Category: style

That 70s Feel

Dress, Missoni (via Kijiji); cardigan, Zara (thrifted); boots, Sam Edelman; bag, Longchamp (thrifted)
Dress, Missoni (via Kijiji); cardigan, Zara (thrifted); boots, Sam Edelman; bag, Longchamp (thrifted)

It’s a good thing that the 70s come back in style every so often, almost like clockwork, because I have a lot of pieces that carry a boho vibe that seems very, well, 70s to me. (I’m an 80s kid, though, so what do I know?)

I’m not much of a fan of brown, as you guys know, but I find that when its paired with cool colours (as opposed to other neutrals or warm colours), I like it more. Strange, huh?

close-up
close-up

On a semi-related note … I have a love-hate relationship with this dress. It’s cute enough, but it’s one of my few buying-secondhand failures. I got it in a sell-swap dealio on Kijiji, and it was my second (and last) such transaction – both were disasters. What you can’t see is that the dress has a couple of holes in the knit fabric that were, poorly, repaired. The seller did not disclose them to me when I got the dress; because of the busy pattern, I didn’t notice them until later, when I had decided to sell the dress (I don’t wear it nearly as much as I thought I would) and was inspecting it more closely.

Had I thrifted this dress, the defects wouldn’t have bothered me much, but this dress did not come cheap at all, so it’s a whole ‘nother story. Lesson learned. Always be very, very careful when buying off Kijiji – when you’re meeting the buyer, you might be embarrassed to give the item a close once-over (the person is standing right there, after all), but do it anyway. And don’t be afraid to walk away (and “waste somebody’s time”) if something doesn’t look right.

squinty
squinty
stepping forward?
stepping forward?

These Old Things

Sweatshirt, J. Crew; skirt, Zara; shirt, J. Crew (via eBay); shoes, Ferragamo (via consignment)
Sweatshirt, J. Crew; skirt, Zara; shirt, J. Crew (via eBay); shoes, Ferragamo (via consignment)

I mean, for real: you have seen these pieces so many times. Don’t hate me for subjecting you to them one more time. I do love this sweatshirt so, so much (in case that wasn’t amply clear). I normally wouldn’t wear a sweatshirt to work, but it was Be Seen In Jeans week (aka casual everyday) so I figured I could pull it off on this occasion.

the old made new?
the old made new?
bracelet, Topshop or Accessorize??
bracelet, Topshop or Accessorize??

I bought this bracelet yeeeears ago (to wit, 2004) on a stopover in London. The pound was as strong against the Canadian dollar as it is … well, always … so it cost me a pretty penny (even though it was just costume jewelry from a high street store) but I just had to have it – even on my then-student budget – because I loved it so. I still think it’s pretty special, and I’m glad I remembered it and dug it out for this occasion. It goes so well with these other old, favourite things.

all the favourite things
all the favourite things
don't forget the pockets!
don’t forget the pockets!

Late Transition

Dress, Earth Music Ecology (via consignment); scarf, Winners; cardigan, J. Crew Factory; boots, La Canadienne (thrifted)
Dress, Earth Music Ecology (via consignment); scarf, Winners; cardigan, J. Crew Factory; boots, La Canadienne (thrifted)

Hard to believe it’s November – this weather is positively balmy. Well, for Edmonton in November, anyway. Took advantage of the opportunity to wear one of my summer dresses. Nothing earth-shattering happening here, but I always love a black, red, blue combo.

unseasonably warm weather for the win
unseasonably warm weather for the win
look, no snow!
look, no snow!

These thrifted Canadienne boots are great – and insulated! and waterproof! – but they are a somewhat odd height, since they hit me about mid-calf. Initially, that gave me pause, and I almost didn’t buy them, but I figured they were worth a risk for all of $20. They’re in mint condition so even if the style is a bit out there, they’re a good pair to have on hand come, ahem, winter.

summer dress redux
summer dress redux