What I Wore: February 2025, part one

Details: J. Crew shirt, Banana Republic tie, Fred Perry cardigan, Ralph Lauren skirt, Fluevog shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: Jenna Lyons meets Thom Browne. I really need to learn to how to tie a tie because this is a look I def want more of this year. I love purple but struggle the most with it when it comes to colour pairings, but black and white are a fail-proof option when dealing with a “difficult” colour. I used to do a lot of graphic monochrome looks, but I’m now pivoting to this monochrome+accent colour formula. Keep an eye out for it, you’ll see more soon.

Details: Ann Taylor turtleneck, Giorgio Armani blazer, Donna Karan belt, Roksanda skirt (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I had to go to the office again recently, and this was my “trying to blend in” outfit. By that, I mean trying to look vaguely “corporate office worker” without entirely losing my personal flair. I always end up wanting to tone down by usual work attire (at home, anything goes!) when I go to the office, even though (a) I don’t see that many people, and (b) everyone knows me and knows what to expect from me, outfit-wise. It’s like this weird reflex slash relic of my pre-pandemic sartorial life. It does feel a lot more like I’m putting on a costume, rather than just wearing my inner thoughts on the outside (which is what my usual outfits feel like). It’s not a bad thing, necessarily; just a thing I’ve noticed that makes me go “huh, interesting”.

Details: Smash & Tess bodysuit tee, Jones NY jacket, UO pants, Anne Klein belt, Alexis Bittar necklace (all thrifted)

Thoughts: Funnily enough, this outfit is more or less in the same class as the one above, but I didn’t think to wear it at the office — probably because of the colour. Maybe I’ve just come to associate the office with somber neutrals, haha! Anyway, I love this shade of green so much and I was pumped to find this vintage-ish suede jacket for not a million dollars at the thrifts. Somebody at VV was off their pricing game that day, to which I say: suck it, I win!

Details: Ricki’s turtleneck, vintage sweatshirt and coat, Banana Republic jeans, Office London boots, Coach bag (all secondhand)

Thoughts: Jessica Fletcher remains one of my style icons, in case you couldn’t tell. Grandma’s couch florals will never not have a chokehold on my psyche, and the colours of this coat are so 90s, I can’t even. That burgundy and pine green combo? Classic. And it pairs beautifully with my Myrtle Beach vintage sweatshirt that I managed to wrest back from my daughter’s clutches recently. Not to mention my vintage green Coach. So matchy, so vibin’. JB would be proud, I think.

Details: Orvis shirt, Wilfred vest, Amaryllis jacket, Kate Hewko skirt, Chicwish skirt, Laredo boots (all secondhand)

Thoughts: The snow ruined my photos, but I didn’t let it ruin my outfit. I was going for a Vivienne Westwood-inspired, layered fit. And by layered, I mean layers — multiple. The key to surviving winter without losing my mind (by having to succumb to the dreaded winter parka) is to keep adding thin layers of cotton and wool (and tulle!) until my body temperature reaches “toasty”. Four usually does the trick, and doesn’t take me into Michelin Man territory.

Details: Ricki’s turtleneck, Abound jacket, Fossil belt, Banana Republic jeans, Office London shoes, Coach bag (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I almost bought a faux fur leopard print short coat at Winners after the holidays, but stopped myself because (a) it was $70 and made of plastic, (b) I am trying to not clothes shop at retail at all this year, and (c) I’m not sure I want to put much more money on leopard. Animal prints have never been my favourite and while I am digging leopard at the moment, I’m not sure if it will ever acquire “classic” status in my closet. That being said, I was ALL over this puffer jacket when I saw it at the thrifts; NWT and under $20 and it looked full of potential. And you know what? The potential is definitely there. I’m really digging it so far … and it’s only a matter of time before my daughter tries to steal it. Not that I’d blame her.