Details: For Cynthia top, Liz Claiborne dress, Rebecca Minkoff belt, Barbara Barbieri shoes (all thrifted)
Thoughts: I’ve made peace with the fact that the fit of the bodice on this dress (forever favourite) is wonky. This could be easily solved by a tailor … except that I don’t currently know of a good one, and the inertia of my laziness is more powerful than my desire to get a proper fix. So I’m faking it till I can make it (maybe, one day). Usually, this involves hiding the bodice by layering tops over it. I’ve done plenty of combinations of that kind over the years. This time, I decided to layer something under the dress. This also works well as camouflage for the bodice. I loved how this outfit came out, and it reminded me that a white shirt is a versatile layering option for spaghetti strapped dresses. That or a white baby tee … hmmmm.
Details: Emmy Deveaux bodysuit, Gap shirt, Twik jeans, Tommy Hilfiger bag, Isabel Marant belt (all thrifted), J. Crew shoes (retail)
Thoughts: I love wearing black and brown together. I find the key to be choosing a brown that isn’t too muddy, so there is enough contrast with the black. I usually pick a whiskey/cognac brown shade, but I like the subtler contrast offered by this rich chocolate colour. The velvet makes it extra lush. And can you believe it? I found a bodysuit that’s actually long enough for my torso. It’s by a local designer and it’s very nice quality; a steal for under $10. I especially love it because it’s a mock neck and sleeveless, which makes it perfect for me as a layering piece. It adds almost no bulk, and the fact it’s a bodysuit means no bunching either.
Details: UO crop top, vintage cardigan, Ralph Lauren skirt (all thrifted), Zara shoes (retail)
Thoughts: I’m calling this Highlands Cottagecore. Wearing this skirt always makes me happy. I’ve been on the fence about this cardigan — is it too twee for me? — but I liked it a lot in this pairing. Keeping it for now.
Details: For Cynthia top, Denim & Supply jacket, Nocona belt (all thrifted), Ralph Lauren skirt (gift), Chie Mihara shoes (swap)
Thoughts: My friend J gave me this vintage Ralph Lauren skirt — she knows my obsession — and I love it. The colour is an unusual greyish brown, which makes it an interesting neutral for outfits. It’s high-waisted and my favourite length too. Of course, I was inspired to put together a Southwestern-lite outfit, very much on theme for my prairie bohemian summer.
Details: UO crop top, H&M pants, Chico’s belt, Barbara Barbieri shoes (all thrifted), Prairie Trail Goods jacket
Thoughts: I realized that I’d hardly worn these pants all summer so I had to rectify that issue right away. I still love these pants so much; they’re incredibly versatile and comfortable. I knew I wanted to wear them with my new black crop top — a very useful recent thrift find, it’s a wardrobe-builder piece for me — and then it was just a matter of adding a topper. I’ve worn a similar outfit before with a vest, so I decided to go a different route this time and try one of my patchwork jackets.
Details: Only & Sons shirt, Margaret Godfrey skirt, AGL shoes (all thrifted), H&M belt (retail), turquoise necklace (Poshmark)
Thoughts: I still haven’t committed to cowboy boots. Yet. The summer is running out, but don’t count them out. In the meantime, I recently thrifted this pair of patent AGL oxfords, so I tried something a little more out of the box for this outfit. This is one of my favourite shoe styles, and I love AGL — always comfortable and great quality. Score! I think they were a good choice for this outfit. They balance the southwestern flavour so it doesn’t overwhelm the outfit. (On second thought, cowboy boots would have DEF been too much.)