Sequin Adventure
I appreciate the Rebecca Taylor aesthetic, even though it skews more “feminine” than my current style, so I rarely pass up their items at the thrift store. I found this bouclé jacket in impeccable condition, including the fringe/sequin trim, so it was kind of a given. I seem to have a knack for finding these types of jackets; it’s my second RT piece with this sort of Chanel-esque vibe. Anyway, it’s a teensy bit on the small side (tight in the shoulders) so it may end up in the Thrift Rats shop, but I could not resist giving it a whirl first. The sequins jingle every time I move my hands. It’s rather delightful.
These high-waisted culottes are my go-to piece to pair with cropped jackets, and they serve their purpose well. Here’s a better look at the blouse I wore under the jacket, because it’s another recent thrift score:
It’s a silk-front, dropped shoulder top from Theory. I can’t begin to tell you how luxurious it feels; not sure why, but cream silk always strikes me as particularly fancy. The back and sleeves are made out of some stretchy, soft, synthetic material, which makes the shirt also feel pretty comfy. Even considering the cowl neck (which I normally dislike), this blouse is a winner in my book. Until the inevitable, ineradicable spill that will eventually take it out of commission; you know it’s coming. Hopefully, by then, I will have gotten my money’s worth out of it – all $7 of it.
Lumberjack Chic
I know I sound like a broken record, but seriously: I am ALL about the chunky sweater. As soon as I laid my hand on this one, I knew I had to have it – without even looking at the label. It’s Athé, by the way, which I believe is Vanessa Bruno’s diffusion line. It’s made out of a wool-mohair-acrylic blend, and it’s just gorgeous. I love the muted colours, all on the cool spectrum (my fave). Paired with my ubiquitous faux leather leggings and black turtleneck, and it’s the perfect weekend uniform.
And how about those boots? These were love at first sight, much like me and Erik Killmonger in that museum scene in Black Panther. The brand is the now-defunct Arnold Churgin, who used to make its house label shoes in Italy and Brazil so the leather and quality is fantastic. I just love the details on these boots, and they are comfy as all get out.
Purple Crush
Velvet blazers are tricky. A lot of them can seem quite dated, depending on the design details, even though velvet is never really out of style. I think this Elie Tahari blazer skirts the line, but it was a risk nonetheless. A risk I could not resist taking on, because the quality was just so damn good. And that colour!
Can we talk about this bag for a minute:
As I mentioned a while back, Anthro bags and I are having a moment. This one was thrifted by my blogging friend Jenn (Life Preloved), who kindly agreed to let me have it as part of a swap – how nice is that? When I asked her if she thought it would suit me, she laughed. I mean, OK. Touché. The floral print; the cute closure; the tortoiseshell accents. YES AND YES AND YES.
I have that Tahari blazer in black leather from a Saks after Christmas sale many years ago. I love the design and shape (and mine has a bit of tulle, can’t tell if yours does too). I love the color and the slightly more flowy feel of your velvet one. Perhaps some day we can trade!
It’s the same – mine has some tulle as well. I’ll try to remember to make a note here if I ever decide to let go of it in case you’re still interested.
I love the lumberjack chic look! I wouldn’t have thought to pair the cozy + not cozy together, but it works.
I’m thinking of having a swap party soon. Do you have any recommendations for how to run things based on your previous swaps? Do you give people any guidelines on what to bring or do you find a free for all works pretty well? Any advice would be much appreciated! Mostly hoping others find it as fun as I think it will be 😊
I’m about to host this year’s swap actually. So, good timing 😉
I prefer having a sort of free for all because I personally hate swaps with rules. Also, most people coming to a swap for the first time are already probably somewhat worried/unsure about the whole thing (in my experience) so rules might just put them off. With that said, give them lots of information about what to bring because people might not think, for example, to bring accessories. First timers, in my experience, tend to be shy about their stuff (worried people will judge? I don’t know) so I would volunteeer to go first and show my stuff. You could also just arrange everything on hangers so no one has to know which pieces are whose, but I don’t have the space for that and I like seeing each item one at a time (with a quick description, name, size, how it fits). My guests are usually okay with that especially once we get into it.
I provide finger foods and drinks and usually the party just takes care of itself, haha!
Thank you! This is super helpful and gives me some ideas 🙂 Have fun with your upcoming swap!
Jealous you can wear the culotte pants. As a short person they just don’t work on me. Love them on you!
I will be going to France next week for a week vacation down South and then a month at the office in Paris. If I could I would bring my whole wardrobe and I always over pack. I am lost as to what to bring between vacation clothes, weekend lounge wear, office wear…. sigh
Ooh that’s tough, though also the kind of problem I would like to have. I would overpack as well if I were in your shoes. But maybe plan a set numbe of outfits in advance – both casual and work – and create a capsule.
On the plus side, you’ll be in France so you can always shop for things you might have forgotten. So – underpack?! Haha! Good luck and have fun … it sounds like an amazing opportunity.
Those studded boots are incredible and the purple velvet blazer is awesome! It even reminds me a little of Prince 😉