Category: Uncategorized

Blushing Florals

Blazer, CarlaG (thrifted); top, Vanessa Virginia (thrifted); pants, BR (thrifted); shoes, Sam Edelman (thrifted)
Blazer, CarlaG (thrifted); top, Vanessa Virginia (thrifted); pants, BR (thrifted); shoes, Sam Edelman (thrifted)

This is pretty standard fare, but it’s always pleasing when new(ish) pieces come together so nicely. This floral blouse has a fairly relaxed/casual vibe, but it can be dressed up easily with a tailored topper. And this CarlaG blazer is tailored, alright. I would love to have it in a few other colours, but I have had zero luck tracking it down on eBay. Bah!

earrings, House of Harlow
earrings, House of Harlow
blushing
blushing

Can we talk about my hair for a moment? It’s looking rather tragic in some of these photos, which I can partially blame on the wind … and partially not. I haven’t had a haircut in ages, and the ostensible reason was because I’m trying to grow out my hair, but the reality makes me think I need to reconsider this plan. Though I’m certainly not growing out a pixie this time, the process hasn’t been as straightforward as I had hoped. I think it’s because I had layers cut into the back, and they are growing out a tad funny. Should I stick with it? The goal was to get to a long bob (aka “lob”). Or should I just cut it short again and be done with it? Decisions, decisions.

what's happening on my head??
what’s happening on my head??
ah, wind. my eternal enemy
ah, wind. my eternal enemy

Pretty Simple

Blazer, MaxMara (thrifted); sweater, Selected Femme; pants, Aritzia (thrifted); shoes, Jimmy Choo (via eBay); bag, Gucci (via consignment)
Blazer, MaxMara (thrifted); sweater, Selected Femme; pants, Aritzia (thrifted); shoes, Jimmy Choo (via eBay); bag, Gucci (via consignment)
The title says it all: pretty simple. But I felt so comfortable wearing this, you guys. I felt polished but understated, which is slowly becoming my preferred sartorial “message”. I’ve said this before: separating my love of colours from my personal style has not always been easy. I love colour, and I even love wearing bold colours, but not necessarily in the way that I used to. But after wearing outfits like this one, it’s hard to deny what the heart wants.

The colour here is obviously muted, but can I just mention how much I love the green of this sweater? The label called it “thistle”, which I also love. (I have an odd fondness for thistles.) Though I very rarely buy clothes at regular retail stores, I couldn’t resist this Selected Femme piece at Saks Off Fifth. It’s not a brand I knew before, but it’s something I’d definitely look for at thrift stores in the future. The funnel-like neck (wider than a mock turtleneck) is so chic, and gives it a bit of that effortless Euro appeal I’m always chasing.

green shoes for the win
green shoes for the win

muted palette
muted palette
Speaking of colour, a funny story. I recently discovered that I experience Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) — and fell into the, hands down, strangest internet rabbit hole ever, but that’s another story. I have been experiencing ASMR for as long as I can remember, but I had not realized, until that point, that it was a “thing” or that only some people experience it. That got me thinking about other everyday sensory experiences that one might have without realizing that they are unusual. While I am not a synesthete (though I think that would be super cool), I do have really strong emotional/physical reactions to colours. The reactions are very shade-specific; certain reds feel suffocating/oppressive to me, for example, while others are cheerful. Salmon pink makes me feel irritated, while fuchsia makes me feel excited. Some blues are soothing, others are depressing. I am thinking of making of list of the feelings associated with each of my favourite colours, so I can see if I can manipulate my mood by strategically deploying them in my outfits.

Does anyone else associated colours with certain moods or feelings? Any synesthetes in the crowd? I’d love to hear about your experiences.

simple but effective
simple but effective

relaxed business
relaxed business

Potato Sack Couture, Revisited

Dress, Plenty by Tracy Reese (thrifted); hat, Aritzia; shoes, Zara; necklace, J. Crew; bag, Coach (thrifted)
Dress, Plenty by Tracy Reese (thrifted); hat, Aritzia; shoes, Zara; necklace, J. Crew; bag, Coach (thrifted)

It seems like every year I find a shapeless, potato sack-like summer dress that becomes my go-to for “lazy” weekending. (When I say lazy, I’m referring to the dressing up part, because my weekends are generally anything but chill. My kids love to keep me on my toes, bless them.) Anyone remember this number? This year’s iteration is even better, because it has no waist to speak of. It does have a cool shape, though, which makes it at least look like I made an effort.

Everything else is old, or at least feels like it’s been kicking around in my closet forever. Take the bag, for example. It’s probably only a month old, but I’ve worn it [runs to check her Stylebook app] 13 times already. So it’s fair to call it “old hat”, much like my, erm, actual hat. Ditto for the Zara shoes; I bought them 2 years ago in Vancouver and they are still (a) going strong; (ii) trending. I get compliments on them every time I wear them. Not bad for fast fashion. The necklace is at least 2 years old as well, and it’s a piece I still love for its cool, boho vibe — not your typical J. Crew statement necklace.

So, in summary — everything old is new again, and I’m #sorrynotsorry for a pretty unshoppable post. However, as always, eBay may end up being your best friend if you want to track down any of these pieces. Who doesn’t love a good potato sack?

the weekend bag
the weekend bag
potato sack glory!
potato sack glory!