heel. Some day, they will put that on my gravestone. “Here lies Adina J. She loved an interesting print.” Truth.

all the dresses
all the dresses

I also love dresses. I mean, I doubt any of you guys missed that memo, but there it is, again. Mostly, I love dresses with interesting prints (hah!) but I do occasionally like to surprise everyone. Keep y’all on your toes.

work lyfe
work lyfe

In 2016, I also explored the boundaries of “business casual” attire, and managed to stay on the good side of HR. Success!

THE dress
THE dress

Last but not least, I also got to live out my red carpet fantasies with one pretty special dress.

All in all, it was not a terrible year, sartorially speaking. Come back tomorrow to check out my best purchases of the year, and in the meantime, feel free to share the highlights of your year in style — realizations, style challenges and successes, favourite moments (of the red carpet variety or otherwise).