Poncho Time

Technically, it was still November when I wore this but what the heck. I loved this outfit so I am including it here. This was a happy accident. The poncho and the skirt were hanging near each other after being steamed, and they looked … kinda nice together. So I gave it a try. And … they looked nice. And an outfit was born. I have to say, I really like the juxtaposition of textures with velvet and wool. I’ll have to remember that for future reference. The skirt is a vintage (?) thrift find — label is Jenni Max, with which I am not familiar. The poncho is something even more random (Debew) but I liked its muted colour palette. Both are thrifted, natch.

Magenta + Turquoise

I’ve been dying to try a pink+turquoise combo, so much so that I ended up thrifting this magenta cashmere cardigan and wearing it backwards because I got tired of waiting to find a sweater in the right shade. Plus, you can’t go wrong with <$10 cashmere, you know? Thank the thrift gods. Still loving this Markantoine x Icone skirt, which you can see better here than in the previous post. The ruching detail is cool.

Pattern Blend, part 1

I’ve been waiting to try my Delirium (Rachel Comey) skirt with this H&M top, and I was right — they look great together. It’s too bad the skirt kinda fades into the background of this photos because of the books. What I especially like is the mirroring effect between the black straps on the top, and the black stripe going down the front of the skirt. It helps to tie together and ground the outfit. Plus the black cardigan which was functional as well as aesthetic; winter has fully arrived and even the house is feeling a wee bit chilly these days.

Pattern Blend, part 2

I picked this Phillip Lim x Target blazer to go with this Gorman dress because the pattern fit right in; the colours are similar, and it looks like it could be a larger scale version of one of the dotty prints on the dress. This dress always makes me happy with its many zany prints. I just love how unique it is, not to mention cheerful. Always a plus on a grey winter day.

Pre-Raphaelite Nap Dress

I’ve heard the term Nap Dress bandied about the internet over the last year, and I have a mental image of what that refers to (which may or may not be accurate). Basically, it’s a long potato sack. Am I correct? Regardless, let’s talk about this dress. I’m obsessed with it. It was an impulse buy on Poshmark — is there any other kind of Poshmark purchase? — but je ne regrette rien, friends. It is amazing. It has a vibe that makes me feel like a Pre-Raphaelite model when I’m wearing it, but it’s also an aforementioned Nap Dress, aka the most comfortable thing on earth. I “styled” it (lol!) with pieces inspired by the runway photo posted on Poshmark — a chunky cardigan and big jewelry. In this case, two Lena Bernard necklaces layered together. This was one of my fave outfits of the year.

Winter, Baby

I hate winter. Look, you are going to hear that from me for approximately the next 5 months, better get used to it. I hate winter and I miss fall when wearing cute outfits outside was still possible. This is the best I can do, for now. It will get worse in another month or so.

Winter Baby, Part Deux

OK, I lied. Here’s another cute outfit. This is only possible because the temps are still hovering nearish zero (they’re below, but close enough) and I have become a layering master. You can’t even tell how many layers I’m wearing here, but trust me … it’s a lot.

Cute Coats For All

As you can see, this was a pre-snow outfit. I’m still obsessed with this coat. The skirt is also great. It’s a MarkAntoine x Simons collab. The former is a Montreal designer. I really dig the geode-like print and, of course, the colours scheme. Very Adina 2021.

Peacock Power

Here, I am revisiting a January 2019 (yes, I checked) outfit except that it’s been tweaked. Or “elevated”, if you will. The blazer has been upgraded (from Zara to Frame, which I recently discovered is a $$$ type of brand). As much as I don’t wear blazers that often anymore, I am willing to make an exception for this one. One, because it’s pretty comfortable. Two, because I am in love with the dark green velvet. The skirt has also been upgraded, or rather, upsized. I thrifted it in a size 4 years ago, and because it’s H&M, it was always snug. It would be even more snug now because I’m extra fluffy these days. Luckily, I snagged a size 10 on Poshmark earlier this year, and I’m loving the extra room in the hips and the extra length.

Summer, Revisited

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that I have to put away my favourite dress. Just layer a cashmere turtleneck on top, add a wide belt and “tuck” the sweater into it. Voila, outfit ready.

Hot (Pink) All Over

The dress above reminded me of this ridiculously over-the-top cardigan, and I had to wear it again. And, of course, double down on the colourfulness of it all by adding hot pink pants and a pink tee. I loved it and since no one else got to see this (except my family), that’s all that matters.

Getting Into The Christmas Spirit

This is what I wore to the Xmas craft fair (except with boots). Yes, it’s the same velvet blazer as above, plus a plaid maxi dress — it seemed like an appropriately festive combination. You can’t see it very well, but I also wore a very bright and colourful necklace which reminded me of Christmas lights.

Last week, I mentioned how important it is to support local and independent artists and makers (especially BIPOC ones), if you can. So, this week, I thought I would share some of my favourites (some local to me, some not) for anyone who might be interested. Please remember that these folks do not have Amazon-style resources behind them, so things like inventory and shipping may not be quite as on-demand as we’re all used to these days. Below, I will indicate the location of each artist and, if I know, whether they are able to ship within Canada and/or the US. I encourage you to check out their Instagram pages for more information if you are interested in their work.

Liezl is an Edmonton father-daughter duo who make incredible concrete art (like the example above) as well as wool needle-felting art. I have a few Liezl pieces myself, including a matchstick holder set (well, 3 of them to be precise) which is called the Adina set. So, yes, I am biased. But their stuff is legit amazing. I am also getting a couple of the plates in the style shown above; one for me, one as a gift for a friend.

Warren Steven Scott is a Toronto-based artist (ships to Canada and the US) who I have been admiring for a few years now. I have 3 pairs of his earrings, and I have plans to add more from his new collection Cedar in Sec-he Sky. His pieces are statement-makers, and I always get so many compliments when I wear them.

Huong is a dear friend and talented artist who paints using watercolour and acrylics. I have a few of her botanical watercolours (she makes cards as well as larger paintings) and plan to gift some for Christmas this year as well. She also paints custom pet portraits, landscapes, and more.

I have been coveting NYC-based Hola Luna’s pieces for a while now, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Their earrings in particular are stunning. They also have a website (shoplaluna.com) where you can see more.

Oscilatey makes incredible coats using vintage quilts which, some day, I will get to try for myself. She is based out of the US and has an Etsy shop as well (same name).

Speaking of upcycling, Prairie Trail Goods is an Edmonton-based artist who uses vintage granny squares and other thrifted materials to make coats, sweaters, totes and more. I am keeping a close eye on her page, as I am hoping to snag one soon.

My best friend, who is an earring aficionada, turned me on to Indi City and I am hooked. I recently purchased their Eagle Feather earrings, and have a few more in my cart that I’m dying to get. I just need an excuse … hmmm, maybe Christmas is perfect for that. They are Calgary-based, but I believe they ship both domestically and internationally.

Ross and Karen and friends of my husband and I, who also happen to be incredible glass blowers (among other talents). We are both obsessed with their pieces, and have a small collection started. I am planning to add to it this Christmas season, plus give a few as gifts. Their vases are like jewels — so bright and colourful and painterly. If you’re in Canada, you can definitely snag one, as they do ship domestically.

Samantha Chapelsky is an Edmonton-based artists who paints both abstract and landscape pieces. My best friend gave me one of her paintings as a birthday gift a few years ago, and I love it. Some day, I would love to add to it and make it a collection.

Last but not least Seven Prairie is an Edmonton-based jewelry artist. I have the exact pair of earrings pictured above, and it’s one of my favourites. It is even more stunning in real life. She usually has very limited inventory, but does make some pieces as custom orders. I believe she does ship domestically.

Hope you find some inspiration from these artists, and please feel free to share your favourites in the comments.