City Lights
Marc Cain is a pretty underrated brand here, and it’s a shame because they put out some cool pieces. Like this top. The front is silk, the back is cotton (black contrast panel). But it was the print that drew me to it when I saw it on the rack at Goodwill. I love the colours, but also the fact it’s not a typical print. It’s almost abstract but not quite. I had lots of plans for this top when I bought it, none of them involving this Dries Van Noten skirt. Later, when I was thinking about how to style the skirt for Skirtober, a lightbulb went off. Here is my pro-tip (not really) about how to mix patterns like a boss: pick a unifying colour that is featured in both prints. For this outfit, that was the cobalt blue. This is definitely a bold take on pattern-mixing and not for everyone, but I think it has a pleasing harmony because of the colour palette. Dare I say it, I think Mr. Van Noten would approve?
Second Chance Floral
I saw, and passed, on this Vince skirt at Nordstrom Rack 2 or 3 times before I eventually caved and bought it. The push came one day when I thought that all sale items were an extra 40% off; it turned out, only tops were on additional sale, but by then I had committed to the till line-up and didn’t feel like walking the skirt back to the rack. It still came out to less than $50 which I guess is maybe not too expensive, except that my price expectations have been re-set by thrifting. Anyway, I’m glad I got it because it’s actually really lovely and well-constructed. The mauve matches my old Moth sweater perfectly so I did a whole matchy-matchy thing again. The end.
That’s a Wrap
Ok, I lied: one more. I had to show you guys this amazing vintage Jean Claude Poitras jacket I thrifted. Poitras is a famous Quebecois designer, and while there isn’t enough information out there for me to decide whether his aesthetic as a whole is my cup of tea, which particular jacket — YES. It has all sort of interesting angles, I adore the overall silhouette, and did I mention that it’s made from a silk-wool blend fabric. I am obsessed with silk-wool blends right now (like the Shirin Guild jacket I thrifted a while back). They are cozier than wool, but smooth and not itchy at all. Luxe to the max. It’s what pampering at home is all about these days.