Hey friends! Quick note: I did something super fun recently and I would love for you to hear all about it. Literally! I was a guest on the Get Thrifty Podcast and had great time talking with host Maggie Scivicque (@PodcastWithMaggie) about taking style risks and thrifting pieces that become the foundational building blocks of your style. You can listen here or look it up wherever you get your podcasts.

Details: White + Warren sweater, Ports International blazer, Fossil belt (all thrifted), Ralph Lauren skirt (eBay), J. Crew shoes (retail)

Thoughts: Y’all know how I feel about this skirt so we won’t dwell on that subject again. It’s so good, it speaks for itself. It does feel like a summer skirt but I am determined not to put it on ice for 6 months, so I’ve been looking for ways to winterize it. This time, I decided to pick up on the pinks in the skirt pattern, and add some rich, chocolate browns. It’s a low-key but pleasing combination. Also, very cozy. The sweater is cashmere, the coat is velvety corduroy, and the skirt is soft flannel, so I felt like I was wrapped in a cozy cloud.

Details: Tommy Hilfiger vest & bag, Fossil belt (all thrifted), Ralph Lauren skirt (gift), Ralph Lauren jacket (Poshmark), Mia shoes (retail)

Thoughts: Academichic meets prairie vibes, and I am here for that. I apologize for the folks who hate brown, because this fall has been a slog for you on this blog. Well, actually, #sorrynotsorry. There will be a lot more brown coming up because the love affair (on my part) continues. Side note: I don’t know why this skirt always photographs like it’s different colours, because it’s not. It’s an interesting material, almost like a very very small wale corduroy. You know how I feel about texture contrast; this outfit has it in spades.

Details: Talbots sweater, Josef belt (both thrifted), Banana Republic pants (retail), Ganni collar (gift)

Thoughts: Let’s not pretend this outfit is about anything except that cool (leather!) collar. I mean, right?!? It’s so good. It was a gift from my friend J, who scored it secondhand and thought it would be just my style. And she was right! J lives in Germany and we met years ago through social media, and I like to think of that as a classic modern friendship story. There are plenty of bad things about social media, but its power to connect us (across the world) with like-minded people is undeniable. I like to think that my love of secondhand fashion has rubbed off on my friends, and this was one of those full-circle moments when it came back my way. Thank you, J!!

Details: Mr. Edwards dress, Banana Republic belt, Chie Mihara shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: This is a very 80s dress — you should have seen the shoulder pads I took out! — and that’s not something I would normally buy but I was drawn to the print and intrigued by the silhouette. I thought I might be able to make it feel more modern with some clever accessorizing. My go-to belt plus some silver cuffs did a not half-bad job! Think I can do it again? We’ll see …

Details: Reitmans sweater, LAMB coat, Everlane pants (all thrifted), Laredo boots (consignment)

Thoughts: I wore this outfit to the first day of my art market. I wanted a simple outfit so the focus would stay with my art, not my clothes, but I did wear my favourite (statement) sweater. Two reasons. One, it always makes me feel good to wear it, and I needed every bit of moral support I could get that day (even from my clothes). Two, the rose looks a bit like it’s embroidered, which I thought would be a subtle nod to my art work. In fact, a few people asked me if I had made the sweater too. I call that a success!

Details: Ralph Lauren sweater (gift), Pendleton coat (Poshmark), Everlane pants (swap), Laredo boots (consignment)

Thoughts: This coat feels like I’m wearing the most fabulous blanket, literally. I love it, though I do sometimes struggle to figure out outfits for it. I don’t want anything to pull too much attention from it, so a simple outfit is best. I decided to keep the colour palette simple too. The cable knit sweater was a good match; the colour and texture is similar to the piping on the coat. The mauve-ish pants complemented the teals and blues of the coat pretty well, I thought. And, of course, I am wearing my trusty Laredo boots. It’s pretty much the only pair of shoes I wear outside these days. Until the snow comes, anyway.

A new thing I’ve been doing this year is writing down seasonal wish lists at the beginning of each new season. It’s not so much about accountability – I do buy things that aren’t on the list if they are consistent with my current aesthetic – as it is about giving myself an opportunity to be intentional about where I focus my shopping energy, and later to reflect on what lessons are to be learned from how it all plays out. As we are moving into winter now, it’s time for a check-in to re-evaluate and update my shopping goals.

Here were the pieces that I had identified as “key” additions to my fall wardrobe this year.

White baby tee
I got this early on and it proved to be a great choice. I’ve worn it at least 6 or 7 times already, and can see that continuing through the winter and into next year. Next to my black turtleneck, this is one of the best layering pieces to increase the versatility of my closet.

Black floral slip dress
I haven’t quite stopped looking for this, but it has slipped lower and lower on my list of priorities. I think the 90s revival aesthetic is more of a warm-season thing for me, so I am not using it as often these days as I did during the early months of fall. I still haven’t found a dress that meets my specifications, either at the thrifts or on Poshmark, so I continue to look as I would prefer a vintage version over buying current retail.

Vintage Coach bag
This is a special success story! A blog reader saw my last post and reached out to offer a trade: one of her mom’s vintage Coach bags for one of my embroidery hoops. I love trading art but this exchange was also meaningful in its own way. I adore my new-to-me bag, and will treasure it especially because of its origin story. The bag is classic British tan, which was the colour I had most hoped to find – I didn’t already have a bag in that shade of brown, and it would go very well with my wardrobe palette.

Mary Janes
In my original post, I wrote that this was not a high priority because my platform loafers worked well with the 90s revival vibe so I didn’t really need the Mary Janes. I did see a couple of options at Winners, but didn’t love them enough to commit. And my platform loafers have, indeed, met my outfit needs. Now that we are past fall and into winter, this may be an item that I drop from the list until next year.

Ralph Lauren Polo bear sweater

Still. Looking. Still refusing to pay $250+ for one.

RL fair isle sweater vests
Still looking for this as well, but not especially hard. I have enough vests so this is not a key priority. But it’s one of those items that, if I come across it for the right price, I will always buy.

Black or grey tiered tulle skirt
I wore my pink tulle skirt quite a bit this fall, and now I REALLY want a black or grey one. I found the black version of my pink tulle skirt on Poshmark weeks ago, and the price was decent but I dithered and cheaped out, and lost it to another buyer. Now I am kicking myself for it because I’ve decided that only this specific skirt will suffice. I can find it on eBay but for a lot more money, so I am back to waiting and hoping.

Full velvet skirt
I have not found this and, truth be told, I haven’t really missed it from my wardrobe. I have so many other amazing fall skirts, I don’t have enough time to wear them all as it is. So this isn’t a key priority anymore either.

Did other key fall pieces pop up on my radar since September? Not really. Other than a few of the pieces I talked about above, my fall wardrobe felt pretty complete and I had a great time putting together outfits. If anything, the season didn’t feel long enough for me to wear all the outfits I had planned. I suppose that just means I have a lot to look forward to come spring. But, first … what about winter? Here are some key pieces I’ve been thinking about adding:

Metallic silver bag/shoes

I’ve been influenced by Trinny, who wears a lot of silver (and sequins!) and has some amazing silver bags and shoes. I am looking for a mirrored metallic finish specifically — a small bag, some kitten-heel shoes, and maybe even a pair of ankle boots. I am keeping my eye on Zara pieces on Poshmark, specifically, as I think they do a lot of metallics in their collections and these are not items I want to spend too much money on. If I find a higher quality version at the thrifts, all the better.

Sequin or rhinestone mesh layering top

This is a trend I’ve been seeing in a few places, and I am very drawn to. You guys know that I am a magpie at heart! I think a sparkly base layer would be a super fun addition to my winter wardrobe, especially around the holidays. I have seen some versions at the mall (H&M, Zara, and Simons) but was not impressed with the quality at that price point. So I am waiting for the right piece to turn up secondhand.

Heavy-duty winter parka

This is a tentative one. I don’t own a heavy parka at the moment and, generally speaking, that is a must when you live in Edmonton. But I am not sure how much I actually need it because I don’t spend a ton of time outside when it’s really cold. Like, there are probably only a handful of times when I legitimately need something substantial — such as when we take the kids skiing, and even then, I spend most of my time in the chalet. I could easily find something at the thrifts but the reason I’m not sure I will pull the trigger is storage. I have a lot of coats already and I don’t know if I have room for another bulky one. So until I decide just how necessary it is, I’ll hold off.

If you’ve been keeping a seasonal wish list, how did you fare this fall? And what are you hoping to find this winter? Tell me all in the comments.

Details: Lewit sweater (swap), tulle skirt (thrift), Silverado jacket (gift), BR belt (thrift), Ralph Lauren bag (Poshmark), Laredo boots (consignment)

Thoughts: I am so happy to have found this tulle skirt because the colour is gorgeous and it opens up a world of possibilities in my closet. This outfit being a case in point. While I prefer fluffier tulle skirts in general, this more streamlined style makes this skirt a lot more “everyday” wearable. I loved the tonality of this outfit, and this shade of blue is so soothing.

Details: Frank & Oak turtleneck (swap), Everlane sweater (thrift), Ralph Lauren skirt (Poshmark), Chelsea Crew shoes (thrift)

Thoughts: I chose this outfit based on a colour palette inspired by the skirt. It’s nice but in retrospect, feels a bit too muted for me. I am going to brainstorm some ideas for a brighter/more contrast-y pairing for this skirt.

Details: Wilfred sweater (retail), Ralph Lauren blazer (Poshmark), Fossil belt, Twik pants (both thrifted), J. Crew shoes (retail)

Thoughts: I am obsessed with this outfit. It’s a lot of brown, and I know brown isn’t for everyone. But I am loving it right now. Does it suit my colouring? I am not sure it does. I think I look better in colours that contrast more with my hair, but that could be a personal bias. (I am still not sold on seasonal analysis/colour theory, lol!) That being said, I will wear colours I enjoy regardless; I tend to simply wear them away from my face, but clearly that isn’t a rule set in stone either. Break the rules!

Details: Tommy Hilfiger vest, J. Crew blazer, Esprit belt, ASOS shoes (all thrifted), Banana Republic jeans (retail), Picasso tote (consignment)

Thoughts: A very simple but satisfying combination. This knit vest slash sleeveless mock-neck top was a strategic buy, and I’m thrilled to have found it because it suits my purposes perfectly. Basically, I have been wearing my ivory cable knit sweater a lot, and find it super versatile … but it can be bit too bulky to wear under some of my blazers. I decided a sleeveless version would be useful to have on hand. And this piece is perfect! The mock neck gives it of a cozy-looking vibe, but it’s actually 100% cotton so great for layering in all kinds of different situations (not too hot, not too cold). If I need arm coverage, I wear my white H&M long-sleeve pima cotton top underneath (remember that purchase?), and the combination is great.

Details: Tabi sweater, Chichwish skirt (both thrifted), Zara boots (retail)

Thoughts: A chunky sweater with a “chunky” tulle skirt, what’s not to love? I added chunky boots to keep the vibe a bit more punky than twee.

Details: Toni T dickie, Gap sweater, Higher State dress, petticoat (all thrifted), Laredo boots (consignment), Coach bag (eBay)

Thoughts: Jo March meets après-ski. That’s it, no notes.

Details: mushroom sweater, Kimchi Blue pants, Office London shoes (all thrifted), Coach bag (eBay)

Thoughts: This is some rando brand dupe for a Zara sweater I had eyed on Poshmark a couple of years ago. It’s cute. It’s so cute, in fact, that my daughter has already claimed it. I guess it’s communal property now. To be honest, I’m not mad about it. This sweater doesn’t really align with my current aesthetic — it’s a bit too whimsical — although that could change; in the meantime, it’s still gonna get some wears.