AdinaJ

15
Nov
2014

Style Confessions, vol. 4

Want to read more style confessions? Find them here, here, and here.

1. I’m a Judgy Judge Who Judges

Your style choices, that is.

Generally, I try to abide by a live-and-let-live philosophy: no judging people for any life choices that don’t directly impact others (without the latter’s consent). Basically, I’m like the ideal government. But, like the government, I’m not perfect. Sometimes, I judge.

Here are some of the things for which I will judge you (and your sartorial discernment):

Carrying a Michael Kors bag (extra judgment if it has that dangly MK medallion tag thing);
Enormous black-framed glasses (extra judgment if you have 20/20 vision)
Shooties (extra judgment if you refer to them as such)
Expensive t-shirts (extra judgment if they are grey, white, or black)
Aldo shoes (extra judgment if they have a 2-inch platform and you’re wearing them to work)
Instagramming your completely unremarkable brunch (extra judgment for every random object in the picture – lipstick, wallet, copy of The Goldfinch, Louboutins, etc.)

2. … And You Can Return the Favour

By judging mine, of course.

I have said before that I am, in many respects, a textbook “basic bitch”. Some of the things I like are deeply, inescapably trite. The sartorial equivalent of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I am deeply at peace with this fact. (As I encourage you to be about your love of any items listed under #1 above).

Here are some things for which you can judge me:

Coveting a pair of Valentino Rockstuds (one day!)
Arm parties (when I remember)
Instagram selfies (I heart filters, and so do my wrinkles)
Matching all the colours (matchy matchy matchy)
J. Crew up the wazoo (hey, it rhymes!)

Ok, your turn: for what do you judge other people, and for what do you think you might be getting judged?

13
Nov
2014

Playing With the Classics

categories: style, Success stories

Missoni dress; Marc Jacobs Kirsten bag — Dress, Missoni (swap); cardigan, J. Crew (via eBay); boots, Winners; bag, Marc Jacobs (via eBay)

Missoni is one of those iconic brands that that tends to find its way onto your wishlist, but never on your actual buy list. Because, uh, it’s stupid expensive. I recently got my chance to add it to my closet via a Kijiji swap. I had this pretty DVF wrap dress up for sale – because, let’s face it, my size 4 days are long behind me – and someone contacted me to ask whether I’d be interested in a swap. I took a quick peek at her listings and … hello, classic Missoni knit dress!

Now, this is not a dress that’s entirely within my style wheelhouse; it’s probably a bit too far along the boho-chic spectrum for me, at least as far as everyday wear. However. It is a classic, and pretty much timeless in its own 70s-inspired way. A knit dress never goes amiss in this climate. And I do sometimes like to get my boho on, come the weekend. All in all, I figured it wouldn’t make a bad swap for a dress I would never wear again, and wouldn’t make very much money selling. A classic for a classic, as it were.

Plus, I was intrigued by the colour palette. I rarely wear brown, especially warm-toned browns, so I decided to take up the challenge. And I thought it would pair nicely with this rust brown cardigan that’s been languishing in my closet.

Please excuse my scuffed up boots. Just look at the pretty purse instead. And all the (clashing) shades of brown here.

12
Nov
2014

Rebel Without A Cause

categories: Uncategorized

Ralph Lauren purple floral dress — Dress, Ralpha Lauren (thrifted); blazer, Talula (via Kijiji); necklace, J. Crew; shoes, Ivanka Trump; bag, Marc Jacobs (swap)

OK, maybe not entirely without cause. I decided to rebel against the “Be Seen in Jeans” theme for Canadian Finals Rodeo week, and wear this floral schmatta instead, because, well, I’m just not that big a fan of jeans. One day a week, fine. Five days a week … I have my limits.

Speaking of this dress: thrifted, because that’s how I roll. I wasn’t sure at first how I felt about the print (shocker, I know), but it’s growing on me. I bought the dress primarily because it’s incredibly comfortable and surprisingly flattering. This style of sheath dress is not always a good choice for me because it can make me feel self-conscious about my stomach; this dress, however, is very forgiving in this area – no constant sucking-in, thankyouverymuch. A good friend of mine swears by these poly-blend dresses from Ralph Lauren (machine washable and pretty indestructible, apparently), so I figured it was a good $12 investment.

P.S. Please note that I’m not wearing any black in this outfit. Yes, really. The dress and blazer are navy, and the shoes are dark green – scout’s honour. I’m always very proud of myself whenever I managed to avoid the lure of black. I guess I’m expecting you guys to be as well, hah!

Author: AdinaJ