Details: United Colours of Benetton sweater, Chicwish skirt, Free People shoes (all thrifted), J. Crew necklace (Poshmark)

Thoughts: This was a look inspired by Molly Goddard, which I’ve been wanting to recreate for a while. This sweater turned out to be the perfect piece for it – it has some volume to it, which is important to this silhouette. It’s the juxtaposition that matters; it takes this outfit away from princessy into a more modern direction.

Details: Clover Canyon top (consignment); Ralph Lauren skirt (thrifted)

Thoughts: I’m surprised it took me so long to pair these two pieces, to be honest. But the top has a bunch of mixed plaid patterns in it, so I thought — why not add another one? It always puts me in mind of some of Alexander McQueen’s goth/romantic plaid runway looks. Well, it’s the mood I strive to achieve; whether I succeed or not is another matter.

Details: Marimekko x Uniqlo top (Poshmark); Club Monaco turtleneck (retail); Frank & Oak pants (swap); J. Crew shoes (retail)

Thoughts: I’ve been waiting for this specific Marimekko print to pop up on Poshmark for a while. Last year, I was watching the tunic version but I hesitated too long and missed out on it. In some ways, I think buying the top will prove more versatile anyway, but we will see. I love non-traditional and/or oversized polka dot patterns, so this is right up my alley. I feel like this piece will come into its own in the summer, but for now — this is a cute transitional outfit.

Details: Charlie & Robin cardigan, Icone tee, Banana skirt (all thrifted)

Thoughts: Sometimes, I take a theme and beat it right into the ground. This is one of those times.

Details: InWear sweater, Marc Cain skirt (both thrifted)

Thoughts: I’m very much devoted to midi and maxi skirts, so whenever I wear something shorter, it feels “off” (visually) to me. I think it’s just a matter of what I’m used to. This wasn’t one of my favourite outfits as a result, but I really liked how the colour palette came together. I rarely wear a lot of brown, much less head to toe, but I’m loving this orangey-brown shade at the moment.

Details: Do Everything in Love cardigan, Everlane pants (both thrifted), Gorman tee (Poshmark)

Thoughts: I thought I would love this Gorman tee, and by rights I should; the abstract, painterly pattern is usually my jam. But I don’t find myself reaching for it. I’m not sure why. It has colours I like, too. Just a mystery. But it worked nicely with this new fuzzy cardigan I thrifted — which I got largely for the colour (chartreuse!), by the way. Well, the sleeves are cool too. I have lots of other plans for it, which is more than I can say for the tee. Win some, lose some.

One. Mosaics

I really, really, reeeelly don’t need another hobby. But, if I were to pick up a new one, it would be mosaic making. It fits right in with my other ones, like beading and embroidery. I would love to have a large mosaic piece in my backyard, but I don’t really have the budget to commission one nor the time or materials to make my own. But it’s a project I can dream about as I move closer to retirement.

Two. White-crested tit warbler

I have found my bird twin. Fluffy and unicorn-coloured. The white-crested tit warbler, c’est moi.

Three. Caliban & the Witch

I have been dipping into Caliban and the Witch: Women, the Body and Primitive Accumulation by Silvia Federici a chapter at a time, and it’s simply fascinating and so thought-provoking. It looks at the patriarchal underpinnings of capitalism, and how the exploitation and oppression of women paved the way for what she calls the patriarchy of the wage. It is not a light read, but it’s interesting commentary in our late-stage capitalism milieu.

Four. Abstract embroidery portrait

Inspired by a post I saw on the Embroidery sub-Reddit, I’ve been working on a Picasso-inspired abstract portrait hoop design. What drew me to it was the use of colour (naturally) and texture — I am using French knots to create a texture similar to rug-hooking. It’s soooo time-consuming, and a bit of a gamble (I haven’t done anything similar before so I’m not sure how it will turn out), but hopefully it will all be worth it in the end.

Five. Concrete art

My friend, Anna, makes fabulous everyday objects from concrete and I love the juxtaposition of the hard, industrial medium and the soft, dreamy colours. I have a few of her pieces, including this lidded jar which is the newest addition to my collection.

Details: Marimekko dress (thrifted), vintage granny square coat (thrifted and upcycled), Zara shoes (consignment)

Thoughts: This is pattern overload, I know, but I love mashing two really bold graphic prints like this. It works for me. I also like how the shape of the dress plays against the coat.

Details: Club Monaco turtleneck (retail); Minkha cardigan, Pilcro pants (both thrifted), J. Crew shoes (retail)

Thoughts: This outfit happened by chance. I was pulling out a bunch of pieces from my closet which I wanted to use; these two sort of fell in proximity to each other on the bed, and I thought “huh, that kinda works”. I wouldn’t normally think to pair 2 floral patterns. I think there is something about the beige that pulls it together.

Details: J. Crew shirt and vest, Comme des Garcons cardigan, Everlane pants, Ferragamo shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I love finding new ways to do a “three piece suit” outfit without the traditional suit part. Cardigan + vest is a combo I am loving these days. It feels more contemporary but also more laidback – perfect for WFH. This is a bit of a dandy look, more masculine than the outfits I’ve been putting together lately but I enjoyed it a lot.

Details: Marni top (Poshmark), Maeve skirt, Pilgrim necklace (both thrifted)

Thoughts: It was the yellow/beige background of the patterns in both these pieces that made me think to pair them. Also, because the blouse is already a pattern bomb, adding another print in the mix felt intentional and surprisingly cohesive. It’s just extending that Marni vibe, head to toe.

Details: Marimekko x Uniqlo top (thrifted), Club Monaco turtleneck (retail); Pilcro pants (gift); Stuart Weitzman shoes (thrifted).

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Last week was a very heavy week. Like you, I have spent a lot of time glued to news updates since last Thursday, hoping for good news from Ukraine. I cannot imagine the toll on the people in Ukraine, Russia, and surrounding countries, who have no say in and want no part of this war. To find the world on the brink of global conflict, after 2 years of a global pandemic, feels overwhelming. I am going to try to continue posting my usual content here, focusing only on the usual frivolous topics, because that has always been the intent of this space; however, I understand if you feel you need to turn to other content at this time. Stay safe and well till next time!